GIRARD
LIFE OF
THE DUKE
OF
ESPERNON
DC
121.8
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G523
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LIBRARY
1817
VERITAS
SCIENTIA
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
TUEBOR
PENINSULAM AMO
CIRCUMSPICE
THIS BOOK
FORMS PART OF THE
ORIGINAL LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
BOUGHT IN EUROPE
1838 TO 1839
BY
ASA GRAY
AIM
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DC
121.8
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1
:
Jean Louis de la
Espernon, Pair and
France; Gouvernour
Generall for the King
and Citadell of Mets, and
Vallette Duke of
Collond Generall of
and Lieutenant
in Guienne, the Torne
the Country ofMesin, etc
RK LIBRA
VALLETTE DV
BERN.
DE FOIX DE LA
PENY
D
ON & COLONEL GENER. DE FRA

6026
John Dermy of Rayfeil
THE
2-392
HISTORY
OF THE
LIFE
OF THE
Duke of ESPERNON,
THE
GREAT FAVOURITE
OF
FRANCE.
By Guillaume Virard
ENGLISHED BY
CHARLES COTTON, Efq;
In Three Parts, containing Twelve Books.
Wherein the Hiftory of FRANCE is continued from
the Year 1598. where D' AVILA leaves off,
down to our own Times, 1642.
Orationi, Carmini eft parva gratia, nifi Eloquentia eft Summa:
Hiftoria, quoquo modo fcripta, delectat. Plin.
LONDON,
Printed by E. Cotes, and A. Clark, for Henry Brome,
at the Gun in Ludgate-ftreet, at the Weft End of St. Pauls, MDCLXX.
,
}
7
t
'
الم
'
1
To the moſt Reverend Father in God,
GILBERT,
Lord Archbishop of Canterbury,
HIS GRACE,
Primate of All England, and Metropolitan,
one of His Majefties Moft Honourable
PRIVY COUNCIL, &c.
May it please your Grace,
at d
HAT the Vertues of Great Perfons are fome
times dangerous to themſelves, is too manifeſt
in the Liberty I have taken to prefer the fol
lowing Hiſtory to your Graces Patronage, your
own Affability, and Bounty having procur'd
you that Inconvenience, and Encourag'd me
to á Dedication; Ifhould not otherwiſe, and at a greater diftance
of Favour, have prefum'd to impofe upon your Protection: a
Truth I have not only thought fit to put your Grace in mind of,
the better to excuſe my Prefumption; but have moreover been
prompted thereunto by an honeft Vanity I have, the World
Thould take notice, that how privace foever my Life has been,
I have not altogether convers'd with Obfcurity: but that I have
had the Honour to be fometime known unto, and to have been
Favour'd by one of the greateſt Prelates, and the beſt Men upon
Earth.
>
Thus (my Lord) by my own ill govern'd, though otherwiſe
not very Criminal Ambition I am put upon a neceffity of
feeming to accufe that Vertue, I have ſo juſt reaſon to mag-
nifie; and from whence I have deriv'd fo many advantages, to
colour a boldness, that would otherwiſe admit of no Excufe.
Neither will this I fear ferve me against the Cenfures of the
Time, by whom I expect notwithstanding to be accus'd of an-
other fort of Vanity, that fomething of mine may be worthy
your Graces Acceptation; which if I fhould ablolutely deny,
the Dedication it felf would then convince me of a premedita-
ted injury to your Name. I cannot therefore avoid confeſſing
A 2
I think
4
***.
The Epifle Dedicatory.
4
-
I think this Hiſtory fo fine a thing in it ſelf, that if I be not
the worſt Tranſlator that ever Writ (and there is no Triumph
due to the beſt) it may very well endure the light, and paſs
amongſt good natur'd men, with other things, that every
day fally from the Prefs; which is my true opinion of it, and
nothing more.
A more Illuftrious Image of Vertue, and Honour than is
here repreſented in the Perſon of the Duke of Eſpernon, in my
little Reading I have no where met with, a more exemplary
Piety, a braver Courage, a more fhining and unblemiſh'd
Loyalty, more inviolate Friendſhips, nor a nobler Conftancy in
all the fhocks of Fortune; fo that I have fometimes thought,
had there not been a little mixture of Humane Frailty amongſt
ſo many excellent Qualities as he was Mafter of to a very great
perfection, the Story would have look'd like an Idea of an Hero
only, and rather a Character of what a Brave man fhould be,
than what any man ever truly was. There are indeed fome
Paffages in his Hiſtory, that are not altogether to be justified,
though none that may not (methinks) be flipt over amongſt ſo
many better Pages of his Life, like a Counterfeit Piece in a
Summe of Current Gold,
great
If (my Lord) I have been fo fuccessful as to make a tolerable
Copy of this brave Original, and that my endeavour be graci-
ouſly accepted, I have my end. I have learn'd that the Beft men
are not always the hardeſt to pleaſe, and ever the apteſt to for-
give; which being granted, I ſhall appear in a good meaſure ju-
ftified in the great freedom I have taken to recommend my Book
to your Graces perufal: and it has fo much the better Title to
your Acceptance, as it is the Fruit of the most innocent part of
my time; and offer'd with a Heart as grateful for the many Fa-
vours I have receiv'd from your Graces Bounty, and as full of
Honour and Reverence for your Perfon, and Dignity as any
Man, who in a better, and more ftudied ftile may take the bold-
neſs to ſubſcribe himſelf,
Beresford, this 30th.
of October, 1669.
My Lord,
Your Graces
Moſt Humble, and
moſt Obedient Servant
Charles Cotton,
The Preface.
1
[
J
I.
Aving about three Years fince, and in the Vacancy.
of a Country Life, taken this Volume in hand, be-
fore I had gone through the three first Books,
was call'd away first by Employment, and after dif
miſs'd from that, taken off by ſo long, and fo un-
comfortable a Sickness, that I found my ſelf ut-
terly unfit for any undertaking of this, or any other kind, and confe-
quently had almoſt given over all thoughts of proceeding in a work,which
at fome melancholy times I believ'd I might not live to finish. Being fince
reſtor❜d to a better ſtate of Health, and coming to review my Papers,
either the dislike of what I had already done, the shame of having been
fo long in doing it, the indifpofition my Difeafe left ftill hanging upon
me, the bulk of what I had undertaken, the little leifure I conceiv'd I
might have wherewith to perform it, or all together, had almoſt perſwa-
ded me to hold on the fame refolution, and for ever to let it alone: till
recollecting my felf, 1remembred I had a greater Obligation upon me
(which nevertheless I do not think fit to publish in this place) to go
through with what I had already begun, than was to be diffolv'd by any
truant Humour, or private Averfion of my own. I therefore reaffum'd
my former purpoſe, and fome months fince took the Book again in good
earneft in hand, which when I have faid, any ingenious perfon may rea-
fonably wonder, how a man in good earnest, and that has fo little to do
in the world as I have, could be all this tedious time about (uch a piece of
Work as this: To which (if what I have already faid will not ferve for
an excuſe) I shall answer, that although by my incapacity, my ill for
tune, or both, Iftand excus'd from publick Employment, I have notwith-
flanding fo much private concern of my own to divert me, and fo few
moments to beſtow upon my felf, that I wonder 'tis done ſe ſoon: An
Apology I might however have fpar'd, fince my hafte will I fear be too le-
gible in every Line.
And now that I have told my Reader why I have proceeded ſo ſlowly
in the work, I conceive it time (as men in Prefaces ufually do to give
Jome account of the motives that induc'd me to undertake it at all;
which though they will arife to no better reasons than what other men
ufually give for their Follies in fuch cafes, will nevertheless ferve per-
haps to satisfie fuch as are kindeſt to me and who will not render them-
felves over-hard to be fatisfied in a thing wherein I prefume they would
themfelves be content to fee me juftified. It was not therefore out of any
ambition
+
The Preface.
է
ambition I had to be again in Print, I having fuffer'd too much that way
already; nor to be reputed a good Tranflator, the best whereof fit in the
lowest Form of Writers, and no one can be proud of the meanest Compa-
ny; neither shall I pretend to be put upon it by my Friends, for that
would tacitly imply fomething of opinion they must have of my ability
that way, and I must be so just to all my worthy Acquaintance, as to
declare them men of better judgments, than to be fo deceiv'd; befides
the greater part of them being better Frenchmen, than I pretend to
be, fuch as have read the Original, could never wish to fee it blemish'd
by fo unskilful a hand neither was I prompted to it by any defign of
advantage, that confideration being ever very much below my
thoughts; nor to oblige the world, that being as much above my expe-
Etation: but having an incurable bumour of fcribling upon me, I be-
liev'd I could not choose a braver Subject for my Friends diverfion, and
my own Entertainment than this, wherein I thought at least I diſcover'd
as much Variety of Revolution, and accident as is any where in no larger
à Volume to be found; befides ſomething of utility, bere being à gene-
ral account of the most important Transactions of Europe for above
threescore years together, and in one continued feries of Difcourfe, which
are otherwife only to be pick'd up out of feveral Authors, and most of
them omitted in all: but that which gave me the greateſt invitation (be-
fides the Character of Honour that continues throughout the whole thred
of his Life) was the great example of uncorrupted Loyalty the Duke
of Efpernon ever retain'd in all his Exigencies, and Difgraces; a
Vertue which though none of the Nobility of this Kingdom (for whom
this is chiefly defign'd) need to be informed in, 'tis nevertheleſs a glorious
Record, and ought to be in Hiftory, that fucceeding times may fee after
what manner a good Subject (bow powerful foever) ought to behave
himself, how, or how unkindly foever his Prince fhall pleaſe to diſpoſe
of his Perfon, and Fortune. This confideration it was, that after a first,
and fecond reading of this brave life (though every year of it contains
variety enough to furnish out a History) which I must confefs to have
been the greatest temptation that decoy'd me into this undertaking, eſpe-
cially when 1 reflected upon the times we our felves have too lately feen,
when Loyalty was not very much in fashion, or not to be owned without
manifeft ruine. And although I know very well we have Examples
eno of Vertue, Bravery, Wisdom, Fidelity, and Honour in perfons of
our own Nation, as well Kings as Subjects, Princes of the Blood, Ge-
nerals, Ecclefiafticks, and Statefmen, both of Former, and the prefent
Age, and the meaneft of thofe Lives fufficient to create as beautiful a
Story; yet of those the Dead are many of them already recorded beyond
my imitation, and to Write in Praife of the Living (befides the danger
of standing fufpected, either of Flattery, or Defign) were to offend the
modefty natural to all generous minds,
In
↓
The Preface.
In the next place, I am to acquaint my Reader, that the Author of
this Hiftory Monfieur Girard was Secretary to the Duke of Elper+
non, and a very extraordinary perſon in himſelf, as you will find in the
Texture, Difpofition, and Elegancy of the whole, in defpight of my ill
handling ; by which advantages be must doubtless be able to give the beſt,
and trueft account of any whoever, both of his Mafters private Affairs,
and the general Tranfactions of that time, he being (eſpecially in the
Duke's later Years) continually employ'd by him, and the Duke himfelf
being fo eternally upon the Scene of Action, that we shall feldom find
him retir'd, and alone in the whole courfe of his Life. And although his
dependence upon this great perfon may render his teftimony fufpected to
Some, he is however fo generally allow'd by the most Intelligent, and fuch
as are beft read in the Affairs of that Kingdom, for a faithful Elifto-
rian, that the truth of the Story ought to Balance any other defect of
the work.
Laſtly, in the behalf of my Bookfeller Mr. Brome (to whofe Kind-
nefs I owe more, than I can pay him by this Impression) I am to say,
that although I dare not answer how far this History may suffer by my
Overſights, or Miſtakes, or by the Faults efcap'd the Prefs, which (I
know not by what accident) are very many, and fome of them very con-
fiderable; yet I dare pronounce it one of the best things I have feen in
that Language, I do not mean for the Excellency, or Harmony of the
Stile, which in the Original it felf, though the words there be very Sig-
nificant, Elegant, and admirably well chofen, is notwithſtanding none of
the smootheft I have read but for the importance of the Subject
wherein you will find much of the Policy of that time, not only of
France it felf, but moreover of the Courts of England, Rome, Spain,
Savoy, Germany, Sweeden, and the States of the United Provi n-
ces, together with a Narrative of all the most celebrated Battels, Skir-
mishes, Rencounters, Combats, Sieges, Affaults, and Stratagems for
above threescore years together, with the Defcriptions of the Strengths,
Situations, and diſtances of Cities, Towns, Caftles, Cittadels, Forts,
Rivers, Countries, Seigneuries, Jurisdictions, and Provinces, and all
this collected, and deliver'd by a Judicious, and Impartial Hand, an ex-
traordinary effect of a French Pen, that Nation (eſpecially in Records
that immediately concern their own Honour) having been commonly ob-
ferv❜d to be very civil to themſelves: So that methinks the Dignity of the
Subject, and the Ingenuity of the Author confider'd, a work how unhap-
pily foever perform'd by me, undertaken nevertheleſs meerly for the com-
mon benefit, and delight, ought not to be diſcountenanc'd, nor very ill
receiv'd.
Yet do I not (though in the foregoing Paragraph, I have discover'd
Something of the Charlatan in the behalf of my Bookfeller) hereby in
tend
1
The Preface.
+
}
tend to beg any favour for my ſelf, or by theſe large promiſes to bribe
my Reader into milder Cenfures; neither do I think it fit to provoke him
by a defiance; for that were to be an ill Man, as well as an ill Writer. I
therefore franckly, and without condition expofe my felf to every mans
Fudgment, of which fuch as appear civil to me are my Friends, and I
fhall owe them the fame respect, when it shall be my turn to Judg, as it
is now to be cenfur'd: Those who will not be fo, I shall threaten no fur-
ther, than to put them in mind, that if ever they attempt any thing of
the fame nature, they will then lie under the fame difadvantage I now
do, and confequently may meet with the fame Injustice.
1
1
The
t
THE
AUTHORS APOLOGY.
208
Doubt not but many, who in the Front of this Book
fhall meet with no more than the bare title of the Life
of the Duke of Efpernon, will be very much furpriz'd;
and confequently I expect to be by them condemn'd
for having burthen'd the Preſs with ſo large a Vo-
lume upon no other account, than the meer Narra-
tive of one particular Life: but if fuch fhall confider that this Life con-
tinued for almoſt an Age, and that it was continually taken up in the
greatest and most remarkable Tranſactions of all that time, that confide-
ration will doubtless conquer their aftoniſhment, and it may then per-
haps fall out, that inftead of the Imputation I have ſo much apprehen-
ded, they will allow me fome Excufe, if not fome Commendation, in
that I have not been ſparing of a few words, to the end ſo many brave
and glorious Actions might be the better, and more truly known.
•
In treating of a Perfon fo highly concern'd as the Duke of Efpernon
was in the general Affairs of the Kingdom, I have been conſtrain d to rip
up a great many paffages already upon Record, and fo ancient,as near an
hundred years ago, by which means my work will in many places be
ftript of that grace of Novelty, which of it felf would have been a con-
fiderable Ornament to it: but having obferv'd withal that many of the
things already publish'd, have not been deliver'd with that laudable can-
dour, and indifferency (the principal Vertue of Hiftorians) that the moſt
exact have omitted many circumftances (which are oft-times preferable
to the main ſcope of the thing it ſelf) and that feveral Exploits, the Ho-
nour whereof was abfolutely, and indifputably due to him, whofe Hi-
ſtory I have undertaken, have been either difguis'd, or unjustly attribu-
ted to others who had no fhare in the execution, I conceiv'd that by the
reverence to truth I stood oblig'd to clear thoſe miſtakes, and in ſeveral
paffages to vindicate the Duke's honeft intentions, againſt ſuch as were
evidently paffionate againſt his perſon, and emulous of his Honour.
Thefe indeed were the principal inducements that have fometimes
tempted me out of the precife limits of the Duke of Efpernon's Life, and
that have adminiſtred occafion to stretch fome of his Actions beyond
their natural extent, and beyond what directly touch'd his own perſon;
not that I needed notwithstanding to feek matter out of the way of my
defign; for where could I poffibly have chofen out a more ample or a
more illuſtrious Subject there is hardly any fo notable event, or fo high
performance within the profpect of Hiftory, or in the viciffitude of
worldly revolution, of which glorious,and extraordinary Examples are
not here to be found Could any thing be imagin'd more active, or more
(b)
vigorous
1
The Authors Apology.
vigorous in his profperity, or more conftant, and even in all the difgra-
ces that befel him, than this great man was? Since then upon theſe two
principles, Valour and Fortitude,all life depends, and that from the man-
ner of a man's Behaviour in Profperities, and his manly fupporting the
Adverſities of Fortune, are extracted all the precepts for the conduct of
Humane Life, what utility may we not propofe to our felves, from the
great examples both of the one, and the other, which are every where
to be met with in the current of this Hiſtory?
It is not nevertheleſs, that we may not perhaps fometimes obferve
fome flying Clouds in this Serene Firmament of Vertue, that conftancy.
fo much celebrated for the most eminent quality in him, of whofe Acti-
ons I have undertaken to give an account, having not always been ac-
quitted from cenfure. He has been fometimes accus'd of too ſevere, and
too obftinate a humour, in that he would never give place to time, nor
accommodate himfelt to the neceffity of Affairs; and that he would ne-
ver yield, not even then when he ſaw he could not contend, but to his
own manifeſt Ruine. I cannot deny, but that in this particular there was
fomething to have been wiſh'd, if men would have the Vertue of the
Great confin'd within the narrow bounds of common Prudence: but
were it not in the mean time to offer violence to thoſe great Souls, eleva-
ted ſo much above the ordinary condition of men, to fubject their acti-
ons to the Rules of others? It is very true that this Duke could never
temporize in the leaft, nor ever gave way to any thing that juſtled his
Humour, that on the contrary he has often pufht things on to the laſt
extremes, and that from very trivial and light beginnings he has pull'd
upon himſelf many, and great Difgraces: but if in this particular
thing may be found wherewith to reproach his Conduct, what Praifes
are not due to his Courage, that could never bend, nor bow under the
higheſt Perfecutions? Something effential would have been wanting
in his Life,had he been always happy; and he contributed no little to his
glory, in fometimes promoting his own Misfortunes, they having made
a diſcovery of Qualities in him, which in a continual profperity would
have been totally buried, and conceal'd.
any
So brave an Argument does, I must confefs, deſerve a far better Pen
than mine to do it right, and I am fufficiently conscious of my own im
perfection, to think my felf infinitely below the dignity of my Subject;
neither was it any vain defign of publiſhing my own Name, that prom-
pted me to this attempt; and had I had no greater a reverence to the Re-
putation of another, than any refpect to my own, I had never embarqu'd
in this defign. I very well underſtand to what a man expoſes himſelf
who fubmits to a publick Judgment; but I have confider'd withal,
that it were a very great weaknels to decline an honourable Undertaking
for fear of a little Čenfure. I do herein diſcharge a Debt, and I do it
with the beſt I have. I owe all things to him whofe Life I have here
Written,
The Authors Apology.
me
Written, he brought me up from my younger years by his bounty, nou-
rifh'd me by his Favour, in the height of his Difgraces honour'd
with his confidence, and truft; he moreover gratified me with feveral,
and thoſe ſignal Benefits: Is it not just then, that at least I ſhould mani-
feſt my gratitude by a few words?
Yet although I ftand prepoffefs'd by fo many Obligations, I am never-
theleſs more certain that no one fhall find me out of that Confideration,
corrupted in my Benefactors Favour; who having undertaken to give
a true and fincere account of things, I fhall by no means impofe upon
the publick belief: Neither do I indeed defign his Elegy herein, but
meerly to give an exact Narrative of his Actions, wherein the native
truth fhall be the only part of Hiftory he fhall receive from
my Endea-
vour; all the reſt ſhall be wanting, and I have had no little ado to per-
fwade my felf to give my Book fo eminent a Title, knowing what Re-
ſpect is due to that great Name, and to fuch, as in their better Writings
have given him his juft Character of Honour.
79
I have not throughout my whole Work ſpoken to the diſadvantage of
any one perſon, either out of Animofity or Deſign; and if mv Paffions
went hand in hand with the Interefts cf my Mafter in the time of his
Life, they alſo went out with his, when extinguifh'd by the hand of
Death. I do not nevertheleſs pretend to have been fo dextrous, as to have
fatisfied all thoſe of whom I have been oblig'd to ſpeak in the order of
the following Treatife, fome Hiftorical Truths having perhaps flipt in,
which may not be very acceptable to fuch, as would have all things gran
ted to them, and will not allow to others the liberty of a bare recital:
but I did not conceive my felf oblig'd to fubmit to that magiſterial Law,
and therefore have referv'd the liberty (not extending to injury) an ho
neft man ought to be jealous of, that he may keep himſelf from being a
flave to other mens humours by a mean complacency.
I could fome years ago have deliver'd this work to the Light, and had
then done it,had not the diforders of the time put all things into fo great
confufion, that it was long before I could gather my Memoires, which
were difpers'd into feveral hands, together again. Now at laft by the
command of thoſe who have moft Authority with me, and at the in-
ſtance of my Friends, I here preſent them to your view. I wiſh they may
give fatisfaction both to the one, and the other, and I could be content
that fatisfaction might proceed further, and extend to the generality of
men: but being I cannot reaſonably expect that good Fortune upon
any other account, than meerly as an act of Favour, I fhall make no
difficulty to beg that grace of all fuch as fhall have the Curiofity, or the
Patience to read theſe followng Volumes.
I
I
(c2)
:
i
瞥
​1
The Reader is defir'd to look over the Errata, and to correct them with his
Pen, before he begin to read the Book,
ERRATA.
1
H
P
Agez.Line 3.r.la Valette, p.3.1.4.r. Alarmes, p.3.1.25.r.Armes, p.5.1.3.r.Bellegarde,l.15.r.Luxembourg, p.11.1.1.&3.F.
Rufeel.7.r.Rufec's,p.12.1.7.r.the merits of, P.14.1.16.1. he went then to this Siege, p.16.1.14.r.Ronfard, p.19.1.7.r.
Aulni, p. 22.1.18.1.for that time, 1.38.r.to mate the League, p.25.1.29.x.with a modeßy, p.28.1.37.1. Aulnu, p.30.
1.5.& 1.37..Chiverny, p.33.1.1.x.Requelaure, 1.18.r.concurring, p.36.1.26.r.it is not hard to judges.p.37.1.31.r.with a more
abfolute, p.42.1.1.r.feftering, p.48.1.38.r.eafly to fucceed, p.59.1.40.x.Count de Candalle, p.62.1.1.dele and, p.63.1.12.г.all
things being, p.64.1.13.r.their own Confines, p.70.1.1.1.after this there,p.80.1.19.r. Loches, p.84.1.23.1 contented, p. 92.1.21.
1.(as be had, d.93.1.26.x. Seguenice, p.94.1.17.1.of chiefeft note,p.108.1.13.r.left,p.119.11.r. than a delay, p. 125.1. 20. r.
Marthonie, p.134.1.20.1.Humieres, p.135.1.29.1, Campagne, p.142.1.3.1. Belloc, 1.21.1.voft Levies,.1.3. Franfeis Redent,
Prasil.35.1.Taulon 1.42.5. Jeduc'd, p. 138 139.1.and asp. 159.1.6.1. and those very advantageous matches, p.170.1.12.r.into
Languedoc, 1.15.1,Provcufal. and fo throughout the whole Impreffion,1.35.1.Viatadeur,p.173.1.19.1.feduc'd, p.175.1.32.
r. inveterates and irreconcilable batred, p.183.1.42.1. fince the taking, p.184.1.3.r. 6coco.Crowns, p.185.1.20.r favours, p.
186.1.12.5.amu: 'd, p. 1891.20..with his reputation.py 91.1.1..as has been faid, p.198 1.2.1.inftead of that Provence,l.5.r.
Commiffion then, the Duke departed, p.zc 2.1.13.r.would often break cut,p.20 6.1.ult.r. would be do, p.211.1.8. r.inveterate
·Fealoufie, p.212.1.25.r.proceeding 10, p.213.1.28.r.by the return,p.215.1.15.1.of the Accommodatien, p.217.1.5.dele bis,p.
218.1.39.1.and wherein if the, p.221.1.19..faid to expect him, p.2271.11. the comma to be plac'd after notwithstanding,
p.227.1.20.r. and fill kept, 1,28.x in the Dukes, p.229.1.8.r.to the firfil.31.r. begin to grow, p.237.1.2.x. further instructed,
P.232.1.24.r.compel the King, p.235.1.29.r.ef whom after having got 1.34.1.Treasury, p.238.1.2. r.enew, p.243.1.6.x.inve-
teraic,p.245.1.15.1.intercepted,p,246.1.21.r. and power, p.249.1.4.& 5.r. 10 mould them into the new form.l.13.r.refore to
the Republicks,p.256.1.7.1.judging.p.257.1.2.1. Dreüet, p.267.1.10,r.was preparing, p.268.1.6.1.10 be cub'd, g. 269.1.15.r.
ber Regency, p.270.1.18.r.to repreach bim. p.274.1.6.1.able to mate, p.277.1.17. & 14.1. Aulnis. p.253.l. 19.r. nor any intel
ligence,p.291.1.12.dele bow, p.93.1.36.1.Sifters falling firk, p. 295.1.16.1.convoy'd,p.297 l.ult.r.oppofer, p.2981.ar Chefiel
lerant, & 1.13.a comma after the Duke,p.303,1.34.r. Counter-Scarpe, p.304.18r.eafily, p.315.1.28,r. determine of him,p.
319.1.17.1.Court,326.1.13.r.by the effect of p. 339.4.14. Arnaut, p. 343.1.21.r.bisoyage,p.345.1.29.1.Montrichard, p.356,
1.26.1. Saluiffe,1.38.x.not to be imagin'd.p.364.1.3 7.r.to recommend him.p.365.1.33.x.bis Kingdom,p 369.1.1.r.this firft Ellay,
-1,16.1, Governments, p.374 1.19.r.and with.a fubmiſſion,1.20.r.to give up their Arms, p.386.1.23.1.2 bis defire,p.400.1.7.1.
upon the Draw-Bridge,p.401.1,17.dele and.p.402.1.42.1.Thonneins, p.403.1.25.r.Aulnis, P.47.1.33.1.his hands. p.411.1.5r.
companions,p.414.1.37.dele and, p.430.1,16.x.fo many important,p 431.1.26.r. Sevennes,p 434.1.9.r. Vairon,l.36.r. Malaguet
1.33.r.le Bec d'Ambezip 441.1,31..the thirft,p.45 0.1.1.r.Olonne.p.458.1.11.1,lofting repose.p.459.1,21.5. Concurrents.p 461
1.31.1.be obtain' dit,p.464.1.26.r.at this time p.467.1.35.r.could be,p.469 1.37.dele the,p.485.1.401. Millant,p.494.1.8.r..
being a woman, p.495.1.37.r.been determin'd.p.506.1.10.1.enclix'd to the other, p. 507.3.6.1. Ruffec, p.516.1. 37.8, any extra-
ordinary Aſſembly, p.525.1.39.x.be ever committed,p.526.1.27.1. Cofpian, p. 529.1,34.r. would not deny, p. 532.1.
7.5. bad bis
inftructions, p. 534.1.13.& p. 53 8.1.3 3.r.d'Agueſſeau, p.536.1.19..this boufe, p.541.1.30..companions, p.545.1.1
17.5. Started
P.554.1.34.1.Weimar, p.555.1.42.dele this,p: 556.1.29.1.granted to those who bad, &c. 1. ult. r. and was not, p.562.1.35.5. he
fortunately effected,p.564.1.31.dele on,before condition,p.566.1.9.x,bis cauticus,p.569.1.9.r.might be difledg'd,p.570.1.28.
r.examples enow,P,572.1.14..that the Cardinal,p.573.1.15.r.Kings,1.31.5.did him, p.575.1.32.1.by how much it bad been, p.
$78.1,úlc.r.Poyanne,p.53 8.1.27.r. Maubeuge.p, 592.1.6.x.Thefe delays,p. 601.1.penult,r.indifpofition, p.611.1,30.1.he had oc
cafionally only,p.616.1.28.r.feen, p.627.1,ult.r.and to go away,p. 625.1.18.r.1be trial of this p.626.1.19.1.1o change the Gar
rifon, p.628.1.26,r.the Baron of Anton, p.636.l.antepenult.r.ought not to be fufpected, p.637 l. 4.r.but proceedid. p.641.1.1.,
1.tbe Authors of this calumny,p.642,1.11.r.Scniqoux, p.644,1.11.r, efcap'd his pen, p. 646. 1. 8.1. Metivi, P. 647.). 10, 1,
what was to be fo done, well, &c,).2.v. but of God.
1
|
1
A
3
1
The TABLE.
A.
Bby d'Uzerche in Limouſin taken by
A in
Bauffonniere in danger about the Queen
Mothers Escape
page 356 | Bathes of Bannieres
597 Battel of Coutras
Battel of Dreux
Accident by Lightning
Agen Revolts 547 The Sedition there
appeas'd by Prefident du Bernet 548
Aglimant taken by Aſſault by the Duke de
Candalle
280
Aix block'd up by the Duke of Efpernon, by
Forts 151 The main Fort deliver'd
to Lafin, 169 Surpriz'd from him
by Monfieur l'Efdiguieres, 171 De-
molish'd
up
339
487
65
7
Bayonne Preferv'd by the Duke of Efper-
non
566
135
194
Beaujeu flain before Chartres
Bedoffan flain
Bellegarde D. a Favourite
Bethune Count fent to Treat with the 2.
Mother
29
354
172 Bergerac furrender'd to the Duke de la Va-
IO lette
462
Alanfon D. retires from Court
Aletz furrendred
Ambergris found upon the Coast of Medoc
236
in France
200
580
168
226
Bezaudan flain in cold Blood
Byron's Confpiracy, 216 He is fent Am-
baſſadour into England, 217 His
Death
Birth of Henry de Foix the D. of Efper-
non's eldest son,and of Bernard de Foix,
and de la Valette his fecond Son 129
Birth of Lewis Cardinal de la Valette the
Duke of Efpernon's youngest Son 130
Amiens furpriz'd by the Spaniard, 198
Again befieg'd by Marefchal Byron, 199
Surrendred to the King
Antibe taken by Affault by the Duke of
Elpernon
148
Archbishop of Tholouze youngest Son to the
Duke of Elpernon, promoted to the Dig-Birth of the Dolphin,now King of France,
nity of Cardinal
Arch-Duke of Auftria enters upon the Go-
vernment of Flanders
192
Ardres furrendred to the Arch-Duke 196
Arles furrendred to the Duke rf Efpernon
147
Arquien Governor of the Cittadel of
Metz
379
265,266
Arras Petar'd by Marefchal Byron but in
vain
201
Affaffinate attempted upon the perfon of
Monfieur de la Valette, Father to the
Duke of Eſpernon
Affembly of the States at Roan
D'Autry Intendant de la Juſtice
B.
5
197
390
1
Blumet flain before Chartres
Bourg reliev'd by the Duke of Efpernon
595
135
129
280
545
359
La Boiffiere flain at Agliniant
Bravery of a Cooper
Breach betwixt the Duke of Efpernon, and
Rucellay
Briet's Coach-Horfes kill'd by the Duke of
Efpernon's Order
De la Broue an excellent Rider 275
Buckingham D.
500
447
Bustle betwixt Arquien, and Tillader, in
the Cittadel of Metz
267
Buftle betwixt the Duke of Efpernon, and
Du Vair Garde des Sceaux
Le Buyffon a Counsellor in the Parliament
of Paris
310
334
Aron de St, Surin, Governour of Roy-Bishop of Lufon afterwards Cardinal de
Bare
an
Barricades of Bordeaux
Richelieu comes to the Queen Mother to
Angoulefme
399
543
360
Barricades of Paris
72
Bauffonniere Nephew to le Pleffis
Bishop of Paris Monfieur de Retz created
Cardinal
(b 3)
309
Cadillac
The Table.
C.
Adillac founded by the Duke of Elper-
CA
non
210
Caen delivered up to the King 372
Cahors furprized by the King of Navarre
22
Callis befieg'd, 193 Taken by Affault 195
Calonges Governour of Montpellier his
Character
entes
410
Cambray befieg'd by the Condè de Fu-
176
Cambrefis taken by the Duke de Candalle,
and the Cardinal de la Valette 583
Campagnol carries Relief into Callis be-
yond expectation, 194 His brave beha-
viour there.
195
Cannes furrender'd to the Duke of Efper-
C
non ·
149
+
Germaines, 9 He withdraws himself
from the King of Navarre's Service 10
Caumonts fecond Fourney to Court, where
he is very well receiv'd by the King, and
the Queen Mother, 10, 11 He receives
the first bounty from the King, 13 He
follows the Duke of Alanfon in the war,
14 He is fent Ambaſſadour into Sa-
voy
17
Caumont Camp-Master to the Regiment of
Champagne at the Siege of la Fere 23
Caumont's first Suit to the King in the be-
half of his elder Brother, and his high
Favour
24
26
Caumont offers to fight the Duke of Guiſe,
but is not permitted by the King 24,25
Caumont aduanc'd to the Dignity of Duke
and Peer of France
Challenge from the Duke of Efpernon to
the Marefchal d' Ornano, 213 The
Quarrel taken up by the King
214
Challenge from the Duke of Guife to the
Duke of Efpernion
Challenge carried by Marfillac from Ba-
lagny to the Duke of Eguillon 283
Challenge from the Prince of Joinville to
the Duke of Elpernon
Chartres furrendred to the King 114,135
Chafteau-Neuf Garde des Sceaux in dif-
grace
Chaftillon flain before Chartres
La Capelle, le Catelet, and Corbie taken
by the Spaniards
561
Captains fourteen hang'd at Montauron, by
the Duke of Efpernon
145
Cardinal Richelieu in difgrace, 480 Re-
Stord to favour, 482 He revenges
kimfelf upon his Enemies
484
Cardinal de la Valette made Governour of
Anjou, 488 His Death 604
Cardinal Richelieu made prime Minister of
State, 428 His ambitious defigns, 501
His firft diftafte against the Duke of El-Church Lands in Bearn reftor' d'
pernon, 503 Another, 504 He de-
clares himself oppofite to the Duke of
Efpernon
भ
244
244.
507
135
306
Cicutat taken by the Duke of Eſpernon
150
429 Cinque-Mars Grand Efcuyer of France
Cardinal Richelieu comes to Montauban,
$
464 He is there vifited by the Duke of
Efpernon, 465 His expedition into
Italy
1
634
Cifteron taken by the Duke of Efpernon,
472 Cittadel of Xaintes demolish'd
Cardinal de Medicis fent Legate into | Civil war breaks out
France
150
36%
431
197 Commotion of the Princes of the Blood to
hinder the Match with Spain 291
Comparison betwixt the Duke of Efpernon
and Ï'Efdiguieres
405
Conspiracy of Angoulefme, 87 & fequen-
Cardinal Aldobrandino fent Legate into
France
208
Carricks of Portugal Shipwrack'd upon the
Conft of Mcdocan Guienne 441,442
Cafal befieg'd by the King of Spain,and the
Duke of Savoy, 460 The Siege rais'd
461
Caumont enters into Arms, and rescues his
Pather in a Skirmish near Mauvafin, 6
Goes to the Siege of Rochelle,and thence
to Court, 7,8 He puts himself into the
King of Navarre's dependence, and ac-
companies him in his Efcape from St.
•
•
tibus
Conspiracy against the Queen Mother at
Angoulefme
363
Conspiracy against the Duke of Elpernon
180, 181
Council of fixteen,and their practices 68,69
Count de Brenne
344
Count de Candalle flain at the storming
of Sommieres
60
Count
The Table.
1
༈
1
Count de Bethune fent to treat with the
Queen Mother
Count de Moret flain
354
496
Count de Soiffons retires from Court 572
Count de Soiffons furiously exasperated
against the Duke of Efpernon 273
Crequi made Camp-Mafter to the Regi
ment of Guards
228
La Croix fent by the Duke de Luines to
the Duke of Efpernon
D.
DE
Eath of the Cardinal of Guiſe
Death of the Dutchefs of Efpernon
158
De v
His Voyage into the Levant, 280 He
misdemeans himſelf in Xaintonge, 294
He comes to his Father to Bordeaux,443
444 His Death
ED
E.
600
557
Dict de Crue erected
Edict of the Union with the League
publiſhed at Roan
80
Education of the Duke of Elpernon's Chil-
dren
275
Engliſh Land in the Isle of Rhe, 448 Are
Defeated
369
106
455
248
Engagement betwixt the Duke of Efpernon
and l'Efdiguieres
Enterview betwixt the King and the Queen
Mother at Coufieres
165
250
366
395 L'Efdiguieres Created Constable of France
628
Death of Pere Ange de Joyeufe
Death of the Duke of Cleves
Death of the Duke de Luines
Death of the Count de Soiffons flain at
the Battel of Sedan
Death of the Dutchefs de la Valette
Death of the Dutchess of Orleans
Defagues Maſſacred at Bordeaux
Deſcription of the City of Metz
Difference betwixt the Duke of Efpernon,,
and the Parliament of Paris 207, &
fequentibus.
444
445
538
.39
Difference betwixt the Duke of Efpernon,
507
and Villeroy Secretary of State 42,52
Difference betwixt Pope Paul the Fifth,and
the Republick of Venice compos'd by the
King of France
246
Difference betwixt the Duke of Efpernon
and the Archbiſhop of Bordeaux
Diſorders of the Kingdom
284
Difpute betwixt the Duke of Efpernon,and
the Marcfchal d' Ornano, 210, 211
Another
238
Difpute betwixt the Dukes of Efpernon,
and Guife
243
Difpute betwixt the Prince of Joinville and
the Duke of Efpernon
Dispute betwixt the Duke of Efpernon and
the Baron de la Chaftagneraye
Dispute betwixt the Duke of Efpernon and
Cardinal Richelieu about the Portugal
446
Diſputes betwixt the Duke of Efpernon,
and the Parliament of Bordeaux, 424,
429. Continued
· Carricks
244
274
436
170
286
Duel betwixt two Captains
Duel betwixt two Souldiers
Duke de Candalle difcontented at his Par-
tage given him by his Father, 278 He
is Married to the Dutchess of Haluin 278
405
Efgarrebaques Governour of Toulon, 172
Efpernon Duke offer'd by the King his Ma-
jefties Sifter-in-Law in Marriage,which
he modeftly refuses, 25 He is fent to
Treat with the King of Navarre, Z12
By whom he is offer'd the Princess Katha-
rine the King's only Sifter in Marriage
33 His dangerous fall near to Lyons,
34, 35 He is offer'd the Duke of Gui-
fes Daughter, fince Princefs of Conty
in Marriage, which he refuses, 36 He
is fent with an Army into Provence, 50
His Exploits there.
Efpernon Duke Married to Margaret de
Foix, and de Candalle 59 & fequ.
Efpernon Duke beats up a Quarter of Ġer-
man Horſe
Efpernon Duke invested with the Offices
vacant by the Death of the Duke of
Joyeuſe, flain at the Battel of Coutras,
as alfo with thofe vacant by the Duke de
Bellegarde, flain at the fame Battel, 65
He exposes himself to very great danger,
69 He retires from Court, 80 He
returns to Court, and is well receiv'd,
III
5t
63
He refuses to follow Henry the
Fourth, and leaves the Army, 119, 121
He is hot into the mouth at Pierre
Fonds, 134 He is fent Governour,and
Captain General of all the Kings For-
ces into Provence, 141, 142 His mi-
raculous eſcape before Aix, 156 He is
forfaken by his Friends in Provence, 176
He is traduc'd by the Cardinal d'Offat,
183 He comes to the King to Amiens,
200 His expedition into Limoufin 240
Efpernon
1
1
The Table.
Efpernon Duke goes to the Hoftel de Ville | Eftampes taken by Aſſault
at Paris upon the Death of Henry the D'Eftampes barbarously flain
Fourth, 258 And to the Auguftins,
259
His Harangue there,
F.
ibid. 'Amine in Guienne
Efpernon Duke reelablife din Metz 267 Father Arnoux a fefuite
114
168
480
320
314
402
Efpernon Duke generously refuses to con- Favier fent to Metz as a spy upon the Duke
Sent to the Murther of the Duke of Sul- of Efpernon
ly, though his Enemy, 265 He divides Faure a common Souldier receives a Cannon-
bis Eftate amongst his three Sons, 277 Shot in the Belly, of which he miracu-
He rejects the proferr'd Alliance of the lously escapes
Marefchal d'Encre, 282 He falls | La Fere furpriz'd by the Prince of Condé,
295 22
fick at Angoulefme
Surrendred to the King 169
Efpernon Duke in Difgrace 297 Fewd betwixt the Princes of the Blood,and
Efpernon Duke in great danger, 298 He the Duke of Efpernon, 273 wherein
retires from Court, 299
He prefents the Queen Regent is favourable to the
himself before Rochelle
303
Duke
Efpernon Duke's preparation in order to
the Queen Mothers efcape from Blois,
332 His Magnificence, 364 His
Letter to the King
365
Efpernon Duke,his Expedition into Bearne,
380 His fucceffes there, 383 His
- Generofity
384
Efpernon Duke his Expedition against Ro·
chelle, 389 His Actions there 392
634
274
Fontarabie befieg'd by the Prince of Condé,
563 The Prince defeated there 596
Fontrailles
Fort of Aix demelifh'd
Fort at Arras taken by Affault by the Duke
of Efpernon
Frejus taken by the Duke of Efpernon 150
G.
Arde des Sceaux du Vair
Gergeau
Efpernon Duke goes to lay siege to Royan Goede cu rakenby the King
398
Efpernon Duke created Governour of Gui-
enne, 403
› 403 He takes poffeffion of his
Government, 420 He falls fick, 456
He entertains the Queen at Cadillac
172
201
310
114
De Gourgues first Prefident of the Parlia
ment of Bordeaux, 418 His Letter
to the Duke of Efpernon, 419 which
begets an open Rupture betwixt them,
423 His Death and Character 459
Grillon
189,190
Guines. furrender'd to the Arch-Duke of
Auftria
196
Guife Duke retires from Court, and breaks
into Rebellion, 29 He approaches with
-
503!
Efpernon Duke ftops the Progrefs of Rebel.
lion in Guienne, 486 and thereupon
is confin'd to his Houfe Plaflac, 528 He
is Excommunicated, 505 Abfolv'd,
536 |
532 He falls fick
Efpernon Duke goes against the Mutineers
of Bordeaux, 541 And Suppreſſes Guiſe Duke, Son to the late Duke of Guiſe,
created Governour of Provence, 174
He goes into Provence with an Army
against the Duke of Elpernon 175
them
550
Efpernon Duke afpers'd, ibid. He re-
ceives fome reparation, 553 He again
falls fick,555 And again at Bayonne 563
Efpernon Duke in the greatest Disgrace, 598
He is depos'd from his Government, and
calumniated, 599 whereupon he again
falls fick, 600 And again at Plaffac
618
Efpernon Duke commanded to retire to Lo-
ches, and upon what occafion, 619 &
fequ. His arrival there
Efpernon Duke falls mortally fick,
His good difpofition to dye, 646
Death
631
644
His
650
his Army to Paris, 42 Comes to Court,
81 His Death
HAM
H.
106
AM ſurrendred to the Arch-Duke
of Auftria
196
Harangue of the Duke of Efpernon in the
Hoſtel de Ville of Paris
259
Henry the third Proclaims war with the
Hugonots, 49 He forbids the Duke
of Guiſe from coming to Paris, 70 Who
notwithstanding comes, 71 He refolves
to put the Duke of Guiſe to Death 105
Henry the Third retires to Chartres
Henry the Third together with the King of
Navarro
72
:
The Table.
Navarre eſcape narrowly of being both | Letter from the Queen to the Duke of El-
taken at Tours
IIO
Henry the Third flain at St. Clou 116,117
Henry the Fourth turns Roman Catholick
160.j
Henry the Fourth comes to the Leaguer be-
fore Amiens
200
Henry the Fourths Expedition to Sedan
245
Henry the Fourth raiſes a mighty Army 250
Henry the Fourths Speech to the Queen in
the Duke of Efpernon's Favour 251
Henry the Fourth flain by Ravillac
I.
J Ane
253
Ane Albret Queen of Navarre deny'd
entrance into Leitoure by Monfieur de
la Valette
3,4
La Iliere Governour of Loches 341
Joyeule rifes in favour, 15 He is foot in
the Face at the Siege of la Fere, 23
Advanc'd to the Dignity of Duke, and
Peer of France, 26 He is flain at the
Battel of Coutras
Ifle of Maran furpriz'd by the Duke
Efpernon
K.
65
of
394
Atharine of Bourbon only Sifter to
K
Henry the Fourth, Married to the
Duke of Bar
203
King of Navarre advances to the relief of
the D.of Elpernon at Angouleme 100
King of Sweeden wins the Battel of Lip-
fick
490
King of Navarre makes his escape from St.
Germanes, 9 He joyns Forces with
Henry the Third of France, 110 His
First averfion to the Duke of Efpernon
augmented at the Siege of Eftampes
114, 115
L.
206
Afin's Character
Laon Befieg'd
230
League take up Arms, 38 Their Exploits,
41 They publish a Manifefto against
the Duke of Efpernon, and his Brother,
75
Lendrecis taken by the Duke de Candalle
583
Letter from the Queen Mother to the Duke
of Efpernon, 323 Another, 329
Another, 330 Another 352.
Letter from the King to the Q-Mother ibid.
Letter from the King to the Duke of Ef
pernon
|
609
pernon, and from the Cardinal, 608
Answer to the Cardinal's
Letter from Lewis the Thirteenth to the
Queen Mother after her escape from
Blois
354
Letter from Lewis the Thirteenth to the
Duke of Efpernon, 622 The An-
Swer
623
Lewis the Thirteenth refolves to arrest the
Duke of Elpernon
ZIT
Lewis the Thirteenth his Expedition into
Italy, 461 He falls fick at Lyons, 478
Recovers
1
480
Limoges Refcu'd by the Duke of Efpernon
out of the hands of the League 125
Lorme's Treachery 334, & fequ.
Lorrain Duke makes war upon France 471
Luines the great Favourite, 308 His
Quarrel to the Duke of Efpernon, 310
His defign to Arejt him, 311 Preven-
ted by the Duke's retiring
312
M.
Adaillan calumniates the Duke of
635
Madam the Kings Sifter falls fick of the
Small Pox at Poitiers
Marcelles attempted by the Duke of Elper-
non, but in vain C
153
Marefchal Byron fent Ambaffadour into
England, 217 And into Switzerland,
M Efpernon
218
Marefchal Byron arrives at Fountain
Bleau, 222. He is beheaded 223
Marefchal d' Encre takes Arms againſt the
Prince of Condé, and his Faction, 300
His Death
307
Marefchal de Themines his difference with
the Duke of Efpernon, 421 They are
reconcil'd
423
Marquis de la Valette Marries Madamoi
felle de Vernevil
Marquis de la Force revolts in Bearne 379
Marquis de la Valette like to be flain by a
Mine
40r
Marfillac flain at the Siege of Privas 284
Mafcaron flain before Chartres 135
Match with the Infanta of Spain concluded,
282
Matelet defeated attempting to relieve
Callis
195
Maubeuge taken by the Duke de Candalle
583
521 | Mauzac furrender'd to the Da of Elp. 144
Mayenne
•
The Table
1
བས་
<
Mayenne Duke goes with a great Army
against the Queen Mother, 356 He
is flain by a Musket-fhot before Montau-
395
ban
Minicux defeated, and taken Prisoner by
the Duke of Efpernon
Miraculous escape
Mirebeau taken by the Spaniard
x33
182
562
Moiflac furrendred to the Duke of Efper-
non
Moncaffin wounded at Tours
Monferrat defcrib'd
144
409
66
|
Monfieur de la Valette defeats part of the
Forein Army at Lizere
Monfieur Marries the Dutchess of Mont-
penfier
439
Monfieur retires in difcontent from Court,
471 He returns, 472 He retires
again from Court
Monfieur retires into Flanders, 484 He
invades the Kingdom of France 492
Monfieur de la Valette Brother to the
Duke of Elpernon, flain at the Siege of
Roquebrune
572
Obeliske erected by the Duke of Efpernon
in the Church of St. Clou to the Memo-
ry of his Maſter Henry the third of
269
France
Obfequies of the two Kings, Henry the
Third, and Fourth of France perform'd
at one, and the fame time
269
Office of Colonel General of France erected
in Favour of the Duke of Efpernon 37
PA
P.
116
Aris befieg'd
Parliament of Bordeaux draw up an
Information against the Duke of Efper-
non
519
436
Peace with the Hugonots concluded
Peace betwixt the King and the Queen Mo-
ther concluded at Angouleme
358
Peace concluded with the Prince of Condé
286
Peace between the Crowns of France and
Spain concluded at Vervins
202,203
209
Peace concluded with Savoy
Pedro Medici wounded at the forming of
138 Aglimant in Caramania
280
Montauban reliev'd by the Duke of Elper-Perigueux Revolts, but the Mutiny is ap-
464 peas'd by Verthamont Intendant de la
non, 144 Surrendred
Montauron furrendred to Mercy to the D.
of Elpernon!
Juftice
548
145 | Peyroles deferts the Duke of Efpernon
Montereau Faut-Yonne taken by Petarr
Montmelian furrendred to the King's Ar-
my
*
vancement
177
115 Philip Cofpean his beginning and ad-
236,237
Pignerol in Savoy taken by Cardinal Ri-
chelieu
208
Montmorency D. declares in favour of the
Monfieur, 492 He is taken Prifoner,
497 He is brought to Tholouze in or-
der to his Trial, 498 The Duke of
Efpernon intercedes for him, but in
vain, 499 He is beheaded
Montpellier befieg'd, 410 Surrendred,
414
502
Montpenfier Duke Marries Katharine de
Joyeuse, 203 His Death 247
Money Jent by the Queen Mother to the
. Duke of Elpernon, in order to her ef
cape from the Castle of Blois
N
N.
330
403
a
Egrepoliffe taken by aſſault
Nevers D. prefents himself with
great Army before Metz
358,359
La Noue, his attempt and Character 392
Noyon furrendred to the King
0.
* 35
Ath Administred to the Queen Mo-
Other
320
472
Fimentel an Italian Gamefter comes to the
French Court
235
114
Piviers opens its Gates to the King
Pleffis Bauffonniere fent by the Duke of El-
pernon to Marefchal Byron 220,221
Pleffis Bauffonniere comes to the Queen
Mother to Blois, 343,344 His Death 489
Pompeo Targone an Italian Engineer 393
Pont de Cé affaulted, and the Pafs gain'd
372
116
272
269
Pontoife Surrendred
Princes of the Blood difcontented
Prince of Condé returns to Court, and ap-
pears diſſatisfied with the Duke of Ef
pernon, 269 He is confin'd
Prince of Condé offers fome propofitions to
the Duke of Elpernon, 610 which
are rejected by the Duke
Prince of Condé made Lieutenant General
in Guienne, and fome other adjoyning
Provinces
612
452
Prince
1
The Table.
Prince of Condé arrives in Guienne 590
Privas taken by Affault
Q.
462
362
457
the Marquis de Themines
Rochefort furpriz'd by the Rochellers 301,
Rochelle furrendred to the King
Rohan Duke takes Armes
462
Royan deſcrib'd, 398, 399 The Suburbs
taken, 400 And the Town by aſſault
219 a
Veen Anne of Auſtria arrives at
Bordeaux
296 |
Queen Elizabeth of England fends a Com-
plement to the Duke of Efpernon, by
Marefchal Byron
Queen Mother ſent to Treat an Accommo-
dation with the Lords of the League, 47
which is concluded at Nemours 49
Queen Mother ſent to Treat with the King
of Navarre
54, 55
Queen Mother Mary de Medici attempts
to recover her Liberty, 316 She ad-
dreſſes her felf to the Duke of Bouillon,
317 She efcapes from Blois, 349 &
fequ. She is receiv'd by the Duke of Ef-
pernon, 350 she arrives at Loches,
351 Her Letter to the Duke of Efper-
non, 352 Her Letter to the King 353
Queen Mother prepares for War, and is de-
ferted by all the Nobility, excepting the
Duke of Efpernon, 354 She departs
from Angoulefme to go to court 366
Queen Mother begins a fecond war, 370
but with ill fuccefs, 372 whereupon
an Accommodation enfues
4
373
402
321
Rucellay 4 Florentine, 317 He arrives
at Sedan
Rucellay Treats with the Duke of Elper-
non about the Queen Mothers Eſcape
from Blois
328
Rucellay deferts the Queen Mother, 361
His Gratitude and good Offices to the
Duke of Efpernon
377
Rupture betwixt the Duke of Eſpernon,
and Villeroy Secretary of State, 42
which grows wider
Rupture betwixt the Duke of Efpernon,and
S
the Duke de Luines
S.
52,53
309
157
Ally at Aix, 152 Two others
St. Affrick befieg'd by the Prince of
Condé, 454 But with ill fuccefs 455
St. Affrick taken, and dismantled by the
Duke of Elpernon
486
St. Blancart created Admiral of France
139
Queen Mother profeſſes an open batred to St. Germains furrendred to the Duke of
Cardinal Richelieu, 471 She retires
into Flanders
non
R.
484
Efpernon
126
19, 20
| St. Jean d' Angeli furrendred, and prefer-
ved from being fack'd by the Duke of
Amefort deſerts the Duke of Efper-
R
Efpernon
388
176 St. Jean de Luz taken by the Spaniard 565
Ramée a common Souldier receives a St. Luc's Difgrace, with the reafons of it
Strange fhot before Royan, of which he
as ftrangely recovers
Rebellion breaks out in feveral Provinces of
France, 577 Quieted by the Duke de
la Valette
580
Reiters enter into France, 54 They Ar-
ticle, and retire
Three Remarkable Stories
402
179
580
535
107
St. Tropes taken by the Duke of Efpernon,
150 Retaken by Mefples
Savoy practices the Marefchal Byron 286
La Sauvitat taken by Aſſault
Sedition of Guienne
64 Siege of Perigueux rais'd by the Duke of
616,617 Efpernon
Reply of the Duke of Efpernon to the King Sentence of Excommunication against the
Duke of Efpernon
Separation betwixt the Duke de Candalle
and the Dutchefs his wife
Sieurs de Vaous Brothers defert the Duke
of Efpernon
176
Skirmish betwixt the Dukes of Efpernon
106 and Guife
240
Retreat of Houdan made by Monfieur de
la Valette father to the Duke of Elper-
non
3
Retreat made by the Cardinal de la Valette
554
431
Revol made Secretary of State
Revolt of Montauban
Rhofne a Gentleman of Champagne 192
Richelieu Brother to the Cardinal flain by
}
515
278
179
Sobole Deputy Governour of Metz, 230
His ingratitude, 231 He is depos'd from
his Government
232
Society
ช
2.
The Table,
Society of the Fefuites reestabliſh'd in | Toiras fent by the Duke de Luines to the
Metz
Socoa taken by the Spaniard
233 Duke of Efpernon
369
565 Truce betwixt Spain, and the United Pro-
vinces concluded
Soubize invades the Country of Medoc,
434 He is defeated
435
Spain and Savoy invade the Duke of Man-
tua
460
Spanish Forces invade Picardy, 561 And
Guienne
562
Spaniſh Army defeated by the Duke de la
Valette
4.
248
Alette Duke forces le Pas de Suze,
He is in difgrace, 597
Vale
461
Flies into England, 598 He is in his
Abfence fentenc'd to Death
602
582
Varennes
621
78
Verneque flain in the Levant
Verthamont Intendant de la Juſtice in
Guienne
280
Speech of the Duke of Efpernon to the
King
Speech of the Duke of Efpernon in the
30
Council
173
Speech of the Duke of Efpernon to his Of
ficers, 153 Another
Speech of the Duke of Efpernon to the
Queen upon the Death of Henry the
Fourth of France
254
Speech of the Duke of Efpernon to the
Parliament of Paris
T.
209
473
280
Villandry flain at Aglimant
Villebois taken by the Duke of Efpernon
127
Villemur reliev'd by the Duke of Efper-
non
143
Vincentio Ludovici fent from the Queen
Mother to the Duke of Elpernon 322
WA
W.
TAR with England, 447 where-
upon follows a Commotion of the
Hugonot Party in France
451
635 war with Savoy
471
440
worthy Act of a mean Fellow
551
De Thou involv'd in the Ruine of Cinq-
Mars, Grand Eſcuyer of France
Tilting at Bordeaux
4
THE
I
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Firft Book
Extraction.
50 HN Lewis de Nogaret, and de la Valette Duke
of Efpernon, whofe Hiftory I attempt to write,
though he were in the Progrefs of a long Life,
for the moſt part the Favourite of Fortune, ftood
notwithſtanding no leſs oblig'd to Nature for The Dukes
the advantages he came into the world withal
by his Noble Extraction. He was deſcended from an Illuſtrious
Family in the Higher Gascony, and fo ancient, that it has conti-
nued above five hundred years from Male to Male, without inter-
miſſion; à truth I could without much difficulty prove, out of
the Records, and Evidences in my Cuftody, did not his Genealogy,
already drawn by a more skilful hand, render that pains unnecef-
fary in this place. I fhall therefore only undertake a Narrative
of the Principal Actions of his Life, without troubling my Rea-
der, or my felf, with a fuperfluous Catalogue of his Anceſtors.
The matter, of which I intend to treat,is of it felf fo ample,as might
find work enough for a better Pen;and although birth be acknow
ledg'd by all to be the foundation, upon which all fuperſtructures
B
of
1
کچھ
2
BOOK I
The Hiftory of the Life of
/
of Fortune do ordinarily erect themſelves, I fhould not neverthe-
leſs make any mention of this Dukes, had not the merit and ver-
tue of John de Valette his Father fuch a relation to the Hiſtory of
his Son, as will not permit their names to be feparated without
manifeſt injury to the one, or the other.
Finding my felf then oblig'd to look a little back, and to fay
ſomething of his Father before I come to him,I fhall tell you (with
the beſt Hiſtorians of that time) that he was rank'd amongſt the
greateſt Captains of this Kingdom; and that by the meer confide-
ration of his Prudence, and Valour, without any advantage of
Favour, he was made Camp-Mafter to the Light Horſe of France,
and the Kings Lieutenant General in Guienne; a Province aboun-
ding in Nobility, and Gentry, and men of fuch ſpirits, as would
have made a difficulty of their Obedience to any Superiour,
where there had not been an indifputable concurrence of Merit,
and Blood. But theſe two qualities, happily meeting in the per-
fon of Mounfier de la Valette, gave him ſo great an intereft, if not
fo abfolute a power in that Countrey, that notwithſtanding it was
during the time of his Government unquiet and mutinous in ma-
ny places, and in ſome even to a contempt of the Kings Royal
Power; yet his Authority, never received in thoſe very places the
leaft affront, or contradiction. He commanded Armies in chief,
which were led, paid, arm'd, provided for, and kept together
by his Conduct and Care; and I my felf have ſeen many Acts and
Monuments of that time which fufficiently diſcover the Power
and Dignity he preferv'd entire, even in the moſt difficult functions
of his charge.
* D'Avila. ·
It was.he, who in the Battels of Dreux, of Jarnac, and of Mon-
countour, who in the Skirmishes of Fafennes, of Rene le Duc, and in
all the moft fignal actions of his time, exercifing the Office of
Camp-Mafter to the Light Horfe, by his courage and conduct won
to himſelf a principal fhare of the Honour due to the fucceffes of
the Royal Arms; and chiefly in the Battel of Jarnac, which he
undertook with ſo much prudence, and fought it with ſo much
bravery, that they who write the Tranfactions of that time,attri-
bute fupereminently to him the reputation of that dayes Victory.
It was he that made the brave Retreat of Houdan, one of the
moſt memorable Exploits of that Age, which, though it be re-
corded by other Writers, deferves to be recited here; and the cir-
cumſtances, which I have feveral times heard repeated to the Duke
his Son, will not render a relation ſuſpected that ftands juftified
* Mr. De by our own
by our own* Hiftorians.
Thon
D'Aubigné.
The Hugonot Army had laid fiege to the City of Chartres, and
that
1
BOOK I.
3
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
that of the King was difpos'd to relieve it; but that being a work
of greater preparation, and leiſure, than the condition of the be-
fieged could well admit, the Royal Party conceiv'd, that to di-
fturb the Enemies Camp with frequent Alarums would give the
defendants tome convenient refpite, till a fufficient fuccour
might be made ready to come. Mounfieur de la Valette was Remark-
he that would take upon him to execute this defign, and accord- able ex-
ingly keeping himſelt for the moft part on Horſeback, he gave fo John de la
good an account of what he had undertaken, that few dayes paftalette the
wherein he obtain'd not fome fignal advantage over the Enemy: ther
Now beating up one quarter, now alarming another,with ſuch an
active and unwearied diligence, as put the Enemy to an uninter-
mitted duty, and forc'd them continually to ftand to their Arms.
The Admiral Coligny, who commanded at this Leaguer under
the Prince of Conde, nettled at the inconveniences his Army fuf-
fered by theſe frequent inroads of Mounfieur de la Valette, medita-
tated with himſelf a revenge, and to lay a Trap to catch him: to
which purpoſe he ſtole privately from his Camp with 3500 Horſe;
Mounfieur de la Valette having but 500 in all, lay baiting his Hor-
fes in a Wood for the execution of his enterprize. The Admiral,
who had obferv'd his motion, furpriz'd him in this poſture, fet
upon him, and charg'd him, almoft before perceiv'd: notwith-
ftanding all which, he found a brave refiſtance, and Mounfieur de
la Valette without being aftoniſh't, either at the preſence of ſo
great a Captain, or the inequality of their Armies, having given
his Souldiers time to mount, charg'd him feveral times with ad-
vantage, and made good.his Retreat for fix Leagues together in
the open Countrey of Beauffe, the Admiral never being able, du-
ring the retreat, either to break his order, or force him to a gene-
ral engagement: an action of ſo high a repute, that there are few
Hiftorians who have not fet a particular mark upon it for one of
the most memorable of that time.
if we yet paſs from his publick actions of Command, to en-
quire into the private engagements of his fingle perfon, I can per-
haps fit you with as remarkable a ſtory of that kind as you have
read. Jane Albret Queen of Navarre, a great Fautreſs to thoſe of
the Reformed Religion, of which the her ſelf alſo made publick
Profeffion, defirous to draw all places within her demean into the
fame perſwaſion, preſented her felf before Leitoure to be there re-
ceiv'd. A Town of ſo advantageous a fituation, and therefore fo
confiderable in Guienne, that the fucceffive Governours of that Pro-
vince have ever had a particular regard to the preſervation of that
place, Mounfuur de la Valette who had received private Inftructi-
B 2
ons
ploits of
Duke's Fa-
4
t.
4
BOOK I
The Hiftory of the Life of
ons from King Charles the Ninth, to have an eye to the actions of
this Princeſs, and to fruftrate her deſigns; but with all outward
fhew of reſpect (the King being unwilling to break openly with
her) having intelligence, that fhe meant to attempt that place, pre-
vented her by his diligence, and at her coming refus'd her entrance
into that Town. The Queen highly incens'd at this affront, makes
her complaint to the King, who, to fatisfie her, ſeem'd in publick
to condemn an action, which in his heart he highly approv❜d,
commanding him to go as far as Pan, where the Queen then re-
fided, and there by all the ſubmiſſive means imaginable to make
his excufe. Mounfieur de la Valette having received this command,
attended only by one Page very well mounted, and another infe-
riouf ſervant, takes his journey to the Queen; to whom he hum-
bly offer'd all the excuſes, and fubmiffions, that the dignity of the
offended party.could reaſonably exact from a meaner offender, and
for a higher offence: But this Princeſs, of a fex and condition not
apt to forget an Injury, was by no means fatisfied with whatever
he could fay to appease her; and whether it were, that ſhe dif
cover'd to two Gentlemen of her Court, whereof one was called
Finfons, and the other Bifquerre, that nothing but the death of
Mounfieur de la Valette could fatisfie her; or that they of themſelves
(as Courts ordinarily produce wicked inftruments enough to exe-
cute the paffions of the Great) voluntarily meditated his ruine, is
yet to be diſcover'd: But fo it was that theſe two combin'd toge-
ther to lie in wait for him by the way he was to return, and to dif-
patch him. Mounfieur de la Valette having taken his leave of Pau,
without being able with all the fubmiffion he could uſe, and with
all the Intereft he could make, to reconcile himſelf to the Queen,
was now on his own way home in the fame equipage he came,
when his fervant, looking accidentally back, perceiv'd three men
rufh out of a Wood hard by, and the two formoft (who were
arm'd) to come upon the ſpur directly towards his Mafter, the
third it feems being (as it was afterward reported) one of the
Queens Domefticks, fent rather to be a witneſs of, than an affi-
ſtant in the intended affafinate. Mounfieur de la Valette at the first
fight apprehending them for what indeed they were, and their bu-
fineſs for what really it was, immediately commanded his Page to
alight, and having mounted his Horſe, fpur'd boldly upon them,
with ſo much gallantry and fuccefs, that he left them both dead up-
on the place. I have often feen the Sword he made uſe of in this
occafion, and have often heard the manner of the action related
to the Duke in the very fame terms I deliver it here.
From this wife and valiant Captain (the Epithetes with which
1
all
J
BOOK I.
5
the Duke of Efpernon.
all the Hiftorians of that time have honoured the Vertue of this
great man) and from Jane de Saint Lary de Bellegarde, Siſter to
the Marefchal de Dellegarde, and Niece to the Marefchal de Termes,
were deſcended Bernard, Jean Louis, and another Jean de Nogaret,
and de la Valette, the eldeſt in the year 1553. Jean Louis in May,
1554, and the youngeſt died almoſt as ſoon as born. They had like-
wiſe iſſue three Daughters, Helene, Catharine, and Mary, the eldeſt
of which having engaged her affection, before her Brother roſe to
favour, with the Marquels of Rouillac a young Gentleman of good
quality in the Countrey, preferr'd him to many others her Brother
afterwards offered to her: The fecond was married to the Count
de Bouchage Brother to the Duke of Joyeuse fellow Favourite with
Jean Louis, from which match fprung Catherine de Joyeuse now
Dutchess of Guile. The laft married the Count of Brienne, of the
Houſe of Luxemberg, and fhe died without Iffue, within a few
years after ſhe was married.
up
The two Brothers Bernard, and Jean Louis,having been brought
in their Fathers Houſe till the ages of thirteen,and fourteen
years,
were from thence fent to the Colledge of Navarre at Paris, there
to continue their ſtudies; where, amongst other inftructions, they
had particular charge often to ſee, and diligently to obſerve Moun-
fieur de Villeroy, then Secretary of State, and a man lookt upon as
an extraordinary perſon in that imployment. Mounfieur de la Va-
lette efteeming him for his intimate, and affured friend, hoped in
him to eſtabliſh ſuch a friendſhip for his Children in their greener
years, as might one day be of great uſe and advantage to them:
ſo hard it is, even for the wifeft to foreſee the events of things, this
very man proving at laft, amongſt all the great Minifters, that go-
vern'd the Affairs of that time, the only, or the greateſt enemy to
their Advancement and Fortune.
After ſome years continuance of their ftudies at Paris, the re- Anno 1575:
port of a War, fpread from all parts, fo enflam'd the noble coura-
ges of theſe two young Gentlemen, that it was impoffible longer
to reftrain them from the exerciſe of Arms. They confidered Let-
ters now as an obftacle to fomething nobler they conceiv'd them-
felves obliged to profeſs; ſo that their Governour fearing ſome ſal-
ly of youth, fhould he carry too rude a hand over them, was con-
ſtrain❜d to give Mounfieur de la Valette timely notice of the diſpoſi-
tion of his Sons.
Their Father either unwilling to croſs them in their firſt defires,
or loth to diſcourage fo early and ſo generous reſolutions, and con-
fidering the maturity of their age, now grown up to Man, and
fit to undergo the hardfhips of War, upon the firft intimation
call'd
6.
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
The first
Exploit of
Jean Louis
called Cau-
mont.
Anno 1573.
call'd them home, to place them by his own fide, there to fhare
with him the fortune of War, which chanc'd to be about the be-
ginning of the troubles that happened in the year 1570.
Mounfieur de la Valette, having by the great fervices he had done
the King in his Armies attracted the envy or jealoufie of the other
Chiefs, who were more diligent at Court than he, was by their
procurement ſent away into his Government to oppoſe, as was
pretended, the defigns and enterprizes, that thoſe of the Reformed
Religion daily practifed in feveral parts of that Province. And whe-
ther this were effectively the true, or but the pretended cauſe of his
diſpatch into Guienne,fo it was that he was commanded there to re-
fide,which he accordingly did,and during that refidence perform'd
many notable exploits, to the advantage of his Maſters Intereſt:
amongſt which I cannot omit the mention of one, that particular-
ly relates to the honour of his fecond Son, whofe Hiftory I have
undertaken, and to whom his Father had given the name of Cau-
mont, by which we ſhall for fome time call him. In an encounter
that happened near to Manvafin, whether Mounfieur de la Valette
had carry'd his two sons, he charg❜d fo far into the Enemies Bo-
dy, that his Horſe being kill'd under him, he was himſelf in ma-
nifeſt danger of his life, when Caumont ſeeing his Father in that
peril, threw himself defperately in amongst them, and being
well feconded by ſome few of the Troop, behav'd himſelf ſo well
as to difengage and bring him off; paying in this firft trial of his
Arms, by an act of no leſs Piety than Valour, part of the obliga-
tion due to him from whom he had receiv'd his being. And this
was his first exploit.
He paſt ſome years at this rate under his Fathers Diſcipline, but
a Province was a Theatre too narrow for the acts his courage was
likely to produce, ambition began already to make him aſpire to
greater things; which his Father perceiving, and willing to encou-
rage fo generous a paffion, refolv'd to ſend him, together with his
elder Brother, to the Siege of Rochelle, that was then fitting down.
He was the rather enclin'd to fend them to that place, becauſe he
himſelf was to have no ſhare in the honour of that action, pre-
vented by the jealouſie of the Marefchals de Byron, and Bellegarde,
who although they were both of them his near relations, and the
beft reputed Captains of their time, employ'd nevertheleſs their
utmoſt intereſt to hinder Mounfieur de la Valette, from ferving in
that occafion. They very well knew his merit, with the favour,
and eſteem, he had with the Duke of Anjou, who was to com-
mand at that Siege, and foreſeeing that ſuch a concurrent,as he,was
likely not a little to eclipfe the glory they intended to engroſs
wholly
་
BOOK I the Duke of Efpernon.
wholly to themſelves, they carried on their deſign with that dex-
terity, that he was not fo much as once call'd to that fervice. This
ill office was ſo much the more fenfible to him, as it made him
lofe the Marefchals Staff, which had been promis'd him before;
an injury that, no doubt, he would have diſcover'd, how highly
he had reſented, had he not been prevented by Death, the Arbi-
ter of all Humane Controverfies. All he could at that time do (to
let them fee he understood them to be no friends of his) was to
forbid his Sons to fee them, or to be preſented by either of them
to the Duke of Anjou; defiring rather they ſhould receive that
favour from the Duke of Guife, a Prince with whom he had ac-
quir'd a great intereft, as having often ferv'd under his Com-
mand, but moft fignally at the Battel of Dreux, where he fought
at the head of the Referve, with which, when all other hopes were
oft, the Duke won that day, and wholly routed the Enemies
victorious Army. To him therefore he commanded his Sons to
addreſs themſelves, for their acceſs to the Duke, an occafion the
Duke of Guiſe embrac'd with ſo much fervour,and prefented them
after that obliging manner, with that honourable mention of the
Fathers great Merit, and the great hope of his Sons, that they
could not poffibly have choſen out a man, that could more hand-
fomly, more obligingly, or with greater integrity have perform'd
fo important an Office. The infinite civility of the Duke of Guiſe,
together with the fingular, and natural art he had to acquire men
to him, gain❜d Caumont ſo abſolutely to his ſervice, that it was
with no little reluctancy, that he afterwards withdrew himſelf
from him; which nevertheleſs he was fhortly after enforc´t to do,
the divers intereſts that fway'd the one and the other, looking fo
ſeveral wayes, that it was not poffible longer to continue their in-
telligence. Their friendſhip began to grow cold, before it came
to an open Rupture; Caumont not having receiv'd from the Duke,
that fupport, and affiſtance, he promis'd to himſelf, from fapow-
erful, and fo fincere a friend, as he took him to be But that
which ftrook the main blow was this: The death of Mounfieur
de la Valette immediately following the Siege of Rochelle, his fe-
veral Employments lay vacant by his deceaſe, which made Cau-
mont repair to Court, in hopes by the Dukes favour at leaſt to ob-
tain the charge of Camp-Mafter to the Light Horſe for his elder
Brother, (neither of them yet prefuming by reafon of their youth
to pretend to the Lieutenancy of Guienne) which the Duke of
Guiſe not only peremptorily refus'd to intermeddle in, but withal
carried on the intereft of fome other pretenders, with ſo much vi-
gour and efficacy, that in fine he excluded both the Brothers from
Anno
1574.
all
8
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno all their Fathers employments. Upon which unexpected unkind-
1574. nefs Caumont retir'd fo much diffatisfied with the Duke, that fince
that time, neither his Brother, nor he, ever had any complacency
for the houſe of Guiſe.
Caumonts
first Jour-
ney to
Court.
→
The Brothers after this repulfe ſpent ſome time at home in or-
der to a fettlement of their own private affairs, which the quiet-
neſs of that time (a general Peace being before concluded) gave
them leifure enough to do. But Caumont was impatient of
this Countrey life, and feeing there was now no more employ-
ment for his Armes, he put himſelf into an equipage to go to
Court, to try if he could, by his own endeavours, obtain that
for himſelf, which the memory of his Fathers great fervices hád
not power to retain to his forgotten Family. It was about the end
of the Year 1574. that he undertook this journey, King Henry
the Third being then newly return'd from Poland, a Prince inf
nitely enclin❜d to Peace, and to that, Catharine de Medicis his Mo
ther being alſo wearied out with the former troubles, they bent
their joynt endeavours to the continuing of Affairs in the fame
quiet pofture they then were, to the extinguiſhing of all old dif-
contents, and to the avoiding all poffible occafions of new. They
knew very well that none had power to beget new miſchiefs, or
to diſturb the preſent Peace of the Kingdom, except the Duke of
Alanjon, or the King of Navarre, both which they politickly
made, as it were, prifoners to the Court, by the vigilancy of Spies,
though without Guards: or other vifible marks of reftraint. The
King of Navarre, as he whofe Courage, and great Qualities were
more to be fufpected, had the ftricter eye upon him; and although
he profeſt himſelf a Catholick, yet his Fortune, and Confederates,
obliging him to the contrary Religion, they were in a perpetual
jealoufie, left he ſhould at one time or another embrace the Pro-
feffion, and Party of thoſe with whom his neareſt concerns and
chiefeft intereſts lay. The Queen Mother, one of the moſt expe-
rienc'd Princeſſes of her time, and a Woman whofe Prudence,
and ſubtlety extended to all the Arts of Government, knowing as
well how upon occafion to order the allurements of Peace, as to
guide and govern the more important Affairs in the Tumults of
War, being no ftranger to the amorous inclinations of the King
of Navarre, by daily invitations to Playes, Mafques, Revels, and
1575. other entertainments, made the Court continually to fhine in all
1576. the luftre and temptation of Beauty, if poffible to divert the de-
figns, and to foften the Martial humour of this Prince, in the
more delicate delights of vacancy and peace: which kind of life,
it may eaſily be imagin'd, could not be unpleaſant to a man ſo
Anno
!
ļ
young,
1
BOOK I.
୨
the Duke of Efpernon.
t
young, and ſo enclin'd as the King then was. The Court being
now nothing but jollity, the whole Nobility of France had no-
thing else to do, but to divide themſelves according to their fe-
veral inclinations into the Parties, and Factions of theſe two
young Princes; amongſt which Caumonts particular liking, and
Affection to his perſon, and great vertues having enclin'd him to
the King of Navarres fide, he was by him receiv'd with ſo infi-
nite reſpect and kindneſs, that in a very fhort time he ftood equal
to the beſt in the highest degree of Favour, and truft. Of which
the King could not give him a greater teſtimony, than by diſco-
vering to him his intended eſcape from Court, and by commend-
ing thereby fo important a fecret to his fidelity, and affiftance.
Anno
1576.
Queen
Our Hiftories have glanc'd at the grounds upon which the Theme-
King took this reſolution, which he fhortly after executed with moires of
great fecrefie, and a very flender train; For pretending to go hunt Mar.
in the Parks of Saint Germains, he thence with only four or five
of his greateſt confidents (of which number Caumont was one)
made his eſcape. I have often heard him fay, that he thought
himſelf ſo oblig'd by that favour,that he had never ſeparated him-
felf from that Prince, had not he firſt ſeparated himſelf from his
obedience to the Church.
He accompanied him in his retirement as far as Alenfon, whi-
ther the King was no fooner come, but that his Phyſician invited Aubigné.
him to be God-father to one of his Children. The Ceremony was
performed in the Hugonot Congregation, and after their Directo-
ry, as it may be prefum'd, it was beforehand determined it ſhould
be. Whereupon Caumont, taking the ufual-liberty the King had
ever till that time freely allow'd him, converted all the paffages of
that Ceremony into Mirth and Laughter: But the King, afraid
no doubt left this ſhould produce fome effect that might hinder
his main deſigns, ſecretly chid him, for what he had already done,
giving him caution for the future to forbear fuch railleries, and to
behave himſelf with more refpect in occafions wherein he him-
ſelf was ſo ſeriouſly concern'd. Which ſharp reproof giving Cau-
mont fufficiently to underſtand, that although the King did not as
yet make publick profeffion of that Religion, yet that he was not-
withſtanding ſo moderate, and fo lukewarm a Catholick, that he
only wanted a handſome opportunity to do it. He refolv'd al-
fo to quit his fervice upon the firft occafion that fairly prefented it
felf: An effect (befides his own Devotion to the Church) of a ſo-
lemn Promiſe his Brother and he had joyntly made to their dying
Father, never to ferve other than a Catholick Prince. From thence-
forward therefore, he fought all opportunities, civilly to difingage
C
himfelf
"
}
IO
Воок I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Caumont.
withdraws
himfelf
from the
Anno himſelf from the ſervice of this King, which foon after a light
1576. Indifpofition of body gave him a handſome Pretenfe to do; for
finding himſelf not very well, and continuing fome few dayes in
the ſame diftemper without any amendment, he intreated leave
to retire into the privacy and convenience of his own houſe, for
King of N. the recovery of his health; which the King (though he doubtleſs
well enough underſtood the meaning of that requeft) without any
difficulty, or the leaſt ſhew of unkindneſs, freely permitted him to
varre.
Caument's
fecond
journey to
Court, and
the begin
ring of his
Favour.
do.
France began now to fee it felf threatned with the approaching
troubles, which the Duke of Alenfon's, and the King of Navarre's
departure from Court, (happening much about the fame time)
fhortly after produc'd in the Kingdom; neither could the Queen
Mother, notwithſtanding her great vigilancy, and care to pre-
vent thoſe diſorders, the difcontents of thefe two Princes, toge-
ther with thoſe of the Hugonot Faction, were likely to bring upon
the State, with all her induſtry and prudence hinder men, in that
Crifis of Affairs, from running into the tumult of Armes. It was
in this juncture of time, that Caumont prepar'd himſelf for a ſe-
cond journey to Court: He had had the honour to be known to
the King, firſt at the Siege of Rochelle, and afterwards in his de-
pendence upon the King of Navarre; fo that theſe preceding ha-
bitudes and acquaintance, made him refolve to go, and tye him-
felf directly to his Majefties perfon and fervice. Having there-
fore left his own houfe with this refolution, he takes his journey
to Burdeaux, where the Marquefs de Villars, a great friend and an
old companion in Armes of Mounfieur de la Valette his Father, and
now Governour of Guienne, then refided; and where he was not
little bufie to provide againſt the diſorders which at that time
threatned that Province. Caumont at his arrival gives him a vifit,
acquaints him with the true deſign of his journey, and withal
offers his fervice, if he had any to command him to Court. Villars
readily accepts his offer, charges him with Letters of Crédit to
the King, and, the wayes betwixt Burdeaux and Poitiers being
very difficult to pass by reaſon of the continual inroads of the Hu
gonot party, he informs him of the particular ſtate of the Coun-
trey, inftructs him in the fafelt wayes he was to pafs, and finally
gives him a full accompt of the pofture wherein his Majefties Af-
fairs then ſtood; that he might thereupon receive new orders from
the King and Council. Caumont, being glad to preſent himſelf to
their Majeſties with the advantage of fo confiderable a fervice, de-
parts, throughly inſtructed in all the Affairs of Guienne, from Bur-
deaux to Angouleme; where he further diſcourſes about his Go-
vernment
Book I.
II
the Duke of Efperrion.
vernment with the Marquels of Rufee, Governour of that Town,
and Countrey, and by him findes matters there to be in no better
a condition, than thofe of Guienne. Rufee had made a late denial of
that place to the Heads of the Hugonot party, to whom by the
Treaty of Champigny, made with the Duke of Alenfon, it fhould
have been delivered up for a Cautionary Town. He informs him-
ſelf of the reaſons of Rufees refufal in this cafe, with other things
that concern'd the Kings Service in that Countrey, and continues
his journey from thence to Foitiers, by the houſes of Gentlemen
his acquaintance, ſometimes with Convoys, but for the moſt
part in the flender guard of his own inconfiderable train. At laſt
by ſhort and wary journeys he arrives at Court, which was then
at Blois, though with infinite difficulty and danger; fuch was the
diſorder, and confufion, that rag'd in all the Provinces through
which he was to paſs. I heard him a few dayes before his death re-
late all the particulars of this journey, without omitting the leaft
circumftance that befel him by the way; not without admiration,
that a man after threefcore and odde years fhould retain fo perfect
a memory of ſuch petty accidents (if fuch ought to be call'd ſoj
as gave a beginning to the eſtabliſhment of ſo prodigious a
Fortune.
Being come to Court, he prefented himſelf to the King, deli-
ver'd the feveral diſpatches he had from Villars, and Rufee, giving
his Majefty a particular account of all they had given him in
charge. The King immediately commanded him to addreſs him-
ſelf to the Queen Mother, and to inform her fully of the fame
things, being at this firft Conference highly fatisfied with his dex-
terity, and judgement, and mightily taken with his behaviour, and
the gracefulneſs he obſerv'd,in whatever he ſaid, or did : neither in-
deed could there be a more accompliſht Gentleman, than he was
at that age of two and twenty, as I have heard men of great
judgement ſay, that very well knew him in thoſe times. His
Conference with the Queen Mother prov'd no leſs to his advan-
tage with her, than that he had had with the King had done with
him; fhe was pleas'd to give him a gracious audience, and to
take a great liking to his Perfon; fo that the King coming (as it
was his conftant cuſtom) in the evening to confer about buſineſs
with her, and asking her if ſhe had ſeen Caumont, and what her
opinion was of him? the Queen made anſwer, That fhe had
feen, and diſcours'd with him, and that it was upon men of his
condition and merit, that his Majefty ought to repoſe the Truft,
and Confidence of his moft important Affairs: which fhe faid as
not being unwilling (to the end the might ftill keep her dominion
C 2
Over
Anno
1576.
Anno
1577.
י
1
12
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno over the Kings affections) that Caumont, though the King had
1577. many Favourites already, fhould yet make one of that number;
that fo his heart, being divided amongſt many, might not too vio-
lently encline to one. The King told her he was of her opinion,
and the approbation he found in her judgement having juftified
his own inclinations, after he had entertain'd her fome time with
merits of the Father, and the good qualities of the Son, he from
thenceforward took a refolution to receive him into a degree of
favour, and to place him near his own perſon,
Yet was it not immediately,notwithſtanding this aufpicious be-
ginning, that Caumont's favour began to appear; neither did he on
his part cultivate his fpringing fortune with an affiduity, and dili-
gence unbecoming his Spirit, and Blood, for whatever teftimo-
nies of favour and efteem the King daily diſcover'd to him, there
was nevertheleſs no occafion of action, which he did not greedily
embrace, and for which he did not continually neglect all Court
Intereft, preferring his Honour and Duty before all other Advan-
tages of Fortune. At his return from one of theſe expeditions,
he foon difcern'd a coldneſs in his Majefty towards him; and his
Court Rivals, who very well faw how precipitiously the Kings
Affections were bent upon him, had not fail'd on their part, by
their ill offices to weaken that intereft during his abſence, with all
the Art, and Malice they had: but his brave fervices having ac-
quir'd his Maſters Efteem, he foon recovered his former poffeffion
of Grace, and at laft fettled himſelf fo firm in the Kings Bofom,
that the favour, which had for a long time before been divided
amongſt many pretenders, was at laſt eſtabliſh'd without reſerva-
tion in Foyeuſe, and him, though he had ſtill the greateſt ſhare.
I have already obferv'd, what an effect Caumonts negotiation
about the Affairs of Guienne had produc'd with the King and
Cueen; neither was he fo blind to his own intereft as not to fee it,
nor ſo negligent as not to improve it with all the induſtry he had.
Nor was his diligence lefs effectual with the Queen Mother, who
bore the greateft fway of Affairs, than with the King himſelf, fhe
ever receiving him with great demonftration of Favour, and
Efteem; which he to continue, or to encreaſe, contracted great
Familiarities with ſome of the Maids of Honour of chiefeft truft
about her, and from their Friendſhip receiv'd no few good Offi-
ces in this Foundation of his Fortune.
But neither theſe good Offices, nor the Favour he was by their
procurement ſeated in, had yet produc'd any thing to his benefit ;
tis true he was look'd upon with an Eye of Favour, the King
would often ſpeak to him, and in all apparence he was in a
hopeful
Book I the Duke of Efpernon.
13
Anno
1577.
firft Bounty
to Caumont.
hopeful way, but ftill this was hitherto only apparence, and he
reap'd no other advantage by it until the Duke of Alenfon's expe-
dition, which was the first time he tafted of his Mafters Bounty.
After the Treaty of Champigny, which was a little before this time,
the King having defign'd abfolutely to difingage his Brother the
Duke of Alenfon from the Hugonot Party, had to that purpoſe gi-
ven him the command of an Army against them. Upon which
occafion Caumont fail'd not to prepare himſelf to make one, which
the King fo well approv'd of, that coming to take his leave, his
Majefty having firft publickly commended his generous defign,
order'd him twelve hundred Crowns of Gold, out of his privy The King's
Purſe, to put him into a handſome poſture: A largeſs ſo ſeaſon-
able as enabled him to put himſelf into a better equipage, than
otherwiſe he could conveniently have done'; and as he had a mind
above his preſent Fortune, he laid out all the Kings Bounty in
Horſes, Arms, and other Furniture: but above all, he bought
himſelf the fineſt Tent, that could poffibly be feen. The Rendez-
vous of the Army being appointed to be at Romorentin, the King
and Queen Mother, being then at Blois, would themſelves ſee it;
and there diſmiſs the Duke of Alenfon, with all poffible demonſtra-
tion of Honour, and Kindneſs. Caumont fail'd not to Mufter up
his Equipage, upon this occafion; and for the better advantage,
caus'd his Tent to be fet up in that part of the Camp, that lay
moſt in view of the Queens Lodgings, to the end chiefly, that her
Maids of Honour might more conveniently fee it. The King who
never fail'd (as I have obferv'd before) to vifit his Mother once a
day, as he was one day leaning with her in her Chamber Window,
took particular notice of this Tent, which being for its fineneſs
remarkable above the reft, the King and Queen both fancied it
to be Caumont's; and the better to be fatisfied, fent one purpoſely
to enquire; at whofe return, finding it to be fo indeed, his gallan-
try was highly commended by them both. Soon after coming to
take his leave of the King, and to receive his Commands, he
was diſmiſt with ſo high teftimonies of Affection, as might for
the future give him juft occafion to hope for greater things. Theſe
obfervations may perhaps feem light to fome upon fuch a fubject
but fince Fortune fuffers nothing to be loft to happy men, and that
ſhe is induftrious to collect, and improve the leaft of their actions
to make them fucceed to their advantage, I thought it not altoge-
ther improper, by her example, to make mention of theſe paffages;
which, how inconfiderable foever in themſelves, have been never-
theleſs the ſteps, and gradations, by which this great man after-
wards roſe to ſuch an eminence of Fortune.
The
#
14
www
+
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
Cammont
follows the
Duke of
Alenfon in
the War.
The Duke of Alenfons expedition fucceeded according to the
1577. Kings defire, he took la Charité, and Iffoire, and the Army was in
a condition to perform greater things, had not the over-ftrict
League, and Friendſhip betwixt the Duke of Alenfon, and the
Duke of Guife (his Lieutenant General in this Employment) be-
got a fufpicion in the King. To break then this Friendſhip, the
King began to hearken to overtures of Peace; which, although
they were not preſently concluded, yet the meer propofition was
pretenſe enough to call home the Duke of Alenfon, and to give
Caumont opportunity to return to Court. At his coming back he
was lefs favourably receiv'd, than he had reaſon to expect, through
the jealoufie of thoſe who had been more induftrious to improve
the Kings Favour, than he had been: Yet could not this hinder
He goes to him (a new occafion of the Siege of Brouage prefenting it ſelf)
the Siege of
once more to expoſe, and abandon, his fpringing Favour to the
malicious Offices of his Court-Concurrents. He went to this
Siege, where he behav'd himſelf ſo well (as he had done before at
la Charité, and Iffoire) that in all theſe expeditions he ftill won the
great liking, and approbation of his Generals; who, being jaſt
to his merit, in the teftimony of his actions, confirm'd the King
more and more in the opinion, he had before conceiv'd, of his
Worth and Valour.
Brouage.
This eſteem of Caumont took at laſt fo deep root in this Princes
Breaft, that it was no more in the power of Envy to ſhake it, and
he had him in ſo high confideration, that he never us'd him
with the leaſt ſeverity, nor ever gave him the leaſt injurious word;
an indulgence not common to his other Favourites, who were
often ſubject to very paffionate language: But the King in his no-
ble nature was pleas'd to fpare a heart, which, he had before
obferv'd, was too ftout to fubmit to Injuries, what advantage
foever might accrue by fuch a patience. Of which (now we are
upon this diſcourſe) L fhall give you an inftance in this place; al-
though the thing happened not juft at this time, but after Cau-
mont's more apparent Favour, not tying my felf, in theſe youthful
relations of him, fo much to the order of time, as to the truth of
things. The King his Mafter being an infinite lover of neatneſs in
Cloaths, and being none were admitted into the Bed-Chamber
without his white Shooes, black Velvet Galoches, his long Stock-
ings,and other Veſtments wherein they were to obſerve a punctual
Decorum,no wonder if the Favourites,who were continually in the
Kings Eye, were eſpecially ty'd to theſe ftrict rules of decency.
Caumont appearing one day before the King unbutton'd, his Stock-
ings untied, and in a greater negligence, and diforder, than he
was
BOOK I.
the Duke of Efpernon.
15
was wont to be, receiv'd a ſevere check; nay his chiding prō-
ceeded fo far, as that the King forbad him ever to appear before
him again in the like pofture. Caumont in his heat interpreting this
for an abfolute command, without condition, immediately with-
draws himſelf,refolv'd (as I have fince heard him fay) to take Poſt,
and for ever to retire himfelf from Court, But the King, who
very well knew what an impreffion his words had made with
his Favourite, and fearing left the rafhneſs of his Youth might
make him commit a fault to his own ruine, commanded him pre-
ſently to be call'd back; ſaying, That his heat and folly would de-
ſtroy him, if he were left to himself; but that he had in him withal Qua-
lities, of which good ufe might be made: and, that he would therefore have
an eye to his prefervation. Upon his return the King having chang'd
his Humour, Caumont chang'd his Refolution, not without confi-
dering upon how light an occafion he was like to have forfeited
his Maſters Favour, and to have deſtroyed the hopes of his own
rifing Fortune; And from the knowledge of his fault drew this
advantage, to become less hot, and paffionate for the future, and to
obſerve fuch an elegancy and neatneſs in his habit, even to an ex-
treme old age, as might ſerve for an example to the younger fort
of men.
Anno
1577.
Siege of
The Surrender of Brouage was foon fucceeded by a Peace con- His return
cluded at Bergerac about the end of the year 1577. by which ceffa, from the
tion Caumont had liberty to return to Court, and there without any Brouage to
more divertion, or impediment, to husband his Maſters Royal Court.
Inclinations towards him.
But as he had many Concurrents in the fame Deſign, ſo the Anno
King for fome time fufpended the declaration of his Favour; 1578.
though Caumont was one of thoſe to whom his Majefty fhewed a
particular Inclination, and whoſe freedom, and boldneſs was no-
thing difpleafing to him: His Wit, fine Faſhion, and a particu
lar Grace he had in performing all his exerciſes, gave him a great
advantage over the other young men of his condition; which he
managed ſo well, that he ftill out-fhone all his equals, and ap-
pear'd the true Favourite in mens opinion, though his Favour was
not yet ſo fully manifeft. All this year 1978. paſt in this delibera-
tion, and the Court was in fufpenfe which of all the pretenders to
favour would prove to be the Favourites indeed, when at laft the
King in the beginning of the year 1579. at the Ceremony of the
inftitution of the Knights of the Order of the Holy Ghost, appear- 1579.
ing publick with Caumont, Darques (afterwards Duke of Joyeuse)
St. Luc, and D'O in the fame Livery with himſelf, there was then
no further diſpute of their favour; and upon this diſcovery, all
Anno
the
16
Book I.
The Hiflory of the Life of
t
Anno
the Courtiers according to their inclinations, or intereft, divided
1579. themſelves into the ſeveral Parties, and dependencies of theſe four
great men.
We have now brought Caumont upon the great Theatre of the
World, expos'd, not only to the fight, but alſo to the cenfure and
envy of moſt men. We ſhall hereafter fee how he difingag'd him-
ſelf from thoſe ſnares, and defigns that were laid by his Adverfaries
to undermine his greatneſs, during the ſpace of threeſcore and ten
years, which he liv'd after his firft rife of Favour.
From the time of this eſtabliſhment of his Fortune, he had the
good hap to have all the moſt eminent men about the Court, ei-
ther for Arts or Arms, to apply themſelves to him. Mounfieur du
Perron, one of the greateſt Ornaments of his Age, was of this
number, together with Roufard, Des Portes, and many other per-
fons of great Merit, and Efteem. But amongſt them all, Caumont
taking particular notice of the great worth of Mounfieur du Perron,
and confidering his Vertue to be above all the advantages, he in
himſelf was able to procure for him; took an eſpecial care to pre-
fer him to the Kings knowledge, and at laft, with the affiduity and
recommendation of a true friend, plac'd him in his Majefties
chiefeft confidence; an Office which he afterwards continued with
ſo conſtant a friendſhip, as contributed no little to that greatneſs,
to which he was ſometime after advanc'd.
Saint Blancard fince Marefchal of France, and Duke de Biron,
with the greateſt part of the Gafcon Nobility that then follow'd the
Court, put themſelves alſo into his dependence: his Employments,
and the great credit he had with the King, having in a fhort time
afforded him means to gratifie a number of gallant Gentlemen, and
to acquire many Friends, and Servants, whofe Valour and Fide-
lity contributed much to the prefervation of his Life, and Fortune.
But his youth,having been bred up in the rudeness of War, requir'd
fome neceffary improvements, the better to fit him for his Maſters
converfation, who was himſelf the moſt accompliſh'd Prince of
his time. The King would take care for this fecond Education,that
he might be the more proper for thoſe Employments, which his
Majefties confidence in him, and the neceffity of the prefent times,
were ſhortly to call him to; and to that purpoſe commanded Des
Portes to be continually about his Perfon, which he accordingly
obey'd; and not only by his diligence better'd him in the French
Tongue, which then firft began to purge it felf from the Barba-
rifm of paft Ages: but having withal found in him a capacity that
out-ftript his Precepts, he in a fhort time infus'd into him fuch ge-
neral notions, as, having open'd his underſtanding, made him ca-
pable
BOOK I.
17
the Duke of Efpernon.
+
pable of thoſe important negotiations in which he was afterwards Anno
imploy'd.
The fame affection which had made the King fo folicitous to
embelliſh his Mind, made him no lefs careful to eftabliſh his For-
tune; though he ſtill conceal'd the daily progreſs of his Bounty
from him, not being willing it ſeems that he fhould fo much as
trouble himſelf with the management of his own Domeſtick Af-
fairs; but commanded Fontenay Mareuil a Gentleman of quality,
and of whole integrity his Majefty had a particular Efteem, to take
upon him that care, and twice a week to bring him an account of
Caumonts buſineſs, as another Perſon of Quality did of that of
Foyeuſe. From theſe two Gentlemen the King had ftill advice, of
all Offices, and Revenues, that fell vacant; out of which his Ma-
leſty made choice of fuch for his two Favourites, as he thought
moft proper, and advantageous for them, and commanded their
diſpatch; which afterward Caumont, and Joyeuse were to folicit,
but without the leaſt difpenfation, notwithſtanding their Favour,
from the due and cuftomary forms of Law; where, if any diffi-
culty, or oppofition chanc'd to ariſe, his Majefty ever interpos'd his
Juftice to over-rule them, if juftly they were to be over-ruled:
neither did they ever receive any Grace, or Largefs, which did not
either firſt paſs the Seal, the Chamber of Accounts, or an Act of
Parliament.
In theſe beginnings, the two young Favourites were continual-
ly call'd to all the Councils, not to give their advice, from which
by their immaturity, and inexperience, they were exempt, but
to inform, and to inure themſelves to bufinefs: Which the bet-
ter to exerciſe them in, the King himſelf was pleas'd often in pri-
vate to propoſe weighty queſtions to them, and to make them
debate them before him, without expofing their early Opinions to
the Experience of his graver Council initiating them with his own
Precepts, and forming them with his own hand; and that rather
with the tenderneſs and indulgence of a Father to his Children,
than with the authority of a Maſter over his Servants,
About this time (as I have already obferv'd) the Order of the
Holy Ghoft was inftituted, and the firft Ceremony was already
paft: where, although Caumont had no fhare, by reaſon of his
Youth, but was deferred to the next Creation, which happened
a few years after; yet his Majefty, though he judg'd him too young
to be admitted into that honourable Fraternity, thought him not-
withſtanding ſufficient to treat with Philibert D. of Savoy, though
he were one of the moſt diſcreet, and moſt circumfpect Princes
of his time. This Prince had rais'd a confiderable Army,which he
Ꭰ
inten-
1579.
Caumont's
may to
Embaſſy
Savoy.
•
18
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno intended to imploy against the Genovefes; and the King, who was
1579. oblig'd to protect them, diſpatch'd Caumont to the Duke to dif
fwade him from that enterprize. His negotiation in this Affair met
with great difficulties, and infinite oppofitions, both from the
Houſe of Auftria, the League, and the Pope; which nevertheleſs
he overcame with that dexterity, that having untied all thoſe knots
of State, he obtain'd full fatisfaction for the King his Maſter,and
acquir'd fo much Reputation, and Eſteem with the Duke, as at the
fame time to obtain a fignal Favour, and a timely affiſtance for
himſelf. The occafion this.
The Marefchal de Bellegarde his Uncle, having for fome time
poffeft the Kings Favour, was at laft, through the ill Offices of
fome, fallen into difgrace, and had thereupon retir'd himſelf into
the Marquifate of Saluzzo, of which Province he had the Govern-
ment; and whither being come, he had chas'd Charles Birague,
the Kings Lieutenant in that Marquifate, out of all the Places and
ftrong holds he had formerly poffeft; which he had taken upon
him to do, without any order from the King: and indeed Belle-
garde unfatisfied with the Court,rather endeavour'd to fortifie him-
Telf, and to fecure his own intereft, 'than to ftand upon the nice-
ties, and punctillio's of his duty. This diſorder gave a hot alarm
to all Italy, who knew not to what Bellegardes defigns might
tend; and the Queen Mother, defirous in time to prevent any ill
conſequence, had her felf taken a Journey to accommodate the bu-
finefs, and had compos'd it to the Kings fatisfaction, and feeming-
ly to the Marefchal's too, who had receiv'd a ratification of what-
ever he had done: but the Marefcbal was no fooner return'd inte
his Government, than he fell immediately fick, and of fo violent
a diftemper, as in few dayes carried him away, not without vehe-
ment fufpicion of poiſon. Many being perfwaded, that his tur-
bulent ſpirit having given the Court an apprehenfion, that a diſ-
contented man of his Courage, would be hard to be continued
in the due limits of his Obedience, they thought it better at once
to diſpatch him out of the way, than to be at the continual trou-
ble would be neceffary to contain him in his duty.
His Son, whom he left very young, and much unfettled in his
Government, foon found himſelf in danger to be turn'd out by
the Faction of the People, the whole Countrey in general, favour-
ing the Biragues, Gentlemen of good quality, and Natives of that
Countrey; whom doubtless they would have reftor'd to the Go-
vernment, had not Caumont, in the time of his Embaſſy in Savoy,
obtain'd fome Troops from the Duke for his Kinſman's affiftance,
with which he brought him ſo opportune, and fo effectual a fuc-
cour,
T
BOOK I.
19
the Duke of Efpernon.
}
cour, that he foon fuppreft the Faction, plac'd Bellegarde fecure in
his charge, and left him ftrong enough to defend himſelf, until the
King, whoſe intereſt requir'd a Minifter of greater Experience in
that Countrey,call'd him from thence to place la Valette, Caumont's
elder Brother in his ftead, giving to Bellegarde in recompenfe the
Governments of Xaintonge, Angoumois, and the Countrey of Au-
luis
It was during the interim of this Voyage, that the difgrace of
St Luc, one of the Favourites, was concluded. D'aubigné tells us
that he learn'd the caufe of this difgrace from St. Luc's own mouth,
and thereupon tells an impudent Story: but they who well confi-
der this malevolent Author's way of writing, will eafily judge it
his own invention, to befpatter the Kings reputation; against
whom (beſides the intereft of his Party) he had a particular ſpleen,
having been ill us'd, and flighted upon many occafions. Of
which he himſelf cannot forbear to complain in his Hiſtory, and
which confeffion in it felf is fufficient to difcredit all the calumnies
he has forg'd againſt the Honour of this Prince. Here then take
the true reaſon of his diſgrace.
:
Anno
1579.
difgrace.
The King, falling in love with a Lady of great Cuality, had St. Luc's
made Caumont, and St Luc the confidents of his Paffion; fhortly
after which (aumont was fent upon the Embaſſy of Savoy, spoke of
before and St. Luc, in this interval of his abfence, diſcovers the fe-
cret of the King's love to his Wife, who was of the Family of
Briffac, and his Wife immediately to the Queen, who could not
long diffèmble her difcontent to the King her Husband; but re-
proach'd him with his Love, and that with fo many circumftan-
ces, that in effect he could not much deny it. The King infinitely
concern'd at the infidelity of his Confidents, to whofe difcretion
he had only intrufted that fecret, falls upon St. Luc, Caumont be-
ing out of the reach of his anger, complains how bafely he was
betray'd, and in fine, reproaches him with the diſcovery. St.
Luc excuſes himſelf, and, that he might do it with the better colour,
charges Caumont (whofe abfence expos'd him to that ill office)
with the fault; but the King, who had before begun to diſtaſte St.
Luc, ever fince his Marriage with a Wife, who was very partial to
the Houſe of Guife (a Family whofe defigns were every day more
and more fulpected to him) was ftill in his own Judgement more
enclin❜d to condemn him, than Caumont of the Treachery. Yet for
the better clearing of the truth, which he was impatient to know,
he addreffes himſelf to the Queen, preffing, and conjuring her, to
tell him freely, from whom fhe had receiv'd the knowledge of his
Love, at the ſame time confeffing on his part, the naked, and un-
difguis'd
D2
t
20
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
犟
​Anno difguis'd truth, the more to oblige her to deal clearly, and candid-
1579. ly with him. The Queen though at firft ſhe defended her ſelf with
many excufes, and was very loath to betray her intelligence, was
at laft (as there are few fecrets which are not communicative be-
twixt perfons of ſo near relation) overcome, and confeft that it
was from St. Luc's Wife fhe had receiv'd that fecret. There need-
ed no more to confirm the King in the prejudice he had before con-
ceiv'd againſt St. Luc: and his Majefty believing there was more of
defign, than levity in this mifcarriage, from thenceforth conceiv'd
a mortal animofity againſt him, and was refolute to his ruine;
yet would he defer the diſcovery of his diſpleaſure till Caumont's ar
rival, who was now upon return, that he might fiift know, how
ill an office his companion, and friend had attempted to do him.
Caumont was no fooner return'd, than the King ask't him
what opinion he had of St. Luc's friendship? who anſwer-
ed, That he took him to be his best friend, as he knew himſelf to
be his, and that there was a particular, and ftrict friendſhip be-
twixt them. The King told him he muft no longer continue in
that error, and thereupon acquainted him with the whole ſtory,
and with the reſolution he had taken against him. Caumont (not-
withſtanding the ill Offices he had receiv'd) fail'd not in this occafi-
on to perform all the duties of a true friend,but employ'd his pow-
er with the King, to perfwade his Majefty into milder refolutions:
but not being able with all he could fay to prevail againſt the juſt
indignation he had conceiv'd againſt him; and ſeeing him exaf-
perated to fuch a height, as was like enough to tranſport him to the
greateſt extremities, he gave notice to St. Luc fpeedily to retire from
Court, which he accordingly did, and fled to Brouage. This is
the true ftory of his difgrace, which I have received from a more
faithful, and leſs paffionate hand than that of Aubigné.
Anno
F
It was at this fame time of Caumont's return from Savoy, that
1580. the King found himſelf engag'd in a more dangerous Affair, than
this before related. The Hugonot Party began now to break out
into open inſurrection: and their Rebellion was of ſo much the
greater confequence, by how much it interrupted, and overthrew
all the defigns he had laid, to eſtabliſh the peace of his Kingdom.
The King having had, and with great reafon, the greatness of the
Houſe of Guife long fufpected to him, had determin'd with
himſelf, but inſenſibly, and with all fecurity, to abate that grow-
ing greatness; and to bring his defigns the better to paſs, and with
the leaft noife, he continually difpos'd all the great employments,
and moſt conſiderable Offices, as they fell void, into the hands of
his own Creatures, without diftributing any part into the power
!
1
of
H
BOOK I.
21
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
H
·
of the Guiſes, or of any that he knew depended upon them, ör Anno
that he fufpected to be of their Faction. The House of Guile eafily 1580.
enough penetrating into the depth of this defign, had fortified
themſelves more than ever, in their Confederates and Friends, to
oppoſe by ſtrong hand this project of the Kings; and covering
with the pretence of the Catholick Religion (of which they had
long affum'd to themſelves the titles of Protectors, either their
Ambition (or what they call'd by a more fpecious name) the ne-
ceffity of their Defence, were ready to break out into open Arms.
The King, advertis'd of their deſigns, was refolv'd to prevent them,
and for a time to lay aſide his milder Maxims, and to chaſtiſe their
infolence with an armed hand: but becauſe he ſhould have wan-
ted means, and ſtrength, if at the fame time, he ſhould undertake
the House of Guife, the Hugonot Party (which he alfo intended to
cut off in due time) ſhould appear in Arms, he tried to moderate
the laít, by commanding all the Edicts that had been made in
their Favour, to be ftrictly, and inviolately obferv'd. He granted
to the King of Navarre all he could reaſonably defire, treating
with him like a Prince, that he neither thought it ſafe to raiſe too
high, nor that he had a defire abſolutely to ſubdue. A proceeding
that in all apparence was likely to continue the Peace en that fide.
And the King had very great reafon to hope, that this Prince, and
thole of his party, would at leaft give him leiſure to fupprefs the
Family of Guile, who as they were dangerous to him, were allo
their open, and declared Enemies, The fuppreffion of which had
at this time been a matter eafie, and inevitable, had Affairs conti-
nued in this poſture. But all theſe confiderations were over-rul'd,
and overthrown by fo little means, that certainly 'tis worthy our
aftoniſhment to confider how light, and how contemptible things
will pervert the ordinary courſe of humane prudence.
The Queen of Navarre in this juncture of time retir'd from
Court, much diffatisfied with the King her Brother, as fhe her felf
declares in her own Commentaries; and as fhe was a Princeſs of a
dangerous Wit, a great Spirit, and one that conceiv'd the higheſt
point of generofity to conlift in revenge, ſhe thought ſhe could not
do the King her Brother a more fenfible injury, whoſe deſigns ſhe
very well knew; nor confequently better fatisfie her own revenge,
than by ſtirring up the King her Husband againſt him. Yet think-
ing her own intereft too weak of it ſelf to prevail in a thing of this
conſequence, the thought fit to affault him where he lay moſt
open to her, and where he had the leaft power to defend himſelf.
Having therefore in her train a great many very fine women,
fuch as were well diſciplin❜d in Love Affairs, the won fo far upon
and
their
'
22
BOOK I.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Aubigné.
Anno their obedience; as that they behaving themſelves according to her
1580. inftructions towards the King her Husband, and the young No-
bility about him, ſoon made as many Lovers, as there were Ser-
vants attending his Perfon : and by that means feated her felf abfo-
lute Miftrifs of that Court. The King of Navarre pre-poffeft with
theſe ill Councils, refolv'd upon taking Armes, which he did
with that fecrefie, that the blow was given before the noiſe was
heard. The defign was great, and vaft (as they ufually are in all
commotions) but when it came to execution, all their great pro-
jects ended in the furprifal of two important places. The firft was
Cabors Fetard by the King of Navarre, the other la Feré, by the
Prince of Condé, Mounfieur Chatillon, in Languedoc, nor Moun-
fieur Lefdiguieres, in Dauphine not being able to do any confiderable
ſervice for their party.
The King advertized of this diſorder, found himſelf neceffita-
ted to alter his firſt refolutions, and to turn his thoughts to the pre-
fent danger; ſo that inftead of purſuing the fuppreffion, of the
Houſe of Guife, and their League, he was conftrain'd that time,
not only to wink at their Faults, butto employ their Perfons, and
make ule of their Interefty to stop this unexpected Rupture. In
which he carried himſelf with that wiſdom, and diligence, as gave
no little aſtoniſhment, to his Enemies, when they faw he had in a
moment fet three great Armies on foot, to attend their motion, and
to oppoſe and fruftrate their attempts. They had principally built
their deſigns upon the opinion of the Kings negligence, which
they interpreted cowardize, and floth. But they foon perceiv'd
themſelves abus'd in that belief, and found in this occafion, that
the pleaſure and eaſe, he was ſomething addicted unto, had not un-
nerv'd him from vigorous action, when his Honour and Intereſt
call'd him abroad. There is one thing very remarkable in this cc-
cafion, which is rarely obferv'd in the order of Humane Affairs,
that all things fucceeded abfolutely according to the Kings Defigns;
and Fortune,who is wont to delude the wifeft Counfels, fubmitted
here to the Kings Prudence, and fore-fight. His Majeſty had great
reaſons not to opprefs the King of Navarre, in this conjuncture
and though he had juft caufe to be angry with him, yet, he had
more to preſerve him, to the end that he might in his perfon main-
tain a Party to make the League, who were directly oppofite to
him. He therefore ſent againſt him the Marefchal de Biron, rather
to ſpin out the War in exploits of little moment, than to end it at
one blow. Into Dauphine, where there was little, or nothing to be
done, no more than in Languedoc, he diſpatch'd the Duke of May-
enne, Affairs being at this time in ſuch a condition, that his Majefty
was
+
BOOK I. the Duke of Eſpernon.
23
է
•
was conſtrain'd to ferve himſelf with ſome of thofe Heads of the
League, who were already fworn to it: but he did it withal in
an occafion of fo little importance, that the Duke was therein
likely to acquire no great reputation to himſelf, nor no great ad-
vantage to his Faction. But on the contrary, for what concern'd
la Feré,as being a Town near to Paris, and in Picardy, where the
Hugonots had as yet no other footing, fuch troubleſome neigh-
bours ſtanding highly fufpected to his Majeſty, he dilpatch'd thi-
ther the Marefchal de Matignon a Subject of great Merit,
great Merit, and ap-
prov'd Fidelity, to labour in good earneft the recovery of that
place. In this Army march'd the Favourites, of which (aumont and
Joyeuse in this expedition got the greateſt name; the laft by a Har-
quebufs for he receiv'd in his Face, and the other by the taking of
the Town; of which fuccefs the Hiftorians of that time attri-
bute to him the chiefeft reputation. He had intreated of the King
the charge of Camp-Master to the Regiment of Champagne, that
he might have ſome remarkable employment in this occafion, and
with that had obtain'd the command of a Quarter; fo that, no-
thing neceſſary being wanting to the advancement of his work
he rais'd by the induſtry of an italian Engineer, a Cavalier by fa-
vour of which, having planted a battery, that look'd directly in-
to the place, and that fhot into the Enemies Defences, he reduc'd
them to that extremity, that not daring to fhew their heads upon
the Walls, they were foon forc'd to a capitulation. The firtt over-
tures of Surrender were made to Caumont, who moft preft upon
them; which the Marefchal de Matignon, being difpleas'd at,
jealous of the honour they had done him, to the prejudice (as he
conceiv'd) of the command he had at that Siege, he immediately
granted to the Deputies, which Caumont had out of reſpect whol-
ly referr'd to him, their own conditions, without once calling
Caumont to the determination; an injury he fo highly reſented, that
he could not govern his paffion from breaking out at the inſtant,
but ſmartly continued his Battery againſt the Town (notwith-
ſtanding the Articles agreed upon, and fign'd) and ceas'd not till
the Kings Troops were entred into it. But he fhortly after had a
better revenge : for departing the Camp, without taking leave of
the Marefchal, and arriv'd at Court, he obtain❜d from the King the
Government of that place, which the Marechal had importunate-
ly fued for, and kept it many years after. By this exploit the War
ended, which having been undertaken rather out of a capricious
humour, than mature deliberation, had the fame ſucceſs, that com-
monly attends precipitous and indigeſted Counſels. The Peace
that follow'd, kept Caumont at Court, where his favour daily en-
as
creas'd,
Anno
1580.
Aubigné.
I
24
BOOK I.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno creas'd, till it came to fuch a height, that there was no employ-
1580. ment, or benefit, with which the King his Maſter was not highly
pleas'd to gratifie him.
Caumont's
high Fa-
vour.
Before he obtain❜d the charge of Camp-Mafter to the Regiment
of Champagne for himself, he had procur'd for la Valette his elder
Brother, that of Camp-Mafter to the Light Horſe; an Employment
that had been ſo worthily diſcharg'd by their Father; which I have
often heard him ſay, was the firft grace he ever begg'd of the King,
having it ſeems a defire to retrive the Offices of his Family for his
Brother, and to give him the first advantages of his Favour, re-
ſerving nothing, ſave future hopes for himſelf: but thoſe hopes
were not long fufpended, for the efteem the King had of him, be-
ing founded upon his courage, and fidelity, had begot in his Ma
jelly ſo great a paffion for him, that his thoughts were wholly ta-
ken up with the contrivance, how to make him great; and he has
often been heard to ſay, he would raiſe him ſo high, that he would
not ſo much as reſerve to himſelf the power to pull him down.
The Hiftorians of that age give him from henceforward an ad-
vantage over Joyeuſe in the Kings Favour, and would make us be-
lieve it was fo apparent, as to beget a jealoufie in Joyeuse; but that
is a fecret I never learn'd from Caumont's mouth; though it may be
prefum'd that his carriage, and conduct, was more likely to pleaſe
the King; Joyeuse having fuch a vanity to boast, and make a fhew
of the credit he had with his Mafter, and of the favours and libe-
ralities he receiv'd from him by inordinate profufions, and expenſe,
as did not only bring many inconveniences upon himſelf, but
great murmurings and diſcontents upon the King: whereas Cau-
mont, who had rather be powerful and efteem'd in effect, than in
outward ſhew, made a fober, and profitable uſe of the intereft he
had in the King; and made his greatneſs more apparent to difcern-
ing men, by the eſtabliſh'd conftancy that ty'd him faft to his du-
ty, than by the exterior fopperies of pomp, which are but the faint
reflexions of a true fhining luftre.
If this ſtability of his was commendable in any thing, it was
much more in the conftant averfion he had to the League,to which
nothing could ever reconcile him; nor to the heads of that Facti-
on: but on the contrary he took all occafions publickly to exaſpe-
rate, and affront the Duke of Guife, without regarding the reputa-
tion of ſo great a man, or fearing the danger of fo powerful an
Enemy; his animofity carrying him fo far, as feveral times to beg
leave of the King, that he might fight him man to man, defiring
with all his foul to hazard his own life,that he might by an honour-
deliver his Maſter, from the troubles, and apprehenfions,
able
way
with
•
BOOK I.
25
the Duke of Efpernon.
t
|||||||
with which the practices of this Duke perpetually afflicted him,
though his Majeſty would never conſent to it.But Joyeuse liv'd after
another manner,maintaining a greater intelligence with the Houſe
of Guile, than ought to have been betwixt fo oblig d a Servant,and
his Maſter's
's open, and declared Enemies; which doubtless was the
chief cauſe of the diminution of his favour,and in truth either prom-
pted by the fole ambition of feeing himſelf Brother-in-law to the
King,to which honour he thought he could not arrive without the
Duke of Guife's affiftance, or by the defire he had to fecure his For-
tune on all fides,which is very often a ruinous maxim,he ever indu-
ftriouſly labor'd the friendſhip of that Family. Some believe that he
at firſt treated with them unknown to the King about his Marriage
with a Princeſs of their Houſe,and Name, Sifter to the Queen. 'Tis
true he had afterwards the King's permiſſion, and the overture, be-
ing once made,was preft by the King himſelf to a confummation of
it: but it was his part to have foreſeen the inconveniences of this
Alliance, and to have confider'd the confequences before he had
embark'd himſelf.
Anno
1580.
Anno
1581.
Marriage
As one of the King's chiefeſt cares was to keep fuch an equality
towards his Favourites,that they might have no occafion to trouble
the delight he took in their converfation, with complaints,or diffe-
rences;ſo had he no fooner concluded the Marriage of his Sifter-in-
law to the Duke of Joyeuse; but that he would beftow another call'd
Christina,upon the Duke of Efpernon.I begin here to give him the ti- A propofi-
tle of Duke,becauſe he had it before, although the thred of this dif- tion of
courſe permits me not to fpeak of his promotion to this dignity, till for the
the following page. A temptation delicate enough to flatter a mind Duke of
fo great, and fo ambitious, as that of the Duke ; nevertheleſs he ex- Espernon.
cus'd himſelf with a moderation, highly to be commended in an
occafion of this nature; neither was his prudence leſs to be ad-
mir'd, than his moderation: and all the world have believ'd, that a-
mongſt all the actions of his life, this was of greateſt importance to
the conſervation of his Fortune. Upon this refufal of his,divers Judg-
ments were made,all actions of great men,eſpecially Favorites,never
wanting interpreters: fuch as were jufteft to the Duke highly appro-
ved his condu&, that ſo prudently under the fhadow of reſpect, had
rejected an advantage, that in it felf carried only noife, and fhew;
though otherwiſe it might render him capable of pretending to
more folid things,and at leaſt make him rival the extraordinary ho-
nor the Duke of Joyeu/e had receiv'd; others that would lefs favour-
ably interpret him, diſcommended his carriage, as if by this refu-
fal he intended tacitly to condemn the Duke of Joyeuse his Vanity,
and Ambition; and theſe confirm'd themſelves in their opinion,
by the great disproportion they ſaw betwixt the moderate expenſe
E
at
↓
L
Book I.
20
The Hiftory of the Life of
The jour-
nal of
third.
Anno atthe Marriage of the Duke's elder Brother, and the prodigious
1581. profufion that was made at that of the Duke of Joyeuse; where the
expenſe was ſo great as amounted to above two millions of Livers,
an immenfe fumme in thoſe days, and eſpecially at a time wherein
Henry the the State was in great neceffities. This gave a great occafion of mur-
mare, not only to the well and ill difpos'd French, but even to
fuch ſtrangers as were affectionate to the Crown of France; where-
as that of Mounfieur de la Valette, which was folemnized at the
fame time with Anne de Batarnay, was paft over with very little
noiſe; not but that the King would alſo in this occafion have
powr'd out his liberality: but the two Brothers, having diſcreetly
avoided an unneceffary expenſe, foberly husbanded their Maſters
purſe, to his and their own reputation.
}
Anno
The two
Favourites
From the time that his Majefty had determined to raiſe his two
1582. Favourites to the honour of his Alliance, he honoured them both
with the Dignity of Duke, and Peer; and purchas'd in Caumont's
name the Manour of Efpernon, to the end, he might bear that Title.
But his Letters Patents, having been carried to the Parliament, re-
ceiv'd at firſt ſome difficulty in their verification, as it had before
happened,in the cafe of Joyeufe: which difficulty arofe from the place
the King had given in thofe Letters to the two new Dukes, having
there ranck'd them immediately after the Princes of the Blood,
which the other more ancient Dukes, being highly diſpleas'd at,
oppos'd; and had fo wrought the Parliament to their Favour, that
Dukes and the King was forc'd to fend them a peremptory command to pafs
over all oppofitions, telling them (amongſt other terms of fa-
vour) that having chofen Caumont, and Joyeuse, for his Brothers-in-
law, and intending to place them by this Alliance fo near his own
perſon, he could not endure they fhould make any difficulty of re-
ceiving them into the degree, he had affign'd for them; that Ho-
nour being far inferiour to what he had already conferr'd upon
them by that choice: Upon which, there being no more conteft,
the thing paft according to his Majeſties pleaſure, and was recorded
without reſervation.
made
Peers of
France.
Anno
1583.
Though the King feem'd to have his thoughts wholly taken
up with theſe little domeftick Affairs, and to intend nothing but the
advancement of his Favourites; yet was he not even in this with-
out a further end, and defign: for perceiving himſelf too weak by
fine force, to crush the two powerful Factions, that divided the
whole Kingdom, he try'd to accomplish that by policy, which he
could not effect by power, in depriving both fides of all kind of
authority and truft, advancing on the contrary his Favourites, and
fuch as he had confidence in, to all the Offices, and Employments
he
3
Вook. I.
27
the Duke of Efpernon.
he poffibly could; neither was there any grace, or favour to be ob-
tain'd, but for them, or for fuch of their creatures, as wholly re-
lied upon their fortune. Neither met this deſign of his with any
oppoſition from the Hugonot Party; who, the more they were his
open and declared Enemies, the leſs were they in his way, and gave
him the leſs trouble: For the Court being fufpected to the King of
Navarre, the Prince of Conde, and the other Chiefs of their party,
kept them at ſuch a distance, as depriv'd them of the means to fue
for Governments, Offices, and commands of places; nay, it was
favour to let them enjoy thoſe they already had; fo that living
retir'd, and at eaſe, but without credit, or confideration, their inte-
reft by degrees mouldred away, and grew weak of it ſelf: which
was the poſture the King would have them in. But the heads of
the League were in a far different condition, they had for many
years upheld their credit at Court, had diſcharg'd fucceffively
from Father to Son, the greateſt Offices of the Crown, were pof-
feſt of many important Governments, and very confiderable pla-
ces, and by the greatness of their Birth, and Services, by the
repu-
tation of their valour, and other eminent qualities they were Ma-
fters of, endeavour'd to eclipfe the Majefty of the King; who, be
ing less enclin❜d to oftentation, liv'd a more retir'd life than they.
Anno
1583
Court, and
It was neceffary to abate the growing greatness of thoſe power- The state of
ful, and dangerous Subjects; to effect which (which was the chief Affairs at
and moſt important Affair of State) the King firft exhibited a pub- the Kings
lick and general prohibition to all forts of people, excepting the condret.
Queen his Mother, and the Queen his Wife, not to preſume to
ask any thing of his Majefty, whether Money, Offices, or Com-
mands; referving wholly to himſelf the difpofition of all ſuch
things, and that of hisown voluntary grace, and bounty, and up.
on due confideration of the party's Merit. And to the end that the
over free acceſs to his perfon, might not give occafion to thoſe he
moſt ſuſpected to exceed the limits of this prohibition, he ſecon-
ded that with another. That no perfon of what quality foever,
fhould come into his Cabinet, without he were call'd: but from
this general rule he made a particular exception for his Favourites,
whom he made free to enter at all hours, like enough on purpoſe
to nettle the Houſe of Guife; though they were not the only men
offended at it, almoſt all the great men about the Court, being ſen-
fibly concern'd, to be depriv'd of a priviledge, that was now only
referv'd for five or fix of his Majefties Creatures.
The Lords of the Houſe of Guife, being by this means exclu-
ded from all hope of encreaſing their power by new acquifitions
of truft, the King began to contrive how he might gently with-
E 2
draw
+
•
28
Воок І.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno draw what they already had, out of their hands; and carried it fo,
1583. that ſo often as there was any vacancy, by the deceaſe of any of
The Duke
advances
lations.
their creatures, he immediately conferr'd thofe places upon fome
of his own; and if at any time any of their Partizans were con-
tent to take money for fuch charges, as they were feis'd of, the
King would ftick at nothing that might fatisfie them, to the end
he might difpofe places, into fecure, and faithful hands. The
Duke of Joyeuse by theſe two ways, that is by the King's gift when
a Government fell void, or otherwiſe by Contract, had obtain❜d
the Government of Normandy, with Haure de Grace, Caen, and
other places: the Government of Anjou for the Compte de Bon-
chage, his Brother; the Lieutenancy of Languedoc for his Father,
with many other important Governments and Places. The Duke
of Efpernon had alfo the Government of Metz, and the Meßin
Countrey, that of Dauphine, Boulogne, Calice, la Fere, Loches, the
Citadel of Lions, and fome others.
As it was neceffary for theſe two great men to find out affured
Friends, and faithful Servants, into whofe hands they might ſafe-
ly commit ſo many feveral places of truft, as the King's bounty
had poffeft them of; fo was it the Duke of Efpernon's care to pro-
vide himſelf of fuch perfons; and fuppofing he could find none,
who were likely to be more faithful to him, than thoſe of his own
Kindred and Relation, he to that purpofe call'd the greateſt part
of them about his perſon. His elder Brother had by his recom-
his own Re. mendation the Government of Dauphine, in which employment
he behav'd himſelf fo well, that he preferved that Province entire
in his Majeſties obedience during all the commotions of the
League: neither were his Services confin'd within the bounds of
his Government; he paffed over feveral times into Provence, and
fecur'd that Countrey against the attempts of the faid League,when
affifted both by Spain and Savoy. He also oppos'd the power of
the Hugonots, which was very confiderable in both thefe Provin-
ces; fo that France has to him only the obligation, that Dauphiné
is not now in the Savoyard's hands, as well as the Marquifate of
Saluzzo. Montcafin the Dukes Coufin was put into Metz, Cajan
his Brother had the Regiment of Champagne, and foon after the
Lieutenancy of Xaintogne, Angomois, and the Countrey of Aulins.
And many other places were difpos'd into the hands of feveral men
of truft, and quality, who depended upon the Duke.
1
But he had yet a Kinfman in Gafcony, to whom, next to his Bro-
ther, he had a particular regard above all others, which was Roger,
afterwards Duke de Bellegarde, Son to Mounfieur de Termes, the
Duke's Uncle by the Mothers fide, and Heir to the Houſe of Bel-
legarde.
1
•
BOOK I. the Duke of Efpernon.
29
leganded! This young Gentleman, being bred up according to his Anno
condition, to all the exerciſes becoming a perſon of his Birth and 1583.
Cuality, was by the Duke brought to Court; where he continu-
ed the care of his Education in his own Houfe, keeping him ſtill
to his Exerciſes, till he was grown excellent in them all: butche
Duke was not content to oblige, him only in this, he further em-
ploy'd his care, and good Offices to place him in the Kings eſteem,
wherein he fucceeded perhaps beyond his own defire, Bellegarde
arriving to fuch a degree of Favour, as grew at laft fufpected to
the Duke himſelf,
Anno
1584.
commotion
of the
Some years paft over in theſe Court practices; neither from the
time of the Treaty of Peace with the King of Navarre,
in the Year 1580 until the beginning of the Year 1584. were
there any Affairs of importance, fave thofe of the Cabinet. The
King conſtant to his firft Maxims, continually labour'd the ruine
of the League, and of the Hugonot Party; neither was he, in his
own nature, more inclin❜d to advance thoſe he had a kindneſs for,
than he was bent to weaken, and deprefs thoſe who were lulpe-
&ted to him. The Duke of Guife, the Cardinal his Brother, their The first
Relations, and Confederates, feeing all things directed to this end,
and not being able to endure the condition of private perfons to League.
which they faw the King endeavour'd to reduce them, fet on foot
great practices, both within, and without the Kingdom, and try'd
all imaginable ways they thought might help to fortifie and ſe-
cure themſelves. And as they had hitherto been proceeded againſt
without violence, fo had they carried on their practices without
noiſe but at laſt finding the King more openly labour'd their
ruine, which was already almoſt inevitable, they would no lon-
ger forbear to unmask themſelves, nor to publiſh their long pre-
meditated deſigns by an open Rupture.
In the beginning then of the Year 1585. the Duke of Guiſe re-
tir'd himſelf to Joinville, and there receiv'd into his Houſe the
King of Spain's Deputies, together with the Sieur de Meneville
Attorney to the Cardinal of Bourbon, who did all the buſineſs of
the League in France. Where alſo the Duke of Mayenne his Bro-
ther, and divers others of his Partizans, repair'd to him. At which
Aſſembly it was reſolv'd to break out fuddenly into open Arms,
upon fuch conditions, as the Hiſtorians of that time have already
declar'd, and which is nothing to my buſineſs.
The King, who was foon advertiz'd of this Confpiracy (which
was now no longer a fecret) to hinder it from taking any dange-
rous effect,and in due time to provide for the fafety of the Kingdom,
affembled, together with the Queen his Mother, fuch perſons as
were
Anno
1585.
។
1
·
30
BOOK I.
The Hiflory of the Life of
+
Anno were of chiefeft trust about him, and whofe Counfels he ever
1585. made uſe of in debates of greatest importance, to deliberate, and
adviſe what, in this pofture of Affairs, was beft to be done.
Theſe were the Dukes of Elpernon, of Joyeuse, and of Retz, the
Chancellour Chiverny, Bellieure, DO, Villeroy, and Villequier. The
Duke of Efpernon as the youngest, being commanded to give his
opinion firſt of the Propofition in hand, freely Remonftrated.
That fo long as the ambition of the House of Guiſe had contain'd it
Jelf within fome moderate limits of refpect to their Sovereign, he
had infinitely commended his Majefties Clemency, that fo long had
wink'd at their faults, expecting when Subjects of their quality
and merit jhould come to themselves, and fee their own error.
That in the beginning of great Crimes, Patience was almost a ne-
ceſſary Vertue, and that it had often oblig'd fuch Offenders into
their duty, as it would have been a matter of fome difficulty to
have reduc'd by force: but that this Patience had its bounds as
well as other Vertues, and that the excess of it degenerated into
Vices, of all other moft pernicious to Princes. That he would ne-
ver adviſe his Majefty to cruelty, because it was dreadful, and in-
humane, though it often begot tht Sovereign power a more abfo-
lute respect. That profufeness begot love, at least in the receivers;
and that the other mistakes of Princes were feldom altogether un-
fruitful; whereas an exceßive toleration render'd them contem-
ptible to all the world. That from contempt men fell into hatred,
and from hatred ran headlong into attempts. That above all
things Princes fhould fear being defpis'd, which is infallibly de-
ftructive to Authority; as on the contrary, Fear and Respect fup-
ports it. That it was his opinion, the King without further de
liberation should have recourfe to Arms. That his Enemies not
having yet the aßiſtance of Strangers, and the Forces they expe
Eted at home not being yet united, would be eaſily ſuppreſt. That
his Majesty ought not to fufpect his own strength in this occafion;
that fo good a caufe as his could want no Souldiers, and that his
own Royal Courage would give vigour, and encouragement to all
true Frenchmen to maintain his Authority, not only against kis
Rebellious Subjects, but against all the World.
The Chancellour Chiverny, the Duke de Retz, and the Mar-
quis D'o, were of this opinion, and the King himſelf had too
much experience, and too much judgement, not to be of the
fame; but the Duke of Joyeuse, Bellieure, Villeroy, and Villequier,
were of a contrary advice: to whom the Queen Mother adhering,
the
1
છે
T
1
BOOK I. the Duke of Efpernon.
the King, who had ever a great deference to her Councils, cool'd
in the inclination he had to that of the Duke of Efpernon, and
was over-rul'd into mildneſs, and moderation; which as they are
ufually, the ruine of all Affairs of this nature, fo they prov❜d to
be of this.
They thenceforward therefore began to treat about this War,
and that by propofitions not like thole of a Prince to his Subject;
but fuch as were more proper betwixt enemy,and enemy,that stood
upon equal ground. The King, before he would refolve upon the
laft remedy of Arms, firft caus'd the Duke of Guife to be foun-
ded, to try, whether or no, he would by fair means be prevail'd
with to leave of thoſe practices his Majefty very well knew he en-
tertain❜d againſt his Service, and his own Duty: which having
in vain attempted, and finding his obftinacy to be fuch, as was
not to be overcome by gentle wayes, he prefently diſpatch'd away
into Germany, and Switzerland, to make ſpeedy Leavies both of
Horſe and Foot; and conceiving he could not in the prefent necef-
fity receive fo prompt, and fo certain a fuccour from any, as from
the King of Navarre, his Majefty would try if he could not gain
him to his Intereft, that they might joyntly oppoſe the firſt fury
of the League, that erected it felf to their common prejudice. In
which deliberation there was notwithſtanding, an almoſt invinci-
ble difficulty, namely the difference of Religion; for the King,
what need foever he had of the King of Navarre's affiftance, could
never perſwade himſelf to joyn with him in Arms, if he were not
firſt a Catholick; wherein the refpect to his Confcience prevail'd
with him, above the confideration of his Fortune, and King-
dom.
31
Anno
1585.
fends the
1
This point therefore, upon which fo much depended, was to
be difcreetly managed: and the Duke of Efpernon as Supreme in
the Kings confidence, was, before all others chofen to treat with
the King of Navarre about this great Affair; which, that it might The King
be carried with the greater fecrefie, the Duke pretended a vifit to Duke of
Madam de la Valette, his Mother at Caumont, whom he had never Efpernon to
feen fince his advancement to favour; nor whom (a rare the King of
example of Vertue, and Moderation in a perſon of her Sex, and Navarre.
Condition) he could ever, with all the inftance he could uſe, pre-
vail with, to come to Court, nor perfwade to leave the fweet re-
pole of her own Houſe, nor the modefty, and retiredneſs of her
former life.
Things being thus ordered, the Duke began his Journey from
Court with a Train, and Magnificence; that is ftill remembred in
all the places, through which he paſt. He had above 500 Gentle-
men,
treat with
32
BOOK I
The Hiflory of the Life of
1
Anno men, and many of thofe men of
many of thoſe men of very great quality in his atten-
1585. dance: fo great authority and eſteem, he had already acquir'd;
neither did that authority and efteem ever decline, but were his
infeparable Companions during his whole life. The King writ to
all the places, through which he was to paſs, to receive him with
the ſame reſpect, and to pay him the fame honours they would do
to his own perfon: which was abfolutely obey'd, if not over
done, the Duke receiving infinite and unuſual civilities, both at
Orleans, Poitiers, Burdeaux, Tholoufe, and in all the other Cities
through which he pafs'd. At laft he arriv'd at Caumont, where he
had the fatisfaction of feeing his Mother, who was no more daz-
led with the immediate fight of her Son's greatneſs, than ſhe had
been before elevated with the report of it. She diſcours'd with him
of Affairs of State, and of the advantages of his own Fortune,
with the Gravity and Authority of a Mother, but of a Vertuous
and Prudent Mother: and I have heard him fay, That he receiv'd
more ſafe and ſolid Counſels from the prndent fimplicity of that
good Lady, than from the fubtlety, and experience, of the moſt
practis'd Courtiers.
D' Aubigné.
After having ſtaid ſome days in her company, and his chief
buſineſs being not to receive a diſpatch there, he parted thence
towards the King of Navarre, who was then in the County of
Foix. The King did him the honour to meet him as far as Saver-
dun, where they had the firft Conference. The fecond was at Pa-
miers, in the fame County of Foix, whither the Duke of Efper-
non (who could by no means avoid the great crowd of Nobility,
and Gentry that came from all parts of Guienne, and Languedoc to
ſee him) came ſo extraordinarily accompanied; that the King of
Navarre, who (deſigning to continue the fame honour to him)
intended to have met him a good way out of Town, was adviſed
to expect him on foot at the Gates of the City, his own Friends
and Retinue, being too few to make up a number, that might
hold any proportion with that the Duke brought along with him.
In theſe two Conferences the Duke deliver'd what he had in
Commiffion, fortifying the propofitions he had to make with ſo
many, and fo powerful Arguments; that the King of Navarre
clearly fatisfied of his own good, difcover'd at laft a great incli-
nation to perform what the King defir'd of him, viz. his Conver-
fion to the Roman Catholick Religion. He evidently faw the
eminent danger, whereinto this great confpiracy of the League
was likely to precipitate him; with the advantages he might have
by running the fame fortune with the King, of defending himſelf,
and his Intereft, by his Majefties Authority and Power.
Requelaure
BOOK I.
33
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
Requelaure, and many other perfons of good quality about him,
fortifi'd him in this good deliberation;but he was diffwaded from
it by a far greater number of the other opinion, who repreſented
to him, the hard uſage he had receiv'd at Court, the hazards he
had run in his own perfon, and the perfecution thofe of the Re-
form'd Religion, who were his Servants, and Friends, had fuffer'd
from thence.
They did not ftick further abfolutely to impute all the hard mea-
fure the Hugonot Party had receiv'd to this King; although the
greateſt violencies had been exerciſed upon them in the Reign of
Charles the Ninth, expreffing as paffionate a hatred against him, as
the League fo impudently manifefted in their Rebellious Actions.
And certainly the Misfortune of this Prince is never too much to
be lamented, nor the unfteddineſs of his condition too much to
be wondered at; having his Kingdom divided by two Factions,
fo directly oppoſite to one another that he could never ſerve him-
felf by the one, to defend himſelf from the other; and both fides,
though implacable enemies betwixt themſelves, concurr'd never-
theleſs always in this, that they both equally defired his Ruine.
At laft, after many Conferences, the King of Navarre gave the
Duke his final Answer at Pau,whither he had invited him to come,
to this effect
That he was the Kings moft humble Servant, that he would juftifie
himſelf to be fo upon all occafions, and that be would never feparate him
ſelf from his Service and Interefts, if his Majeſty did not conſtrain him
to it, by condescending too much to his Enemies Counfels: but that he
could not, for any confideration of Honour, Riches, or any other advan-
tages that could be propos'd to him, depart from the Religion he bad em-
brac'd, and was fo firmly establish'd in.
It was in this pleaſant Palace of Pau, and amongſt the magni-
ficences and delights, that place then abounded in, that the Duke
had firſt the honour to fee the Lady Catharine, the King of Na-
varre's only Siſter, fince Dutchess of Bar, in whom the Duke's
Merit, who was then in the flower of his youth, and the meridi-
an of his favour, made fuch an impreffion, that fhe began from
that time to honour him with her favour, which fhe continued
to him to her death. And it is certain that the King her Brother
(who perhaps did not think himſelf ſo near that height of for-
tune, to which he ſoon after arriv'd, and who doubtlefs would
have been glad to have engag'd the Duke abfolutely to his Inte-
reſts) made him ſome propofitions of Marriage with this Prin-
cefs; but the condition of the time, and intervening accidents,
permitting that Treaty to pass no further, the Duke was forc'd to
F
content
Anno
1585.
34
Book I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno content himſelf with the advantage of fo glorious a friendſhip,
1585. which was ever after dear, and precious to him, the whole remain-
der of his life.
The King of Navarre to multiply ftill more entertainments,and
favours upon the Duke, would needs have him yet to give him the
fatisfaction of another vifit at Nerac; which the Duke could not
handſomely deny, though the Kings commands were ſomething
preffing for his return to Court: and as it is likely the King of
Navarre spun out the time, that he might more maturely delibe-
rate upon an Affair of fo great importance; fo was it the Duke's
intereft to give him that leiſure he deſired, if poffible to make his
negotiation fucceed according to the King his Maſters defire. But
in the end finding he could not overcome thoſe traverſes, and diffi-
culties, that his Majefties enemies ſtill ſtrew'd in his way, he pre-
par'd himſelf for his departure; and then it was, that opening the
laft, and moſt ſecret part of his Commiffion; he told the King of
Navarre, That though he had denied his Majesty the fatisfaction he de-
fired of him, yet that the King nevertheless confidering him as his Kinf-
man, and next Heir to the Crown, if God should pleafe to difpofe of
him without Iffue, had given bim in charge to let him know, that he
would be well pleas'd, he should use his best endeavour to preferve himself
in a condition to oppose the League, that was confederated to the ruine
of the Royal House and Line. That fince they could not unite their Arms
to refift their common Enemies, he should at least affure himſelf of the
places already in his poffeßion; which his Majesty took to be much fa
fer, and much more at his devotion in his hands, than thoſe that ſhould
hereafter be poffeft by the League. And that although in the prefent ftate
of Affairs be could not openly favour his deſigns, by reafon of their diffe-
rence in Religion; nor avoid being inftant for the reflitution of those
cautionary places, that had been granted to him; yet that he should ne-
vertheless be very well fatisfied with whatever he should do to his own
advantage. After this Declaration, which was receiv'd by the King
of Navarre with infinite demonftrations of Obligation and Re-
ſpect, the Duke took poft for the Court at Lions, where the King
impatiently expected his return.
He was now arriv'd within view of the City, and all the Court
were mounted to honour his arrival, the King himſelf having
much ado to forbear going out to meet him; when a ftrange,
and unexpected A ccident was like to have turn'd all the Honours
prepar'd for his welcome into the Funeral Pomp of his Obfequies:
For one of the Gentlemen, who came out to meet him, having ac-
cidentally intangled the Chape of his Sword in the Duke's Bridle,
the Horſe took fuch a fright at it, that he immediately ran away
with
1
BOOK I.
35
the Duke of Efpernon.
M
with his Maſter; nor could the Duke ſtop him with all the art,and
force he had, from throwing himſelf, and his Rider headlong
into a dreadful precipice; the place, very remarkable by the great-
neſs of the fall, and the wonderful eſcape, is to this day call'd Ef
pernons Leap; neither was there any man prefent, who did not
confidently believe the Duke certainly bruis'd to pieces: an opini-
on fo firmly grounded in every one, that the report of his Death
was immediately carried to Lions, which made as many ſeveral im
preffions in mens minds, as their inclinations were different, `to-
wards him. But the King was afflicted beyond imagination,
though his Majefty was not long in that error: For fome of the
company, having immediately defcended the precipice, found the
Horfe, who by good fortune fell plum upon his feet, and bore,
the whole weight of the fall, kill'd ftone dead, but the Duke mi-
raculouſly eſcap'd, with only a flight hurt in the Shoulder. This
accident fet all the Court Wits on work; neither was there any,
who did not write fomething upon this occafion; but that which
moft pleas'd the Duke, was an Emblem, that was preſented to
him. The body of the Emblem was a figure of the Duke him-
felf, hanging upon the brow of a precipice; fo as that he feem'd
to be irrecoverably falling from that prodigious height; when For-
tune running to his fuccour, withdrew him from the danger, with
this Motto in Italian, the firſt words thereof expreffing his name,
Eper non laſciarti mai. A Motto the Duke at firſt took for a good
Omen; which time, and his own good conduct after turn'd into a
kind of Prophefie; and caufing it to be grav'd in a Cornelian, and
fet in a Ring, he wore it many years upon his Finger, as a mark of
his gratitude to Fortune, or rather Providence, which is effectu-
ally that we call Fortune; to which he ever attributed all the fuc-
ceffes of his life, rather than to his own conduct.
Anno
1585.
By this accident the Kings affection to the Duke ſeem'd to be
augmented, at leaſt it made a greater fhew of tenderness, than in
former occafions, his Majefty never almoft departing his Cham-
ber during the time he was conftrain'd to keep his Bed: and it
was in this condition that he gave the King a full account of his
Journey, and Negotiation; a thing that furnish'd the League
with a fufficient pretenfe to decry the Kings actions; neither did The League
the Chiefs of that Faction fail to cauſe it proclaim'd in the Pulpits Duke of E-
(as it is uſual to make Holy Places and Religious men the Scenes, pernon's
and Inftruments to blemish the Actions of Princes) that his Ma- Voyage a
jefty was ftrictly united with Hereticks: and that this flander tir up the
might the better be believ'd, the Duke of Efpernon's Voyage people.
(whom they endeavour'd to render odious to the people, by cal-
F 2
ling
makes the
Pretense to
3
36
BOOK I
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno ling him the Abetter of that Party) was firft brought upon the
1585. ftage; they publifh'd that Negotiation to be a confpiracy againſt
the Catholick Religion, which was no way to be oppos'd, but
with their Swords in their hands: So that this was the firft Pre-
tenſe they made uſe of, to colour their Rebellion.
The Duke
But before they would proceed to the effects of fo violent a Ru-
pture, the Duke of Guife, who would have been glad to have
won the Duke of Efpernon to his Party, by that means to remove
thofe obftacles which the Dukes Vigour and Fidelity ever had,
and were ftill likely to oppofe to his Defignis, caus'd him to be
treated with about a match with his Daughter, fince Princeſs of
Conty: a Princeſs that for the beauty of her perfon, the vigour of
her mind, and many other endowments, and excellent qualities,
Duke of Eſ- had few rivals in the Kingdom; neither was the Duke of Efper-
fide by si non fo blind, as not to fee the honour he ſhould receive by this al-
ving him his liance, had it been propos'd in a more quiet time; or had the
Daughter. Duke her Father been upon better terms with the King: but
of Guife at
tempts to
win the
pernon to his
gi-
+
knowing he muſt by ſuch a match abandon his duty, or at leaft be
oblig'd to favour defigns he could by no means approve, the laft
confideration ſo abfolutely prevail'd above the other, that he ſcarce
deliberated upon a thing that was likely to ſtagger his fidelity; and
how dangerous foever it were to declare himſelf an open enemy to
the Duke of Guife, which he muſt of neceffity do by refuſing his
alliance; he rather chofe to run that hazard, than to faulter in the
leaft in the duty he ow'd to his Prince and Benefactor.
It is hard to judge, what paffions of grief, and defpite, the
Duke of Guife was poffeft withal, to fee his defigns fo fruftrated,
and his offer ſo deſpis'd by this refufal, which was in it ſelf no
light offenſe; neither did he afterwards meditate any thing more,
than his revenge; and how to deftroy him he could neither by ci-
vilities, nor by threats acquire unto him: but his fury was rais'd
to the height by a new Honour the Duke had conferr'd upon him:
The fecond which was the ſecond Pretenſe the League took hold of to juftifie
the League.
their proceedings.
prerenſe of
The King had ſome time before this bought the Duke of May-
enne out of his charge of Admiral of France, which the Duke
had the rather laid down in favour of the Duke of Joyeuſe; and
his Majeſty defirous to conferre upon the Duke of Efpernon alſo
fome Office of the Crown (to continue the fame equality he had
ever obſerv'd in their Fortunes) propos'd to the Duke of Guiſe a
very advantageous recompenfe in lieu of his Office of Grand-Mais
ftre to the Kings Houfhold; and it ſeem'd probable he would fol-
low the example of his Brother the Duke of Mayenne, who doubt-
lefs
1
BOOK I. the Duke of Efpernon.
3.7
1
of Colonel
&ed.
leſs had not quitted ſo important a charge without his elder Bro- Anno
ther's advice: but the Duke of Guife notwithſtanding would never 1585.
comply with his Majefties defire, and though the King would
never permit him to exercife any function of his charge, thereby
to make him weary of it; yet was he ftill more obftinately bent
to keep it, nor would ever confent (as he faid) That bis Enemy
fhould poffefs any of thofe charges he had exerciz'd, and been-invested
Dithal. The King ſeeing him ſo obftinate, and perhaps not more
folicitous to advance the Fortune of his Favourite, than willing to
fpite the Duke of Guife, refolv'd with himſelf to erect, purpoſely
for the Duke of Efpernon, an Office, fo honourable, and fo great,
as fhould by its authority and power infinitely furpaſs all other the
higheſt, and moſt important employments both of the State and
Crown: and this was that of Colonel General of France; an Of The Office
fice formerly divided into two, on this fide, and on that fide the General of
Mountains, of which Andelot had poffeft the one, and Strozzi France exe-
the other; and after Andelot's death they were united in Strozzi,
who remain'd fole Colonel. After Strozzi's deceaſe, the King ha-
ying by an Edict re-united theſe two Offices into one, made it an
Office of the Crown, under the Title of Colonel General of France,
caus'd that Edict to be ratified in Parliament, attributing to it the
abſolute power to name in general Officers for all the vacant pla-
ces in the French Militia, without ſo much as excepting from this
nomination, that of Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards: He
eſtabliſh'd for the Colonel a Sovereign Court of Juftice,or Coun-
cil of War, to determine of the Lives and Honours of Military
men, without calling any other to it, than his own Officers; ad-
ding to it befides ſeveral Graunts, Priviledges, and Penfions, and
finally (to fum up all his bounty) his Majefty delivering the Com-
miffion into the Dukes hands,told him,that nothing troubled him,
but that he knew not how to inveſt him into a more abfolute Au-
thority, and that he could not adde a part of the Royal Dignity to
his charge. And it is certain, that in giving the Duke the Govern-
ments of Metz, Toul, and Verdun, his Majefty would have given
them in Sovereignty, and have demis'd to him the Title of the
Crown: but the Duke difpleas'd with this propofition, as an in-
jury offer'd to his Obedience and Loyalty, complain'd to the King,
that his Majeſty, honouring him with fo noble an employment,
fhould go about to deprive him of the dearest Relation he had,
which was that of his Majefties moft humble, and obedient Sub-
ject, an honour that in his foul he preferr'd before all titles of
Sovereignty, and all the advantages of Fortune his Majefty
could prefer him to; and thereupon receiv'd both the Govern-
ments,
+
1
28
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno ments, and the charge of Colonel General, under the Kings Au-
1585. thority.
The Duke
of Guife's
complaints.
rakes up
Arms.
;
From this new advancement the League, as I have ſaid be-
fore, deriv'd their ſecond pretenfe for the taking of Arms;
they look'd upon the Duke of Efpernon's new Honour, as an
offence to their whole Party; and the Duke of Guife took it
for a particular injury to himſelf, and thereupon openly pub-
lifh'd.
That there were now no more Employments, Riches, or Honours, fave
only for the Duke of Eſpernon, and la Valette his Brother.That
the State was only impoverish'd by profufions made in their favour.
That they were the true caufes of the peoples oppreßßion. That the
Treaſure, fet apart for the extirpation of Herefie,was by them per-
verted to their own uſes, and particular profit. That the greatest
Dignities, the most important Places, and Governments of great-
eft concern, were too many advantages for their ambition. That
whilst the Kings good Servants were neglected, and kept under,
there were new Offices, with unheard of Priviledges, contriv'd,
and erected for them. That if the power they had over the King
were longer fuffer'd, they would equally ruine the State, and Re
ligion. That the Duke of Efpernon was therefore to be remov'd
from Court, if men defir'd to ſee an end of publick Miferies. That
his Majefty being deliver'd from his Counfels, which were equally
violent, and intereffed, would doubtless for the future be more
favourable to his good Subjects, and better inclined to the Catho-
lick Caufe.
At the fame time a Manifefto was publifh'd by the Cardinal
of Bourbon, who was the declared Head of that Faction, con-
taining principally the foregoing complaints, and immediately
The League after follow'd the rifing into Arms. The firft defign of the
League was upon Metz, as if they meant to ftrike at the heart
of the Duke of Efpernon's Fortune; a place fo confiderable,
that the Duke had reafon to look upon it, as the fureft founda-
tion of his greatneſs: neither did he in his latter years conde-
ſcend to any thing with more unwillingneſs, and reluctancy,
than to the furrender of that place, that propofition feeming
to him, as though men were bent to the total ruine of his
Houſe; nor could he ever have been perfwaded to have ftript
himſelf of fuch a defenſe, upon a lefs confideration, than the
inveftiture of his Son the Cardinal of la Valette into that Go-
vernment; who being younger by forty years, than himſelf,
he
BOOK I. the Duke of Efpernon,
39
Anno
he might reaſonably hope, it would continue in his Family at
leaft during his life: but God was pleaſed to diſpoſe it other- 1585.
wife.
1
ما
City of
tance.
To make a right judgment of the importance of this place,
it will be neceffary to confider its Site, and condition; and the
fhare it has ever had in the Duke's Fortune does indeed require
it ſhould be ſomething infifted upon. Metz then is a City fome- The deferi-
thing bigger than Burdeaux, or Orleans; that is to fay, one of prion of the
the greateft, and the faireft in the Kingdom, full of Inhabitants, Metz, and
and thoſe a rich and induſtrious people; to whom the neigh- is impor
bourhood of Germany gives great facility, to an advantageous
Commerce.She was in former times thought beautiful enough to
be the Metropolis of duftrafia, once the Inheritance of one of our
Kings: but when the Empire of Germany began to decline, and
that the Princes who were Subject to it began to withdraw
themſelves from their obedience (every one being ambitious to
be Sovereign in his own Dominions) many Cities, which were
alſo in the fame fubjection, allur'd by the tempting found of
Liberty, follow'd the ſame example.Of theſe Metz was one, who
for many years took leave to govern her felf by her own Laws,
annually creating Sovereign Magiftrates, difpofing abſolutely of
the Lives and Eſtates of her Subjects, Coyning Money, and in
all things taking upon her the Authority of a Sovereign Jurifdi-
ction; in which condition ſhe maintain'd her felf, till the Year
1552. that the Conftable Montmorency, paffing with the King's
Army that way, totally freed her from all kind of Homage to
the Empire, and fettled it under the Protection of the Crown of
France. 'Tis true that King Henry the Second, in whoſe Reign
this Conqueft was made, continued to this City her ancient pri-
viledges; but withal to affure himſelf of his poffeffion, he did
exceedingly fortifie it, eſtabliſhing a Governour of his own, and
cauſing a Citadel to be built, which was mightily cryed up, for
one of the beſt, and moft exact of that time: but this was be-
fore Sieges were turn'd into a Science, and that the induſtry of
man had left little to Fortune, in this kind of War. It does not
now carry that Reputation; and in this condition it was when
the Duke entred upon his Government,only with this difference,
that what its own Laws had formerly perform'd by their own
Virtue, during its independency, was now executed by his order,
under the Authority of the Royal Name,the Duke (as I have faid
before) abſolutely refuſing to accept it upon other terms. Hean-
nually appointed, and created the Supreme Magiftrate,whom they
call Maiftre Efchevin, and appointed him his Council, and *or Hab
Judges,
Sheriff.
4
40
BOOK I.
The Hißory of the Life of
Anno Judges, who were to determine in Sovereignty, upon the Lives,
1585. Honours, and Eftates of all the Inhabitants: but withal the
Duke had Authority upon occafion to cenfure them, had pow-
er to remove them from their Magiftracy within their year, if
he faw cauſe; or to continue them beyond their term, if he
thought fit. It is then no wonder if he were infinitely reſpected
in a place, where all things fo abfolutely depended upon him:
but that which was indeed very rare, and very commendable,
was, that in ſo unlimited a power, and in the courſe of above
threeſcore years, that this City continued in his Cuftody, he be-
hav'd himſelf with that Juftice, and Moderation, that not fo
much as any one Citizen ever complain'd of his adminiſtration ;
neither is there any now living, that do not yet remember,with 2
kind of delight, the indulgence, and Tweetness of his Govern-
ment.
Whilft the Duke ſtood feiz'd of a place of this conſequence,
and fo difpos'd to his fervice,it was no cafic matter to cut him off;
ſuch a retirement being a fufficient refuge from all fudden danger?
neither (the Town being intruſted in the hands of valiant, and
faithful friends) had it been convenient (even when he was moſt
remote from it) to provoke him, left a place of that importance,
fhould have taken part in his difgrace, and follow'd the humour
of his diſcontents. It was therefore by the taking of this Town,
'that the League would begin to labour the Duke's ruine, and in
that the advancement of their own Affairs.
The moſt confiderable Forces, the League had then on foot,
were thoſe of the Duke of Lorain; a Prince who having till
this time contain'd himſelf Neuter in all the Affairs of France, up-
on this occaſion thought fit, it ſeems, to declare himſelf partial to
his Family, in hopes nevertheleſs to joyn Metz, Toul, and Verdun
to his own Dukedom: neither was his defign unlikely to fuc-
ceed; for the two laft having made no great difficulty of receiving
the Duke of Guife, he had reafon (confidering the intelligence he
had in the City) to exped the fame from Metz, had not the Duke
of Efpernon by his vigilancy prevented him, feaſonably re-infor-
cing the Garrison, with divers Gentlemen his particular Servants,
and a good number of Souldiers; by whofe coming it was ſo well
fecur'd, that the League thought it not fit to attempt it.
This great ftorm, thus blown over, the Duke, alarm'd by the
late hazard this City had run, refolv'd to eſtabliſh himſelf in that
important poffeffion, fo as that for the future it might be fecur'd
from the like danger; and to that purpoſe ſome of his friends ha-
ving rendred the Governour ſuſpected to him by fome carriage of
his
/
BOOK I.
41.
the Duke of Efpernon.
at ſuch time as the Army of the League were approaching towards
him, though the grounds of this miftruft were not in the Dukes
opinion clear enough to countenance an open rupture with him ;
yet were they fufficient to make the Duke remove him from that
truft, and to call him about his own perſon, inftituting Sobole,
who before was only Lieutenant of the Cittadel, in the abfolute
authority both of the City, Cittadel, and Meßin Countrey; adding
withal ten thouſand Crowns in Gold to mend his Equipage, that
he might with the more honour fupport the honourable charge
he had ſeated him in; a bounty we ſhall hereafter fee how Sobole
requited: but that being the bufinefs of another time, Ifhall re-
fer it to another place, and purfue my former Subject:
نمرا
Anno
1585.
League.
The Leaguers not contenting themſelves with thofe petty fuccef- The Pro-
fes in Lorain, and being made wife and active, by the example of grefs of the
the Kings ruinous fupineness, who fate ftill, in vain expecting
the arrival of his Foreign Forces, almoft at the fame time by the
feveral Captains they had dispos'd into divers Provinces, furpriz'd
a great many of the chief Cities of the Kingdom, and made no
light attempts upon the reft. The Duke of Guife after the taking
of Toul, and Verdun, (which I have ſpoke of before) poffeft himſelf
yet of Meziere, by which he affur'd to himſelf the whole Coun-
trey of Champagne: The Duke of Mayenne took the City, and
Caſtle of Dijon, which made him Mafter of the Dutchy of Bur
gundy: la Chartre feiz'd of Bourges, Entragues of Orleans; the
Count de Brifac of Angiers, and many other Cities of that Pro-
vince. Vaillack had hop'd to have done as much by Bordeaux, by
the neighbourhood of Chasteau-Trompette, of which he was Go-
vernour: but the Marefchal de Matignon broke his defign,
and
Marfiles, by the Loyalty of her good Inhabitants, maintain'd it ſelf
againſt the Faction of fome who labour'd to betray it into the
power of the League: but the enterprize of the Cittadel of Lions
fucceeded better with Mandelot, who was Governour of the City,
and one of the Duke of Guife's firmeft Adherents; who having
been formerly awed into his duty by the Cittadel, in which le
Paffage had been plac'd by the Duke of Elpernon, to preferve a City
fo important to his Majefties Service; he who before-hand had
been made privy to the Duke of Guife's Deſigns, as ſoon as ever
he heard they were in Arms, failed not ſuddenly to begirt the Cit-
tadel; and being affifted by the people (who naturally hate to be
bridled by a Fortreſs) having furpriz'd le Paffage, who little fufpe-
cted any fuch thing, made himſelf Mafter of the place, and im-
mediately raz'd it to the ground.
It was upon this occafion that the ill will which had fo long
G
been
1
42
BOOK I.
The Hiftory of the Life of
The Ru-
Anno been conceal'd; yet had continually been foſtering in the Boſoms
1585. of the Duke of Elpernon, and Mounfieur de Villeroy, broke out;
from which quarrel, in the fucceffion of time, fprung fo
many, and
fo important confequences, as do not only take up a large fhare of
the Dukes Life, but also make up a confiderable part in the gene-
ral Hiſtory of that time; which obliges me in this place to dif
and Villeroy. courfe, both what I have receiv'd from the Dukes own mouth,
and what I have gather'd from the Commentaries of Mounfieur
de Villeroy himſelf.
pture be.
twixt the
Duke of
Efpernon
1
Mounfieur de Villeroy had been from the Dukes infancy Secreta-
1y, and Minifter of State; a friend to Mounfieur de la Valette the Fa-
ther, and a man of great Credit, and Intereft, in the King's Coun-
cil; he had ſeen the beginning, and encreaſe of the Dukes Favour,
at which he ought not in reafon to repine: but on the contrary
had cauſe to believe, that fuch a friend as he, would fortifie him
with the King, and be no little affifting to fupport that Truft he al-
ready pofleft in the management of Affairs. And in effect the
Duke had a true affection, and efteem for him, who as he was ever
very refpective, and conftantly fix'd to all his Fathers Intereſts
(whoſe memory he had in the greateſt veneration) it is certain
had a particular confideration for all his Friends; of which num-
ber Mounfieur Villeroy being one, the first years of the Duke's Fa-
your were paft over in a strict correſpondency with him: but at
laft Villeroy perceiving the Duke's Credit proceeded fo far,as whol-
ly to poffefs that intereft in the Kings Bofom he pretended to fhare,
he began in the end to grow jealous of a Proſperity, he ought fo
much the more to have cherish'd, by how much it was likely to
be more uſeful to him; and thenceforward began openly to
thwart all his opinions in Council,rais'd up a party againſt him, to
leffen his Reputation there and the Queen Mother nettled to fee
her Authority weakned with the King, by the great power the
Duke had with him; defiring nothing more, than to have him
remov'd, that ſhe might recover her former poffeffion, could find
no one fo ready as Mounfieur de Villeroy to fecond her Paffion, and
the animofity ſhe had conceiv'd.againft him. They joyntly ad-
vis'd that it was neceffary to facrifice the Duke to the malice of
the League; and that the King ought to abandon him for
the general fatisfaction; a Counſel that had been voluntarily fol-
low'd by the Duke himſelf: and I have heard him fay, he would
as willingly have retir'd then from Court, as he did not long after,
could he have obtain’d the Kings permiſſion: but his Majefty ve-
ry well perceiving that his Favourite was only a pretenfe the
League made ufe of to cover their own ambition, that it was the
Royal
T
3
BOOK I.
43
the Duke of Efpernon.
Royal Authority they aim'd at, and that their defign was only to
remove fo good a Servant, with lefs difficulty to make themfelves
Maiſters of Affairs; the more obftinately they infifted upon that
Article, the more refolute his Majefty was to protect him.
The Duke very well inform'd that Villeroy was one of thoſe,
who contributed moft to his Perfecution, and ſeeing how pub-
lickly he profeſs'd to deſire his ruine,reſented it with an Animofity
proportionable to the Injury receiv'd; which was the more violent,
by how much the offenfe came from a perfon he had never done
any
ill Office to, and whom he had ever made it his buſineſs to ob-
lige. They were in this pofture of unkindneſs, on the one fide,
and the other, when happned the taking of the Cittadel of Lions;
before which time it was thought, Villeroy had fecretly treated of a
Marriage betwixt Alincourt his Son, and Mandelot's only Daugh-
ter; not having dar'd publickly to do it by reaſon of the intelli-
gence Mandelst held with thofe of the League: but having upon
this occafion taken up Mandelot's Interefts against le Paffage ;
that is to fay, againſt the Duke himſelf, le Paffage being his crea-
ture, he offer'd to undertake for Mandelot's fidelity to the King,pro-
vided his Majefty would pleaſe to confent to the Marriage pro-
pos'd, and fettle upon Alincourt the Government of Lions in rever-
fion, in favour of the match; which the King, being reduced to
the neceffity of taking all men for friends, who were not actually
otherwife, was forc'd to allow of, and to ratifie what he could not
well impeach; by that means trying to draw Mandelot over to him:
but the Duke exasperated to the laft degree could no longer ſmo-
ther his paſſion, nor diffemble his animofity againſt Villeroy; but
ſpoke freely, and aloud to his difadvantage, and of the Correfpon-
dence he held with the League, which was the firſt effect of their
open, and declared Hatred.
The end of the first Book.
Anno
1585.
G 2
THE
ľ
:
'
45
A
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Second Book
i
Anno
proaches
Fter the Surrender,or rather the Revelt, of the ma-
ny places already mentioned, the Duke of Guife, 1585.
conceiving it neceffary to prefs nearer the King,
the fooner, and with lefs difficulty to obtain his
ends, order'd the General Rendezvous of his Ar-
my to be at Chalons. Which place he made choice
of for two Reaſons; firſt, becauſe by the nearness of it to Paris, The Duke
(being but three little days Journey from thence) his preſence of Guife ap-
would be apt to fortifie the Citizens in their Devotion to him, and with his
fecondly, the number of his Confederates being fo great,and fome Army near
of them of fo great Authority in the City,he could by their means
continually infuſe into the people fuch difpofitions, as might beſt
ſerve his purpoſe: hoping by this means, either to incline the
King, to fatisfie all his demands; or at least to be able to raiſe
fuch mutiny and confufion in the City, as might give him oppor-
tunity, at one time, or another, to effect that by fine Force,he could
not obtain by the more moderate ways of Addreffes, and Treaty.
Then it was that his Majefty perceiv'd the manifeft peril his
perſon,
Paris.
46
BOOK II,
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno Perſon, and his Affairs were in, and then would he take up
1585. Arms for his own defenſe; which he had no fooner refolv'd,
The Queen
Mother
fent to
Peace.
but
that at the fame time he faw it was too late, and impoffible to be
done. The Reiters which he had rais'd in Germany could not come
to him, (the Duke of Lorain having deny'd them a paffage through
his Countrey) and all the Forces within the Kingdom were either
engag'd with the League, or with the King of Navarre; fo that
the King was left utterly naked of all defenfe, fave of thofe few
Servants he had about his own perſon: Nay even thoſe who, in
the beginning of theſe troubles, would with all their hearts have
affifted him to puniſh the Duke, whilft meerly in the condition of
a Rebel, durft not, now he was grown to that formidable height,
and become the head of a ftrong Party, attempt to fuccour a
weak, and disfurniſh'd Prince, againſt an arimed and prevailing
Subject.
The thoughts of War then being altogether fruitless, and im-
poffible in the poſture the King then was, he muft of
he muft of neceffity
have recourſe to the Treaties of Peace; to which refolution he was
further neceffitated by the King of Navarre's breaking into Arms,
at the fame time, which I fhould not however have mention'd for
a fecond Motive his Majefty had to ſatisfie the League, had this
Prince pretended no further, than fimply to defend his own For-
tune with thoſe Forces he had already had in France; for then his
defigns might have been favourable to the King, and either have
kept the Army of the League wholly imploy'd; or at leaft have
diverted their defigns: but he fearing at once to be oppreft by the
Union of two Catholick Armies, had recourfe to ftrangers for
aid. The King knew he had treated with the Queen of England,
and with the States of Holland, who both of them affifted him
with Men, and Money, and that all the Proteftant Princes of
Germany, made extraordinary Proviſion to fend him a powerful
fuccour; fo that he now evidently faw, he muft in good earneſt
cloſe with the League, `and joyn with one of the Factions, to
preſerve himſelf from being a Prey to both.
The Queen Mother had for many years been employ'd Media-
trix in all the accomodations of Peace that had been concluded in
Treat of a France; and it was commonly believed, ſhe was not then altoge-
ther without ſuch an Intereft in the Duke of Guife, as might have
eſtabliſh'd this to the Kings fatisfaction: I never heard the Duke
of Efpernon ſay ſhe was partial to that Faction; and though he
receiv'd ſeveral ill Offices from her in his declining Favour, he not-
withſtanding ever retain'd a conſtant Reſpect for fo great a Prin-
cefs, who was his Mafters Mother, and ever defended her Honour
againft
$
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernion.
47
againſt all the calumnies of the time.. 'Tis true he thought the
was not altogether difpleas'd that there fhould ever be a party on
foot in France, fuch as might oblige the King her Son to make uſe
of her Counfels and Mediation; her great, and ambitious ſpirit
ill digeſting the calms of peace; and worſe enduring to be de-
priv'd of an employment; in which fhe had ever been as fucceſs-
ful as neceflary. Her therefore the King paffionately entreated to
labour an Accommodation with the Duke of Guife,an Office ſhe as
chearfully undertook, and two dayes after began her Journey to-
wards Efpernay, where ſhe had appointed the Duke to meet, and
whither he accordingly came, together with the Cardinal of
Bourbox. In the firft overtures the found a ſpirit puft up with fuc-
cefs, and wholly averse to Peace: but when he had more delibe-
rately confider'd, that it was not yet time to weaken the King's
Authority (which he thought was abfolutely at his mercy) that
there would afterwards remain the King of Navarre a powerful,
active, and diligent Enemy, back'd with great Forces within, and
ready to receive greater from without the Kingdom; he conceiv'd
it requifite to fubdue him firft, that he might afterwards difpofe
of the Kings Affairs with lefs oppofition: fo that he altogether
fell from the extravagancy of his firſt demands, and only infifted
vpon the fuppreffion of the King of Navarre, which he call'd the
extirpation of Herefie; though it was in effect in order only to
the eſtabliſhment of his own Power.
The King had ſo openly declared himſelf an Enemy (as effe-
atively he was) to this new Religion, and it fo much imported
him to clear himſelf to his Subjects from thoſe aſperſions the
League had caft upon him, that he was now neceffitated to declare
againſt the King of Navarre in the moſt ſevere Form, the League
could themſelves invent; yet was it not without the greateft relu-
&tancy imaginable, that his Majefty was conftrain'd to that extre-
mity againſt a Prince, whom (as has been ſaid before) it was not
his intereft wholly to fupprefs: but having loft the opportunity he
once had, whilft they were weak, and inconfiderable, of chafti-
fing the Heads of the League, he faw himſelf now neceffitated to
grant them that, he could no longer, without apparent Ruine, re-
fufe. His Wiſdom then prompting him to fubmit to the neceffity
of Affairs, he made a fhow of complying in all things with their
defires; and that he might with lefs difficulty encline the Duke of
Elpernon to conſent to a refolution he had ever before been ſo much
againſt, he privately told him, That he did not confent to those things
that were exacted from him without very great Averfion, but that he
hop'd to reap from thence a fignal effect, and a very great advantage to
his
Anno
1585.
1
1
!
+
48
BOOK II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
P
Anno his Affairs; that the Party of the League was now too strong to be fup-
1585. preft by force that they had brought their Armies to the Gates of Pa-
ris, and that Paris it felf was corrupted in their Favour That beve-
ry well faw the time to chastise them was now past, and that he now knew
(but too late) what he had loft in letting the occafion flip, wherein they
might have been puniſh'd, when he had advis'd him to it; but that fuch
an opportunity would certainly return again, and that then his evil
Counsellors should never diffwade him from making better uſe of his time :
That in the mean time it was neceffary to diffemble, that they might the
better look into their 'Enemies Interefts, to diſcover their weakneſs, and to
make uſe of that diſcovery to their ruine: That there was no Party fo
Strong that was not defective ſomewhere: That it was neceffary to dil-
cover where that defect lay, and that it was impoßible to make that dif
covery, without engaging with, and being interested in the cauſe they
meant to overthrow: That being Head of the League, as they would
have him declare himself to be, he should be able to ftrem fuch difficul-
ties in the way of their Designs, as that they would find themfelues per-
plex'd in every enterprize they should undertake. Though the Duke
of Efpernon had much rather his Majefty would have defended
his Honour, and trampled Authority, by the Arms of thoſe
few good Catholick Servants he had, and to have joyn'd with the
King of Navarre (with whom he did not think an accommodati-
on impoffible) and with fuch Foreign Forces, as were affectionate
to the Crown; yet feeing it was now expedient to fubmit to the
neceffity of the time, he humbly acquiefc'd in the good Pleaſure of
the King his Mafter.
•
*
f
In this pofture of Affairs the King writ to the Queen his Mo-
ther, that he might conclude the Treaty upon fuch Conditions, as
The thought fit; and, for a further teftimony of his Candour, and
fincere intention herein, fent the diſpatch by the Duke of Efper-
non, whom all the world knew to have the greateft power with
him, and the greateſt Antipathy for the League; to the end that
the Lords of Guife might not in the leaſt doubt the obſervance of
a Treaty, that was ratifi'd on his part, by a perſon who liv'd in ſo
eminent a degree of favour with him.
This employment of the Duke's, though it was only intended
to countenance the Queens Negotiation, and to make it more ea-
fily fucceed, did nevertheless incenfe her in the highest degree
againft him. She look'd upon his interpofition, as proceeding
from a diffidence the King had in her, and not daring to manifeſt
her diffatisfaction to him, fhe threw it wholly upon the Duke, and
took from thence a new occafion to augment the ill will fhe had
formerly conceiv'd againſt him. The Treaty was notwithſtanding
concluded
.
BOOK II.
49
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
1585.
·
The Treaty
concluded at Nemours, wherein the Lords of Guife had the full of
their own demands, whether againſt thofe of the Hugonot Par-
ty; or in their own particular favour. They were to command
the Armies, that ſhould be fet forth againſt the Hugonots; and concluded
over and above the great, and advantageous Governments they at Nemours.
were already poffeft of, the King delivered over twelve, or fifteen
of the beft Cities in the Kingdom into their hands; together
with vaft fummes of money: And then it was, that men were
undeceiv'd, and that all men plainly faw they minded more their
own private Intereſt, and the eſtabliſhment of their own great-
nefs, than they regarded the advancement of the Catholick Re-
ligion.
The Treaty then being concluded, the Duke of Guiſe came to
kifs the Kings Hands at St. Maur des Fauffez, his Majefty fo order-
ing it purpolely to defeat the Duke of the Parifians applauſe,
from whence after the Ratification of the Articles, the Duke re
turn'd into his own Government of Champagne, diſmiſs'd with
fome feigned Demonftrations of Favour, which was alſo on his
part receiv'd with the fame diffimulation.
Hugonots.
From thenceforward the King began with great artifice to fpin The War
out the violent deſigns of the League, manifefting nevertheleſs the King
fuch an animofity againſt the Hugonots, and ſo firm a reſolution againſt the
vigorously to effect what had been concluded against them, as he
conceiv'd neceſſary to ſatisfie a people jealous of his fincerity,and
apt to take up new fufpicions upon every inftigation of their own
corrupted fanfie: And in order thereunto he went to the Parlia-
ment in great Formality, and State, to cauſe an Edict to pass
againſt thoſe of the Reform'd Religion; where after a revocation
of the cautionary Towns, of the Chambres Mi-parties, of the li-
berty of Confcience, and of other Conceffions that had former-
ly been granted in their Favour, they were preſcrib'd by a day of Juftice
prefix'd, either to abjure their Religion; or to be declar'd enemies in divers,
to the State, and puniſhable to the laft degree.
Chambres
Ali-parties
eftablish'd
Cities of
France, in
nots, of
were, and
This firft Act thus play'd, his Majefty affembled the Provoft favour of
des Marchands, and the Efchevins of Paris to demand money of the Hugo-
them for the proſecution of the War they had fo ardently defir'd; which Reli-
which he alfo propos'd to the Clergy, who had fhewed them- g on the
felves no leſs zealous than they: but finding both the one, and one half
the other equally cold in the buſineſs, after he had reproach'd the other
them with their unſeaſonable violence, which he faid, had hin- half Catho
der'd him from bringing about by eafie, and infallible ways, the
utter extirpation of Herefie (a thing he more earneſtly defir'd,
than any of them) he told them flatly, that fince by them this bu-
H
fineſs
licks.
*
1
50.
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
(
Anno finels was firft fet on foot, it was reaſonable, that they who had
1585. been the promoters of .it, ſhould likewiſe be at the charge of the
The Duke
War.
His Majefty thought by grafping thus at their purſes to take
off their edge of fighting, and by reprefenting to them the charge,
and incommodities of War, he fhould at the fame time imprint
in them a hatred, and averfion to it. But what reaſons can pre-
vail with a pre-poſſeſs'd, and exaſperated multitude? The people
difpleas'd at the difficulties the King laid before them, and fuffer-
ing themſelves to be feduc'd by the malepert Preachers of the
League, who by their feditious Sermons had foon perfwaded them
into commotion, impos'd upon the King a neceffity of beginning
the War; and forgetting the refpect due to the Majefty of their
Prince, gave him in plain terms to underſtand, that he ſhould
not be ſafe in his own Louvre, if he did not forthwith betake him-
felf to Arms.
The condition of the time, and the conditions of the Treaty
lately concluded with the League,equally obliging the King to fall
into ſpeedy action, and alſo to ſerve himſelf with ſome of the
Heads of that Party in this Expedition; his Majefty to comply
with his own neceffity, and likewiſe to ſatisfie that Article, dif-
patch'd the Duke of Mayenne into Guienne, againſt the King of
Navarre, the Duke of Guiſe himſelf defiring to remain in his Go-
vernment of Champagne, to guard the Frontiers, and that he
might have in the other Armies. He was alfo to fet on foot fuch
perſons, as he knew were faithful to him: He fent the Marefchal de
Biron into Xaintonge against the Prince of Condé, and the Duke of
Joyeuse into Languedoc, referving for the Duke of Efpernon, as a
Servant in whom he repos'd the greateſt truft, the Employment
of Provence: A Government which being a little before left va-
cant by the Death of the Grand Prior of France, Baftard of Va-
Army into lois, had been conferr'd upon him; and a Province wherein (of
Provence. all other) his Majefties Authority had the greateft need of fup-
port, having formerly been much weakned by the two contrary
Factions that divided the State: Whereof one was commanded
by the Sieur de Lefdiguieres, Head of the Hugonot Party; and the
other by the Sieur de Vins, the Kings Lieutenant there, but a
man very partial to the League. His Majefty therefore defiring,
amidft the confufion that was made by theſe two Parties, to fe-
cure the Countrey to himſelf, ſent thither the Duke of Efpernon,
with a good Army, appointing Mounfieur de la Valette his Bro-
ther, for his Lieutenant in that Service; neither was he deceiv'd
in his choice: for in less than four months time, Province, and
Dauphiné
of Espernen
fent with an
/
+
!
Воок I.
51
the Duke of Eſperňon.
}
t
1585.
Dauphiné were wholly fettled in his obedience, the only part al-´ Anno
moft of the Kingdom, where his Majefty was effectively, and
truly ferv'd; and had he had many more fuch Servants to em-
ploy, his Affairs had certainly, and in a very little time, chang'd
their face, and the Royal Authority been rescued from the Rebel-
lious Infolence, that trod it under foot in moft Provinces of
France.
The Office of Colonel General having given the Duke abſolute
Authority over the Infantry, there was great conteft amongſt the
old Regiments, which ſhould be preferr'd to follow him in this
action, in which he made ſhift to fatisfie the ambition of the
greateſt part; his Majefty (who gave him abfolute power in mat-
ters of greater difficulty) being content, that his beft Souldiers
fhould ferve under his truftieft Captain: fo that he drew out a
good part of the Regiment of Guards, of that of Ficardy, and
Champagne, with other Companies out of other Regiments, to
the number of ten thousand Foot; to which was added twelve
hundred Horſe, and twelve piece of Cannon, with their Equi-
page.
The Duke, having about the end of Summer led his Army in
to Provence, put them immediately into vigorous Action. Vins
was the first he undertook, who, having before been worſted by
Lefdiguieres, was in no condition of making any great refillance;
and Lefdiguieres, though victorious over the League, finding yet
himſelf too weak to oppofe the King's Army, conducted by fo
experienc'd Commanders,by withdrawing into his own ftrength,
gave the two Brothers liberty to make themſelves Mafters of
Seynes, Breoules, Chorges, and many other Confiderable places as
well in Provence, as Dauphiné with wonderful expedition: fo that
by theſe fucceffes the two Factions, which had fo long afflicted
thoſe two good Provinces, being equally fuppreft, the Duke had
leifure to return to Court, where his prefence was not a little ne-
ceffary to countermine fuch Practices (of which Mounfieur de
Villeroy fays in his Mefmoires the Duke fufpected him to be Au-
thor) as were by his Enemies fet on foot against him. Neither
did the Duke need to make any great difficulty of retiring from
Provence, confidering the good pofture he had brought Affairs in-
to, and that he left his fecond felf upon the place, not only in fi-
delity, and zeal to the King's Service, but alſo in valour, and ex-
perience; namely, Mounfieur de la Valette his Brother: a man
whoſe Vertues had acquir'd fo great a Reputation with all worthy
men, that he is never to be fpoke of, without very worthy men-
tion, and the higheſt Characters of Honour. But the Duke had
H 2
no
Anno
1586.
52
BOOK II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
1
D
4
Anno no fooner turn'd his back of Provence, and taken back part of the
1586. Army with him, than the contrary Factions, encourag'd by this
Divifion of the Army, made head anew fo that it was neceffary
to ſet another Army on foot to oppoſe them; the care of which
now wholly reſted upon Valette: nor did there need a more active
and experienc'd Captain. His principal Exploits were againſt the
League, to whofe luccour the Duke of Savoy came in perfon, an
ambitious Prince, and one that watching 'all opportunities of en-
larging his own Dominion, had from the Leagues firft taking
Arms, joyn'd himſelf with the Countess of Saut, the Steur de
Vins, the Compte de Carfes, and other perfons of Quality of that
fide; neither has he (what Treaties of Peace foever have been con-
cluded with the League) ever defifted from his firſt deſign of keep-
ing that Countrey by force of Arms. But la Valette after having
won from him the fo celebrated Battel of Vignon, did fo uncef-
fantly preſs upon him, and in feveral other encounters obtain'd
fo many advantages over him, that he forc'd him to retire beyond
the Alpes, and to let Provence alone. Neither did Dauphiné eſcape
his diligence, for Lefdiguieres finding himſelf too weak to meet
him in the Field, gave him opportunity to withdraw Geyffens from
the Cittadel of Valence, which he held in the name of the League,
having been plac'd in that command by the Duke of Mayenne,and
to recover Gap into the King's Obedience. So that the two Facti-
ons, that of the League, and that of the Religion, being equally.
weakned by his Valour and Conduct; he then fo eftablifh'd
thoſe two Provinces in their duty, that it was afterwards no hard
matter for him to continue them in that pofture of Obedience,
until the death of the King.
Mounfieur de
Whilft Mounfieur de la Valette was employ'd about theſe brave
New difcon- Services for the Crown, Mounfieur de Villeroy, a declar'd Enemy
tents betwixt to the Duke his Brother, was no lefs bufie, with all the ill Offices
the Duke & he could contrive, to ruine both their Credits with the King:
Villeroy. Which though the Duke had long obſerv'd, and as long forborn
to take notice of; yet could he at laft no longer reſtrain himſelf
from breaking out to a high, and publick Rupture with him. It
was at St, Aignan that it happened, at the time the Army of Rei-
ters were preparing to enter the Kingdom; and that the King
was confulting of the means to hinder their paffage. I have al-
ready given an account of the Animofities betwixt theſe two
great Minifters, and the Cauſes that produc'd them, which per-
haps I ſhould not ſo punctually have done; neither fhould I now
do it, had not D'avila an Authour of great Repute for the Hiftory
of that time enlarg'd himſelf more than ordinary upon this Dif-
!
ference,
J
•
Book II. the Duke of Eſpernon.
53
4
3
ference, as upon an accident very confiderable, and of great im-
portance to the general Affairs that were then in agitation.
The Duke then, and Villeroy being upon thefe ill terms, the
King at the eſpecial inftance of the Duke had affigned a fumme of
20000 Crowns only, for the entertainment of Mounfieur de la Va-
lette's Army, a proportion very inconfiderable for the great end
to which it was defign'd; but very great confidering the neceffi-
ties the State was then in: which mony Villeroy (notwithſtand-
ing his Majefties Order) having diverted to the Payment of the
Grand Provoft, and his Archers, the Duke diſcover'd it to the
King in open Council, complaining that a fumme ſo diſpropor-
tionable to the utility of his Brothers Services fhould be diverted
to another uſe. To which Complaint Villeroy who was preſent
reply'd aloud in his Majefties Prefence, That what the Duke had
faid, was not true. It is eafie to judge, whether the Duke, who was
then rais'd to the highest degree of Favour, were furpriz'd with
fo tart, and fo unexpected an Injury. I have heard him fay, That
in his whole life, he was never fo fenfibly offended; neverthe-
leſs he had ſo much power over himſelf, as to forbear all kind of
violence in the Kings Prefence, fo much as from any extravagan-
cy of words: neither made he other reply to Mounfieur de Ville-
roy but this, That the Prefence of the King which had encourag'd him
to give that Language, oblig'd him to be Silent: but that he should re-
pent it.
The King both difquieted, and diſpleas'd at this Quarrel, and
willing to interrupt them from proceeding further, went immedi-
ately out of the Clofet, expecting the Duke ſhould follow him;
but he ſtaying behind, and being now no longer aw'd by the Re-
verence dueto his Majefties Perlon, fell very feverely upon Moun-
fieur de Villeroy for the words paft: fome fay he proceeded to high
threats, that he had his hand up to have ftrook him, and that he
gave him fome very unhandſome language; though I never heard
the Duke confels ſo much, in the many times he has difcours'd of
that buſineſs: But Mounfieur de Villeroy immediately went and
complain❜d to the King of the Duke's Threats, demanding Affu-
rance,and Protection from him; where receiving no very fatisfacto-
ry anſwer, he waited time, and opportunity, by working his own
revenge to procure his own Safety, which happened not long af-
ter, when we ſhall fee the Duke's Valour fruftrate all his Enemies
Deſigns. But let us in the mean time return to the general Buſi-
nefs.
We have already obferv'd, that from the first infurrection of the
League, the King of Navarre not doubting, but that all their pre-
parations
Anno
1586.
#
}
54.
BOOK II.
-The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The entry
of the Rei-
ters into
France, and
the Kings
prudent
conduct in
this War.
parations were chiefly intended against him, had earneſtly folici-
1586. ted all the Confederates of his Religion, not only at home, but in
Foreign Parts to his aid: but when he understood, that, by the
mediation of the Queen Mother, the Treaty of Nemours, had
been fign'd by the King himfelf at St. Maur; he, then foreſeeing
the ftorm that was ready to break upon him, very well knew, that
he fhould infallibly be overwhelm'd, without a speedy fuccour.
He therefore again prefs'd his Allies immediately to fend their
Forces, if they defir'd to find him in a condition to receive the ef-
fects of their Affiftance, his Enemies fo paffionately precipitating
his Ruine. The German Princes fpurr'd on by this new Solicita-
tion, and having yet been ancient Allies to the Crown of France,
would, it ſhould ſeem, proceed with fome fhew of respect, and
thereupon concluded amongst themſelves to fend firft an honour-
able Embaſſy to the King, before they would engage in fo impor-
tant a Quarrel. In this occurrence all the Court expected fome
Civil Remonftrance on the German Princes part; but they foon
found themſelves deceiv'd; for the Ambaffadours either prevail'd
upon by their Confederates in France, or tranſported with their
own Zeal to Religion, and the paffion they had for thofe of that
Party, having publickly reproach'd the King with his breach of
Faith towards his Proteftant Subjects, it evidently appear'd, that
their deſign was not to mediate an Accommodation; but to push
things on to the decifion of Arms, by giving the King a premedi-
tated Affront. I have heard the Duke fay that he was preſent at the
delivery of this Oration, and that the King justly nettled at fo fau-
cy an Embaffy, after having in the heat, and apprehenſion of ſo
great an injury, spoken with greater eloquence, than ever till that
time he had heard him do, he pofitively, and for a final anſwer,
return'd the lye to whoever fhould reproach him with the breach
of his Faith. The Ambafladors difmifs'd after this manner, fail'd
not at their return home, to exaſperate their feveral Princes to the
laft degree; who, being before refolv'd upon a War, made ſpee-
dy and great Leavies, and foon fet fuch an Army en foot, as they
thought, joyn'd to that the King of Nøvarre had already of his
dependants, fhould be able abfolutely to fubdue the Catholick
Party in France.
upon
The King, as he very well forefaw what inconvenience the
entry of fuch a multitude of ftrangers muft of neceffity bring
his Kingdom, fo did he by all imaginable ways try to pre-
vent their coming and feeing that nothing, but fatisfying
the King of Navarre could poffibly divert that mischief, he once
more try'd by the means of the Queen his Mother, if poffible ta
1
win
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
55
win him to a timely accommodation. Which being by her under-
taken, after many delayes, fcruples, and jealoufies on both fides, a
Conference was at laft concluded on at St. Brix, a private houſe
feated upon the Banks of Charente near Coynack: but this Con-
ference nevertheleſs being able to produce no good effect, by reafon
of that invincible difficulty, the difference of Religion, and the
German Princes hafting away their Armies into France,hisMajeſty
was forc'd to prepare himſelf to oppoſe them. A Refolution that
he effected with ſo good orders, and ſo prudent a Conduct, that
their defeat ought to live for a perpetual Monument of this Princes
Wiſdom, no man elſe having any voice in that deliberation. It was
he alone who by his own Wife Counfels rendred all the attempts
of his Enemies fruitless; it was he alone that overthrew them,
and that having by his own prudent orders made them fuffer thoſe
incommodities that unnerved them, and put them out of all de-
fenſe, gave the Duke of Guife an opportunity, to win a great deal
of Honour, with little trouble, and danger. So great an advantage
it is to live in the publick opinion.
The King having employ'd all his care, and art to hinder the
Reiters from entring into the Kingdom, and all to no purpoſe,
and finding all Treaties, and all moderate wayes ineffectual to
divert the blow, that was intended against him, he at laft put on
his wonted reſolution, and determined bravely to encounter that
danger, he then plainly ſaw he could not with all his dexterity
prevent. Having therefore in this determination affembled his
Council, to the end he might advife with his principal Minifters,
about an Affair of this important confequence; and having there
laid open the buſineſs to them, he found their opinions very dif-
ferent; neither is it ftrange that men of feveral judgments fhould
diffent in a refolution of this high nature: fome adviſed him to
advance with his Army out of his own Confines, and there to
expect, and fight the Enemy: others were of a contrary opini-
on; neither did the one, nor the other want reafons, or example
to juftifie their advice. At laft the King himſelf deliver'd his own
opinion, which was, To permit the Enemy quietly to enter the King-
dom but withal to make them pass through ſo many difficulties, and
to fuffer ſo many neceßities, that they should be already as good, as over-
come, before they should come to fight. He remonstrated to them, that
to encounter them fresh, and in their trim, as they came out of their
own Country, animated to War by the Intereft of Religion, and by the
compaßion of their Confederates, were to expofe things to a doubtful
event. That the loss of a Battel, in the flourishing condition thofe of
the Reformed Religion would be after fuch a Victory, would endanger
France,
Anno
1586.
1
3
+
BOOK II.
56
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno France, and the Catholick Religion. That he had a defire to preferve
1586. both the one, and the other, and to ruine bis Enemies more leifurely but
withal more furely, and that there would nevertheless be Honour enough
in the Victory,provided it were abfolute, and entire.
bans, which
upon exami-
nation I
find to be in
effect the
with our
This being then the final Refolution, his Majefty gave order
forthwith, that his Armies fhould be all ready in July following,
to appear at Meaux, which he affigned for the general Rendez-
vous;and,befides the prefent Forces that he intended to ſet on foot,
*Arriere he commanded that in every Province,the Nobility, and Train-
Bands fhould be ready to march at the firft Summons. He
diſpatch'd alſo ſeveral Commiffions for new Leavies, to the end,
they might either ſerve to fill up the old Troops, as they ſhould
fame thing grow thin; or to ftand for a referve in cafe any thing ſhould hap-
Train-bands pen amifs to the main Army. He fent Commiffaries on purpoſe to
beat down all the Ovens,and Mills that were in his Enemies way,
from the Frontier, as far as the place he had appointed for his own
Quarters. He caus'd all the Grain of the, Country to be fetch'd in,
and ftor'd up in the good Towns, with all Artificers, and Tradef-
men of what condition foever. He caus'd all the defenfible Cities
to be fortified with Men, Victuals, and Ammunition; and on
the contrary, demoliſh'd all fuch places as were not tenable, nor
able to withſtand a Siege. He commanded all the Bridges to be
broken down, all the Fords to be ſpoil'd, and generally all things
to be deſtroy'd, that might any way contribute to his Enemies
advantage, or ſubſiſtance. He further fent to the Duke of Lorain,
that it ſtood with his Intereft, in this occafion, to do the fame in
his Territories; and having thus difpos'd all things, and the Duke
of Efpernon having highly applauded what he had done, he told
the King with his wonted freedom, that there was one thing yet
left undone, which, though it were more in his Majefties Power,
and Royal Difpofition, than all the reft, would nevertheleſs be
the hardeſt for him to execute. The King commanded him to ex-
plain himſelf, and to tell him what that thing was, promiſing
withal to fatisfie him in it; whereupon the Duke growing more
ferious, told him, That he humbly befought his Majesty to command
his Army in Perſon, and alone without a Competitor that might difpute
with him the Honour of a Victory, that, by his Prudent difpofition of
Affairs, was as good as certain to him. Which the King folemnly
promis'd him he would: but afterwards, according to his cu-
ftom, giving too much ear to the Counfels of others, and not
enough relying upon his own wiſdom, he alter'd that refolution,
and dividing his Army into two, gave the better part to the Duke
of Guiſe;and ſo depriv'd himſelf of the whole glory of that Action,
to
BOOK II.
57
the Duke of Efpernon.
نما
1586:
to beſtow it upon another. The Duke of Guife expert, and va- Anno
liant, as any Prince of his time, had thofe Forces no fooner com-
mitted to his charge,but that he immediately march'd them away
to the Frontiers of Champagne, to obferve the Enemies motion;
and to oblige them by his lying fo near to march cloſe together;
which, confidering the fpoil that had before been made of the
Country, was as great an inconvenience as they could fuffer. The
Duke of Joyeuse had alſo an Employment against the King of
Navarre, to hold him in play in Guienne, and to hinder him from
joyning with the Foreign Army, that came to his affiftance. But
the Duke of Efpernon was referv'd by his Majefty to attend upon
his own perfon; as one in whom he repos'd an entire confidence,
and as a man whoſe fole and utmoſt aim, the King evidently
faw, was equally directed to his Majesties Honour, and to the
Kingdoms lafety: To him the King gave the command of the
Vantguard of his own Army; in which Employment he fo be-
hav'd himſelf, both with his Valour, his Advice, and his Expe-
rience, that the very Hiftorians of that time, though envious, as Memoires
the greater part of men are, of the greatneſs of Favourites, could de la Ligue.
not forbear notwithstanding to attribute to him a very confider-
able ſhare in the fuccefs of that memorable Defeat.
And here give me leave without being blam'd for a digref- Anno
fion from my Subject, and that upon the Duke of Efpernon's 1587.
word, a man better read than any whosoever in the buſineſs of
that time, to oppofe his Teftimony againſt a Scandal D'Avila
has publifh'd, not only to the difcredit of the Duke of Joyeuse
his Favour: but alſo to the infinite prejudice of his Honour. He
ſays that the King, at the Duke's diſmiffion to go to the Army his
Majeſty had given him in command, gave him this reproach.
Che la Corte lo teneua in concetto di poltrone, é chegli era bene di levarfi
questo fregio dal vifo: which is to fay, That the Court look'd upon
him as a Poltron, and that he should do well to wipe off that blemish.
Towards the Dukes latter end, I read this Hiſtory to him, which
was then newly publiſh'd in France; and the Duke had very high-
ly commended the Author,though in many particulars he had not
ſpoken very favourably of him: above all he infinitely commen-
ded the exact care he had taken to inform himſelf of the fecret
motives, by which the ſeveral interefts of that time were carried
on; of which he does in truth for the moſt part render a very
preciſe, and very often
a very true accompt: But when he
heard theſe words, which were fo highly injurious to the Duke
of Joyeuse, he could not forbear crying out, that D'Avila was a
lyar, that he himſelf was preſent when the Duke of Joyeuſe took his
2
I
leave
i
3
•
58
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
I
:
Anno leave of the King; that his Majesty could never have had so great a
1587. kindness for a man of whom he had once entertain'd fo mean an opinion;
that on the contrary be efteem'd him to be as valiant, and as brave a
Gentleman, as any was in his Kingdom: And where D'Avila cònti-
nues to ſay that he was become burthenfome to the King, that
the King could no longer bear it; and that he therefore ſent him
upon this expedition purpoſely to be cut off: the Duke of Ef-
pernon bore witneſs, hat he faw the King weep at the Dake of Joy-
eufe his departure, than which there could not be a greater evidence of
his tenderneſs and affection to him. That had the King had a mind to
have been rid of him, and to have expos'd him to the King of Navarre's
Forces, he would never have fet him out with an Army, almost twice as
Strong, 4s that he was employ'd against, and made up of as good Souldi-
ers as any were in the Kingdom: fo that if he loft the Battel of Cou-
tras, it was rather through the chance of War, or through the Valour,
and good fortune of the King of Navarre, than by any default of his
Army. And to anſwer yet further to what has been writ concern-
ing his Favour, of which D'aubigné only ſpeaks by hear-fay, ma-
king ſtories, as it is his cuftom at the random of his own paffion,
and fancy: The Duke has told me that the King was indeed
grown colder towards the Duke of Joyeuſe, than he had formerly
obferv'd him: but that he only attributed that to the Alliance the
Duke had contracted with the Houfe of Lorain, and that it was
only a diminution of Favour, and never grew to a diſgrace; and
indeed, had his Majefty conceiv'd a pofitive averfion to him,
would he have given fuch publick evidences of forrow for his
Death as he did? would he have honour'd his dead Body with
that exceffive Pomp, and thoſe unuſual Obfequies? which were
fuch as gave all the Nobility occafion to murmur, having never
before been allow'd to any, lave to the Princes of the Blood, and
to the Conſtables of France, exclufively to all other great men of
the Kingdom. The Hiftorians of that time have further dif
cours'd of the jealoufie betwixt the two Favourites: to which I
can anſwer on the Duke of Eſpernon's behalf, that I could never
find by any thing I could ever gather from him, that he had been
in the leaft touch'd with that paffion; neither is it very likely,con-
fidering the advantage the Duke viſibly had in the Kings Opini-
on, there could be any jealouſie on his part; but if there had for-
merly been any fuch thing betwixt them (as it is hardly poffible
but there muſt have been ſome emulation betwixt two concur
rents in fo high a pretenfe as that of a Kings Favour) the Death of
the Duke of Joyeuſe, and a long ſeries of time having worn out
thoſe impreffions, there now remain'd nothing more in the Duke
of
BOOK II.
59
the Duke of Efpernon.
}
of Efpernor's memory, than the remembrance of their near Re-
lation, and former Friendſhip.
Some time before the Duke of Joyeuse his Death, the knot of
that Alliance had been broken by the death of Catherine de Noga-
ret, and de la Valette, the Duke of Efpernon's Sifter; who having
at the King's motion, and to the common fatisfaction of both
the Favourites been married to the Count de Bouchage, younger
Brother to the Duke of Joyeuſe, after they had for four or five
years only liv'd together in a moft perfect harmony, this Vertu-
ous Lady died, leaving one Daughter only behind her, namely
Catherine de Joyeuse, the fame, who having formerly been Dut-
chefs of Montpenfier, is now Dutchess of Guife; a Princefs of
undisputed Vertue, and fuch as has ever fhone equally bright,
throughout the profperities, and afflictions that have divided her
life. The Compte de Bouchage after having loft his Wife, finding no-
thing in the world either to allure him, or to comfort him,
tyr'd himſelf from it amongst the Father Capuchins; where he
took upon him the Habit of that Order, and there continued
fome years, under the name of Father Ange de Joyeuse. 'Tis true,
the Pope having fince enjoyn'd his Superiours to perfwade him
abroad again, to the end he might be Head of the League in Lan-
guedoc, that he obey'd his command: but it was to return after-
wards into the fame order again, as foon as Affairs would give
him leave, where he continued to his death, and died in great
opinion of Sanctity.
re-
And fince, upon occafion, I have been drawn afide to mention
this Marriage out of its due order, it is reaſonable that I now ſpeak
Anno
1587.
riage be-
嘶
​and Mar-
de Candalle.
of that of the Duke, which happened at this time. The Duke The Mar-
therefore having been offer'd a match with the Sifter-in-law of his twixt the
King, and having been eſteem'd not unworthy to marry with Duke of
the King of Navarre's Silter, her Brother being at that time im- Epernon
mediate Heir to the Crown: It is to be prefum'd he might rea- guerite de
ſonably pretend to the greateſt Fortune whatſoever in France but Foix, and
amongſt the many were propos'd to him, he preferr'd that with
Marguerite de Foix, and de Candelle, Daughter and Heir to Henry
de Foix, and de Candelle, and to Mary de Montmorency, before all
the reft. The Father, and Mother of this Lady died both young,
her Mother of Sickneſs, and her Father at the Siege of Sommi-
eres. For the Duke de Anville his Brother in law, having under-
taken that Siege, the Compte de Candelle rais'd two thousand men Aubigné.
amongſt his Tenants in Galcony to favour his Defign, a very
confiderable fupply in the weak condition the Duke de Anville's
Army then was; where being come, and finding the breach al-
I 2
ready
60
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno ready made, and the affault ready to be given, he intreated the
1587. Honour of the firft Affault might be conferr'd upon his men,
who he defir'd might give immediate proof of their Valour. A
fatal requeſt, which having been granted to him, his men went
on with very great courage to the affault; where, being as refo-
lutely receiv'd, they were at laft beaten back: but the Compte de
Candalle, not being able to endure fuch a repulfe, return'd to the
Affault, and putting himſelf in his Doublet only at the head of
his men, he repell'd the Enemy, and won the top of the Breach ;
when being now upon the point to carry the Town, an unfortu-
nate Mufquet ſhot in his Throat laid him dead upon the place.
An accident, by which the Town, already as good as taken, was
again loft with the life of the Conquerour. By the death of this
Compte, his Daughter being then but three years old, was left co
the Tuition of Francis de Foix, and de Candalle Biſhop of Aire,
her Uncle by the Father's fide, a Prelate who, having to the dig-
nity of his Birth, added a ſingular knowledge in the profoundeſt
Sciences, and chiefly in the Mathematicks, had the reputation of
one of the most excellent Men, not only of his own time, but
alſo of all Antiquity; Yet did not his diligence in ſtudy, though
he were immeafurably addicted to it, hinder his due care of his
Niece, either as to the Education of her Perfon, or as to the ma-
nagement of her Fortune; for he deliver'd her over when very
young, to the Conneftable de Montmorency her Aunt, a Lady of fin-
gular Vertue, who had earnestly defir'd it, that the might bring
her up, as one of her own Daughters; which the accordingly
did; and under her excellent Tuition this young Lady grew up
to fo great a perfection in all vertuous Qualities, that he won the
general Applauſe, and was admir'd above all others of her Qua-
lity in the Kingdom. To theſe eminent endowments of Mind
The had yet the advantage of her Birth, and the reputation of her
Fortune: For the firft I fhall need to ſay no more, than that ſhe
was ally'd to almoſt all the Crowns of Europe, and that from her
Family defcended the Houſe of Navarre, that her Family had
Ben! c. oblig'd Hungary with a Queen, and France with a Gafton de Foix,
with other Captains of fo incomparable Valour, as took place
of the moſt eminent Leaders of their time. Their Eftates had al-
ſo been very great, and there yet remain❜d in fair demeafnes to the
value of above fourſcore thouſand Livers annual Rent; though
to ſay truth, the Affairs of that Family had of late years been fo
ill managed, that there now remain'd but a very ſmall part of
that vaft Revenue clear, and unincumbred with Debts. Her
Eftate therefore requir'd both a diſcreet manager to husband it,
Thou.
and
>
+
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
61
ト
​:
Anno
and a man well furniſh'd with money, to disengage it, and to
reftore it to that Splendor, and Reputation, in which it had for 1587.
merly been And if the Perfon of this Lady I fpeak of, was not
endow'd with all thofe Criticiſms of form the curious will have
concurre to the making up of a rare, and illuftrious Beauty, ſhe
had yet ſo much,and that let off with fo graceful, and fo winning a
Faſhion, as oblig'd the Duke to become her Suitor; after which
it was not long before the King concluded the Marriage. The
Solemnity was held at Bois de Vincennes, the 7th. day of Auguſt,
in the Year 1587. the King being then going againſt the Reiters,
who were already. enter'd the Borders of France. It is not long
fince I ſaw the Articles of that Contract, with the Inventories of
the Dukes Eftate, both Perſonal and Real, then taken in the pre-
fence of the Countess de Ryberac, and a Gentleman fent for that
purpoſe on the behalf of the Biſhop of Aire, and by his Letter of
Attorney authoriz❜d to manage that bufinefs. For the Biſhop,
what hopes foever they could give him of the obtaining of a Car-
dinals Hat, if he would come to Court, he could never be drawn
from his Books, nor tempted to leave his Study: and his Ambi-
tion lying another way, that is, rather to fearch into the folid
Truth, than the vain Apparence of things, he found a greater
contentment of mind in his retirement, and folitude, than in
all the luftre and bustle of the Court. There were few Writers of
that time that do not make mention of the Dukes great Riches,
and of the Kings unlimited liberalities towards him, and yet
upon this occafion there was only found in Land, Jewels, Plate, The Dake's
and other Furniture, to the value of thirteen hundred thouſand Eftare at
Crowns; which if
which if a man confider the difference berwixt this rig.
Fortune, and thofe of many others, that we have fince known,
not only Favourites, but alſo men of very mean beginnings, that
have been rais'd to far greater Riches,in a much ſhorter time, than
the Duke was a Favourite, will appear no fuch prodigious pro-
portion. His Hoftel at Paris was alfo part of this Eſtate, which I
have heard the Duke fay, was then the beſt Houſe next to the
Queen Mothers, now call'd l' Hostel de Soiffons, and fo little infe-
riour even to that, that after the Queens death he might have had
it, advancing 10000. Crowns, in exchange for his own. I have
made this obfervation that we may confider to what a degree of
State, and Beauty the Structures of theſe latter times are got,
when this Houſe, that was then the fecond in Paris, has now
fcarce any name, amongſt the many Structures that have been
erected fince.
Men have fince been very liberal in their cenfure of the Duke's
Oeconomy,
·
h's Mar-
*
62
BOOK II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno Oeconomy, and which many unjuſt to his Honour, and not ve-
1587. ry kind to him, have blemiſh'd with the name of Avarice: I
cannot deny but that the Oeconomy of his Houſe was great, nei-
ther do I fee why that fhould not have its due Honour amongſt
his other Vertues; he being in this as much a Steward for the
publick, as for his own private Interefts: for who does not know
that the Profufions of Princes, and the Prodigalities of Favou-
rites, are ever to be repair'd by the Oppreffion of the People? He
was a good Husband 'tis true, but his good Husbandry, far from
the meannels of Avarice, ferv'd only to maintain his greatneſs,
and to enable him the better to fupport the luftre of his Expenfe
without being chargeable to the King. It has ever been fuch, that
from his firſt riſe to Favour, during the whole courſe of his life,
no man ever maintain❜d a nobler Table at Court; a better Stable
of Horſes, a more numerous train of Attendants, and thoſe
men of Quality, and good Faſhion, more ſtately Furniture, nor a
greater number of inferiour Servants than the Duke did. His ex-
penfe in Building infinitely exceeded all others of his condition,
and all this without the leaft abatement in his ordinary way of
living, without any viſible incommodity in his Affairs, or with-
out ever importuning the King his Mafter; which can only be
attributed to his Oeconomy, and the prudent government of his
Affairs, many other great Perfons, of far greater Eftates than he,
having never been able to do fuch things, as he did with great
caſe, without apparent inconvenience, and great diſorder.
The King, willing upon this occafion of the Dukes Marriage
to continue his Liberalities, made him then a gift of four hun-
dred thouſand Crowns: but the Duke had never other advantage
by it, than the bare teftimony of his Mafters good Inclinarions
towards him: For the Treafury being either wholly exhauſted, or
containing no more than was neceffary to defray the immediate
War,the money could no ways have been rais'd,but by a new Tax
› upon the People, which would have bred new Difcontents; and
though his Majeſty notwithſtanding defir'd fuch an Impofition
might be laid; the Duke a truer Servant to his Mafters Interefts,
than a Friend to his own, would never confent, but obftinately
oppos'd it. The Papers are yet to be feen amongst thoſe that
were found at his Death, for an eternal monument of this good
Maſters Affection, and for a teftimony of the ſmall accompt the
Servant made of a Benefit, that muſt be exacted with the cla-
mours of the People, and that was likely to pull down a popular
Odium upon his Benefactor.
Amongſt the preparations that were made for the Duke's
Marri-
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
63
Anno
France.
Marriage, the King was ftill intent upon his buſineſs, not omit
ting any due care that might fit his Army to receive the ftran- 1587.
gers; who were now upon their March, under the command of
the Baron de Dona, and were already advanc'd to the Frontiers of
Lorain. There it was that the Germans firſt began to be fenfible The Reiters
of thoſe inconveniences his Majefties prudent Conduct had enter into
ftrew'd in their way, which ſtill as they advanc'd further
into France, where they promis'd to themfelves a great abundance
of all things (upon the falle hopes wherewith their Leaders were
prepoffeft, that the whole Court favour'd the King of Navarre,
and that they had. only the Duke of Guife to wrestle with) they
found more, and more to encreaſe upon them, all things re-
mov'd out of their way that ſhould any ways contribute to the
fupport of fo great a Body. And then it was that they plainly
faw the vanity of thoſe aiery promiſes that had been made them;
they found themſelves in a few days oppreft with hunger, thirft,
and ſickneſs, their Arms with ruft difmounted, and uſeleſs, their
Horſes unſhod, and themſelves expos'd to all the other miſeries,
with which great Armies in long Marches, and in an Enemies
Countrey are uſually afflicted: By which misfortunes their eyes
being opened, they began to fear, and to foreſee thofe, that in a
fhort time fell upon them: but amongst all thoſe difficulties,
that which troubled them the moſt, was their encounter with
the Duke of Efpernon; who, whilft they were trying to find a
paſs over the River Loire, having continually coafted them, and
attended their motion with eight hundred light Horſe, and five
hundred Harquebuffes on Horfeback, and having by his activi-
ty, and vigilancy found an opportunity to beat up a Quarter of The Duke
twelve hundred Light Horſe, and to take the Cornets from Beats up a
them, they plainly law by that action what they were likely to the German
expect; for they had been made to believe that the Duke was
won over to the King of Navarre's Party, a flaunder (which, ha-
ving been firſt ſpread abroad by the League) thofe of the Refor
med Religion made good ufe of, to encourage the ftrangers to en- De Mef-
ter the Kingdom: but they, having receiv'd fo fmart a proof of
the contrary, were now undeceiv'd: and the more clearly they
were convinc'd of their error, the more did their fears encreaſe;
which begetting at firft private mutterings, and growing on to
publick murmurs, proceeded at laft to an open Mutiny.
The Duke, well enform'd of this diforder in the Enemies
Camp, began with great dexterity to manage their diſcontents to
the King's advantage, he treated therefore for an accommodati-
both with the Reiters, and the Swiffe: the latter of which
on,
made
Quarter of
Horſe.
maires de
Ligue.
64
BOOK II.
The Hiſtory of the Life of
חי
T
Anno made up a confiderable part of that Army, all their Infantry al-
1587. molt being rais'd out of the Swiffe Cantons; preffing nevertheleſs
with his flying Army the Rear of the one, or the other; at the
fame time that he ditturb'd their March, and their Quarters with
his Armies entertaining them with overtures of Agreement, put-
ting them at once in fear of the King's Force, and in hopes of his
clemency: by which different ways of proceeding to one and the
fame end, the two Nations, equally perplex'd, at laſt hearkned to.
an Accommodation: which notwithſtanding was concluded on-
ly with the Swiffe at that time, and with them the Articles were
agreed upon, and Sign'd under the King's good Pleaſure, the 18.
of November 1587. Which being afterwards ratified by his Ma-
jefty, they immediately retir'd into their Confines.
1
This great body thus feparated from the Reiters, the remain-
ing Army was in fuch perplexity, that there was now nothing,
but diſorder, and confufion amongst them; fo that their courages
being abated, by the extreme neceffities they fuffer'd by their be-
ing abandoned by their Confederates, who made
who made up the beſt part
of their Army, and by the fear of worle michiefs to come, they
now thought of nothing more, than of retiring from the extreme
danger they ſaw themſelves envellop'd in: and then it was that
they hearkened in good earneft to the Propofitions which were
then offer'd to them afreſh by the Duke, though much harder
than the former; neither could all the Intreaties, or Authority of
their Leaders, as well French, as thofe of their own Nation, pre-
vail any thing, or diffwade them from concluding a compofition,
The Reitets and from retiring at laft into their own Country. The Articles
with them were Sign'd the eighth day of December, in the fame
year by the fame Duke: by which it appears, that his courage, vi-
gilancy, and Wiſdom contributed not a little to the diverfion of
this dangerous ſtorm, and to the preſervation of the Kingdom
'from fo powerful an invaſion, as that of an Army confifting of
forty thouſand fighting men. Yet is it not to be denyed but that
the Duke of Guife did alfo very brave ſervice in this occafion; he
defeated great numbers of them both at Vilmory, and at Aulneau :
but in the condition they then were, ruin'd, and difarm'd by the
King's forecaſt, beaten, and Difunited by the Duke of Efpernon's
Skirmiſhing, and Practices,it infinitely much facilitated the Duke
of Guiſe his Victories, to have an Enerny reduc'd to ſuch ſtreights
before he came to engage them.
come to
Compofiti-
on, and re-
tire.
But if the War was carried on with good fuccefs to the King in
the forementioned engagements, things fucceeded much other-
wife on his Majefties part with the King of Navarre: for the
Duke
1
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
65
.
The lofs of
Duke of Joyeuse having precipitated the Battel of Coutras, the Anno
advantage of his Forces having blinded him even to a Contempt 1587.
of the Enemy (an ordinary prefage of Ruine to whoever is too
fecure of his Fortune) he there loft the Battel, with his Life, the the Bartel
twentieth of October, in the fame year; together with as confider- of Contras.
able a number of Nobility, and Gentry, as have almoft fallen in
one day in any one Battel in France.
Some have believ❜d that the King was neither ſo much dif
pleas'd at the loss of this Battel, nor conceiv'd himſelf ſo much
prejudic'd by it, as he imagin'd himself eclips'd by the Victory
he ſoon after obtained over the Strangers; a deplorable effect of
this Princes misfortune, who could neither be afflicted with his
loffes, nor yet abfolutely fatisfied with his fuccefs. We have al-
ready told you the Reasons the King had not to defire the King
of Navarre's Ruine; fo that he enjoyed in part his own defire
in the loſs of this Battel, which made for the fupport of the King
of Navarre, and his Party; by whofe affiftance he thought with
leſs difficulty to mate the ambitious Defigns of the League: Where-
as the Victory obtain'd over the Reiters, only ſerv'd to augment
the Duke of Guife's Glory, who was his real, and capital Ene-
my. Hence therefore proceeded his difquiet, and affliction ; and
this was it that turn'd even the profperous fucceffes of his Arms
to his vexation, and trouble.
P
with all the
His Majefty fearing left the Duke of Guife puft up with the
vanity of the popular eſteem, and the opinion of his own me-
rit, fhould take upon him the affurance to ask fome of the Offi-
ces, which were vacant by the Duke of Joyeuse his Deceaſe, con-
ferr'd them all immediately upon the Duke of Efpernon; who
was in one day made Admiral of France, Governour of Nor- The Duke
mandy, Caen, and Havre de Grace: and the dispatches were deli-
of Espernon
gratified
ver'd to him at Gergeau, the feventh of November, 1587. the Death
of the Duke of Joyeuſe hapning but in the end of October the
fame year.
Neither was this the only advantage the Duke reap'd from the
ill ſucceſs of this Battel; for his Coufin Bellegarde, Governour of
Xaintonge, Angoumois, and the Country of Aulnis, having there As alfo
receiv'd a mortal Wound, and dying foon after, the Duke had Bellegarde
alfo the Governments vacant by his deceaſe conferr'd upon him: kill'd at that
which, as we ſhall hereafter fee, at his departure from Court af- Battel.
forded him the benefit of a fecure, and honourable Retreat,
Although the Victories obtain❜d from the German Army were
very great, and of great moment; yet were not the Defigns of
the Enemy utterly ruin'd by the Defeat, and Diffipation of thoſe
K
Forces
Offices va-
cant by the
Death of
the Duke of
Foyeuſe.
thoſe of
+
66
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
moires de la
Ligue.
Anno Forces beyond the Loire. For the Hugonot Party, who were infi
1587. nitely folicitous to adde all the vigour and encouragement they
poffibly could to their caufe, were principally careful to re-inforce
Mounfieur Lefdiguieres, who was effectually a very, brave Com-
mander, and one of the main pillars of their Faction. There
had been therefore four thousand Swiffe drawn out of the main.
Des Me Body of the German Army,, and fent away into Dauphiné to af
fift him there, and to make him able either to oppoſe Mounſieur
de la Valette, or (if Fortune ſo favour'd their Arms) abfolutely to
drive him out of that Province à Force like enough to cut out a
great deal of work in thofe parts: But laValette's Fortune being
here conftant to his. Valour, their coming only adminiftred to
him an opportunity, wherein to ſhare with the Duke his Bro-
ther the Honour that was to be acquir'd in the Defeat of that Fo-
reign Enemy: For oppofing that great Body with only two thou-
fand Foot, and three hundred Horfe, he cut them all off in their
Monfieur paffage over the River Lizere, Mounfieur de Thou fays that there
were not fifty Priſoners remaining; fo that this may be reckon-
ed amongst the other great loffes that Nation fuftain'd in this Ex-
pedition. And that which makes it yet more remarkable, is,that
Lefdiguieres, and Chatillon being advanc'd on the other fide of the
River with three thouſand Foot, and fix hundred Horſe to favour
their paffage, were beaten back, and conſtrain❜d to look on,
whilst their Confederates were all cut in pieces before their eyes,
without being able to give them the leaft affiftance. By this hand-
ſome action ſo happily perform'd, the hopes thofe of the Reli-
gion had conceiv'd, of reaping any fignal advantage from their
Victory at the Battel of Coutras, and by uniting with the Foreign
Army, were utterly fruftrated. Neither can I forbear in this place
to give Colonel Aphonfo, afterward Marefchal d'Ornano, his due
fhare of honour, who fought it with fingular Valour; but ſtill
under Mounfieur de la Valette's Conduct, and by his directions;
pbonfo Corso.
with whom no man can diſpute the abſolute honour of that no-
table Defeat,
de la Valette
Defears
part of the
Foreign
Army.
De Thou.
* The fame
who in
D'Avila is
called Al-
Anno
After ſo many brave exploits atchiev'd by the King for the de-
1588. fenſe of his Kingdom, and after fo confiderable fervices perform'd
by the Duke of Efpernon, and by la Valette his Brother, for the
publick fafety; who would have imagin'd but that his Majeſty
fhould have been welcom'd home with a thoufand bleffings of
his people, and that ſo good Subjects fhould have received the
praiſes due to their Fidelity, and Valour? Nevertheleſs all theſe
Victories, with the care, induftry, and hazards that produc'd
them, wrought a quite contrary effect,through the blind affection
the
t
1
1
BOOK II.
67
the Duke of Eſpernon,
the giddy multitude had violently plac'd upon the Duke of Guiſe.
There was now no other diſcourſe at Paris but of him; the Pul-
pits, Courts, and Publick Affemblies rung with his Name: it is
to him only that they owe their Lives, and Liberties, and 'tis on-
ly his prefence they defire. The King's own Perſon, and thoſe of
his moſt faithful Servants, are become odious to the Parifians.
They talk high of transferring the Regal Dignity to the Duke of
Guife. They fcatter up and down Printed Libels, wherein from
railing against the King, proceeding on to the King of Navarrej
they would have him declar'd incapable of fucceffion to the
Crown, to the end there might remain no title to diſpute the
Duke of Guife's Poffeffion. Nay to fuch a contempt of his Per-
fon and Royal Dignity they were grown at laft, that thefe dif
courſes were frequent, and loud in the Kings own Family; his
moft oblig'd Servants not daring almoft to reply; renouncing
by that poor and unmanly toleration, their own intereft, whilft
they abandoned that of their Sovereign and Benefactor. Neither
was there any, ſave only the Duke of Efpernon, a man that flight-
ed his own danger, and defpis'd the malice of all mankind,
when his Maſters Honour lay in the Ballance, who generously
expos'd himſelf upon all occafions, to the publick violence, that
he might preſerve the integrity of his Duty. Of which to give
you an inftance, it hapned one day, in a great deal of company,
that the Archbiſhop of Lions, a Prelate of a ready Wit, and
great Elocution, but paffionately zealous for the League, openly
maintain'd, That the Pope had Power to abfolve Subjects from their
Allegiance to their lawful Prince: To which the Duke highly of-
fended, as he had reafon to be at fo dangerous an Argument,'
made anſwer before them all, That it would be as hard to perſmade
him to that, as to make him believe that the Pope could grant a Difpenfa
tion to a Prelate to lie with his own Sister: Now you must know it
was generally believ'd at Court, that this Prelate was too fami-
liar with a perfon related to him in that degree; and as injuries
make the deeper impreffion, by how much nearer they approach
to truth this fo touch'd him to the quick, that he from thence-
forward conceiv'd againſt the Duke a mortal, and implacable ha-
tred. Neither was he long in finding out a way openly to exprefs
it; for his Arms being his Tongue, and his Pen (reputed one of
the moft eloquent of his time) he employ'd them both with all
the rancour imaginable, to blemiſh the Duke's Honour; he fet
upon him with a thouſand injurious Writings; nor did he fail,
for ſo much as in him lay, to ſtir up a popular Fury againſt his
Life.
K 2
Neither
Anno
1588.
ง
68
Воок II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
00
Anno Neither did the Duke of Guife labour his overthrow with leſs
1588. vehemency on his part, than the Biſhop did on his and as he
knew the Duke's Intereft to be very great, and his ſpirit inflexible,
and hardly to be reconcil'd; fo was he not content to endeavour
his ruine obliquely, and underhand, but openly declar'd himſelf
the Author of what he did, the better to effect his defire. And fee
the means he perfu'd to work his purpoſe.
D'Avila.
A Confpi-
racy of the
fixteen upon
the Kings
Perfon.
After the Reiters were driven out of the Kingdom, the Duke
of Guife, accompanied with the principal Heads of his Party, re-
tird to Nancy, where feeing the great Forces he had about him,
and promiſing to himſelf wonders from the precipitous affection
of the People,he refolv'd to prepare fome Articles, which fhould
be preſented to the King in the Name of the League: Wherein,
as he conceiv d himſelf in a condition to carry by a high hand,
whatſoever he ſhould propofe, he principally infifted upon the
Duke of Efpernon's removal from Court; pretending him to be
a great abettor of the Hereticks, the better to colour the perſecu-
tion he intended against him; interpreting after this fort the af-
fection the Duke had for the King of Navarre, and for all the
Royal Family, though grounded upon principles far diftant from
being any ways interefted in that Princes Religion, as his actions
ever had, and then did moſt clearly demonſtrate.
But as it was very unlikely that the King to fatisfie his Enemies,
fhould confent to the difgrace of his beloved Favourite, the
Leaguers of Paris, to impoſe upon him a neceffity of accompliſh-
ing the defires of their Party, confpir'd thenceforward to feize
upon the perfon of the King, that fo they might remove all fu-
ture difficulties that might lie in the way of their Deſigns: neither
did they fail much of executing that accurfed Refolution. The
Council of fixteen was at that time firſt ſet up in Paris; neither
is any ignorant what that Council was, how impudent their Pro-
ceedings, and how great their Authority with the People, even in
the very face of the King himself. In this Council it was one day
agreed upon to ſeize upon the King as he came from hunting from
the Bois de Vincennes, and it had accordingly been executed, had
not the King (advertiz'd of their purpofe) doubled his Guards at
his return. "That Plot therefore failing, there were divers other
Ambuſcado's laid for him during the Carnival, that often put
him in great danger of being made a Prifoner to his own Sub-
jects; which being all happily evaded, by the timely informati-
on of one Nicholas Poulin, a Lieutenant in the Provofty of the
Ile of France, who was privy to all theſe Cabals: Many of the
Court, (who (as it is believ'd) favour'd the Deſigns of the League)
A
endea-
Book II. the Duke of Efpernon.
69
کو
Anno
1588.
III.
endeavour'd to render Poulin's Intelligence ſuſpected, that the
King diſcrediting his report, might at one time or another fall in-
to his Enemies fnare: But the Duke of Efpernon in an occaſion
of this confequence, making no difficulty of hazarding his own
life, to fearch out the depth of thefe practices, franckly expos'd
himſelf to infinite danger, that ſo he might diſcover the certainty
of ſo neceffary, and fo important a truth. Being therefore adver-
tis'd by the fame Poulin, that the fixteen had concluded an Aſſaſſi-
nate upon him himſelf at the Fair of St. Germains, whither the
Duke uſually repair'd to divert himſelf, with the entertainments Du journal
of the ſeaſon; he refolv'd to run the hazard, and accordingly de Henry
went. The Plot was to have been executed by the Scholars, un-
der whoſe name the Inhabitants of the Suburbs of St. Germains
were order'd to flip in to fortifie the attempt; all which being
diſcover'd to the Duke, it was certainly a dangerous, and almoſt
deſperate adventure, he thruft himſelf into; and which muſt
proceed from an unparallel'd affection, and a vertuous care he had
of his Princes fafety, to run fo great a hazard in ſo critical a time,
when even the Court it felf was corrupted in the Confpirators
favour. And the Duke might excufably enough have forborn
going to a place where the danger was immediately directed
againſt his own perſon, and might have made the experiment,and
have penetrated into the bottom of this Confpiracy, by another,
without endangering his own life: and doubtless he had done fo
had he had only his own Intereft to confider in the cafe; but then
things would afterwards have been left doubtful, and the King's
life had been ſtill expos'd in the uncertainty of the truth of thoſe
cautions had been given him; which the Duke reſolv'd by all
wayes imaginable to put out of future danger. He went therefore
to the place where he knew himſelf to be threatned with death ;
but that could not affright him, provided he might ſecure the life
of his Mafter; and being thither come, found the intelligence
had been given him, to be punctually true: neither did they fail
much of effecting their defign; for a fort of young people being
gather'd about him, began to murmur, and from murmuring
grew lowder into clamours, making fhew at laft, as ifthey would
proceed to execute what they threatned whereat the Duke not
frighted with their noife, put himself into a poſture to refift the
violence intended against him; by which refolute carriage, having
with as much courage, as good fortune, difingag'd himſelf,he lei-
furely retyr'd towards the Louvre, not a man daring to attempt
any thing upon him, as if even his Enemies had been ftruck with
a kind of reverence due to fo brave,and fo honourable an Action.
After
70
Book II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
After there was no further doubt to be made, but that Poulin's
1588. intelligence was true; and by how much the King's danger ftill
encreas'd, by ſo much the greater was the Duke of Efpernon's dili-
gence, zeal, and ardour for the fecurity of his Majefties Perfon: ſo
that there paffed not a night, wherein fometimes with two, fome-
times with three, or four Companies of the Regiment of Guards,
he walk'd not the Round into the moſt feditious Quarters of the
City: and if at any time he had notice of any extraordinary AL-
fembly, thither it was that he immediately repair'd with a ſtronger
Party; nor did he ever go to reft, till he had firft fettled all things
quiet, and had carefully provided for his Mafters fafety. So that
it is not to be believ'd how many of the Enemies Confpiracies
againſt the King's Perfon, were countermin'd, and fruftrated, by
his vigilancy and diligence. The fixteen feeing their Deſigns thus
travers'd, and fearing to be prevented (for they now no longer
doubted but that their Treaſons were diſcover'd) diſpatch'd away
in all hafte to the Duke of Guife, preffing him by all means, to
make what ſpeed he could to Paris; hoping by his arrival in the
firft place to be ſheltred from the King's Juftice, and in the next
to reap the fruits of their inordinate defires, Neither was the Duke
long deliberating upon this Journey; the time as he conceiv'd
being as favourable, as he could poffibly wifh, for him to raiſe his
Fortune to that prodigious height, to which his ambition had al-
ready defign'd it: For the danger of the Foreign Army being al-
ready blown.over, and the King of Navarre fo deprefs'd fince,
that it was almoſt impoffible for him ever to rife again,he thought
he could never meet with ſo happy an occafion, and confequently
prepar'd himſelf without further delay for his Journey. Of which
refolution the King being advertis'd, and knowing that he was
now on his way, and already advanc'd as far as Soiffons, he dif
patch'd away the Sieur de Bellieure to meet him, and to forbid him
from coming to Paris; a command that added fpurs to his defire,
which uſually in great fpirits grows moft violent, where it meets
with moft difficulty, and is moft eager when moſt forbidden,
But by this meffage the Duke preſently imagining that his Defigns
were diſcover'd, and doubting that if he did longer defer to drive
them on to their intended end, he was in danger to be prevented,
and to ſee himſelf involv'd in the difafter, that commonly attends
men who deliberate too long upon the execution of great Enter-
prizes, he made all the hafte he poffibly could; and turning afide
from the ordinary Road, for fear of meeting another command,
which notwithſtanding (his Ambition ftill preſenting to him the
image of that greatness to which he afpir'd) he was refolute not
r
to
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
71
to obey; he came at laft with extraordinary diligence to Paris,
furprizing all men with his fudden and unexpected arrival.
At this time (which made ftill better for the Duke of Guife)
the Duke of Efpernon was gone to take poffeffion of his Govern-
ment of Normandy: where he had been receiv'd with great accla→
mations of the people both at Rouen, Caen, and the other princi-
pal Cities of that Province for that all places there continued
quiet, and firm in the King's Obedience, Havre de Grace only ex-
cepted, which alone ftood out for the League.
But before the Duke's departure into Normandy, the King ha-
ving (as it was his cuftom) taken him one day in his company
to Erefnejhis Majefty there in a private Conference difcover'd to
himthe trouble, and difquiet the Duke of Guife's Refolution of
coming to Paris had put him into, with the danger, to which
his arrival (the abfolute power the Duke had with the People
duly confider'd) would expofe both his Perſon, and Affairs; and
there his mind equally poffeft with forefight, and jealoufie, ma-
king him penetrate into the events of things, as if they had been
preſent before him, he prophefied to the Duke almoſt all the mis-
fortunes that befel him in a few days after. Whereupon the Duke
freely told him that he faw only one way to avoid thoſe miſchiefs
his Majefty forefaw, and that was to cauſe the Duke's Head to
be ftrook off, even in the Louvre it felf, fhould he be fo impudent
as to come to Paris contrary to his Majefties exprefs command;
an advice which he fortified with ſo many reaſons, that the King
bound himſelf with an Oath to do it; though when it came to
the teſt, his refolution appear'd no more conftant in this than it
had done before in other occafions, as we fhall preſently fee.
Anno
1588.
But if things were thus determin'd on the King's part, the
Duke of Guife was no leſs diligent on his, and had omitted no-
thing that might any way conduce to the effecting of his De-
ſigns and that he might not, at his coming to Paris, lie at the
mercy of his Enemies, he had fecretly, and by feveral ways ſent
thither divers of his beſt Commanders beforehand, with order to
prepare all thoſe of his Faction in readineſs to appear in Arms up-
on the firſt occafion and having thus provided for his fafety,
came himſelf to the City the ninth of May, in the year 1588. and
attended only with twelve, or fifteen Gentlemen, alighted at
*.
the Queen Mothers Lodgings; who though infinitely furpriz'd fays but fe-
at his coming, went immediately along with him to the King: by res fays
whom he was receiv'd (notwithstanding that his Majefty had eight.
been before diffwaded from his first refolution) with fo great a dif
order in his countenance, as plainly denoted the contrary paſſi-
ons,
* D'Ávila
ven, De Ser-
1
72.
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
ons, that were then ftrugling in his mind. Which the Queen
1588. Mother perceiving, and knowing what a determination theKing
had put on against him; the execution of which he perhaps
thought neither fafe, nor.eafie; or perhaps willing to preferve the
Duke, fhe took the King afide, and wrought fo effectually with
him, that fhe abfolutely chang'd his mind (which was then wa-
vering, and irreſolute) from his premeditated purpoſe. Yeticould
fhe not fo qualifie and appease him, but that he gave the Duke
of Guiſe very manifeft tokens of the higheſt Indignation: but
after a few words, and thoſe exceedingly bitter on the Kings part,
the Duke retyr'd to his own houſe; where he more than ever
continued his ambitious Deſigns, and feditious Practices. For
his vaft Courage, the excess of which had rais'd him above the
condition, and debauched him from the obedience of a Subject,
would (as it is believ'd) now perfect the work had been fo long
before contriv'd, and ftrike home to the main Defign. All which
though the King very well knew, and though he endeavour'd all
he could to prevent him, and to deprive him of thoſe means by
which he was moſt likely to effect his purpoſe; yet thoſe his Ma-
jefty employ'd, proving too weak to divert fo great a miſchief by
their vain oppofitions, only made the Torrent to fwell higher,
which foon after overflow'd the Banks with greater violence.
The Barri-
cades.
All the world has heard of the Barricades of Paris, a day of all
others the moſt infamous to the French Name, and to the inviolate
reſpect that Nation has ever born to their natural Princes, that
ever hapned fince the firft foundation of that Monarchy. Of
which, to write the particulars, were to deviate impertinently
from my Subject: It fhall therefore be fufficient. to fay, that the
Duke of Efpernon was not at Paris, when this diſorder fell; but
they there found his richeft furniture, upon which the hatred,and
avarice of the people wreak'd their utmoſt ſpleen, and extremeſt
rancour.
This ſtorm of popular fury having continued the ſpace of three
days without intermiffion, or abatement; and the King, after the
diſarming of his Guards, and ſome other Forces he had then in
Paris, having now no means left to defend his Perſon, which he
faw in danger every moment to fall into his Enemies hands; the
multitude preparing on every fide to befet the Louvre, he made a
vertue of neceffity: and to evade the danger that ftill encreas'd up-
on him, walking out at the back Gate of the Tuilleries, he pre-
fently took Horſe in the Garden near to the Stables, and,attended
The King only by fixteen Gentlemen, retir'd with all poffible diligence to
retires to
Chartres,
Chartres.
The
BOOK II.
К
73
the Duke of Eſpernon.
The Duke of Efpernon was no ſooner advertiz'd of this diſor- Anno
der, but that he preſently hafted from Rouen (where the news 1588.
was firſt brought him to the King; and as he did believe,with very the Duke
good reaſon, that his Majefties Enemies would not fatisfic them- of Efper-
ſelves with what they had already done, fo he thought it fit to
well accompanied; neither did he a little revive the Court at his ar-
rival, having above five hundred Gentlemen in his Train
;
go
non's arrival
at Chartresi
Historians
about the
ception at
Duke's Re
They who have undertaken the Hiftory of that time, variouſly
report the Duke's Reception at this place: D'Avila fays his enter-
tainment was very cold, and that the King looking upon him as
his Enemies Pretenfe, for all the miſchiefs they did, began to di-
ſtaſte him; yet he ſays ſoon after with a kind of contradiction,
that his Majeſty never went lefs in his affection to him, nor in
the confidence he repos'd in him, from the firft beginning of his
Favour. Others write that he was receiv'd with great demonftra- Contradi-
tions of Favour and Eſteem: of which both the one and the other tions.a-
mongst the
fay true; obſerving the due order of that little space betwixt the
Dukes Entertainment at his firſt arrival, and that he receiv'd af
ter he had been two hours in private Conference with the King.
It is moſt certain that this Prince afflicted with his Misfortunes, Court.
and reduc'd more than ever to the neceffity of diffimulation, did
not at firſt receive him with that exceſs of kindneſs he had for-
merly done and it is likewiſe true, that apprehending at firſt
fight fome juft reproach from the Duke's paffionate affection to
his Service, for that his Majefty had not put in execution what he
had refolv'd upon at Frefne, his Majefty put on an unuſual gravity
at his arrival: But after he had talked with him,and that the Duke
who was too diſcreet, at fuch a time, to offer the leaſt fyllable that
might afflict his Mafter, had on the contrary rais'd his Spirits with
new hopes,he then opened his Befom to him more than ever; and
having receiv'd his wonted good Counſels, entertain'd again the
joy, and vigour, which ſeem'd to have been ftifled in his Misfor-
tunes, and began to meditate the means, and that with good hopes
of fuccefs, of restoring his Affairs to their former Condition. And
then it was that he carefs'd the Duke with his accuſtomed free-
dom, honouring him in publick with as high demonftrations of
Favour, as ever. It was at this Conference, that the Duke gave his
Majefty an accompt of his Voyage, of the good condition, where-
in he had left his Government, and what his Majeſty might ex-
pect from thence: How all things were fo well difpos'd there,
that excepting Havre de Grace, the League poffefs'd nothing in
that Province; and that even he who commanded there, had
given very good hopes of returning fhortly to his Duty: That
L
the
}
1
74
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno the Sieur de Carouges, Governour of Rouen, formerly enclin’d to fa-
1588. vour the League,was made firm to his Majefties Service, and that
the people in general were as well difpos'd, as good Subjects
could poffibly be: An Account ſo highly fatisfactory to the King,
that he preſently refolv'd upon a Journey into that Province, it
feeming to him neither decent, nor fuiting with his Honour to
continue at Chartres; where to make a longer ftay, would look,
as if he were there fhut up, and forbidden all the other parts of his
Kingdom.
7
Neither was it without defign, that the Duke ſpoke ſo advan-
tageously to the King of the Forces of Normandy: And he could
have wifht his Majeſty had conceiv'd the fame opinion of all his
other Provinces; to the end that growing confident of his own
Power, he might entertain the thoughts of Arms: For he certain-
ly believ'd, that ſhould his Majefty once undertake a War in good
earneft, it would 'fucceed infinitely to his advantage; that he
would foon be in a condition to re-eftabliſh his neglected Autho-
rity; and to make himſelf feard of all his Subjects. But the King
had already form'd other Defigns, and the Duke of Guife' feem-
ing to him fo ftrongly fupported, that he could not deprefs him by
open force, without endangering at once himſelf, and his King-
dom; he thought it fafer, though less honourable, to lull him
afleep with the hopes of Peace, than by open War to provoke
his already approved Power..
The Duke of Guife alfo feeing the King eſcap'd out of his
hands, and that he could no more impoſe upon him thofe con-
ditions he had propos'd to the Queen Mother during the Barri-
cades, was likewife not averfe to an Accommodation. So that
both Parties concurring in the fame difpofition, the buſineſs was
quickly fet on foot by the Queen Mother; who as fhe had been
of the firft, was now the Mediatrix of this Peace alſo. She had
continued at Paris after the King's departure, and had not fail'd
upon all occafions to poffefs the Duke of Guife, that the King
was willing to be reconcil'd to him, and to forgive the Parifians
upon their due Submiffion. Whereupon the Duke, the better to
found the King's intention herein, order'd the Parliament to at-
tend his Majeſty at Chartres, and there to offer him the first excu-
fes for a fault which in its own nature admitted none: But the
Provoſt des Marchands going before, and the Efchevins following
after, both the one, and the other return'd with great fatisfaction:
Which the Duke of Guife feeing, and interpreting this flexibility
in the King to an effect of Fear, he re-affum'd his former hopes,
and again fet on foot the fame propofitions, which he had before
fo
+
J
후
​I
Book II. the Duke of Efpernon.
75
fo arrogantly infifted upon; to wit, that War fhould be pro-
claim'd againſt the King of Navarre, that there fhould be a Con-
vocation of the States General, and that the Duke of Efpernon
ſhould be baniſh'd from Court, with a privation of all his Offi-
ces: Upon which laft Article he chiefly infifted, openly declaring,
that there could be no durable Peace, nor no fincere reconciliati-
on, ſo long as he had fo great an Enemy as the Duke in the Kings
Bofom.
The Queen Mother, as has been faid before, had long been jea-
lous of the Duke of Efpernon's Power, with the King her Son;
neither indeed could fhe well brook any Favourites, but thoſe
who ſtood immediately oblig'd to her for their Fortune; an hu-
mour had made her fo much the more impatient of the Duke's
greatneſs, becauſe it was an advantage for which he was indebted
to none, but to his Mafters bounty. She had often therefore preft
the King for his removal, as the only means to fatisfie the League,
had propounded ſeveral honourable Employments to colour his
difgrace, and not long before would have had him fent Ambaſſa-
dour to Rome to juftifie the King from the afperfions, the League
had caft upon him to the Holy Sea: but his Majefty who was as
perfect in the Nature, and Deſigns of the Queen his Mother, as
ſhe was in his, had ftill been conftant to his Servants Protection;
and the Duke, having been bred up in the School of fo politick a
Mafter, had learn'd fo much cunning, as had hitherto ever ren-
dred all thoſe Artifices ineffectual, by which ſhe had fo often, and
ſo induſtriouſly labour'd his Ruine.
But at laſt the Queen (knowing how important the preſent oc-
cafion was to the Kings Repofe) embrac'd it with that fervour,
that in the end it procur'd the Dukes fo long wiſh'd for removal.
She had the management of the Treaty in hand abfolutely com-
mitted to her, with the choice of any two of the King's Council
to affift her; of which, fuch as fhe knew were affectionate to the
Duke, you may be fure muſt have nothing to do in this buſineſs;
fo that it was no hard matter, all parties concurring in the fame
defign to conclude his disgrace: and in conclufion, the King was
plainly told, that it was abfolutely neceffary for him to diſmiſs
the Duke of. Efpernon, if his Majefty intended to have that Peace,
he feem'd ſo paffionately to defire.
Anno
1588.
nifeſt
To the fame end there was then Printed a Manifest, fubfcrib'd The League
by the Cardinal of Bourbon, as Head of the League; wherein the Print a Ma-
whole Faction were very importunate for the Duke's total Ruine, against the
together with Mounfieur de la Valette his Brother; his bare remo- Duke of
val from Court being now too little to fatisfie their Malice: the and his
L 2
Efpernen,
League Brother,
+
76
BOOK II
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno League in this fole point comprehending the fuppreffion of the
1588. Hugonot Party (of which they faid the two Brothers were the
Protectors with the King) the redreſs of the people (oppreft to
enrich them) and the fatisfaction of the great ones; who might
eafily be contented with thofe Offices, and Governments, which
the two Brothers now poffeft to their common prejudice,
The Duke
refolves to
give way to
the time,
and to re-
tire.
The Duke who very well forefaw that he muft either comply
with the time, or reduce the King to a neceffity of taking up
Arms to protect him (which would have made him refponfible
to his Majefty for any finiſter event that might happen) chofe the
leffer evil; and would rather alone undertake the defenfe of his
own Fortune, than be any ways the occafion of fo great a mil-
chief. He ſaw the Kings mind perpetually fluctuating, and con-
tinually alarm'd with the Counfels of his Enemies; which, in his
Majeſties aſtoniſhment, grew ftill more, and more prevalent with
him; he faw the powerful Faction of the League wholly Arm'd
againſt his Perſon; neither was there any who did not conclude
his ruine inevitable in fo dangerous a conjuncture, fhould he be
once, though but a moment, remov'd out of the King's Prote-
&tion: but he had courage enough to run the hazard, and his un-
daunted Spirit (notwithſtanding he very well underſtood his
danger) made him refolute with his own fingle Intereft to ſtand
the ſhock of all his Adverfaries. Iought here to adde yet another
Motive the Duke had to retire from Court, a thing which will
perhaps hardly be believ'd, though it be precifely true: but it me-
rits a due place in the Duke's Hiftory, as the nobleſt teſtimony of
a generous heart, and this it was. The Duke had underſtood
fomething of the King's intention to cut off the Duke of Guife,
by thoſe ways by which it was afterwards effected at Blois; and
not being able to divert that reſolution, he choſe rather to abſent
himſelf, than to be prefent at an action he thought fo unworthy
of his Mafters Authority, and Greatnefs, though it redounded to
his own particular prefervation. 'Tis true, that in the firft moti-
ons of the League, he had advis'd the King to take up Arms, to
chaftife him, that he had afterwards counfell'd him to cut off his
Head at the very Gate of the Louvre, when the Duke came in
contempt of his command to raiſe that Commotion in Paris ;
and that he had offer'd himſelf to fight him hand to hand in Duel,
but he could by no means confent that his Majefty ſhould com-
mit an Act founworthy of his Name: And this in truth was as
powerful a Motive as any, to oblige him to retire.
There is great diverfity of Opinions amongst the Hiftorians of
that time about this retirement of the Dukes, whether, or no, it
were
7
BOOK II.
77
the Duke of Eſpernon.
L
Anno
1588.
Dakes re-
were franckly, and of his own motion; whether he were diſmiſt
with the King's good Opinion, and Favour, or whether he went
not away in a real difgrace; which they feverally report, every Several
man according to his particular paffion : But D'Avila much better opinions
inform'd in the Affairs of the Cabinet, than the reft, enclines to upon the
the more favourable opinion, and fays (very truly) that the Duke tirementă
reſolv'd upon this retirement of his own voluntary inclination,
and that to the King's great grief; who notwithſtanding, com-
pell'd by the neceffity of the conditions impoſed upon him in the
Articles of Peace, confented to it: And of this truth there are two
evident proofs; One, the great familiarity, and privacy the Duke
had with the King fome days before his departure: and the fame
DAvila records, a very remarkable, and a very true paffage upon
this occafion. That the night preceding this feparation, the Ab-
bot del Bene, a great confident of the Duke's, and a man in great
efteem with the King, for his excellent parts, (of which his Ma-
jeſty made continual uſe in his Politicks, a ſtudy in which he was
ſtrictly regular) was ſhut up alone with the King in his Cabinet
for many hours; not ſo much as the Grooms of his Majeſties
Chamber permitted to come in all the while; by which he con-
jectures, and very rightly, that his Conference was in order to
fome Inftructions, which were to be convey'd by the Abbot (who
was to accompany him in his retirement) to the Duke, for his
future Conduct, during the time of his abſence: And I have
heard the Duke fay, that he never in all his life receiv'd ſo many
Teftimonies of his Maſters Affection, as he did at this time. His
Majeſty being pleas'd not only to chalk him out what he would
have him do, and what he would have him avoid, during his re-
tirement but alſo adding a thouſand Proteftations, that he
would fooner abandon his Crown, than his protection; and that
he had not conſented to his departure, but with a refolution to re-
call him ſpeedily back to Court with greater Honour, and to con-
fer upon him greater advantages,than he had ever yet
yet done:Com-
manding at the fame time the Abbot del Bene,not to ftir from him,
to have a care of his Perſon, and to be aſſiſting to him with his
Counſels, in whatever Accidents might happen, and in all the
difficulties,and dangers he well forefaw would by his Enemies be
prepar'd againſt him. The other proof, that the Duke was diſmiſt
in a high ftate of Favour, was this, that his Majefty made him at
his departure, Generalißimo of his Armies in the Provinces of An-
jou, Maine, Perche, Poitou, Xaintonge, Angoumois, and the Country of
Aulnis, with abfolute Power to command: which certainly he
would never have done, had his diſgrace been really true, and not
;
meerly
1
78
Воок II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno meerly diffembled to fatisfie the infolent demands of the League,
1588. and to comply with the neceffity of the time.
Things being thus difpos'd, the Duke went to take his leave of
the King, and to receive his Majefties final Commands; where,
his affection in ſo great an extremity, fuggefting to him the honeft
liberty, a paffionate, and faithful Subject may justly take, he
freely told him, That it was not without an extraordinary violence
upon himſelf, that he came to beg leave of his Majefty, that he might re-
tire into bis Governments, where he hop'd nevertheless to do his Majesty
better ſervice, than if he should continue about his Perfon. That to his
extreme grief he faw of late his Majesties fafest Determinations, and the
Counfels of his most faithful Servants perverted by the Artifices of those
evil Ministers, who had ufurp'd a greater fhare in his Royal Trust, and
Confidence, than was confiftent with the profperity of his Affairs. That
the Queen his Mother (however an excellent and prudent Princess) was
notwithſtanding abus'd, as his Majefty himself was. That feeing no cure
for this evil, he had rather chofen to deprive himself of the Honour of
being near his Majeflies Perfon, than to be an unprofitable Spectator of
thofe inconveniences into which his evil Counsellors were about to precipi-
tate his Affairs. That as to that hour no man could reproach him that any
of bis Actions had been contrary to his Majesties Service; fo he would
not for the future, by a toleration unworthy a good Sabject, and an ho-
neft Man, draw any jealouſie upon his Intentions. That by an excess of
bounty, and oftentimes contrary to his own defire, his Majesty had en-
rich'd him with so many Poffeßions, Honours, and Offices, that he had
nothing left to defire of Heaven, but Moderation in a Profperity rais'd
fo infinitely beyond his Hopes. That having receiv'd thefe benefits to no
other end, than to employ them in his Majefties Service, he should be
ready to furrender all upon command, if by his Spoils any advantage
might accrue to his Majesties Affairs. That for the fum of all Obligation,
and for a final Testimony of his Majefties good Inclinations towards him,
he had only two Requests to make: the first, That his Majesty would
never confer any of his Offices upon any of the League; and the other,
that fo often as his Enemies should by their Malice Jeek to ruine him in
his Majefties Favour, he would pleafe to recollect the infinite Obligations.
he had laid upon him; which was the greatest pledge of Fidelity, a good
Servant, and an honest Man, as he pretended to be, could in his abſence
poßibly leave with fo good a Mafter.
The King though already prepar'd for the Duke's departure,
yet touch'd with fo fad a Farewel, could not refrain from Tears;
and his friendſhip producing the ufual effects that all true friend-
ſhips ordinarily do in fuch occafions, made him forget the condi-
tions he was bound to perform, and once more to reiterate all
forts
>
Воок.II.
ļ
the Duke of Efpernon.
79
forts of perfwafion to make him stay: In which importunities, Anno
though fome have believ'd there was more of diffimulation, than 1588.
real truth; yet it is certain,that his Majefty in this proceeded with
a moſt fincere affection,and that looking more narrowly into the
condition of his Affairs, and confidering he was about to furren-
der his Perſon into the hands of his Enemies, by whom he ſaw
himſelf already environed, he could have been content to have
retain'da Servant of fo approved Valour, and Fidelity about him.
But the Duke having fo often try'd, and fo often found it impof-
fible to fettle the King's mind to fuch refolutions as were moſt
proper to fecure his Dignity with Honour, could never delibe-
rate to look on, and ſee the continuation of thoſe evils, for which
he could neither fee, nor hope for any poffible Remedy.
Remaining then firm in his refolution to depart, he made a
voluntary furrender of his Government of Normandy into the
King's hands, which was as foon transferr'd to the Duke of
Montpenfier, a Prince of the Houfe of Bourbon, very affectionate
to the King's Service, and Father to Henry of Bourbon, likewiſe
Duke of Montpenfier; the fame, who in fucceffion of time came
to be the Duke's Nephew by a Marriage with Catherine de Joyeuſe
his Neece, fhe, who (as we have faid before) is now Dutchess of
Guife. And this, of all thofe Offices the Duke ftood ſeiz'd of,
was the only refignation the King would conſent to, whatever
D'Anila is pleas'd to fay to the contrary. He ſays that the King im-
portun'd the Duke to make a ſurrender of all his Employments at
once, excepting his Government of Provence: but that the Duke,
Who was a man of exceeding great understanding, and bred up by the
King himſelf in all the Stratagems of State, rais'd ſo many difficul-
ties, and made fo many exceptions against the perfons of all thoſe
who were propos'd to fucceed him, that fuddenly departing, be-
fore any thing was concluded, he dexterously difingag'd himſelf
from ſo nice, and fo dangerous a Propofition. It is certain not-
withſtanding that the Duke was never prefs'd to lay down any of
his Offices: and if he did ſurrender his Government of Normandy,
it was not only a voluntary act, but founded upon mature deli-
beration, and great judgment, as a Province that was near neigh-
bour to Paris, ſeparated many Leagues from all the rest of his
Governments, and in which his Enemies had fo great Intereft,
that his Preſence would be neceſſary to fecure it, neither confi-
dering the ſtrong Faction they had within, was it certain to be
fecur'd. So that not being able amongſt fo many perfecutions, as
he faw prepar'd against him, to maintain all his Charges at once,
he rather choſe to part with that he was not likely to keep,at leaſt
with-
1
#
J
80
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno without expofing all the reft, than to abandon the other ftrong
1588. Holds,and Places in hisPoffeffion;which though (particularly con-
fider'd) they feem'd to promife leſs, than fo important a Govern-
ment as that of Normandy; yet that by their vicinity to one an-
other were more likely to be kept, and to be more ſerviceable to
him.
Thus then parted the Duke of Efpernon from Court in June
1588. and retir'd himſelf to Loches, though far otherwiſe than in
the equipage of a declining Minifter, or attended like a Favourite
laps'd into difgrace; but with a numerous train of above three
hundred Gentlemen, and thoſe of fo good Quality,as that he cm-
ploy'd the most of them for the raifing of fuch Forces, as he had
order from his Majeſty ſpeedily to ſet on foot. But that which
rendred him every where more confiderable, than this outward
fhew of greatneſs, was his brave, and unbated Courage, of which
he had given ſo many fignal teftimonies in his Proſperity, that
there was nothing left, but fuch a difgrace as this, to give it the ut-
The Dake moſt teſt, and the laſt tryal of a noble Conftancy. Being come
his Govern- to Lochis, he preſently fet himſelf to look into the ftate of thofe
Provinces newly committed to his charge; where by eftabliſh-
ing fuch order as he thought convenient, by the diſpatch of his
Levies, and by difpofing his men into the most important places,
he prepar'd himſelf betimes to encounter fuch Accidents,as the fe-
verity of the time was likely to produce.
retires into
ments.
Soon after the Duke's departure, the King went his Journey
into Normandy: where the greateſt Obſtacle,being now remov❜d,
the Treaty of Peace went on without any further impediment,
and was preſently after concluded; the King (who had already
determin'd how to diſpoſe of the Duke of Guife) making no
great difficulty to grant him what he was refolv'd he ſhould
long enjoy.
not
The Peace concluded, the Edict of Union was publiſh'd, firſt
at Roxen, and then in all parts of the Kingdom; after which they
immediately fell to the raifing of Arms, for the utter fuppreffi-
on of the King of Navarre, and his Party. But above all things,
the King was careful to haften the neceffary Diſpatches for the
Convocation of the States General at Blois, in the beginning of
October next enfuing, an Affembly equally defir'd by the King,
and the Duke of Guife; but to different ends: The Duke ho-
ping there by the joynt fuffrages of the feveral Orders of the King-
dom to ſee himſelf plac'd in that degree of height, to which his
great Spirit,and vaft Ambition,had ſo long afpir'd, and the King
reſolving there, and at that time to quench his reſtleſs and inordi
nate
BOOK II.
81
the Duke of Efpernon.
:
nate Ambition in a torrent of his own Blood. Thus do we often
fee the purpoſes of the greatest Politicians deluded, who, when
they think they have brought their Deſigns by the moft infallible
Rules, and Maxims of Humane Prudence to an almoſt certain
Iffue, find themſelves deceiv'd, and ufually meet with effects
quite contrary to their expectation; giving us to underſtand,
that we ought not to commit our actions to the blind conduct of
our own frail and erroneous forefight, but into the hands of Pro-
vidence, that governs all, and that brings all things to their de-
terminate end.
Anno
15882
*
The Duke
of Guife
The Edict of Union being fworn, the Duke of Epernon re-
mov'd from Court, and the King fatis fied (at leaſt in apparence)
with the Duke of Guife's, and the Parifians excufes; the Duke
confident in the Queen Mother, (who was of late become abfo-
lutely powerful with the King) had nothing now to hinder his
coming to Court; fo that upon his Majefties return out of Nor- comes to
mandy, he immediately repair'd to him, and having found him Court.
at Chartres, he there in perſon deliver'd the fame Apologies, he
had not long before prefented by the Mediation of others. All
which his Majefty received with a Diffimulation,that was not on-
ly natural to him; but that by a long Practice, and by the conti-
nual traverſes, and difficulties of his Reign, was grown to fuch a
habit in him, that it was no hard matter for him to put on any
kind of Language, or Behaviour, on any occafion wherein he
was moft likely to be furpriz'd: So that in outward fhew the
King was fo well pleas'd with no Company (as indeed it was al-
moſt all he had) as with the Duke's, his Relations, and Confede-
rates. Amongſt which the Cardinal of Bourbon, who was now
alfo come to Court, was entertain'd with extraordinary marks
of Favour, and Reſpect; neither was there any Commands, or
Offices, Military or Civil, granted to any, but by their recommen-
dation: infomuch that fome have thought the Duke of Guiſe
by winning, and ſubmiffive carriage, had made fome real impref-
fion upon the Kings Inclinations, and that his Majefty was dif
pos'd really to love him, as he had formerly done, if he could
have moderated his Ambition, and would have laid afide thoſe
defigns which rendred him fufpected to him.
In a conjuncture ſo favourable to their Deſigns, neither the
Duke of Guife, nor thoſe of his Faction flept in their Buſineſs;
but with all poffible induſtry, ftill more, and more labour'd, the
Duke of Efpernon's total Ruine, as a thing that imported moft of
all to the confirmation of that Authority, and Truft, to which
they ſaw themſelves by his removal already advanc'd': So that
M
the
1
82
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
away,
Anno the King being daily afflicted with a thouſand Accufations againſt
1588. him, and wearied by their importunities, was at laſt ſo far over-
.come,as to conſent that many of his Offices fhould be taken
being not yet to be prevail'd upon for his abfolute Ruine. Whilft
the Duke was preſent, he continually by his good Services forti-
fied his Maſters mind, againſt all impreffions of calumny, his
Enemies could invent, to the prejudice of his Fidelity, and Ho-
nour, and had ever triumph'd in his Majefties good Opinion,
over the Envy and Malice of his Detractors: but he was no
fooner remov❜d out of his Eye, than that Confidence began to
ſtagger, his detractors repreſenting him for an Enemy to the
Crown, a Friend to the King of Navarre, and one that ſeducing
daily all the Garriſons in his Government to a Revolt, was upon
the point to Proclaim open War againſt the King himſelf.
In the mean time the Duke had very good Intelligence of all that
paſs'd at Court; he very well knew that his Enemies made uſe of
all imaginable ways to deftroy him, that the King was by them
perpetually focilited against him; and that confequently it con-
cern'd him in common diſcretion to fruftrate their Deſigns, and
to provide for his own fafety in the ftrength of thofe places he pof-
fefs'd: Neither was he much furpriz'd at the unexpected news of
what the King had confented to against him, he was very well
acquainted with the conftitution of the Court, and had
very well
foreſeen what would certainly be attempted against him; but he
could hardly perfwade himſelf, that his Majefty could ever forget
his Fidelity, and good Services; yet did he not for all that neglect
his own prefervation, that he might live to do him one day more,
and better Service: the only revenge this faithful honeſt Servant
meditated for the ingratitude of his Mafter.
He fell therefore preſently into Confultation with his Friends,
what courſe he were beft to take; a Debate wherein Opinions
were very different: fome there were who advis'd him to return
to Court, repreſenting that his prefence would infallibly diſperſe
all thoſe ſhadows of miftruft, which by his abfence his Adver-
faries had had opportunity to poffefs the King's mind withal; that
his tried Fidelity would foon recover its former place in his Maje-
fties Opinion, and that then he would foon be in a condition to
return the miſchiefs had been intended againſt him, upon the
heads of the firſt contrivers. Others there were who gave him coun-
ſel to put himſelf into Metz, others to make immediately for Pro-
vence, and fome of thoſe there to joyn with the King of Navarre;
That to that purpoſe he ſhould first go into Angoumois, whither
he might ſuddenly,and with great facility convey himſelf, where
he
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
82
7
*
he had a ftrong City to retire unto, and where he would be in a
Country very convenient to favour his Paffage into Provence, by
the way of Guienne and Languedoc; the Friends he had in those two
Provinces being enough to make his way, through the one, and
the other, ſhould he be put upon a refolution of retiring thither.
The first propofitions being accompanied with great, and al-
moft invincible difficulties, the Duke wholly adher'd to the last
advice, and fo far follow'd it, as to retire to Angoulefme, without
joyning himſelf nevertheleſs (though infinitely folicited fo to do)
with the King of Navarre. A thing impoffible for him to re-
folve upon, had he been fo enclined, for two Reaſons, Firſt, by
reafon of that Princes Religion, and fecondly, becaufe being a
declared Enemy to the King his Mafter, the Duke would rather
have perifh'd a thouſand times, than appear to favour, much
lefs to engage with fuch, as he knew acted pofitively againſt his
Majeſties Service.
I
Anno
1588.
* De Guez
was Balzac's
One of the Duke's old Servants De Guez by name, a man
of fourſcore and eight years old, but notwithſtanding fo entire Facher.
in his Judgment as difcover'd nothing of the infirmities of Age,
gave me not long fince a full Relation of all theſe Circumſtances.
He was at this time about the Duke's Perfon, and (as one of his
principal, and moft trufty Servants) prefent at this Deliberation;
when the Duke asking his particular Opinion of all had been
propounded to him, De Guez told him, that he believ'd the refo-
lution he had already taken,to be without all difpute the beft, pro-
vided it were put into fpeedy execution: but that it was to be
fear'd, that whilft he ftood deliberating with his Friends what
was beft to be done, his Enemies, who were very powerful, and
already refolv'd what to do, might effect fomething to the
prejudice of his Fortune; and that the leaft moments were to be
husbanded in a buſineſs of fo great confequence as this. An ad-
vice that being foon confider'd of by the Duke, he immediately
commanded that every one ſhould make himself ready to depart
within two days; neither did he longer defer it, but accordingly
put himſelf upon his way to Angouleme, and that very feaſonably,
as by the following diſcourſe will fuddenly appear.
:
But before the Duke left Loches, he was prefented with a dif
courſe, by way of Apology in the behalf of himſelf, and his Bro-
ther, againſt the Calumnies contain'd in the forementioned Manit
fest of the League: a piece fo eloquently couch'd, and fet forth
with ſo many powerful, and ſo pertinent Arguments, that it is
certain the Leaguers could afterwards have wifh'd they had ne
ver affaulted the Duke by the way of writing, that ſo they might
M &
not
霜
​ļ
*
1
84
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
i
Anno
The Duke
the Mani-
feft of the
League.
not have drawn upon themſelves ſo tart a Reply. I forbear to
1588. tranſcribe it in this place, becauſe it would fwell this Volume
with things that are elſewhere, and in better language,than I ſhould
publiſhes an perhaps exprefs it, to be found: But Mounfieur de Thou, one of
Anſwer to the moſt celebrated Hiftorians of theſe latter times, thought it a
Diſcourſe worth inſerting at length in his Hiftory; and having
tranſlated it out of the Original, into his own elegant Latine, has
commended it to all the Nations of Europe, where his works are
read with an univerſal applauſe. And although the Duke never
thought of juſtifying his actions that way, and that he had fo
little a fhare in this anſwer, as neither then, nor ever fince, to
know his name, who undertook his Quarrel and Intereft with
ſo friendly a Zeal (a thing ſomewhat hard to believe, that a man
who would oblige the Duke at fo kind a rate, ſhould deprive him-
felf of the thanks juftly due to fo great an obligation) he never-
theleſs took it upon him, and publiſh'd it in his own name, that
all the world might be fatisfied both with his and his Brothers
Innocency: and certainly it wrought upon all diſintereſted ſpirits
impreffions very diſadvantageous to the covert practices of the
League.
The Duke
arrives at
Having caus'd this Declaration to be publiſh'd, he departed to-
Angou'efme. wards Angoulefme, where he fafely arriv'd in July; and where the
feveral Orders of the City contented with great emulation, which
ſhould give the greateſt teftimony of joy for his Arrival. Being
thither come, the Duke would needs take up his Lodging in the
Caftle, which although it was only a rude pile of ftone, and na-
ked of all defenſe, (though by him afterwards fortified, and
made more confiderable) and though there was in the fame City
a Cittadel, much ſtronger, and more commodious, commanded
by the Sieur de Bordes, a particular creature of the Dukes; yet to
ſhew the Inhabitants how entire a Confidence he repos'd in
them, he would rather chooſe to lie in the other, and that with
ſo much civility to the Town, as that he permitted not one of the
Souldiers he brought along with him ſo much as to come within
the Walls of the City.
Two days after his Arrival the Sieurs Nefmond, Chief Juftice,
and Normond Conful of the City receiv'd diſpatches from the
King, Sign'd by Mounfieur Villeroy, wherein his Majefty pofitive-
The King ly commanded them, not to admit any whomfoexer with any
commands Forces into their City, without his exprefs Order; whatever they
tants of the might pretend, or what Commiffions foever they fhould pro-
City not to duce to the contrary. And indeed his Majeſty had been fo impor-
Duke. tun'd to exclude the Duke from this important place (being withal
the Inhabi-
receive the
made
}
BOOK II.
85
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
made to believe that he had only left Loches in order to a clofing Anno
with the King of Navarre) that being unwilling to have that Fa- 1588.
&tion ftrengthened, by fo powerful, and ſo active a Confederate,
he had conſented to this diſpatch: but the Duke's diligence ha- But too
ving prevented this command, fo fruftrated the execution of it, late.
that whereas it had before (had theſe orders come in time) been a
very eaſie matter to have kept him out, it was now impoffible to
obey the Kings defire, he being got in, or to thrust him out again,
who had already made himſelf Maſter of the place.
The Conful notwithſtanding communicated the Orders he had
receiv'd to ſome of his Relations, and moſt intimate Friends;
where the greater part of thoſe he confulted about this buſineſs,
being enclin❜d to the League (and it is hardly to be imagin'd how
ftrangely that contagion had diffus'd it ſelf throughout the whole
Kingdom, no Family almoſt being without one, or more of their
Party; no City without fome notorious Ring-leader of their
Faction; nor no Province wherein their Intereft was not grown
to a formidable height) it was foon refolv'd upon, that (fince the
Kings pleaſure could not now be fulfill'd in the precife Form his
Letters prefcrib'd) to propoſe to his Majefty other ways, by
which (as they conceiv'd) they might work as confiderable, if
not a more advantageous effect, for his fervice, than they could
have done, by that it was now too late for them to perform. The
Conful therefore diſpatch'd away to Court one Souchet his Bro-
ther-in-Law, a notable Leaguer, and a bold Factious Fellow, to
acquaint the King with his Design, which was, to feize upon
the Duke's perfon, and to detain him Priſoner in the City, till his
Majeſties further Order: who accordingly arriving at Court, and
addreffing himſelf to Mounfieur de Villeroy, made this Propofition
to him, and was by him very well receiv'd. Villeroy promiſing
to acquaint the King with the good affection of the Inhabitants,
and to give him a ſpeedy anſwer. I fhall not here make fhie of
delivering plainly what I have receiv'd from the Duke's own
mouth upon this occafion,and that without fear of reviving Ani-
mofities long ago extinct; the Duke, and Mounfieur de Villeroy
having often fince (and that with fome kind of delight) difcours'd
themſelves into a better intelligence about this Subject: So true it
is, that time is a Sovereign Remedy for the most violent paffions,
no former unkindneſs betwixt theſe two great Minifters being of
force to hinder the mutual efteem they had of one anothers Ver-
tue in their later years, from ending in a moſt fincere, and per-
fect Friendship.
The King's anſwer to Villeroy was, that he ſhould be glad to
have
1
86
Book II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
·
Anno have the Duke within his power, that fo he might hinder him
1588. from joyning with the King of Navarre; but withal, if it could
not be done without endangering his Perfon, that they fhould by
no means attempt it; his Majefty being neither willing to have
him deſtroy'd, nor exafperated, but only reftrain'd within the
bounds of his Duty: Which were the very words his Majeſty
repeated to the Duke at his return to Court, graciouſly adding,
that it was in order to a ſpeedy recalling of him about his own
Perfon, where he intended to uſe him like a Son (a title by which
his Majeſty was ever pleas'd to Honour him in his Letters, and
ordinary Diſcourſe) as hitherto he had ever done. But this was
too nice a Commiffion for his Enemies to work upon,who would
by all means make use of this occafion the hair-brain'd Citizens
preſented to them, to take a full revenge of former injuries for
after the buſineſs had been communicated to the Duke of Guife,
it was told Souchet by Mounfieur Villeroy, that it was the King's
defire, they ſhould take the Duke Priſoner, and that they could
not do his Majeſty a more acceptable fervice. Whereupon Souchet
having reply'd, that it would be an enterprize hard to execute ſo,
as to meet with no oppofition; and that in fuch a caſe he de-
fir'd to know how they were to behave themfelves: he was fur-
ther order'd to take the Duke alive, or dead; that fuch was his
Majeſties intention, and that it was a bufinefs of fo great impor-
tance, that both he, and all others, who fhould be employ'd
therein, might certainly expect a recompenfe proportionable to
the merit of the Action. Some have further added, and it was a
common report, that a man utterly unknown to Souchet was dif-
guis'd in his Majeſtics Cloaths, and taught to pronounce this
Command, as if it had come from the King's own mouth: but
however it were carried, certain it is that Souchet could not have re-
turn'd more fully perfwaded, than he did.
گر
At his return he acquaints the Conful with his Inftructions (at
a private place without the City) who hoping to do the King a
fignal Service,communicated the Order he had receiv'd to forty,or
fifty, all active and reſolute men, of his moft intimate Friends, and
conferr❜d yet further with fome Gentlemen of the Duke of Guife's
Faction about it; forthat having made himſelf as ftrong as he
could, and having writto the Vicount Aubeterre, who was Head
of the League in that Province, to be ready to aſſiſt in an acti-
on fo important to the Service of the King, and the Catholick
Union, he at laſt receiv'd the Deputy into the City upon St, Lau-
rence Eve, the day following without further delay being defign'd
for the execution of the Enterprize.
There
BOOK II.
87
the Duke of Eſpernon.
3
The Con-
against the
There are few Hiftorians of any note, of thoſe times, who Anno
have not given a full defcription of this days buſineſs, and who 1588.
have not thought it (though only relating to a particular perfon)
an action for the Novelty, and handfome performance of it, fpiracy of
worthy to be recorded amongſt the general Tranfactions of that Angouleme
time. Mounfieur de Thou, D'Aubigné, and D'Avila, have all made Duke of
long Relations of it; and there were many Printed Reports of Efpernon.
it current in France immediately after the thing was done,of which
feveral old Copies yet remain; to all which I could refer my
Reader, and fpare my felf the pains of repeating it over again,
could a buſineſs ſo highly important to the Duke's Honour be
left out
of the recital of his Life, without making my felf guilty
of an omiffion, Pofterity might juftly blame me for. Take here
therefore what I have collected, both from the Duke's own
mouth, and from ſome of his Servants; who, as they fhar'd in
the danger of this Confpiracy, had alſo the Honour to do their
Maſter fignal Service in fo memorable an Action.
*
The Duke living in great fecurity in the City, and behaving
himſelf very obligingly to all the Inhabitants in general, but more
particularly to thofe he faw bore the greateſt ſway amongst them,
Ipar'd no kind of good Entertainment, that he thought might
win the Conful over to his Devotion: a man, who befides the
addition of his Authority, was very confiderable in his own Per-
fon, as being deſcended from one of the beſt Families in the City,
and a man of great fagacity and valour. The morning of his en-
terprize therefore being St. Laurence day, he going early, as it
was uſual, to give the Duke a Vifit, was by him entertain'd with
extraordinary civility; the Duke not fuffering him to depart, till
he had made him a promiſe to come again to Dinner: which
the Conful, thinking by that means to have his acceſs into the
Caſtle more open, and free, for the effecting of his purpoſe, rea-
dily engag'd himſelf to do: And in the mean time returning
home, he found Souchet, and with him ſome dozen of the molt
refolute Fellows,and fierceft Leaguers of all the Town,got thither
before him. Theſe were to begin the work, and the others to the
number of five and forty, or fifty, were lodg'd in the Houſes near-
eft to the Caſtle, to be ready to ſecond them, when they had gi-
ven the firſt Affaults Neither were theſe all in the Confpiracy,
for there were divers others difpos'd into the feveral Streets of the
City to alarm the reſt of the people (altogether ignorant of the
Enterprize) by telling them that the Hugonots had taken the Ca-
ftle, by the Poftern-gate that look'd into the Park, and to make
them by this device run to their Arms to repel them.
Things
88
Book II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
Things being thus order'd, the Conful firft entred the Caftle,
1588. taking along with him Souchet Booted, and Spurr'd, as if he new-
ly arriv'd from Court, with another in the fame Equipage; and
being come into the Hall, where he met with fome of the inferi-
our Servants, he of them enquir'd for the Duke, faying, He had
there two Courriers to preſent to him, who brought him good
news from Court. Whereupon the Servants who faw him
every
day with the Duke, and receiv'd with great Demonftrations of
Favour, and Reſpect, made no difficulty to tell him, that he was
in the Wardrobe. But whilft they were thus talking, fix more of
the Inhabitants, who were alſo of the Plot, were come in under
pretenſe of paying their Service to the Duke, and to wait his
coming out to prefent themſelves: And all of them, both the
Conful, and the reft, Arm'd under their Cloaks with Curaffes,
or Coats of Mail, fhort Swords, and Piſtols.
Libel the
Duke of
Efpernon
red to
veston, as
Jean de
The three firſt having paſs'd through the Hall, and the next
Chamber, without giving any fufpicion, came into the Ward-
robe, where they expected to find the Duke, who by good For-
tune was juſt gone into his Clofet, having taken in with him the
Abbot d' Elbene, and the Sieur de l'. Ifle Marivault, two perſons in
whom of all others he repos'd the greateſt Confidence;and where
*In which they were reading a Scandalous Libel, publiſh'd to the King's
difhonour, that had been ſent the Duke that morning. The
Confpirators, without taking notice who were in the Wardrobe,
was compa- vigorously affaulted the first they met; and at their first entrance
Pierce Ga- letting fly their Piſtols, betook themselves to their Swords, crying
out as loud as they could, Kill, Kill: At this noiſe the other fix
(who, dazled with the Cupboard of Plate in the Hall, had ftaid
behind to pilfer) ran preſently to their Fellows, and all together
joyn'd in the Affault: The firft that oppos'd their Fury in the
Wardrobe, was Signior Raphael Girolami, a Florentine Gentleman,
and Sorlin the Duke's Chirurgion; the two Secretaries, who
were alſo in the Chamber being for want of Arms able to make
no reſiſtance. But Sorlin drawing his Sword, gave the Conful a
flight hurt in the Head; and Girolami on his fide,having first mor-
tally wounded three of the Affailants, was at laft by a Piftol fhot
laid dead upon the place; fo that he being diſpatch'd, and Sorlin
defperately wounded,the Conful and the reft of the Confpirators,
had free acceſs to the very door of the Cloſet, where they call'd
out aloud to the Duke to yield, or otherwiſe he was dead.
Serres re-
ports.
The Duke had already at the firft uproar, not knowing by
whom he was aſſaulted, nor what fecurity he might promiſe to
himſelf from the affiftance of his Domefticks, and Friends, Bar-
ricado'd
Book II. the Duke of Efpernon.
89
ricado'd up the Door of his Cloſet, expecting a further light into
this diſorder; D'Elbene, and Marivault, who were both with him,
having perfwaded him fo to do, and with-held him from going
out, until he firft understood the cauſe of this Tumult, which
was yet utterly unknown. There were two Doors to this Cloſet,
one at the further end of a little Gallery, which was open; but
there was no way to the fecond, but through this Gallery, which
being dark, and ſo narrow as only to admit one a breaſt, made
the acceſs to the inner Door very difficult, and dangerous: fo that
by this means the Duke, and thoſe that were with him, had a
conveniency of making fome kind of refiftance, till they might
be better inform'd of the buſineſs. And I have heard the Duke
fay, when talking fometimes of this Mutiny, that in the heat of
the Action, he remov'd with one hand, and with great facility,
unwieldy Truncks, and Chefts, to Barricado up the Door;
which, after he had a little compos'd himſelf,and thought it necef-
fary to go out, they could not ſcarce all three, with all their
ftrength united, remove again to their places.
'
Anno
1588.
At the fame time that the Affault began, the Tocquefain rung An Alerm
throughout all the Churches in the City; at which Signal, the Bell, which
people ran on all fides to Arms, lodging themſelves in the Houſes from in
neareft adjoyning to the Caftle; mov'd fo to do by the outcry of France to
the Confpirators, diſpers'd into the ſeveral quarters of the Town,
that the Hugonots had poffeft themſelves of the Caſtle.
ring upon
any Tu-
mult, or In-
In the mean time the Confpirators immediately appointed for furrection.
this execution, and who were order'd to follow thofe already got
in with the Conful, attempting to poffefs, themſelves of the Gate
of the Caſtle, that they might let in the people, who came run-
ning in Arms from all parts, were oppos'd by ſome of the Duke's
Gentlemen, who were walking without in the bafeCourt,to attend
his going abroad of which the chief were Ambleville, Beaure-
paire, Sobole the elder, Lartigue, and fome others. Neither was
their Defign prevented without fighting; for Beaurepaire being
kill'd with the blow of an Halbert, and fome of the Guards be-
ing knock'd down by him, other of the Duke's Gentlemen, who
were walking at a further diſtance from the Gate, perceiving what
they were about; made all the hafte they could, and came time
enough to get in before the Gate was quite fhut; amongſt whom
were the Count de Brienne, the Duke's Brother-in-law, Miran,
Gohas, la Coste, and Des Emars.
All theſe Gentlemen being joyn'd together, and having with
much ado fhut the outward Gate,and left a fufficient Guard to de-
fend it, ran up the Stairs to fee what was become of the Duke;
N
where
1
1
90
BOOK II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
}
Anno where meeting no body to enquire of, they believ'd him to be
1588. certainly dead, and all thofe that were with him: But after ha-
ving a little recollected themſelves from the aftonifhment ſo
ſtrange a folitude had begot in them, and having gathered toge-
ther fuch other Gentlemen, and Souldiers, of the Duke's Guard,
as they could find in the Caftle, they refolv'd to fet upon the
Conful, and his Affociates, and to that purpoſe made directly to-
wards the Duke's Chamber, the only part of the Houſe from
whence any noiſe was to be heard.
}
1
The Confpirators ſeeing themſelves alone, the Gate of the
Caſtle ſhut, the Duke's Friends, and Servants got together, and
united, and (which moſt of all perplex'd them) that the people
could not force their entrance fo foon as was requifite for their
fafety, would yet try by the fame Door by which they had entred,
to recover the principal Tower of the Caftle, and to make that
good, till they might be reliev'd from without: But the paſſage
was fo ftoutly maintain'd by the Gentlemen, and thofe of the
Guard, who were joyn'd to them, that the Conful being mortal-
ly wounded, and fome other of his Complices more flightly
hurt,the ardour of their firſt reſolution began apparently to cool,
their Enemies being poffeft of the only paſs, by which they were
to expect a prompt, and neceffary fuccour.
At this new uproar in the Wardrobe, the Duke having, amidſt
fo great a confufion of voices, diftinguifh'd fome of them to be
his own people, fallied out of his Cloffet with the Abbot D'Elbene,
and Marivalt; fo that theſe fallying out with Sword, and Piſtol,
by the Door of the Cloffet, whilft the other Door towards the
Hall was made good by the Duke's Friends, the Conful and his
Complices found themſelves beſet on all fides; and ſeeing no
hopes of ſafety by the way they had in vain, and with many
wounds attempted to paſs, they refolv'd to get out by a
third Door of the fame Wardrobe, which yet remain❜d free, and
that led by a back way to the forementioned Tower; and accord-
ingly carrying off the wounded Conful with them, recover'd a
little pair of ftone Stairs, the only refuge was left them, and
where they intended to defend themſelves to the faft man: nei-
ther wanted they means fo to do; for being all arm'd, which nei-
ther the Duke nor any of his Followers were, and refolute Fel-
lows, as they had fufficiently made it appear; and having only
a narrow pair of Stairs to make good, they were not to be al-
faulted, but with infinite hazard,in a place of fo great advantage :
which made the Duke refolve upon putting fire to the Stairs, to
the end he might there, as it were befieg'd, keep them in.
Whilft
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
91
ما
f
Anno
Whilſt theſe things were doing within the Caſtle, a Maid came
running, and told the Duke, that the Confuls Brother, with a 1588.
great number of armed Men, were upon entring by a hole they
had made in the Wall, on that fide next the Curtain ; which
made him immediately repair thither, as where his prefence was
moft neceffary, leaving only three of his Guard to make good
the Stair-foot, where the Conful and his Confederates were, that
they might attempt nothing in his abſence. At his coming into
the Court he found the Conful's Brother, and another with
him, already enter'd the place, who both of them ſtrove with in-
credible valour, to make way for the reft: But the Duke having
foon kill'd the firft with his own hand, the other being no better
handled by his Followers; and having left a fufficient Guard up-
on the place, he ran preſently to another Alarm, no leſs dange-
rous, than this he had already taken ſo good order in: For the
Confpirators without having (as we have faid before) been able
to force the great Gate, by reaſon of the vigorous refiftance the y
had met there, were run to another little Poſtern, that no body
dream'd of, with fire to burn it down; by which means, and by
a petard they had alſo got to blow it open, they doubted not to
force their entrance that way; but the Duke arriving opportune-
ly upon the place, with fome fifteen he had rallied together, after
a dangerous, and obftinate Conflict, beat back the Aſſailants,and
fo fortified it for the future, that it was impoffible for them after-
wards to force that paſs.
Whilft the Duke was thus bufie without, thofe who were with
the Conful upon the Stairs, ſeeing the paffage now guarded by
only the three Souldiers, who had been left to that purpoſe, at-
tempted to make their way, and to eſcape, which they hop'd
they might do whilft the Duke, and his Servants, were eliewhere
employ'd; intending afterwards to force fome of the Avenuės (it
being impoffible they fhould be all well guarded, the Duke ha-
ving ſo few about him) and to let in the reft of their Confede-
rates to their fuccour: But the Duke, with marvellous diligence
preſenting himſelf in all places where there was any fufpicion, of
danger,coming opportunely in,when they were already difputing
it with his Guards; and having,by the death of one of the Inhabi-
tants, whom he diſpatch'd with his own hand, beaten back the
reft, defeated them of all further hopes, of eſcaping out of his
Power. In which encounter he ran an exceeding great hazard, for
the Stairs upon which they fought, having been already loofened
in the Joynts by the heat of the fire, and morcover fhaken by
the agitation of the Combatants, could no longer fupport it ſelf
་
N 2
front
י
1
92
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
เ
1
Anno from falling down with a fudden ruine, the ftep whereon the
1588. Duke ftood only remaining firm, who without fo miraculous a
fortune had certainly perifh'd in the fall. Miran, a Gentleman of
good underſtanding and great courage, told me fome years ago
this Story in which as he had himſelf a particular fhare, fo has
he often affur'd me, that without the Duke's perfonal courage,
great vigilancy, and noble refolution he did believe they had ne-
ver efcap'd that eminent peril; that in his life he never faw a man
fo conftant in all kinds of danger; and that as they who had
faithfully ferv'd him in this occafion had doubtless deferv'd very
well at his hands, fo ftood they no leſs oblig'd to him for their
own preſervation, than he to them for his, having done more to-
wards it in his own ſingle perſon, than almoſt all the reſt,
their endeavours put together.
all
The Inhabitants, who had this while poffeft themſelves of a
Houſe call'd the Queens Castle, feparated only from that wherein
the Duke was aſſaulted by a little Court, and of equal height
with it, by powring continual fhot in at the Windows,
which were very large, and high, did not a little incommodate
the Duke; another inconvenience to be provided againft, as it
ſpeedily was, and (as that had already done for the other defects
of the place) fo well, that it was almoft impoffible by ftrength of
hand to force him.
The toil, and bustle of this Action having been fudden, and
violent, and the Fight almoft unintermitted from the beginning,
the Duke and thoſe with him found themſelves ſo weary,
and
their ſtrength ſo abated, that to refresh themſelves, and to reco-
ver a little breath, the Duke call'd for fomething to drink but
upon examination there were but four Bottles of Wine, no Wa-
ter at all, and very little, and that courfe Bread, to be found in
all the Caftle, neither was there any more to be hop'd for, the
Inhabitants being as they were Mafters of all the Kitchins, and
other Offices, as alſo of a Well in the back Court, which could
not poffibly be recover'd from them, an irreparable, and unex-
pected inconvenience to the Duke and his Followers, who faw
themſelves at once affaulted with Enemies, within, and without,
and more violently with hunger, and thirft; two Enemies they
could the worst defend themſelves againft; a condition in which
they continued for two dayes, and one night, and wherein the
Duke's conftancy is no lefs to be admir'd, than in fo gallantly
defending himſelf againſt the violence of his armed Adverfariés,
the neceffities of Nature being much harder to be contended with-
al, than the moft obftinate attempts of the most refolute Enemy.
Hitherto
BOOK II.
93
the Duke of Eſpernon.
1
+
Hitherto the Duke faw no figns of fuccour; Tagent his Coufin,
and Lieutenant in that Government was at Xaintes, with the
Troops, and the Cittadel, wherein he had a trufty Servant, had
made no fhew of ftanding for him, having not fo much as made
one Cannon, or Mufquet fhot againſt the City: For the Conful
who was no leſs circumfpect than valiant, having, when he firſt
plotted the Deſign of this Enterprize, forgot nothing, that
might any way contribute to the fuccefs, had cunningly drawn
Bordes Governour of the Cittadel into the Town, under colour
of ſome important Buſineſs he was to communicate to him, and
had there feiz'd of his Perfon; fo that at the fame time the Duke
was firſt aſſaulted in the Caftle, they who had Bordes in cuſtody,
brought him before the Cittadel,and with a Dagger at his Throat
commanded him to yield it up: but he ſcorn'd to do a thing fo
unworthy of himſelf in fo great an exigency, and his Lieutenant
remain❜d alſo firm in his duty, though it be true that the regard
he had to his Captains fafety made him forbear to ſhoot,'till the
last extremity.
*
As if the Duke in fo eminent a peril were not fufficiently dif
quieted with his own troubles, he had yet prefent before his eyes
the danger to which the Dutchefs his Lady was expos'd; who,
being a little before the tumult began gone out of the Caftle
towards the Jacobins, to hear Maſs, was feiz'd upon by the Inha-
bitants, as ſhe was retiring towards the Cittadel, the way to the
Caſtle being ſhut up: Her two Gentlemen Ufhers, the one call'd
Piar, and the other Seguencio, bravely offer d to make fome refi-
ftance, but were both wounded to death, whilft they held her by
the Arms; fo that their Blood flew upon her Cloaths: Neither
was the Dutchess alone arrefted after this manner, many of the
Dukes Gentlemen who were abroad in the Town, ſuſpecting no-
thing, being alſo taken priſon ers; of which la Curée, fince Camp-
Mafter to the Light Horfe of France, was one,
with St. Meſme,
Bleré, the Baron de Cofe, de Ramel, and many others.
In theſe extremities, to which the Duke was reduc'd, he let a
Footman by a Rope down the Caftle-Wall, on that fide towards
the Park, to carry Tagent intelligence of the danger he was in:
but the Fellow was no fooner down, than intercepted by the In-
habitants, who had every where fet Guards to that purpoſe: not-
withſtanding which, two of the Duke's Gentlemen, being gone
early abroad a Hunting and upon the noife of the Tocquefain
they heard from the City, being return'd upon the fpur up
to the very Graffe of the Cittadel, to know the meaning of it, were
foon enform'd, and as foon turn'd full ſpeed to carry Tagent the
news,
Anno
1588.
94
BOOK II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno news, who by them receiv'd the first intimation of the Duke's
1588. danger.
Tagent, upon the arrival of theſe two Gentlemen, caus'd the
Trumpets immediately to found to Horſe, and prefently mount-
ing with what Cavalry he had, arriv'd with all poffible diligence
at the Gates of Angouleme : It was in a time when the Duke could
hardly hold out any longer againſt hunger and thirft, which for
two whole days he had ſuſtain'd, without any kind of refreſh-
ment, that little provifion before mentioned having been equal-
ly divided amongſt his Friends, the Duke diſdaining to preſerve
his own life longer than he could alfo fupport fo many brave per-
fons, as fo franckly expos'd themſelves to all hazards for his
fafety.
;
,
The people had in the mean time continued their firft
Fury,
in which they had been affifted, and advis'd by
feveral Gentlemen of the Countrey, who took part with the
League; whereof thoſe of chief note were Meré a man
who was a particular Servant to the Duke of Guife, and who had
been bred up in his Family; la Meſſeliere, Lef-Bouchanx, de Mac-
queville, and fome others who were drawn into that Faction, by
the ſpecious pretenſe of Religion, a Colour by which moſt men
of that time were pre-poſſeſs'd, and abus'd. Theſe having inve-
fted the Caftle on all fides, had fummon'd the Duke to Surren-
der, with offers of free Quarter, and Bag, and Baggage to him,
and his; a Summons to which the Duke had fmartly reply'd,
That he would rather chooſe to die, than to receive the leaft courtefie at
their hands; and that he hop'd e're long to reduce them to fuch a ftraight,
that they should be glad to receive conditions at his.
It fhould feem that in this occafion the Duke's Enemies would
alſo give his Dutchefs an opportunity wherein to manifeft her ge-
nerous Spirit, that ſhe might ſhare with her Husband in the Ho-
nour of fo handſome an Action; for having already found there
was no good to be done upon the Caſtle by any violent means
they could practiſe againſt it, they threatned the Dutchefs, that
unleſs ſhe did perfwade the Duke her Husband to make a ſpeedy
Surrender, they would make her ſerve for a Gabion before the
place, whither they accordingly led her; fuch were the Comple-
ments wherewith a Lady of her Birth, and Quality was enter-
tain'd by theſe rude people: but fhe, without being mov'd with
their threats, made anſwer to thoſe who talk'd fo impudently to
her, That did the Duke her Husband's Refolution ftand in need of in-
couragement, she should her felf defire to be preſented before him, that
She might fortifie him to perfift in his defenfe: but that being altogether
unneceffary
か
​1
BOOK II.
95
the Duke of Efpernon.
that Anno
unneceſſary, their menaces to her were much more impertinent; that
nevertheless she could not but wonder, at their infolence, and that she 1588.
durst venture to Prophefie, she should e're long make them repent it;
and afterwards turning towards Meré, who of all others had been
the moſt uncivil to her, fhe reproach'd him with his barbarous
carriage, in fo handfome Language, with fo mafculine a cou-
rage, and fo graceful an indignation, as if ſhe had foreſeen all
the good fuccefs, that foon after hapned in this buſineſs, contrary
to all humane expectation.
The enterprize of which we are now ſpeaking had been carried
on with that fecrefie, and had fo furpriz'd the Duke, and his Fa-
mily, that there were only eight of his Guards to be found in the
Caſtle, when this bufinefs began, all the reft having been trapt
in the Town; which ſmall number were notwithſtanding fo
conveniently diſpos'd into places of moſt danger, and were fo
expert in the ufe of their fire Arms, that it was obferv'd they
never ſhot in vain; a dexterity that has fince grown to fuch a ha-
bit in all who have fucceeded in that employment, that they have
ever fignaliz❜d themſelves by their Activity, and Valour, above all
others upon all occafions, and by thofe qualities acquir'd fo great
a reputation; that the late King intending to raiſe a Troop of
Dragoons (as he did) for the guard of his own perfon, did them
the honour to chooſe fix out of the Duke's company, to fettle the
Order, and Diſcipline of that Troop.
:
If the Duke were himſelf vigorously affaulted without, he no
lefs importun'd the Conful, and his Complices within the Caftle,
who nevertheleſs defended themſelves with great refolution; but
ſeeing themſelves prefs'd upon by the fire, that by little and little
ftill encreas'd upon them; by hunger likewife, and the Sword,
and finding themſelyes weakned by their wounds to the laſt ex-
tremity, their Ring-leader at the point to die, and themſelves out
of all hopes of relief, they let one of their company by cloath
cut into fhreds, and tied together, down into the Caftle Ditch,
to acquaint the Sub-Conful, whofe name was Corlieu, with the
condition they were in; who prefently affembling the people,
and confulting with them about their Friends neceffity, it was
foon refoly'd upon, that they should come to Propofitions of ac-
commodation; in order to which the Sub-Conful prefented him
felf before the Caftle, and demanded a Conference; which be-
ing granted, the Abbot D'Elbene, and Ambleville drew near to par-
ley with him.
But before they could come to any conclufion, the Conful,
and thoſe with him being reduc'd to a final neceffity, had furren-
dred
1
96
Book II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
,
Anno dred themſelves upon the Duke's word; which notwithſtanding
1588. he punctually obferv'd to them without the leaft injury, or vio-
lence (though the Conful died of his Wounds before the end of
the Action) yet as foon as he had them in his power, he order'd
them to write to thofe of the City, what danger their lives were
in, fhould they any more offer to affault the Caftle: A Policy
that oblig'd their Relations fo to importune the Sub-Conful to
conclude the Treaty, that he again return'd to the Caftle to in-
treat the Duke, that Ambleville, and D'Elbene might come into
the City to Treat with them, which Ambleville abſolutely refus'd
to do; it being, as he conceiv'd, inconfiftent with his Honour, to
abandon the Duke in a time of fo great danger: So that the Abbot
(fufficient Hoſtages being firft deliverd in for his fecurity)
was fain to go out alone, and was immediately conducted to the
Town-Hall.
The Abbot had by his dexterity brought things to fo good a
forwardneſs, that the Accommodation was upon the point to be
concluded, to the Duke's Honour, and ſatisfaction, when le Meré,
who would by no means lofe ſo fair an opportunity of facrificing
the Duke, to his Mafter the Duke of Guife's hatred, broke off
the Treaty, by promiſing the people a ſpeedy, and infallible ſuc-
cour from the Vicount D'Aubeterre; who (as he faid) having re-
ceiv'd expreſs Orders from the King, was with all poffible dili-
gence coming in to their affiftance.
The Abbot then muſt return to the Caſtle, which he did, not
without ſome danger; ſo high was the infolence of the people
rais'd by this little beam of hope, though falle, and impos'd up-
on them. Every one now ran again to his Arms, which they em-
ploy'd with greater violence than before; the Drums, the Tocque-
Jain, and the clamours of the Seditious rabble, indifferently com-
pelling, as well the Nobility, and Gentry, as the Commons; as
well thofe who were averfe to the League, as the Leaguers them-
ſelves to joyn in the common mischief. They hop'd by a Petard
which they intended to apply to a part of the Caftle-Wall, they
knew to be very weak, to make a fufficient breach to enter at
which accordingly playing, and having wrought fome effect, the
Gentry, and the people prefented themſelves with great courage
to the Affault; but they found greater in the Defendants, who,
though very few in compariſon of the Affailants, after a long dif
pute, forc'd them to retire, with the lofs of a great many very re-
folute men.
The next day about three of the clock in the morning, the In-
habitants heard the Trumpets of the Duke's Cavalry, who were
led
;
BOOK II.
the Duke of Efpernon.
97
led by the Sieur de Tagent to his Relief; the report of whofe ar-
rival having put life into the Commanders and Souldiers of the
Cittadel, they began to fhoot against the City, which till then they
had never done: And if the arrival of this fuccour encouraged
the one party, it no lefs coold the fury, and obftinacy of the other;
who now began fubmiffively to fue for a conclufion of the Treaty,
which they had ſo infolently broken off the day before, and fent
again to entreat that the Abbot D'Elbene might once more come
out to that purpoſe; a requeſt the Duke made then ſome diffi
culty to grant, though in truth he had the greateſt reaſon to defire
it.
The Abbot nevertheleſs went out the fecond time into the Ci-
ty, but as vainly as before; for the Baron de Touverae, with many
other Gentlemen of the League being arriv'd, and amongſt others
La-Caze, Quarter-Mafter to the Vicount D'Aubeterre's Company
of Cuiraẞiers, put new vigour into the Inhabitants; La-Caze al-
furing them, that the next morning the Vicount would infalli-
bly come to their fuccour, with three hundred Horfe, and five
hundred Foot; by which the Citizens being re-affur'd, they now
breath'd nothing but War, the common people being ever as for-
ward to entertain raſh and giddy reſolutions, as they are uſually
backwards, and cowardly in the execution of them.
The Abbot was therefore again to recover the Caſtle, and that
with greater danger than before, being firft carried to the Gates
of the Cittadel, and there conftrain'd with a Dagger at his Throat,
to forbid the Souldiers from fhooting any more against the City,
which nevertheleſs they did not forbear to do: The Duke (preſs'd
upon now more than ever by thofe of the City) having found
means, from the high Tower of the Caſtle, to give a fign to the
Commanders of the Cittadel,who might eafily fee it,to fhoot con-
tinually, fo to divert the fury of the Enemy, that fo violently af-
faulted him; a Command fo well underſtood, and fo readily
obey'd, that the confufion was now far greater in all parts of the
City, than hitherto it had ever been. Neither had it ceaſed ſo
foon, had not the Sieur de Nefmond, chief Juftice of the place, a
man of great authority amongſt them, and no lefs confiderable
for his quality, than his Employment, with fuch of the principal
Magiftrates, as had not confented to this tumult, refolv'd to joyn
all their intereſts together to put an end to the bufinefs.
To that purpoſe therefore they affembled at the Biſhops Palace.
This Prelate Charles de Bony by name, an Italian by birth, having
long govern'd that Diocefs with great reputation of Vertue, and
Piety, could not without infinite forrow behold thefe confufions,
though
Anno
1588.
1
1
}
1
98
BOOK II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno though authoriz'd by the League, and palliated with the pretext
1588. of Religion; fo that in this Affembly, he, the Magiftrates, and
ſome well difpos'd Citizens, having confider'd the peril the Ci-
ty was in, as alſo their own particular danger, who were likely
to be involv'd in the common ruine, uniting themſelves againft
the feditious, with fome Gentlemen of Quality of the Country
(who being come in at the noiſe of this diforder, had ftood neu-
ters during the whole Action) ſent two of the moſt eminent
amongſt them to the Duke, to entreat him, that he would pleaſe
to confent that the Capitulation, which had been agreed upon
the day before with the Abbot D'Elbene, might be Sign'd, and Ra-
tified by Tagent, who was with his Cavalry in the Suburbs; a
requeft was readily granted by the Duke,who was now no longer
in a condition, had he been fo difpos'd, to refuſe it.
It had now been above forty hours fince the Duke, or any of
thoſe who were with him in the Caftle had either drank, or
eaten; their powder was all ſpent, the men for the moft part
wounded, and thoſe who were not, fo worn out with watch-
ing, fafting, and continual labour, that it was their courage on-
ly that did fupport them; a fupport that would foon have fail'd
them, with their lives, had the Befiegers known their neceffities,
which were ſuch as fleſh and blood could no longer endure:
But God, who referv'd the Duke for better occafions, was pleas'd
to deprive them of that knowledge, and fo to order things, that
the impatience of two fhort hours deliver'd him from that emi-
nent, and apparent danger. The Abbot D'Elbene therefore
went out the third, and laft time into the City; and, together
with the Inhabitants repair'd to Tagent; who, to the Duke's
great aftoniſhment had all this while ftood an idle Spectator,
without once endeavouring to enter the Town to his fuccour:
'Tis true, he fign'd the Capitulation, which was all the ſhare he
had in this buſineſs: But the Articles were no fooner Sign'd,
than they immediately fell to breaking down the Barricadoes, the
people retir'd' every one to their own Houſes, and the Dutchefs
of Efpernon was conducted to the Caftle by the aforefaid Abbot.
The end of Where being come, after ſhe had given the Duke her Husband
ſome tender, and affectionate teftimonies of joy for his delive-
rance; the firſt thing fhe did, in return of the barbarous ufage
fhe had receiv'd, was to mediate their Pardons, by whom the
had been fo ill us'd, with the Duke; who, though he had me-
ditated a fevere Revenge upon them, who had committed fo great
an outrage againſt him, was notwithſtanding content to fur-
render his Animofities to the generous interceffion of this Ver-
the Action.
tuous
!
"
BOOK II. the Duke of Efpernon.
99
1
1
tuous Lady. He moreover fet thoſe he had taken Priſoners with
the Conful at Liberty, confented that Meré, with the other Gen-
tlemen of his Party, fhould retire to their own Houſes, giving
them a Convoy of Light Horſe for their defenſe; and by a no-
table effect of Generofity, and good Nature, having reftor'd the
dead Bodies of the Conful, and his Brother to their Relations,
and Friends, he permitted them to be buried with publick Ob-
fequies.
Laftly, he fo franckly pardon'd all the reft of the Citizens, that
not any one of them, who would afterwards live in Peace,
could ever perceive in him the leaſt memory of any former un-
kindneſs, but on the contrary, receiv'd from him all the good
Offices, and gentle Ufage they could expect from a man, they
had never offended: by which exceeding Clemency, and by the
protection both the City and Country receiv'd from him, for
the ſpace of fifty years, which he afterwards held that Govern-
ment, he fo won the hearts of that people, that there was not
one of them who would not chearfully have ventur'd Life, and
Fortune for his Service, and who have not, to this hour, his me-
mory in great Veneration, as the Father, Protector, and Reftorer
of their Country.
:
Anno
1588.
endeavours
to his Party.
The King of Navarre, who was ever fo intent upon his own The King
Affairs, as to let no occafion flip, that he conceiv'd might any of Navarre
way ſerve to advance them; foreſeeing that after the Affembly to draw the
which was to be holden at Blois, he fhould certainly have Duke over
all the Forces both of the King, and the League bent joynt-
ly againſt him, had not fail'd to ſend to the Duke upon his retire-
ment from Court, (a time very proper to have taken his Re-
fentments in the heat, had he been a Male-content) with offers
of as high, and honourable conditions, as he himself could poſ-
fibly have propos'd, if he would joyn with him. To which the
Duke equally firm in his Religion, and Loyalty, made anſwer,
that he did befeech his Majefty to reflect upon the infinite obli-
gations he had to the King his Mafter; and then he did affure
himself, that his own generofity, would for ever condemn him
of ingratitude, fhould he abandon his Service for any perfecution The Duke
his Enemies could practice against him: After which, and many
humble, and reſpective thanks for his gracious offer, he gave
him plainly, and freely to understand, that he would rather pe-
rifh, than to live oblig'd to any other for his protection, than to
him who was the fole Author of his Fortune.
But this Prince not checking, at this first refuſal, would yet
try if in the buſineſs of Angoulefme, by his own Actions, and
O 2
Preſence,
excufes
himſelf.
;
1
100
BOOK II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno Prefence, he could not work more effectually upon the Duke,
1588. than by the mediation of Agents, he had hitherto done; and
to that purpoſe, being advertis'd of this enterprize (though at a
time when he was upon the point to fall upon the City, and Ca-
ftle of Cliffon, in the lower Poitou, very confiderable places, and
which in all apparence he was likely to carry) he nevertheleſs
gave over the Defign, to come to the Duke's Relief: A delibe-
ration that ſome have believ'd, was not ſo much intended to re-
ſcue the Duke from the danger he was in, as to make uſe of that
occafion, in the Confufion the City then was, to feize upon it
to his own uſe, and to reduce ſo confiderable a place into the
hands of his own Party: But whatever his Deſign was, he met
intelligence by the way, that the Duke had already difingag'd
himſelf from his Enemies, and was fettled in a pofture of fafety:
by which though he found he ſhould come too late to do the
Duke any Service, unwilling nevertheleſs to lofe the thanks of
The King his good intention, he fent to congratulate with him for his hap-
tries again py Deliverance, which he ſaid was fo much the more glorious to
to perfwade him, as it was wrought out of himfelf, and effected by his own
the Duke, Valour, and Conftancy; adviſing him withal to confider how
many of the like attempts he was to expect from his Enemies ma-
lice; withal once more offering to joyn his Interefts with his,
and to run the fame Fortune with him in all hazards. But the
Duke anſwering ftill with the fame civility, and reſpect he had
done before, without ſuffering himſelf to be tempted from the
duty he ow❜d to the King his Maſter, continued conſtant in his
Refolution, never to take part with any, who were his open and
of Navarre
but in vain.
declared Enemies.
In this place methinks the Duke of Efpernon is chiefly to be
confider'd, to make thence a right judgment of the greatneſs and
conftancy of his mind: He had ſcarce been ſeven years a Favou-
rite, when he faw the prodigious Engine of the League ready to
fall upon him; a body fo formidable, and fo great, as having al-
ready conftrain'd the King himſelf to bow before it, made all
thoſe of the Reformed Religion to tremble at its motion; no
Authority was able to ftop it, no Power to refift it, yet could it
never ſtartle this young Dukes conftancy: But on the contrary,
though he ſaw himfelt forfaken by the King, and expos'd to the
malice of his Enemies, though he faw the people,in his own Go-
vernments, rais'd in mutiny againſt him, and all things as it
were confpiring together to his Ruine; yet could he not even in
theſe extremities ever fubmit to the King of Navarre's Protecti-
on, though offer'd, and ſo handſomely offered to him: but
*
though
BOOK II.
101
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
though alone in his own Quarrel, at leaft without other affi-
ſtance than of his Friends and Servants, he had yet the courage 1588.
to defend his own Interefts, and the Service of his Prince, even
againſt his Prince himſelf, who was now become General of his
own Enemies. Yet had he ever fo excellent a Government over
himſelf, as to do nothing contrary to his Conſcience,or his Duty:
So that not being to be mov'd either by the Menaces of the
League, or by the Hopes he might reaſonably conceive from the
affiftance of thoſe of the Reform'd Religion, he ſubdu'd thoſe
two Paffions that exerciſe the moſt abfolute Empire over the
minds of men, and that bear the greateſt ſway in all Humane
Defigns.
The end of the Second Book.
1
THE
|
1
L
1.
1
1
"
1
1
1
•
#
+
1
'
1
103
+
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Third Book
h
1
of the
Court du-
ring the
Duke's ab-
fence.
Hilft the Dukes Enemies exercis'd his Vertue with The Affairs
theſe continual troubles, they were themſelves
no leſs afflicted with their own Ambition. The
Affembly of the Eſtates was held at Bloss, where
all things in outward fhew were difpos'd in fa-
vour of the Duke of Guife: but ftill as he ap-
proach'd nearer to his Object, the greater the height, and the
more difficult the accefs unto the place, to which he afpir'd, ap-
pear'd unto him: That one remaining ſtep he was to climb, to
reach the height of his defires, ſeeming to rile ſtill further from
him, as oft as he attempted to gain it. So that tir'd out with fo
many preſent difficulties, and apprehending yet more thoſe which
were to come, 'tis faid he was often almoft refolv'd to leave off The Duke
his Defigns, and to rely upon the King's Word, that had fo often of Guife in
fufpenfe,
affur'd him the enjoyment of his preſent greatness, wherein al- whether or
fo he doubted not without any great difficulty to maintain him- no he
ſelf. The Duke of Mayenne, either jealous (as ſome have fue his De-
thought) of his Brothers Greatneſs, or elſe of a more moderate ſigns.
temper,
fhould pur
104
BOOK III,
The Hiftory of the Life of
ו
Anno temper, than the reſt of his Family, had often advis'd him to
1588. this Refolution; but the Cardinal their Brother, and the Arch-
tr
st
t
tr
(6
ແ
cc
biſhop of Lyons, were the Incendiaries, that rekindled his dying
Ambition, and that hurried him on to that precipice, into which
they themſelves at laft fell with him: "They reprefented to him
"by what infinite labours, and induſtry they had plac'd him in
that height to which he was already arriv'd; That if he ever
"had refolv❜d there to limit his defires, and to content himſelf
"with a competent Fortune, he ought never to have undertaken
"thoſe pains, nor to have undergone thofe dangers he had fo
glorioully, and fo fortunately overcome; That the merit of his
"Anceſtors had left him greatness enough to fatisfie an ordinary
Ambition: but that if he ever had the thought of rifing above
"them, as doubtless he had, the way was open to him, and that
"he had already overcome the greateft difficulties: That the grea-
ter part of France ftood for him, and that almoft all Foreign
Princes, and States were favourable to him: That God him
"felf feem'd to take his part, by giving him a negligent and vo-
luptuous Prince; whofe nature being foftned, and unnerv'd by
eaſe, and floth, had laid him open to his Defigns: That it was
an eaſie matter in the condition himſelf then was, to make him
"fure: That not fuddenly to do it, it was to be fear'd the King
might recover from his Lethargy; and, looking into himſelf,
might re-affume his former vigour, and recover his almoſt loſt
Authority: That the very fear the King then liv'd in, ought to
"be highly fufpected to him: That no Counfels were fo violent
"and dangerous, as thofe that proceeded from apprehenfion, or
extream neceffity: That he infinitely deceiv'd himſelf, if he
thought there could be any fafety for him (what promiſes foever
"the King might make in that height to which he had already
"rais'd himſelf: That the Fortune of a Subject was never more
“unſtable, and unſafe, than when it rendred him fufpected to
his Prince That he muft boldly therefore ftep out of the
lity of a Subject, if he would be out of the danger of a Sove-
reign. They further remonftrated to him what Opinion all Eu-
rope, who were joyn'd together in his Favour, what all good
Frenchmen, who were paffionate in his caufe, what all pofterity
(to which he ought to have a greater regard, than to the
(C
CC
re
.
<c
'
CC
"[
rr
cr
qua-
pre-
fent) could have of his courage; if the Duke of Guife only
"ſhould think himſelf unworthy of that Dignity, to which all
"the world befides fo paffionately wifh'd he might arrive: That
"he ought then boldly to end, what he had fo generously begun,
"and fo gloriouſly purſu'd; and that though death it ſelf ſhould
tr
follow
14
BOOK III. the Duke of Eſpernon.
ios
شرف
CC
Anno
"follow (which was not in the leaft to be doubted) it were not-
withſtanding more honourable to periſh in fo brave a Deſign, 1588.
"than to furvive the ſhame of not daring to perform it.
ما
confirm'd
on his death
The Duke of Guife, whofe ambitious and unquiet Spirit The Duke
was apt enough to take fire at fuch Counfels, as thele haughty, of Guife
and mutinous Prelates were fit to give, was foon perfwaded to in his first
renew his former practice; and, as if he had only fufpended the refolutions,
proſecution of his Defigns to take a little breath, that he might
fall on with greater violence, he preſently fent new diſpatches to
Rome, and into Spain, ftill more and more to fortifie himſelf in
the Authority of the one, and Strength of the other, affuring fur-
ther to himſelf at the fame time, either by promifes, or threats,
by himſelf or by his Adherents, almoft all the fuffrages of the ſe-
veral Deputies of the Affembly: which the King, to whom all
thefe practices were very well known, being enform'd of; and
then ſeeing the manifeſt danger he was in of lofing both his Au-
thority, and his Crown, he determined to prevent the Duke by The King
Counſels as fevere and bloody, as his own were rafh and muti- refolves up-
nous, and to cut him off before he ſhould have time to effect
what he had fo politickly, and ſo dangerouſly deſign'd A refo-
lution which, being foon agreed upon with fome of the Nobility,
his Majeſty knew moft faithful to him, had the execution of it
without further delay committed to eight of the five and forty.
Theſe five and forty were all of them Gentlemen of approved
Valour, and for whofe fidelity they who had recommended them
to the King, ſtood themſelves engag'd; fo that of this Company
(to which the number had given the name) his Majesty made his
moſt affured Guard (the greateſt part of his Domeſticks being
become ſuſpected to him) and as it were wholly entrusted the late-
ty of his Perſon to their Fidelity, and care: They attended him
where-ever he went, they nightly kept Guard in his Anti Cham-
ber; and (as nothing is fo powerful as benefits to win the hearts,
and affections of men) there was not one of them, who, befides
his Salary of an hundred Crowns of Gold a month (which
was very much in thoſe times) had not over and above either
receiv'd, or had not very good reaſon to expect, great recompen-
fes from his Royal bounty: So that theſe men being abfolutely
ty'd to all his Majefties Interefts, it was no hard matter to induce
them to make an attempt upon the Perfon of the Duke of Guife,
againſt whom the King had conceiv'd a violent, and implacable
Hatred. Ifhall here fay nothing of the manner and circumſtances
of the Death of this Duke, nor of that of the Cardinal of Guife
his Brother, who at the ſame time came to the fame violent end,
P
moft
J
106
BOOK III.
The Hiflory of the Life of
I
Anno
never
moſt of our Hiſtorians being particular in that Relation: but I
1588. can bear teftimony that the Duke of Efpernon did neither then, nor
ever fince approve of that execution; and that although he had
receiv'd very hard meaſure from the Duke in his life, he notwith-
ftanding had his great qualities in high efteem after his death. And
indeed he had ſo often, and fo generouſly employ'd thofe rare
Endowments for the fafety and honour of the Kingdom, that
his Vertue could never have been too highly commended, could
he have added the qualities of a good Subject, to thofe other ex-
cellencies which rendred him one of the greateft men of his time.
A little before the Duke of Guife's death, the King had diſmiſt
from Court the High Chancellor (hiverny, and the ieures de Be-
lievre, and de Villeroy, Secretaries of State, upon confiderations
that were then variously interpreted; though the King would
have the Duke of Efpernon believe, that the chief caufe of Moun-
fieur de Villeroy's difgrace was the bufinefs of Angouleme, which
New Mini- his Majefty wholly laid to his charge; and that the Duke might
the better be confirm'd in this opinion, the Sieur de Révol, a parti-
cular creature of the Dukes, one that was, under him, Comptrol-
ler of the Exchequer of Provence, and that had no intereſt at
Court faving his Protection, was receiv'd into his lace.
fters chofen
after the
Duke of
Guife's
Death.
1
His Majefty had no fooner abfolutely determin'd the Duke of
Guife's Ruine,than that forefeeing the confequences fo bloody an
execution was likely to draw after it, he diſpatch'd away Colonel
Alphonfo Corfo, afterwards Marejchal d'Ornano, to feize upon the
Duke of Mayenne at Lyons, where he then refided; which, it it
could have been in time effected, his Majefty had in all apparence
been ſecur❜d from the greateſt part of thoſe miſchiefs which this
action afterwards produc'd: but the Duke, having receiv'd the
news of his Brothers Deaths fome hours before Alphonfo's arrival,
was already in great diligence got to Horſe, and fled out at one
Gate of the City as Ornano entred at another to furprize him, and
by that means firft recovered Dijon, and afterwards Paris, with-
out any impediment: Where he was no fooner arriv'd, than that
laying afide that moderation he had euer manifefted, during his
Brother's Life,he declar'd himſelf Head of that Party, he had ever
till then, to his great Reputation, ſeem'd to condemn; and draw-
ing together all the Forces of the League that lay scatter'd up and
down in feveral places, he of them, without ftirring from Paris,
made a very confiderable Army.
His Majefty eafily judg'd that this ftorm would fuddenly break
upon him, and fail'd not, out of that forefight, to call all his
principal Servants about him, which nevertheleſs made up but an
incon-
1
BOOK III. the Duke of Efpernon.
107
1
Anno
1588.
inconfiderable Body and fuch as could no ways fecure him from
any attempt of the Enemy: So that he was advis'd to fend once
more to the King of Navarre, to intreat him to advance with his
Troops to his fuccour, which notwithſtanding the King not be-
ing able to perfwade himſelf to do, (his regard to Religion, and
the reſpect he bore to the Pope, oppofing that Council) he only
at that time ſent Orders to the Duke of Efpernon, who had then a
confiderable Force on Foot to come over to him; though after-
wards, and after many deliberations, being alfo difpos'd to call
in the King of Navarre, he fent to the Duke, that before he put
himſelf upon his march, he ſhould first go to this Prince, to
make the firſt overtures of this buſineſs to him. The Sieur de
Beaujeu was purpoſely diſpatch'd to the Duke with theſe Orders;
which were no fooner receiv'd by him,than he departed from An-
gouleſme to go to St, Jean d' Angely, where the King of Navarre
then was, and where having found him well difpos'd, and very
ready to do his Majefty the Service he defired of his Perfon,
and Faction, he immediately made himſelf ready to go to the
King; who, ſeeing his Enemies now ready to fall upon him, had The Duke
fent a news and inftant Exprefs to the Duke in all hafte to come, to Court
and joyn with him which exprefs Order to fatisfie with the
greateſt diligence, he rather chofe to leave the Negotiation he had
already fo fuccessfully begun with the King of Navarre, to the
Dutchess of Angouleme (who ſoon after brought it to effect) than
one moment to defer his attendance on his Mafter in fo critical a
time, and on fo urgent an occafion.
call'd back
Anno
1589.
All theſe great tranſactions hapned at Court, after the Duke of
Eſpernon had retir'd himſelf from thence into his Governments.
Neither was he in his retirement, or in his choice of the place he
retir'd unto, either unactive in himſelf, or in a Scene improper for
his Majefties Service; for he was no fooner difingag'd from the
enterprize of Angouleſme, but that he put himſelf immediately in-
to a condition to awe many of his ill Neighbours in the adjoyn-
ing Provinces, fo as either to continue them in, or to make them
return unto their duty: For which purpoſe having increas'd his Some acti
Forces, the firſt occafion he had to employ them was against thoſe
of the Religion; who having befieg'd Periguex, and upon the
point to make themſelves Maſters of the place, at the Duke's ap-
proach rais'd the Siege in great diforder, and retir'd not without
fome confiderable lofs.
The Duke was after this preparing himſelf for greater enter-
prizes, when Beaujeu brought him thofe foremention'd Orders
from the King; by whom having underſtood the great prepa-
P 2
rations
ons of the
Duke du-
ring his re
tirement.
1
1
+
108
Book III.
The Hiflory of the Life of
A
1
Anno. rations the Duke of Mayenne made to come firſt to Blois, and
1589. from thence to Toles, whither the King had then retir'd himſelf;
and knowing his Majefty almoft naked of all defenfe, and as it
were, expos'd to the violence of his Enemies he thought it ne-
ceffary upon the inftant to move with all his Forces that way, and
at the fame time by a Gentleman to give his Majefty notice of his
motion, that he might receive his Majefties Commands upon the
way. By which Gentleman the King fent him prefently word,
that the moſt important feryice he could then do him, was to put
himfelf into Blois. For the Duke of Mayenne having refolv'd to
make his firft attempt upon that place, either by the ruine of the
Caſtle to revenge in part the death of his two Brothers, who
there laft their lives, or to make that City (which by its vicinity
to Tours, was very proper towatch all advantages againſt the
King) his feat of War; his Majefty conceiv'd there would be
little fecurity for him in Tours, fhould his Enemy poſſeſs himſelf
of that Poft, and had therefore bent all his care, and endeavour
to preferve it out of the power of the League.
His Majefty would have put the Marefchal de Biron into that
place, and afterwards, he having excus'd himself, the Marefchal
d'Aumont; but both the one, and the other having refus'd the dan-
ger of defending, and with unequal Forces, a place, that being in
it felfi open on all fides, was nor well to be defended, and that
was to expect the first fury of the League to be bent againſt it,
his Majeſty turn'd his thoughts towards the Duke of Efpernon,
and knowing that the difficulty of the undertaking would be no
little motive to make the Duke embrace it, his Majefty fent him
word, that the Marefchals de Biron, and d'Aumont had both of
them already excus'd themfelves from that Employment; and that
he only remain'd, from whoſe Valour and Fidelity he could
pro-
miſe to himſelf ſo fignal, and fo honourable a Service in fo diffi-
cult an undertaking, and in fo dangerous a time; that the defenſe
of that City was of preffing, and immediate concern; but that
withalhe fhould be infinitely glad to fee him, and that he there-
fore left it to his own free choice, and judgment, either to come
immediately to him, or to defer giving him that fatisfaction, till
the occafion, which at prefent call'd him another way, fhould be
The Duke's paſt, and blown over. The Duke had then in his Army four thou-
fand and five hundred Foot, five hundred Light Horfe, and three
hundred Harquebufiers on Horſe-back, befides other Levies he
had order'd ſhould be made in the Country, which accordingly
foon after came to him; of which he detain'd three thoufand
Foot, with a proportion of Horfe for the defenſe of Blois, and
Forces.
the
Į
!
1
BOOK III
109
the Duke of Efpertion.
1
the reſt he fent away to the King under the command of Moncaf-
fun, and de la Curée, from which Forces his Majefty receiv'd no
littleaffiftance in the occafion that foon after hapned before
Tours.
Anno.
1589.
Duke.
The Duke in the mean time, according to the King's Order,
took his way towards Blois, and interpreting the Liberty his
Majefty had fo fréqly.given him, (either prelently to repair to
Court, cor to defer it till a fitter feafon) as he ought to do; he
conceiv/chimſelf oblig'd by his duty, rather to deprive himſelf
of that preſent Honour, and Satisfaction, than any ways to neg-
lect that Service was, expected from him. Advancing therefore
with all diligence, and his way lying through Amboife, where the
Arch Bishop of Lyons had been detain'd Prifoner, ever fince the A generous
death of the Guiſes, he (although the Bishop was his capital act of the
Enemy, and a man from whom of all others he had receiv'd the
moft fenfible injuries) would nevertheless go give him a viſit in
the Caftle. The fad eftate, and prefentcondition of this Prelate,
had fo far reconciled the Duke unto him, that in return of all for-
mer injuries, after he had fome time entertain'd him with fome
confolatory Expreffions, as towards his prefent Fortune; he after-
wards made him a promife, as foon as ever he should fee the
King, to labour with all his Induſtry, and Intereft, for his En-
largement; as after he did, it being one of the firft Requeſts he
made, and obtain'd, after his return to Court.
From thence, having recover dr Blois, he preſently fell to for-
tifying the place, and in few days put it into fo good apofture of
Defenſe, that it would be no eafie matter to force it. He alfo
put into St. Ouin, a little Town upon the Road, betwixt that, and
Paris, the Count de Brienne, his Brother-in-law, and the Sieur
d'Ambleville, with: eight hundred Men, the most part Horſe;
which he did, not fo much out of defign to keep that place,which
he knew was not to be defended, as for fome few days to ſtop
the progrefs of the Duke of Mayenne, and by that means to give
the King fome leiſure to fortifie himself: A defign that fucceeded
accordingly, for the Duke of Mayenne not being able to carry
this place by affault, and obftinate in the taking of it, having ftaid
to lay a formal Siege, although he took it in the end, and in it the D'Avila,
Count de Brienne, Ambleville, and fome other Gentlemen upon
compofition; yet having loft four days time in the Action, he
gave fo much refpite to the King, who had very great need of it,
to prepare himſelf. This block in the Duke of Mayenne's way,
was perhaps none of the leaft things that concurr'd to the prefer-
vation of the Royal Affairs but whether it were or no,the Duke
Was
3
110
Воок III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno was however infinitely condemn'd for having fo wilfully fet him-
1589. felf upon an Enterprize of fo little moment, in a time when' no-
thing could be fo advantageous as diligence to the execution of
his Defigns.
The Duke of Mayenne,meaſuring by this firft Effay the oppo-
fition he was likely to meet withal from the Duke of Efpernon at
Blois, alter'd his defign of attempting that place, and refolv'd
without further delay to turn the torrent of his Arms upon the
King himſelf, and against the City of Tours, where his Majefty
then refided.
The King of Navarre had joyn'd himſelf with his Majefty but
the day before, and had with his men taken up his Quarter in
one of the Suburbs of the City; whom his Majeſty being gone
to viſit in his Quarters, and walking with him abroad, the ear-
neftneſs of their diſcourſe had unawares drawn them fo far out of
the Suburbs, that the Avant Coureurs of the Duke of Mayenne's
Army miſt very little of furprizing them both, and confequent-
ly of making an end of the War, almoſt as ſoon as begun but
the two Kings notwithſtanding being happily retir'd within their
ftrength, the Skirmish grew hot on both fides, and then it was
that the Duke of Efpernon's Troops fignalized themſelves. For
Mounßicur Moncaßin long, and bravely defending himſelf in the very face,
de Thou. and againſt the firft fury of the Enemy, was there wounded in
the preſence of the King, who was himself Spectator of the Fight;
and who,during all which with a conftancy far from any fhew of
that effeminacy his Enemies had ſo often laid to his charge, him-
felf gave the whole direction, and continued in the danger till
the end of the Action...
J
The Duke of Mayenne being fruftrated in his Defign upon
Blois, and baffled before Tours, principally through the Duke's
oppofition, and that of his Forces, feeing nothing was now to
be effected, refolv'dto retire without attempting any thing fur-
ther at that time; upon which retreat hapned the total diffoluti-
on of his Army: whereas on the contrary, the Duke of Efper.
non's Forces grew ftill greater in ftrength, and reputation; who
having lately receiv'd a recruit of fifteen hundred foot, and three
The Duke hundred Dragoons, the Royal Army receiv'd a greater increaſe
from thoſe Regiments he had brought over to the fervice, than
from any other whatſoever. The King of Navarre had not yet
had leiſure to draw his Forces together, they being difpers'd into
ſeveral parts, as was moft convenient for the prefervation of fuch
places as were in the poffeffion of the Hugonot Party; by which it
may eaſily be imagin'd, the King could have no very confiderable
re-inforc'd
by new Sup-
plies,
Army;
·
I
BOOK III. the Duke of Efpernon.
711
I
t
Anno
Army; yet was it neceffary to make uſe of the diforder the Lea-
guers were then in, which oblig'd the King upon great probabi- 1589.
lities, and almoſt aſſurance of ſignal advantages to be reap'd by it,
to reſolve upon leaving Tours; and to make directly for Paris. In
this March the King of Navarre commanded the Vant-Guard of The Com-
the Army, and his Majefty himſelf the main Battel, referving the Rear-guard
command of the Rear for the Duke of Elpernon, and that in the referv'd for
very face of the Marefchals de Biron, and d'Aumont, and of all the
other Nobility who were then about his Perfon.
mand of the
the Duke of
Efpernon.
arrival at
reception.
It was at this time that the Duke came up to the King, by The Duke's
whom he was receiv'd with all the honour,and kindneſs he could the Army,
expect from his Majeſties old Affection to him, now newly re- and his fa-
viv'd by the important Services he had fo lately receiv'd from his vourable
Fidelity, and Valour: And then it was that his Majefty, never
thinking he could fufficiently evidence the eſteem he had for him,
endeavour'd (till better times fhould render him capable of a bet-
ter acknowledgement) principally to fatisfie him concerning all
things that had paſt during his abſence from Court, receiving him
into a degree of greater Privacy, and truft, than he had ever been
in, in his higheſt pitch of Favour.
The Duke, that he might make a grateful return to thoſe infi-
nite teftimonies he receiv'd of the King his Maſters great affection
to him, fought on his part all occafions to pleaſe him in all things;
and knowing very well he could not give him a greater, nor a
more fignal fatisfaction, than to reconcile himſelf to the Maref
chal d'Aumont, a man very acceptable to, and in
and in great eſteem
with his Majeſty, but who had long been upon ill terms with the
Duke; he went one day franckly to his Lodging, and without
regarding the formalities ufual in fuch Accommodations, there
made him offers of Reconciliation, and Friendſhip; the greateſt
violence imaginable to his own nature, of it felf not eafie to be
reconciled (an humour in which he has ever fince perfifted, but
too obftinately for the advantage of his own Affairs) but the de-
fire he had to gratifiethe King his Maſter overcame that diffi- Manicur
culty, whofe great Intereft it was, that thofe few Servants, who
continued about his Perfon, and were faithful to him, fhould
live in perfect intelligence with one another. The Duke there-
fore having embrac'd the Marefchal, told him, “That he was
come with all freedom, and candour, to defire his Friendſhip,
' as alſo to make him a tender of his; that the evil intelligence.
they had fo long liv'd in could net but be prejudicial to his Ma-
jefties Service, which they both fo zealously defired to pro-
t mote; That there had no ofenſe paft betwixt them, wherein
cr
(C
!
their
de Theu.
ነ
1
1/2
Book III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
IP 11
Anno
1589.
cr
,
"their Honours could be any ways concern'd; that if netwith-
ſtanding he had entertain'd fome little difcontents, he defir'd
(6 him to forget them; as for his part, and that fincerely, he would
ર blot out all memory of his. The Marefchal, overcome by this
generous, and unexpected freedom, as readily met the Duke in
his courtefie, like a true Frenchman, laying open his bofom to the
reconciliation with more fincerity and affection than ever:
Whereupon they both of them went immediately to the King,
who was not a little pleas'd at an Accommodation fo important
to his Service; and having been particularly inform'd of the
Duke's manner of proceeding, gave it the favourable interpreta-
tion due to ſo noble an Action; fo that ſtill more, and more en-
creafing the eſteem, and kindneſs he had for him, he made it ſo
into higher highly, and fo publickly appear, as gave D'Avila occafion to fay,
favour than he was re-eſtabliſh'd in the highest degree of Favour he had ever
been, as it was effectually true, whatever D’Aubigné is pleas'd to
write to the contrary.
He enters
ever.
The ſame D'Aubigné, a man very perfect in calumny, and
with which he continually beſpatters all the King's Actions, con-
trary to the truth known and receiv'd by all the world, fays fur-
ther, That they had much ado to prevail with the King to march
his Army out of Tours towards Paris; that the King of Navarre
was forc'd to uſe all manner of perfwafion, and even a certain
kind of violence to bring him to it: but befides that all our Hi-
ftorians are contrary to him in this, the King was obferv'd after
the death of the Duke of Guife, to be fo vigorous in all his acti-
The King's ons, that at Court they would ordinarily fay, he had now re-af-
fum'd that Lions Courage, he had for fome years fuppreft. His
Refolution, whole diſcourſe was nothing, but of reigning with Authority,
generons
and of chaſtiſing ſuch as would not acknowledge him in their obe-
dience, which his actions likewiſe confirm'd. "In the attempt up-
on the Suburbs of Tours, Mounfieur de Thou (as being continually.
with the King, and particularly all that day) gives this teftimony,
That although in this occafion, which was very hot, his Majeſty
was furpriz'd in his Doublet only, he nevertheleſs
gave orders
with ſo much affurance, and gave fo evident proofs of Valour and
Conftancy in fo great a danger, that the whole Army took it for
happy Omen, and every man by his Example fortified himſelf
with Courage and Refolution. In fine (whatever men may fay
of this Prince) 'tis moft certain, that a Martial Difpofition go-
vern'd in him, as he had fufficiently made it appear in his Youth,
when he was meerly led by his own natural Inclination: but it
is likewiſe true, that being come to the Crown, and having learn’d
a
by
BOOK III. the Duke of Eſpernon.
113
}
by the miſeries of War, that Peace is the greateft good with which
Prince can gratifie his people; he endeavour'd by all means
(and doubtless too induſtrioully)to eſtabliſh that happy Govern-
ment in his Kingdom. To this end were all his Politicks (which
as I have faid) he made his ordinary, and regular ftudy directed:
but at last incens'd at the ill fuccefs of fo good a Defign, he abſo-
lutely refolv'd upon the taking Arms, never to lay them down,till
he had re-eſtabliſh'd his Authority, and that in the higheſt degree
any of his Predeceffors had ever done.
Anno
ما
1589.
from Tours
With this refolution then he departed from Tours in the begin- The King
ning of May, 1589. The first Town upon his way that ſtood for marches
the League was Gergeau, and this little Town had the confidence to Paris.
to fhut their Gates against the Royal Army: So much were mens
minds infatuated with zeal to their Faction. The Duke of Eſper-
non was order'd to go before to block up this place, and to caft up
the firſt earth against it, which he accordingly did; and the whole
Army being a few days after come up to the Siege, the King of
Navarre advanc'd as fir as the Trenches, to ſee what progreſs they
had made: A Prince whofe Valour and Bravery were fo general-
ly known, as that his Reputation was univerfally receiv'd, and
eſtabliſh'd in the opinion of all: But the Duke, who till this
time had never had the honour to be near him in any occafion of
this kind, would now let him fee that he alfo was no Novice in
matters of Warre: 'Tis true, he might have chofen a fitter
oppor-
tunity of giving the King a teftimony of his own Valour, with-
out expofing his Perfon to fo great a danger; but the heat of
Youth tranſported him and I have heard him difcourfing of
this Action, and (alwayes accufing his own indifcretion) magni-
fie to the highest degree, the King of Navarre's courage, which
appear'd in great luftre upon this occafion. D'Aubigné, who was
himſelf then prefent, gives this Relation of it, and I fhall make
uſe of his own words, being in this cafe not much to be fufpected,
fince every body knows he was never very partial to the Duke.
"The King of Navarre (fays he) being gone to vifit the Duke of El-
pernon's Trenches, the Duke fhewing him what he had done, leads.
him through the middle of the space betwixt the Trenches, and the
Town, in his Doublet only, and that ſo unconcern'd, and ſo open to
“the Enemies view, that Houeilles the Duke's Coufin, and Camp-
Maſter, as alſo another of his people fell dead at their feet; when ha-
"ving gain'da Guard commanded by Belangreuille, they came out on
the back fide of that, and pass'd within forty paces of the Courtine
which play'd upon them all the while, and laid two men more dead up-
on the place. The King of Navarre, and the Duke having at last
tr
re
re
te
r
re
ce
а
gain'd
卢
​i
114
BOOK III.
The Hiflory of the Life of
1
"
י
Anno
1989..
The King
of Navarre's
firft aver-
fion for the
Duke of
Efpernon.
cr
(c
cr
gain'd the blind of a Garden Door. Frontenack, and another (which
«other must be D'Aubigné himſelf, who was Gentleman of the Horſe
"to the King of Navarre) earnestly folicited the Duke to retire, which
t be was about to do by a way, perhaps likely to engage them in more
danger than before, when the King of Navarre staid him by the Col-
lar of his Doublet. This is that he fays: but he adds after a
thing wherein he is not fo good a teftimony, as of the firſt, and
which is not ſo true, viz that the King being enform'd of this
Action, ſpoke highly againſt the Duke, and in terms that no-
thing tafted of Favour, and that fo foon as he ſaw him, he fevere-
ly reprehended him, and reproach'd him, that he would have de-
ftroy'd his Brother. 'Tis true that his Majefty chid the Duke for
his raſhneſs, telling him, That he ought to reſerve his Valour for bet-
ter occafions, and not fo lightly to expose the Perfon of the King of Na-
varre his Brother, and his own; which were rather words of ten-
derneſs, than diſtaſte; and it is likewiſe very true, that the King
of Navarre's Servants murmur'd highly at it, endeavouring to
poffefs the King, that the Duke had not engag'd him in this dan-
ger without Defign: nay himſelf manifefted fomething at his
coming out of the Trenches; for it was told the Duke that he
fhould fay to fome of his people, I think this man would be content
to loſe an Arm, to have my Brains beaten out; which was never the
Duke's intention, he being only ſpurr'd on by the inconſiderate
heat of Youth and Bravery, without any other Deſign.
From Gergeau the Army advanc'd towyrds Piviers, which im-
mediately open'd its Gates, as alfo the City of Chartres ſurrendred
at the firſt ſummon: but Eftampes stood out a Siege, which
being foon after taken by Affault, fome of the King of Navarre's
Souldiers ran on in their prevailing Fury even to the Church of
that Town, there committing all forts of infolence; which the
Duke being advertis'd of, by the Guards he had plac'd at the
Doots of this Church (wifely foreſeeing that the King of Na-
varre's people, who for the greater part were men of the Re-
form'd Religion, would not abstain from violation even of Holy
things) he ran thither himſelf to prevent further diſorder; where
being come, and ſeeing the Chalices, and other Sacred Orna-
ments of the Altars in the hands of the rude Souldier, not being
able to endure that things, dedicated to fo Sacred Uſe, ſhould be
profan'd after that manner, he furiouſly drew his Sword, and ran
the firſt Offender in his way quite through the Body; which by
chance hapning to be one of the Dragoons of the King of Na-
varre's own Guard, and in his own Livery, the Complaint was
immediately carried to him, and by him as foon to the King; of
which
J
+
1
BOOKIII.
115
the Duke of Efpernon.
:
cr
.
;
which the Duke having alfo notice, he prefently repair'd to his Anno
Majeſties Quarter, to make his defenſe. There being come, and 1589.
his Majefty having demanded of him the reaſon for what he had
done, he gave him a particular accompt of the whole buſineſs:
Whereupon the King of Navarre told him with fome bitterneſs,
That he had no Authority over his Souldiers,and lefs over his Domefticks;
to which the Duke made anſwer with a refpective, but a manly
boldness, "That the truft wherewith the King was pleas'd to ho-
nour him, and the command he had given him in the Army,
“inveſted him with fufficient Authority to chaſtiſe Impious, and
Sacrilegious Perfons and that moreover every good man
ought to affume that Authority in Offenſes of fo high a Nature.
Their Difpute was like to grow into hotter terms, when the
King impos'd filence both upon the one, and the other, not con-
demning the Duke's action nevertheleſs; but defiring the King
of Navarre to take care for the future,that there might be no more
offenſes committed of that kind. Thus by little and little fecret Encreaſe at
diſcontents againſt the Duke crept into the King of Navarre's the Siege of
Estampess
boſom, which many,envious of the Duke's greatnels, endeavour'd
to augment neither was the Duke blind on that fide, nor was it
without ſome affliction that he ſaw himſelf ſo ill requited for
the fincere and unintereſſed affection he had ever manifefted for
this Princes Service in his greateſt adverfity: but having found
by fufficient experience, that the beſt Offices are not always the
beft recorded, he contented himself with the confcience of his
own integrity, and ever paying the reſpect due to the Birth, and
Vertues of this excellent Prince, in all other concerns of his com-
mand he exercis'd his Duty to the utmoft height of Authority he
had ever done.
the
of Montereas
faut-yonne.
The Army advancing daily towards Paris, the Duke had or- The taking
der to make an attempt upon Montereau faut-Yonne, which he car-
ried by Petard; neither was it a ſervice of light importance; for
in the ſequel of Affairs, that which the Duke won in a few hours
coft the King's Enemies many months, and many good mea to
recover it. From thence the Army being come to l'ontoife,
Duke had there the ftorming of a Suburb, which was very
well
fortified,committed to him; and which notwithſtanding he car-
ried, though with as much hazard as ever he tempted in any acti-
of his life. He was himſelf the firft that leap'd upon the Ram-
pire;
and though in this affault he had above a hundred men
laid dead at his feet, amongſt which were many Perlons of Qua-
lity, and Command,he nevertheleſs refolutely perfifted in the En-
terprize, and forc'd the Enemy at the Swords point even to the
on
Q 2
Gates
1,
*
116
The Hiflory of the Life of
Book III
Anno Gates of the City, whither he compell'd then to retire, and
1589. where having block'd them up, he prefs'd on the Siege with that
vigour and conduct, that the place foon after furrendred upon
compofition. Thus did the King find all things give place to his
Arms, as if Deſtiny had ſmooth'd, and levell❜d for him all the
paths that lead to Death and Ruine; and in this profperity of his
Affairs, his Majefty refolv'd upon the Siege of Paris.
The Surren
der of Pon-
toife.
The Siege
of Paris,
and the
death of
Henry the
Third.
?
Already were the Swiffe, and new rais'd Reiters come up, and
joyn'd with the Body of the Army; the Officers were difpos'd
into their feveral Quarters, and the King had taken up his own
at St Clou, and given the Guard of them to the Duke, in order to
a formal Siege. His Majefties Lodging in this narrow Quarter
was at the Hostel de Gondy, as that which was moſt capable to
receive him; and it was in this Houfe of Gondy that (whilft this
great Prince was forming the defigns of reftoring his defpis'd
Authority of chaſtifing the temerity, and difobedience of his
evil difpos'd Subjects, of rendring his name venerable to all his
Neighbours, and of cftabliſhing the Peace of his Kingdofh, ha÷
ving already almoſt extinguifh'd all the ſparks of Divifion that
had enflam'd it) that I fay an accurfed Parricide in the Meridian of
all his Glory, and in the Criſis of all his Deſigns plung'd a mur-
thering Knife into his Entrails. Every one has heard who Jaques
Clement was, and the black ftory of his Bloody Affaffinate: but
no one could ever yet penetrate fo far as to diſcover by whom he
was prompted on to this execrable A&t. The King feeling him-
felf wounded, drew the Knife immediately from the Wound,
and ftrook it up to the haft in the Villains Face, at which buftle
betwixt them, one of the Grooms of the Wardrobe, who guar-
ded the Cloſet Door, into which his Majefty was withdrawn
to give this wicked wretch a more private audience, ran in to
them, as alfo did feveral Gentlemen who waited in the outer
Room, who all of them drawing their Swords, by an impru-
dence in it felf criminal, if not excus'd by the violence of their
Affections, gave the Caitiffe an hundred Wounds, whereby in a
moment he vomited out a life, that ought not to have been dif
mift, till after the horror of a thoufand torments.
The King, feeling himſelf Wounded, commanded the Duke of
Efpernon to be immediately fent for, who was then at the Poft
neareſt to the City, putting fome Troops in order,which were to
fall into the Suburbs of Paris; but at this fad and unexpected
news he ran in great confufion to the King's Lodging, whom he
found in the fame pofture wherein he had receiv'd his hurt,
with his hand ftill upon the Wound: At which fight, the Duke
yet
bursting
BOOK HI. the Duke of Efpernon.
117
burſting out in tears, as fearing a finifter event, his Majefty gave
him comfort, by telling him he hop'd the Wound would not
prove Mortal; and ſaying to him further theſe very words, Thou
Jeeft here (my Friend) the effects of my Enemies Treachery and Malice;
but I hope God will shortly-enable me to bring them to condigne puniſh-
ment. To which the Duke returning no other anſwer, than his
tears, they laid his Majefty upon a bed, and fearch'd his Wound;
which the Chirurgeons at the firft dreffing, apprehended not to
be ſo dangerous, as it was; fo that all that day was paft over in
this error: but that night, and the morning following, the do-
lours of his Wound encreaſing, and at laſt growing to be ex-
treme, it was then judg'd that his bowels were pierced, and that
Death muft neceffarily, and in a few hours enfue. The King of
Navarre had hafted with all diligence, at the firft bruit of this
accident, and being come to his bedfide, his Majeſty ſaid to him
almoſt the ſame things, he had faid before to the Duke; and talk'd
of nothing the firſt day, fave of the exemplary puniſhment he
would inflict upon his Enemies: but his Wound being at laſt
judg'd to be mortal, and feeling in himſelf that he drew near his
end, all his difcourfe of Puniſhment, and Revenge, was turn'd
into that of Pardon and Oblivion: and certainly no Prince ever
made a more Chriſtian, or a more conftant end. He declar'd
upon his death-bed the King of Navarre neareft of his Blood, and
and confequently right Heir to the Crown, provided he were a
Catholick, exhorting him at the ſame time to abjure his own Re-
ligion, and to reconcile himſelf to the Holy Church, command-
ing likewiſe the Duke of Efpernon (whom he held by the hand)
to ſerve him upon that condition; after which, and a Pious Re-
fignation of himſelf, he gave up his laft breath in the middle of
his victorious Army.
We are now entring upon a new Reign, and one the Duke
found very different, from that wherein he had hitherto liv'd;
for he now not only faw himſelf ſtript of all kind of Favour:
but he further ſaw the envy, and hatred of the whole Court di-
rected againſt him. He was now no more call'd to Council, nor
any longer entruſted with his Princes fecrets; but on the contra-
ry every one labour'd to diminish that greatnefs, to which his
own Vertue, and his Maſters Royal bounty had already rais'd
him. But we fhall ſee how he overcame all thefe difficulties: and
the Juſtice of this new Prince at laſt giving the Merits and Servi-
ces of this vertuous man their due, we fhall fee him not only
fupport him in his own prefent Fortune, but alſo encreaſe it by
his daily bounty, and ſo eſtabliſh it in him, as to empower him to
ſettle it in his own Pofterity.
So
Anno
1589.
118
BOOK III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
Several
ons about
the new
King a-
mongst the
Chiefs of
the Army.
So ſoon as the King was dead, all the Roman Catholicks of
1589. quality in the Army affembled themſelves together, to adviſe
what in this occurrence was to be done for the maintenance of
the Catholick Religion in the Service of this new King: And
here their opinions were ſplit into three feveral Councils; for
Propofiti- fome there were who thought it fit abfolutely to acknowledge the
King without condition, or refervation, but thoſe were very
few: Others there were who would abfolutely abandon his Ser-
vice, and joyn with the League; and thofe were fewer than the
firft: But the third propofition, and that which was concluded
on by the moſt principal, and prudent Lords of the Army;
amongſt which were the Dukes of Longueville, of Nevers, of Ƀ.
Ef.
pernon, and of Luxembourg; the Marefchals de Biron, and d'Aumont,
the Marquis of Rambouillet, and many others, was to ferve
the King, and to tye themſelves wholly to his Fortune, provided
his Majefty would pleaſe to give them fome gracious affurance of
his fpeedy Converfion. Which being deliver'd to his Majefty as
their determinate Refolution, and the condition prefcrib'd as it
jesty their were, by the King his Predeceffor, he wifely chofe fuch a mean as
Refolution. feem'd neceffary to him in this occafion, for the eſtabliſhment of
the uncertain ftate of his Affairs; and would by all means pre-
ferve that moderation, and indifferency betwixt both parties, as
ſhould by an equal hope in them both, keep both his Catholick
and Hugonot Subjects within the bounds of their duty. His An-
His Maje- fwer therefore was, "That it would appear to all the world very
eafie, and unhandſome in him to change his Religion, only to
"fatisfie his Subjects humour, and to receive a Law from them in
The Lords
Catholick
fend his Ma-
fties An-
fwer.
The major
part of the
Lords fub-
mit to the
Catholick
King.
<c
(C
a thing, which in its felf, of all other, ought to be moſt free:
"That he defir'd to be inſtructed, and fatisfied in his Conſcience
"before he proceeded fo far, as to change his Religion: That to
"this purpoſe he promis'd within fix months to call an Affembly
"of men of known Piety and Learning, and if occafion were,
a National Synod, to whofe final Decree he would abfolutely
ſubmit, and that in the mean time he would be careful to pro-
tect, and maintain the Catholick Religion.
cr
:
After divers Meſſages of Treaty fent to, and fro, on either part,
it at laft ended in this, that many of the Catholick Lords fubmit-
ting to his Majefties firft Propofition; what he had then promis'd
by word of mouth, was now only more formally drawn into a
writing interchangeably deliver'd betwixt the King, and his Ca-
tholick Subjects, and Sign'd by the greateft part of Men of Qua-
lity, that were then in the Army: But the Duke of Elpernon be
lieving this delay of fix months propos'd by the King, to be no
other
BOOK III. the Duke of Efpernon.
119
Anno
The Duke
delay, intended only to win longer time, and that at laft their
hopes, and expectations would be deluded, demanded fome fur- 1589.
ther affurance, than he yet faw of his Majefties converfion; nei-
ther could he, notwithſtanding the importunities of all the of Eſpernon
Friends he had, be drawn upon other terms to feal to that Wri- ftands out.
ting. And this was the true, and only reaſon of his refufal, and
not what both Mounfieur de Thou, and D'Avila have reported of
it. They ſay that the thing which made him refuſe to feal to that
Inftrument, was a conteſt which hapned betwixt him, and the
Marefchals de Biron, and d'Aumont, who should fign firft; theſe
as Marefchals of France, and in immediate command in the At-
my pretending a priority; and he claiming a precedence as Duke,
and Peer: a difficulty that might eafily have been overcome, had
that been all. But the cauſe proceeded from a principle of grea-
ter moment, than the trivial conteft of a flight Ceremony.
1
obftinate to
leave the
The King however caus'd him by ſeveral hands to be over and
over again folicited, and importun'd, to fatisfie himſelf as other
good Catholicks had done, and as the Dukes were the beſt, and
the fulleft Regiments of the Army, and as his perfon, and his
example (which were likely to be follow'd (as they afterwards
were) not only by thofe under his own command, but by many
others of good quality in the Army) altogether render'd him very
confiderable: So did his Majeſty by all forts of perſwaſions and
promiſes, endeavour to detain him; but all to no purpoſe. 'Tis The Duke
true, he acknowledg'd the King for lawful Succeffour to the
Crown, as he had fufficiently declar'd in a time when the greateſt Army.
perfecutions were practis'd against him, and when he was only
King of Navarre, by which he had in part drawn the hatred of
the Duke of Guife upon him. And it is alſo true, that he had all
the reaſon in the world to defire that Prince ſhould now become
his Maſter, whom he had all his life labour'd to raiſe to that Dig-
nity to which he was now arriv'd: But he thought the Ruine of
the Catholick Religion inevitable, fhould things continue in the
poſture they were now in; which made him rather chooſe to ex-
poſe himſelf to all thofe difgraces he knew his Enemies were pre-
paring for him, than to ferve his own interefts (whofe advance-
ment he likewiſe ſaw infallible in fo favourable a juncture) to the
reproach, and prejudice of his own Conſcience.
Fortified therefore ftill more and more in this refolution, he
caus'd his Troops to be made ready for his departure: theſe, at
his firſt coming to the King confifted of fix thouſand Foot, and
twelve hundred Horſe, which though they were now much di
'miniſh'd in the Service, yet were they notwithſtanding in fuch a
condition,
120
BOOK III,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno condition, as that there were hardly fo many more French in the
1589. whole Army, as he had under his fole command. The Marquis
perſwaded
itab'd.
de Rocquelaure, and other of his intimate friends labour'd by all
imaginable means, to diffwade him from his ill taken up refolu-
tion; but not being able to prevail, his Enemies would have
The King perfwaded the King, to have met his obftinacy with a Stab, a
to caufe the Counſel the Duke was as foon enform'd of. But whether it was,
Duke to be that he thought this generous Prince, not to be perfwaded into
fo foul an action; or that he thought it at that time a thing not
eafie to be executed, he had the affurance, notwithſtanding the
caution had been given him, to go take his leave of the King,
before he left the Army, and to excuſe his departure: A Ceremo-
ny that was pafs'd over in few words; and I have often heard
The Duke him repeat the manner of it to be thus. The Duke took along
goes to take with him thirty Gentlemen of his Train, in whom he repos'd the
the King. greateft confidence, and of theſe he left fome at the Doors of the
his leave of
King's Lodgings, and others upon the Stairs, to facilitate his re-
tirement, if any foul play ſhould be offer'd to him; and himſelf
with only two more in his company enter'd the Gallery. The laſt
Journey he made to Paris, he hapned to lie in the fame houſe, and
fhew'dus the place where he took his leave of the King. This
houſe did at that time belong to Mademoiſelle du Tillet, his old, and
intimate Friend; a Lady illuftrious for her courage and conftan-
cy, and paffionate for the Duke's Interefts to that degree, that he
has had few friends who have juſtified their affection by fo great,
´and ſo continued a fidelity. The King was at the one end of the
Gallery, when the Duke appear'd entring at the other; whom
the King no fooner perceiv'd, but that coming up to him, with
an angry countenance, and ftriking his ſtick with ſome vehe-
The King's mence upon the floor, he ſaid. What Mounfieur d'Eſpernon, it
feems you have refus'd to Sign the Writing, which has been Sign'd with-
out difficulty by most perfons of Quality in my Army, as good Catho=
licks as your felf! do not you, as well as they, acknowledge me for your
King? To which the Duke made anſwer, "That he was his Ma-
jeſties moſt humble Subject, and Servant; That there was not
a perfon in his Kingdom, who had more ardently defir'd to
"fee him in the place where he now was, fhould the King his
"Mafter die, than himſelf had done; That he would never do
any thing contrary to his Service; that he had rather die, than
once to entertain fo difhoneft a thought: but that he did humbly
"beſeech his Majeſty to excuſe him, if being of a Religion dif-
fering from that his Majefty profeſs'd, he could not attend his
perfon; that being a thing he could not do, without offering the
greateſt violence to his own Conſcience,
angry
Speech to
the Duke,
r
CC
cr
tr
c
6C
The
1
K
BOOKIII.
121
the Duke of Efpernon.
J
The Duke had ſcarce made an end of ſpeaking, when he heard
a noiſe of armed men behind him in the Gallery; and then it
was that he certainly believ'd, theſe were the men appointed to
kill him, as he had been pre-advis'd: but he was foon deliver❜d
out of that fear, when he faw the King move forward with a
ſmiling countenance to embrace them. Theſe were two Captains
of the King's Light Horſe; the one call'd le Baron de Sainte Ma-
rie du Mont, a Norman, the others name I have forgot: who, ha-
ving upon their Guard(which was at a good diftance)receiv'd in-
telligence of the Death of Henry III. were come in all hafte to
congratulate the King with his new Advancement; and lighted
at the Door of his Lodging, were come up in the fame pofture
the news had ſurprized them in upon their Guard to preſent their
Duty: The Duke taking this occafion to tetire, withdrew himſelf
forthwith to his own Quarter; but before he would abſolutely
depart, he would first attend the Corps of the King his Mafter,
and Benefactor, as far as Compeigne, whither they were carried
with very little Ceremony, the diforders of the time not permit-
ting greater; and where having paid his laſt duty, he return'd to
overtake his Troops, which were now marching upon the Road
of Loches towards Angoumois.
The example of the Duke's departure. was followed by many
others, ſo that in a few days the Army was grown fo thin, that
the King had ſcarce any fave ftrangers left in his Camp, and
even they in the end,for want of pay, disbanded as well as the reft;
and then it was that the Duke's Enemies, with a redoubled ma-
lice, fpoke loudeft in his diſgrace, and did all they poffibly could
to animate his Majefty in the highest degree againſt him. There
had already pafs'd (as you have heard) fome fecret difcontents be-
twixt the King, and the Duke, during the life of the late King;
amongſt which the business of Gergeau, and that of Estampes had
made no little noife; but to theſe many have added, and likewiſe
fome endeavour'd to poffefs the King, that the Duke ever impa-
tient of a Rival in his Mafter's Favour, and lefs able to endure
his Majefty who was ſo much above him, had in that time done
all the ill offices he could invent to beget a mif-underſtanding be-
twixt the King, and him, fuch as might caufe a feparation; and
certainly fo effectually had they labour'd with him,as to make him
believe too much, by which they had fo incens'd his Maje-
fties mind againſt him, that doubtless he would have bent his
whole endeavour to the Duke's Ruine, upon the late refufal he
had made of his affiftance, had not the neceffity of his own Af-
fairs diverted his deſigns another way: but. all theſe evil difpofiti-
R
ons
Anno
1589.
·
122
BOOK III.
The Hiflory of the Life of
ons, though they ftill threatned worſe confequences, could not
1589. hinder the Duke from perfevering in his refolution to retire.
Anno
The Re-
of the
Duke's
Friends to
him to ſtay.
perfwade
;
As his departure was of infinite importance, whether we con-
fider it as to the Fortune of the King, and Intereft of the State:
or as to the Duke's own particular concern, and that there are few
Hiftorians of that, or later times, who have not taken occaſion to
blame the Dukes proceeding herein: I think it fit to fay fomething
here in his vindication, and to diſcover the reafons upon which
he built that reſolution; which having receiv'd from his own
mouth in the ſame terms that I fhall faithfully deliver here, every
one may afterwards form what judgment of the Action he ſhall
in his own discretion think moft fit. He told me that a little before
his departure, many of his intimate friends had endeavour'd to
monftrances diffwade him from his Deſign, by prefenting before him the pre-
ſent juncture of Affairs, fo favourable (as they faid) to the fupport
of his immediate condition (fo generally envy'd by all) that he
could not himſelf, have wifh'd a more advantageous conjun-
cture: That as it was principally by his means, and affiſtance the
King could build any probable hopes of effecting what he defir'd;
fo were there prefent no advantages (befides an indempnity, and
oblivion of all paſs'd unkindneſſes, a thing in it felf highly to be
conſider'd) to which he might not reaſonably pretend: That he
might now eſtabliſh his own greatneſs in fo fure a condition, that
it would be no hard matter to maintain himſelf for the future in
the fame height, fhould the Kings humour chance to come about:
That all men plainly faw how much upon his departure, or ſtay,
depended the ftanding, or diffolution of the Royal Army: That
upon his concurrence with his Majefty,depended that of the grea-
reft part of the Catholicks, and the Ruine of the League, where-
in were his moft capital Enemies: That by his affiftance men
might yet promiſe to themſelves the reducing of Paris, and in
that the peace and fettlement of the whole Kingdom: That ha-
ving in his hands the difpofition of things of fo great utility to
the publick, and fo great honour to himſelf, he neither ought to
envy his Country thoſe advantages, nor to deprive himſelf of the
glory of fo admirable a fucceſs.
Theſe were confiderations that in their own weight, and laid
home to him by men he knew to be his Friends, were not un-
likely to prevail, and to have overcome his obftinacy, as doubtleſs
they had done, had the Duke look'd no further, than his own In-
tereft; and fo he told his Friends, who had fo freely argu'd with
him : He told them that he was not fo little acquainted with
the buſineſs of the world, that he did not well enough diſcern
all
I
"
BOOK III.
Κ
123
the Duke of Efpernon.
cc
te
ek
"
“
tr
ແ
e
ce
"all thofe advantages they had propos'd, as relating to himſelf: Anno
"That he did very well believe his Majefty, affifted by his Catho- 1589.
"lick Subjects, might reduce his Enemies to the point he defir'd;
"but that from thence would infallibly enfue the fubverfion of
"the Catholick Religion, which would likewife bring on the
ruine of the State: That inftead of the Peace they propos'd to
themſelves, after the League were reduc'd to their obedience,
they would ſee themſelves engag'd in a more violent, and obſti-
nate War than before: That thofe of the Reform'd Religion being
grown more ſtrong, and having a lawful, mighty, and active
King to head them, would doubtleſs eſtabliſh their own Reli-
gion in France, and conftrain the Catholicks to ſubmit to what-
ever Law they would impofe upon them: That it was far bet-
ter betimes to refuſe to countenance the evil,which lay conceal'd
"under the apparence of a prefent good, than to engage himſelf
in miſchiefs of fo inevitable confequence, and to forbear a while
"the fruits of a ſpecious, and alluring Peace, to enjoy it at better
leifure, more permanent and fecure: That the King, what pro-
"miſes foever he had made, and what real difpofitions foever he
"might have to cauſe himſelf to be fatisfied within fix months,
“had nevertheleſs been prompted by thoſe of his own perſwaſi-
"on, to demand that refpite for no other end, than to keep the
Catholick Forces about him, that he might make himſelf Ma-
"fter of Paris: That having done that, which muft neceffarily
put an end to the War, and being wholly poffeft by creatures
paffionate for their ill receiv'd and new opinions, he would
"certainly be continued in his Error by their reſtleſs practice:
"That there was a neceffity of a prompt,and fincere Converſion;
fuch an one, as was to be hop'd for no man knew when,
"and that then perhaps would be luke-warm, and unfound:
"That whenfoever that fhould come to pafs, they ſhould ſee him
"ſtake his Fortune, his Friends, and his Life, for a Prince whom
"he did ever acknowledge undoubted Succeffour to the Crown:
"That in the mean time he made no doubt but his Enemies (as
they uſe to do) would lay all the diſorders that ſhould happen,
at his door, and hourly incenfe the King againſt him with all
"the malice, and artifice they could invent; but that he hop'd his
Majefty would himſelf one day commend his Zeal to Religion,
"which ought to be the firſt thing in every good man's profpect,
"and which was alſo his fole object in that refolution, wherein
he would live and die: That he was retiring into his Govern-
ments, where his A&tions ſhould juſtifie the integrity of his
"heart, and that he would there ferve the King to his utmoſt
CC
"C
CC
te
c
t
not
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R 2
power,
124
The Hiftory of the Life of Book III.
Anno
1589.
r
power, by making Warre upon thoſe whom he knew to be
"enemies to his Service.
This was the Duke's Declaration to his private Friends, to
which his Conduct afterwards was fo conformable,as fufficiently
demonftráted to all the world, that he was poffefs'd with a better
fpirit, than that of Ambition. 'Tis true, his determination was
in it felf pofitive, and bold; and he had reaſon in all appa-
rence to apprehend a dangerous iffue, and has himſelf ever ac-
knowledg'd, that according to the Maxims of humane Prudence,
he herein committed a dangerous error; but that having nothing
but the ſole intereſt of Religion for his aim, he had reap'd greater
advantages by it, than he durft have propos'd to himſelf from
any other refolution; and that he did believe it was from this
fountain he fince deriv'd all the fucceffes of his Life; of which
the moſt ſignal was, that his Majefty himſelf after fome time, ha-
ving pierc'd deeper into the candour of his intention, receiv'd him
into as high a degree of Favour, as any of his other Servants:
but it was not until he had first receiv'd many infallible, and con-
tinual proofs of his Loyalty and Affection.
the
Having after this manner deferted the Army, he foon arriv’d
at Angouleme ; where the first thing he did after his arrival, was to
fend the Pope an accompt of his proceeding, and that he had
been conſtrain❜d to quit the Army, being bound fo to do, out of
his reſpect to the Catholick Religion: It was alſo requifite he
ſhould by a Declaration purge himſelf from the Calumnies caft
upon him by the League, who had deliver'd him to the people
for a grand Confederate with the Hereticks: But other particular
correſpondencies he had none; for of all Foreign Princes,
Popes were only they with whom he ever held any intelligence;
and whatever has been faid to the contrary, he ever preferv'd his
fidelity unſpotted from the practices of other Princes, who daily
tempted him with no contemptible offers to an intelligence with
them; a vertue not to be pafs'd over in this part of his Life with-
out a worthy mention, it being in a time when few of the great
ones of either party had ſo temperate a reſpect for their duty
the misfortunes of the time, and the various Factions that divided
the Kingdom, ſeeming as it were, to give every one liberty to for-
tifie the intereſts of his own party, by all the Friends, and Confe-
derates he could make.
The Duke having engag'd himſelf before his retirement from
the Army to ferve the King by all the ways he could, would now
fit no longer idle, but gave immediate order for the recruit of his
Troops; and the experience of what had formerly paſt, having
given
BOOK III. the Duke of Efpernon,
125
F
Anno
given him fufficiently to underſtand what confidence was to be
repos'd in the people, he was now refolv'd no longer to depend 1589.
upon their giddy, and voluble humour; nor no more be ſubject
to
fortifies the
fuch commotions, as his Enemies might attempt to raiſe
amongſt that credulous,and mutinous rabble. He therefore caus'd
a confiderable Fortification to be ſpeedily rais'd at the Caſtle of The Duke
Angoulesme, the King having given him leave ſo to do, as alfo to Castle of
raiſe what mony was neceffary to the perfecting that work, upon and the Cit
Angoulesme,
the Province. He likewife rais'd another at Xaintes, fo that in a tadel of
fhort time he fear'd himself from all Surprizes, like that of St. Xaintes.
Laurence: but he had ſcarce time to fettle this good order in his
Governments, when he was call'd away to look after other, and
thofe very confiderable, Affairs, that immediately concern'd the
ſafety of the Kingdom.
All the Provinces of the Kingdom being divided betwixr the
King, and the League, it was to be expected that the great Cities
would likewife bandy within their own Walls, and ftand up for
the one party, or the other as mens paffions, or judgments enclin'd
them to the cauſe. Of this number was the City of Limoges,
where the Biſhop, who was of the Family of Marthoine, affiſted
by the Sieurs de Pompadou, de la Guerche, de Raftignac, de la Chap-
pelle Biron, and many other Gentlemen of Quality, favour'd al-
fo by many of the Inhabitants, labour'd all he could to make the
Town, and City declare for the Duke of Mayenne, and his Fa-
&tion, wherein nevertheleſs he at firft met fome difficulty: but
proceeding from perſwaſions to open force, he, by the affiſtance
of thoſe Gentlemen, made himſelf Mafter of the City, and was
upon the point to have made himſelf alſo Maſter of the Town,
when the Count de la Voute eldeſt Son to the Duke of Ventadour,
put himſelf into it, and made all poffible refiftance to prefer ve it
out of their hands: Yet had he not (his Party being fo much the
weaker) been able long to have held out, had not the Duke of
Efpernon, advertis'd of this diſorder, come in to his timely fuc-
cour: But at the report of the Duke's arrival, the Leaguers im- The Dike
mediately difpers'd themſelves, abandoning the City they already
poffefs'd, as he afterwards turn'd all fufpected perfons out of the hands of
the Town,and fettled it fo well by the prudent order ke eſtabliſh'd the League,
there, that it never after ſtarted from its duty; but on the contra-
ry continued fo firm, and maintained it felt fo well, that it was
almoft the only City of the Kingdom which tafted not of thoſe
miferies with which the Civil War by taking, re-taking, plunder,
and other miſchiefs, infefted all other Cities of France; a happi-
nefs that place principally owes to the timely fuccour it receiv'd
from the Duke of Elpernon's vigilance and care.
•
The
refcues Li-
moges out of
126
Book III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Duke
helieges St.
Germain,
which fur-
renders.
:
The example of the Capital City, contain'd almoſt all the lef-
1589. fer Cities of the Province in his Majefties Obedience; neither
was there any except that of St. Germain which refus'd to keep
Within the limits of its Duty; but that, declaring for the League,
conſtrain'd the Duke to turn his Forces that way to reduce it.
Puiferrat, a Gentleman of the Country, commanded there, who
after ſome vollies of Cannon ſhot, ſurrendred upon conditions,
that he, and his Souldiers fhould have free Quarter, and march
away with Bag, and Baggage; a capitulation notwithſtanding
ill obferv'd, to the Duke's great diſpleaſure; who having
very
appointed the elder Sobole's Troop of Light Horfe for their Con-
voy, without confidering their Officer had been kill'd at the Siege,
the Cavaliers, incens'd at the lofs of their Captain, reveng'd his
Death upon theſe miferable people,and cut them almoſt all to pie-
ces. A cruelty fome Authors have laid to the Duke's charge,
though very unjuſtly; for had his generous heart been capable of
committing ſo diſhonourable a crime, what advantage could he
have proposed to himſelf, from ſo foul a treachery?
And now was the Duke refolv'd to have clear'd all that Pro-
vince, when the diſorders of his own Government call'd him
back to look after his own immediate concerns. We have already
Tall back given a Narrative of the Enterprize of Angoulesme, upon St. Lau-
into Angou rence day, and further an accompt of the Clemency the Duke
mois to fup- fhew'd to thofe who had treated him after fo barbarous a man-
The Duke
prefs the
Leaguers
there.
ner of which there yet remain'd fome, who (as they were
moſt zealous for the League, and as they had been moft guilty
of that fedition, miftrufting by the Confcience of their own
Crimes, that the Duke could never heartily pardon, and forget
them) choſe rather, leaving the fecurity and peace of their own
Houſes,to commit their fafeties to the guard of their own Arms,
than to rely upon a promiſe they knew they could not expect in
reafon fhould be obferv'd. The Chavalier d'Aubeterre, one of the
principal fticklers for the League in that Province, having put
himſelf in the Head of thefe Mutineers, and having gather'd
together fome other diſcontented people of the Country, had of
theſe compos'da Body of Light Horfe, and fome Companies of
Foot, with which in this time of the Duke's abfence, he com-
mitted a thouſand Infolencies: nay, to that confidence were they
grown of their own ftrength, having committed fuch Riots,
whilſt there was none to oppoſe them, that they at laft fhut up
themſelves in the Caftle of Villebois, which they intended fhould
ferve them upon all occafions for a fecure retreat; a place indeed
of very advantageous fituation, very proper for clofe Fight, and
that
་
BOOK III.
127
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
that had all the Avenues unto it of fo difficult acceſs, that Can-
non without infinite labour was not to be brought up to force it. 1589.
In this place then they thought to remain in great fecurity, and be-
ing but three Leagues diftant from Angouleme, did by their con-
tinual fallies very much incommodate that City. The Duke
call'd now home by their infolencies, fent them prefently a Sum-
mons to Surrender; to which they return'd fo haughty, and fo
impudent an answer, that he faw he muſt be forced to Befiege
them, as he foon after did: and having, though with infinite
trouble, planted two pieces of Cannon upon the Hill where the
Caftle ſtood, he caus'd them immediately to begin to play. The
befieg'd endur'd above two hundred fhot, without fhewing any
countenance of fear: but at laft feeing a breach made, which
put them out of all hopes long to defend themſelves, their info-
lence was turn'd into apprehenfion, and aftoniſhment, and their
ſcornful language into terms of intreaty, and humble fupplicati-
on, fubmiffively begging (as the utmost grace they could expe&)
that they might be permitted to depart with the affurance of their
lives: to which the Duke would by no means confent, nor receive
them on other terms, than upon difcretion; to which, after
many difficulties, which they had good reaſon to make, they were
in the end conſtrain'd to fubmit. Their Commander in Chief,
Lieutenant to the Chevalier d'Aubeterre, call'd Maumont, knowing
very well, that both by the Law of Arms, and by the terms of
the Capitulation, he was to expect nothing but death, tryd to
eſcape with the fooneft, by caufing himself to be let down by
Ropes into the Graffe of the Caftle: but being purfu'd, and over-
taken, he died more honourably than he expected, being dif
patch'd by a Piſtol-ſhot in his head. As for his Complices, the
Duke ſeparated thoſe who had been concern'd in the Confpiracy
of Angouleme from the reft, whom ſeeing to be men ſo obſti-
nate in their malice, as neither reafon could reduce, nor mercy
reclaim, he caus'd eighteen to be hang'd up before the Gates of
the Caftle, and pardon'd all the reft. It is but a very little while
ago, that an old man of fourſcore and two years old, told me this
ftory, wherein he himself had been no little concern'd, as being
one of thoſe fet apart for the Rope; for having before made one
in the buſineſs of Angouleme but his good fortune referving him
for one of the laft that was to die, and the Marquife de Mezieres
who was at that time Miftrils of the Caftle of Villebois, being then
in the Country, and by fome of the poor man's Friends apply'd
to, that he would intercede for him, ſhe had fo much time as to
entreat, and obtain his pardon; and this was I think the only
man
128
BOOK III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno man of thoſe former Offenders, who efcap'd that Execution;
1589. neither indeed could fuch a mercy have been better plac'd,than on
a man who knew fo well how to husband his life, when it was
once more his own, as to preferve it almoft an age after. This
Caftle with the demean and territory belonging to it (one of the
fairest of that Country) was foon after purchas'd by the Duke,
and fince advanc'd into a Dutchy, and Peerdom, under the Title
of the Dutchy de la Valette: And I have often heard the Duke la-
ment the ruines he was forc'd to make of this Caſtle, being be-
fore a delicate Pile of Stone, and very capacious; but never after
wholly repair'd, there ftill remaining fome monuments of the
Rebellion as alfo of the puniſhment, thoſe deſperate men ſuffer'd,
who were the Commoters of it.
This execution, that would have appear'd more like an exam-
ple of Cruelty, than Juftice, had the Crimes of the, Offenders
been lefs, or not repeated, ftrook fuch a terror into the rest of
that Party, that they were not now fo hafty to appear for a fide
they had feen fo roughly handled; fo that the Duke did now not
only enjoy the repofe of his Government, but gave ſanctuary to
many of the King's Party of the neighbouring Provinces, who
were overmatch'd, or opprefs'd by the League. I have already
told you the occafion that call'd him into Limoufin, and I fhall
now tell you of another of the fame nature, and of no lefs im-
portance, though it made not ſo great a noife in the world, that
call'd him into the Government of Guyenne. The Marefchal de
Matignon, the King's Lieutenant in that Province, had his hands
fo full in, and about Bordeaux, that the impoffibility of his being
prefent in all places, where his prefence was requir'd, gave oppor-
tunity to Luffan, the Governour of Blaye, a man enclin'd to the
League, to lend fome Gentlemen of that Party fome Forces, in
order to the taking of Bourg; two little Leagues diftant only
from Blaye. This Town, though of a very little circuit, is not-
withstanding of very advantageous fituation; for befides that it
ftands upon an eminence of very difficult accefs, it abfolutely
commands the River of Dordongne, as it alfo at least awes that of
Garonne, being not above a quarter of a League from the Bec
d'Ambez, where thefe two Rivers meet to make the Gironde. It
must therefore needs be of great advantage to the League to pof-
feſs this place, by which means Bordeaux would be abfolutely de-
priv'd of the fuccour of two fo confiderable Rivers, by which
the City was continually, and abundantly ſupply'd. The Lea-
guers therefore, fpurr'd on by thefe confiderations, had laid Siege
to Bourg, and were by the favour of fome of the Inhabitants of
1
their
1
:
BOOK III. the Duke of Eſpernon.
i29
पं.
The Dake
their Party receiv'd into the Town, without any oppofition; but Anno
la Joviziere, a man of approved Valour, who commanded in the 1589.
Caftle, defended himſelf fo well, notwithstanding the ill conditi-
on of the place, and the vigour of the Affailants, who prefs'd relieves
hard upon him, that he gave the Duke time to come to his Rea Birg.
lief, at whoſe firſt appearance, the Enemy retir'd; when the
Duke having publickly commended the Governours Valour,
and the fidelity of fome honeft Inhabitants who had ſtuck
ftoutly to him in this occafion, withdrew the Captain into his
own Service, for the teftimony he had given of his Valour, lea-
ving Campagno, after Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, and
fince Governour of Boulogne, with a good Garrifon in his room;
as judging this place of that importance, that it ought to have a
perſon of no lels Authority to defend it againſt any attempt from
the Garron of Blaye, ſo near, and fo dangerous a Neighbour:
Yet did not the Duke keep it long in his poffeffion; for the King
not long after commanding him to deliver it up to him, he im-
mediately obey'd, though he had in a manner himſelf made a
conqueft of it: Some fay that the Marefchal de Matignon, jealous of
fo confiderable a neighbour as the Duke, had carneſtly impor-
tun'd the King to retrive this place out of his hands.
Anno
1591:
}
The Duke having by theſe fucceffes fettled all his Neighbours
in peace, whilſt the reſt of the Kingdom was in trouble, it was
but reaſonable that he himself fhould fhare in that felicity, where
in his Valour and Vigilancy had fo fortunately establifh'd others;
and of this he receiv'd the firft and moft happy fruits by the Blef
fing God was pleas'd to give his Marriage-Bed; for having
been already three years Married to Marguerite de Foix, Counteſs
of Candale, without Iffue, (the great, and various agitations,
wherewith he had been continually exercis'd all that time, ſcarce
allowing him the leifure to live in company with his Wife) at laft
this vertuous Lady'in March 1591. was at Xaintes brought to Bed
of Henry de Foix, and de la Valette his eldeft Son, whom we have The birth
fince feen Duke of Candale, and whoſe Valour has manifeſted ic
of Henry dé
Foix, and
felf in most parts of Europe, where he acquir'd the Reputation de la Valette,
of one of the greateſt Captains of his time: To thefe Military the Duke of
Vertues, he had yet the addition of ſo many other excellent qua- eldeſt Sor.
lities, that it was hard to fay, which was to be moft admir'd,
his Valour in War, his Sweetness in Converfation, or his Pru
dence and Dexterity in the Management, and Conduct of the
moft weighty Affairs. The year following 1592. the Duke was of Bernard
enrich'd with another Son, Bernard de Foix, and de la Valette,
was born at Angoulefnie, and who is now the fole Heir of
S
who
that
Efpernon's
The birthi
de Foix,
and de la
Valette, the
Duke's fe-
Illuftrr- cond Son.
+
130.
BOOK III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
مین
Anno
The Birth
of Lewis
la Valette,
*
illuftrious Family; a Prince whofe Vertues would furnish me,
1591. with fufficient matter for his praife, did not his modeſty impoſe
my filence. The third and laſt was Lewis Cardinal de la Valette,
born at Angoulefme the year following; one whom the Court
Cardinal de efteem'd, and acknowledg'd for the greateft, and moſt accom-
the Duke, plifh'd Courtier that had there been bred for many years. He
youngest render,d himſelf confpicuous in his profeffion whilft he continu-
Son. ed in it, by embelliſhing, and adorning an excellent natural in-
genuity with the choiceft Flowers of Divine and Humane Lear-
ning; and doubtless, had he apply'd himſelf wholly to his
Book, might have gone equal to the moſt famous Church-men
of this latter age: but the heat of his Courage having tempted
him, out of the bounds of his Spiritual Profeffion, he prov'd a
better Captain, than the chance of War would give him leave
long to continue; for the Wars of Italy wherein he ferv'd the
State with unparallel'd Diligence, and greater Succeſs, than was
to be expected from ſo few Forces, as he commanded, ſpurr'd on
his untimely Fate, as alfo his elder Brothers, who both of them
in leſs than four months ſpace, loft their lives in the ſame Army.
Paffages at
Duke's ab-
fence.
30
Whilſt the Duke had been employing his Power, and Perſon
Court in the in theſe foremention'd exploits, there had paſs'd much important
action about the Perfon of the King; who after the Skirmiſh
of Arques, and the Battel of Tury, was grown to ſuch a height
of Power and Reputation,as had put him into a condition to un-
dertake the Siege of Paris; which doubtless he might then have
taken it on the one fide his Majefty had been lefs folicitous to
preferve the City (which would have been utterly deftroy'd fhould
his Army have entred by ftorm) or on the other fide the Citizens
had been lefs obftinate in their defenſe: but their deſpair forti.
fying, and hardning them againft their neceffities, which in truth
were infupportable, they gave the Duke of Mayenne time to fetch
the Duke of Parma to their Relief, which for fome years pro-
rogu'd the entire Victory his Majefty might then, but for his Cle-
mency, have obtain'd. After the raifing of this Siege, the King's
Army being much decay'd by the length, and ill fuccefs thereof,
all the Catholicks who had thus long ferv'd his Majefty, even his
moſt particular Servants, took the liberty, highly to complain of
The King his flow proceeding towards his intended Converfion; as alfo
importun'd the feveral Societies, and Companies of the Kingdom, generally
his Conver- fent their Deputies humbly to befeech his Majefty to put an end
to that good work, which would likewife put an end to all his
own troubles, and be the only means to preſerve his Kingdom;›
nay even the Court it ſelf grew importunate in the fame fuir, and
to haften
fion.
were
BOOK III. the Duke of Eſpernon.
131
m
1
1
Anno
1591.
were already laying the defign of a third Party, which would
have involv'd the King in a new difficulty his Majefty had then no
need of; but to prevent all inconveniencies, to ftop mens mouths,
and to hinder all theſe Court-practices, his Majefty faw it necef
fary to renew the War with new vigour, and by fome notable,
and important action, to gain a reputation to his Party. He took
therefore a refolution to call all the Nobility he could win over to
him, about his perſon, and that not ſo much to re-inforce his Ar-
my by their preſence, as to hinder them (being at diſtance, and
in full liberty to diſpoſe of themſelves) from joyning either with
thoſe Factions already form'd by his Enemies, or fuch as were
now (even by thoſe who had hitherto follow'd his Fortune) form-
ing against him. Nevertheless his Majefty knowing very well,
that the major part of thofe, who had feparated themſelves from
him, had done it meerly out of refpect to Religion, and that they
would not eaſily be induc'd to return, unless he firft gave them
ſome hopes, as to that particular; he fent to affure them, that he
defir'd nothing more ardently, than to be inftructed in the Ca-
tholick Religion, to the end, that with the fatisfaction and ſafety
of his Confcience, he might make open profeffion of it to all the
world. Upon this affurance of his fpeedy Converfion (which
notwithſtanding was not accompliſh'd till ſome years after) the
Duke of Nevers, with many other perfons of Quality,came over
to him; and amongſt others, the Duke of Efpernon, whom his The Daké
of Efperners
Majelty having alfo invited to his Service, and who having only
forfook him at the firſt out of ſcruple of Confcience, that being Court.
now overcome by the reſolution his Majeſty profeſs'd to have ta-
ken, he made no difficulty to return, and with a Train that fuf-
ficiently denoted with what paffion he embrac'd his Service;
bringing along with him three thouſand five hundred Foot, four
hundred Light Horfe, and four hundred Harquebufiers, on horfe-
back. With which Forces (which the Duke had rais'd at his
own charge, and by his own credit) his Majeſty being very well
recruited, he refolv'd to make a new attempt upon Paris it felf,and D'Avila:
to aſſault it in four places at once: A Defign he intended to exe-
cute by Ladders, and Petards, and to lead on one of the Divifi-
ons to the Affault in his own perfon, in which the Duke of Ef
pernon was appointed to attend him; and indeed of his men
chiefly confifted that Body his Majeſty would in perfon lead on
to the Affault. A Deſign which, had not the Parifians had timely
information of, had been very likely to have taken effect: buc
the preparation of Ladders, and other provifions for the attempt,
being made at St. Dennis, and other adjacent places, almoſt in the
S 2
fight
returns to
1
132
Book III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
ما
Anno
fight of Paris, the King's Forces no fooner appear'd, than the Pa-
1591. rifians were alſo found ready upon their Walls, in a refolute
po-
fture of defenfe; which his Majefty perceiving, he retir'd with-
out making a fruitless attempt in a Defign which could not pof-
fibly, but in cafe of a furprize, fucceed: So that this Stratagem
The Siege failing, he refolv'd upon the Siege of Chartres, which in the end
of Chartres, he took, but not without much difficulty, expenfe of much
time, and the lofs of a great number of men.
goes into
Picardy.
op-
The Duke having confider'd that he might now have a fit
portunity during this Siege to go to Boulogne, of which he had
enjoy'd the Government during his time of Favour, to fettle it in
a poíture of fafety, he entreated leave of his Majefty that he might
undertake that Journey. This place (a Town of great impor-
tance) had hitherto been commanded by the Sieur de Bernay,
whom the Duke had formerly plac'd Governour there, and in
whom he had for many years repos'd an intire confidence: but
at laft Bernay, having by fome odd carriage of his, rendred him-
felf fufpected to the Duke, he was refolv'd to withdraw him from
that truft: And forafmuch as Picardy, in the utmoft borders of
which this Town was feated, was very partial to the Leaguers,
who were poffefs'd of moft of the chief Cities of that Province,
The Duke the Duke entreated his Majefty, that he might take five hundred
of thoſe Horſe he had brought with him to the Service, for his
Convoy in this expedition; a requeft the King made no difficul-
ty to grant, his Majefty having no great ufe of Horſe in this
Siege So that departing in this equipage, he perform'd his Jour-
ney without the leaft oppofition, or fhew of an Enemy, with-
drew Bernay from Boulogne, and plac'd the Marquis de Rouillac,
his Brother-in-law, in his ftead, who ferv'd many years after in
that employment under his command: But though the Duke
had met no body to oppoſe him, as he went through the Coun-
try; the Duke d'Aumale, Governour general for the League in Pi-
cardy, had nevertheleſs been meditating how to cut him off in his
return, and to that purpofe had call'd Minieux, the particular Go-
vernour of Montreuille, into his Defign, where betwixt them it
was agreed, that Minieux fhould follow the Duke in the Rear
till he had dogg'd him within fight of the Duke d'Aumale's For
ces; fo that being charg'd at once in the Rear by Minieux, and in
the Front by the Duke of Aumale, it would be impoffible for him,
thus beſet on all fides, and by Forces double to his own, to difin-
gage himſelf from ſo inevitable a danger. And certainly had the
Order been as well obferv'd, as the Defign was well laid', the
Duke would have had verymuch ado to have freed himself from fo
many
BOOK III.
133
the Duke of Efpernon,
J
Anno
An attempt
upon the
pernon by
manifeft a peril: his good fortune nevertheleſs deliver'd him from
it by an accident, that in it ſelf had been like enough to have haft- 1591.
ned his Ruine. This Minieux had for fome time been the Duke's
particular, and mortal Enemy; and upon the pretenfe of not ha-
ving been well us’d by him in the height of his favour, had with Duke of Ef-
great impatience watch'd an occafion like this, wherein to execute the Duke
his Revenge. Wherefore lying in Ambuſcado with two hundred of Aumale.
and fifty Light Horſe, upon the way the Duke was to pals, and
the Duke of Aumale not far off in a Wood within half a
League of Pont de Douricé with ſeven hundred more, Minieux im-
patient to be at it, and either fearing to lofe the opportunity of
his revenge, or hoping to gain a rich Booty of the Duke's Bag-
gage, could not contain himself; but appearing fooner, than he
fhould have done, he follow'd the Duke fo clofe, till he was ad-
vanc'd within almoſt Muiquet-ſhot of his Rear, which (the Bo-
dies being fo near) occafion'd many light Skirmishes betwixt
them, until at laſt the Duke nettled to ſee himſelf ſo purfu'd, and
trifled withal by his Enemy, commanded Montestruc his Kinf-
man to go charge them with forty Horſe, himſelf at the fame
time feconded by the Baron de Chafteliers (fince Baron d'Ars) by
Gobas, and Miran the chief Officers of his Party, giving fo brisk
a Charge into the Enemies Body, that they were inftantly put to
rout. The fight was not very obftinate, by reafon the Comman- Minicu
ders of the other fide were either wounded, or flain in the firft by the
Encounter, and there was none to Rally, or Command; Mini- Duke, and
taken pri-
eux and his Son, Conteval his Lieutenant, and fifteen, or twenty of foner.
the chief Commanders were trodden under foot, and the reft
betook themſelves to flight. The Duke, who would not engage
himſelf too far into a Country where he had no other bufinels,
than to paſs through it, thought it not convenient to follow the
purfuit, but contenting himself with thoſe priſoners he had ca-
ken upon the place, though they were exceedingly wounded, he
went on his way; but one of his Gentlemen (Bois Rufier by
name) being ftragled out to difcover the Country, fell into the
Duke of Aumale's Ambufcado; who, being carried by thofe had
taken him before the Duke, was by him examin'd of his quality,
and who he was för? who anſwer'd, That, he belong'd to the
Duke of Efpernon, fhewing him at the fame time, the Duke's
Vant-Guard, which began to appear upon a little eminence hard
by. The Duke then further demanded of him, if he had ſeen
Minieux ? to which he anfwer'd, That Minieux was the Duke of
Efpernon's Prifoner, and withal recounted to him the manner of
his Defeat; which the Duke of Aumale was no fooner enform'd
of
routed by
t
H
134
BOOK III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno of, but that conceiving it was not convenient, to engage in an
1591. uncertain Fight, where he had promis'd to himſelf a certain Vi-
ill uſage at
Corbie.
#
&tory, he retyr'd, without once daring to attempt any thing up-
on the Duke, highly condemning and complaining of Minieux,
who by his raſhneſs and impatience, had ruin'd ſo hopeful 2
Defign.
The Duke, having thus rid his hands of his Enemies, went to
put himſelf into the danger of his Friends, at leaſt thoſe who
ought to have been fo, being engag'd in the fame Service: but
I dare not here publifh all I know of this buſineſs, left I ſhould
revive the memory of an Action, that was then condemn d by
the King himſelf, and that cannot be approved of now. I ſhall
The Duke's only tell you, that the Duke having carried his Priſoners into
Corbie, they were there peremptorily demanded of him, and upon
his refufal violently taken and detained from him: A diſpute that
was on both fides carried on with fuch heat,as brought the Duke's
Perfon, who could not with any thought of patience endure fo
great an affront,into very great danger: and the odds against him
was fo great, that nothing could have been expected, but certain
death, had not the sieur de Humierres the King's Lieutenant in
the place, and the Sieur de la Boißiere his Brother-in-law inter-
pofing, hinder'd the violence was preparing againſt him, and me-
diated an Accommodation; which, though it could not oblite-
rate the memory of the offenfe, kept matters notwithſtanding
from proceeding to the laft Extreams.
16
Neither was this the laſt danger the Duke eſcap'd in his return:
for as he proceeded on his way to Chartres, where the Siege ftill
continued, he heard the Marquis d'O his old friend was very bu-
fie at the Siege of Pierre Fonds, which he had undertaken; whom
the Duke going to vifit, he was by him entreated to ſtay there a
few days, and by his Authority, and thoſe Forces he had then
with him, to help him to bring his Enterprize to an honourable
iffue, which the Duke as franckly confented to, and went im-
mediately into the Trenches, to take a view of the order of the
Siege where prefenting himſelf with his ufual bravery to open
view of the Enemy, and without other Arms, than his Corlet
The Duke only, he receiv'd a Harquebuſs-ſhot in his mouth, that paffing
thonoth through one of his cheeks, fhatter'd his right jaw, and coming
out at his chin, flatted upon his Gorget: A hot that every one
believ'd had certainly difpatch'd him. But being carried to his
Lodging, and his Wound fearch'd, it was found to be no-
thing dangerous; and in a few days he was in a condition to
mount on horſe back..,.
at Pierre
Fonds.
After
BOOK III. the Duke of Eſpernon.
135
After all theſe good and evil adventures, the Duke being at laft
arriv'd at Chartres, he went preſently to give the King an accompt
of his Voyage, not forgetting to make his complaint of the in-
jury done him at Corbie, withal humbly entreating his Majeſty
would be pleas'd to do him Juftice; which the King had in part
already done, having order'd his prifoners immediately to be re-
ftor'd: but their Wounds were fuch, that they all dy'd of them,
foon after they were left at Corbie; fo that they who had commit-
ted the injury not long furviving, the Duke's Quarrel was at an
end, and all thoughts of revenge were foon extinct, and for ever
buried in oblivion.
Anno
1591.
The Duke
returns to
the King.
The Siege of Chartres continued yet fome time after the Duke's.
return, which la Bourdaifiere, Governour there for the League, had
fo bravely defended, as often made the King to repent that under-
taking, having loft before it the Sieur de Chaftillon,eighteen Camp-
Maſters, and, as may well be imagin'd from thence, a great num-
ber of common Souldiers: Neither did thoſe Forces the Duke
of Efpernon had left with the King fcape better than the reft, the
King (willing to husband the lives of his own Servants in whom
he yet repos'd a greater truft, than in the Duke) continnally expo-
fing them to the greateft danger. Of theſe Beaujeu, Mafcaron,
and Blumet, three Colonels were there flain, and alſo many other
Officers; by whofe valour, amongst the reft (who perhaps had
better fortune) the place was at laft (notwithſtanding their nota-
ble refiftance) reduc'd to the neceffity of a furrender. From thence
his Majefty pafs'd over into Picardy, where he befieg'd, and took Chartres af-
Noyon, and fecur'd many other confiderable Cities of that Pro- nate Siege
vince to his obedience: when having after all made a little di- furrendred
greffion into Champagne, the year, and that Champagne ended toge- and foon af
ther; it being neceffary to diſpoſe the Army into feveral Garri- ter Noyon.
ſons to refreſh them: So that the Duke, feeing the time of the
year for further Service was now paft, ask'd leave of the King to
retire into his own Government to recruit his Troops, that they The Duke
might be in a better condition to ferve his Majefty the year to
of Efpernon
come: to which his Majefty willingly conſented, difmiffing the his
Duke with great teftimonies of an entire fatisfaction in his ſervice,
and an abſolute oblivion of all paſt unkindneſs.
The end of the Third Book.
ter an obfti-
retires into
own Go-
verament.
THE
7
*
L :
7 di
n.
•
C.
5
*
!
+
F
!
4.
+
I
1
}
137
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Fourth Book
༢མ
1591.
prepares to
return to
HE Duke ſolicitous by his Services to difpoffels Anno
the King of thofe evil impreffions, his Majefty
had, through the ill Offices of fome, conceiv'd
against him, to the prejudice of his Loyalty and
affection; did now reſolve to raiſe far greater The Duke
Forces, than before, for the Summer to come.
Neither had his Majefty on his part conceal'd his moft fecret De- the King.
figns from the Duke's knowledge; but on the contrary had invi-
ted him again into action, and had referv'd an Employment of
great truft, and Reputation for him in his Army. The Duke Is hindred
allo was prepar'd to go, and expected with great impatience his by the deatht
Majefties Order, for his fetting out when he receiv'd the fad fieur de la
news of the death of Mounfieur de la Valette his Brother. This Brother.
Lord, after he had beaten the Duke of Savoy out of Provence, and
made him ſuſtain fuch loffes, as had fore'd him to retire into his Monfieur
own Dukedom, after he had fettled Provence and Dauphiné in te's exploits
his Majefties Obedience, and almoft rooted out all the feeds of in Provence,
the League in thoſe two Provinces after having by Treaties car- phiné.
T
ried
Moun-
Valette his
de la Valet-
and Data
I
{
138
Book IV.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
ried on with infinite Conduct, and Prudence, intereſted the Re-
1592. publick of Venice, the Dukes of Florence, and Mantua in his Ma-
Mounficur de
7 bou..
1
jefties Quarrel, and obtain'd from theſe Princes fecurity for thirty
thouſand Crowns a month, to tranfport the War into the Dutchy
of Savoy it felf, of which alſo he was to have the management
(by ſo powerful a diverfion to oblige this Ambitious Prince to de-
fend his own Territories inftead of invading his Neighbours :)
Being, I fay, upon the point to execute a defign fo honourable in
it felf, and fo important to the Crown, he would yet firſt abſolute-
ly cleanſe Provence from the contagion of the League, that he
might leave no Enemy behind to beget new mischiefs, when he
fhould not be near to fupprefs them. To this end therefore he
drew his Army into the Field in the beginning of January, and
went to befiege Roquebrune, that stood for the League: A place,
which though little, was nevertheleſs ſo ſtrong, that Mounfieur de
la Valette's Battery, having plaid upon that fide which was beſt
fortified, and not working that speedy effect he defir'd, he would
remove it to the other fide; and in his impatience to put an end
to an enterprize ſo much inferiour to his greater deſigns, would
himſelf help to remove the Cannon to a more advantageous
place; where being expos'd to the Enemies view, open, and in
his Doublet only (a vanity that has loft many of our beſt Ca-
ptains) he receiv'd a Mufquet fhot in the head, the eleventh day
of January; of which within thirteen hours after he died.
All the Hiftorians of his time celebrated the Vertues of this
great than with the higheſt Characters of Honour; the King him-
Telf appear dinfinitely concern'd at his death by which he was
depriv'd of a valiant Captain, and a faithful Subject: Nay even
his Enemies lamented his lofs (fo great an intereft has Vertue in
generous minds:) butthe Duke his Brother was afflicted to the
laſt degree: He had ever lov'd him to an example of Fraternal Af-
fection, had never made any diftinction betwixt the intereſts of
fo good a Brother, and his own; he had invefted him in a very
confiderable fhare of his own fortune, he had beftow'd upon him
the Government of Provence, with the Office of Admiral of France,
he had been continually affifting to him with his Purfe and Cre-
dit, and had ever made him a partaker in all the advantages of
his Maſter's Favour: benefits, of which Monfieur de la Valette
had, on his part, made formodeft, and fo vertuous an uſe, that he
thought himſelf oblig'd (having no pofterity to provide for) to
husband them for the Duke his Brother's Service: Which grati
tude to his Benefactor was rewarded by a good fortune to him-
felf, for having little frequented the Court, the diſcontents and
diſgraces
.
1
Book IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
139
7
difgraces which ſometimes perplext the Duke could never reach Anno
or reflect upon him, who had continually been abroad in action, 1592.
and that with ſo good fuccefs, that his merit made him by every
one thought worthy of that greatneſs he poffefs'd; fo that he was
favour'd, and eſteem'd by all good men, without the leaſt mix-
rure of hatred, or envy. Neither was he, on his part, wanting to
his own Reputation and Intereft, but ever behav'd himſelf in
all his Employments with infinite moderation, fweetneſs, libe.
rality, and noble Courage: Vertues that eſtabliſh'd him in his
Government with fuch Authority, and that rendred him ſo con-
fiderable to the Princes bordering upon Provence, that their reſpect
to him begot in them a fingular regard towards the Duke his
Brother; whom no man was willing (upon a light occafion) to
offend, left this (whom all the world knew to be ſo kind a Bro
ther, and fo good a Friend) by an injury offer'd to fo dear a Re-
lation, might be tempted into extremities, that uſually are the ef-
fects of fo jufta refentment. It appears therefore by this, how
great a fupport he was to his Family: but this unfortunate blow
depriv'd the Duke at once of fo confiderable a Fortune, of fo
powerful an Affiftant, of fo honourable Employments, and of
the perfon of all others moft dearly beloved by him. The Office
of Admiral of France was prefently, and that by the Duke's con-
fent,conferr❜d upon St.Blancart,fince Duke and Marefchal de Biron, The Office
bis Kinfman, and intimate Friend; who (as we have already ob of Admiral
ſerv'd) put himſelf into the Duke's Service in the beginning of his upon St.
Favour: but who afterwards, by his good Services had advanc'd Blancart.
himſelf very high in his Majeſties eſteem. Some have ſaid, that
the King (to whom the Duke's greatneſs was become fufpected)
had a good mind, at the ſame time, to have difpos'd of the Go-
vernment of Provence alfo: but that having confider'd moft of
the principal Cities of that Province were in the cuftody of the
Duke's Friends, or their Subſtitutes, who had ferv'd Volunteers
under Mounfieur de la Valette; that the Forces, there refiding,were
made up of their Creatures, fuch as only ferv'd upon the two
Brothers account,, it was to be fear'd the Duke's Difcontents
would be humour'd by his Friends, who might intereft them-
felves in his Diſgrace: So that his Majeſty thinking it neither
convenient, nor fafe, as Affairs then ftood, directly to diſoblige
the Duke, was forc'd to comply with the neceffity of the time,
and to confent, to what he could not well hinder without endan-
gering the Affairs of that Province.
Mounfieur de la Valette was no fooner dead, but that all his Of
ficers affembled themſelves together, to adviſe, what, upon this
T 2
accident
conferr'd
140
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Lifé of
Anno
1592.
demands of
the King
the Go-
vernment
of Provence.
it
accident, they were beft to do, where, without much debate, it
was concluded, that to exprefs the affection, they had ever born
their dead General, and the respect they had for the Duke his Bro-
ther, to whom they would that affection fhould now defcend,
was fit to fend to the King, humbly to entreat his Majefty, that
he would fend the Duke of Efpernon, to command them in the
place of Mounfieur de la Valette, declaring freely withal, that un-
der the command of any other they fhould not fo chearfully
continue thoſe ſervices, they had for the time paft fo fuccessfully
perform'd; and accordingly with this Meffage they difpatch'd
away the sieurs d' Efgarrebacques, and de Mefplés (two of the moſt
eminent amongſt them both in Valour and Condition) to the
Court.
c
(C
r
The Duke of Ejpernon, being advertis'd of the deputation of
theſe two Gentlemen to the King, by the Sieur de Peyroles (dif-
patch'd to him at the fame time by the Chief Officers of Pro-
vence). fent himſelf alſo to ſolicite his Majelty, for that they had
The Duke fo favourably purfu'd in his behalf: Repreſenting to him, “That
the Government of Provence could not be reputed vacant,
whilft he was living, who had put it into his Brothers hands,
upon no other account, than to preferve it in his Majefties
Obedience; whilft himſelf, with ſuch as depended upon him,
"expos'd his Life, and Fortune elſewhere, for his Service That
"the first, and true title; to that Government remain❜d in him,and
"that fince he was fo unfortunate as to furvive his Brother, he
"had that confidence in his Majefties Juftice, that he would not
"add to his affliction by depriving him of an Employment, he
'had only transferr'd to another, that he might himſelf be at
"more liberty to do him more, and better ſervice: And, as if the
Duke had been already affur'd of his Majefties Favour to him,
or that he would not feem in the leaft to fufpect it, he publiſh'd
his refolution of going into Provence, and made great preparati-
ons in order to that expedition. The King foreſeeing that the
Duke would, of all others, be the molt acceptably receiv'd by
that people, and knowing alfo, that in the confufion the King-
dom then was, the Government of Provence wherein the Duke
of Savoy, and the League had made a dangerous progrefs unce
the death of Mounfieur de la Valette) could not be maintain'd as it
ought, otherwiſe than by the Duke's Intereft there, thought fit
not to contradict his claim; and confequently, about the end of
March the fame year, fent him a Commiffion to go into Provence,
in quality of Captain General of all his forces there, without re-
voking the title of Governour, which had been granted to him
[
by
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
141
by Henry the III, as alfo without any confirmation of it; but
commanding by particular diſpatches all the Cities, and all his
Servants in that Province to acknowledge, and obey him, giving
the Duke in this ſome feeming fatisfaction, till he might find a
time and opportunity gently to withdraw him from thence.
די
The Duke,having thus obtain'd leave of the King,prepar'd him
ſelf with all expedition to depart from his Governments of Xain
tonge, and Angoumois; but not before he had firft fettled his Dome
ftick Affairs; the chief of which was the Inheritance of Mounfieur
de la Valette, who, fome days before his Death, had made a Will,
wherein, 'tis true, he had made the Duke his Heir, but with fo
little advantage to him, that the very particulars of the Will; ex-
ceeded the value of his Eftate. He had given great Legacies to all
his Friends, and to all his Servants, of which he had not omitted
one, who was not very liberally rewarded. He had moreover
given many pious Legacies for publick Buildings, Foundations of
Convents, and Hofpitals; and with all this liberality, left fo many
Debts behind him, that the Duke was advis'd not to meddle w
the Inheritance, as a thing that would certainly be a burthen to
him: But he, far from embracing an Advice, which, though
prudently enough given, he thought would not be honourable for
him to follow, could not think his Brothers intention fufficiently
fulfill'd, if he did not add fomething of his own to his Libera-
lities: A Refolution he fo peremptorily executed, that all thoſe
who were mentioned in the Will were fatisfied, before the Teſta-
tor's perfonal Eſtate could be priz'd, or his Revenue gather'd in.
Anno
1592.
carried with
Provence.
Having thus fettled this bufinefs, whilft his Friends were bufie
levying ſuch Forces, as he intended to lead into Provence, he had
now nothing left to do, but to begin his Journey, except to take
a review of his Army: Of which the Cavalry was commanded
by the Sieurs de Chalais, d' Ambleville, d'Ars, (who is ftill full of vi- The Forces
gour at the writing of this Hiftory, and I think the only Cavalier the Duke
remaining of all the Officers of that Army) de Touverac, de Mi- him into
ran, de Gohas, de Bordes, d' Estaufan, de Puygailliart, young Maffes,
de Boiffeau, and fome others; each having a hundred Light
Horfe in his Troop. The Infantry had for Camp Mafters, the
Baron de Mata, Bonnouvrier, Pernes, and la Rodérie, the names of
the rest I could not learn, time having worn out their Memories:
But the Commanders and Souldiers were fuch, that it was not
poffible to ſee any where a more complete, nor a more ſpritely
Body. There remain'd in Provence of thoſe who had kept them- And what
ſelves together, fince the death of Mounfieur de la Valette, his own there.
Troop of Gens-d'Armes, and that of the Baron de Montaut his
Coufin,
he found
t
142
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
|
1592.
Anno Coufin, confifting each of two hundred Cuiraßiers, with that of
the Marquifs de Cadenot, confifting of one. The Troops of Light
Horfe under the command of Belloe, of Ramefort, of Lyons, of
St. Andiol, that of Buous, with his Regiment of Foot, comman-
ded by the Chevalier de Buous his Brother, with the Regiments
of Merarques, and de Valaveyre. Soon after the Duke's Arrival in
thoſe parts, he was yet re-inforc'd with fifteen hundred Foot,
which the Sieur de Gouvernet brought him out of Dauphiné; and
the Conſtable his uncle, to whom he gave a Vifit as he paſs'd
through Languedoc, furniſh'd him with three hundred Light
Horſe, under the Command of the Sieurs de Poyraux, de Monte-
fon, and d'Entragues. So that he no fooner came into Provence,
but that he had above ten thouſand Foot, befides what he was
fupply'd withal from the Garriſons of the Country, which made
up three thouſand more, and at leaft fifteen or fixteen hundred
Horſe. The Marefchals de Camp, to thofe Forces he had rais'd
himſelf, were the Sieurs de Megrin, and de Bonnouvrier, and of
thofe in Provence, Montaut, and le Paffage, who having ferv'd in
the fame quality under his Brother, he thought, by no means fit
to be diſoblig'd.
So many, and ſo vaft Leagues, made at the Duke's own char-
ges, could not but very much exhauſt his purſe, which had be-
fore been weakned by the exceffive expenſe he had been at for the
Service of the two Kings: For in his Voyage to Henry the III at
Tours, he had (as has been faid) rais'd fix thouſand Foot, and
twelve hundred Horſe, and in the laſt Campagne, he had brought
to Henry IIII. four thousand Foot, and eight hundred Light
Horſe, which could not be rais'd without infinite expenſe: So
that it is no wonder, if he was now reduc'd to borrowing, as in-
deed he was, and did borrow a very confiderable fumme at An-
goulefme; where one particular man, Francois Redout by name,
Sieur de Nevillac, lent him, at his departure from thence,fifty thou
The Duke fand Crowns; and which more oblig'd the Duke (a thing I
enforced to have often heard him ſpeak of with great commendation of this
Gentlemans proceeding) fo generously, that he would not fo
much as accept a bond for his Security, but only a Memorandum
of three or four Lines; fo great a Confidence he had in the Duke's
Integrity: Nor was he deceiv'd, his mony being punctually re-
paid at the appointed day.
borrow mo-
ny.
The Duke
departs
from An
goul-fme.
Things being thus order'd, the Duke departed from Angou-
lefme the fifth day of June, the fame year taking his way through
Perigort towards Quercy; but there was no little contelt betwixt
his Honour and Affection in taking leave of his Dutchess, whom
her
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
143
hi
her Vertue, and Fruitfulneſs, had rendred to him more dear than
ever ; and who on her part, as if ſhe had foreſeen this parting
ſhould be their laft, as indeed it was, could by no means confent
to this feparation, though they were at laft both of them
conſtrain'd, to yield to the neceffity, 'his Duty and Honour im-
pos'd upon him.
Anno
1992.
There accru'd no little advantage to his Majeſties Affairs, by
this Armies taking the way of Quercy; for the Marquis de The
mines, fince Marefchal of France, gave the Duke notice as he was
upon his March, that the Forces the League had in Languedoc,
under the command of the Duke de Joyeuſe, had befig'd Villemur;
which though a little Town, was nevertheleſs
very confiderable
for its fituation upon the River Tarn, and for its vicinity to Tho-
louſe, being but four Leagues diftant from thence. Renies a
Gentleman of great Valour, who had the command ofthat place,
upon the first Alarm, had put himſelf, with about fifteen, or
fixteen Gentlemen of his Friends, into it: but it had been impof-
fible (having no body, but the Inhabitants to affiſt him) to have
defended it long without relief, and that no body, but the Duke,
was able to give him: Which Father Ange de Joyeuse a Capuchin,
the Duke's Brother-in-law,and then at I holoufe, fearing he would
do, and having intelligence of the Duke's motion that way, he
went, and met him upon his March, where he not only endea-
your'd to diffwade him from that Defign; but alſo by all manner
of Arguments to draw him over to the League: conjuring-him
by all the ties of Friendſhip, and by the most inftant intreaties he
could uſe, neither omitting the respect due to Religion, northe
obligations of Friendſhip, and Relation, to divert him from his
purpoſe; but all in vain: for the Duke fetting afide all thoſe
intereſts of Friendſhip, and Alliance when they came in compe- The Duke
tition with the Duty he ought to his Prince, was deaf to all Argu- relieves
ments and Entreaties, and in ſpite of them, and him, advanc'd
directly towards the place. But upon his Arrival, the Enemy,
not being able to diſpute it with him, immediately retir'd to Tho-
loze, giving the Duke, by that means, free liberty to fortifié the
Town; which he did fo well, as foon after gave the King's Par
ty opportunity to gain in that place a very fignal Victory, by the
death of the Duke de Joyesje himſelf, and the abfolute defeat of
his Army.
But it was not in this occafion alone that the Duke's Armes
were employ'd in that Country; for the power of the League
being as confiderable there, as in any Province of the Kingdom,
their Designs were not limited to the reducing of Villemur only
they
Villemar:
144
The Hiftory of the Life of
لما
1592.
relieves
BOOK IV.
Anno they had moreover almoft block'd up Montauban, which City (at
that time reputed one of the best in France) was in great danger,
if not ſpeedily reliev'd, to be loft. On one fide it was aw'd by
Moillac, on another by the Caftles of Monbeton, of Mauzac, and
de la Court, befides many other little places fortified round about,
by which the Garriſon, and Inhabitants were ſo ſtraightned, and
kept in, that they were reduc'd to great extremity, and ſcarcity
The Duke of all things. This, the Duke being advertis'd of, and being alſo
folicited by the Inhabitants, to free them from theſe troubleſome
Neighbours, he prefently went about it, and to that purpoſe pre-
king in fe- fented himself firſt before Moiſſac, which furrendring at the fight
of the Cannon, he remov'd from thence before Mauzac, which
the League, did the fame: but the other little places, not being fo confider-
able, as that his preſence was neceffary to reduce them, he left that
part of the work to the Sieurs de St. Megrin, and de Bonnouvrier,
Marefchals de Camp to his Army; himſelf, whilft his Forces were
employ'd about thoſe petty Enterprizes, making a ſtep into Gaſ-
cony to Viſit Madam de la Valette, his Mother, and to invite his
Friends in that Country to go, and fhare with him in the Honour
of ferving his Majefty in Provence.
Mantaubon
by the ta-
veral Ca
itles from
By this little digreffion into Gascony, the Duke had an opportu-
nity yet further, to re-inforce himſelf with fome particular Ser-
vants of his, with whom, having réjoyn'd his Army, he found
now nothing left to do, that might impede his March; fo that he
proceeded without longer ftay, on his Journey to Provence, where
being arriv'd, and appearing with ſo gallant, and ſo numerous an
Army, it gave no fmall reputation to his Majefties Affairs; nor
ftrook no fmall aftoniſhment into the League: and, as he, in
his experience very well knew, that this reputation was no ways
to be kept up, but by fome honourable Exploit, he undertook
divers Sieges at his firft Arrrival (notwithſtanding the feafon of
The Siege the year was far ſpent, it being now October) whereof that of
of Montau- Montauron was the firft. This City, though in its fituation and
ftrength incapable of any notable defenſe, was nevertheleſs by
the Commanders, (who had eighteen foot Companies there,
which the Duke of Savoy had put in, to entertain the Duke of
Efpernon in his firſt heat) thought tenable enough, and that the
number of their men, which were nine hundred refolute Souldi-
ers, would ſupply the defects of the place; or that (at the worst)
the Duke of Savoy, being fo near, and in the head of an Army,
they might defend themſelves, till he ſhould come to their Re-
lief, This Garrifon the Duke of Efperuon at his Arrival preſently
ſummon'd to a ſurrender, at the fame time repreſenting to them,
ron.
that
1
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
145
1
that they were in a place; that could not poffibly refift the Force
of great Shot, the Houfes of the City making up the greatest
part of their Wall; and that they would do better not to put
him to the trouble of bringing up his Artillery, than by doing it
to oblige him to uſe them otherwife, than like Gentlemen, and
Souldiers: To which they (defying him, and deſpifing his Ad-
monitions) return'd this peremptory anſwer, That they had un-
dertaken to defend that place, and would maintain it, or perish,
and make it good with their lives to the laſt man; An Anſwer
that quickly let the Duke to work, who immediately beleaguer'd
the Town; where the Cannon having in a few days made a wi-
der breach than was neceffary, the befieg'd defir'd they might Ca-
pitulate: To whom the Duke fent word, There was now no Ca-
pitulation to be granted to them, that they had loſt that privi-
ledge, and that he would not receive them upon other terms,
than upon ſurrender to mercy; that they were beft therefore to
deliberate, whether they would run the fortune of an Affault, or
preſently ſubmit to that Condition, it being the only,and final Fa-
vour they were to expect.
Anno
ما
1592.
Whilſt theſe matters were in agitation, the Duke of Savoy, who
had engag'd theſe men in this deſperate place, and knew, as well
as any, the danger they were in, was advancing with three thou-
fand Foot, and five hundred Light Horſe to relieve them; which
the Duke of Efpernon was no fooner enform'd of, but that leaving
a fufficient Force to maintain the Siege, he went out to meet him,
and bravely offer'd him Battel: But the Savoyard,not daring to run
ſo great a hazard, retir'd without any further attempt; fo that the
Befieg'd, being out of all hopes of Relief, were forc'd to fur-
render to the Duke's difcretion, where their Infolence, and Re-
bellion receiv'd their due reward, and that in as high a degree,
and with the greateſt rigour, the Law of Arms does permit :
whereby they were made miferable examples of the greateft cru-
elty. All the Captains found in the place, to the number of four-
teen, were immediately hang'd up, and five hundred common The Dake
Souldiers fent to the Gallies at Taulon; the reft either efcap'd in non's feve-
the time of the Capitulation, or were lain, during the Siege: A rity.,
ſeverity that ought not to have been practis'd, upon our own Na-
tion. But the Duke would by this give the Duke of Savoy to un-
derſtand, that he, having violated the publick Faith, and his
League with the Kings of France, as he had done, he would have
no fair Quarter with him, nor ufe him otherwife than as a mor-
tal Enemy to the Crown, and Kingdom.
V
After
of Efpir-
:
146
BOOK IV.
The Hiflory of the Life of
ما
Anno
ge-
After this Action, the Duke conceiving himſelf no leſs ob-
1592. ligd to protect his Majefties good Subjects, than to fuppreſs his
Enemies; his first care was to fecure the Officers of the Parlia-
ment of Provence (ſuch as had declar'd for the King from the be-
ginning, and had retir'd themſelves from Aix (the feat of Parlia-
ment) from the time the City had revolted to the Duke of Savoy)
in fome place of fafety: For this purpoſe he could find no place
ſo fit for ftrength, and conveniency as Manofque, where he feated
them in great fecurity, and honour. And that the time might
not paſs away without fome fhew of Action, whilft the fealon
would not give him leave ſmartly to follow the War; he in this
dead time of the year, with a strong party of Horfe fcour'd the
Country all over the whole Province. Neither was this an unneceſ
fary, or an unprofitable diligence, by which he confirm'd thoſe
Cities, already declar'd for the King,in their duty; and alfo fright-
ed thofe inclining to a Revolt into better Refolutions: But the
greateft advantage he reap'd by it was, that by this means, he in-
form'd himſelf, upon the particular places themfelves, of the
neral eſtate of the whole Province, and moreover, kept his men
in action, like a Captain that very well understood Order and
Difcipline to be the only things, that eftabliſh, and ſupport an
Army, and the peft of great Bodies to be floath and liberty,
which debauch Souldiers from their Duty, and have often been
obſerv❜d to diſſolve, and difperfe the greatest Armies, when the
Souldier has been fuffer'd to enrich himſelf by idleness, and li-
cenfe, upon the plunder of his Quarters. He therefore provided
for the fubfiftence of his men, by impofing Contributions upon
the Province, which nevertheleſs was not done without the ad-
vice and conſent of the Officers of Parliament, by whofe Au-
thority, as well as his own, he order'd a certain rate of all things
in the Markets, and that at ſo indifferent a price, that the Com
mons found a greater convenience in the Quartering of Souldiers;
than in being without, fo quick a return they had for their Corn,
and other Provifions, and fo certain was their pay. To this the
Affeffments, defign'd to defray theſe Provifions, were fo equally
laid upon the whole Country, that no man could complain le
was oppreft: nor was there any who did not find his advantage
in this neceffary evil. In fine, all things were fettled fo much to
the general conveniency, and fatisfaction of all, that I have an
hundred times heard the Duke wiſh for ſuch an eſtabliſhment in
Guienne but the contagion was there already ſpread too far, and
had taken too deep root, to admit ſo happy a reformation. By
this prudent difpofition of things, the Souldier found himſelf
provided
1
"
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
I
+
1592.
The Siege
Arles.
provided of his ſhare of all things neceffary where ever he came, Anno
according to the order prefcrib'd: Neither was he to exact more
upon pain of death; a penalty that without mercy follow'd the
offenſe: by which fevere Difcipline, the King's Party, in thoſe
parts, were in a fhort time obferv'd to be very much encreas'd.
The Duke, folicitous to maintain this Reputation of the Royal of res
Arms, by ſome notable enterprize, reſolv'd to make an attempt
upon the City of Arles; neither did he herein make an ill choice,
it being one of the moft confiderable places of Provence; feated up-
on the Banks of Rofne, and inhabited by above three hundred
Families of very good quality, who here made their ordinary re-
fidence; befides a vaft numberof Citizens, and inferiour peo-
ple. This City, like all others which are fituated upon Navi-
gable Rivers, and daily expect to be fupply'd with freſh Provi-
fions, kept very little before-hand in ftore; which the Duke be-
ing well enform'd of, contented himſelf with ſhutting up the
River only above, and below, and cutting off the Succours of
the adjacent Countrey, by Quartering feveral Troops on both
fides the River: by which means, without much trouble, or any
confiderable loſs in a month, or five weeks time, thisſtrong City
was reduc'd to a neceffity of furrender, and to fhake bands with
the League, for whom they had hitherto been zealous to the
highest degree. They came therefore to a Capitulation, in which Arles fur-
the Duke was content to accept of thirty Hoftages for their fu- rendred.
ture good behaviour, and with that caution to cafe them, of the
burthen of a Garriſon; which in truth at that time, before he
was well ſettled in his Government, he could not well have
fpar'd, nor without manifeft prejudice to his Majefties, and his
own private Affairs. Neverthelef's what good fecurity foever the
Duke thought he had taken to bind them to their Duty, the In-
habitants made no fcruple afterwards, in the Revolt of the Cities
of Provence, by their Rebellion to expofe the lives of fo many
men of Quality; who had generouſly ſtak'd their perfons for the
good of their fellow Citizens, to the Duke's juft indignation;
though he by a clemency much more extraordinary, than the fe-
verity he had fhew'd at Montauron, diſmiſs'd the Hoſtages to their
own houſes, without fo much as putting them to ranſome, which
in an occafion of this nature is no ufual Favour.
of Antibes
After this ſucceſs, the Duke yet undertook the Siege of Antibe, The Siege
a place wonderfully well fortifi'd, feated upon the Sea fhore, and
favour'd with a very good Port; which the Duke of Savoy, fince
his laſt taking of it, to affure his poffeffion, had fo fortified, and
mann'd, that he thought it impoffible to be taken. The Duke of
V 2
Efpernon
1
:
148
Book IV,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno Efpernon notwithſtanding preſented himſelf before it, where ha-
1992. ving fummon'd the Governour to a furrender, and his Trumpet
being ſent back with a fcornful anſwer, he proceeded to a formal
Siege; advancing by Trenches, railing of Batteries, and duly ob-
ferving whatever the Method, and Difcipline of War prefcribe in
the moſt difficult attempts. The Town was defended for a while,
but the Governour in the end retir'd into his Fort, where he
thought he fhould be in a condition to make the Duke ſpend his
time, and confume his Army unprofitably, and to no purpoſe.
Aubigné.
This place had befides its own ftrength, and advantageous fi-
tuation, this further convenience, that every night, by the Duke
of Savoy's order, a Gally fet out from Nice, that brought all the
refreshments to the befieg'd, they could defire, carried away their
Sick, and Wounded, brought them in freſh Souldiers, and pro-
vided all things neceffary for them; which ſo continual Succour,
and ſeaſonable Supplies, fwell'd the Governour with an opinion,
that the Duke could never force him: Neither was the Duke dif
pleas'd at his confidence, hoping that this fecurity of his would
at one time or another contribute to the fuccefs of his Deſign.
He therefore continued his approaches,and try'd all ways imagin-
able to effect his enterprize; when at laft his Cannon having bat-
terd the Curtain in a place not much frequented, he perceiv'd,
that thoſe within kept no guard there; by which he believ'd they
had not obferv'd that breach, and immediately refolv'd to make
his advantage of that negligence. To this purpoſe therefore he
ſent a Serjeant to diſcover the breach, who accordingly having
gone in, and return'd by a hole big enough for a man to paſs at
his cafe, he made his report to the Duke, that there was fo little
order in the place, that no one fo much as thought of repairing
that Breach, and that there was no Guard at all kept there. Upon
this intelligence the Duke refolv'd, that an Affault ſhould the
next morning be made, on that fide the Fortress; which, that it
might the better fucceed, a general Affault was to be made.fhew
of, that the Defendants, being every where employ'd, whilst
they were deluded by falfe Alarms, fifty good men, chofen for
the purpoſe, ſeconded by an hundred more, and that hundred by
a greater number, might creep up to the Curtain, and flip in at
the Breach; a Deſign that took effect: In the execution of which,
the Alarm having furpriz'd the Governour in Bed, and he run-
ning out in his Night Gown, and Slippers, to ſee what was the
Antike taken matter, was in that pofture taken, as the Fort it felf was by Af-
by Affault. fault. And here, though by the Law of Arms all things were
at the Conquerours diſcretion, the Duke nevertheless proceed-
ing
1
BOOK IV.
149
the Duke of Eſpernon.
}
ing in that moderate way he had taken up, after his ſeverity at
Montauron, abfolutely forbad all unneceflary flaughter, content-
ing himſelf with detaining the Governour, and fome of his Of
ficers, priſoners. The Duke of Savoy, who had made this place
his chiefeft Arfenal, had furnish'd it fo well with Artillery, that
the Duke there found thirty braſs Pieces, of which fourteen were
Royal Culverines, or Baftards, with great ftore of Ammunition,
which did him no little fervice in the proſecution of that War,
againſt the Duke of Savoy himſelf.
The Gally from Nice fail'd not the next night to come accord-
ing to her cuftom; and, if it had been thought of, to have “an-
fwer'd her Signal by the ufual counterfign, had infallibly been ta-
ken with the place, but in the heat of the Victory, no body ha-
ving remembred it, fhe retir'd fafe to Nice, thofe who were in
her, by the omiffion of the Signal, and by the noiſe and confufi-
on they heard in the Town, concluding the Fort, and all, to be
certainly taken.
Anno
1592.
nes.
J
From Antibe the Duke went to Cannes, which had revolted af- The Surren-
ter the Death of Mounfieur de la Valette, a very good Port Town, der of Can-
which nevertheleſs furrendred at the firft Summons: So that
hunting, and every where unkennelling the Saveyards, at this fuc-
cessful rate, who had poffefs'd themſelves of moſt of the beſt Ci-
ties of Provence, he gave Mounfieur de l' Eldiguieres, who was new-
ly entred into Savoy, and who was deputed for that Service by the
Treaty, made a little before betwixt Mounfieur de la Valette, and
the foremention'd Princes of Italy, great opportunity to make a
notable progreſs into that Dukedom.
.
Neither was it by theſe diverfions alone that he favour'd l'Edi-
guiers invafion of Savoy, but by a more important affiftance: for
when the Duke of Savoy (driven out of Provence on the one fide
by the Duke of Efpernon, and call'd home on the other to the de-
fenſe of his own Dukedom, by the dangerous progrefs l'Efdiguieres
had there already made) return'd upon him with all the Forces he
had; doubtless Monfieur l' Efdiguieres had been in apparent dan-
ger of fome notable Defeat, if at his requeft, and in fo urgent a
neceffity, the Duke of Efpernon had not affifted him with twelve Monfieur de
hundred Foot, and three hundred Horſe; which he ſent him un- Thou.
der the command of the Chavalier de Buous, and to make the ob-
ligation the greater, had not alfo procur'd him from the Confta-
ble (with whom the Duke had a very great intereft) almoſt as ma-
ny more Forces, by which he was not only refcu'd from the pre-
fent danger, but likewife put into a capacity of attempting greater
things than he had yet done. A courtefie very ill requited, as we
fhall
1
150
Book IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno fhall fee in the following Revolutions of Provence, the Duke ha
1592. ving afterwards no fuch enemy as he, whom he had ſo feaſonably
affifted, in a time of the greateſt neceffity and danger.
Anno
The fuccefs that hitherto had attended the Duke, gave fo great á
1593. reputation to the Royal Arms, and had fo diſcountenanc'd the
Enemy, that there ſcarce remain'd a place in the whole Province,
that durft ſhut their Gates against him: So that after the Duke of
Savoy was retir'd (as you have heard) into his own Country, the
The Duke Duke had leiſure, and without much difficulty, to recover Frejus,
Veral revol- Cicutat, Cisteron, St. Tropes, with many other important places
ted Towns. that had revolted after the death of Mounfieur de la Valette,
make himſelf Maſter of all Provence; Aix, and Marfelles, only
excepted.
reduces ſe-
;
and to
Theſe two were the Capital Cities of the Province, the firſt
confiderable for its circuit, and the feat of Parliament eſtabliſh'd
there; and the other, for its greatneſs allo, and for the number of
Inhabitants; but principally for the Port, reputed one of the beſt
upon the Mediterranean Sea. Theſe two Cities fo far forgot
themſelves, their Duty, and Allegiance, that after the death of
Henry the III. (´animated by an indiſcreet zeal to Religion, which
was ever the Leaguers Pretenfe,to abuſe the fimplicity of the peo-
ple) they rather choſe to create an Ufurper in the perfon of the
Duke of Savoy, and to fubmit themſelves to his invafive Govern-
ment, than to acknowledge, and obey their own lawful, and na-
tural Prince. At the inftigation therefore of the Counteſs de Saut,
of the Count de Carces, and fome others of Quality in the Coun-
try, who were fierce for the League, they fent a Deputation to
this Duke, as far as Turin; where, by the mouths of two Com-
miffioners of Parliament, and many other Officers, and in the
name of the people, they made him a voluntary tender of the
Principality of the County of Provence. Whereupon the Duke,
in acknowledgment of fo free, and unexpected an offer, had
not only receiv'd them into, and promis'd them his own prote-
ction; but likewiſe that of the King of Spain his Father-in-law,
coming himſelf in perſon to take poffeffion of his new Province,
where he had, almoſt in all places, been receiv'd with all the ho-
nour and applauſe he could poffibly expect, or defire. An act be-
coming a giddy and rebellious people; who coming afterwards
to recollect themſelves, to confider what they had done, and how
great a fault they had committed against their Faith and Duty,
were yet refolv'd to perfift in their Rebellion, and by taking mea-
fure of their own offenfe, apprehending no poffibility of pardon,
determin'd to rely upon their own ftrength, and creating courage
out
F
1
BOOK IV.
151
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
1593.
out of deſpair, were refolute to fuffer the utmoft extremities, ra-
ther than to recede from what they had fo infamouſly, and im-
maturely done. All which, although it was very well known to
the Duke of Efpernon, and likewife what refiftance was to be ex-
pected, from men made defperate by their own Crimes:, yet had
he the courage to make an attempt upon theſe two great Cities,
if poffible, to reduce them to their obedience, which, had For-
tune contributed any thing to the greatneſs, and bravery of the upon Aix,
Deſign, had certainly taken a happy effect.
The Dake
makes an at-
tempt first
and after
upon Mar-
The Duke having, upon mature deliberation, reſolv'd upon felles.
theſe two Enterprizes, would begin with that of Aix, as appear-
ing the eaſier to be accompliſh'd, Aix wanting thofe Succours by
Sea, which Marfelles, upon occafion, was certain to have; But
his Forces, being too few to form a regular Siege, againſt ſo great
a City, he was fain to fupply that defect by erecting many Forts Forts built
againſt it; which, fhutting up the Avenues, were, notwithſtand- againſt Mix:
ing his want of men, fufficient to block up the City. Betwixt
theſe Forts, in a place of advantage, he caus'd a Grand to be ere-
cted, that is to fay, a greater Fort, after the form of a new City,
oppofite to, and within a Mufquet-fhot of the old; where the
greatest part of his Infantry were beftow'd with great conveni-
ence, and from whence the Duke could fo perfectly discover,
whatever could be practis'd against him by the Enemy, that it
was impoffible fo to furprize him, but that he would be ever
ready to relieve any of his Quarters with great facility, ſhould any
thing be attempted against them! The Cavalry, that could by no
means fubfift in the fame place, were difpos'd 'into ſeveral Gar-
riſons, ſome nearer, fome further off, according as there was con-
venience of Quarters, of which thofe under the command of
Chaftelliers, du Paffage, de Buous, and de Ramefort were the neareſt,
where they wanted no opportunities of fignalizing their Vigilan-
cy, and Valour: An order fo admirably eſtabliſh'd, as in time re-
duc'd the City of Aix, to fuch extremities, that they muſt cer-
tainly have fall'n into the Duke's hands, had not the Inhabitants
declar'da refolution of fubmitting themſelves to none, but the
King; where notwithſtanding the Duke was the only Author of
their fubmiffion, as he was of all other advantages the King ob-
tain'd in Provence, though ftill the artifice of his Enemies fo
skreen'd his merits from his Majefties obfervation, that he receiv'd
very little thanks for his labour.
The Duke began to build his Fort in June 1593. The Count de
Carces' near ally'd to the Duke of Mayenne (being Son by a former
Husband to the Durchefs his Wife) commanded in the City,
where
+
152
The Hiftory of the Life of
The Enemy
fallies co
BOOK IV.
Anno where the Inhabitants under his command, back'd by fome Foot
1593. Companies belonging to the Duke of Savoy, which yet remain'd
in that Country,were fo brisk, as, at the Duke's first fitting down,
endeavours by frequent Sallies to diſturb his Building; but were ever beaten
by frequent back with ſo great lofs, that they were at laft content to fit ftill,
hinder the and fuffer what they found they were not able to oppoſe. And
here I find my felf upon a Scene of Honour, where the beſt Pen
might be worthily employ'd: where notwithſtanding, ſhould I
make particular mention of all the Skirmiſhes, Combats, and
brave actions that hapned upon this occafion, I fhould fall into
the error, which of all others I moft pretend to fhun, and trou-
ble my Reader with a long, and perhaps a tedious Narrative;
though fome of them are of fo fhining a Reputation, as can, by
no means, be paſs'd over in filence.
hinder
Duke's
Works.
"
Whilſt the Duke therefore was very bufie about raifing his
Fort, the Count de Carces, who would try all poffible ways to hin-
der that work, fallied out of the Town at broad noon-day with
400 Gentlemen, of which number was the Count de Suze, Be-
zaudun, Camp-Marefchal, S. Marcelin, and Reglanette, with many
more Gentlemen of Quality, who followed by 2000 men, what
of the Inhabitants, and what of the Companies in Garrifon,went
with a defign to overthrow the Works already begun, and if pof
fible to compel the Duke to retire. A Defign, that as it was brave
in it felf,fo was the time wherein it ſhould be executed as prudent-
A great fal-
ly made by ly chofen; for at fo unexpected an hour most part of the Duke's
the befieged Souldiers were either fleeping in their Huts, or gone abroad to For-
rage
ſo that the Duke had very few about him: Neither, if the In-
fantry were in ſuch diſorder, were the Horſe in a greater readineſs,
which conſtrain'd the Duke, who had mounted at the firft noife
of the Alarm, being able to get but very few together, with
thoſe few to expoſe himſelf to withstand the firft fury of the Ene-
my. Chastelier (whom we have already begun to call the Baron
d'Ars) hearing in his Quarters a noife, and uproar, fuch as is
uſually occafion'd by tumultuous Sallies, with the Sieur de Buous,
were the firſt, who with their Troops came in to the Duke's fuc-
cour, whom, as ſoon as come, he commanded to charge the Ene-
my;
whilft himſelf, who had foon rallied all who were in a con-
dition to fight, following them clofe at the heels, fell fo furionfly
into the Body of the Affailants as made all give way before him.
The Count de Carces, fecing his men fo roughly handled, endea
vour'd to recover an Hoſpital in the mid-way, betwixt the Fort,
and the City, with an intent there to rally his men, and to make.
good the place but the Duke falling in pell-mell amongst them,
i
forc'd
i
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
153
forc'd him to continue his flight to the very Graffe of the City,
where many of his men were flain; by which ill fuccefs the
Enemy having loft above 400 men, they were for the future bet-
ter advis'd, than to make any more fuch fallies, and fuffer'd the
Duke, in great fecurity, to continue his work under their noſes.
Anno
1593.
felles.
Whilft every one thought the Duke wholly intent upon this
Deſign of Aix, and that mens minds were fufpended in expecta-
tion of the event of that enterprize, he conceiv'd there was an
advantage to be made of this general belief, that ſeem'd to falici-
tate an attempt upon Marfelles it felf; which, as it was very impro-
bable by open force to take any good effect, fo was it to be car-
ried on with great prudence, and fecrefie, to make it fucceed:
He therefore gave private Inftructions to all fuch Commanders
as he intended to make uſe of in this Enterprize, to make ready
3000 choſen Foot, and 400 Light Horfe, as alfo to prepare An attempë
three Petards, with which in the beginning of a very dark night, upon Mar-
he filently roſe from his Quarters, marching his men the direct
Road to Marfelles, He had not as yet difcover'd his Defign to
any, when being advanc'd about half a League on his way, and
thinking it now high time to put his Friends out of fufpenfe, who
knew nothing whither they were to go, he call'd all the Chief
Officers of his Party about him, and in a fhort Harangue, told
them, "That if he had not fooner diſcover'd his Defign unto
"them, it was not for any diffidence he had of their fidelity,
which was already fufficiently known unto him; that after the
many teftimonies they had, upon all occafions, given him, of
"their Worth, and Valour, he had more reaſon to feek opportu-
nities wherein he might manifeft his gratitude, than to expect
'any further proof from them: but that as fecrefie was the great
promoter of all Enterprizes of the nature of this, wherein he
now intended to employ them,he would not, ſhould any diſa-
❝fter happen, that the leaft colour of blame fhould reflect upon
any of them; but much rather be wholly imputed to Fortune:
“but nevertheleſs all things being ſo well order'd, as he conceiv'd
they were, there was no doubt to be made of a fucceſsful iffue:
"That he therefore conjur❜d them reſolutely to undertake an acti-
on of the greateſt advantage to the King, to his Majefties Af-
"fairs, and to their own particular benefit, and honour, that
"could poffibly be propos'd: That every one there knew Mar-
"felles to be one of the most important Cities, whether confi-
der'd in the commodity of its Haven, or in its vicinity to Fo-
reign Countries, in the whole Kingdom: That this City re-
"duc'd by the King of Spain's promifes, and the Duke of Savoy's
tc
c
(c
CC
66
re
(c
te
X
+
together,
+
154
The Hiftory of the Life of Book IV.
Anno
1593.
"¿
પ
cr
cr
“
rr
and
together, had already put her felf into their protection;
perfifting in her obftinacy, was ready to open her Gates to
Strangers, to receive their Garrifons, and to give away her li-
berty to them, after having violated her Faith, and Duty to her
"lawful Sovereign: That fhould ftrangers once get entire pof-
"feffion of that Čity, it would be loft for ever, and that there
"would be no hopes ever to drive them from fo advantageous a
poſt, what attempts ſoever could be made, againſt a place fo
Itrong, and fo cafie to be reliev'd: That next to the publick
(C concern he confider'd the reducing of this City as a certain and
"firm eſtabliſhment of his own intereft in Provence; and that
they themſelves ought to look upon it as a pledge, whereby that
"fair, and rich Province would be affur'd unto them, and that
"would give them an entire authority over the people, who after
"fo brave an exploit, would no more be able to vie Merit, or
"Valour with them, as they had formerly done: That fuch as
r had undertaken Enterprizes of this nature were wont to ani-
"mate their companions with hopes of Booty; but that for his
part he ſhould take a contrary way: That it was not his intent
"to ruine Provence, nor the City of Marfelles, but to preferve both
"the one, and the other for the King, to eftabliſh himſelf there
"in order to his Majefties Service, and to procure for them other
advantages, and by other means fuiting to their great merit,
and the fervice they had perform'd: That this City once taken
"there could be no more fear of wanting provifions for the Ar
my, the conveniency of the Port bringing in all things necef-
"fary in great abundance, that the evil-affectedneſs of the people
"would for the future be able to produce nothing to their preju-
dice, they having in their own hands either the Keyes of the
"Province to let in all neceffary Succours,or otherwife the Chains
"that would tye them faft to their duty: That above all things
"therefore he moft earnestly defir'd them to reftrain the infolence
"of the Souldier, whom notwithſtanding he did not thereby
"intend to hinder of the benefit they might juftly make of the
"Inhabitants Eftates, which were already forfeited to them by
"by their Rebellion, and of which they fhould foon be poffefs'd
" by the Victory but that he defir'd they might be fairly divi-
❝ded amongst them, that they might the longer enjoy what they
got, and not lofe, and deftroy the ſpoil, as it otfen falls out in
the fack, and plunder of great Cities: That he would not upon
"this occafion fuggeft unto them the remembrance of their ac-
"cuſtomed Valour, that he knew by good experience fuch exhor-
❝tations were altogether unneceffary to them in bold, and dange-
(C
k
Co
cr
re
re
rous
"
F
Book IV. the Duke of Eſpernon.
155
tr
rous attempts; and that he only conjur'd them to follow his
"example now, as hitherto they had follow'd his Perfon, and
Fortune.
The Duke, having thus prepar'd his Friends for the Enter-
prize, continued on his way; when, being come within fight of
the place, he himſelf, with thoſe that had charge of the Petards,
advanc'd up to the Gate: Of theſe the firft Petard play'd to as
good effect, as was to be expected, having made a hole in the
Gate wide enough for a man eafily to get through; which,though
made wider by the ſecond, yet did not the Gate fall down, being
fupported by a great iron Bar behind: The Duke therefore call'd
for the third Petard, but in vain; no Petard being to be heard of,
no more than the man to whoſe truft it was committed; which
made then try to break the Bar with Axes, that they might have
the paffage more free to relieve ſome of their men, who were al-
ready got in by the hole of the Gate: But the Inhabitants, rouz'd
at the firft noiſe of the Petards, running to their Arms, made a
ftout oppofition; where, having but few to deal withal, the Af-
failants were with great eaſe beaten back, and the Gate as fudden-
ly Barricado'd up. It is not to be imagin'd how infinitely the
Duke was afflicted at this ill ſucceſs, and the more, becauſe he
thought he had made himſelf, as it were, Mafter of the event by
the prudent conduct of his Defign; though he has fince thought
himſelf happy in failing of his purpoſe (ſo much fhould men fuf-
fpect their own defires in the choice of things that concern the
conduct of their lives) it being to be fear'd, that had the Duke
been eſtabliſh'd in the power the winning of this City would
have ſeated him in, and receiv'd thoſe affronts, and that ill ufage
from Court, he afterwards did in the revolutions of Provence, the
fence of thoſe injuries might have prompted him to do things no
ways fuiting with his Duty, as we fhall fee he was ſoon after tem-
pred to do. I do much wonder that none of our Hiftorians have
fo much as mention'd this Enterprize, who have fome of them
been very particular about many others of the Duke's of much
lefs importance; whofe omiffion of this has engag'd me to infift
longer upon it, than otherwiſe I ſhould have done; that fo brave
an Action might not be buried in oblivion: of which the bare
ProjeЯ could not have been meditated by a mean courage, nor the
Defign carried on fo far by an ordinary prudence.
ما
Anno
1593.
The Dake
returns to
The Duke, being retir'd to his Fort very much diſcontented at
his evil ſucceſs, would revenge himſelf of that difgrace by new, Aix.
and brisker attempts upon the City of Aix: Wherefore having
intelligence that the Inhabitants already began to feel themſelves
X 2
ftraight-
156
The Hiflory of the Life of
Book IV.
Anno ftraightned for want of Victuals, he, to take from them all future
1593. hopes of fupply, immediately fell to deftroying all the Fruits, and
Corn of the Country round about; and, not content to do them
this miſchief without,plai'd fo many Cannon-fhot into the Town,
that not a man durft appear in the streets, or abide in the upper
rooms of their houſes: But the befieg'd, ingenious in their Re-
venge, contriv❜d a way to pay him back fome of his Balls by a
Counter-battery from the great Tower of the Church of Noftre-
dame; "a Pile of great note, and fame, as well for its exceeding
height, as for the excellency of its Architecture, and Beauty. To
the top therefore of this Tower, they made fhift to crane up two
Culverines, and had a Cannoneer fo expert, as not only levell'd
them right againſt the Fort, but even against the Duke's own
Tent within it, where he made the ſtrangeſt ſhot, that perhaps
ever flew from fuch an Engine. This Cannoneer, under the pro-
tection of ſome little Truce (of which there happen many in
fuch Sieges, either for the carrying off their Dead, or fome other
occafion) had, unknown, crept into the Fort, and had there di-
ligently obferv'd every part of the Duke's Quarter: He had alfo
diſcover'd that the Duke every afternoon us'd to play at Cards in
the Parlour of his Tent, and had obferv'd fo much as the place
where his Chair was conftantly fet. Having thus inform'd him-
felf of all theſe circumstances, he return'd to the City, where,
after he had levell'd his two Guns to his own defire, he was fo
confident of his skill, as to offer odds, that in one of two fhots
he was about to make, he would either kill the Duke of Efper-
non, or very much endanger his life; when immediately giving
fire, he prov'd in part as good as his word, the fhot lighting di-
rectly into the place,to which it had been by his eye before direct-
The Duke's ed. The Duke was at this time playing at Primero, and ſet betwixt
miraculous two Gentlemen, one called le Poly; the others name I could not
learn, who were both of them beaten to pieces, one over, and
the other under the Duke; who by an incredible vigilancy of
Fortune, being at that inftant bow'd down upon the Table, to
draw the money he had newly won upon a reft, eſcap'd that fa-
tal blow; yet though he efcap'd death, it was not without two
great wounds, one by a piece of one of the poor Gentlemen's
Bones, that pierc'd deep into his Belly; and the other, by another
piece of a Bone, in his hip; of both which he carried the marks
along with him to his Grave.
eſcape.
Thoſe of the Town who were foon aware of the lucky hit
their Cannoneer had made, believing the effect of it to be greater,
than indeed it was, would not let flip an opportunity, wherein
they
•
I
i
BOOK IV. the Duke of Eſpernon,
157
Anno
Duke flain,
make an-
other fally:
they conceiv'd ſomething might be executed to their own advan-
tage: wherefore they immediately fent out St. Romans,
one of 1593.
their Marefchals de Camp, with an hundred and fifty Light Horfe The Inhabi-
at one Gate, and Bezaudun with the like number at another,to try, tants of
if in the confufion they heard in the Fort fomething might not Aix, ima-
be attempted with fuccefs, who, had they found a fit advantage,
gining the
were to have been ſeconded by the entire Forces of the City; but
the Duke, notwithſtanding the pain of his Wounds, omitting no-
thing of his ufual care, was no fooner taken up from the ground,
where the fhot had beaten him down, than he commanded every
one to ftand to his Arms; by which means the Enemy, whoſe
defign it was to have come upon the Surprize, ſeeing the Duke's
Forces ready to receive them, retir'd without fighting, being foon
undeceiv'd in their falfe hopes, both of the Duke's death, and of
the Defeat of his Army.
in a new
danger.
The Duke's Wounds, which every one at firft judg'd to be
mortal, made his Chirurgeons refolve upon removing him out
of the noife, and tumult of the Fort, into a Farm hard by; a
place which to them feem'd to be very fecure from any practice
of the Enemy: But this opinion, inftead of giving him that
quiet, and repofe they kindly intended, had once more like to
have coft him his life; for the befieg'd, who watch'd all oppor- The Duke
tunities of making continual attempts upon the Duke's perfon,
having obſerv'd that the place to which he was retir'd, although
covered by the Fort, was nevertheleſs at a good diſtance from his
Camp, and only guarded by a ſmall party of Horfe, refolv'd to
try, either to take him alive, or at leaſt to kill him in his Quar-
ters. To this purpoſe therefore, fallying out of the Town with
400 of their beſt Horſe,they furiously fet upon the Duke's Horſe-
Guard; who were all prefently cut to pieces, and Camfeque who
commanded them laid dead upon the place. D'Ars, whofe duty it
was to relieve them coming fortunately in upon their Defeat, re-
new'd the Fight, where he fo bravely withſtood the Enemies fa-
ry, that after his Brother Ceré, had been wounded and maim'd
with infinite Blows, and himſelf beaten from his Horſe, and re-
mounted by one of his Compagnions, he gave du Paffage, one of
the Duke's Marefchals de Camp, time to come in to his fuccour; by
whofe affiftance the Enemy was at laft forc'd to retire, leaving ma-
ny of their men dead upon the place, as the Baron d'Ars in this
conflict loft the most part of his Troop.
This Cannon-fhot which at the little diſtance of 200 paces had
only wounded the Duke, was not fo favourable to the Dutchefs
his Wife, whom it kill'd out-right at the diftance of 200 Leagues.
This
:
+
1
158
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
fame
Anno This Lady had been brought to bed (as has been faid before) this
1593. year 1593 of Lewis, fince Cardinal de la Valette) whom the
grief for her Husbands abfence (which was nothing diminiſhed
By the courſe of time) had ſtill ſo far kept back from the recovery
of her former ftrength, after her lying in; that what was only a
little indifpofition at first, being much encreas'd by her melan-
choly, grew to fuch a diftemper, as made her Friends at laft begin
to apprehend a mortal confequence from her difconfolate life. To
divert this ill humour therefore, they often perfwaded her to go
abroad, ſometimes to Church, fometimes on Vifits; when be-
ing gone out one day to hear Maſs, at her return fhe efpied one of
the Duke's Foot-men, who, unknown to him, had been, by
fome of his Officers difpatch'd away to Angouleſme, on purpoſe to
prevent any falſe rumors, that might there be fpread concerning
the Duke's accident, and fo difcreetly to acquaint the Dutchefs
with what had hapned, that the might not unfeaſonably be far-
priz'd with the news of his mifchance; an honeft, and a prudent
care in them, though her deftiny rendred all theſe precautions
fruitless, and vain: for fhe had no fooner caft her eye on the fel-
low, who, being but newly arriv'd, had as yet ſpoke to none, but
that the call'd him to her, fuddenly demanding of him her Let-
ters from the Duke: to whom, the poor Lacquy furpriz'd, and
daunted at her demand, innocently related that the Duke was
wounded, and by a Cannon-fhot: But, as if that word had been
the fhot it ſelf, the Dutchefs funk down in a fwoon, as one,
that, apprehending a Cannon fhot could be no lefs than mortal,
would not furvive him the concluded to be dead, and who was
far dearer to her, than her own life. In which condition fhe was
preſently taken up by her people, and carried home; where all
poffible means was us'd to bring her to her felf, as at laft ſhe was ;
though it was only to make her more fenfible of death, which fol
lowed the ninth day after ſhe had heard the unhappy news. Before
The Death her Death ſhe made a Will, wherein fhe bequeath'd whatever
of the Dut- was in her gift to the Duke her Husband; to whom, recom-
Efpernon. mending her Children, as the common pledges of their mutual
chefs of
affection, the conjur'd him, for their fakes, never to marry again.
Thus died this young, and excellent Lady, in the fix and twentieth
Year of her Age, after having manifefted an indifferency for life,
becoming her maſculine Courage, and Refignation unto Death,
worthy her great Piety, and Vertue.
The Sieur du-Maſſes, Lieutenant for the King under the Duke
in that Government, diſpatch'd a Courier to the Duke, to ac-
quaint him with his loſs, as alſo with the Dutchefs her dying re-
queft
1.
P
P
BOOK IV. the Duke of Eſpernon.
0159
queft unto him, who, after having given publick teftimonies of
his affliction, than which nothing could be greater, he vow'd to
obſerve what the expected from his fidelity to the laft hour of his
Life: A promiſe that he as faithfully obferv'd, though in the
fpace of fifty years, that he furviv'd this excellent Lady,he was of-
fer'd many and great advantageous matches,which he ftill refus'd;
ever profeffing that the refpect he bore to his dead Ladies laft re-
queft, did, and fhould with-hold him from embracing a new
Wife, and from embarquing in a new Fortune.
Anno
1593.
Anno
1594.
cials Revolt
Fortune had hitherto fo favour'd the Duke in almoſt all his En-
terprizes, that his Affairs had been carried on with great proſpe-
rity and fuccefs, and the Provifions he had drawn from the Pro-
vince, or bought with his own mony, had kept his Army in fo
good Difcipline, and Obedience, that the Provencials had tafted The Proven-
very
little of the incommodities of War: Yet wanted there not from the
fome unquiet Spirits, who, enemies to the peoples peace, as envi- Duke.
ous of the Duke's good Fortune, endeavour'd by all imaginable
ways to debauch from him the refpect, and good will he had by
his noble carriage acquir'd from the greater part of the Country,
and from the better fort of men, perfwading them, that his fe-
vere and haſty humour proceeded from a purpoſe he had to ufurp
an abfolute Authority over them; and, rendring his beft intenti-
ons fo fufpected to the people, as made them at laft refufe to pay
their accuſtomed Taxes. It was by fo much the eaſier to corrupt
theſe undiſcerning fpirits, by how much a certain emulation has
ever been obferv❜d to be betwixt the Provencials and Gafcons, as
ſeems to have been hereditary, if not natural,to thofe two people:
So that the Provencials not being able to endure the dominion of
thoſe with whom they had ever difputed the prize of Glory, and
Valour, were eaſily tempted to flake off the yoke that either was,
or was pretended to be impos'd upon them: After therefore (as
has been ſaid) they had denied the Duke thofe Contributions,
which, until then, they had willingly paid, moſt of the Souldiers
of the Country who were in his Army retir'd themſelves; and
fome of the chief Nobility pretended to favour at Court by ac-
cufing him of inordinate Ambition; though all his endeavour to
make himſelf confiderable in Provence, was only in order to his
Majeſties Service. The Duke feeing things in this ill condition,
would by force have reduc'd them to their former pofture: but
this remedy (which was by no means proper for the conftitution
of that people) ripping up the memory of the fevere puniſh-
ments he had in ſuch caſes inflicted upon ſeveral men in divers
places, ferv'd only to make them defperate in their diſobedience,
and to incenle them to the laft degree.
Thus
1
160
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
1
Anno
Thus did all thoſe, who had manifeſted. an animofity againſt
1594. the Duke, begin to apprehend falling into his power, amongſt
which the Leaguers were in the greateſt fear; who, as their ob-
ftinate Rebellion had made their fault much greater, than theirs,
who like Souldiers had defended Montauron, fo did they fear a
worſe puniſhment, if worſe could be, than had been inflicted
upon them. They faw their City of Aix reduc'd to the laft ex-
tremity; neither would thofe within ftay till they could come to
their Relief. The Count de Carces, a particular Enemy to the
Duke (befides the hatred that diverfity of intereft does ufually be-
get) above all things dreaded to fall into his hands: fo that
Friends, and Enemies, thofe who pretended to be Royallifts, and
Leaguers confpiring together to hinder the Duke's further ad-
vancement, he faw, almoſt in a moment, all Provence in Mutiny,
King Henry
the IIII.
turns Ro-
lick:
and Infurrection.
The King had already publickly embrac'd the Catholick Re-
ligion, of which he had made open profeffion at St. Dennis, the
man Catho- five and twentieth day of July this fame year: whofe Conver-
fion having taken away all manner of pretense from fuch as had
declar'd they forfook his Majefties Service upon no other ac-
compt, than the Intereft of Religion; the Inhabitants of Aix
conceiv'd they could now no longer continue in their Rebellion,
without manifefting to all the world that they were fway'd by
other confiderations, than thofe they had already declar'd; to
which the Count de Carces (making uſe of this time, and occafion)
adding his perfwafions, one while reprefenting to them their
Duty to their Prince, and another the feverity they were to expect
from the Duke of Efpernon, animated, as he muft of neceffity be,
by the hatred they had in this Siege exprefs'd againſt his Perfon,
he at laſt prevail'd with them to fend away fpeedily to the King,
to affure his Majefty of their Fidelity and Obedience. This
was the first thing that diſcover'd a difunion in the League:
of which, though the Duke of Mayenne highly complain'd to the
Count de Carces, reproaching him with weakneſs, and charging
him with all the miſcarriages that fhould after happen to their Fa-
&tion; yet was he deaf to his reproaches, and the fear of falling
into the Duke's hands, as he was upon the point to do (the City
of Aix, not being able longer to hold out) being more prevalent
upon him, than the reſpect of his Alliance, he refolutely perfifted
in his first Defign.
Monnfieur
de Thou.
But the Count de Carces was not fatisfied with hindering the
Duke from making himſelf Maſter of the City of Aix only, the
hatred he implacably bore him proceeding yet further, and to
contri-
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
161
4
contrivances of more dangerous confequence against him. There
Deſigns of
·
Anno
was none who did not believe the King had a jealouſe of the 1594.
Duke's Deſigns; amongſt whom, the Count de Carces, who un-
derſtood it better than the reft, eafily perfwaded himſelf that his the Count de
Majeſty would not fuffer the Duke to encreaſe his Reputation, Carces
and Power in Provence, by the taking of Aix, one of the moſt im- Dake.
againſt the
portant places of that Province: And he further knew the Duke
would as hardly conſent to have his Conqueſt, ſo near effected;
foreftall'd, and the prey fnatch'd out of his hands: So that in
this diverſity of pretenfions, he doubted not, but that the King's
averfion to the Duke, as alſo his miftruft of him, would be infi-
nitely encreas'd; which in the end fucceeded as he had foreſeen,
and projected. The Eftates of the Country, affembled at Aix, ap-
pointed Deputies to go make a tender to the King of the obedi-
ence of their City, provided his Majefty would pleaſe to protect
them againſt the Duke of Efpernon, whoſe power, they ſaid, was
grown formidable, and his infolence not to be endur❜d. 'Tis true;
he had acted vigorously againſt them, but they would not fay,
That had he proceeded with greater moderation, they would ever
have return'd to their obedience, or departed from the Faction,
whoſe intereſt they had ſo precipitouſly, and rebelliouſly em-
brac❜d.
1595.
The Deputies found it no hard matter to obtain from the King Anno
what they defir'd, as to the acceptation of their City, which his
Majefty was very glad fhould return into his obedience: but for
what concern'd the Duke of Efpernon, against whom their depu-
tation was chiefly directed, they could nothing prevail at this
time; not that they fail'd on their parts with their utmoſt endea-
vour, and eloquence, to render his Actions, and fidelity fufpe-
&ted, to fet the Kings heart more, and more against him: But,
whether it were that his Majefty would not give credit to fo par-
tial, and ſo paffionate accuſers; or (which is more likely) that in
the prefent pofture of his Affairs, not yet well fettled, he thought
it not convenient to difoblige the Duke to fuch a degree; he would.
by no means gratifie them in that part of their deputation, that
pointed at the Duke's removal from his Government. He faw
him powerful in the Country, fupported with great Relations,
and poffefs'd of many ftrong holds; in which condition it had
been dangerous to provoke him to the height: wherefore he
thought it beft to chooſe a mean betwixt theſe extremes, and to
give the Deputies fome fatisfaction, without touching the Duke's
Authority in Provence, excepting in the City of Aix only, which,
at the Deputies requeſt his Majeſty would not abſolutely leave at
his diſcretion.
Y
His
1
t
¿
1
1
ما
162
Anno
The Hiftory of the Life of
BOOK IV.
1
His Majefties Converfion had as yet produc'd no great advan-
1595. tage to, nor no great alteration in his Affairs, faving that he had
thereby affur'd many good Catholicks to his Service, who before
were a little diſtracted in their Duty, and fufpended betwixt Loy-
alty and Religion: But the League ftill remain'd in the ſame vi-
gour, and the Spaniards hopes were yet as great as ever to carry the
Election of their Infanta to the Crown, in the approaching Affem-
bly of the counterfeit Eftates of the League at Paris. All propofi
tions of Accommodation with the Duke of Mayenne had prov'd
ineffectual, who was the more inflexible to Peace, by how much
his Kindred, and Confederates (the Count de Carces excepted) con-
tinued firm in their union, which alfo of it felf was not very like..
ly foon to diffolve, where there were fo many pretenders to the
Crown, to which five, or fix of the Family at once afpir'd. In
this conjuncture of Affairs, the King willing to make much of
thoſe few Servants he had, and principally of the Duke, that he
might win time to order him at a better advantage, when the
State fhould be fettled in a better condition, wholly referr❜d all
differences depending betwixt the Duke, and the Provencials, to
the Conftable de Montmorency's Arbitration: A man of all others,
the moſt fit to accommodate thofe Differences, who being a near
Ally, and a paffionate Friend to the Duke, and his Intereſts, could
no ways ftand fufpected to him; and who his Majefty knew
would be well lik'd of by the Provencials:a people the Conftable by
bordering upon them had had many opportunities ſeveral ways
to oblige. Neither did his Majefty altogether fo truft to the Refer-
ree he had in publick honoured with that Office,but that he at the
fame time fent private inftructions to Mounfieur Efdiguieres, and
Colonel Alphonfo d' Ornano, to have an eye to the Duke's Acti-
ons; and in cafe they faw him obftinate to the taking the City of
Aix, or that the Conftable ſhould in his Arbitration be partial to
him, that then they fhould openly undertake the protection of
that people, and by all means affure to his Majefty the poffeffion
of that City.
The King
fends fecret
l'
Orders to
Efdigui
lonel Al-
phonfod' Or
eres,and Co-
nano.
{
to.
Yet were not theſe orders, how fecretly foever deliver'd,ſo cloſe-
ly carried, but that the Duke had immediate knowledge thereof;
at which unexpected unkindneſs being infinitely furpriz'd, and
wounded to the quick, to fee his Services, and good Intentions re-
warded by ſo apparent a miſtruft, he took up Refolutions, which
though I fhall by no means pretend to juftiffe, yet that the condi-
tion, and misfortune of the time may fomething ſerve to excuſe:
There was fcarce a great man of that Age that was not of opinion
a man might lawfully defend his own Fortune, even againft his
Prince;
A
1
辈
​BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
163
1
Prince, an error with which the Duke alfo, having been pre-pof- Anno
fefs'd, and therein, by a number of ill examples, confirm'd, he 1595.
was refolv'd not to refer the Controverfie about Aix, nor the in-
tereſt he had in Provence to arbitration; but to maintain him-
felf in that Intereſt, and Authority, with all the Force, and Pow-
er he had: which made l' Eſdiguieres, who was foon enform'd
how little the Duke was difpos'd to fubmit to the King's order,
after having conferr'd with Seignior Alphonfo,and concluded about
the courſe they were to take, to retire into Dauphiné, there to pre-
pare himſelf to paſs over with all expedition,and with all the Force
he could make into Provence.
Whilft theſe little conteſts in Provence had been thus carried on,
which had taken up fome time, the King's Affairs about his own
Perfon were advanc'd into a much better condition: The Depu-
ties of Provence had been diſpatch'd to Court in January, at which
time the League being at their height, his Majefty thought it not
convenient to give the Duke any publick difcontent: but from
that time three months were now elaps'd (for this hapned at the
end of April) in which time the King had found a way to poffefs
himſelf of the City of Paris. The poffeffion of this great and
populous City had drawn many others along with it into his Ma-
jefties Obedience, and divers perfons of great quality had fol-
low'd the examples of thoſe Cities: the Spaniard now was pof-
fefs'd of few, or no Towns in the Kingdom, and the League
was ſo ſtrangely declin'd, as to be only now almoſt ſupported by
the fingle Family of Lorain, which was it felf alfo upon the
point to difunite; fo that the King being no longer neceffitated to
diffemble, began now to require of the Ďuke a more abfolute obe-
dience, than hitherto he had done; when having rais'd him
many enemies in the Country, and appointed l' Efdiguieres, and
Ornano with great Forces to make head againſt him, he did not
now ſo much fear his revolt, as formerly; nor confequently ſo
much care to diſoblige him.
The Duke, who by the commotions of the people, by his Ma-
jeſties poſitive command, and by the preparations that were
made againſt him, very well faw what he was to expect, would,
notwithſtanding how great foever his danger feem'd to be, rather
and
chooſe to perish in Provence in the defenſe of his Honour,
Command, than to go to Court, there to expoſe himſelf to the The Duke
malicious Offices of his Enemies. He very well faw the beft he is refolute
was there to expect, was to be ftript of his Government; to himſelf in
which he conceiv'd he had a better Title,than to any other mem-
ber of his Fortune. He had, in the time of his Favour, purg'd
Y 2
that
to maintain
his Govern
ment.
*
164
The Hiftory of the Life of Book IV.
Anno that Province of the Factions of the League, and the Reform'd
1595. Religion; he had fince maintain'd it againft the Duke of Savoy,
and the League combin'd together: It had coft him his Brother's
Life, much of his own Blood, and many of his Friends, and Ser-
vants: ſo that what propofitions foever could be made unto him,
he intended never to quit claim to his title there, and ſtood refo-
lute to bury himſelf in Provence, rather than by leaving it, to fatif-
fie his Enemies longing, who were hourly importunate with his
Majeſty to remove him thence. In which refolution being every
day more and more confirm'd, he gave the Conftable (who as I
have faid was to mediate the differences betwixt the Provencials,
and him) plainly to understand his determination; entreating
him at the ſame time not to take it ill, if he did not ſubmit a thing
to Arbitration, which he could by no means ever confent to part
withal. Neither was it any hard matter for him to fatisfie the Con-
ſtable who was infinitely affectionate to his perfon, and who had
much rather have had him for his Neighbour in Provence, than
any other; a confideration that perhaps eſpecially mov'd the King
to call the Duke from that Government; his Majefty not concei-
remove the ving it convenient, that two perfons fo intimate, and of fo
Dke from Reputation as they both were, fhould poffefs two fo confiderable,
the Govern- and ſo near neighbouring Provinces.
The King
refolves to
ment of Pro-
vence.
Mounfieur
de l' Efdi-
ters with an
Army into
guieres en-
Provence,
against the
Duke.
great
Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres obferving how little the Duke was
enclin'd to an Accommodation, and fufpecting that the Confta-
ble forbore to prefs him to it, only to give the Duke more time to
make himſelf Maſter of Aix, began to march with three thouſand
five hundred Foot, and eight or nine hundred Horſe towards Pro-
vence, and by the way was reinforced with fome Troops that had
ferv'd the League under the command of the Count de Carces, and
who were exceeding glad to be employ'd against the Duke. Lafin
(fince famous for having been the Inftrument of the Marefchal de
Birons Ruine) hapned to be at this time in Provence, who, having
ſome command in the Country, and having frequently convers❜d
with the Duke about the management of Affairs, had a great Am-
bition to have the honour of compofing theſe Differences: where-
fore knowing Mounfieur de l'Efdiguieres to be upon his March, he
went out to meet him; to whom he undertook, provided he
would advance no further, to perfwade the Duke abſolutely to
fubmit to the Conftables determination: But Mounfieur de l'Édiz
guieres, fuppofing that to fhew himſelf with his Forces upon the
Frontiers of his Government, would fooner encline the Duke to
that reſolution, advanc'd as far as the Banks of the River Durance,
which ſeparates Provence from Dauphiné; where what he defign'd
to
•
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
165
to haften an Accommodation, he foon faw ferv'd only to put
things into a worſe condition, and to make the Rupture wider
than before.
Anno
1595.
There had been of old a certain emulation betwixt theſe two
great men, and their Vertue having begot in each of them a great
efteem for the other, they had long, and equally defir'd an occafi-
on, wherein they might make a decifive trial of themſelves, to ſee
which by his merit could get the ftart in the race of Honour, and
ſtand fairest in the worlds Opinion: A noble, and vertuous jea-
loufie of one anothers Reputation; yet was there at this time
ſomething of feud in the cafe, the Duke complaining that he
had not receiv'd from Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres the return, nor
acknowledgement he expected, for the good Offices he had done
him in the buſineſs of Savoy; to which were alſo added the Dif
ference in Religion, and the Diverſity of Interelt, things that
were never obferv❜d to promote Accommodations, nor to unitë
the wills, and inclinations of men: by all which, the Duke being
animated againſt Mounfieur de l'Efdiguieres, perhaps more than he
fhould have been against any other, he had no fooner notice of
his motion, than taking his approach for a defiance, he would
let him fee, that he was neither aftoniſh'd at his Reputation, nor
daunted with the Forces he brought along with him; and there-
fore immediately arofe from his Fort of Aix; where nor daring, The Duke
as it was not fit, to leave his Quarters weakly guarded, he took goes outro
the Field with only 3000 Foot, though in Horſe he was equal to fieur de l'
Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres, and with thefe fmall Forces 'bravely Efdiguieres.
fac'd him; who having already paſs'd the River, there was fo lit-
tle to part them, as reduc'd them both to almoft a neceffity of
fighting. In this little Battel therefore the Duke advanc'd to begin
the charge, which though it was of no great continuance, ended
nevertheleſs with the lofs of many men on both fides, and
wherein the Duke fhew'd himſelf no ways inferiour to his Ad-
verſary either in Courage, or Conduct, which is all I fhall fay,
that I may not appear intereſted, and partial.
All the Hiftorians who make mention of this Action do fay,
that the two Armies retreated without any confiderable advantage
on either fide, that in truth the Duke of Efpernon carried away ma-
ny priſoners of eminent Quality; but that Mounfieur de l'Efdiguieres
remain d'Maſter of the Field; by which report they ſeem to give
him the advantage of the day. Mounfieur de Thou writes to that
purpoſe, and ſo does d'Avila; though it be nothing ftrange in the
laft, who, excepting in things, that meerly concern the Affairs at
Court, does, as to the reft, only tranflate the other, and wholly
follows
out to
meet Moun➡
י
166
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
ما
Anno follows his relation in what concerns the buſineſs of the Provin-
1595. ces of the Kingdom. As to Mounfieur de Videl who has writ the
life of the Conftable l'Eſdiguieres exceedingly well,and paid to the
memory of a good Mafter the gratitude of a paffionately affecti
onate and faithful Servant; I muft commend him for writing
to his Benefactors advantage in an occafion wherein he might
with great truth do his memory honour: but to make a right
judgment of this action, it will be convenient to relate the cir-
cumſtances of it, after which it will be eaſier to conclude, to
which fide the Victory enclin'd.
A true ac-
compt of
Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres, having pafs'd the River Durance,
the Action, took up his Quarters at Ourgon, and the circumjacent Villages,
where the fertility of the Country abundantly provided for him:
but the Duke on the contrary, who came to meet him, being con-
ftrain'd to Quarter in a very ill Country, as at Eguiere, Sennas,
Lambefcq, and other places thereabouts, his men fuffer'd great
want, and inconvenience; A confideration that befides the
promptneſs of his nature, made him eager to come to the trial of
Arms: In which refolution advancing ftill towards the Enemy,
he at laſt diſcover'd him,, ſtanding in a place of fingular advan-
tage behind a great Ditch, which the torrent of Land floods had
worn, and hollow'd into the form of a regular entrenchment.
L'Eſdiguieres at the Duke's firft appearance immediately drew up
into Battalia behind the Ditch,fending out his Vant-guard only to
fight,wherein he had indeed difpos'd his beſt men, under the com-
mand of his Nephew Morges, in whofe company (to his own
misfortune) was Bezaudun, who had formerly been Marefchal de
Camp for the League in Provence. The Duke,ſeeing this Vant-guard
come up with a countenance to fight, made his alſo advance to
meet them; which he would himſelf in perſon lead up, as he did,
and made fo gallant, and fo fortunate a charge, that after a fhort,
but brisk difpute, himſelf bravely fighting at the head of his
they totally routed the party, and drove Morges wounded into
the very Ditch, that parted the two main Bodies, kill'd a great
many men (as he alſo loft ſome) and carried away very many Pri-
foners, without leaving ſo much as one of his own men in the
Enemies hands: Yet had Mounfieur l' Efdiguieres the patience all
this while to ſee his men beaten, and trodden under foot, without
once offering to come out of his Trench, or, though he made
fome light skirmishes about the skirts of the Ditch, without ex-
preffing any inclination to a total engagement; A coldneſs that
the Duke very well obferving, and ſatisfied with his own fucceſs,
which he had infinitely hazarded, fhould he have made
men,
any fur
ther
4
BOOK IV.
167
the Duke of Efpernon.
}
1
ther attempt upon the Enemy in a place of fo great advantage,
contented himſelf with only facing fome hours in the Field, to try
ifl' Efdiguieres had any mind to repair his lofs; but to no purpoſe,
he ſtill keeping the fame ftation, and being by no provocation to
be tempted out of the advantage of his Poft. And this is the
truth of what pafs'd at this occafion, as I received it from họ-
nourable, and not to be ſuſpected, teſtimony, who were preſent at.
the engagement, and who impartially related the ftory: though the
fequel it felf makes it plain enough; for had Mounfieur l' Eldigui-
eres had the leaſt imaginable advantage, is it to be fuppos'd that he
would have fuffer'd the Duke to have carried away fo many, and
fo confiderable Pris'ners before his face, as the Hiftorians them-
felves confefs to be taken in this Battel? No doubtless! neither
was it fuch a triumph for him to remain Maſter of the Field, the
Duke never intending to ftay upon the place of Battel; the ill
Quarters he had been enforc'd to take up withal, upon his March,
in a very unfruitful Country, not permitting him to ſtay long
there without he intended to deftroy his men: to which confi-
deration was alſo added, that he was in danger of lofing his Fort
at Aix, left but flenderly guarded, by drawing ſo many men from
thence upon this occafion; and therefore it efpecially concern'd
him not longer to expofe a place of that importance, which was
indeed the main caufe that made him to return, but not retreat.
Anno
1595.
Amongst the Priſoners taken at this Battel was the Marefchal de
Camp Bezaudun, whom I nam'd but now; à Gentleman for his
Parts and Courage of high repute amongſt thoſe of his own Fa-
ction: but he would yet make himſelf more remarkable, by pro-
feffing, and that in publick, an implacable hatred to the Duke's
Perfon; neither were words fufficient to exprefs his Malice, nor
did he think it enough that he had by divers calumnies befpatter'd
the Duke's Honour, unleſs he made his injuries more publick, by The Duke";
printing feveral Libels, of which he declar'd himſelf to be the
Author, which indeed, was one thing that had cherifh'd in the
Duke an animofity against him: but there was yet another by
which he was more juſtly provok'd, and of which, thofe who
have condemn'd the Duke, for caufing him to be, as they fay, un-
handſomely ſlain, have made no mention. I think it therefore ve-
fit to infert it here, to vindicate the Duke from the afperfion has
been unjuſtly caſt upon him, about this Gentleman's death.
ry
Bezaudun, formerly in fome engagement had the fortune to
takea Gentleman Prifoner, whofe name was D' Estampes, a man
for whom the Duke had an exceeding kindneſs,and whom in the
beginning of his reſtraint Bezaudun had us'd with great civility;
buc
Victory fa-
tal to Be-
zaudun.
!
ad.
Hw
i
The Hiftory of the Life of
Book IV.
1
1595.
168
Anno but fufpecting foon after, and perhaps upon too light grounds,
that his Priſoner had not obſerv'd a due regard to the honour of
his houle, he forthwith refolv'd to take a fevere revenge: To
which purpoſe cauſing himſelf to be carried in a Chair into the
Market-place of Aix, being unable to walk by reaſon of fome
Wounds he had receiv'd, he there caus'd his Priſoner to be
brought before him; where having demanded of him, in the
preſence of a great many people, whom the novelty of the action
had aſſembled together, if he complain'd of his uſage, D' Eſtam-
pes made anſwer, that he was fo far from complaining, that he
had highly commended it, and ſhould do fo as long as he had
life. You ſhould not then have given me caufe to complain of you,
ſays Bezaudun, and withal cry'd, kill him; which inhumane Sen-
tence was ſcarce pronounc'd, but that the poor Gentleman was,
by ſome Bezaudun had brought along for that purpoſe, immedi-
ately run through, and through, and laid dead upon the place.
This barbarous act, that poffefs'd with horror all fuch as beheld
it, being ſoon brought to the Duke's ear, he then made a vow;
that if ever the Murtherer fell into his hands he ſhould receive the
ſame meaſure: And fuch was Bezaudun's ill fortune, to be pre-
fented to the Duke in a time when the murther of his Friend was
yet freſh in his memory; for the Priſoners taken in the Battel,
being immediately, and upon the place brought before him, and
amongſt the reſt Bezaudun, completely arm'd, with his Bever
down; and the Duke asking (as he had of the reft) who he was,
the Priſoner himself made anſwer, that he was Bezaudun; at
which the Duke turning afide his head, as loathing the fight of a
man ſo odious to him, and againſt whom he had fo often pub-
liſh'd an implacable hatred, could not forbear to expreſs fome
diffatisfaction with thoſe who had receiv'd him to Quarter :
whereupon one of them, without more expreſs order, diſcharg'd a
Piſtol in his head, by which he was laid upon the ground; the fe-
cond was diſcharg'd by a Brother-in-law of his own, and both
mortal. Thus have you the truth of this buſineſs; which, had it
been carried with lefs cruelty, had doubtless been more to be
commended, though the many offences and injuries the Duke had
receiv'd being duly confider'd, it may in fome fort pretend to an
excufe, eſpecially the fact having been committed by no order
from the Duke, but by Servants of his, who conceiv'd it would
be an acceptable ſervice to him: Neither is it to be denied, but
that the War has produc'd many other actions of this nature,
wherein as great ſeverity has been practis'd upon far lefs provo-
cation,
The
Book IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
169
:
The Duke after this Battel perceiving l' Efdiguieres to be palpa- Anno
bly favour'd by almoſt all who had formerly ſtood for the League 1595.
in Provence, (many of them having lifted themſelves under this
Hugonot Captain) as alfo by thoſe who were affectionate to the
King, ſeeing an Army likewiſe on foot againſt him twice as nu-
merous as his own,and not knowing in whom he might confide,
even his own Friends, and Servants being ftartled, to ſee the King's
Authority, and name made ufe of against them; began now to
fee that, to keep those few friends, and places he had left, from re-
volting from him, it was abfolutely neceflary to fubmit to an Ac-
commodation and to this he was the rather induc'd by the ne-
ceffity he ſaw of abandoning his Fort of Aix, it being impoffible
for him to keep that, without putting the other places he held in
the Province to manifeſt hazard, his Forces being too few to de-
fend them all againſt ſo many enemies, as were confpir'd to his The Dake
ruine. He therefore at laſt hearkened to Lafin, who from the be- at last is ne-
ginning had made himſelf an importunate Mediator for an Ac-
commodation, and in conclufion wholly referr'd himſelf to the modation.
Conftables award; by whofe determination, which was deli-
ver'd in June, the Duke was oblig'd to give up the Fort of Aix
(the main thing in conteft) into the hands of Lafin himſelf, by
whom it was to be kept with 400 men, to be fent out of Lan-
guedoc, until it fhould pleaſe his Majefty further to fignifie his
Royal Pleaſure, as to the maintaining or flighting of that Fort,
that in the mean time there fhould be a general fufpenfion of Arms
in Provence, during which all things fhould continue in the fame
poſture they then were.
The Duke ſubmitting abfolutely, and without reſerve, to this
Decree, accordingly deliver'd up the Fort of Aix unto Lafin, who
enter'd into it with the appointed number of men: but whether
it were through the Officers foul play in their Mufters, or that the
treachery of Lafin himſelf (of both which the Duke complain'd)
made him neglect to keep his Garrison in its full appointment, ſo
it was that in a few days they were reduc'd to half their number
neither does Mounfieur l'Efdiguieres ftick to confefs, that he himſelf
had a hand in the buſineſs, that he had privately fupply'd the Fort
with Souldiers of his own, who ftill were to run away by his
private order.
;
In the mean time the Duke of Efpernon, under the affurance of
this Truce, liv'd in great fecurity, and believing that nothing was.
be fufpected to the prejudice of a Treaty, argu'd, and concluded
as it were in the preſence of all men, took this opportunity, a little
to divert, and repoſe himſelf, after the continual action he had
to
Z
been
ceffitated to
an Accom-
170
BOOK IV,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1995.
The Duke
goes over
to Langue-
doc.
A remark-
of the
Duke's Ca-
ptains.
been turmoil'd in fince his first arrival in Provence, and to that
purpoſe took a Journey into Languedoc, either as he himſelf pre-
tended to make a viſit to the Conftable; or, as it was faid by
others, upon an anorous accompt to viſit a Lady he had an ac-
quaintance withal in that Country: but whatever was the oc-
cafion, the abſence of their Leader, together with his example,
made moſt of his Souldiers to take the fame liberty, rambling
every one a ſeveral way: an advantage that Mounfieur l' Efdi-.
guieres very well knew how to manage; neither did he neglect it,
though what he did would have been interpreted breach of faith,
had leſs than the King's command ftept in to excufe it.
In this Journey to Languedoc, there hapned a very remarkable
able Duel quarrel betwixt two Officers of the Duke's Army, who went
betwixt two along to attend him; the one was Lioux, a Gafcon, the other St.
Andiol a Provencial, both of them Captains of Horfe, and equal
in quality, and eſteem; though in this occafion the chance of
Arms fhewed it felf partial to St. Andiol's fide. Theſe two Gen-
tlemen upon ſome flight difpute, having agreed to fight, went out
of the Town together, to end their difference; where St. Andiol
being the ſtronger man, after fome wounds given, and receiv'd
on both fides, clofing with his Enemy, trip'd up his heels, dif-
arm'd him, and made him ask his life, which being done, he was
fo far from the infolence of a conquerour, that, defiring no other
triumph than his own private fatisfaction, he reſtor'd Lioux his
Sword upon the place,with all the complement, and civility ufual
amongſt men of honour upon fuch occafions. But how modeſt
foever St. Andiol was in his Victory, the buſineſs could not be fo
fecretly carried (they returning both bloody from the Field )* that
their friends took not notice of what they had been about, who as
foon enform'd the Duke thereof; defiring withal, that he would
interpofe his Authority to make them friends: But the Duke,out
of reſpect to the Conſtable would transfer that good office to
him, who as readily undertook it, and who having his two Sons
in Law the Count de Auvergne (fince Duke of Angoule fme, and the
Duke de Vantadour in the houſe with him, fent for them, and the
Duke of Eſpernon, to be preſent at the reconciliation. Saint An-
diol was the firſt call'd in, who, being examin'd what had paſs'd
betwixt Lioux and him, made anſwer, "That it was true, fome
"little difpute had hapned betwixt them, which had oblig'd him
"to feek the fatisfaction of a Cavalier; but that it was already
"determin'd, without any advantage on the one fide, or the
"other, that he was ſatisfied that he muft ever declare Lioux to be
a very brave Gentleman, and that he was his Friend, and hum-
«
ble
I
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efperhon.
171
"ble Servant. After this Declaration, every one concluded it Anno
would be a matter of no great difficulty to reconcile them, and
and 1595.
expected Lioux would as readily embrace his adverſaries friend-
fhip, as he had franckly offer'd his, Saint Andiol being reputed one
of the braveft Gentlemen in the Army. He therefore was next
call'd in, and that rather to hear himſelf commended upon Saint
Andiol's teftimony of his Valour, than to be queſtion'd about a
thing, of the truth whereof they thought themſelves already fuf-
ficiently enform'd. They therefore, upon his coming in, told
him, that Saint Andiol had given an account of what had paſs'd be-
twixt them, that he had affur'd them, they parted upon equal
terms, that he was his Friend and Servant, and that therefore no-
thing now remain'd, but that they fhould embrace, and be good
friends. To which Lioux made anſwer, "That before they pro-
ceeded fo far, there must be a truer relation given of the iffue of
their difpute, than, for as much as he yet heard, he could confent
unto.. An anſwer that furpriz'd the whole company, who fear'd
it might beget a new quarrel; when Lioux continuing his dif
courle, declar'd how every thing had truly pafs'd; acknowledg
ing that he ow'd his life to his enemies courtefie; but complain-
ing withal, that Saint Andiol fhould make ſo light of his Victory,
as to deprive himſelf of the due honour of it; yet magnifying
his noble behaviour towards him after fo ingenuous a manner,
that having by his. franck, and generous confeffion wip'd off all
difefteem, that ufually (how brave foever) cleaves to the lofing
fide, he won himſelf, by his handfome carriage, as great a reputa-
tion, as if he had been more fortunate, and fhard in the glory of
a victory had been obtain'd in ſingle diſpute over his own
perfon:
cr
CC
From the time that the Fort of Aix had been deliver❜d into La-
fin's hands,Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres had retir'd himſelf into the Ci-
ty, where he had been receiv'd with all the reputation, and refpect
due to the Deliverer of a people, as they look'd upon him to be,
and where, whilft he lay watching all occafions wherein he might
weaken the Duke's power, or leffen his repute (which he call'd
executing his Majefties Orders, and advancing his Service) he had
intelligence of the flender, and carelefs Guard was kept by Lafin
in the Fort of dix, as alfo in many other places, which as yet were
in the Duke's poffeffion: wherefore making ufe of this negli- The Fort of
gence, and pretending fome of the Duke's people had broken the die fur-
Truce (in having (as he faid) taken fome of his prifoners) he took Monſieur l'
the Field upon the fixth of July, and without refiftance took the Efdiguieres.
Fort of Aix, and favouring the revolt of Frejus, St. Paul, Troye,
Z 2
Mirabel,
priz'd by
372
Book IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
"
1
އ
Anno Mirabel, and Cannes, gave the Inhabitants of all thofe Cities
1595. opportunity, to drive out the Duke's Garriſons, and to withdraw
themſelves wholly from his Party, and Obedience. As for the Fort
of Aix, it was no ſooner in Monfieur de l' Efdiguieres hands, but
that he deliver'd it up to the difcretion of the Inhabitants, who
The Fort of were ſo diligent in the demoliſhing of it, that in two days time
Aix demo- there ſcarce remain'd any footſteps of a work the Duke's whole
Army had for three months together, with great, and continual
labour, been induſtrious to raiſe.
lifh'd.
Many other
volt from
the Duke.
Toulon foon after follow'd the revolt of the other forenamed
places re- places, which was, of all others, a lofs of the greateſt importance
to the Duke. Elgarrebaques was Governour of the place, a man
that had long ſerv'd in that employment, both under Mounfieur
de la Valette, and under the Duke himſelf in great eſteem of Cou-
rage,
and Fidelity but at laft the alliance he had contracted
with the Houfe of Souliés, a Family that were nothing kind to
the Duke's Intereſts, having given his Adverfaries, or rather his
Envyers a prétenſe to render him fufpected to the Duke, he, to
fecure the place, and to keep Efgarrebaques within the bounds of
his duty, caus'd a Cittadel to be drawn out, and to be begun in his
own preſence, wherein he plac'd Signac, the Governours Capi-
tal, and Mortal Enemy, with a fufficient Garrifon both to fecure
the Cittadel, and to awe the City: But Elgarrebaques, either really
provok'd by this ill ufage, or elfe in this declining condition of the
Duke's Affairs, willing to difingage himſelf from his Service,
making that his pretenfe, fo foon as the Duke's back was turn'd,
affaulted Signac in his new Cittadel, where, the Fortifications be-
ing imperfe&, and the acceſs open, and eaſie on all fides, he with-
out much oppofition took the Governour priſoner, and made
himſelf maſter of the place; putting himſelf immediately after
into Mounfieur l' Efdiguieres protection, which, in the Language of
the Country, was to fubmit himſelf to the King.
The Duke having intelligence of thefe diforders, of which his
own abſence had chiefly been the cauſe, upon the first report
thereof left Languedoc, and made all the hafte he could into Pro-
vence, to apply, if poffible, fome remedy in this untoward pofture
of Affairs; though all he could do at his return, was only to ftop
The Duke the Gangreen from going further, and to keep the Province from a
Provence. general revolt: yet either not believing, or not feeming to believe,
that his Majeſties Order was in any of theſe tranſactions, he began
to prepare himſelf to recover by force of Arms, what by treache-
ry and furprize had been taken from him, when finding his
Friends and Followers ftartled, and wavering at the very found
returns into
of
1
BOOK IV.
173
the Duke of Efpernon.
*
2
"
"C
cr
of the Royal Name, which his Enemies had made uſe of in all
their deſigns, he thought it neceffary, before he fell to action firſt
to undeceive them, and to clear that error. In an eloquent Speech
therefore he briefly laid before them, "The fignal Services both
"his Brother and himſelf had done for the King in the conferva-
'tion of that Province, and that in the greateft confufion of the
"Kingdom, and at the loweft ebb of his Majefties Affairs; the
"Obedience he had manifefted to all his Majefties Orders, and
Commands, how ſevere foever they had been, and how preju-
"dicial foever to his own private Fortune. That as an evidence
of his Duty, and fubmiffion to his Majefties Royal Pleaſure, he
"had but lately furrendred the Fort of Aix, that is to ſay, had di-
"vefted himſelf of the poffeffion of that fair City; the Conqueft
"of which, was, by their Valours made certain to him. That not-
withstanding fo many, and fo recent teftimonies of his Loyalty
"and Obedience, with which he knew his Majeſty to be very
"well fatisfied, his Enemies ftill fhrowding their malice under
"the fhadow of the Royal Name, the better to effect their own
deſigns, had debauch'd, and reduc'd from him moſt of the pla-
ces he had lately been poffefs'd of. That this affront reflected up-
on them, indifferently with himſelf, fince it had been with their
'Blood, together with his Brothers, and his own, that thoſe con-
"quefts had been dearly bought. That therefore the injury being
equal both to him, and them, he hop'd they would affift to re-
venge them, and to maintain his Fortune; which, as he ow'd it
"in part to their Valour, fo did he not fo paffionately deſire its
"fupport for any intereft of his own, as to have means thereby to
"fhew himſelf grateful to thoſe who had been conftant, and faith-
"ful to him, in all the diſgraces he had fall'n into, and in all the
attempts had been practis❜d againſt him.
Ce
CC
<c
e
i
Anno
1595.
His Friends being by this fhort ſpeech reaffur'd and confirm'd
in their Fidelity and Obedience, and having thereupon expreſs'd
as great a Devotion to his Service, as he could expect from men
who had long been affectionate to him; he forthwith took the
Field to go ſeek out l' Efdiguieres: but he, after he had deliver'd
Aix from the Fort, that had fo long kept them in fubjection, and
clear'd the neighbouring Campagne by the revolt he had procur'd
of the foremention'd places, retir'd into his Government of Dau-
phiné, without engaging himſelf further at this time in the Af-
fairs of Provence, by whofe retreat, the Duke, having none left
to oppoſe his deſigns, feem'd to be now in a condition not only
to redeem his late loffes, but alſo to make a new,and a further pro-
greſs into the Country, than he yet had done; and doubtless he
had
串
​174
Book IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno had done fo, had things continued in this pofture: but fomething
1595. new, and unforeſeen fell out, which gave the laſt blow to the ruine
/
The Duke
made Go-
vernour of
of Guife
Provence.
of his Affairs.
procure
The Duke of Guife at laft undeceiv'd, and better read in the
Spanish artifice, which had fo long abus'd him with vain propofi-
ons of Marriage with their Infanta fo foon as they could
his Election to the Crown, and perceiving alfo the declining con-
dition of the League, which every day went lefs in reputation, was
in the end, with his Brothers return'd into the King's Obedience :
to whom his Majefty (hoping the revolt of a man of his Autho-
rity, and Condition from his Enemies Party, would draw the
greateft part of thoſe who had fet up their reft upon the Fortune of
the Duke his Father, over to his own) had granted very advanta-
geous conditions; and befides the Cities of Rheims, Chalons, Ro-
croy, St. Diper, Guife, and other places, which had formerly been
fettled upon his Father, and his Uncles, conferr'd particularly the
Government of Provence upon him. The Government of Cham-
pagne had formerly been in the poffeffion of the late Duke; but
his Majefty, having fince his advancement to the Crown, grati
fied the Duke of Nevers with that Office, he rather chofe to dif
poffefs the Duke of Efpernon, who by a thouſand calumnies had
been rendred fufpected to him, than to difoblige the Duke of
Nevers, whom himſelf had fettled in that truft. Neither was the
Duke of Guife unfatisfied with the exchange, who (besides that it
was in it ſelf at leaſt equal with the other) had, by this mutation a
great opportunity, under the fhadow of the Royal Authority, to
depreſs one of the moſt powerful, and profefs'd enemies of his
Houſe, and Name: fo that well pleas'd with his new Employ-
ment, he only waited his Majefties order to begin his Journey in-
to Provence, and by affiftance of the Royal Arms to put himſelf.
into poffeffion of his new, and well lik'd of charge: But his Ma-
jeſty who had much rather by little and little to have withdrawn
the Duke of Efpernon from thence, than to kindle a new War in
that Country, and fo foon again to put a Sword into the Duke of
Guife's hand, who was fo lately return'd into his obedience, had
firft try'd the way of negotiation (as you have heard) and after
made uſe of Arms under the conduct of Mounfieur l' Efdignieres ;
by which various ways having found he could neither reduce the
Duke by reafon,nor fo deprefs him by force, but that he was ftill in
a condition there long to fubfift, he at laft took a refolution to put
an end to the work, and to effect that by fine force, which he faw
was neither by Treaty, nor by indifferent Forces to be brought
about.
His
BOOK IV.
175
the Duke of Efpernon.
1595.
1
His Majeſty had in the beginning of this year proclaim'd a Anno
War with the King of Spain, which notwithstanding, before he
would begin, or advance into the Enemies Country, he would
firſt ſettle his own Affairs at home, and vifit fome parts of his
Kingdom, which as yet he had never ſeen fince they were reduc'd
to his Obedience, by his prefence to encourage and confirm them
in their duty to him; of which the City of Lyons was one, and
thither it was, that his Majefty, after having chas'd the Duke of
Mayenne out of Burgundy, repair'd, and where he arriv'd in Septem-
ber, 1595. To this place Mounfieur de l' Efdiguieres being allo
come to kifs his Majefties Hand, and to give him an accompt of
the Affairs of Provence, he was thither follow'd by the Deputies
of that Parliament, and of ſome other Cities of that Province, in
hopes that under his countenance,and Intereſt at Court,their com-
plaints again't the Duke of Efpernon would be the better heard, by
which his Majeſty being tyr'd, vext at the continuations of theſe
troubles,and animated against the Duke by the reiterated ill Offices
of his enemies, fearing alſo that the ill uſage the Duke had receiv'd
from them, might during his rupture with Spain, provoke him to
joyn with the Spaniard, ſo as to receive them into thofe Garrifons
he held in Provence, he then took up that final reſolution to fupprefs
him'by Force, and by Arms to reduce him to his Duty. Of this
War the Duke of Guife, as Governour of Provence, was to have The Duke,
the conduct, whom nevertheleſs his Majefty judging too young of Mon-
to manage, without the affiftance of ſome more experienc'd Ca- fieur l' Ef-
ptain (eſpecially having to do with the Duke of Efpernon) he diguieres go
made choice of Mounfieur l' Efdignieres for that purpoſe, by the again the
title of Lieutenant General in Provence, under the Duke of Guife. Espernon.
Neither could his Majeſty have made choice of two Captains
more animated againſt the Enemy they were to undertake,the firſt
being prompted on, befides the intereft of his eſtabliſhment in
that Province, by the antiquated and irreconcilable hatred of his
Family, the other by his jealoufie already mention'd, and by the
confcience of thoſe recent injuries the Duke had receiv'd at his
hands.
And here, though every one might reaſonably conclude that
this torrent of Arms was likely to overwhelm the Duke beyond
all poffible evaſion, or recovery, yet was his courage, and affurance
no leſs eminent in this, than it had been in other occafions of this
nature. 'Tis true that he had difcreetly endeavour'd to divert it, by
going to preſent himſelf before the King at Lyons; where he doubt-
ed not to clear thofe Accufations his Enemies had fo falfly con-
triv'd, and ſo maliciouſly preferr'd against him: But fuch was his
ill
of Guife,
and
Duke of
•
t
176
The History of the Life of
BOOK IV.
Anno ill fortune, that he met intelligence upon the way, which ajur'd
1595.
him his Majefty was fuddenly, and unexpectedly call'd thence in-
to Picardy, by the inroads the Condé de Fuentes had made into that
Province, and by the danger the City of Cambray was in, which
at this time was closely befieg'd by the Spanish Forces: So that he
was conſtrain'd to return back into Provence, not without extreme
affliction to ſee his Majefty ſo pofitively bent to his ruine, with
this hope nevertheless, that time would at laſt juſtifie his in-
tentions, efpecially if he could in the interim maintain his Affairs
in any tolerable condition: a confideration that made him refo-
The Duke lute to defend his declining fortune more vigorously than ever;
stand upon yet not with any defign to do any thing contrary to his Majefties
his defence. Service, but with an intent, if things came to the last push, rather
refolute to
to make a voluntary furrender of his Government into his Maje-
fties own hands (as he afterwards did) than to fuffer himfelf
tamely to be ſtript of it, by his mortal, and implacable Enemies.
The Army defign'd'againſt him entred into Provence in No-
vember 1595. where the Duke had Friends, and ftrong Holds
enough to have held them long in play, had they, to whoſe fide-
lity he had entruſted the chiefeft of his Caftles and Towns ob-
ferv'd the Faith they had sworn unto him: but their revolt ſoon
made him underſtand, the influence of the Royal Name,and how
unhappy a thing it is, to have that appear againſt a man, how in-
nocent foever his intentions may be, and how well foever difpos'd
to his Princes Service: for the Duke of Guife, and Mounficur de
l' Eſdiguieres no fooner appear'd in Provence, but that there was a
conteſt amongſt the Duke's greateſt Confidents, who fhould firft
go over to them. Amongſt theſe the Sieurs de Buous Brothers, the
The Duke men of all others in that Country to whom the Duke had given
by more the higheft teftimonics of Honour, and Friendship, were the first
his friends. who forfook him,and who,befides the prejudice they did him by
their ill example, carried over with them the two Regiments
they commanded in his Army, which was no little blow to his
Affairs in a time when it was no eafie matter for him to raiſe new
Forces.
abandoned
most of
The next in order that follow'd this vertuous example was
Ramefort, one who had been of longeft acquaintance, and inti-
macy with the Duke, and whom he in his time of favour had ob-
lig'd by many benefits, and had fince in Provence committed Ci-
fteron, one of the chiefelt places he held there to his truft. This
man nevertheleſs no fooner knew the Duke of Guife to be come
into the Country, but that he ſent to treat with him about the
furrender of the place, upon condition that he ſhould ſtill conti·
#4
nue,
Book IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
177
1
tinue Governour there for the King. Peyroles did the fame for his Anno
Garriſon of Riez, he continuing ftill Governour of the place, to 1595.
be held, and maintain'd for the time to come, in his Majeſties
name, as Cifteron was by Ramefort.
•
The Duke
miftruft of
The loſs of theſe two places having infinitely furpriz'd the
Duke of Efpernon, who by this carriage plainly faw how little aſ-
furance he could promiſe to himſelf from the reft of his Friends,
he began to apprehend an univerfal Revolt; and in this appre- of Espernon
henſion, ſcarce knowing any more in whom he might confide, or enters into
whom he might reaſonably fufpect, he chiefly began to miftruft a general
the fidelity of Mefplés the Governour of Tropes, one of the prin- all his fol-
cipal places that remain'd in his power, and in which upon the lowers.
worft of accidents he thought to find his chiefeſt refuge, and
fafety. This Gentleman a Bearnois by Birth, and a man of fingu
lar Valour, had, by his gallant behaviour in feveral occafions,
wrought himſelf much into the Kings opinion, and eſteem, from
whence the Duke apprehending (perhaps too lightly) that pof-
fibly he might quit his Interefts, to be allur'd over to his Enemies
fide by the found of the Royal Name, he refolv'd to remove him
from that command, as he preſently did; and that, as he conceiv'd¸
without any injury, or offenfe, having done it without noife, or
giving the leaft evidence that his Faith was any way fufpect-
ed to him: but Mefplés (perhaps glad of fo good a pretenfe to
abandon the Duke, whofe Affairs he faw daily declining) taking
his unjuſt ſuſpicion for the higheſt injury, and the removing him
from his Government for the greateſt Affront and Indignity he
could poffibly receive, refented both at ſo high a rate, that from
that time forwards he became one of his moſt violent and impla-
cable enemies. He went upon the very inftant to feek out the
Duke of Guife, where being arriv'd, he immediately put himſelf
into his Service, and having long commanded in St. Tropes, and
at leiſure conſider'd all the weakneffes of the place, advis'd the
Duke preſently to beſiege it, affuring him that it would infallibly
be taken, which the Duke giving credit to, immediately order'd
him Men, and Cannon, to force the place, whilſt he himſelf went
upon the enterprize of Marfelles, which he likewife brought to a
fortunate iffue. This Deſign upon St. Tropes had like to have oc-
cafioned betwixt thefe two Dukes a memorable engagement; for
the Duke of Efpernon not being able to fuffer fuch a place to be
loft, without endeavouring at leaft to relieve it, had fuddenly ga-
ther'd together all the Forces he could make thereabouts to that
purpofe; but all thofe amounting to no more, than about fome
300. Light Horse, 60. of his Guards, and betwixt four or five
Аа
hundred
ו
r
.
+
J
ļ
The Hiflory of the Life of
178
Book IV.
Anno hundred Foot, he was like to do no great execution; yet was he
1595. reſolute, notwithſtanding the infinite danger, to have made a
brave attempt; when thofe about him, ſeeing that only the def-
perate condition of his Affairs prompted him to that precipitous
reſolution, not only diffwaded him from his purpoſe; but in a
manner conſtrain'd him to think of making his retreat: In
which alſo the danger was exceeding great; for St. Tropes being
but four Leagues diftant from Marfelles, whilft Mefplés was bufie
about this petty Siege, the Duke of Guife had made himſelf Ma-
fter of that great, and populous City; where, having a good Ar-
my at his Devotion, and receiving intelligence from Mefplés, that
the Duke of Eſpernon was with a very inconfiderable Party about
St. Tropes, he made with all poffible diligence to find him out, and
to fight him. As the Duke of Guife was advancing with this De-
fign, the Duke of Efpernon was upon his Retreat, which (that
craggy and mountainous Country affording him no other paſ-
fage) he was forc'd to make by the ſame way, by which the Duke
of Guiſe was coming againſt him. The Duke of Efpernon's For-
lorn-Hope was that day led by St. André, who, ſo ſoon as he dif-
cover'd the Enemy, gave the Duke prefent notice thereof; who,
not ſo much as dreaming of any fuch Encounter, was a little
furpriz❜d, and in ſome perplexity, what courſe he had beſt to take.
His defign before was to have refresh'd his men in the Village Du
Val, but that being now poffefs'd by the Duke of Guife, and he
not being in a condition to diflodge him, who was much ftron-
ger than himſelf, he was forc'd to lay afide his thoughts of repofe,
and to think of a ſpeedy retreat. Neither was this without great
difficulty to be effected, there being no place near he expected
ſhould receive him and the Enemy being already in fight. In
which general confufion and aftoniſhment, a Souldier of the
Country who was then with the Duke, advis'd him to retire to-
wards Berjau, undertaking himſelf at the fame time, to be his
Guide. Berjdu was a little Town in the Duke's poffeffion, but it
was four long Leagues from the place where they then were, and
the River Argence was betwixt them and it, which was no where
paffable but at Pont de Carces, the Lord of which was no friend
to the Duke, as may be gather'd from what has gone before:
Yet was the Souldier's propofition nevertheless embrac'd (for in
extreme neceffities and dangers, the firſt Counſels whatever they
be are commonly accepted) the Guide therefore put himſelf in the
Front, and the Duke followed after leaving the Baron d' Ars, and
Miran to bring up the Rear. In the mean time the Duke of Guife
advertis'd, by the Avant-Coureurs of his Army, that the Duke
3
,
of
Book 179
K
IV. the Duke of Eſpernon.
#
1595.
betwixt the
the Duke of
of Efpernon was ſo near, made all the hafte he could to overtake Anno
him; which notwithſtanding he could not fo fuddenly do, but
that the Duke had already pafs'd the River without difficulty, or,
danger, which the Duke of Guile perceiving, and attempting to
follow after, that he might engage him before he could put his
men into order, was receiv'd on the Duke's part by a counterfeit A Skirmish
charge, which was put fo briskly home, that the Duke of Guife's Duke of
Forces, who were not half got over the Bridge, aſtoniſh'd at fo Guife, and
unexpected a reſiſtance, fell foul upon one another, in which Efpernon.
confufion above thirty Troopers threw themſelves headlong, for
fear into the River, and were there drown'd, fome alſo were
flain; and certainly had the Duke engag'd with all his Forces, he
had put Mounfieur de Guife into a very great diforder: but he
conceiving he had nothing more to do, than to make good his
own retreat, thought it fufficient by charging, and amufing the
Enemies Van, to win time for thoſe few Foot he had to get the
ſtart; wherein if the Duke committed an overfight, Mounfieur de
Guiſe committed afterwards a greater; when after this little skir-
miſh, having without oppofition march'd over the reſt of his Ar-
my, it had been no hard matter for him, had he made any haſte,
to have overtaken the Duke, who march'd no fafter than a trot;
whilft following leifurely after, without preffing him to fight, he
gave him leave to make his retreat in great fecurity without the
lofs of any, fave fome few of his worft mounted men. Thus the
Duke of Efpernon loft at once both the Town of St. Tropes,which
was a very good one, and the Governour, who was a Gentleman
of great worth and merit; the one by the prevailing Arms of, his
Enemies,and the other perhaps by his own fault: he was at leaſt
condemn'd by his Friends,and Servants,for entring upon too light
grounds into a jealouſic of this Gentleman's faith: And certainly if
ever we ſhould make head against our diffidences, and miftruſts,
it ought chiefly to be, when we moft labour under affliction and
difgrace; every thing at thofe times being fufpected to us, and
our judgments, weakned by grief and difafter, being then moft
apt to be impos'd upon by the lighteft impreffions.
•
After the taking in of theſe places, the Duke of Guife, l'Eſdi-
gueres, the Count de Carces, and the other Chiefs of the Enemies
Army retir❜d themſelves to dix, there to deliberate about the Af-
fairs of Provence, and of the means by which they were to work
the Duke of Epernon's abfolute, and final ruine. He had
at this time upon his hands at once the Duke of Savoy, the All things
Duke of Guife, the League, Efdiguieres, Ornano, the Pro- averfe to
P
vencials, and (which was of more dangerous confequence Provence,
A a 2
1
than
the Duke in
י
180
The Hiftory of the Life of Book IV.
!
A Plot a-
gainſt the
·
Duke of
Espernon's
lite.
A Quintal is
Anno than all theſe known, and declared Enemies) his own Friends
1595. and Followers were wavering and uncertain to him: yet, as if
all thefe, who were all men of great quality, and many of them
of great intereft, and reputation in the Country, had been too
few to do his buſineſs, a wretched Fellow, bred from the Lees of
the common people,obfcure,and of no name till then,would like-
wife put his helping hand to the work; who alone, and contem-
ptible, as he was, put the Duke into more manifeſt danger of his
life, than ſo many, and fo powerful enemies arm'd, and confede-
rated to his ruine, as yet had ever done. His name was Bartholo-
mew Bigne, a native of the fore-mentioned Village du Val, and a
near neighbour to Brignoles; whither the Duke having retird
himſelf after the lofs of the before-mention'd places, and having
there affembled all his Forces together,to make head againſt what-
ever new attempts might be preparing againſt him; this curfed
Villain, who had never received any particular injury from the
Duke, but meerly prompted on by the malignity of his own na-
ture, and a national hatred againſt him, having long deliberated
by what way he might infallibly deftroy the Duke, bethought
himſelf at laſt of this impious, and abominable miſchief. He
an hundred fhut up in two Chefts three Quintals of Powder, to purchaſe
which he had laid out all the mony he had, or could procure; and
having obſerv'd the place where the Duke ufually kneeled at
Maſs in the Church of Brignoles, he entreated the Curate thereof
to give him leave to bring the two Chefts into his Church,where-
in he pretended he had lock'd up the beſt of his Goods, to preſerve
them from the hands of the Souldier: which the Curate readily
promis'd him he ſhould, provided he might firſt ſearch them, to
fee what they contain'd: but Bigne finding that to be a condition,
that by no means fuited with his Deſign, left off the Curate, and
feeing fome other way was to be found out to bring his purpoſe to
paſs, fell to hammering out new projects; which were the lefs
hard for him to contrive, by how much the fame evil ſpirit, who
had ſuggeſted to him the heart, and boldneſs to meditate fo great
a wickedneſs, was now alfo ready to prompt his invention, and
to inftrut him how to execute his execrable purpoſe by a new
way, where his firſt deſign had fail'd. Out of hopes then of effe-
&ing his buſineſs in the Church, he by the means of the Miftrifs
of the Houſe where the Duke lay, and with whom Bigne had
been formerly acquainted, wriggles himſelf into the company of
the Duke's Baker, and in difcourfe offers him three Sacks of Corn
to fell, where betwixt them the Bargain was foon ftrook up, and
that being done, the Traytor lofing no time, the next day brings
weight.
his
1
!
BOOK IV.
181
the Duke of Efpernon.
t
his three Sacks to the Duke's Lodgings, about the time he was to
come from Maſs, and to go to dinner, and fets them in a little
place under the Chamber where the Duke us'd to eat. Where af-,
ter he had difpos'd them as he thought moft conveniently for the
execution they were to do, he goes to feek out the Baker to come
look upon his Bargain. In every one of theſe Sacks he had put an
hundred pound of powder, with only a little Corn at the mouth
to ſerve for fhew, that if by chance the firft Sack that was open'd
fhould fail of its effect, no diſcovery might be made of the Trea-
fon; but that they might go to the next. Amongst the powder in
every Sack he had convey'd the wheel-lock of a Piftol, ready
wound up, and tyed to the ftring of the Sack, after fuch a man-
ner, that it was impoffible to open any one without pulling
down the fpring that was faftned to the Cord, and giving fire to
the powder; the three Sacks alſo were fet fo near to one another,
that any one of them taking fire, the others would alfo blow up,
and fo the three Quintals of Powder muft infallibly play at once.
Things being thus order'd, Bigne waits near to the Duke's Lodg-
ing, untill he was come in, and had the patience to ſtay till he faw
him fet down to dinner, when having him now in the Trap, and
that the Duke, as he thought, could not poffibly eſcape, he then
went to ſeek out the Baker, to make him at once the Traitor, and
the betrayed,and the innocent inftrument of his own,and his Ma-
fter's ruine. The poor Baker was not hard to be found, at a time
of the day when uſually all the Duke's domefticks met together;
fo that having preſently met him, Bigne goes along with him to
the Miftrifs of the houſe, defiring her to open the door where
the Corn ftood; which the accordingly doing, and he ſeeing
things now brought to that pafs, that the effect was, as it were in-
evitable, himſelf infenfibly,and unobſerv'd flips out of the Houſe,
and got into the Fields, making with all diligence for ix. The
Baker in the mean time, with two young fellows that belonged to
him in his Office, went to vifit the Sacks, where going to untye
the firſt, he had ſcarce toucht the ftring, but he was immediately
confum'd by the devouring flame: Neither did his men ef
cape any better; and the violence of the powder was fo great,
that it blew up the floor where the Duke fate at dinner, with the
ftory above it, the roof of the houſe only remaining firm. All
thoſe who were above with the Duke, were blown up to the roof,
and thence tumbling headlong to the foundation, were many of
them craſh'd to pieces under the ruines, the Duke only by a mi-
racle of Fortune remaining ftill fitting, and upright in the midſt
of this fubverfion; for his Chair being plac'd upon a great Beam
that
Anne
1595.
182
BOOKIV
The Hiftory of the Life of
་
The Duke's
efcape.
Anno that butted upon the Chimney of the Chamber, and the fire not
1595. having force enough to blow up that, which at both ends was
ftrongly faftned into the Wall, the flame only burnt his hair, and
wonderful his beard, without any further harm to his perfon. That which
hindred the powder from doing greater execution,and from blow-
ing up the whole houſe, as in all probability it was like to do,
was, that the Windows being all open, the flame found a paffage
that way, and by that loft much of its force within; otherwile
the houſe, and all within, had certainly been toft into the Aire,
and confum'd in a moment.
J
Bigne, who from without the Town had feen his mine play,
believing the effect to be infallibly fuch,as he had propos'd to him-
ſelf, ran in all haft to Aix to carry the news of the Duke of Efper-
non's certain death to the Duke of Guife; to whom withal he de-
clared at large the whole circumftance of his defign, not without
the amazement and horror of all that heard him, that any man
could be guilty of fo barbarous and inhumane a fact. As for the
Duke of Efpernon, he was a man fo well prepar'd beforehand
againſt all the accidents of fortune, that he foon recover'd the afto-
niſhment this furprize had put him into, and doubting it might
bea ftratagem of the Enemy in the diſorder, and confufion, that
muſt neceffarily attend ſo ſudden a miſchief, to make himſelf Ma-
fter of the place,made all the Souldiers he had in the Town imme-
diately to repair to their Arms; whilft himſelf mounted on Horſe-
back, and attended by fome Gentlemen his friends, went to vifit
the ſeveral Poſts of the City, to fee that all was quiet there: where
having found all things right within, and that nothing of ſuf-
picion appeard from without, it must of neceffity be concluded
that the miſchief arofe, and that the Confpiracy muſt have been
made within the Walls of his own Lodgings. Diligent fearch
was there therefore prefently made, and the woman of the houſe
examin'd, who ingenuouſly confefs'd the bargain about the Corn
betwixt Bigne and the Baker by her means: whereupon they
defir'd to fee the place where the Sacks had been fet, but there
was neither Sacks, nor the men who had open'd them to be ſeen,
the fire having fo confum'd them, that ſcarcely their bones could
be found. They then fent to Bigne's houfe, who was fled, and
his houſe left void, his Goods and Family being remov❜d to Aix
the night before: So that no further doubt being to be made of
the Author of the Fact, the Duke's heart began to be at reft;
which before was a little unquiet with the fufpicion, that fome of
his own people might have had a hand in the Plot.
Some who have made reflections upon the Duke's life, and the
many
Book IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
183
1
1
Anno
"pon the
gers of the
many Accidents by which it had often been brought into extreme
danger (which were at least as many as any other great mans of 1595.
his time) have ſometimes drawn the ſeveral hazards he has run, Reflections
into compariſon with one another, as he himſelf amongſt his
private friends (fo pleaſant is the memory of dangers paft) upon feveral dan-
occafion delighted to do; though he ever declar'd the confpira- Duke of Ef-
cy of Angoulesme, to be the greateft peril he had ever been in; next pernon's life.
to which he plac'd that of Corbie, where he confeft his fear to
have been much greater, than in the former, though the buſineſs
never arriv'd at that degree of danger, that was manifeft in thé
other accidents of his life. As for the precipice of Lyons, the Can-
non-fhot before Aix, and the Mine of Brignoles but now men-
tion'd, though he acknowledg'd his danger in all thofe to have
been extreme, and that in all apperance, it was hardly poffible
he could efcape; yet the fuddennels of them took away the fenfe,
and his good fortune, opportunely interpofing betwixt him and
thoſe mortal accidents, prevented his apprehenfion and gave
him no time to fear, whereas in the other two, he had had lei-
ſure to ſee his approaching ruine; and death coming uponhim in
all his ugly fhapes, eſpecially in the buſineſs of Angouleme, which
he could not confider as one, but a concatenation of many, and
thofe mortal dangers, that fucceeded one another for above forty
hours together.
1
Anno
The Duke
of
Efpernon
traduc'd by
the Cardi-
nald' Offat.
At this very time, and in the height of thefe untoward occur-
rences, Mounfieur d' Offat, finee Cardinal (a perfon equally to be 1596.
commended for the integrity of his life, and the excellency of his
learning) writ very bitter things to the prejudice of the Duke's
Loyalty and Honour; which, though by the care of fome of the
Duke's Friends, they were fuppreft in the first impreffion of his
Book; yet having fince been added in a particular ſheer, I think
my ſelf oblig'd not to fuffer the publick to be impos'd upon by fo
grofs calumnies, and that it is my duty to interpofe the truth in
the Duke's defenſe. This Prelate then, after having writ favour-
ably enough to the King concerning the Duke, in his Letter of
the 22. of December, 1594. that having given Pope Clement the
VIII.an account of all things his Majefty had given him in charge
concerning Mounfieur de Guife, and the Government of Provence,
his Holiness fighing, replyed, And what will they do with the Duke of
Efpernon? In another Letter notwithstanding to Secretary Vil-
leroy, bearing date the 17. of January, 1596, Writes thus, Mar-
felles puts me in mind of the Duke of Efpernon, concerning
whom they write from Lyons, that after the taking of Cisteron,
"he has fent to the King to make a tender of his ſubmiſſion, and
obedience,
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184
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
I
Anno
1596.
ce
;
"obedience: but they do not know that at the fame time he
"he ſent to Turin to the Duke of Savoy, and to Milan to the Con-
"ſtable of Caftile, of whom he has obtain'd 6000. Crowns,
that is to fay, 5000. down, with which his Agents buy Hor-
"les, and Arms at Milan, and 55000 more by Bill of Exchange
to be return❜d at Genoa; which is faid to be two months ad-
"vance of 30000. Crowns a month, given him by the Crown
"of Spain, for being a good Frenchman, as he writes into theſe
parts, he will be fo long as he has life, caufing it to be reported
that the mony he receives at Milan is mony of his own, that he
"has there in Bank; as if even to have a Bank of mony in a
'Town belonging to the King of Spain, and to think it there fe-
cure, were not a fign of no very good Frenchman. There has
"been a rumor in theſe parts for fome days that he has promis'd
Boulogne to the Spaniard, &c. Thus writes the Cardinal ď Of-
fat, with many other things of the like injurious nature.
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The Duke of Efpernon faw all theſe invectives as foon almoſt
as they appear'd in Print, and though in his own nature he was a
man not much enclin'd to Books; yet the quality of the Author
having given a great reputation to this, he had a great defire to fee
it, when, having it brought before him, and the place being turn'd
unto wherein he himfelf was concern'd, it could not be perceiv'd
that he was at all mov'd at the many reproaches he there found
againſt him: but on the contrary was fo moderate and calm as
to fay, "That he could by no means blame the Cardinal d' Of-
fat for what he had written; and that being employ'd, as he
was, by the King in the most weighty Affairs of the Court of
Rome, he had done no more, than his duty in giving his Majeſty
a faithful accompt of what ever was reported to him: That
" he knew very well many others at the fame time talk'd of him
at the fame rate, fome out of fpleen, and others perhaps out
"of a belief the common bruit his Enemies had ſpread amongſt
the people had begot in them: but that neither the one nor
the other faid true. That indeed the King of Spain, the Duke
of Savoy, and the Duke of Mayenne (meaſuring his diſcontents
"by the provocations he had received) had all of them often fent
r to him, the first to offer him his protection, and the two laſt
"their friendſhip and alliance. That he had been folicited by a
Religious of the Order of St. Francis on the behalf of the King
of Spain, by a woman of quality, the world believ'd had a
great intereft in him, from the Duke of Savoy, and by the
"Abbot of Cornac, fince Abbot of Ville-Loin, a man of great dex-
terity, and prudence, from the Duke of Mayenne: but he de-
"clar'd
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Book IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
185
1
a
ແ
CC
“declar'd, and bound it with an Oath, that he had never hear-
"ken'd to any ſuch practice; That in truth, feeing himself prefs'd
by his own particular enemies under the King's Authority, and
"in his name, and that alone he could not long be able to make
"head againſt them, he had fometimes been in ſuſpenſe what he
"fhould do; and a little tempted by the advantageous conditions
thefe Princes had offer'd to him: but that notwithſtanding
"his Fidelity, and Duty, had ever fo ftoutly oppos'd his Intereſt,
and Paffion, that he rather chofe to furrender his Right to the
"Government of Provence, and (which was far more infup-
portable unto him) to quit the Field to his Enemies, than to
"make a longer refiftance, by joyning himſelf with Parties, and
"Factions, contrary to his Majelties Service, and Intereft. All
which in the end he made fo evident, that I cannot but admire, af-
ter ſo manifeft a juſtification by his Actions, any body could be
fo unjust, as to tax him with any intelligence with Spain. To
fortifie which ſo odious a Calumny, they ought at leaſt to have
prov'd, that he had receiv'd from thence, or by their means,
fome kind of Affiſtance in his Affairs; by whom, had he been
fecretly favour'd, would they have husbanded their favour fo ill,
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not to have drawn from him ſome effectual acknowledgement,
and return, by the giving up fome one at leaft of thofe places in
his cuftody into their hands? The fame Cardinal fays that he
had promis'd them Boulogne, though it was plain enough after-
wards, how far he was from any fuch purpoſe;that he had receiv'd
mony from Spain, and that he pretended for his excufe, it came
out of his own Bank at Milan,where himſelf had before laid it up;
and that the one, and the other were almoft equally criminal:
which were it true, no one could deny it to be a Crime. But to an
fwer to this point, I would fain know what he did contrary to his
Majefties Service,after he receiv'd this mony; and whether he was
afterwards obferv'd to favour that Faction more than before?No,it
was ſo much otherwiſe,that almoſt at the very fame time the Car-
dinal ſent this intelligence againſt him, he went in perſon to the
King, where he put himself into his Majefties hands, without Ar-
ticle, or Refervation, to be abfolutely at his difpofal. Would the
Spaniard have been thus tamely cheated of his mony, without
fpeaking, had he parted with ſucha Sum? would he not have pub-
lifh'd to all the world the Duke's infidelity, and unhandſome car-
riage? and would he not at leaſt have feiz'd upon that Bank, the
Cardinal'd' Offat writes of at Milan, for his reimburſement ?
Others have further added, that the Duke had a deſign to take
this opportunity of the Kingdoms diftraction, to make himſelf
a Sovereign Prince in Provence: but let any one confider, whether
B b
after
Anno
1596.
186
Book IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
Other Ca-
lumnies
Duke.
after having conceiv'd fo unjust, and fo unruly an ambition, he
1996. would not betimes, and before he had proceeded to matter of
Fact, have fortified himſelf by a correfpondency, and intelli-
gence with Foreign Princes, to have juftified his ufurpation? or
against the whether, in common difcretion, he would not have confedera-
ted himſelf with thoſe Factions at home that already brav'd the
lawful Authority? Yet is it most true,and it was evident to all the
world, that instead of doing the one, or the other, he fought with
all the power he had, and maintain'd the ſharpeft War he could
poffibly maintain, both against the Duke of Savoy, though back'd
with the Spanish Forces, and alſo against the League, of it ſelf ſuf-
ficient to have amaz'd a man of leſs conduct and refolution.It is ve-
ry true,that he would fain have kept, and maintain'd his Govern-
ment of Provence againft all pretenders,had it flood with the Kings
good liking; and that he was the longer before he could perfwade
himſelf to give it up,hoping at ſome time or other,that his Majeſty
reflecting upon his Services, might think him as worthy as any of
that Command:but at laft,finding his expectation vain, and all he
could do,or fay,ineffectual to the procuring of his Royal Confent,
he rather chofe to quit claim to a Title his Majefty would not be
prevaild with to approve, than by a longer obftinacy to oppof
his Maſters pleaſure to the prejudice of his own dury.
4
Some who can endure no truths, but fuch as are couch'd in the
worft Characters, and that call all things flattery, which are not
offence, may perhaps think me too zealous in the Duke's juſtifica-
tion but let fuch, before they too liberally determine; examine
the Arguments I have us'd in his behalf, whether there be in them
any thing forc'd, of uneafie to an unbyas'd judgment, or whether
any thing can be contradi&ed in all I have faid. It has been an ob-
ſervation (almoſt to a rule) that the lives of great Favourites have
ever been the objects of the hatred, and envy of their own times;
an injuſtice that deſcending upon the Duke, not only in the ufus
al forms of Calumny, but in an extraordinary ftile, and with
greater demonftrations of malice to him, and his reputation,
than to any other of this, or of almoft any other time before
him, I thought it a duty to truth, to him, and to pofterity (now
that time has laid open the falfity of thofe flanders, that have been
publiſh'd againſt him) to diſcover the true caufes,and reaſons why
he ſo long perfifted in the defence of his Government; and as far
as Lam able, at leaſt to reſcue thofe actions from obloquy, which
all difintereſted, and worthy men will, upon mature deliberation,
think worthy of all commendation and honour. A defign, which
as I have impartially undertaken, fo have I not herein made ufe
my own Arguments,but only made a faithful report of what I
of
have
BOOK IV. the Duke of Efpernon.
1847
;
have learn'd from the moſt unfufpected teftimony, gather'd out Anno
of the beſt Hiftorians, or receiv'd from the Duke's own mouth, 1596.
who muft of neceffity know the truth as well as any, and much
better than thoſe who writ at random of affairs: Neither do I ap-
prehend why, what he himſelf reported for the juftification of
thoſe actions which were fo unhappily interpreted ſhould not be
of as good authority for him, as what was publiſh'd to his
pre-
judice by men who were profeftly haters of his Perſon, and ap-
parently emulous of his Name, and Fortune.
Savoy,
The Duke of Efpernon, having (as has been faid) rejected all The Duke
of Efper-
propofitions made him by thoſe who were enemies to the King, non, reject-
would accept of no other protection, than what he expected from ing all of-
his Majefties Juftice, and Bounty, however incens'd againſt fers from
him. In which reſolution having fet up his reſt, he diſpatch'd Spain, and
away Guez his principal Secretary to the King, to carry him an the Duke of
affurance of his Fidelity, and Obedience; who being arriv'd at fubmits him-
Court, was prefented to his Majefty by the Marquifs de Roque- felf to the
laure, a man who in the Duke's fevereſt perfecution, and when King.
the tongue of calumny was moft bitter against him, had ever pre-
ferv'd for him a moſt entire, and conſtant Friendſhip, and who
had made no difficulty in his Majeſties greateſt Paffions (a time of
all other the moſt dangerous to difpute with Princes), to juftifie,
and undertake for his Friends integrity, and to uphold his intereſt
with an admirable, and never enough to be commended, con-
ſtancy. Guez, then was by him no fooner brought into the Kings
preſence, than his Majefty with a ſtern look preſently told him,
that if himſelf to whom he was fent had no greater a kindneſs
for him, than his Mafter had, who had fent him, he ſhould that
hour cauſe his head to be ftruck from his ſhoulders, and that he
much wonder'd a man of fenfe, as he was, durft come to him
from the Duke of Efpernon, whom he himself knew very well to
hold intelligence with his Enemies: To which Guez, who was
very well affur'd of the contrary, reply'd, that he would willingly
ſubmit to the puniſhment his Majefty was pleas'd to threaten, if
the Duke was guilty of thofe things whereof he ftood accus'd:
and that he came to his Majefty on the behalf of a Loyal Subject,
his moft-humble, and faithful Servant, who had rather choſen
to depend upon his Majefties Grace, and Favour, and to throw
himſelf at his feet without condition, than to accept of the moſt
advantageous offers, could by his Majefties Enemies be propos d
unto him. After which the King haying ask'd him if he might
rely upon his word,and Guez having by many proteftations con-
firm'd, what he before had ſaid, his Majefty refoly'd to receive
B b 2
the
A
}
188
BOOK IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
the Duke into his favour, and a few days after diſpatch'd away
1596. Mounfieur de Roquelaure himſelf,the Duke's moft intimate Friend,
to give him affurance, that he might with all freedom come to
Court, where from his Majefty he ſhould receive all the fatisfa-
ction he could expect, or defire,
receiv'd in-
The Duke, without infifting upon greater precaution, or other
fecurity, than what he found in his own Confcience, took his
journey to Court, and that with ſo abfolute a confidence in his
Majefties Royal Word, that he would not fo much as open the
Letters Mounfieur de Roquelaure brought him from the King;
but at his arrival reftor'd them to his Majefty, feal'd up as they
were fent: by which generous behaviour, excufes, and reaſons ha-
ving given his Majeſty full fatisfaction in all things, he receiv'd
The Duke him into an honourable degree of Favour, and ſoon after gave
of Efpernon him the Government of the higher, and lower Limousin,in recom-
to Favour. penfe of that of Provence: A charge in truth that held no pro-
portion with the other; but that nevertheless bordering upon
Xaintonge, Angoumois, and the Country of Aulins, which the Duke
already had, lay very convenient for him; and befides, by being
newly conferr'd upon him, gave the world to fee, that his Majefty
did not look upon him as a Rebel. The King gave him moreover
100000 Crowns to defray part of the expenle he had been at in
Provence, by which his Majefty feem'd to acknowledge it had
been there well employ'd, and it was affign'd him upon the Con-
voy of Bourdeaux. Thus did the Duke quit all his pretenfes in Pro-
vence, and remain'd at Court with the King.
A digreffion
I could here fpeak of the enterprize of Marfelles without dan-
ger of digreffion, it having been executed by the Duke of Guife,
Whilft the Duke of Efpernon was yet in Provence, and the rather
becauſe the Sieges of St. Tropes, and Oriol, which were then in
his poffeffion, ferv'd much to palliate the Duke of Guife's Defign:
but having no need to feek elſewhere, than in the particular acti-
ons of the Duke of Efpernon himſelf, to fwell the bulk of my Hi-
ftory, I fhall, how great and fhining foever that action was,
1
for-
bear to make a further mention of it; the Hiftorians of that time
having given accompts of it at large. And yet, whilft I omit the
main thing fo pertinent to my Story, I cannot forbear to menti-
ona remarkable circumftance, which I have from a very good
hand, and that I doubt not will be acceptable to my Reader,
though it be utterly from the matter of my Subject.
After the Duke of Guife had put an end to his enterprize, a
upon a re- fuccefs of the greatest glory to himſelf, and importance to the
State, that could poffibly have hapned at that time; he thought it
markable
paflage.
but
BOOK IV.
189
the Duke of Efpernon.
•
1
Anno
1596.
but reaſonable to enjoy the fruits of his Victory, by giving him-
felt a vacation from the hardships of War, to the fofter delights
of Liberty and Eafe; which made him feek out all the Diverfions
the Town could afford, that any way fuited with the appetite of
his youth and pleaſure. The chiefeft of which was the frequenta.
tion of a Gentlewoman in the City, of but moderate beauty, but
of ſo admirable a wit, as gave her, for a diftinction of excellency
above the other women of the City, the name of the Marfelles.
This Lady had formerly been a Miftrifs of the Duke of Efpernon's,
and was at this time highly courted by the Duke of Guife, with
whom the Duke being one night very pleaſant in her Lodging,
they there contriv'd a piece of mirth, which in the iffue very much
fail'd their expectation. Grillon Camp-Mafter to the Regiment of
Guards, a Gentleman of Provence, was reputed one of the bra-
veſt men of his time, and with good reaſon, the ſignal teftimo-
nies he had in a thouſand occafions given of his Valour approach-
ing nearer to the vanity of a Romance, than to the truth of feri
ous Hiſtory. This Gentleman, after the recovery of Marfelles, was
diſmiſs'd from the King to the Duke of Guife to be affifting to
him in his reputation, advice, and valour, for the confervation of
that place for his Majefty well knowing what a longing, and
watchful eye his Enemies had upon that City, and himſelf alfo
being very tender of fo important a place, would fpare no coſt,
nor omit no care to preferve it fafe, from any deſigns without, or
within by violence, or practices The Duke of Gaife then in the
height of his mirth calling to mind that Grillon was ordinarily
call'd * l' homme fans peur, thinking it not impoffible to fhew the *The mari
world he was capable of the Paffion of fear as well as other men, fer
and to make him loſe that name, with fome other young men of
his own gay humour about him, contrived to have an Alarm fud-
denly given under Grillon's window, as if the Enemy Kad entred
the Town,and at the fame time caufing two Horfes to be brought
to the door of his Lodging, runs himlelf up ftairs into his Cham-
ber,where with a counterfeited diftraction he haftily told him chất
all was loft, that the Enemy had made himſelf Maſter of the
Port, and of the City, that they had forc'd the Guards, difpers'd
and beaten all that could make head against him; and that no
more reſiſtance being to be made, he thought it better to retire,
than to add to their Enemies Victory by their own Ruine: that
therefore he was come to call him out, that they might make their
retreat together; to which purpoſe two Horles waited ready at:
the door of his Lodging, and that he defir'd him to make haft,
left they ſhould be ſurpriz'd by the Enemy before they could find
·
means
without
r
190
Book IV.
The Hiftory of the Life of
J
per-
Anno means to eſcape. Grillon, though he had been faſt aſleep at the be-
1596. ginning of this falle Alarm, and was yet ſcarce awake when the
Duke of Guife told him this ftory; yet, without being at all fur-
priz'd, he call'd for his cloaths, and his Arms, faying withal, that
too eafie credit was not to be given to reports in the tumult, and
confufion of Alarms; but, that fhould the intelligence prove
true, it were far more honourable to die with their Swords in
their hands, than to furvive the lofs of fuch a City which being
all the Duke of Guife could get from him, he not being to be
fwaded out of that refolution, they went together out of the
Chamber, when being in the middle of the ftairs, the Duke be-
ing able to hold no longer, burſt out into laughter: by which
Grillon underſtanding the Raillery, with a furious countenance
grafping the Duke by the Arm, and rapping out a terrible Oath,
the ufual preface to all his difcourfes, he faid, Young man,never
make it your ſport to try the Courage of a man of Honour; for by the
Death, hadft thou made in me a discovery of fear, or furprize, I would
have Stabb'd my Dagger into thy heart; and fo return'd back into
his Chamber, without more words.. This Story which I have
from a very good hand, a perſon of Quality, who had it from the
Duke of Guile s own mouth,I thought too remarkable to be over-
flipt: Neither do I think Grillon to be lefs efteem'd for this fally of
fury, which appears however to be wrap'd up in very good fenfe,
than in the conftancy of his courage, that would not confent. che
fhould retire from, or out-live the lofs of fo, important a City.
And fince I have spoken of the blafphemies that were fo frequent
in his mouth, I ſhall tell you what I have heard the Duke of Ef-
pernon lay, who had him long under his command; which is,
that many years before his death,though he had a perfect ftrength
and vigour in all his other parts, he had nevertheleſs for great a
weakneſs in his tongue, that he could not articulate, or bring out
one word that any body could underſtand. God being doubtless
pleas'd by a manifeft judgment to punifh him in that part, which
by ſo many Oaths and Blafphemies had fo often offended against
his Divine Honour, and moft Holy Namë.
7
+
The end of the First Parts
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THE
1
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
LIFE
OF THE
Duke of ESPERNON,
THE
GREAT FAVOURITE
O F
FRANCE.
+
ENGLISHED BY
CHARLES COTTON, Efq;
THAT
The Second Part.
Nihil eft aptius ad delectationem Lectoris, quàm temporum varietates, fortu
næque viciẞitudines: quæ etfi nobis optabiles in experiendo non fuerunt,
legendo tamen erunt jucundæ. Cic. Epiſt. 12. 1. 5.
LONDON,
Printed for Henry Brome, MDCLXX.
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1
THE.
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
THE SECOND PART.
2.5
The Fifth Book.
>
Anno
1596.
The poſture
HE Duke of Efpernon, having (as before is faid)
taken his leave of Provence, in the company of
the Marquifs of Roquelaure, foon after preſented
himſelf before his Majefty at Paris who was
then but newly return'd from his Voyage of Pi-
cardy: an expedition wherein he had met with
very various fuccefs, Fortune having plaid with both hands in the of Affairs
diſtribution of Honour and Difgrace. She had indeed fhew'd at the Duke
of Efpernon's
her ſelf favourable to him in the Enterprize of la Fere, a place, arrival at
that being one of the moſt important upon the Frontier, and ha- Court.
ving by the League been put into the Spandrels hands, had been
fo Fortified and Victualled by the new Poffeffors, that the King
judging it not to be recover'd by fine force, without the manifeft
lofs of an infinite number of good men, thought it better to
ftreighten it at a diſtance, by blocking up, and buildingForts up-
on all the Avenues, by which it could any way be fupply'd, or
reliev❜d,
}
L
མ」
192
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II.
Anno reliev'd, than to hazard his men by a nearer and more regular
1596. Siege; a way, that doubtlefs was the fafeft, and moft likely in the
end to fucceed: but as no Counſels are fo perfect, as to point
out the certain event of things, this way of proceeding prov'd fo
flow, as gave the Enemy in the interim time and opportunity to
bring about other defigns of fuch importance, as made the King
fick of the fuccefs of his own enterprize, even before it took
effect.
Albert Arch-Duke, and alſo Cardinal of Austria, was now
newly enter'd upon the Government of the hereditary Countries
of Flanders, from whence the King of Spain had lately call'd home
the Condé de Fuentes; a Prince, that ſtirr'd up by the emulation
of his Predeceffor's exploits (who the year before had won from
France le Catelet, Dourlens, and Cambray) had put on a reſolution
to do things, that'fhould as far out-fhine the Conde's lefs atchieve-
ments, as he himſelf, in Birth, and Quality was fuperior to him
in Name, and Perſon: wherefore, at his entring upon his com-
mand, having found the King fet down before la Fere, he
thought he could not give a more glorious beginning to his admi-
niſtration, than by force or policy to defeat that his Majefties de-
fign. An undertaking which for the difficulty and danger thereof,
was every way worthy the greatness of his mind; for the King
having foreſeen the Spaniard would infallibly attempt a relief, had
forgot nothing that might ferve to fruftrate their endeavours. His
Forces were great, his works about the place compleat, and per-
fect, and almoſt all the most experienc'd Captains of his King-
dom were come in from all parts, to attend his Majefties Perſon,
and to fignalize themſelves in fo brave an occafion: all which
being very well known to the Cardinal of Austria, he durft
not (notwithſtanding his earneſt defire to relieve that place) en-
gage his Army in fo dangerous an attempt, but rather hearken'd
to the Counfels of fuch as more warily advis'd to raiſe that Siege,
by an attempt upon ſome other place of a greater, or no lefs-im-
portance.
4
Amongst the many opinions that were deliver'd in the Cardi-
nals Council above this Affair, the ill Fortune of France would
have the counſel of a Frenchman to prevail; that by the
procure-
ment of one of her own Sons, this Kingdom might receive the
greateft difhonour it could poffibly fuftain. And this was the ad-
vice of Rhojne a Gentleman born in Champagne upon the Fron
tiers of Lorain, one, who having in the infancy of the League
devoted himſelf to the Duke of Guife, and done him many fig-
nal fervices in his life; after his death perfevering in the evil caufe
he
+
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
193
*
Anno
1596.
he had before embrac'd, had put himſelf under the Duke of
Mayenne, and fo far his too violent zeal to Religion; or the error
of his judgment (which might be deluded amongst the reft) were
rather to be excus'd, and pittied, than his carriage abfolutely to be
condemn'd: but after the Duke of Mayenne was reduc'd to rea-
ſon, and had given up his caufe, his yet engaging himſelf with
the King's moſt implacable enemies made it manifeft to all, that
his turbulent ſpirit would ſtick at no miſchief he could any ways
effect againſt his Prince and Country. This man then difcredit-
ing in the Cardinals Council all the diverfions had been there
propos'd, as by making an attempt upon St. Quintin, Montreuille,
Boulogne, or Guife, gave advice to fall upon Calice, at the fame
time offering himſelf to be the man that would undertake, and
accompliſh the defign. A propofition of fo high, and generous A defign up.
a nature, that the Cardinals ambition, which was bent npon
ſome noble atchievement, being fir'd thereby, he was afterwards
deaf to all other Counfels and fo wholly bent upon an en-
terprize ſo ſuitable to the greatneſs of his mind, that without fur-
ther delay he gave immediate order to difpofe all things for the ex-
ecution of that defign. To which end his Army was forthwith
drawn into the Field, and there divided into three feveral bodies,
to amuſe the King, and to keep him in doubt of the courſe he in-
tended to fteer: a policy not very neceffary to the concealment
of his defign, it being impoffible any one could imagine he durft
fo much as meditate the thoughts of an enterprize, which, to
all mens aſtoniſhment, he fo fuddenly effected, that the King had
no fooner intelligence of his motion, but that withal news was
brought him of the loſs of the place.
5
Bidoffan Governour of Calice, furpriz'd with fo unexpected a
Siege, was in a few days reducd to fo great an extremity, that he
was forc'd to diſpatch a Poft to the King, to acquaint his Majeſty
with the Articles of his capitulation, which was to make a pofi-
tive ſurrender, if within fix days he was not reliev'd: at which
unhappy, and unexpected news, his Majefty being beyond all
expreffion afflicted, he advanc'd with all diligence as far as Bou-
logne, in hope that the convenient vicinity of that place would
give him fome opportunity or other to fend in fome relief to the
beſieged before the time of limitation ſhould expire: neither did
he fail to try all poffible ways by which he conceiv'd it might be
done; but all in vain, the contrary winds by Sea, and the Ene-
mies vigilancy by Land ftill fruftrating what ever endeavour he
could ufe: when one fole Servant of the Duke of Efpernon's
had the good hap beyond all humane expectation to put himſelf
C c
into
I
194
PARTII
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
A remark-
able action
of Campag
ns'.
* Or youn-
ger Bro-
ther.
4
into the place, Fortune being (it ſhould ſeem) reſolv'd by the per-
1596. formance of one of his Servants to confer upon the Mafter,
though abſent, the honour of the braveft exploit that pafs'd upon
this occafion. The man whoſe reſolution was fo eminent in this
affair, was commonly call'd the black * Cadet, a Gentleman of
the houſe of Campagnol, who bravely undertook, and as bravely
perform'd the Action. His elder Brother by the Duke's Favour,
was preferr❜d to be Captain of a Company in the Regiment of
Guards, and his own Lieutenant in the Government of Boulogne,
as this alſo had a Company in the Regiment of Picardy, with
which he had likewife been gratified by the Dukes Bounty. This
Gentleman no fooner receiv'd intelligence of the Enemies motion
towards Calice, but that he immediately repair'd to his Brother at
Boulogne, where he was at his Majefties arrival there, and where
his courage not permitting him to fit ftill in fo general a confter-
nation, as appear'd in all perfons about the King, he made a vo-
luntary offer of himſelf to paſs through the Enemies Guards into
the Town of Calice with any number of men his Majefty
would pleaſe to commit to his charge, or to perifh in the attempt.
The valour of the man was ſo well try'd, and known, that the
King doubted not in the leaft of his performance to the utmoſt of
* Cardinal what could by man be done: but the danger was fuch, * that
his Majefty was very unwilling to expoſe ſo brave a Gentleman to
fo manifeft a ruine; yet fuch was his importunity, and the occa-
fion of fuch importance, that at laft three hundred men only were
affign'd him, with which, by the favour of the night, and his own
good conduct, he arriv'd ſafe at Calice, without the lofs of fo much
as any one man; fo that certainly had he carried a more confider
able number of men, the Town had been fav'd: but as the cafe
then ſtood he muft content himſelf with the honour of his own
bravery, without reaping any other benefit from the fuccefs of
his attempt. The term of fix days being expir'd, the Enemy ſent
to fummon the Town to a furrender, according to the Articles of
Capitulation betwixt them; to which fummons they had no
other return than this, that the befieg'd were now acquit of their
promiſe, and that they had receiv'd a relief; an anſwer at which
Rhosne being more enrag'd than the Arch-Duke himſelf, he pre-
fently caus'd the Cannon to play with greater fury, than at any
time before during the Siege; when a fufficient breach being made,
he prepar'd the Army for a general affault. The affault was ac
cordingly given, in the beginning of which Bedoſſan being flain,
Campagnol took upon him his Authority, and Command, giving
the Enemy after two hours ſharp fight a brave, and notable re-
Bentiveglio
De i hou.
pulfe
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
195
ur
1596.
pulfe, which notwithstanding the breach was fo wide as was im- Anno
poffible long to be defended, by fo few men as he had left; which
made the Enemy by frequent Meflages often put him in mind of
what he himſelf knew as well as they, by repreſenting to him the
deſperate condition the place was in, and his own inevitable ruine
'fhould he longer perfift in his defenſe, offering him at the ſame
time conditions of Honour, and Advantage if he would deliver
up the Town: but all to no purpofe, he had not put himſelf in-
to that place with ſo much hazard of his life to depart thence in ſo
great fecurity: the affault therefore was again renew'd, and the
Enemy again beaten back: but coming up the third time with
greater fury than ever before, and bringing up ftill freſh Compa-
nies to fucceed thoſe who were beaten off, Campagnol's men were
in fine overcome by numbers, and conſtrain'd to retire; a thing
their Captain fcorn'd to do, who, though alone and aban-
don'd byall, ftill fought with the fame courage, and vigour, when
his reſiſtance, how brave foever, being too weak to ftop the tor-
rent of a victorious crowd, he was at laſt rather overwhelm'd
than overcome, and by a multitude taken priſoner: with this
reſemblance nevertheleſs betwixt his honour and difgrace, that, as
he had appear'd ſingle in the defenſe of the Town, fo was he allo
alone in his impriſonment, the Enemy killing all that fled before
them without humanity, or refpect of perfons, excepting of his,
who had ſo undauntedly ſtood alone in his defenſe, wherein his
Vertue was his refuge. D'Avila attributes this Action to the Sieur
de Matelet, whom he qualifies Governour of Foix, although
Cardinal Bentivoglio in his defcription of this Siege, Mounfieur de
Thou, and D'Aubigné make no mention of any fuch man. Yet it
is true that Matelet had fo great a fhare in the buſineſs, as ought
not to be paſs'd over without its due report of honour; for the
King having commanded him with an hundred Gentlemen of
his Court to cut his way through the Enemies Army during the
heat of the Affault, and to put himſelf into the Town, it was no
fault of his that his Majefty fail'd of his defire: he did what was
by valour to be done, though he was not fo fortunate as to per-
form his Majeſties command; neither was the Enemies Army fo
thin, but that they had men enough to maintain the Aſſault, and
at the fame time to intercept fuch petty fuccours as thofe : fo that
thoſe hundred Gentlemen were almoft all cut to pieces with very
little refiftance; a panick fear having made them blind to their
own fafety, and honour, excepting Matelet, who bravely fighting
as fortunately eſcap'd.
Thus was Calice loft, the King himſelf in a manner looking
C C 2
on ;
196
PART II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
ما
Anno
on;
after which Guines and Ham were carried without refiftance:
1596. fucceffes with which Rofne being yet unlatisfied,he had moreover
the confidence to undertake the Siege of Ardres, which the fame
day that la Fere was ſurrendred to the King, furrendred alſo to
him; as if he had been in fee with Fortune, and that ſhe had been
oblig'd to give him all the refpite was neceffary for the execution
of his Deſigns for in effect, the fame day that concluded the Car-
dinals Conqueſts, had in all probability determin'd of his honour,
and put a ruinous period to all his Affairs, had his fucceffes gone
on with never fo little a flower pace.
}
Anno
The King in the whole courfe of his life, was never perhaps
1597. more aſtoniſh'd, and afflicted, than at theſe difgraces; and his
great ſpirit was prone enough to prompt him on to an immedi-
ate revenge, by obftinately lettling himself to the recovery of the
Places he had lately loft, fince the Cardinal's fudden retreat had
put him out of all poffibility of fighting: but his prudence lay-
ing before him the difficulty of the enterprize, he rather choſe to
give his Army fome refreſhment, which had been tir'd out with
the tedious Siege of la Fere, than anew to expoſe them to other
dangers, and fuch as were like enough to be the ruine of them all.
Wherefore having diftributed them into the moft commodious
quarters upon the Frontier, to be in readineſs againſt the next fair
feafon, he left the Marefchal de Biron to command them, with
order upon the firſt opportunity,to enter into the Enemies Coun-
try, and to make them feel his Majefties Arms, whilſt himſelf re-
tir'd to Paris, to confult with his Subjects, about the means he
was to purſue in the vindication of his own, and the Nations ho-
nour, for the Attempts the Enemy had made upon his Crown,
and Kingdom.
The King being come to Paris, and either not expecting, or
not finding that readiness, or ability he expected in his own peo-
ple; who having been harraf'd, and impoverish'd with paft mif-
chiefs, were now very unfit to fupply him with mony, propor-
tionable to the greatness of his deſigns: he faw he muft of ne-
neceffity have recourfe to Strangers, his ancient Confederates, and
Allies to which purpoſe he difpatch'd away Ambaffadors to
Elizabeth Queen of England, to the States of Holland,
fome Princes of Germany; during which Negotiations, the
Pope, who from the month of September, 1595. had given the
King Abſolution in the perfons of Messieurs du Perron and d'Of-
Jat, his Majefties Agents at Rome, defiring now to fee an effectual
re-eſtabliſhment of the Catholick Religion in France, and a re-
formation of fuch abuſes as were crept into the Church, during
and to
the
I
197
BOOK V. the Duke of Eſpernon.
$
J
outthe
Anno
France.
the diſorders of the Kingdom, refolv'd upon fending a Legat at
this time, to appoint what was neceffary to be done for his entire 1597.
fatisfaction. Neither was this the only, though the principal end The Pope
of this difpateh, this good, and holy Pope having further a de- fends his
fign to fet on foot a Treaty of Accommodation betwixt the two Legat into
Crowns; conceiving he did not fully diſcharge the Duty of the
Common Father of Chriftians, if, after having given repofe to
the King's Conſcience, he did not alſo procure a good, and laft-
ing Peace, betwixt two the greateſt Princes of the Holy Church.
To this good end Cardinal de Medicis the Pope's Legat fail'd
not, according to his Inftructions, fo foon as he arriv'd in
France, to offer fome propofitions of Reconciliation betwixt the
two Crowns; which, though well receiv'd by the King, yet did
they not hinder him from making his preparations for a Imart,and
vindictive War: he had (as has been laid) renew'd his Alliances
with his Confederates, and had further call'd an Affembly of ſe-
veral the moſt intelligent perfons of his Kingdom,by their joynt
advice to find out the most eafie, and indifferent ways of raifing
mony upon his people for the proſecution of the War; which Af
ſembly, by reaſon of the Plague which was that year exceeding
rife in Paris, being not conveniently there to be Aſſembled,
Majeſty transferr❜d it to Roan, where they opened their Seffion in An Affem-
October, and continued it to the beginning of the enfuing year.
The Duke of Efper non had the honour to attend his Majeſty in
this Voyage, and was alio made privy to whatsoever paſs'd in
the Affembly, where many grave directions were propos'd for
the Reformation of feveral Abuſes that were practis'd in all parts
of the Kingdom; but very little fatisfaction to the King concern-
ing mony, which was the main defign in calling that Affembly,
rather than reformation of abuſes: which notwithſtanding his
Majeſty wounded with the grief of his loffes, what by husband-
ing his Revenue, what by leſſening his Expenſe, by augmentati-
ons upon his Farms, and other extraordinary ways made ſhift to
get up ſuch a ſtock, as was enough to fet a powerful Army on
foot, and fuch a one as ſhould be fufficient to repair all his former
diſgraces...
his
After the diffolution of this Affembly, his Majefty retiring
himſelf for ſome indifpofition into the Air of the Country, the
Duke of Efpernon conceiv'd he could not take a fitter opportunity
than this, to ask leave to go look after his own particular Affairs,
and to fettle his Governments in a poſture of Security, and Obe-
dience; a requeſt.no fooner made to the King, but that he gave
his free confent, difmiffing the Duke with all demonftration of
reſpect
bly at Roan.
198
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno refpect and kindneſs; and then it was that his Patent was feal'd
1597. for the Government of Limousin, inſtead of Provence, and dated
at Folembray, a houſe of Pleaſure, to which his Majefty had re-
tir'd himſelf to provide for his health at greater liberty and caſe.
With this new Commiffion the Duke then departed from Court
towards Angoulefme, where his Children were bred, which he
had ſcarce feen fince their Birth, efpecially the youngest whom he
had never ſeen; a motive of it felf fufficient for a longer Journey:
but neither the repofe the Duke intended to take, nor the vacati
on his Majefty intended to give, were of any long continuance;
for he was ſcarce arriv'd at Angouleme, when he receiv'd a Dif
patch under the Kings own hand (his Majefty not at all thinking
it below his Greatnefs,that his Nobility fhould receive the Honour
of his Commands immediately from himſelf) wherein he acquain-
ted him with the furprizal of Amiens, as alfo of his refolution
fuddenly to fit down before it, for the recovery of fo important
a place at the fame time conjuring him to make all poffible
hafte to come, and ſerve him in ſo glorious an occafion.
I ſhall not here enlarge my felf in a relation of this furprize, it
being an action that made fo much noife at that time, and that
*He is call'd gave to great a reputation to Hernando-Telles Portocarrero, who
by Jean de was the contriver and executor of it, that there is ſcarce any Hi-
Serres, Her- ftorian of our own, or any other Nation, who has not particu-
larly infifted upon'this, above any other enterprize of the like na-
ture; wherein they all agree that it was a defign the beſt contriv❜d,
the bravelieft carried on, and the moft fortunately perform'd of
any whatever of that kind.
noul Teitio.
el
The nearness of this place to Paris, it being but three little days
journey from thence, having alarm'd the Farifians to fuch a de-
gree, that they thought the Spaniard already at their Gates, begat
fuch clamours, and publick complaints amongſt the people, that
every one made very bold with the Royal Name, acculing the
King, as if he had held intelligence with the Enemy, and as if
he alone were the Author of this mifchance: fo that as if his Ma-
jefty had not been fufficiently afflicted with the lofs of this City
(which more concern'd him, than them all) he muſt alſo endure
the unjuft reproaches of his Subjects; the little refpite he had ta-
ken for the recovery of his health, paffing, in minds prepoffefs'd
with fear, for fupineneſs, and floth; and his love to the Dut-
chefs of Beaufort giving every one occafion to cenfure, and con-
demn his Paffions, by which, they ſaid, he lay buried in negli
gence, and pleaſure, whilft the Enemy was in action, taking,and
furprizing his beſt Towns, and Cities,
It
BOOK V.
199
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
Anno
It was therefore neceſſary for the King without further delay to
betake himſelf_again to Arms, and that (equally ſtirr'd up by 1597.
his own immediate danger, and the clamours of his people he
fhould abandon the care of his health, to go expofe his life to
che hazards of War and Sickneſs. It was upon the tenth day of
March, "that" Amiens had been furpriz'd, upon notice whereof, his
Majefty without lofs of time, had writ to the Marefchal de Biron,
(who (as has been faid) he had left upon the Frontier) that he
fhould with all expedition, gather the Army together, and to fit
down before Amiens to begin the Siege. A command that could
not have been ſent to a more diligent, a braver, or more able
Souldier; and one, who fo well knew how to manage fuch En-
gines, and provifions of War, as the King (who himself was
advanc'd as far as Corbie) had taken care to fend him;that his Ma-
jeſty at his arrival before the place found nothing wanting, or un-
done he could at a diftance have defir'd; or have order'd him-
felf, had he been there in perfon. A diligence his Majefty did
highly, and publickly commend, giving the Marefchal a very no-
ble Character for the progreſs he had made in his works, and ap-
proaches, which could not have been perform'd by any with
greater care, courage, and conduct, according to all the Rules
and Difcipline of War, Neither is it to be denied, but that Bi-
ron ferv'd the King as bravely, as is to be imagin'd upon this oc-
cafion: wherein he alſo knew well enough, if not too well, his
own merit; his brave Service in this, and other occafions having
rais'd him to that degree of prefumption, and infolence, that he
afterwards, by his faucy reproaches to the King his Maſter, de-
priv'd himſelf of thoſe Honours, and Rewards, his Valour might
otherwife, with great juftice have expected; and his vanity con-
verting thoſe actions,which modeftly carried would have been his
immortal glory, into the inftruments of his diſgrace, and ruine :
of which in its due place I fhall give a more full accompt, as allo
of every circumftance that helpt to precipitate him into thoſe
misfortunes whereinto he afterwards fell: and that because his
Interefts went, for many years hand in hand, with thofe of the
Duke of Efpernon, they two being link'd together in an extraor-
dinary ftrict League of Affection, and Friendſhip.
:
The King during his abode at Corbie, having taken care to fend
fuch numbers of men, as the Marefchal de Biron ſtood in need
of for carrying on the Siege, return'd back to Paris, there to take
order about Artillery for the Leaguer, and mony for the ſupport
of his Army; when all things being ready in June, his Majefty
accompanied with the Duke of Montpenfier, the Count de Soiffons,
the
200
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1597.
comes to the
King at
Amiens.
the Conftable de Montmorency, the Duke of Mayenne, the
Prince of Joinville, and many other Lords of great quality,
advanc'd himself to the Siege. Cardinal Bentivoglio, who is very
exact in the deſcription of this Leaguer, has, amongst the reft,
nam'd the Duke of Espernon for one of thoſe who attended his
Majeſty in this expedition: a miſtake I do not fo much wonder
at in him, who of neceffity muſt take many things upon truſt,as
I do at d'Avila, who fays the fame thing, and yet pretends to have
been preſent, and wounded at this Siege; when it is moft certain
the Duke was not there. I would not willingly deprive him of
any honour is his due; neither would I attribute to him contrary
to the known truth, things wherein he had no fhare: but the
truth is, the Duke was fo long in making his preparation, and
would come in fo handſome an equipage to the Army, that it
was two days after the furrender of the place,before he came up to
The Duke the King: perhaps one of the worst occurrences, and that did
of Efpernon him the greateft prejudice of any that befel him in his whole life;
it being certain, that if, in this expedition, he had by greater di-
ligence exprefs'd to his Majefty the real Paffion he had for his Ser-
vice, he had fo blotted out of his memory, all former jealoufies,
and diſcontents, that no ill office could ever after have done him
harm: whereas his Enemies took now occafion to poffefs the King,
that he had either ſtaid to expect the iſſue of this Siege, to make
his own uſe of ſuch diſorders in the State, as muft neceffarily at-
tend any ill fuccefs; or that (at the beſt) he had a mind the Roy-
al Affairs ſhould fall into the laſt neceffity, by that means to put
greater value upon his own Service: So that although he arriv'd
very ſeaſonably for the recruit of the Royal Army, very much
tir'd, and worn out with the length of the Siege, and that he
brought along with him 300. Horſe, an hundred and fifty Har
quebufiers on horfeback, and four Regiments of Foot, as well
equipt as men could be: yet was not his reception fuch, as he
had good reaſon to expect, his zeal to the Service having made
him loſe the honour of the Service it felf. It was nevertheleſs but
two days after the King's entry into Amiens, that the Duke came
up to the Army; by which it appears he did not in his Govern-
ment lie expecting the event of the Siege, having been a month
upon his March; neither did he long lie idle after he was come,
for ambitious by fome notable Action to make amends for his
A furprize former default, he meditated a furprize upon Arras an enter-
prize that having been communicated to Marefchal Biron,the man-
ner of it was foon concluded on betwixt them, and as foon con-
fented to by the King, who by his own preſence would favour the
fuccefs.
defign'd up-
On Arras.
on
;
His
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
201
;
His Majeſty after the furrender of Amiens ftaid no longer there Anno
than was requifite for the ceremony of his entry, but put him-
him- 1597
ſelf immediately in purſuit of the Enemy; to let them fee, that
notwithſtanding he had been ſo drain'd of men, he was yet
ſtrong enough to remove the Scene of War to their own doors;
when, being advanc'd with his Army as far as Arras, the Duke
of Efpernon took thofe Forces he had brought, and advanc'd to
give a Scalado to a Fort, that was a little feparated from the main
wall of the City; which he affaulted with fuch vigour and
bravery in his own perſon, that his men encourag'd by his exam-
ple foon made themſelves mafters of the place. A fuccefs that
gave the Inhabitants, and Garriſon of Arras fo great an Alarm,
that they all ran to that fide to beat the Duke back, and to fecure
that part of their Walls; where betwixt them the conflict grew
fo hot, that the Marefchal de Biron, who was at the fame time to
Petarre one of the Gates of the City, had all leiſure to perform it,
without any danger from the Curtain. And accordingly his firſt
Petard play'd, and to fo good effect, that it laid all flat, which
fhut up the Raveline: The ſecond beat down the Draw-Bridge,
and carried away the bottom of the Portcullice it felf, though by
the Petard's being fixt too low, the perpendicular Bars remain'd
yet long enough to defend the paffage, when the third Petard being
brought up (which doubtless had it play'd, had put an end to the
Difpute) and the Engineer juft ready to give fire, he was from
the top of the Gate taken upon the head with a ftone; by which
blow Man and Engine were both beaten headlong into the
Ditch: an accident by which they were put to look out for an-
other, but in vain. there being never another to be found. In the
mean time the Duke of Efpernon, who was ftill fighting with the
Enemy, had no little to do to make head against the Forces of fo
great, and populous a City, which nevertheleſs he bravely did
until the Marefchal de Biren lending him word of his misfortune,
defir'd him to retire, as himſelf was conſtrain'd to do for want of
a fourth Petard.
Aubigné is the man, of all our Hiftorians that makes mention Aubigné.
of this Enterprize, where he adds one thing that is very remark
able, and very true, and that is, that the Marefchal enrag'd to the
laſt degree, at the miſcarriage of fo brave a defign, went up and
down curfing, and ſwearing, and railing at the King before all the
Army, and almoft to his own face, that he had made him fail
in the conqueft of fo important a place for want of a Petard, ac-
cufing him of Avarice, where his Honour and Safety were con-
cern'd, whilft he was prodigiouſly Profufe in the entertainment
D d
of
1
1
{
202
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
of his Miſtriſſes,and in the procurements of his own defires: Lan-
1597. guage, that, how indifcreetly foever spoken, was maliciouſly
enough foon convey'd to the King's ear, and which I have heard
the Duke fay, perhaps fowed the firft feeds of hatred in his Ma-
jeſties heart againſt him: Neither did the Duke fail, like a true
friend, to conjure him into a better government of his paffion,
left his wild tongue might at fome time or other, be the inftru-
ment of his own ruine; although whatever power he might have
with him in other things, (as with a man that ftill mindful of the
Duke's paſt obligations, when his favour had given him many
opportunities to expreſs his affection to him, was much at his de-
votion) yet could he never fo govern the unbridled fierceneſs of
his nature; but that he would break often out into extravagancies
of that kind.
Anno
As the furprizal of Amiens had fufpended all propofitions of
1598. Peace, that had before been preferr'd by the Pope's Legat, fo did
the retaking of it (almoſt of courſe) ſet them again on foot; for
the Spaniard ſeeing he had not been able to keep a place of that
importance when he had it in his hands, and apprehending by
that, the King's Power (which had been fufficiently manifeſted at
this Slege) would now extend it felf into their own Territories,
to the danger of their ſtrongeſt, and beſt Towns, of themſelves
renew'd the interrupted Treaty of Peace; in order whereunto,
the Deputies of both Crowns being met at Vervins, it was there,
to their common fatisfaction happily concluded.
That which I obſerve to be moſt remarkable in this Peace, is,
that the King, what neceffity foever there was upon him of re-
gulating the diforders of his own Kingdom, which were many
(a thing neuer to be well done in the confufions of War) would
notwithſtanding never confent his Deputies fhould meet to Treat,
till first the King of Spain had given him affurance, that all the
places had been taken from him in this laft War fhould be re-
ftor'd: His Majefty choofing rather to expoſe his Perſon, and
Kingdom to the uncertain event of another War, than that his
Crown fhould fuffer the leaft prejudice by a Treaty of Peace;
and although he had hitherto been the lofer, yet did his courage
nake him hope ſo well of his Fortune, as to believe he ſhould in
the end bring her over to his own fide. So brisk an Article as this
at firft dafh, and before the King would proceed to any
Treaty, it is to be fuppos'd would ftartle the Spanish Gravity, and
muſt reaſonably meet with great difficulty, as it did in the Coun-
cils of War, and Privy Council of Spain, it being evident that,
in this demand, the King would impofe upon them who were
further
1
the
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
203
The peace
the Conquerors the fame conditions he ſhould have done, had Anno
they been already overcome, which made it fuffer a long Debate, 1598.
though at laft it was condefcended to; and that being granted, no
other difficulties were likely to arife: fo that this happy Peace concluded
was Concluded, and Sign'd by the Commiffioners on both fides, at Vervins.
the ſecond of May 1598. By the Articles of this Treaty the King
was to restore the County of Charolois, to the King of Spain, to
be by him held of the Crown of France; who in exchange re-
ftor'd the Towns of Calice, Ardres, Montbulin, Dourlens, la Capelle,
and le Catelet in Picardy, and Blavet in Britanny: which Articles
were Ratifi'd, and Sign'd by his Majeſty the eleventh of June;
who in gayety of humour, at ſo happy a conclufion, told the
Duke of Efpernon, That with one dash of his Pen he had done greater
things, than he could of a long time have perform'd with the best Swords
of bis Kingdom.
Duke of
This Peace was no fooner concluded, but that the Court put
on a Face far different from that wherewith it had appeared when
fhaded, and overcaft, with the tumult and trouble of War and
Buſineſs nothing now was to be feen, but State, and Luftre;
nor was any thing now thought on, but Feafting, and Mirth,
which alſo was much added to, by the celebration of feveral Mar-
riages, which were at this time confummate betwixt fome per-
fons of the greateft quality of the Kingdom: For Katharine the The Marri
King's only Sifter was Married to the Duke of Bar, Son to age of the
the Duke of Lorain, and Henry of Bourbon Duke of Montpenfier Montpensier
Married Katharine de joyeuſe, with many other Marriages betwixt with Katha
Perfons of great Quality, that were alſo folemniz'd at the fame euſe, now
time: but it not being my defign to meddle with thoſe wherein Dutchefs of
Grife, and
the Duke of Efpernon was not immediately concern'd, Ifhall on- Niece to the
ly infift upon that of the Duke of Montpenfier who contracting Duke of Ef-
himſelf to fo near a Relation of the Duke's, that he, in a man-
ner fupply'd the place of a Father to her, it will be neceffary I
fhould fay fomething of the reaſons, and conclufion of this par-
ticular Match.
The King fince the Duke's return from Provence, had never
exceeded to him the favour of meer juftice; he had, it is true, left
him free in the enjoyment of his Offices, his Eftate, and Degree,
without doing him any the leaſt injury in any thing that was his
juft, and immediate right: But as to the reft, his Majefty not
being able to forget his foremention'd diſcontents against him,
he thought he did him a fignal favour, in that he forbore to do
him any publick difgrace. In this condition, the Duke, who faw
himſelf feated at Court in a ſtation far inferiour to that wherein
Dd z
he
rine de Foy~
pernon
204
PARTIL
The Hiflory of the Life of
ما
Anno he had formerly been, fuffer'd not a little in his own bofom from
1598. the King's coldness, and indifferency to him: yet concealing his
diſcontent with the true refpect he ought to pay his Prince, and
Mafter, he avoided, at leaft, all occafions (the only refuge of a ſu-
ſpected Miniſter) that might any way bring him into a greater
difgrace: Yet even in this condition his fortune would not forfake
him, who,when all other means feem'd to be loft, that could pro-
bably restore him to any degree of his former profperity, fprung
him a new tide to his ftranded greatneſs, and fuch an one, as not
only lifted him off thofe fands wherein he was like to fink, and
perish, but rais'd him again to fuch a reputation, as was no little
fupport to his declining name, and power.
Katharine de foyeufe (whom I have already nam'd) was only
Daughter and Heir to the Count de Bouchage, and Katharine de No-
garet, and de la Valette, the Duke of Efpernon's Sifter; a young
Lady, that befides the advantages of her Birth, and Beauty, was
allo Miftrift of very great poffeffions,having to her paternal Eftate
added that of the great Favourite the Duke of Joyeuse, as ſhe alſo
was in expectation of that of the Cardinal de Foyeufe her Uncle;
which reckon'd altogether muft needs make up fo vaft an eftate,
as muft without difputé, entitle her the greatest Fortune of
France. The Duke of Montpenfier likewiſe, as born a Prince of the
Blood, was alſo in high confideration, wherein the advantage of
his Fortume concurr'd with the eminency of his Birth, he having
alone a greater Revenue,than all the other Princes of the Blood: to
which his Valour, Liberality, and Courtefie,with other good qua-
lities he was Mafter of, had rais'd him to a very great efteen with
the King, and made him no leſs a Favourite to the People: fo
that he was not only the Aim and Ambition of the beſt Matches
of France; but ftood alfo in the profpect of fome Forein Princes:
Amongſt theſe the Duke of Lorain proceeded fo far, as to offer
him his Daughter (who was afterwards Married to the Duke of
Cleve's) with eight hundred thouſand Crowns to her Dowry: a
propofition that, being debated in the Duke of Montpenfier's
Council, was very much lik'd of by fome of his Servants, who
advis'd him to prefer this Match to the other Inheretrix of the
Houfe of Joyeuse; the fortune of the laft, being part of it yet de-
pending; whereas the offers of the Duke of Lorain being prefent,
and effectual, would very much advance his Affairs, and eſtabliſh
his greatness at great liberty and cafe. I have been inform'd, and
that by a perfon of Quality, who was confulted about this bufi-
nels, that one main reafon which induc'd this Prince to prefer
Madamoiſelle de Joyeuse before the other, was the confideration of
the
BOOK V.
305
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
J
Anna
the Duke of Epernoil, becauſe in marrying her, he conceiv'd he
fhould at the fame time efpoufe her Uncles Interefts; from whofe 1598.
Authority he promis'd to himſelf greater affiftance, and fupport,
than from any other Peer of the Kingdom. A confideration that,
prevailing above all other with the Duke of Montpenfier, difpos'd
him determinately to refolve upon this Match, to which, by a
particular liking, he was before enclin'd. Wherefore having
without further deliberation caus'd it, by fome Friends of his,
to be propos'd to the Duke of Efpernon, the motion was by him,
who took it for a great honour, receiv'd with all imaginable re-
ſpect, and as readily confented to by which the Duke being
encourag'd, proceeded further to move it to the King himself;
not without fome apprehenfion nevertheless, that the averfion
his Majefty daily diſcover'd to the Duke might raiſe ſome diffi-
culties at the firft overture of his defign, though his fear prov'd
vain: for his Majeſty ſeeing it would be a Match of conſiderable
advantage to his Kinſman, and in his heart acknowledging the
Duke of Efpernon to be a Subject of great merit, though, for
ſome private diſcontents, not very acceptable to himſelf, was not
unwilling to oblige both the one, and the other, by giving his
free conſent.
+
+
By this Marriage the Duke of Efpernon's Affairs were not a
little improved, and if, on the one fide, he (by the confiderati-
on of his deſert) had preferr'd his Niece before the Daughter of a
Sovereign Prince; the on the other fide, by a very good return
was acquit of that obligation, by introducing her Uncle into the
relation and ſupport of a great Prince of the Blood, by whoſe
means he was ſoon after honour'd with a very near alliance to
the Royal Family.
1599.
The Feastings, and other entertainments of the Court, did Anno
not fo wholly take up the King, that his Majefty was not never-
theleſs very intent upon his Affairs, he had a mind to ſee an end
of the Treaty with Savoy, which was not yet diſpatch'd, though
it had been compriz'd in the Peace concluded betwixt the two
Crowns at Vervins: The Duke of Savoy had defir'd ſome re-
ſpite to confider before he would Seal; which having been gran-
ted to him, and he not being able to perfwade himself to the re-
ftitution of thoſe places he had, contrary to the publick Faith,
furpriz❜d during the diſorders of the State, as by the Articles of
the Treaty he had been oblig'd to do: he had no mind, to put a
thing to Arbitration he was certain that way never to obtain, and
that he was likewiſe refolv'd never to part withal. The Pope
whom himſelf had nam'd Arbiter of all differences betwixt the
King
206
PART II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anne
1599.
King, and him, was ſo far diſoblig'd by the diffidence he
had manifefted of his equal judgment (which the Duke had cun-
ningly publifhd to that end) that his Holineſs had excus'd himſelf
from intermedling any more betwixt them; a thing that having
fall'n out according to the Duke of Savoy's hearts defire,he reſolv❜d
now upon a Journey into France, to try if by his fubmiffions to
the King, his dexterity with his Minifters, or his liberalities in
his Court, he could not procure, or purchaſe that, to which he
could with no fhew of equity otherwiſe pretend: but all his po-
licy prov❜d vain, and his hopes were deluded, as they were like
to be in a Court where the King himſelf was alone the greateſt,
and wifeſt part of the Council; he muſt firſt corrupt him, or at
leaft very much deceive him, before he could perfwade him to
conſent to any thing prejudicial to his Crown, and Honour. The
Duke of Savoy then, being able to effect nothing by artifice, re-
folv'd at laſt upon returning into his own Dukedom: yet, that
his Journey might not be altogether without fruit, he firft caus'd
the Marefchal de Biron to be dealt withal, a man whom he con-
ceiv'd his many diſcontents had laid open to his temptation; and
him he firſt taſted by Lafin, the fame who had made himſelf a
Mediator betwixt the Duke of Efpernon and l'Efdiguieres in Pro-
vence,and who therein had abus'd them both. This fellow of a tur-
bulent unquiet Spirit, and one of thoſe who had rather be doing
Marefchal mifchief, than not to be doing at all, was of late wrigled into the
Duke of Savoy's Favour,and had tafted of his bounty; by which he
was qualified to offer from the Duke one of his Daughters to the
Marefchal de Biron in Marriage, and with her feveral Seigniories to
be held in Sovereignty, with the affiftance of the Forces both of
Spain,and Savoy,to maintain him in Burgundy: A Province con.
tiguous to their own Territories. Allurements fo fitted to Birons
ambitious and mutinous nature,that he lent a willing ear to thoſe
dangerous propofitions, and, as fome have believ'd, engag'd him-
felf without much Ceremony in the Treaſon, which prov'd at laſt
his diſhonour and ruine.
The Duke
of Savoy
begins to
practice
with the
de Biren.
This practice with Biron was the only thing the Duke of Savoy,
with all his policy, effected in France: which nevertheleſs he
thought to be of fuch moment, as made him afterwards refuſe
to give the King that fatisfaction he had promis'd, and ſo to build
the confidence of Biron's revolt, that having, before his de-
parture from Paris, engag'd either to ſurrender to his Majeſty the
Marquifate of Saluzzo, or la Breffe, with other Dominions at his
own choice in lieu thereof, and within three months time to per-
form it; he had now no more regard to his word: neither would
upon
do
1
BOOK V.
207
the Duke of Efpernon,
Anno
do the one nor the other, which oblig'd the King to feek that fa-
tisfaction by force of Arms, he could by no other means obtain, 1599.
as he evidently faw by the delays and equivocations of this ſubtle
Prince.
+
His Majefty had before he refolv'd upon this expedition been
fufficiently enform'd of what means had been us'd to corrupt the
Marefchal de Biron but whether it were that he really believ❜d the
Marefchal had been deaf to all fuch propofitions; or that by the
teſtimony of an entire confidence in his Loyalty this generous
Prince would oblige a Subject to continue firm in his duty, who
by his brave Service bad deferv'd fo well of the Crown, and to
look back into his error, before he was gone too far; he gave
him the Command of an Army againſt the Duke of Savoy him-
felf, with orders to enter by the way of his own Government of
Burgundy into Brefs; in which employment Biron fo well con-
ceal'd his practice, and fo fmartly purfu'd the War, that no action
of his confefs'd, the leaft intelligence with the Enemy. L'Edi
guieres alfo, who at the fame time enter'd by the way of Dau-
phiné into Savoy, by his Valour, and conduct made fo confider-
able advances into that Dutchy, that betwixt them in few days
all the Territories the Savoyard poffefs'd on this fide the Alpes, were
over-run by the Royal Arms, except Montmelian, which was not
but by Siege to be reduc’d.
It was in this occafion of Montmelian that the Duke of Efper
pernon did the King a very fignal fervice: A place reputed fo ftrong,
and that had been fo fortified, and furnifh'd, with all provifions
of War by the Duke of Savoy, that he was nothing ftartled at his
other loffes, as fuppofing this City to be an inexpugnable Bul-
wark againſt whatever could be attempted against him. A confi-
dence wherein he found himſelf very much mistaken; for the
Duke of Efpernon having the command of one quarter at this
Siege, as Biron and L'Efdiguieres had of the other two, whilſt
they were on all hands bufie in their approaches, found opportu-
nity ſometimes to confer with the Count de Brandis Governour of
the place, interviews, that being frequent, and allow'd by the
King, wrought at laft ſo good an effect, that the Governour
mis'd to furrender the City to the King, if within a month the
Duke of Savoy did not raiſe the Siege. A Capitulation of that
dangerous importance to the Duke that he labour'd by all poffible
ways, during the limited term to perfwade the Governour into a
better reſolution, and had fo wrought upon him, what by en-
treaty, promiſes, and threats,that he was grown infinitely waver-
ing, and uncertain what to do; which notwithſtanding the
pro-
Duke
208
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno Duke of Efpernon who had drawn the firft plot of this great de-
1599. fign, happily brought it to perfection in the end; he abfolutely
confirm'd by his perfwafion the anxious Count in the terms of
his firft Treaty, and thereupon receiv'd new Hoftages from him :
by which dexterity he rendred himſelf the principal, and moft ef-
fectual inftrument of his Majefties victories in that Country, as
alſo of the Peace which immediately follow'd the Surrender of
this important City.
Whilft the King's Defigns fucceeded at this fortunate rate in
this little Dukedom, the Princes of Italy apprehending, that af
ter the ruine of the Duke of Savoy, the ſweetneſs, and facility of
that Conqueft would tempt the King to advance further into
the Country to ſeek new Victories, were inftant with the Pope to
interpofe his Authority with the King, to difpofe his Majefty to
accept of fatisfaction from the Duke of Savoy for what had paft,
that an Accommodation might enfue: to which his Holiness be-
ing enclin❜d, both by his own interefts (which could by no means
admit of a War in Italy) and by the importunity of the Princes
The Cardi- of the Country, he diſpatch'd away Cardinal Aldobrandino his
nal Aldo- own Nephew to the King, to be in his name the Mediator of
by the Pope this Peace, as the Cardinal de Medicis had been before of that
into France. which had been concluded with Spain.
brandino fent
Never Prince came from that Country in a prouder Equipage,
nor with a more honourable train, than did this Cardinal; a
Magnificence to which his Majeſty being willing to hold propor-
tion, both in regard to his own greatneſs, as alfo to expreſs there-
by a greater relpect to the Pope (to whom he was highly oblig'd}
in the perſon of a Kinſman ſo near, and dear unto him, he made
choice of the Duke of Efpernon,amongst all the other Grandees of
his Court, to be the man ſhould receive him; and that becauſe he
both knew him to be a perfon very acceptable to the Holy Sea, as
alſo one who knew as well how to behave himſelf for his Maſters
honour, as any whoever, that was about his perfon. Neither did
the Duke deceive his Majefty in his choice; he receiv'd the Cardi-
nal at the head of the Army, which before had been drawn up in-
to Battalia for that purpoſe, accompanied with the moſt ſprightly
and gay Nobility, and Gentry of the Court, conducting him
with infinite demonftrations of Honour, and Reſpect through
the ſeveral divifrons, until he brought him into the prefence of
the King himſelf, and though I must tell you by the way, that
the Duke's imperious, and haughty humour was naturally very
averſe to the humility of Complement, and the fubmiffion of ex-
ceffive Civilities; yet when ſuch an occaſion as this oblig'd him
to
+
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
269
t
to it; no man of his time could perform fuch a Ceremony with Anno
a better grace: and doubtless, if at ordinary times he would 1599.
have been more liberal of his courtefie, and have added that to
thoſe other excellent qualities, which made him admir'd by all,
he might have acquir'd thereby what Friends and Servants he had
pleas'd.
+
**
The Peace
with Savoy
Soon after the Legat's arrival the Peace of Savoy was conclu-
ded, wherein a Prince, whofe intereft it was to recover his own concluded.
Dominions almoſt entirely over-run by the King's Victorious
Arms, was now to redeem his own with what he had furreptiti-
ouſly, and contrary to the publick Faith ſnatch'd from the King,
during the diſorders of his Kingdom, and which his Majeſty
was now alſo ready to force from him, as he had already done.
the greateft part of his own hereditary Territories in purſuit of
that Quarrel: So that the Duke of Savoy bought his Peace at a
cheap rate through the Pope's timely mediation, and all things
were accommodared that were in difpute betwixt the King, and
him: although his Majefty, who very well knew what little
truft was to be repos'd in the Faith of this Prince (a man that
would never keep his word when it was for his advantage to
break it) would by no means be perfwaded to withdraw his Ar-
my out of his Dukedom, till first the Articles of the Treaty
were perform'd. But it neither fuiting with decency, nor the
dignity of his Majefties Royal Perſon himſelf to attend the exe-
cution of a thing already concluded, he return'd into France, lea-
ving the command of his Army to the, Count de Soiffons, offering
at the fame time the command of Lieutenant General to the Duke
of Efpernon who excus'd himfelf; having taken up a refolution
never to ſerve under less than the Perfon of a King, as hitherto
he had never done, nor ever after did in the whole courſe of his
life. He therefore went back with the King, whom he attended
as far as Grenoble, from whence when his Majefty departed for
Lyons to confummate his Marriage, he at the fame time took his
leave to return again into his Governments of Xaintonge and An..
goumois.
The Duke's journey into that Country gave him opportunity
to paſs over into Gafceny to view the Progrefs of his Building
there, of which he had laid the foundation at Cadillac in the year
1598. For the King, after he had concluded the Peace with Spain,
from that time forwards, not only wholly bent his own thoughts.
to the Embellishment of his, Kingdom (in which his principal.
delign was firft to Build his Houses, and to Beautifie Paris with
many great and noble Structures; for at this time the Buildings of
E e
the
7
The Duke
of Efpernon
leaves the
Court to go
inco Angon-
mois, and
goes into
Guienne.
Anno
1600.
1
1
210
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
the Louvre, Fountain-bleau, and other Royal Palaces were begun;
1600. as alſo the deſigns of the Pont-neuf, the Place Royal, with other
proud and ſtately Ædifices were continued) but would likewiſe
that other men ſhould fall in love with the fame humour; and
whether it were that his Majefty had a mind his greateſt Subjects
fhould by his example employ themſelves in the fame defigns, or
that he intended (as fome have fuppos'd) inſenſibly to drein their
purſes by this chargeable employment; fearing perhaps that too
great abundance of wealth might make them more apt to enter-
tain thoughts, and practices, that might difcompofe the calm of
Peace his Kingdom was now fettled in: but fo it was, that for one
or both theſe reaſons, he engag'd the greateft part of his Nobility,
whom he knew to be monied men, in vaft deſigns of this kind:
amongſt whom his Majeſty conceiving the Duke of Efpernon to
be one the moſt at his cafe, he was fo importunate with him, as
to cauſe a plot for Cadillac to be defign'd in his own Prefence, or-
der'd the charge of the whole to be caft up, and made one of his
own Architects to undertake for an hundred thouſand Crowns to
begin, and perfect the work; upon which affurance the Duke (as
has been faid) in the year 1598 began the foundation; concei-
ving that ſuch a fumme, as that, he might without inconvenience
ſpare to gratifie his Mafters humour, though time afterwards
gave him to underſtand how hard a thing it is to contain a
man's felf within a determinate charge, after he has once fet his
hand to fo tempting a work as Building: this Pile, before it
was finifh'd, having coft him above two millions of Livres. 'Tis
very true, (and which feldom happens to undertakers of ſuch
vaft deſigns) that with this infinite expenfe, he brought the grea-
teft, and moſt ſtately pile of Building (the Royal Houfes excepted)
in France, very near to perfection, the whole body of the Building
being perfected before his death, and nothing, fave fome few Or
naments left to finiſh; neither had he left thofe to his Succeffors,
had not the diſgrace of being withdrawn from his Government,
which ſtill afflicted him, diverted his thoughts from the fole care
of that defign.
A difpute
betwixt the
the Doke -
refchald'
Ornene.
The Duke (as has been faid) being come into Guienne to take
a view of his Building, arriv'd at the City of Bourdeaux in the
and the Ma beginning of August, where he found the Marefchal d' Ornano,
but newly there eſtabliſh'd Lieutenant for the King by the deceaſe
of the Marefchal de Matignon, who died of an Apoplexy, and
where their old Animofities, though great, were nevertheleſs on
both fides fo well diſſembled, as not to hinder a mutual Civility
betwixt them, no more than theſe civilities could hinder paft jea-
loufies
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
211
loufies from breaking out upon the firſt occaſion into a new and
open rupture. This Marefchal though an Alien born, had yet by
his Valour and Fidelity acquir'd ſo great a reputation in France, as
in the Reign of Henry the III.to be a great confident to that Prince;
to whom the Duke of Efpernon having been a principal Favou-
rite, it is nothing ftrange, that a man of inferiour credit ſhould
envy another in a higher degree of Favour: neither if the Ma-
refchal were prepoffefs'd with this antiquated jealoufie, was the
Duke on his part infenfible of the recent traverſes he had in Pro-
vence receiv'd from him; the greatest part of the disgraces he had
met with in that Country having been laid in his way by the op-
pofition of l'Eldiguieres, and him: all which put together, it
may eaſily be imagin'd were likely to beget no very good blood
between them. To this the Marefchal,a man of an imperious,and
haughty temper, and who only under a forc'd fmoothneſs con-
ceal'd a natural arrogance, could with no patience endure a Supe-
riour; an humour that made him with great anxiety look upon
the Honours, which at the Duke's arrival at Burdeaux, he re-
ceiv'd from the Parliament, with the other Orders of the City,
and which were alſo continued to him by the Nobility at Cadillac,
who from all parts came in to do him Honour: But if his impa-
tience were great before, it was rais'd up to the height, when he
knew the Duke (who well enform'd of his diffatisfaction, to
make it yet more) had invited all the Nobility, and Gentry of the
Country to Bordeaux to a publick running at the Ring; a folem-
nity that being there to be kept where he was in Supreme Com-
mand, the Ďuke knew would much more nettle, and afflict
him.
It is very true, that the Duke might have forborn this Bra-
vado to a man, whom he knew to be fo tender of his Honour,
as the Marefchal d'Ornano was; and perhaps it was not well done
to offer that to another, he himſelf would never have endur’d
from any man living in a place where he had commanded in
Chief: but having once engag'd in the buſineſs, his great ſpirit
(whatever might fucceed) would by no means give him leave to
defift, eſpecially when he knew the Marefchal was refolv'd by open
force to oppofe him. This was that, which made what was be-
fore only a private difcontent, to break out into open quarrel,
which grew ſo high that the Marefchal addreſs'd himſelf to the
Parliament; where, in the preſence of them all, he complain’d
what a commotion the Duke went about to ftir up amongst the
people, to the prejudice, as he pretended, of his Majefties Af
fairs; acquainting them at the fame time with his refolution to
Ec 2
make
C
Anno
1600.
1
{
t
212
PARTII
The Hißory of the Life of
Anno
make his Garriſon ſtand to their Arms, to play his Cannon, and
1600. in fine to do what in him lay, with all the power, and authority
he had to break that appointment, and to drive the Duke from
the City. This declaration from a man of his furious ſpirit, as it
very much troubled the whole Affembly, fo it gave the firft Pre-
fident D'offis (one of the greateft men that Society ever had fince
its firſt inſtitution, and a particular friend of the Duke's, having
by him in his times of favour been rais'd to that dignity) occafi-
on to make uſe of his Eloquence in the beſt Arguments he could
contrive to diffwade the Marefchal from that determination; but
all in vain, he had already given out his orders, and fummon'd the
Gentry to come in to his affiftance, though not a man, fave only
one call'd Ruat, would appear: athing, which though perfectly
true, appears almoft incredible, that a Governour of fo great Au-
thority and Repute fhould be able to procure no more than one
fingle man, to ſerve him againſt the Duke of Efpernon in his
own Government. Neither were the people better difpos'd, than
the Nobility and Gentry, to take Arms against the Duke, all men
on the contrary, of any note, both within, and without the City,
ſo manifeftly appearing for him, that the Governour was forc'd
to arm his Garriſon of Corfes, and to call his Company of Gens-
d'armes out of their Country Quarters into the Town, which
were yet apparently too weak to execute the Marefchal's defign.
And this was in effect the main cauſe that hindred things from
proceeding into a greater diforder, the Duke, fatisfied with the
advantage every one plainly faw he had over his Enemy, being
the more eafily enclin'd to the Parliaments folicitations; who had
fent their ſecond Prefident Nefmond to him, to entreat he would
not perfift in his firft refolution: at whofe inftance, and being
loath to diſturb the Peace of his Country, as alſo to expoſe the
great number of Gentlemen of Quality, who were about him
againſt a Garriſon in his own particular quarrel, and having a
greater inclination to decide it in his own perfon (when it might
be done with less noiſe and tumult) with the Marefchal man to
man, he was content to let things reft, till a fitter opportunity,
and quietly departed the City to his own houfe.
In this Journey to Cadillac he was accompanied with Prefident
Nelmond, a Gentleman of great merit, and his particular friend
(for whom after the death of Prefident D'Affis he obtained the
Dignity of firſt Prefident during the Regency of the Queen Mo-
ther) with many other Principal Members of that Parliament
and City; whither he was no fooner come, but that the Gentry
of the Higher Gafcony, at the report of this Quarrel, flock'd to
him
BOOK V.
213
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
him in fo great a number, that ſcarce any occafion could have
hapned, wherein his intereft in that Country could have been 1600.
more manifeftly feen. And here the Duke, environ'd with fo ma-
ny of his Friends, pafs'd his time in that jollity and mirth, and
appear'd fo little concern'd at any thing that had pafs'd betwixt the
Marefchal d'Ornano and him, as made every onc certainly believe
all had been abfolutely forgot: where,after having ſpent fome days,
and his company being retir'd to their own houſes, he himſelf
alſo departed to go vifit his paternal eftate, and from thence to
Tholouſe. From hence it was, that whilft every one thought him
more intent upon his recreations, than mindful of his quarrel, he
diſpatch'd away a Page of his call'd Talanges, who continued long
after in his Service, to the Marefchal d' Ornano with a Challenge,
which I will here prefent my Reader word for word, as I tran-
fcrib'd it from the original draught under the Duke's own hand
wherein, though there be no ſtudied ſtile, there is nevertheleſs
fomething of a natural, and eafie bluntneſs,that methinks founds
better, than if it had been couch'd with greater care and art: the
words are theſe.
re
(c
.
cc
Sir, I make no doubt, but that, when the toy took you to commit
"the action, and to make the bustle you did againfi me at Bordeaux,
the last of Auguft, you did then believe, knowing me for fuch, as
"the men of Honour of this Kingdom know me to be, that that Carri-
age of yours muſt needs give me a juſt deſire to talk with you, as indeed
I paßionately do, and that after the manner commonly practis'd by
men of honour of my Profeßion; which is the reafon I have fent this
Page on purpofe to let you know, that I am going to Court, where I
fhall wait four months in expectation, either by return of this Bearer,or
by what other honourable way you shall think fit, of an aßignment from
you, of a day, and place where I may have the happiness to embrace you
in your Shirt, with the Arms of a Cavalier, which are a Sword,
Poignard that I may there let you fee it is not in the power of a Corſe
to affront a Gentleman of France, who remains yours to ferve you as
"much as by the courtefie you have fhew'd to him he stands obligd.
tr
(C
"L
ແ
re
CC
cc
From Tholoufe the 7th.
of September..
And in a Poſtſcript,
Sign'd,
I
Lewis de la Valette.
and
“I do aſſure you¨upon my Faith, that no one living knoibs a fyllable of
what I have written to you, not the Page himself, and I do believe you
to be so much a man of Honour, as to carry it with the fame fecrefie.
The
L
:
214
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Page arriv'd in a diſguiſe at Bordeaux, where he found
1600. opportunity to deliver his Letter, and, without being diſcover'd
by any, return'd to feek out his Maſter at Paris: but the Maref-
chals action had made fuch a noiſe, that (what fecrefie foever
could be us❜d) it was hardly poffible, but it must come to the
King's knowledge; and accordingly at the Duke's arrival at
Court, his Majeſty queſtion'd him about it, when, although the
Duke made a fhew of being wholly unconcern'd, yet his Maje-
fty having had intelligence, by other hands, than either by the
Duke, or any of his people of the Challenge that had pafs'd, po-
fitively commanded him to engage his word that things fhould
proceed no further; promifing him withal, that he ſhould have
all fatisfaction he could himſelf in Honour defire: a thing the
Duke in obedience to his Mafters abfolute pleaſure could by no
means refufe; though by fome Libels that came out after in the
Marefchals name, he was infinitely exaſperated, and defird no-
thing more, than to come to the decifion of Arms.
Anno
The Marefchal was ſoon after fummon'd to Court, where be-
1601. ing arriv'd, and his Majeſty having heard both parties concerning
the occafion of their Quarrel, order'd for the Duke this fatisfacti
which Writing I found in the fame bundle with the
The King
reconciles
+
on
Challenge.
That which was ſaid by the Marefchal & Ornano in the preſence
of the King, to the Duke of Efpernon.
'
My Lord,
To explain my ſelf, and to ſatisfie you concerning what late-
the Duke "ly pafs'd at Bordeaux, I fhall in the first place affure you, that I
and the Ma- "never knew, or eſteem'd you for other, than his Majefties moſt
refchal. "faithful Subject, and Servant; that fuch I ever have, and ever
fhall declare you to be. It is very true that a jealoufie, fome
"flying rumours, which I too eaſily believ'd, poffefs'd me with-
all, made me do things, which having found thoſe reports al-
together falle, I have fince been very much afflicted at
having any intention to offend you; and I could wish I had gi-
ven a great deal I had never done them: I do therefore entreat
you to excuse me, and to believe me to be your Friend,
te
cc
<c
८.
r
,
I never
and
one that has a defire to do you Service. As for the Manifesto, I
am ſo far from approving any fuch thing, that I never fo much
as faw it, never caus'd it to be writ; and ever have, and do now
"difown the man that did it.
ང་
This
↓
BOOK V.
215
the Duke of Efpernon.
This was that which was faid in the preſence of the King by Anne
the Duke of Efpernon to the Marefchal d' Ornano.
66
Sir,
"Since the King is pleas'd to think what you have faid to be
"fufficient fatisfaction, that you entreat me to forget what is
'paft, and defire my friendſhip, I reft ſatisfied, and fhall be, as
"I have been heretofore your friend to ſerve you. At St. Germans
en Laye the 25. of March, 1601.
Sign'd Henry, and below Potier.
It was not without many difficulties that matters were thus
compos'd betwixt them, the Duke defiring fomething more for
his fatisfaction, and the Marefchal on his part ill digefting the
diftinction the King had made betwixt to serve you, and to do
you fervice: but that which touch'd him moſt to the quick was,
that his Majefty by one of the conditions of Accommodation,
gave the Duke, liberty when ever he thought fit, to call together
the ſame Aſſembly in Bordeaux, which had begot the former dif-
pute; commanding the Marefchal not to oppofe it: A Licence
without which the Duke conceiv'd his affront could not be wip'd
off. And accordingly he fome time after return'd to Bordeaux,
to have made uſe of his Priviledge, though it was then alſo in-
terrupted by an accident, of which in its due place we ſhall give
a further accompt.
;
This fatisfaction the King order'd for the Duke, though very
fufficient of it ſelf, was not however the only teftimony his Maje-
fty gave him of his Royal Bounty and Juſtice in this occafion
for the offence having been publick, his Majesty thought fit that
befide the fatisfaction had been given in private, the Marefchal
ſhould morcover pay the Duke fome publick civilities, to evidence
an abfolute diſowning of the Act: it was therefore order'd, that
the Duke going to Loches, as it was determined he ſhould do, (I
believe for that purpoſe) the Marefchal, who at the fame time was
upon his Journey into his Government, fhould give him a vifit by
the way, as he did, by whom the King writ a very obliging
Letter to the Duke, wherein he commanded him to entertain the
Mareſchal as His Friend; a command that was alſo on the Duke's
part ſo punctually obey'd, that the vifit was pafs'd over with great
civility on both fides: wherein the juftice of this generous, and
excellent Prince was eminently manifeft, who would uſe a man
at this obliging rate, that had no fhare in his Royal Favour.
Not long after this Accommodation, the 11th. of September the
fame year, the Court was wholly poffefs'd with the joy all good
French-
1601.
•
216
PART II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
The birth
of the Dol-
phin, after
the XIII.
wards Lewis
Frenchmen were full of, for the Birth of the young Dolphin, whom
1601. we have fince feen live a long and a glorious Reign, under the
name of Lewis the XIII, of all other, a bleffing of the greateſt
importance that could at that time poffibly have hapned to the
King, and Kingdom: in him all pretenfe of paſt diſturbances
being determined, as the publick Peace feem'd to be for ever fe-
cur'd. There was now no mutinous Subject, nor no ambitious
Neighbour, who ſeeing themſelves fall'n from their unjuft, and
imaginary pretenfions to the Crown, did not covet the favour,
and friendship of a Prince ſo apparently favour'd by the care of
Heaven but if on that fide the Duke with other vertuous Sub-
jects of his condition, was in a high rapture of joy, there hap-
ned to him ſoon after great occafions of affliction, that involv'd
him in no few, nor no little inconveniencies, which befel him by
the diſcovery of the Confpiracy of the Marefchal Biron, that
came to light in the beginning of the enfuing year; wherein we
ſhall notwithſtanding fee, that although this buſineſs begat him
trouble, and diſgrace in the beginning, yet it brought him ho-
nour and fatisfaction in the end: having given him opportunity
at once to expreſs his conftant affection to his friend, and his in-
violate Fidelity to the King his Mafter.
Anno
1602.
The Confpi-
racy of M..-
refchal Bi-.
Yon, and the
Duke's car-
riage in that
bufinefs.
I have already made mention of the great friendſhip that was
contracted betwixt the Duke, and the Marefchal Biron, one of
the most conftant, and fincere I have known, their interefts ever
being one, and the fame, and their affections fo united in all
things, that nothing was a fecret betwixt them, if not in what
concern'd the intereſt of the King and Kingdom: but as to con
cerns of that nature, what confidence foever the Marefchal had in
the Duke's friendſhip it is certain, he had ever fo great a refpect
to his fidelity, and did believe him fo impoffible to be debauch'd
from his duty, that he never communicated to him the leaſt
fyllable of any thought he had conceiv'd to the prejudice of the
one, or the other: though it is to be wiſh'd, for the prefervation
of fo brave a man he had done it, becauſe then the Duke would
doubtless have perfwaded him into better refolutions. The King,
who was very well acquainted with all his defigns, would himſelf
fometimes talk to him in terms cafie enough to be underſtood,on
purpoſe to make him come to himſelf, to fee his error, and to re-
concile himſelf fincerely to a Prince, who proceeded with that
tenderness towards him, and who was pleas'd in his behalf
moderate the abſolute Authority, the knowledge of his Crime,
and his own Royal Power gave him over his Life, and Fortune;
but that would not reclaim him: That way then failing, and his
to
Majeftie's
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
217
:
Majefties obliging language to him wanting force to make that
impreffion upon his obftinate fpirit, he could have defir'd, his
Majefty try'd yet further to overcome him hy teftimonies of con-
fidence in his Loyalty, and to divert him from criminal thoughts
by conferring upon him his employments of Truft, and Honour;
amongſt which that of Ambaſſador into England was one.
The King being in Picardy, receiv'd a Complement from Eli-
Zabeth Queen of England, wherein the earnestly folicited the King
for an enterview betwixt them, at any place he himſelf would ap-
point; a requeft that his Majefty not thinking it convenient to gra-
tifie her in,he diſpatch'd away to her the Marefchal Biron, as it were
his fecond ſelf, to make his excuſe, and to Treat with her with all
freedom of their moſt private Affairs. An employment wherein
Biron receiv'd extraordinary Honours, as alfo feveral cautions
from this prudent Princeſs, enough to have diverted him from
his evil defigns, had not his deſtiny already blinded his judgment,
and rendred him incapable of counfel. She often laid before him
the recent, and ſad example of the late Earl of Effex; the repre-
fented unto him what a Subject ought to apprehend even from
the greatness of his own Service, and Merit, if his Ambition was
not moderated by prudence,and whether it were that ſhe had had
fome inckling (as many have believ'd) of Biron's defigns, or that
The only intended by fuch diſcourſes to juftifie the execution of that
unfortunate Earl, fhe laid before him a perfect image of his own
unhappy deſtiny; though all was loft to a man obftinately bent
to his own ruine.
This Queen alſo having heard of the ftrict friendſhip betwixt
the Marefchal, and the Duke of Efpernon, defir'd him at parting to
tell the Duke from her, that if, of his three Sons (which the
own'd for her Kinſmen, and Princes of her Kingdom) he would
fend her one, ſhe ſhould gladly receive him upon his accompt
and that the world might fee the eſteem ſhe had of the Fathers Me-
rit, would not deprive his Pofterity of that place in her Kingdom,
which was due to the House of Candale; wherein fhe had only
one condition to make, which was, that the Duke fhould give
way, that a Son of his fo fent, fhould be bred up in her Religion;
the only one fhe could by any means fuffer in her Kingdom: A
Complement that the Duke thinking himſelf oblig'd to take no-
tice of, he prefented her Majefty with his moſt humble thanks for
the Honour ſhe was pleas'd to do him, and his Family in ſo gra-
cious an offer; but that he ſhould ever prefer any Fortune or Con-
dition his Children could attain unto in France, making profeffion
of the Catholick Religion, before any advantages could derive to
them in a belief contrary to his own.
Ff
The
Anno
1602.
:
}
218
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
氧
​ما
Anno
1602.
The Mareſchal, at his return from England puff'd up more than
ever with the vanity of his Ambition, and big with the Idea
of thofe imaginary Principalities, the Spaniard, and the Duke of
Savoy had baited their practices withal to catch him, could now
no longer contain himſelf within the fimple meditation of his
Treaſon, but began to deal with fome perſons of Quality in the
Kingdom, and endeavour'd to raiſe a commotion in Perigort,
where the beſt part of his Eſtate, his Relations, and chiefeſt
Friendſhips lay: amongſt whom the Duke de Bouilion is faid to
be invited into his party to introduce thoſe of the Reformed Re-
ligion into that Country: Intelligence whereof being brought
to the King, his Majefty concern'd at the importance of the thing,
and justly provok'd at the Marefchals ingratitude, immediately
took the Field, with a refolution to ftifle theſe diſorders in their
birth; when confidering with himſelf, that if he ſhould fail of
fecuring the Head of the Faction, whatever he could do befides,
would fignifie nothing to the remedy of the diſeaſe, and that
whilft he ſhould be upon his March, his own promptitude and
vigilancy would but ferve to alarm Subjects already made jealous
by the confcience of their own Crimes; he broke off his inten-
ded expedition, and return'd back again to Fountain-bleau, from
whence he had before departed and where being fettled,
he wholly bent his thoughts how to get the Marefchal into his
power; who being in Burgundy (the neighbourhood of that Pro-
vince to Savoy favouring his defigns) did at great eaſe maintain
his Correſpondence with the Confederate Princes. Neither was
this a thing to be effected without great conduct, that a perſon of
his merit and reputation might not be driven to the laſt extremi-
ties of deſpair. His Majefty therefore, that he might effect his
defign without noife, ſpake upon all occafions in publick, very
much to the Marefchals advantage; nor was that all, he gave him
Riren in this moreover a very honourable, and a very important Commiffion,
to go renew an Alliance with the Swiffe: an Affair wherein,
and Mont- though many difficulties arofe, yet the King who would by no
belliard, was means have Biron baffled in his Negotiation, by fending a million
of Livers along with him, put him into a condition of making
ther in pri- all things fucceed according to his Majefties own defire. This was
the laſt Service this Marefchal perform'd for the Crown, wherein
with Watte- he acquitted himſelf very much to his Honour, and wherein the
reputation of his Valour prevail'd much upon that warlike Peo-
Savoy's ple; it has been faid his dexterity did no lefs. And here I fhall
infert by the way, that thofe who have believ'd the Marefchal to
Page 978 have no more in his conduct, than the meer brutality of a rough
Journey be-
twixt Dijon
for four
hours toge-
vate Confe-
rence
vile the
Duke of
Age: 1.
D. Serres,
humourous
BOOK V. the Duke of Eſpernon.
219
humourous Souldier, were not at all acquainted with him: he was Anno
read to a ſufficient knowledge of Latin, and Greek Letters; and 1602.
when ever he would make uſe of his Judgment and Eloquence,
whether in Negotiations, or Councils, in War or Affairs of State,
he ever expreſs'd himſelf to be a man of no common qualities.
His Majeſty had thought by theſe teftimonies of his truft, the
Marefchal would have been allur'd to Court, to have given an ac
compt of the good fuccefs of his Negotiation; where he hop'd,
without further trouble, he might eaſily ſecure his Perfon; but
with what gentle language foever the King could flatter his 'va-
nity, it was impoffible to perfwade him into that Journey, fo ma-
ny Accufers, and Witneffes of his Guilt he found in his own
Confcience against him. His Majefty therefore not being able
to bring about his defign by this way, and unwilling to live any
longer in the apprehenfions he had been put into by the Mareschal's
practice, reſolv'd at laſt by a manifeſt diſobedience to extract from
him a confeffion of his fault, which should either give him a rea-
fonable colour to proceed against the Marefchal as a Criminal, and
a Rebel, or otherwiſe oblige him to come, and deliver himſelf
into his hands. He therefore firft difpatch'd away to him the Sieur
d' Efcures, Quartermafter-General of his Armies; a man very
acceptable to the Marefchal, and in great credit with him, for ha-
ving long ferv'd under his Command, and immediately after
Prefident Janin, who allo by his wiſdom, and experience had won
fo great an efteem with the forefaid Marefchal, that he would fel-
dom undertake any buſineſs of any great moment without first
confulting this politick Minifter.
Theſe two were ſent with exprefs Orders to reprefent to Biron
part of the ill Offices had been done him to the King, to which
they added, "That all the endeavour of his beft Friends could
"not fo juftifie his actions to the King, that his Majefty had not
"his fidelity in fufpicion, until he fhould receive his juftification
"from his own mouth: that fince only himſelf could defend
"himfelf from Calumny, there was nothing to be deliberated
"of in the caſe, and that he muſt ſuddenly refolve, either to give
an accompt of his actions to the King, or declare himſelf his
"Majeſties open Enemy, maintain an impudent War againſt his
"Prince, and have himſelf and his Pofterity branded with the.
"durtieft and moft hateful of all Crimes, to wit, a Traytor to his
"Benefactor, King, and Country, that he had to do with a
Prince, whofe Clemency was fo well known to none, as to
himſelf, who had his great Services freſh in his memory, who
“expected no leſs from his Courage and Fidelity for the
re
2.
F f 2
time
220
PARTII
The Hiflory of the Life of
4
Anno
1602.
"time to come, and whoſe intereſt it was as much to preferve
"him (knowing, as his Majefty very well did, the utility of his
"Service) as it was to preferve himſelf, whole authority was to
"be maintain'd, and eſtabliſh'd by men of his Conduct and Va-
lour. Remonftrances from men he lov'd, and efteem'd, by
which Biron was fo encourag'd, and believing that Lafin had
ſaid nothing againſt him (as he had often, and falfly affur'd
him) that he refolv'd upon going to Court; in order whereunto
he preſently ſet forth, taking the Road of Paris in the Company
of Preſident Janin only, d'Efcures having been ſent away before
to carry news of his coming.
The ftrict, and inviolate Friendſhip that all the world knew to
be betwixt the Duke, and the Marefchal, foon rendred the firſt
ſuſpected of having a hand in the other's defigns; neither was the
Duke ignorant that his Enemies labour'd with all the Artifice
they had,to involve him in his Friends Treafon; but how perfect
foever he was in their malicious practice, and how clearly foever
he forefaw the dangerous confequences were likely to attend a bu-
finefs of this nature, he was refolute nevertheless, with a genero-
fity hardly to be parallel'd in fo critical an occafion, to be no ways
wanting to his friend: wherefore having notice that the Maref-
chal was drawing near to Paris, and that a caution, which would
now come too late to divert him from coming to the King (a
thing he would by no means have advis'd him from) might per-
haps awake his judgment, and make him appeal to his Majefties
mercy, he ſent the Sieur du Pleßis Bauffonniere,a man in whom he
had an abfolute confidence, to meet him upon the way.
This Gentleman had put himſelf into the Duke's dependence
in his younger years, and having left his Studies, wherein he had
made a confiderable progrefs, had follow'd, and ferv'd him in
Provence, commanding the Regiment of Pernes his Brother in-
law, all the while the Duke was there in action; after which, du-
ring the whole time of the Duke's life, which was very long, he
was by him continually employ'd in his greateft, and most impor-
tant Affairs;in which he ever gave ſo good an accompt of his Con-
duct, and Fidelity, that there was ſcarce any Gentleman of his
time in a higher reputation for Valour, Prudence, and Inte-
grity; infomuch that I have often heard the Duke fay, if he were
to corrupt le Pleẞis, he ſhould be to feek on which fide to affault
him, his foul was fo bravely fortified throughout. This le Pleßis,
according to his Maſters order, puts himſelf upon his way to go
meet the Marefchal: but as his Errand could not but be dange-
rous both for the Mafter, and the Servant, the one, and the other
fufficiently
BOOK V.
221
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
ſufficiently knowing the violent fufpicion the King had of the Ma-
refchal's proceeding; fo did he endeavour with all imaginable cau- 16oz.
tion, if poffible, to entertain him alone. I have often heard him
tell the ſtory, and do very well remember every circumftance,
which put altogether will make this appear an affair of the grea-
teſt difficulty, and the beft carried on, that perhaps you fhall meet
with in the Duke's whole Hiftory; and wherein the generous fpi-
rit of an innocent Servant, and the Clemency and Juftice of a
good Mafter, will as evidently appear. Le Pleßis, perceiving the
Marefchal's Equipage coming at a pretty diftance, lighted at a
Barn a little wide of the High-way, where, having with him one
of the Duke's Footmen without a Livery, he commanded him
to call the firſt of the Marefchal's that appear'd upon the Road;
which he having done, and le Pleßis being not unknown to the
fellow, he ſent him to tell his Mafter in his ear, that le Pleßis ftaid
to ſpeak with him a word or two in private. The Footman ac-
cordingly deliver❜d his Meffage, whereupon Biron ftragling from
his company upon ſome pretenfe or other,came to the place where
le Pleßis ſtood to expect him, and where without being obferv'd
by any, he had all liberty to difcourfe at leifure. Le Plessis had
in charge to tell him, "That the Journey he was now upon
"to the King requir'd his moſt ſerious deliberation, and that he
was now in good earnest to reflect upon his own condition :
That if he came with a confidence, fome poffibly might have
"poſſeſs'd him withal, that Lafin had not ſpoken to the King,
"he was abus'd: That the Duke of Efpernon did not know what
"had pafs'd betwixt Lafin and him; neither did he defire to in-
"form himſelf: but that he might be affur'd, that whatever he
"had done, or negotiated with him, or by him, was every tit-
"tle diſcover'd to the King, acquainting him with the feveral
"times and places, and how oft Lafin had been in private Confe-
rence with him: That he was herein to be advis'd by his own
"Conſcience, and to rely upon his Majefties Grace, and Bounty,
"if he conceiv'd there was any thing that might juftly be con-
“demn'd in his former Actions; there being much better to be
hop'd for, from his Majefties Clemency, and noble nature, than
"from the fecrefie of what had paſs'd betwixt Lafin and him.
This obliging and prudent advice, which ought to have been re-
ceiv'd by the Mareschal with ſo much the greater tenderneſs, by
how much it was preferr'd with the infinite hazard of him that
fent it, did on the contrary put him into fo great a rage, that I
have heard le Pleẞis ſay, he never in his life faw any thing in fo ex-
travagant a fury. Biron ask'd him firſt of all, "If the Duke of
Efpernon
ર
cr
222
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
4
cc
tr
cr
"
Anno Eſpernon eſteem'd him for other, than an honest man? To
1602. whom du Pleffis having reply'd, "That had he had any other
opinion of him, he would not have perfifted in his Friend-
fhip fo long; he proceeded to tell him, "That he was come to
give the lye, and to be the death of all thofe, who durft blemiſh
his Actions: That he was the fame the Duke of Efpernon and he
Plessis himſelf had ever known him to be: That for what con-
cern'd him, Mounfieur d' Efpernon might fet his heart at reft. And
then clapping his hand upon his Sword, after a hundred wild
ftures, he further told du Pleffis, "That if
..
cr
cc
re
po-
any one durft make an
attempt upon his Perfon, he would make more arms and heads
flie, than would ſtand before him: So that inſtead of making
uſe of his Friend's caution, and good advice, he continued his
way in his firſt obftinacy,. and the fame night arriv'd at Fountain-
bleau.
At his arrival the King ſpoke to him of the buſineſs himſelf,
gently admonishing him withal to make an ingenuous confeffion
of his fault: a thing he was fo far from being perfwaded to do,
that he ſeem'd diſcontented and angry at the motion.
;
Soon after he went to Paris, and din'd at the Hostel d' Efpernon,
when the King returning the fame day from Fountain-bleau, the
Duke and he went together in the afternoon to the Louvre, to at-
rend his Majefty, who having notice of their coming went to
the Window, through the glaſs to obſerve their carriage, and
countenance which a friend of the Duke's, who was then with
the King, gave the Duke timely caution of, to the end he might
comport himſelf ſo, as that his Majefty might not by any beha-
viour of his be fortified in thofe evil impreffions, with which
he had before by his Enemies been prepoffefs'd: though the
Duke carried himſelf quite contrary to his advice; and being
more and more confirm'd, in the teftimony of a good Confci-
ence, and full of a juft and generous indignation to fee his Fide-
lity fufpected, walk'd with his face erect, and his eyes fix'd upon
the Window where he knew the King ftood: A carriage the
King very well obſerv'd, as he made others about him to do alfo.
They were no fooner come both of them into his Majefties
Chamber, who as yet had exprefs'd no publick diffatisfaction
with Biron (as being ſtill in hope to regain him, and to have an
occafion to pardon him by the confeffion of his fault) but that he
preſently made a Match at Tennis, wherein the King and the
Count de Soiffons were to play againſt the Duke of Efpernon, and
the Marefchal: and upon this occafion it was that the Hiftorians
of that time make the Duke ſay, as a piece of wit, ſpeaking to
the
BOOK V.
223
the Duke of Eſpernon.
the Marefchal, That he played well, but that he made his matches ill; as Anno
if by thoſe words, which may admit of a double interpretation, 160ż.
he would obliquely condemn Biron's defigns, which never came
into his thought; it being his cuftom when ever he talk'd with
the Marefchal about that buſineſs, not to do it in fuch ambiguous
terms; nor fo out of feafon, but ferioufly and plainly, and in a
fecrefie, the ſafeſt for him he would adviſe. He feveral times re-
preſented to him the ill Offices he had receiv'd, he confirm'd to
him the fame thing he had ſent him word of before concerning
Lafin, conjuring him not to rely upon his Faith, which would
certainly deceive him: But theſe fecond admonitions were as
fruitless as the first; and the King feeing that he could neither by
himſelf, nor by the Count de Soiffons, the Marefchals intimate
Friend, who had dealt with him by his Majefties abfolute com-
mand, and in his name, reclaim this obftinate fpirit, nor makė
him reconcile himſelf to his duty, by acknowledging his offence
he gave him over at laft to the rigor of Law, and Juftice, who
puniſh'd his Crime, by the forfeiture of his Head
;
Whilſt they were drawing up the Marefchal's Charge, his Ma-
jefty well enform'd of le Pleffis Envoy (it being a thing hard to
be kept fecret, in an Affair where all things were fo narrowly ob-
ferv'd) referr'd the intelligence to the deliberation of his Coun-
cil. The Cabinet Council at that time confifted of the Count de
Soiffons, de Sillery Keeper of the Seal, Sully fuperintendent of the
Exchequer, Preſident Janin, Bellieure, and Villeroy: In which
Affembly divers conjectures being fet on foot, to fortifie the jea-
loufies his Majefty had been perfwaded into againſt the Duke, it
was by the major part voted neceffary to fecure his perfon, or at
leaſt to make fure of le Pleßis, and to put him to the wrack, that
from a confeffion extorted from him fufficient evidence might be
drawn to convince his Mafter: A refult fo approv'd by all, that
the King was himſelf almoft the only man that oppos'd thoſe two
propofitions. "He told them that as for the Duke, a man of his
quality was never to be arreſted, unleſs to be condemn'd, that
as yet there was nothing but fufpicion, and conjectures againft
him; which fhould they prove idle, and vain, he was never af-
ter to repofe any truft in a man,fo undeſervedly,and fo unjuftly
"offended: That for le Pleffis he was no more to be meddled
"withal than the other, without giving a manifeft diftafte to his
"Mafter: That if one of them were to be fecur'd, he fhould
"rather begin with the Mafter, than the Servant; becauſe the
confinement of the laſt would be an equal injury to the other;
"but that the effect would by no means be the fame, being the
་
<c
26
Duke,
f
串
​224
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1602.
re
Duke, if he knew himself guilty, would by the feizing of le
Pleffis be forwarn'd to make his efcape: That he was therefore
"of opinion to expect if in the Tryal of Marefchal Biron, nothing
"would come to light that might juftly bring the Duke in que-
“ſtion, which if there did, and that he ſhould be found a Com-
"plice, there was no place he could fly to fo remote, where his
arm would not be long enough to reach him.
cr
i..
If the King had intelligence of le Pleffis's Envoy to the Marej-
chal Biron, the Duke was no leſs faithfully inform'd of what had
paſs'd in the Cabinet Council concerning him; by which he un-
derſtood that le Pleffis Journey was not fo great a fecret, as it had
been convenient for both their fafeties it had been, which made
him confult with le Pleffis what was beft to be done in fo dange-
rous an occafion. The Duke was not fecure, the King would
continue ſo conftant in his favour, that his Majefty might not at
another Council be over-rul'd into other refolutions, and perfwa-
ded at laft to put le Pleffis to the queſtion; a doubt that made him
think it expedient he fhould retire; that he being gone, no evi-
dence might appear againſt him, he having been alone entruſted
with the fecret of this Affair: but le Pleffis, who very well fore-
faw his flight, though it might procure his own particular fafety,
would certainly be his Mafter's ruine, could by no means confent
to the motion. He rather choſe to run the hazard of the Wrack,
(which he was ready to undergo, and of which, I have heard
him ſay, he had already the terrors in his imagination) than to
expofe the Life, and Honour of his Mafter, which, after fo ftrong
a prefumption, as his withdrawing himself muft of neceffity
give, would be in an apparent danger. He therefore humbly
entreated the Duke not to concern himfelf at the thought of any
thing that threatned him; aſſuring him withal, that as he had
done nothing contrary to his Majeſties Service, ſo all the Wracks
and Tortures in the world could never force him to ſay any thing
contrary to the truth. Settled then in this refolution, from which
I do believe nothing upon earth could have remov'd him, his wit
fuggefted to him an expedient, by which in the end he fecur'd
both his Maſters Perfon and his own. He advis'd the Duke to
prevent his Majeſty by an ingenuous confeffion of the truth, and
to tell him himſelf what he had done: for as the King could not
imagine that the Duke could have had any notice of that fecret, it
being improbable, the refult of a Council held but that morning,
and confilting of men of ſo approv'd Fidelity and Truſt, could
be fo fuddenly reveal'd; fo was it not to be believ'd, that the
Duke's voluntary diſcovery of what he had done, could paſs in
his
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
225
his Majefties opinion for a premeditated thing. The Duke ap-
proving of this advice, put it as ſpeedily into execution; and
the King intending to hunt in the afternoon, he mounted on
horfeback, as he us'd to do, to attend him; where having fol-
low'd and obſerv'd his Majefties motion with an extraordinary
diligence, that he might find an opportunity for his purpoſe,
they light by chance into a folitary place, into which his Majefty
being infenfibly ſtragled from the grofs of his Train, there were
very few left about him. And here it was that the King turning
towards the Duke, fell upon the Diſcourſe of Marefchal Biron,
who was now in the heat of his Tryal, complaining how ill he
had us'd him, and how ungrateful a man he was: To which the
Duke reply'd,. "That as a Relation, and a Friend to the Maref
chal, he could not without great affliction fee fo evident tefti-
monies of his guilt, that he had been at firft very unwilling to
"believe he could be guilty of fo foul a Crime: but that now it
"did ſo manifeftly appear, he could not think any puniſhment
enough to chaftife fo foul an Offence: To whom the King ha-
ving return'd, "What, it ſeems then you know nothing of the
"buſineſs? The Duke made anſwer, "Sir, I knew fo little of it,
"that at his coming to this Town, I fent le Pleffis to meet him,
cc
CC
rr
faid
and to welcome him to Court, which I fhould never have
"done, had I thought him guilty. At which words,which touch'd
the King to the quick, his Majefty fet fpurs to his Horfe, with an
extravagance not very natural to him, but which that unexpected
anſwer had put him into when having taken a Career, and
turning again to the Duke, with a countenance that fufficiently
expreſs'd that he was angry at a diſcovery he had no mind fhould
have come from the Duke's own mouth. "It ſeems then,
"he, you fent to Marefchal Biron without my knowledge? To
whom the Duke reply'd again, “That he did not conceive it
"neceffary to ask his Majeftie's leave to fend a meer Complement
"to his Friend: That feeing him come without a Guard, or any
apparent marks of difgrace, and his Majefty treating him with
the fame favour he us'd to do, he had on his part us'd him at
"the fame rate he had ever done: That it had been a cuftom
long obferv'd betwixt them, that which of them foever had
"been any time abfent from Court, was at his return by fome
"Servant of truft enform'd by the other of all the little paffages
"had hapned during his abfence: That it was true, he had in
this occafion continued this cuftom: That he humbly befought
"his Majeſty to believe nothing more particular had paſs'd be-
"twixt them, and that he had rather dye, than once conceive a
thought
cc
e
с
Gg
Anno
1692.
2
226
PARTII
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
1602.
t
"C
thought to the prejudice of his Majefties Service, or his own
duty: That he hop'd the event would more clearly evidence
"the integrity of his actions; but that nevertheleſs he thought it
"fit to give his Majefty that fecurity in hand. The King being
well fatisfied with the Duke's Reaſons, but much more with the
Confidence he perceiv'd him to repofe in his Juftice, and his own
Innocency, all jealoufies, that before had been infus'd into him, to
the prejudice of the Duke's Fidelity, and Honour, vaniſh'd away,
and he with the greateſt care and affiduity, was more than ever
about his Majefties Perfon. His Children (which a little before
he had brought to Court) had order to continue about the young
Dolphin's Perſon, to be as it were Hoftages of their Father's In-
nocence, and the Marefchal's Tryal being at laft over, all Witneſ
fes and Parties examin'd, and heard without the leaft mention of
the Duke of Efpernon's name in all their practice, his Majefty
was not a little ſatisfied with himſelf, that he had carried things
with that moderation towards the Duke upon this occafion.
This untoward buſineſs was ſoon after ſeconded by another,
which, though of far lefs dangerous confequence, begat the Duke.
nevertheleſs as much trouble as the firft. The Duke as he was ever
very circumfpect in his duty, to preferve his Fidelity entire to the
King, fo was he no leſs folicitous to maintain himſelf in all ad-
vantages deriving to him as particles of any of his Commands.
That of Colonel therefore having been conferr'd upon him by
Henry III. with extraordinary priviledges, as by his Patent does
appear, he could not endure the leaft violation of his Intereft;
but with a ſtiffneſs (that doubtless would have offended a lefs
equitable Prince, than that under whom he had the honour to
ferve) was ever obftinate to maintain every punctilio of his right.
One of the greateſt, and of the greateſt Honour that was an-
nex'd to this Command, was the power he had to name the Camp-
Maſter to the Regiment of Guards when ever that place fhould
be void; and it hapned now that Grillon, who had been poffefs'd
of this Command before the Duke was created Colonel, was
fall'n into infirmities, that rendred him incapable of his Charge:
Yet had his former Services been fuch as made it very reaſonable
he ſhould however make his beft advantage of it, as his Majefty
was content he ſhould; but having a fingular, and a very just re-
fpect for the Marefchal de l'Efdiguieres,and a very great affection for
his Son-in-law Crequy, he intended the latter, having firft com-
pounded with Grillon, fhould be preferr'd to that Command, in-
tending perhaps hereby, as much to clip the wings of the Duke's
Authority, which he had as Colonel over the Regiment of
Guards,
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
י
227
Guards, as altogether to oblige Crequy. The Duke, advertis'd of
his Majeſties purpofe, could not forbear giving out aloud, that
he would never confent to it, and the King on the contrary was
reſolv'd his pleaſure ſhould prevail : But in the end after many
oppofitions (which this good Prince was pleas'd to endure from
a Servant) the Duke, who had never diſcover'd his mind to the
King, but by the mediation of others, was refolv'd to deliver it
to his Majefty with his own mouth, as accordingly he did; re-
preſenting to him with a liberty (which to his Subjects was none
of the leaft felicities of his happy Reign) the Juftice of his Cauſe.
All which, notwithſtanding his reaſons, could not fo prevail up-
on his Majefties temper, but that he remain'd as firm as ever in
his firft refolution. Which the Duke feeing, and conceiving he
could not confent to his Majefties defire, without going leſs in
the dignity of his place, he rather chofe to abfent himself from
Court, than to be compell'd by an expreſs, and pofitive com-
mand to do a thing fo much to the prejudice of his Authority,
and Honour; and accordingly very much diffatisfied, retir'd
himſelf to Angoulesme. The King, who was not yet totally cur'd
of a jealoufie, ftill kept awake by the practices, the remainder
of Biron's Faction (not quite extinct)yet kept on foot in his King-
dom, gave manifeſt ſigns of diſcontent at the Duke's departure;
and as he knew the alliance the Duke of Montpenfier had contra-
cted with his Family, by his Match, had begot a ftrict friendship
betwixt them, fo was it to him eſpecially that he ſpoke of it with
the greateſt freedom, and in terms (not without threats) of the
higheſt indignation. This Prince, who concern'd himſelf as
much at the Duke's Intereft, as his own, difpatch'd away to him
in great diligence the Sieur de la Chetardie, in whom he had an
efpecial confidence, to let him understand the King's difpleaſure,
and to remonftrate to him the danger he would expofe himſelf
unto, ſhould he longer perfift in oppofition to his Majefties plea-
fure, who would herein be abfolutely obey'd: A caution by
which the Duke plainly feeing he was reduc'd to a neceffity either
to bow, or break; he indeed choſe the latter, though not with-
out high complaints of the injuftice was done him, which were
neither fo modeft, nor fo private, that they were not foon carried
to the King's ear: And though fo ftubborn an oppofition in the
Duke might reaſonably enough have more exafperated the King
against him, yet fuch was the noble nature of this great Prince,
that it would not fuffer him long to bear in mind the memory of
his offenfe; for the Duke had no fooner given his confent to Cre-
quy's admiffion, but that his Majefty commanded him the firſt
Gg 2
thing
Anno
1602.
}
228
PARTII
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno thing he did, to take a Journey a hundred Leagues from Paris,
1602. to fee his Colonel, to take his Oath betwixt his hands, to obtain
Guards.
his hand to his Commiffion, and to receive his Order for his ad-
miffion into his place: Civilities by which although the King en-
deavour'd to give the Duke all fatisfaction; yet could they not
fo far reconcile him, but that at Crequy's arrival, he made him
wait a whole day together at his Chamber door, and expect ſome
days after before he would receive his Oath, or Sign his Commif-
fion: And although he was himself very fenfible that ſo many
manifeft averfions were fufficient to beget new diftaftes in the
King againſt him; yet was he not fo much maſter of himſelf,
nor had ſo much command over his own Nature; but that he
muſt put thoſe affronts upon Crequy, or rather upon the King,
who made this bufinefs his own
>
Mounfienr By theſe diſputes (which in another time might have turn'd
Cregny made
Camp Ma very much to the Duke's prejudice) he got nevertheleſs this advan-
Ma-
fter to the tage, that the King to ſatisfie him for the future in the intereſts of
Regiment of his Command, made a kind of agreement with him (if a lar-
gefs from a Maſter to his Servant may be fo call'd) which was
That his Majefty would indeed really, and effectually reſerve to
himſelf the nomination of Camp-Mafter to the Regiment of
Guards; as alfo to the other old Regiments: but with this con-
dition, that the Colonel ſhould ſwear them, that they ſhould
be conceiv'd to have their admiffion from him, without which
they were not to be receiv'd into the employment: That his Ma-
jefty having provided for one Company in the Regiment of
Guards, he was content the Duke fhould in turn do the fame for
the next at his own appointment: That of all the Foot Compa-
nies of the other Regiments, new and old, the Duke when ever
any
fhould be vacant, ſhould have the naming of the Captains
to the King to fill them up; and that no Captain foever, whether
of the Regiment of Guards, or any other Regiment fhould be
admitted into, or eſtabliſh'd in his Command till firft his Com-
miffion was Sign'd by the Colonel: But for what concern'd thoſe
Offices, that depended upon the Duke's Command, as Lieute
nants, Enfigns, Colonel-Enfigns, Serjeants, and Serjeant-Ma-
jors, Martials, Provoft-Martials, Quarter-Mafters, and other Of-
ficers, that he fhould place and difplace them by his fole Autho-
rity, without any order from the King, or his Majeſties taking
any notice thereof. According to which Agreement the Duke
proceeded fo regularly, and undiſturb'd in the Priviledges of his
Command, that there was never after, during this Kings Reign,
the leaſt Diſpute betwixt them, faveing once, that the King think-
ing
BOOK V.
229
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
7
}
ing it fit to add two Companies more to his Regiment of Guards, Anno
and having appointed their Captains, the Duke interpos'd his 16oz.
Majefties Royal Promife, humbly befeeching him to do him
right: an Argument fo powerful to this equitable Prince, that of
two Captains he had nam'd, he only provided for one, which
was the Sieur de la Courbe, who had but the fecond Company nei-
ther: the first being given to the Sieur de Bourdet by the Duke's
Recommendation, whofe turn it was to name the firſt vacant
Company: yet did not the buſineſs paſs without fome difpute,
though at laſt the King was pleas'd rather to give way to his Ser-
vant's juft defires, than to fail in the leaft Article of his Word.
I fhall here add (fince I am upon this diſcourſe of the Office
of Colonel) a thing that time has fufficiently juſtified to all
France, which is, that the Duke was ſo exceeding cautious in the
diſpenſation of Commands, whether meerly depending upon his
own Authority, or in his nomination only, that his Majefty
would often fay, he never had better Foot Officers, than thofe of
the Duke's preferring. And in truth the French Infantry, whilſt
the Duke was permitted to execute his charge, were kept in fo good
order, that perhaps no Militia in Europe were better Diſciplin'd,
nor better Officer'd than they; a truth to this hour confirm'd by
an infinite number of perfons yet living, who have comman-
ded under him, and who were witneffes of his conduct. To
which I ſhall further add, and to his great commendation, a
thing not to be contradicted; which is, that he neither directly,
nor indirectly ever made the leaft benefit of any Command he
difpos'd of, which I think had they been ſet to fale would, in the
long courſe of his life, have amounted to above two Millions of
Gold, after the rate they are fold now adays. And I do very well
remember, that towards his latter end, when he faw the felling
of Offices began to grow in faſhion, he did all he could, and that
the condition of the time would permit, to oppoſe it; reprefent-
ing to the King, with very convincing Arguments, what a pre-
judice fuch an abuſe would be to his Service; although in the
end ſeeing he could not prevail with the Council to alter that to-
leration, he alfo gavefome of his own Servants, though very
few, leave to make mony of the Offices he had conferr'd upon
them: but I am certain, that for his own particular, he never
converted any the leaft employment to his own profit: A thing
perhaps fuch as thought him folicitous of his own Intereft, will
hardly be perfwaded to believe, as indeed he was enclin'd to the
faving fide, and wary enough when it was fit for him to be ſo
but never, upon any occafion where his Honour was concern'd,
that
1
230
PART II.
The Hijlory of the Life of
Anno that ever taking with him the upperhand of all other confidera,
1602. tions.
1
:
The bufinefs of Crequy, how troubleſome, and how hard foever
to digeft, was not yet the laft of the fame nature the Duke was to
wrefile withal in this years revolution, another following immedi-
ately after; which, as it nearer concern'd him, pierc'd deeper to
the quick neither had it ſo happy an iſſue as the firft. The Duke
having in the year 1582. been by King Henry the III. eſtabliſh'd
in the Government of Metz, he conferr'd the Lieutenancy of the
City and Country upon Moncaßin his Kinſman, and the Com-
mand of the Cittadel upon Sobole: but in process of time, which
hapned in the year 1585. having withdrawn Moncaẞin from this
employment to continue about his own perfon: Sobole, whom
he had bred a Page, and in whom he had an entire confidence,
was by his bounty rais'd to that degree, that he conferr'd upon
him the command of the City, and Country, together with that of
the Cittadel alfo; which was effectually one of the braveft enter-
tainments in France, Metz being at that time the moft confider-
able place of the Kingdom, and the nobleft member of the Duke's
Command.
In the Year 1594. the King undertook the Siege of Laon, to
which, as to an occafion wherein he expected to meet with great
difficulties, he invited many of his Servants of the neighbouring
Provinces. Amongst thefe Sobole was one, who by the Autho-
thority the Duke had given him in Metz, having got a great inte-
reft in the Country, might with great facility raife a confiderable
party of Horſe, as he did, and at the Head of fixfcore Light-
Horſe, very well appointed, and fourſcore Carabins, went to
ferve his Majesty at this Siege. The King receiv'd him with
great demonſtrations of favour, and not being well fatisfied
with the Duke of Efpernon, who being at that time in Provence,
where he did not behave himſelf to his Majefties liking, after he
had, as he conceiv'd, cut him out work enough there, he took
occaſion to raiſe him greater difficulties about Metz, by leffening
the Authority he had till that time ever had over Sobole. And to
that purpoſe after he had reduc'd Laon to his obedience, and about
to difmifs thoſe Auxiliaries who had come in to ſerve him in that
Action, his Majeſty fent Sobole word, "That after ſo great a fa-
"tisfaction as he had receiv'd from his Services, he was as well
difpos'd to gratifie him as he himself could defire; which ne-
"vertheleſs the prefent condition of his Affairs not permitting him
to do, at fo honourable a rate, as he could with, it was for
him to look out for fomething he had a mind to, which ſhould
tr
te
be
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
231
·
t
LC
ec
t
ર
re
re
CC
re
Anno
be as readily conferr'd upon him. Thoſe who had order to
make this overture to Sobole, were further intrufted to reprefent 1602.
unto him, "That being Governour of Metz meerly by the
"Duke's toleration, he was fubject upon the firft capricio to be
"remov'd; after which from the honourable condition wherein
"he had liv'd for many years, he would find himfelf reduc'd to a
very moderate fortune: That though he could be affur'd the
"Duke's humour would continue conftant to him, yet ought the
declining poſture of his Affairs in Provence to give him a rea-
"fonable Alarm: That all things in that Country were ſo averſe
to him, it was all the Duke could do to keep his head above
water; and that his Affairs coming to an abfolute ruine,as they
evidently declin'd,' he would be in danger to be left in Metz,
"without any ſupport, or any colourable claim, either to com-
"mand, or recompenfe: That the King conceiving a Gentleman
"of his Valour and Merit, worthy a more certain fortune, did
"voluntary offer to make him his own Lieutenant, in the Go-
"vernment of the Place and Country, under the Duke; whoſe
Authority being kept inviolate, he could have no juft reaſon to
reproach him, for feeking to eſtabliſh his own Fortune, with-
out doing any prejudice to his. It was no hard matter to per-
fwade Sobole into a thing he believ'd would fettle his Affairs fo
much to his advantage; fo that he greedily fwallow'd 'the bait,
and receiving a new Commiffion from the King, retir'd very well
fatisfied with his Majeſties bounty into his Government: But as
the firſt ſtep into a fault, makes men fubject to ſtumble into an-
other, after having once fail'd in his Faith, he had now no more
regard to his Duty; and conceiving he had good title for the fu-
ture to Lord it over the Inhabitants of Metz, with greater Au-
thority than he had formerly done; he grew infolent to the laſt
degree. Complaints whereof were foon brought to the Duke;
where to him they accus'd Sobole, for having rais'd mony upon
them by his own private Authority, and to have committed ma-
ny other infolencies against them. The Duke was at this time
difingag'd from the trouble of his Affairs in Provence, and
the refidence he had fince that time made at Court having in-
form'd him of Sobole's deportment, he was queftionless poffefs'd
with an indignation proportionable to the offenſe: but he very
well forefaw, that the King, who had in defign rais'd Sobole
againſt him, would doubtlets uphold him, and juftifie his own
Commiffion, ſo that he durft by no means act any thing in pub-
lick againſt him, nor go about by open force to diſplace him:
but on the contrary diffembled as much as in him lay, both the
know-
i
1
}
L
232
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno knowledge, and the trouble of his fault; and when continually
1602. importun'd by reiterated complaints from the Inhabitants of
m Metz, (a people he ever had in great confideration) he only ad-
Anno
1603.
monifh'd him to behave himself with greater moderation to-
wards them: but Sobole was deaf to all thoſe admonitions, and
ſo far from flackning his hand, that on the contrary, to render the
Duke's good Offices fruitless to them, he contriv'd with himſelf
to accuſe many of the principal among them to the King, for ha-
ving (as he ſaid) endeavour'd to betray the Town, and Cittadel
of Metz to Count Manffield, Governour of Luxenbourg, for the
King of Spain: Which he did, to the end that his Majefty being
prepoffels'd with ſo black an accuſation, no one, not fo much as
the Duke himſelf might dare to ſpeak in their behalf. The buſi-
neſs was very ſtrictly examin'd, and in the end diſcover'd to be a
meer calumny, which made all the world conclude it had been
inverted by Sobole in fpite to deprive the Inhabitants of their
Lives and Eftates: a malice fo notorious, that the Duke
could no longer endure a people, whom he lov'd, and had ever
protected, ſhould be fo ill us'd by a man he himself had appointed
to govern, but not to deftroy them: Which made him openly
undertake their protection againſt Sobole's violence,againſt whom
the hatred the people had conceiv'd, having provok'd them into
arms, they beſieg'd him in the Cittadel; a thing the Duke was
not forry for, hoping this would counſel the King to remove
him, and that he being out, the place could be fupply'd by none,
from whom he might not promiſe to himſelf better things than
from Sobole.
What the Duke had fo prudently foreſeen, fell out exactly, as
he imagin❜d it would; for the King alarm'd at the danger of fo
important a place (it being very much to be fear'd his ill neigh-
bours would take the advantage of the evil intelligence betwixt
the Governour and the people, to feize the Town, refolv'd to
go thither in perfon; and accordingly with the Queen, and all
the Court ſet forward in the beginning of the year 1603.A journy
in which the Duke of Efpernon was too much concern'd to ſtay be-
hind; and in the iffue whereof Sobole was depos'd from his Go-
vernment, with a pardon for all that was pafs'd; which his ill
carriage had made the reward of his Service,and all the recompenſe
he receiv'd for ſo brave a Command. After his departure his Ma-
jeſty reſolv'd himſelf to diſpoſe of his places; a thing wherein
the Duke of Efpernon's intereft did moft of all confift, who till
that time had ever had the difpofition of all Offices inferiour to his
own in that Government; and by that means had been abſolute
over
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
233.
T
over the City but his Authority being fufpected to the King, Anno
who would have no other than his own acknowledg'd in his 1603.
Kingdom, his Majefty gave the Duke to underſtand, that Sobole
having refign'd unto him his Lieutenancy to the Government, of
the City, and Cittadel of Metz, and the Meßin Country, which
his Majeſty had formerly ſeated him in, he was now refoly'd to
fettle men of Condition, and approv'd Fidelity in his room, al-
ways referving (which his Majefty would by no means diminiſh)
for the Duke his Authority in the place; that in order thereunto
he had calt his eye upon the two Brothers les Sieurs de Montigny,
and d'Arquien; to the firft of which he would give his Lieute-
nancy to the City, and Country; and to the other the command
of the Cittadel: but that the one and the other fhould render
him an obedience equal to his own perfon. The Duke, having
well enough foreſeen how things would be, had nothing to op-
poſe againſt his Majefties Royal Pleaſure; but without co radi-
contradi-
ction gave way to neceffity, and with patience (the only remedy
remain'd) was content to expect fome happy opportunity that
might re-eſtabliſh him in the poffeffion of a place fo important to
his fortune, and whereof he faw himself at prefent abfolutely
depriv❜d.
+
*
C
During his Majefties abode at Metz, the Provincial of the Fa
thers Jeſuits was by the Duke of Efpernon prefented to him;
where the propofition preferr'd by the Provincial for the re-eſta-
bliſhment of his fraternity in France, was fo promoted by the
Duke's mediation, that it was concluded on,to his great fatisfa-
&tion. Neither was this the first good office the Duke had done
them, nor the fole teftimony he had given of his affection, and
reſpect to that Society; he having ever been one of their moſt
conftant, and moft powerful Protectors in the time of their per-
ſecution, as he was one of their principal benefactors after their
re-eſtabliſhment. Metz, that ever till then had made
many, and
almoſt invincible difficulties, of ever admitting them into their
Corporation, receiv'd them upon the Duke's fingle accompt, as
he alſo procur'd their admiffion into Angouleſme before he left chat
Government: Their Colledge of Xaints has no other foundation
than what he beſtow'd upon it of four thousand Livers a year in
two fair Benefices, which put all together have rendred him one
of the principal Benefactors of that Society, by the acknowledg-
ment, and teftimony of the most ancient, and moft eminent men
of the Order.
+
The variety of accidents, and buſineſs that had befallen the
King in theſe laſt years, were yet too few to take him wholly up,
Hh
The state of
Affairs at
othe
Court du-
ring the
he Peace.
1
234
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
ما
Anno
of
he ſtill found leiſure enough for his delights; and although he
too3. himſelf took a particular accompt of all.Affairs, and was ever.the.
main director in all things; yet his abilities (which nothing was
too big for) rendred him fo excellent at diſpatch, that he ftill made
way
for his vacation and pleaſure. The Peace concluded with all
his Neighbours, and his domeftick troubles extinguiſh'd, either by
the puniſhment of the offenders, or by the excels of his own cle-
mency, gave him now fufficient leifure to look after the refor-
mátion of ſuch abuſes as were crept into the ſtate during the li-
cence of War; an employment which, how becoming foever his
Royal care, and how profitable foever to the Kingdom, took up
but a very iñconſiderable part of his time, the reft being dedica-
ted to the Chace, to play, and to the diverſions of Love: enter-
tainments that (as the paſſions, and humours of Princes (who
are the great examples of their people) do eaſily infinuate them-
felves into their Subjects Affections, or at leaſt their imitation)were
grown ſo much in faſhion at Court, that there was ſcarce any talk
any other thing, and if they had, during this Voyage to
Metz, ſuffer'd a little intermiffion, they were, at the return of the
Court to Paris, more than ever fet on foot. It has been believ'd,
that though the King in his hunting, and his Miftriffes altogether
follow'd the proclivity of his own nature; yet that for what con-
cern'd play, he had in that as much deſign at leaſt, as inclination.
I have already told you, that his Majeſty having fet down the
bringing low the great men of his Kingdom by imperceptible
ways, to render them more obedient, for a Maxime of State, had
put them upon the humour of Building, to drain their purſes:
and doubtless his engaging them in play, was in order to the fame
defign: amongſt whom the Duke of Efpernon, who already
felt the fmart of the firft, and that very well underſtood his Ma-
jefties meaning in the latter, refus'd not nevertheleſs to make one
for his Maſter's fatisfaction: but if he did it at firft meerly
out of compliance, his ill fortune at laft made it become his re-
venge, and enclin'd him ſo paffionately to it, that he found himſelf
in the end engag'd in fo extraordinary loffes, as were no little in.
convenience to him. His Majefty would often do him the ho-
nour to play at his houfe, ever inviting him to all his Matches:
And whether he retir'd tò Zamet, or to any other place to evade
the tumult of Majeſty and Greatneſs, the Duke of Efpernon was
always the firſt invited; fo that although he was not in favour,
he was nevertheleſs in great efteem: of which one of the moſt
fignal teftimonies he could receive, was the honour the King did
him in permitting him to enter the Louvre in his Coach; a favour
till
Book V.
235
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
till this time referv'd only for the Princes of the Blood, cxclufive- Anno
ly to all other perfons of the Kingdom, the Duke being the firft 1603.
that unlock'd this Priviledge for the Dukes, and Peers, though he
enjoy'd it alone during the King's life; his Majefty, though often
importun'd by others of the fame quality, for the fame honour,
never conſenting to have it drawn into example. 'Tis true, that
after the King's death, the Queen Regent, to accommodate her
felf to the time, was content to abate much of the Royal State,
and allow'd the Dukes, and Peers, and Officers of the Crown,
the fame Priviledge: but the respect to the Duke's perſon was
that which first procur'd them that indulgence.
Pimentel.
A famous Gameſter call'd Pimentel, an Italian, came at this time The ftory of
into France, whole dexterity in gulling the Court was ſuch, that I
cannot forbear to mention him in this place.'Tis faid,and it is per-
fectly true, that this Cavalier hearing what an humour of play
reign'd at the French Court, caus'd a great number of falfe Dice
to be made, of which he himfelt only knew the high, and the
low runners, hiring men to carry them into France, where af-
ter they had bought up, and convey'd away all that were in Paris,
he fupply'd all the Shops with his own: By which means having
fubjected the spirit of Play, and ty'd the hands of Fortune, he ar-
riv'd at laſt in France; where infinuating himſelf into the Court,
he was by fome of his own Nation, who had great intereft there,
foon brought acquainted with the King. Some have believ'd his
Majefty understood the man well enough, and was content to ad-
mit him for a Gamefter, the better to bring about his own defign
of impoverishing the Lords of his Court, whole Riches grew
fufpected to him. The Duke of Efpernon was one from whom
he drew the moſt confiderable fummes; who after having got
all his ready mony, and many of his Jewels, he moreover, won
of him a piece of Ambergris, to the value of 20000. Crowns,
the greateſt that ever was feen in Europe; and which the Repub-
lick of Venice, to whom it was after fold, preferve to this day in
their Treaſure for a great rarity. The Duke had not long been Ma-
fter of it; a Country fellow that had found it upon the Coaft of
Medoc, having but a little before brought it to him, as a thing due
to the House of Candale; of which the Duke was now the head.
This Ancient and Illuftrious Family,are poffeffors of many goodly
Mannors in Guienne, and principally in the Country of Medoc,
with as ample priviledges as belong to any of the greatest Territo-
ries of the Kingdom; of which one of the molt honourable is
that of the Admiralty, which might alfo have been one of the
moſt profitable, had the Duke when the Spanish Carricks fuffer'd
Hh 2
Ship-
1
1
236
The Hiſtory of the Life of
!
PARTII,
Anno Shipwrack upon that Coaſt in the year 1627. been countenanc'd
1603. in his right, which, however at that time fet afide, derives to him
nevertheleſs from a Title of above 300. years ftanding, to all the
wracks that ſhould happen any where within the extent of above
fifty Leagues upon the Coaft that bounds this Territory. Bur
how juft foever his claim might be, it was impoffible for him to
juſtifie his title against the Power, that then under his Majeſties
name exercis'd a more than Sovereign Authority. The Sea of Me-
doc, one of the moft tempeftuous of the Ocean, famous for Ship-
wracks, and for that reafon call'd La Mer Sauvage, or the wild
Sea, hath uſually in ftormy weather caft up Ambergris, and
the beſt in the world, upon that Coaft; a truth I can with confi-
dence aver, after having been an eye-witnefs of the difference be-
twixt that, and the other which was brought from the Indies in
the Carricks. The people of the Country, by the profit invited
to this ſearch, never fail, after a ſtorm to rake all along the Shoar
for this Commodity, wherein they have often very good fortune;
I having ſeen in my time a piece, which though much leſs than
that I have already mention'd, weigh'd above twenty pound, and
was valued at above 20000. Livers, found by a Country fellow
in the year 1625. wherein he did all he could to cheat the Lord of
his due; to whom two thirds of the thing found does of right
belong, and the third to the finder, if he make a faithful difcove-
ry: but this fellow's fraud being found out, the Duke was by ju-
ftice favour'd in his claim, and made mafter of the whole.
The ad-
of Philip
zicax by the
pernon's
means.
Whilft the Duke on the one hand loft his Mony and Jewels at
vancement play, his liberality at the fame time acquir'd a Treafure fufficient
Cofpean Bi- to recompenfe thofe loffes, and that was the friendſhip of Meffire
fhop of Li- Philip Cofpean, firft Bishop of Aire, afterwards of Nantes, and
Duke of E/- laftly of Lizieux, where a few years fince he died in as high a re-
putation of Sanctity and Learning, as any Prelate of his time.
This good Bifhop was at this time a young man, newly arriv'd
from Mons in Hainault, where he was born; who having run
through his course of Study at Lovain, under the tuition of Justus
Lipfius, with great applauſe, had affurance enough to trust him-
ſelf upon the great Theatre of Europe, and reſolv'd upon a
Journey to Paris: Thither being come, he firft undertook the
Education of Meẞieurs de Rambouillet, and du Fargis, Pupils wor-
thy of fo excellent a Tutor; when from private Precepts, proceed-
ing to publick Lectures, he became Philofophy Reader, which he
fo admirably perform'd, that he foon eclips'd the Reputation of
the moſt famous Doctors of his time. Le Pleßis Bauffonniere,
who in the profeffion of Arms retain'd yet a great inclination to
Learn-
>
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
237
:
1
1
Learning, being invited by Cofpean's Reputation to his Lectures, Anno
a particular friendſhip was foon contracted betwixt them; under 1603.
the priviledge of which Le Pleßis importun'd Cofpean to leave the
Schools, and to mount the Pulpit, incouraging his modefty with
the applauſe he might infallibly promife to himſelf from the equi-
ty and opinion of all judicious men. With much ado Colpean
was at laſt overcome by his Friends perfwafions, fo that he
preach'd, and in a fhort time got fo high a repute, that le Plessis
made no difficulty to invite the Duke his Mafter to hear a ftranger
preach, that had no name at Court. The Duke went the first
time to hear him upon le Pleẞis account, where being highly ſa-
tisfied with the Eloquence of this new Orator, he afterwards drew
moſt of the Court to hear him, where Cefpean out-ftripping the
expectation of all his Auditories, arriv'd in a ſhort ſpace to fuch a
degree of Reputation that he became the model of queint
Preaching; and doubtless by this ftranger Eloquence firft moun-
ted the Pulpit in France. The Duke of Efpernon, not content on-
ly to countenance the Reputation of fo deferving a man, would
further by his bounty advance a Vertue, that he had first brought
into the light; wherefore the Bishoprick of Aire having been
fome time vacant by the deceaſe of Francis de Foix, and de Candale,
and this Dignity being at his difpofe, he preferr'd the Merit of
his Friend, to the confideration and refpect of many men of Qua-
lity, his Relations; and unknown to Cofpean, difpatch'd his Man-
damus to the Bishoprick, procur'd Bulls from Rome at his own
Charge, and gave him Furniture and Equipage neceffary for the
fupport of his Dignity, which would otherwife have been very
chargeable to him. A bounty this good Prelate would often men-
tion to me in the ftory of his Life, with the greatest acknow-
ledgment; and never was man more grateful for a Benefit, than
he made it appear he was for this all the days of his life. Neither
if he, upon all occafions, highly magnified the Duke's Liberality,
was the Duke leſs ſatisfied with his good Fortune, that had gi-
ven him ſo happy an opportunity to oblige fo excellent a man
from whom, I have often heard him declare, he receiv'd more af
fiftance in his Affairs, more ſweetneſs, and fatisfaction in his con-
verſation, and more comfort in his afflictions, than from all the
advantages he had deriv'd from Fortune befides, during the whole
courfe of his long life.
F
All theſe things paft during the calm the Court at this time liv'd
in, a tranquillity wherein the King, who by the fole reputation of
his name kept all things quiet abroad, and who had very little to
do at home, began ſeriouſly to think of improving his Revenue,
}
and
1
1
238
The Hiftory of the Life of
f
PART II.
Anno and of filling his Treaſure; his great,and noble courage ſuggeſting
1603. to him generous deſigns enough of employing it one day to the
glory of his own name, and to the advantage of his Crown and
Kingdom. A time wherein the preſence of his great Miniſters
being not very neceflary at Court,where all things were carried on
by his Majefties own particular conduct, every man had leifure
to look after his own private affairs.
Anno
rel like to
It was after the foremention'd tranfactions that hapned in the
1604. Years 1602. and 1603. that the Duke of Efpernon, willing to fhare
A new quar in the liberty of the time, departed in the latter end of the laft in-
rife betwixt to his Governments of Xaintonge, and Angoumois; where bear-
the Duke o ing ftill in mind the affront offer'd him by the Marefchal d'Ornano,
Efpernon. and thinking himſelf not clear in his Reputation,unless he return'd
reſchal d'Or· again to Bordeaux to renew the match had before by the Mareſ-
and the Ma-
nano.
chals morofity been broken off, he went again to Bordeaux in the
beginning of the year 1604. to make ready for a Carnaval; to
which he had invited a far greater number of Nobility, and Gen-
try than before, and where the preparation for Mafques, Run-
ning at the Ring, Balls, and Feafting, were made with great
pomp, and vaft expenfe. But the Marefchal, notwithstanding the
Orders he had receiv'd from the King, conceiving this buſineſs,
what glofs foever might be put upon it, would be interpreted to
his difgrace, and would paſs in the opinions of men at honour for
a Bravado, and an affront to him in his Government, could by
no means perfwade himſelf to digeft it, which made him very im-
portant with the King, that his Majefty would pleaſe to abfolve
him from ſo injurious a condition; a thing the King (who had
him in great efteem) would as willingly have done: But his
Royal Word being already paſs'd to the Duke, whom he knew
to be as obftinate as the other, in things wherein his Honour was
concern'd, and not knowing how at once to fatisfie two fo dif-
ferent humours, matters were in all apparence going into as ill
terms as at firft,when an accident fell out that foon took the Duke
off all thoughts of that Solemnity. The Dutchefs of Bar the
King's only Sifter, hapned to dye at this time which gave the
King occafion to write to the Duke of Efpernon, that he affur'd
himſelf all fuch good Subjects and Servants, as he was, would ra-
ther lament with him for the lofs of fo dear a Relation, than to
think of Mirth and publick Solemnities of Joy, at fo unfeaſon-
able a time; a command ſo much the eafier for the Duke to obey,
by how much he himself had particular reaſon to be really afflict-
ed at the death of that excellent Lady. So that by this accident the
Mareschal d'Ornano law himſelf difingag'd from one of the greateſt
extre-
BOOK V.
239
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
extremities he had ever found himſelf involv'd in, it having beeri
otherwife neceffary for him,either abfolutely to disobey the King, 1664:
which he could not have done without incurring his disgrace, or
patiently to fubmit to an affront he himself had declar'd to be the
greateſt he could poffibly receive; and that 'tis faid) he was re-
folv❜d to have avoided by laying down his Commiffion fuch as
were moft perfect in his paffionate nature being confident, had it
come to the push he would certainly have ranſon'd himſell
from that fubmiffion at the price of his Fortune.
>
The Duke continued fome time after this in Guienne, and from
thence returned into Angoumois, where he spent the remainder of
the year, without being call'd thence upon any publick occafion.
All things(as has been faid) were quiet,and the King feem'd to be
wholly taken up, with the care of husbanding and filling his
Exchequer; wherein though fome believ'd him to be meerly car-
ried on by a natural inclination to the love of mony; yet his de-
figns which a few years after difelos'd themſelves gave the world
an accompt,that there was more of defign than avarice in the exact
care he took to moderate the exceffive expenſe had by his prede-
ceffor been introduc'd'into the Kingdom. The Duke of Efpernon
nevertheleſs could have wifh'd his Majefty had been more open
handed to the Garriſons in his Government, thoſe of Angouleme,
and Xaintes being ſo ill paid that they could hardly ſubſiſt; which
putting him into an apprehenfion, that thofe places (become
now as it were Frontier Towns, fince thofe of the Reformed Re-
ligion had made a kind of ſeparation in the State, of which Ro-
chelle ſeem'd to be the Metropolitan City) might be loft in his
hands, he continually reprefented to the King the danger thoſe
Cities were in, but without being regarded at all; which made
him in the beginning of the enfuing year refolve upon a Journey
to Court, to try, if in perſon, and by word of mouth he could not
prevail more, than by continual importunities in writing he had
hitherto done where being arriv'd, and preſenting himſelf be-
fore the King, his Majeſty as'd him in what condition he had left
his Governments? to whom the Duke reply'd, That they could
not poffibly be in a worfe; the neceffity of the Souldiery in Garri-
fon being fo great that he durft not undertake for the fecurity of
thofe places committed to his charge. To which the King having
made anſwer, That they were us'd as others were: The Duke
(who very well knew the difference his Majefty made betwixt his
Catholick Garriſons, and the neighbouring places poffefs'd by
thoſe of the Reform'd Religion) took the liberty to tell him, that
thoſe who had ſo inform'd his Majeſty had given him a very ill ac-
compt
+
240
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno compt of his Affairs, the Garriſons of thofe of the Religion, who
1604. perhaps were arm'd to the prejudice of his Service, being nothing
ic
in Arrear, whilft the Catholicks who were firm in their obedi-
ence, were ready to perifh for want of pay. The King nettled at
fo tart a reply, and angry that the Duke ſhould give him fo pub-
lick a reproach in the diſcovery of a truth, he had a mind, for ma-
ny reaſons, ſhould have been conceal'd, fuffer'd himself to be fo
far tranſported by his paffion, that he could not forbear to tell the
Duke, “He was perverſe, and importunate: That he fought all
"occafions to diſpleaſe him: That he would have done him
a greater kindneſs to have kept ſtill at the diftance he was at,
"than to come into his prefence only to offend him, and for the
"cloſe of all, that he had long obferv'd he did not love him. To
which the Duke without being thunder-ftruck at the King's an-
ger, which might perhaps have furpriz'd another man, lefs confi-
dent of his Fidelity than he, infifting upon the laft words, an-
fwered coldly, but after a ſerious manner "Sir, your Majefty
"has not a more faithful Subject than my ſelf in your Kingdom,
"and I had rather die, than do any thing contrary to the leaft
particle of my duty: But Sir, for what concerns friendſhip,
your Majefty knows very well, that is a thing not to be ac-
quir'd but by Friendſhip. At fo bold, and generous an anfwer,
ceiv'd, and there was none who was not aftoniſh'd at the Duke's freedom,
turn'd to bis and that was not ready to condemn his rafhneſs; though the King
advantage. himſelf, who knew how to put a juft value upon great actions,
A bold an-
fwer from
the Duke to
the King,
well re-
CC
c
and how to interpret language of this nature, was of a more fa-
vourable opinion, and gave no reply: but on the contrary, refle-
&ting upon what the Duke had faid, converted his indignation in-
to eſteem; and interpreting what others thought temerity, for an
effect of honeft liberty, proceeding from a good conſcience, re-
folv'd to make himſelf belov'd, by the way the Duke had laid
him down, and from that time forward began to uſe him much
better, than he had ever done. Neither was the Duke wanting
on his part, but perceiving his Majefties good difpofition to-
wards him, and adding the ſpur of affection to what he had for-
merly perform'd upon the meer accompt of duty, he at laft ob-
tain'd fo great a fhare in his Majefties favour, and good opinion,
that before his death he receiv'd as many teftimonies of his Royal
Anno good Will and Confidence, as any other perſon of his condition
1605. whatſoever in the Kingdom.
The Duke's
This confidence began foon after to appear, by the command
expedition the King was pleas'd to give the Duke over the Horfe and Foot he
moufin. fent into Limoufin; when tir'd out with the continual diſorders,
into Li-
the
BOOK V. the Duke of Efpernon.
241
the excess of his clemency begat every day in his Kingdom, he Anno
was reſolv'd to take order once for all, and by a fevere and exem- 1605.
plary puniſhment to quiet the Rebellion fome of Mounfieur
de Bouillons Servants openly maintain'd after his departure out of
the Kingdom in Perigord, Quercy, and Limousin. The Marefchal
de Bouillon was feiz'd of many very fair poffeffions, and had ma-
Friends and Servants in thofe Provinces; where the Nobility,
Gentry, and Commons being alſo naturally inclin❜d to Arms, it
was no hard matter to perfwade them into commotion.
ny
The King had been given to underſtand, that under the pre-
tenſe of ſeeking protection only from the Proteftant Princes of
Germany, and the Swiffe Cantons; the Marefchal endeavour'd to
intereft them in the Quarrel of thofe of the Religion in France,
by poffeffing them (as it was faid.) that fince the King's Converfi-
on, their ufage was far different from what it had formerly been,
and the liberty of Confcience far more reftrain'd, than it us'd to
be. Neither did his Majeſty doubt, but that all of his opinion
in his Kingdom, would eaſily be induc'd to follow the Duke of
Bouillon's diſcontent, who had acquird an abſolute reputation
among them. He farther faw that many Catholicks made no
ſcruple to joyn with him, to the end they might re-enjoy the li-
cence of War, which would by no means be allow'd them in the
better times of Peace: He knew that great fummes of mony
were diftributed for the raifing of men; which mony was ful-
pected to come from Spain, from whence all the inteftine broils
of his Kingdom had ever been countenanc'd, and promoted. Evil
diſpoſitions, that being all joyn'd together, were fufficient to pro-
duce great diſorders in the State, and to reduce the King in ſpite
of his heart to the neceſſity of a Civil War. His Majefty there
fore thinking it very convenient to prevent all theſe diſorders, and
to fuffocate them in their Birth, refolv'd to go in perſon to Li-
mouſin, either by his Prefence to appeafe, or by his Authority to
fupprefs the begun Commotions: but to difpofe them to their
obedience if poffible before his arrival, to chaſtiſe ſome Offen-
ders without drawing the Odium immediately upon himſelf, and
to reduce every one to his Duty; he order'd the Duke of Elper
1101 to go before with fix Companies only of his Regiment of
Guards, and four Troops of Horſe; not doubting but with this
little Body, together with the Duke's Intereſt (which was very
confiderable in thoſe parts, of which fome places were under his
own Government) he would be able to give a better accompt of
his Expedition, than another perhaps could do with greater For-
ces. And to the end that his Juftice might accompany his Arms,
7107
I i
he
J
242
PARTII,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
he joyn'd to the Duke Jean Jaques de Mefmes Segnieur de Roiſſy,
1605. Mafter of Requests, with Commiffion of Oyer and Terminer to
fit upon the Life, and Death of the Offenders. This was he fo
famous for his Integrity, and Valour, that was afterwards Doyen
to the Council of State, where, though the esteem every one
had of his Vertue was very great; yet was it no more, than
was due to his merit, although afterwards in the progrefs of a
long life, he had this honour added to the reft he enjoy'd, to fee
his name illuftrated by a noble Pofterity; not any man ſcarce of
his condition in the Kingdom having fupply'd the State with fo
great and able Minifters. The Duke having taken his leave of
the King, advanc'd into Limoufin, where he would have Crequy
Camp-Mafter to the Regiment of Guards to command in per-
fon the Forces he took along with him, and where the moft tur-
bulent fpirits, at his unexpected arrival (which by his diligence
had almoſt got the ftart of any intelligence of his coming) medi-
tated nothing less than their defenſe, ſome of the moft advis’d
fearing to have to do with the Duke, or de Roiffy, appeal'd to his
Majeſties mercy, and by the acknowledgement of their offenſe,
obtain'd their Pardon; others retir'd themſelves to the Duke de
Bouillon to Sedan, the moſt imprudent, or the most unfortunate
only falling into the hands of Juſtice. Of which five or fix fuf-
fer'd death, though many others were puniſh'd by more mode-
rate way's: fo that before the King's arrival at Limoges, all thoſe
Countries, that before breath'd nothing but Sedition and Diſor-
der, were now ſo calm and ſtill, that his Majefty had nothing to
do, but by his Clemency to ſettle Rebels, newly reclaim'd from
their Difobedience, in their Duty, and to reward his faithful
Subjects, by the demonftrations of his Grace and Favour.
The end of the Fifth Book.
THE
}
יווי
243
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Sixth Book.
betwixt the
Duke of
and the
HE Affairs of Limoufin, that had taken up the Anno
Duke of Efpernon the whole year, having been 1605.
compos'd with the facility you have heard, the A difpute
King return'd again to Paris, attended by the
Duke, who had now nothing left to do be. Efpernon
hind. The antiquated enmity, that fo many Duke of
years had been nouriſh'd betwixt the Houſe of Guife and him, Guife.
continued ftill, which was ready to diſcover it felf upon every
light occafion, and almoſt as oft as they met to come to a buſtle
betwixt them: In all which diſputes, the Duke (notwithſtand-
ing that that Illuſtrious Family, by the greatneſs of their Birth,
and by their Offices in the State, by their vaft poffeffions in the
Kingdom, and above all by the great number of generous
Princes of which it was compos'd, as alfo by the potency of their
Alliances, made up a great part of the Court) would never give
them the leaſt ground, but ever fuftein'd their power with great
Spirit, and Vigour; neither did he want fuch a number of Re-
lations, and Servants, as might fecure him from the apprehenfion
I i 2
of
244
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno of the greatness of any. He had ſometime before this had a brisk
1605. difpute with the Duke of Guife, the King being at Lyons, which
'w proceeded fo far, that the Duke of Efpernon by the hands of la
Pierre, one of the Duke's Gentlemen, receiv'd a Challenge from
him, though the Quarrel had been fo publick, and the Duke of
Guife was ſo narrowly watch'd by his Friends, that he could not
get out into the Field; wherein the Duke of Efpernon was better
ferv'd by his, who permitted him to go out of the City with Go-
has, whom he took with him for his fecond: but being call'd
back by the King's Command, who would himſelf compoſe their
difference, that Quarrel was foon at an end.
Another
quirrel be-
twixt the
non,
and
There hapned at this time another, betwixt the Duke of Efper-
and the Prince of Joinville, now Duke of Chevreuse,
Duke of Ef. Brother to the Duke of Guife; for this Prince having ftaid the
pernon, and Coach of a Woman of Quality at the outer Gate of the Louvre,
of Joinville, one night that the King had appointed a great Dancing at Court,
the Prince
and the Duke coming out, with the Duke of Montpenfier to go
home, the Ladies Coach fo ftopt the Gate, that the Duke's could
not poffiblypaſs; wherefore he commanded theCoachman to make
way: But the Duke of Chevreufe, who was lean'd upon one of the
Boots of the Coach, on the dark fide where he could not be per-
ceiv'd, commanded the Coach-man not to ſtir, ſeeking (as it was
plain enough) out of youthful bravery, an occafion to quarrel:
nor did the Duke fail to give him as good a one,as he could defire;
for not being able longer to endure the infolency of fo baſe a fellow,
he cudgell'd the Coach-man fo well, that he forc'd him at laft to
give back. The Prince de Joinville, who perhaps forbore out of
refpect to the Duke of Montpenfier, appear'd not at all in the bufi-
nels at that time, but in the morning fent the Gentleman of his
Horfe, le Comté by name, to question the Duke about it: The
Duke was yet in his bed, and afleep when the Gentleman came,
but being wak'd by the Groom of his Chamber,who never refus'd
admittance to any, he ſent for him to his bed fide; where being
come, the Gentleman told him that he was fent by the Prince of
Joinville his Mafter, to know, if when he beat the Coachman
over night, he did it to affront him? To which the Duke return-
ing no answer, but only asking him where his Mafter was? and
the other having anſwered that he ftaid at the foot of Montmar-
tre with a good Horfe, and a good Sword to expect him, he,
without more words leap'd out of his Bed, dreft himſelf in the
Gentleman's preſence, and having led him into his Armory, took
out thence two Swords of equal length; whereof he gave him the
choice; by which time the Mafter of his own Horfe, being alfo
come
1
•
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
245
come to him, they went all three together to the place. Being Anno
there come, the Duke found the Prince de foinville ready to re- 1605.
ceive him, their Swords were already drawn, and they were juſt
going to't; when the Prince, who had his face towards Paris,
leeing a Party of l'orfe coming that way, and ſuſpecting it was
with an intent to prevent them, fhew'd them to the Duke, telling
him withal that they muſt ſpur to gain the Bois de Boulogne, and
without more words turn'd his Horfe that way. The Duke, who
by the diſtance of thofe he faw, conceiv'd they had yet time
enough to end their difpute before they could come in to interrupt
them, had a great mind, without going further, to have diſpatch'd
the buſineſs there: but being neceffitated to follow the Prince,
who was already upon the gallop towards the Wood, he ſpurr'd
after, though they could not make fuch hafte, but that they were
interrupted before they could come there, and by their Friends
carried back to the City. Where the King, having notice of their
Quarrel, commanded them both to the Louvre, and there took
up the buſineſs, making them embrace in his prefence, and pro-
miſe to be good friends. That which was moſt remarkable on the
Duke's fide in this occafion was, that the number of thoſe who
declar'd themſelves of his Party was fo great, that they took up
all the space betwixt the Roule, to the Louvre; whilft the Duke of
Joinville was only countenanc'd by thofe of his own Relation,
whoſe intereſt in Paris was at this time very much declin'd, from
what it had formerly been in the life of the Duke his Father.
the Vant-
Although the refidence of this great City was very pleafing to Anno
the King, yet could not the delights that entertain'd him there, de- 1606.
tain his Majefty from vifiting all parts of his Kingdom, where he
conceiv'd his preſence to be neceflary for the advancement of his
Affairs. We ſaw him the laſt year in Limoufin, and this invited him The King
into Champagne, and as far as Sedan, to reduce the Duke of Boii- makes an
expedition
illon to his duty. This Duke keeping himself ftill at a distance to Sedan,
from the Court, and refractory to ſeveral Summons his Majefty wherein the
had ſent him to make his appearance, and by juſtifying himſelf to command of
obtain his favour, it was plain that his refufing to come, was a Guard is
contempt to the Sovereign Authority, and that therefore his Ma- committed
jeſty in the vindication of his own honour, was oblig'd to cha- of Efpernon.
flize him.Neither did he longer defer,for that purpoſe to make his
preparation for a Journey to Sedan. In this expedition the Duke
of Efpernon, whom the King began now much better to reliſh,
and whoſe admirable care, and vigilancy, upon all occafions, gave
his Majeſty infinite fatisfaction, had the command of the Vant-
Guard committed to him, and had matters proceeded to the ne-
ceffity
to the Duke
246
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno ceffity of a Siege, was defign'd for one of the most important
1606. Quarters againſt the Town: but the Duke of Bouillon having at
Anno
laſt ſhut himſelf up in the place, and not willing to pull upon
himſelf the utmoſt effects of the King's indignation, had recourfe
to his mercy; and by his fubmiffions, together with the Queens
interceffion (who ordinarily accompanied the King in all his
Motions) obtain'd of his Majeſty an indempnity for all things
paft, upon the moſt favourable terms he could himſelf expect,
or defire. Whereupon he receiv'd the King into the City the fe-
venth of April 1606. with a Garrison of 300. men, which by the
condition of the Accommodation were to remain four
years in
the Caſtle; during which time his Majeſty would make tryal of
this new Convert's perfeverance in his duty: but that long (pace
was, by his Majeſties favour,reduc'd to a few months, the bounty
of this generous Prince ever contracting the term of mens dif
graces; his diſpleaſure being ſhort liv'd, and of no continuance;
but his noble nature being ever conftant to oblige all his Sub-
jects.
Though the following year was pafs'd over without any di-
1607. fturbance in the Kingdom; yet did his Majefties Name, and Re-
putation give him opportunity, and by his Authority, Power, to
compofe one of the most dangerous differences, that could pof-
fibly have hapned amongft Chriftian Princes, and that was the
falling out betwixt the Pope Paul the V. and the Republick of
Fenice: a diforder, that had it not in time been taken up,
up, would
infallibly have involv'd all Chriftendom in the Quarrel, and it is
infini ely to be fear'd, have given the Turk opportunity in fo
great a confufion to have made a formidable advance into the ve-
ry heart of Europe. A danger that his Majefty (than whom none
was clearer fighted) very well forefaw, and (retaining a grateful
memory of the obligations he had receiv'd, both from the Holy
Sea, and that Republick at his advancement to the Crown)as ſoon
undertook to interpoſe betwixt thoſe two powerful adverſaries.
The bufinefs was carried on by the mediation of the Cardinal de
Joyeuſe,and Cardinal Perron; wherein the one, and the other pro-
ceeding according to his Majefties wife direction, their endeavours
were at laft crown'd with fuccefs, and all things concluded to the
fatisfaction of both parties, but chiefly to the Honour of France;
which now appear'd to be the Arbiter of all the Eftates of Eu-
rope. And indeed in thoſe times all things in a manner were
ſway'd by his Majeſties will; his defire being almoſt a rule to all
Princes in all Affairs: Neither was there in the whole world a
Kingdom to be found more glorious, more flouriſhing, or more
happy,
BOOK VI.
247
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
upon
of Montp:n-
happy,than that of France,during the Reign of this mighty Prince. Anno
Yet could not all this reputation abroad fecure him from affli- 1607.
´ctions at home; neither could his greatneſs and bounty exempt
him from the power of Death; who firft exercifing his cruelty
fome of his Family, diſcharg'd in the end his whole rage
and fury upon his own perfon. The precedent year had raviſh'd
from him one of the Princes his Children,and this depriv'd him
of the Duke of Montpenfier his Coufin; a Prince for whom his The death
Majefty had as great a kindneſs, as for any whatſoever of his of the Duke
Blood, as he made it appear by the true forrow he manifefted fier.
for his death: but the Duke of Efpernon was afflicted beyond all
expreffion. I have already given an accompt of the Alliance betwixt
theſe two, and of the particular Friendſhip that Alliance begot,
I fhall now further fay, they were infeparable in their converfati-
on, their Intereſts went ever hand in hand with one another, and
it will be hard to find a Friendſhip ſo pure, and conftant betwixt
two private perfons, as they ever preſerved entire, in the corru
ptions and revolutions of the Court. Neither could the friend-
hip of a Prince of his extraction and vertue be otherwiſe than
of great importance to the Duke; whoſe proſperity and advance-
ment had procur'd him fo much envy, and confequently fo many
enemies yet was he conftrain'd to fubmit to the inevitable ne-
ceffity of death, and to bear with patience a loſs for which there
was no other remedy.
Anno
This accident was yet follow'd by another the enfuing year, at
which the Duke was almoft equally afflicted: Pere Ange de Joyeuse, 1608.)
Father-in-law to the Duke of Montpenfier, had been return'd into
the Order of Fathers Capuchins from the year 1599. from which
time he had continued in the aufterity of his Canon with fo great
zeal and fanctity, that he was become a prefident of Vertue, and
Holy Living to all the Religious Men of his Order: Yet did
he not when returning to the obſervation of his Vow, he threw
off all worldly vanities, and defires) banifh from his breaſt thoſe
true affections which Nature and Reaſon had planted in his heart:
but on the contrary had ever in his greatest retirement cherifh'd
the Duke's friendſhip, as if he had been his true Brother in Blood,
as he was in Alliance and Affection. Neither was the Duke on
his part leſs fedulous to improve fo vertuous an Intereft, ever ho-
nouring, and loving him, even in his penitential Sack-cloath, at
as high a rate, as when he liv'd in the greatest Luftre, in the moſt
honourable employments; and applying himſelf with greater
diligence to the Interefts of his Houfe, and to the advancement of
his Daughter, than when he himſelf liv'd upon the great Theatre
of
1
248
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno of the bufie world: fo that in different capacities of living, their
1608. friendſhip continued ftill one, and the fame, till death came to cut
the knot, which alone had power to diffolve it. This Holy man
of Pere An- died at Rivoly in Piedmont, in his return from Rome, in great repu-
ge de Foyenfe tation of Sanctity and Vertue, which has fince by time been made
more manifeft to all.
The death
of Pere
the Duke's
Brother-
in-law.
Anno
The following year affords fo little confiderable to be ſaid of
the Duke of Efpernon in particular (the Court being at this time
1609. wrap'd in fo great a calm and fecurity, that there is nothing of mo-
ment to be reported of any fave the King himfelf) that it might
well enough be pafs'd over in filence: But having hitherto found
out fomething or other to record in the foregoing years, I had ra-
ther travel, not out of my fubject only, but alſo out of the af-
fairs of the Kingdom, than to omit the moſt glorious proof his
Majeſty could poffibly give of his Authority with all the Princes,
and States of Chriftendom in the conclufion of the Truce be-
twixt the Crown of Spain, and the States of the United Pro-
vinces.
This great affair had been fruitlefly propos'd almoſt from the
very first bustle of Arms in that Country; neither had endea-
vours been wanting even in the heat of the moſt bloody executi-
ons (that the fury of War has perhaps produc'd in any part of Eu
rope) for the effecting of ſo good a work,, Treaties of Accom-
modation having every year, during thoſe troubles been conftantly
by ſome or other fet on foot: but the animofity of Factions, the
difference of Religions, and the variety of Events, that had ever
kept Affairs on both fides as it were in equal balance, had ſo ex-
afperated the minds of men, that ſcarce any propofition of Peace
would be endur❜d. A work, it ſeems, referv'd to be an additional
The Truce Ray to the King's Glory,whofe reputation only could cut the knot
of all thofe difficulties. Spain had great need of Peace, which ha-
ving often, without intereffing the King in the Affair, fought
concluded in vain, he was in fine conftrain'd to apply himſelf to him
to procure it, and wholly to fubmit all things to his Arbitration.
A task the King (very well fatisfied with fo high, and publick an
acknowledgment of his power) as readily undertook, and to
that purpoſe diſpatch'd away Prefident Janin, and the Sieur de
Reiffy, to manage the Work: by whofe prudent conduct, forti-
fied by their Maſters Reputation, they effected that by the weight
of Authority, which perhaps their dexterity (how great foever)
without great labour and expence of much time, could not other-
wife have brought to pass. So that things were reduc'd to the
point the parties concern'd could themfelves defire; from
betwixt
Spain and
Holland
by the
King's me-
diation.
whence
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
249
t
'whence followed an univerſal Peace amongst all Chriſtian Anno
Princes.
Europe
1609.
Anno
1610.
It was into this tranquille condition, that the Affairs of
were first to be wrought, before the King could begin to form it
into the new mould he had long defign'd; for this great Prince,
born to reconcile Monarchy and Juftice, being unable to en-
dure the proud Authority, with which the Crown of Spain lor-
ded it over all her Neighbours,and more impatient that by the ex-
panfion of his Empire the Spaniard fhould reap advantages,
which he conceiv'd were more juftly due to his Birth, and Valour,
he refolv❜d to clip the wings of this foaring greatnefs, to make
him give back thoſe Territories he ufurp'd from his Neighbours,to
reftore the Republicks their ancient liberty, and finally to reduce
his power to the limits of his primitive poffeffion. This in ſhort
is all that can be ſaid of the King's defigns, and all that fuch as
conceiv'd they penetrated deepeſt into his moſt private thoughts,
could poffibly divine; it being moft certain that he diſcover'd the
bottom of his deſign to none, which had it been communicated
to any, the Duke of Efpernon would doubtless in this conjuncture
have participated of the truft: but as this great Prince would
ex- makes great
ecute all things in his own perfon, fo did he here referve to him preparation
felf the fecret of his refolutions; infomuch that though his Ar- for War.
my was all ready drawn into the Field, that he himſelf was imme-
diately to come up to them,and that in all probability there would
be fudden action; yet durft no one venture pofitively to determine
whither that preparation was directed, or who was to feel the firſt
edge of his Arms: neither fhall I prefume to deliver theſe conje-
&tures for truth, nor fuffer my curiofity to tranfgrefs the bounds
this mighty Prince in his wiſdom prefcrib'd even to the moſt
faithful Minifters of his Kingdom.
This brave and laudable ambition having long poffefs'd his
generous heart, he had from the firft Idea of his defign wifely laid
up
for the means to effect it, that it might fucceed to his glory:
and to that end, from the time peace was firſt ſettled in his King.
dom, had been gathering, and had now got together a prodigious
Treaſure His Artillery and Ammunitions were all ready, and in
equipage fit to execute his vaft deſigns. France was able to furniſh
him with an infinite number of old Souldiers; neither, in the
fair weather he had been fo folicitous to maintain at home, had
he forgot to take a particular care of breeding ſo many brave Ca-
ptains, and good Souldiers in the Low-Country-Wars, as were
fufficient, in a very ſhort time, to bring fuch raw men as fhould
be rais'd, into very good difcipline. Besides the Forces of his own
K k
King-
The King
་
250
PARTIL
The Hiflory of the Life of
1
1
Anno Kingdom, he had made a League with all the neighbouring Prin-
1610. ces: The Duke of Savoy, the Republick of Venice, the Duke of
Florence, and almoſt all the Princes of Italy, the Prince of Orange,
and most of the Princes of Germany, with the Hanfe-Towns of
the Empire were engag'd to joyn with him: And the King of
England had made great preparation in favour of his defigns; fo
that in all apparence, what, and how great foever thefe defigns
might be, they were very likely to fucceed.
Nothing then being wanting, but a pretenfe to give colour to
his action, the death of the Dukes of Cleves, foon fupply'd him
with one as good as he could defire; for after his death, the fuc-
ceffion to his Dukedom being pretended to by all his Brothers-
in-law, who were five, the Marquis of Brandebourg, the Duke of
Newbourg, the Count Palatine, the Duke of Deux Ponts, and the
Marquis of Burgau; all theſe Princes agreed to appeal to the
King, and to ftand to his Arbitration: but whilft they were plead-
ing their titles in the Court of France, the Emperour (pretending
all vacant Jurifdictions to be Fiefs of the Empire, and that for
want of Heirs Males, he had right to feize them in truft) had
there eſtabliſh'd the Arch-Duke Leopold his Couſin, as his Deputy
and Governour, for, and under him: in order to which delega-
tion the Arch-Duke had already, by the affiſtance of the Austrian
Forces, poffefs'd himſelf of the beſt part of the Dutchy by the ta-
king of fuliers; notwithſtanding that the King had publickly de-
clar'd, he defir'd things might remain fufpended, till every man's
Title was examin'd, and the true Heir could be known. And this
was in effect, all the reafon could be given for this mighty prepa-
ration, though an Army confifting of forty thouſand French Foot,
ten thouſand Swiffe, ten thouſand Horſe, and fifty pieces of Can-
non, with their Equipage; together with the Leavies the confe-
derate Princes were ftill, on all hands preparing to joyn with him ;
giving all the world to underſtand, that fo great Forces were de-
fign'd for fome other end, than only for the Accommodation of a
particular Quarrel, all men were in ſuſpenſe, and in great expe-
ctation of what the event would be.
The Army then being in the Field, and the King ready to de-
part from Paris, his Majefty would yet firft take fo good order to
lecure the interior Peace of his Kingdom, that he might not,
when at a great diſtance, and in the heat of his Enterprizes, be
call'd back by Domeſtick troubles: A confideration that made
him determine to devolve his Royal Power to the Queen, and to
cauſe her to be declar'd Regent in his abſence; and knowing that
how good foever her intentions were, and how fincere foever her
admi-
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
251
adminiſtration might be, yet that the fovereign Authority hè Anno
left her inveſted withal, would require the Fidelity, Courage, and 1610.
Prudence of fome great and experienc'd Miniſter to fupport it, he m
caft his eye upon the Duke of Efpernon, to confer upon him that
great Truft and Honour. In this refolution therefore, having one
day call'd for the Duke, and caufing him to come into his Cloſet,
where he was then with the Queen alone; the Duke was not a
little furpriz'd at the favourable, and obliging Character, his Ma-
jefty was then pleas'd to give of him to the Queen, on fo unex
pected an occafion. He told her, "That being upon the point to
go out of the Kingdom, the Government whereof he had, du-
ring his abfence, committed to her care, he had confider'd how
neceffary it would be for her to have a faithful Servant about her
perfon, upon all occurrences that might happen, and, in occa-
hons where the modeſty of her Sex would not permit her to act
in her own perfon, to be affifting to her with his Wiſdom,. and
Valour: That having to that end feverally weigh'd the abili-
ties of all the chief Officers of his Crown, he had found none,
in whom the qualities neceffary for fo great an employment,
"
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st
cr
King inten-
ble, and the
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I
were more eminent than in the perfon of the Duke of Elper- * De Serres
fays
non there prefent: That having had a long experience of his kyste
Fidelity, Wiſdom, and Valour, he had determin'd to deprive ded to leave
"himſelf of his Service, though infinitely neceffary to him in the the Confta-
profecution of his defigns, and to fend him back to her upon Chancellor
the firft fally of his Arms. That fhe might repofe an entire and in that
perfect confidence in him, as he himſelf alfo did, who knew
him to be a man of approv'd Fidelity, and Honour: That he
was going to execute defigns, wherein he was likely to meet
"with many difficulties, and perhaps fome danger; but that
"whatever fhould happen, he defir'd her to reft fecure in the
Duke's vigilancy, and care, for which he would undertake both
to himſelf and to her. After which, turning to the Duke, he
told him, That he did not require from him any confirmation
by new promiſes, of thoſe things whereof he had affur'd the
Queen in his behalf: That he had had ſo many proofs of his
"Vertue, in the integrity of his former Actions, it was not now
to be fufpected, that he conjur'd him by the eſteem, and affecti-
on he had for him,to juftifie his expectation,to ferve the Queen,
" and the Princes his Children, with the fame Fidelity he had
fery'd him, and to promiſe to himſelf for his reward, all the
acknowledgement he could reaſonably expect from a grateful
Prince, and a good Mafter. The Duke a little out of counte-
"nance at what the King had faid in his favour, made anſwer in
re
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252
PARTIL
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
t
tr
few words, "That he did humbly acknowledge his obligation to
1610. his Majeſty for ſo high a Character,and for the unexpected Ho-
nour he was pleas'd to confer upon him, which in the nature of
"it was far above all others, he had till then receiv'd from his Roy-
al bounty; and that if he had a thouſand lives he would wil-
lingly lay them all at his feet to exprefs his gratitude for fo fignal
a favour: That he did humbly befeech their Majefties to retain
"that favourable opinion of him, and to conclude him the moſt
unworthy of all their Subjects, and the worst of all men, if
"he
he ever fail'd in the leaft part of his Duty.
r
“
After this the King told him he could not leave him at preſent
with the Queen, having occafion for him to command the Vant-
Guard of his Army, till the Prince of Orange fhould come up to
him, for whom he had referv'd that employment. A thing the
Duke knew before,as alſo that the King intended him the honour
of that important command in the mean time: But the election of
his perſon in that great employment of fitting at the Helm, did
not a little diſpleaſe, and increaſe the envy of many of the greateſt
men of the Kingdom, who had long look'd a fquint upon the
Duke's Proſperity and Favour; though his Majefty, having ma-
turely, and upon very good grounds proceeded to that choice, was
not for any confideration, or by any arguments whatſoever to be
diffwaded from that reſolution.
and me-
I know not how fome, who envy the Duke's name,
mory, may entertain a relation fo much to his advantage; though
were I put to prove the truth of what I report, I could bring a
great many perfons of Honour, and Quality to atteft it; the
Queen Mother,in the first Letter fhe writ to the King after her ef
cape from Blois, makes particular mention of it; than whom no
one could be better inform'd in this Affair, and has alſo ſeveral
times fince declar'd by word of mouth, what ſhe then publiſh'd
in writing: neither was it a fecret at that time, no more than I
hope it will be ſuſpected in this, where fo many perfons are living
of Reputation enough to give it Authority, fhould it be contra-
dicted by any, who perhaps are not fo well inform'd.
The King having, as has been faid, taken order to fecure all
things that were likely in his abfence, to diſturb the peace of his
Kingdom, prepar'd himſelf to be gone: The Queen had been
Crown'd at St. Dennis the thirteenth of May, and her entry into
Paris was defign'd to have been, on Sunday the fixteenth, and on
the ſeventeenth his Majefty intended, without further delay, to fet
out towards the Army. Nothing was now to be ſeen in Paris,
but great preparations of joy, and triumph, to honour the re
maining
BOOK VI the Duke of Eſpernon.
253
1
Anno
of Henry the
de Ro-
the Marquis
de la Force,
and the
* De Serres
maining Ceremony of the Queens Coronation; nothing but de-
monſtrations of the Kings Magnificence, and of the felicity of 1610.
his Reign, himſelf being moft diligent in giving the Orders ne-
ceffary for the ſtate of that Solemnity; when this Great and Illu-
ftrious Prince, the terror of his Enemies, and the love and delight
of his people, going abroad upon the fourteenth of the fame
month to view the preparation of thoſe Magnificences, was in
a ftop he met upon the way in the street de la Ferronnerie, by Saint
Innocents Church, with three ftabs of a Villain's Knife, laid dead The Deadli
in his Coach. The Duke of Efpernon had the honour to be feared III.
by the King in the hinder part of the Coach, upon whom his
Majefly was leaning to whiſper fomething in his ear; the Duke
of Monbazon, with the Marefchal de la Vardin, was in one of the
Boots, and other perfons of great Quality took up the reft: at *Who were
the firſt ftab the King cried out, I am hurt; at which the Duke of the Mare-
Efpernon, who ſaw the next blow coming, holding up his arm to quelaure,
divert it, receiv'd part of it in the fleeve of his Doublet, that was
ſtrook through, though the King's Deſtiny would not fuffer him the Sieur de
to receive it all; nor permit, that at the peril of his own life, he Lincourt,
fhould fave that of his Maſter, as with all his foul he would have Marquis de
done. The curfed Parricide proceeded yet to a third ftab, of which Mirelean.
the two laſt were mortal, and with the ſecond the King tumbled fays by a
dead upon the Duke, who receiv'd him in his Arms, his blood miftake the
boiling in great quantities out of Hisimouth. After this execrable Monbazon
act the curled Affaffinate was foon difcover'd,against whom thofe receiv'd the
who attended the King, and amongſt them Saint Michel, one of tab in the
his Gentlemen in ordinary, prompted by a juft fury, had already of his
drawn his Sword to diſpatch him; when the Duke, calling to
mind, how much thofe Gentlemen had been condemn'd who
killd Jaques Clement upon the Murther of Henry the III. by
whofe imprudent zeal, a further diſcovery from the wretches own
mouth of the Authors of that abominable Treafon, was preven-
red, he cried out to Saint Michel, and to the Footmen, who had
drawn their Swords to the fame purpoſe, to hold, and upon pain
of death not to kill him, but only to feize kis perſon, that he
might be deliver'd into the hands of Justice. A caution that ſerv'd
not a little to the vindication of an infinite number of worthy
men; on whom, without all doubt, the various Factions that af-
ter broke out in the Kingdom, would according to their feveral
Animofities, have laid the blame of that detefted Fact, to ſerve
for a pretenfe to their Infurrection. The Duke having given this
first order,commanded the Coach man to turn back to the Louvre,
and having ſpied in the King's Train, the Marquis de Monferrant
his
Duke of
right ſleeve
Doublet.
1
254
PART II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anne his particular Friend and Servant, he intreated him to go before,
1610. and from him to command the Foot Companies that were upon
The Duke
of Efpernon's
ces to the
State after
of the King,
fignal fervi-
the Death
;
the Guard before the Louvre, to ftand immediately to their Arms,
and to fecure all the Gates, to prevent any diſorder in the King's
Houfhold: In the execution of which command, and in the di-
ftraction the fight of fo horrid, and fo unexpected an accident
might reaſonably put him into, Monferrant met the Chancellour
de Sillery, then going to Council in the Louvre, who asking him
the reafon of that hurly burly, and of the Souldiers running to
their Arms, Monferrant told him the King was dead at which
the Chancellour amaz'd, and in ſuſpenſe how to believe it,grap-
ing him by the arm, and faying how's that Mounfieur de Monfer-
rant! do you know what you ſay? the Coach arriv'd with the
Curtains drawn, out of which the King without any motion was
carried up in a Cloak, and laid upon the Bed in his Wardrobe, ...
The Duke, after he had paid this laft Office to his dead Mafter,
though furpriz'd to the degree may be imagin'd at fo tragical an
accident, was not long nevertheleſs, before he recollected himſelf;
when confidering that the greateft teftimony he could give of his
gratitude to his dead Prince, was to ferve thofe he had left to fuc
ceed him, he began to pay the Queen thoſe ſervices, he had but a
few days before in the King's Cloſet engaged himſelf to perform;
though the Orders he there receiv'd were not intended to have
been executed fo foon, nor upon fo fatal an occafion. The rumour
of the King's death had already spread it ſelf, not only throughout
the Louvre, but alſo over all Paris; at which the Queen, being
beyond all imagination afflicted, and diffolving her felf into tears,
without any other thought, than how to humour, and fatis fie her
own grief; the Duke of Efpernon came into her Chamber, and
after fome expreffions of forrow, which as a true Frenchman, a
good Subject, and an obliged Servant he could not forbear for the
lofs of fo good a Maſter, he there told her: "That he did not
come to her Majeſty in hope to ſtop the current of her tears,
the cauſe of her forrow being too great to admit of any preſent
"confolation; but that ſhe would ever have leiſure enough to
weep, when perhaps the might not always have opportunity to
provide for the Fortune of her Children, and the Safety of the
Kingdom, which in effect were one, and the fame thing: That
"her Majeſty might better judge than any, what envy the King's
profperity had drawn upon him, from all the neighbouring
"Princes;and how much it was to be fear'd left his own Servants,
"no longer now reftrain'd by the prefence of this great Prince,
"might in hope of novelty be debauch'd from their duty, if fome
cr
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BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
255
.
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Anno
good, and prudent order, for the fettlement of Affairs, were
ſuddenly taken : That to keep things in the quiet pofture 1610.
they then were, her Majefty muft fpeedily, and in the first place,
"fecure the Domeftick Peace of the Kingdom, by continuing
"Paris in the ferenity, and calm of obedience, it then was: That
"the fingle ftrength of the Kingdom, if united, and in good intel-
ligence within it ſelf, was of it ſelf ſufficient to fruftrate the de-
figns of any that ſhould attempt any thing againſt the Crown
of France: That for his own part, who had taken upon him
"the boldness to give her Majefty this firft advice, he there from
"his heart made her an humble tender of his Life, his Fortune,
"and his Friends to do her Service; that therefore fhe was only
to command, what ſhe would pleaſe ſhould be done, and that
'he would perish, or cauſe her Royal will to be obey'd. The
Queen awak'd by fo prudent a Counſel, and fortified by the re-
"folution of fo generous, and fo confiderable a Subject,told him :
"That fhe wholly referr'd all things to his Vigilancy, and Con-
duct, to be order'd, as he ſhould in his wiſdom think moſt fit
wherein ſhe recommended to his Fidelity, the care of her Chil-
': dren, much more than any concern of her own, and that ſhe
"fhould reft very well fatisfied with whatever he fhould do,
knowing as fhe very well did, his prudence, and affection to be
"equally fo great, that nothing was to be added to them.
tr
ແ
cr
re
3
The Duke without loſing more time, went immediately out
of the Louvre; where the first thing he did in order to the Queens
commands, was to bid the Officers of the Regiment of Guards,
to put their men fuddenly into Arms. This great body confifting
of four thouſand effective men, and thoſe of the beft, and the beſt
Diſciplin'd in Europe, did not a little awe the Parisians, from
leaping over the bounds of their Duty: a ftrength that as it was
abſolutely at the Duke's command, fo did he upon this occafion
know fo well, how to difpofe it into the moſt convenient Quar-
ters of the Town, that without all doubt, it was by vertue of thoſe
Forces, he fecur'd the peace of that Seditious City, and kept the
multitude from tumult and inſurrection. Arquien, whom (as has
been faid) the King had put into the Cittadel of Metz, in the year
1604. was Lieutenant Colonel to the Regiment of Guards, and
conſequently in the abſence of Crequy, who was Camp-Maſter
to the laid Regiment (and who was already gone up to the Ar-
my, with the greateft part of the Nobility of the Court) was un-
der the Authority of the Duke to command it. Him therefore
the Duke ſpeedily fent for to have given him orders, but he was
no where to be found; for from the inſtant that the King's death
was
1
I
t
256
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
was certain, imagining the Duke would infallibly take the ad-
1610. vantage of the time, and his own Authority,to remove him from
Metz, he had taken poft to put himſelf into the Cittadel, hoping
there he ſhould be able to maintain his ground: But the Duke
who in the care of publick affairs, did not altogether neglect his
own, which his Affection and Fidelity to the Crown, rendred
one, and the fame with the other, judged by Arquiens abſence
what his defign might be, diſpatch'd Mun de Sarlaboust Captain
to one of the Companies of the Guards, immediately after him,
if poſſible to prevent him, or at leaſt to follow him fo cloſe, that
he might arrive at Metz before Arquien could have time to pra-
tice any thing to his difadvantage. The Duke had in Metz, be-
fides the ordinary Garrison of eight Companies (of which he had
compos da Regiment, call'd the Old Garriſon) two Companies
of the Regiment of Guards commanded by Tilladet, and Fromi-
gieres, fince Grand Prior of Tholouze; all which were ſo abſolute-
ly at his devotion, and their Captains fo link'd to his Interefts,
their Fortunes wholly depending upon his Favour, as they had
been rais'd by his bounty, that not a man of them but was ready
upon all occafions to be abfolutely commanded by him. To this
he was confident of the Inhabitants good affection towards him,
who by the moderation of his Government, and by the protection
with which he had fheltred them from Sobole's Infolence, were
wholly acquir'd unto him: which interefts, joyn'd together,made
the Duke confident he should not want Forces fufficient to hinder
What ways
the Duke
Mother to
Regent.
Arquien from being receiv'd into the Cittadel, if Mun could get
thither before him; or even there to force him, fhould he happen
to put himſelf into it, before his Orders could arrive- And indeed
all things fucceeded to his defire, as fhall in its due place be de-
clar'd. But we must first return to Paris, which at this time was
the Scene of the moft, and the most important Affairs.
The Regiment of Guards being in the abſence of Arquien
drawn together by Saint Coulombe, the eldest Captain, the Duke
proceeded
in to cauſe ſent them order to advance; which being done, he appointed
the Queen part thereof for the Guard of the Louvre, with the Regiment of
he declar'd Swiffe which he (extending the Authority the Queen had given
him, as French Guards over that Nation alfo) had likewife com-
manded into Arms: The other part were difpos'd upon the Pont-
Neuf towards la riie Dauphine, and upon the principal avenues that
lead to the Convent des Auguftins. He further intreated Mounfieur de
Liancourt Governour of Paris speedily to aflemble the * Prevoſt
*Sheriffs des Marchands, and the * Efchevins in the Hoftel de Ville offering
him withal a ſufficient Guard to fecure them, as accordingly he
*O: Lord
Mayor of
Paris.
* Or Guild-
Hal'.
X
fent
Book 257
K
VI.
the Duke of Eſpernon.
Anno
he fent five hundred of the Regiment of Guards, under the com-
mand of Captain Dnoiet who remain'd there two days together 1610.
upon Duty. Theſe Orders being given, the Duke himſelf moun
ted on Horſeback, went towards the Pont Neuf to go to the Cloi-
fire Noftre dame, there to confer with Prefident Seguier, without
whofe advice he refolv'd to proceed no further. This man whoſe in-
tegrity,judgment, and affection,the Duke had in equal eſteem,had
ever even in the time of his Favour,and in the greateſt difficulties of
his Affairs, been with his Counſel affifting to him; neither didt he
Duke at this time, or fince, reſolve almoft upon any thing (whe-
ther of general, or particular concern) without firft communi-
cating the buſineſs to him, and confulting his Advice. There was
at this time none of the Princes of the Blood at Court, for the
Prince of Condé had ſome time before the King's death retir'd in-
to Flanders, and was at this time at Milan; and the Count de Soifs
fons was at his houſe at Champigny ; ſo that no body being at Court
confiderable enough to make a party, the Duke at his going out
of the Louvre, found almoſt all the Lords, and Gentlemen, who
were then in Paris (and whom the fuddenneſs and great concern
of that bloody Accident had affembled together) at the Gate ready .
to attend him.
Being upon the way with this great Train, he had not gone
far before he met with the Duke of Guife, whom he found alſo
very well accompanied, though with a Train far inferiour to his
own. Theſe two Dukes, nor their Families, were not as yet fo
well united (the paternal hatred having been rather fomented by
the quarrels the Duke had lately had with both the Sons,notwith-
ſtanding his Majefties endeavour to reconcile them) but that
there was greater expectation this meeting ſhould beget fome new
diſorder, than that men fo difunited betwixt themſelves fhould
concur fo fuddenly, and happily in the publick Service; info-
much that their followers on both fides feem'd only to expect a
fignal from their Leaders to fall to blows: when the Duke of
Guife, having with great civility faluted the Duke, ask'd him how
that fad misfortune had hapned? to whom the Duke in ſhort res
lated the manner of the King's death, with what had after pafs'd
betwixt the Queen and him, and the Order he was by her Maje·
fties Command going to take to prevent any tumult in the City:
Whereupon the Duke of Guiſe asking him, if there were not
fomething for him to do in the Queens Service allo? the Duke
reply'd, "That fince he ask'd his advice, he conceiv'd he might
do both the Queen and the Kingdom a Gignal Service, by only
"fhewing himſelf in the streets of Paris: That the people aw'd
cc
L 1
within
258
The Hiftory of the Life of PARTIL
Anno
1610;
The Duke
goes to the
Hoftel de
Ville:
e
CC
ce
within their duty, by the prefence of a man of his condition,
"would be leſs apt to be feduc'd into commotion; and that by
"the calm which would by that means be preſerv'd in the City,
they might doubtless more effectually proceed to the eſtabliſh-
ment of fuch good orders, as would for the future fecure the
peace of the whole Kingdom. A counſel the Duke of Guife as
readily follow'd, and the good Fortune of France, having upon
the inſtant extinguiſh'd all particular Animofities, betwixt theſe
two great Perfons, fo as to make them, beyond all expectation,
joyn in the common Service of the State. This happy union,
and concurrence was of no little importance to the confervation
of the Peace in that mutinous City. The Duke after continued
his way to the Prefident's Houſe, to whom having communica-
ted his deſigns, he found them to be generally approv'd by him;
infomuch that before they parted it was concluded betwixt them,
that that very day, and as foon as it was poffible, the Parliament
fhould be intreated to Affemble: the management of which be-
ing undertaken by the Prefident, the Duke went in the mean time
to provide for the reft.
"C
He began with the Hostel de Ville, where having found the
Prevoft des Marchands, the Eſchevins, and Burgeſſes met together,
after he had firft given them an accompt in brief of the fad Acci-
dent had hapned, he proceeded to exhort them, To confirm to
"his Majefties Succeffors the Love and Obedience they had paid
to him during his happy Reign. He told them that by perfeve-
ແ ring in their Duty, they might fecure their own Lives, and
"Eftates, which would otherwiſe be certainly expos'd to the vio-
"lence and licence of Seditious men: That the leaft diforder of
"this nature,that ſhould happen in the City,would put the whole
"Kingdom into Confufion: That he therefore intreated them to
"caufe all their Gates to be shut, to the end that no one might be
permitted, either to go out, or to come in, who were either
thought able, or likely, to breed any diſturbance in the publick
peace, to give order to the Captains of the Train'd-Bands to
"have their Companies in readineſs upon any occaſion might
happen, and to walk themſelves the round of the City, the bet-
ter by their Prefence and Authority to keep every one in his Du-
ty. He further gave them notice, that he had already caus'd the
Regiment of Guards both French, and Swiffe, to ftand to their
Arms, on purpoſe to fupprefs thoſe who ſhould first make
the leaſt ſhew of Infurrection; but that he hop'd their wisdoms
"would prevent a confufion, which would not ſo eaſily be com-
"pos'd, if once grown to a head, as it might be fupprefs'd in the
((
"(
tr
re
cr
begin-
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
259
*
"beginning. A Remonftrance, that, being deliver'd with great Anno
plainneſs, and vigour, wrought fo good an effect, that all the Ma- 1610.
giftrates unanimously engag'd to do their utmost endeavours for u
the confervation of the publick Peace; as they accordingly did :
which was none of the weakest links that curb'd the head-ftrong
multitude of that unruly City.
ny
Parliament
Regent.
•
From the Hostel de Ville, the Duke went to the Augustins, where The Duke
that Seffion of Parliament had by the King been appointed to be esto.the
Augustins,
kept; the Palace having been before furniſh'd, for the Ceremo- where he
of the Queens Coronation, and where by the diligence of Pre- adviſes the
fident Segnier, he found them already Affembled. The Regi- to declare
ment of Guards had already poffefs'd themſelves of the Pont-Neuf, the Queen
and ftood in order all along the Rue Dauphine, to guard, ac-
cording to the Duke's command, all the paffes round about the
Convent des Augustins; a precaution, which though by the Duke
meerly intended for the Parliaments fecurity, was nevertheless
miſinterpreted by ſome to be rather deſign'd to compel them to
´execute his own particular Counfels, than that every man at grea-
ter liberty might have freedom to deliver his own Opinion; nei
ther were the moſt prudent, and beft difpos'd forry (as has been
ſaid) that the world ſhould conceive there was fome neceffity up-
on them of a ſpeedy refolution in the prefent juncture of Affairs,
forafmuch alfo as fome, who were prepoffefs'd in their judgments,
would be obliged to concur with them, and diſappointed, either
'from oppofing,or deferring to declare the Queen Mother Regent
during the King's Minority, which was the only thing then to be
debated.
te
cc
The Duke being come into the Hall where the Parliament
was ſet with his Sword in his hand, though not drawn, and in
ſome diſorder both in his Cloaths, and Countenance, began his
Speech with ſome excufes; "For appearing in that honourable
Affembly in fo undecent a pofture; after which he told them
"that his Sword was yet in the Scabbard (his own words) but
that if before he went thence there was not order taken, for the
fecurity of the City, and Kingdom, by declaring the Queen
Regent, he forefaw (to his great grief) he muſt be compell'd
to draw it againſt the Enemies of the Crown, and to fill the
<< City with Blood, and Confufion : That he knew there were.
"Some amongſt them who would ask refpite to deliberate upon
the thing propos'd; but that he must tell them beforehand, no-
thing was ſo dangerous as delay: That in many great occurren-
ces it was wiſdom, not to be too precipitous, and to proceed
flowly, and by degrees to a final determination; but that here
tr
re
CC
C
ce
L
L1 2
it
་
260
PARTIL
The Hiſtory of the Life of
Anno
1610.
"it was quite otherwife, it being neceffary in this Criſis of Af.
"fairs to cut off all difficulties, and immediately to refolve upon
cr
the thing propounded: That what might to day be concluded
"without danger, could not be done to morrow without Blood
"and Slaughter; and indeed what pretenfe could
any man have
to ask reſpite in this cafe? what was requir'd of them out of
"the rule of Equity, and nature? To whom was the King's
Fortune more properly to be intrufted, than to her who brought
"him into the world, or to whofe care the fafety of the King-
"dom, than to her, who for the ſpace of ten years, had with the
"late King been a Coadjutrix in raiſing it to that degree of height,
"and reputation, wherein it now ftood. He told them that the
Queen was a Princeſs for whom his Majefty from the hour of
"his Marriage had never had any reſervation in his moſt weighty
"and moſt lecret Affairs: That he had made her his Companion
"in all his Expeditions: That he had already deputed the Regen-
су of the Kingdom during his abfence into her hands; a pre-
"ordination after which he could not believe any one would dare
ર
(C
<c
cc
to contradict the Judgment of a Prince fo great in himſelf, and
"fo folicitous of the good and welfare of his Kingdom: That
“therefore the moſt effectual means to preſerve the Peace and
« Tranquillity wherein France had been happy many years, was
to concur in the King's Judgment, and to juftifie his Election:
"That the diſcontents, which govern'd in the minds of many
men of very eminent condition, were very well known to all:
"That thoſe perſons (it might eaſily be believ'd) wanted no ad-
"herents: That the impatient humour of the French, in hopes
et to make their advantage of any diſorder in the State, would be
apt to create more Mutineers, if things were not fettled in due
"feafon : That there was no time fo fruitful in Sedition, nor fo
"proper for miſchief, as when mutinous fpirits were in fufpenfe
"whom to obey: That if ever this evil difpofition was to be
"fear'd it was chiefly now, when all the Forces of the Kingdom
were on foot: That they would doubtless foon be practis'd on all
"hands; ſo that if by the prudence of that Affembly fuch tem-
ptations were not prevented, thofe noble Troops defign'd for
"the enlargement of the Borders of France, and for the glory of
"the French name, would by an unhappy, and a fad revolution
be ſeen to employ their Arms to the ruine of their own Coun-
try: That they were therefore to take time whilſt things remain’d
yet inviolate, and capable of the beft impreffions,to mould them
into the beſt form, which depended upon their immediate Ele-
ction: That he had put the Regiment of Guards, all the King's
८८
cr
(C
te
L.
Ser-
}
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
261
1
"C
(C
"Servants, and his own particular Friends into Arms, that they
"might at convenient liberty, and ſecurity deliberate of what he
"then propos'd that he knew very well what he now advis'd them
to,was without Prefident; but that he hop'd an Act of ſo great
"utility and importance to the publick good, would one day ob-
"tain the Authority of Example, and add to the Dignity and Re-
putation of that Honourable Body; a priviledge,by ſo much the
more their due, by how much they had never till then poffeſs'd
"it: That they did not need to apprehend herein their Authority
fhould be prostituted to Arbitration, or be difputed by any; but
"that, how high and generous foever their refults might be, they
"ſhould infallibly be executed, and that he, and all his Friends
were ready to loſe their lives, or to cauſe them to be inviolably
"obey❜d.
(c
r
re
..
ર
The Duke's Oration being ended, the whole Affembly re-
main'd in a profound filence, and being equally aftonifh'd at the
Accident had hapned, and furpriz'd at the Propofition was
made, not a man on the fudden, durft either by word, or action
expreſs his thoughts: only Prefident Harlay in few words " Gave
the Duke thanks for the affection he had manifefted to the Ser-
“vice of the Kingdom, and to the Honour of that Aſſembly;
exhorting him to perſevere in a paffion fo worthy of his Vertue,
"and fo becoming the place and honour he poffefs'd amongst
them. Whereupon the Duke perceiving their filence ftill to
continue, and unwilling to give them occaſion to complain that
by his preſence he had extorted from them a refolution contrary
to their ſenſe and opinion, he retir'd himſelf: But at his depar-
ture, that they might underſtand there was ſomething of neceffity
in the cafe, he told them aloud, "That what he had propounded
was the beſt courſe they could take, and that they were therefore
abfolutely, and fuddenly to refolve upon it. Upon which laft
words the Sieur de la Guefle the Attorny General taking hold,began
in a fhort Speech to break the Ice, by repreſenting to the Affembly,
“That though what had been propounded by the Duke of Eſper-
ર nona
ſeem'd by the reſpect wherewith it had been deliver'd to be
a thing wherein they were free to determine; yet that what he
"had laft ſaid imply'da kind of neceffity: but a neceffity by fo
"much the more, juft, and honourable, by how much the Peace
"of the Kingdom would not only be fecur'd thereby; but alſo a
great advantage to their Body would certainly accrue: That it
was therefore in his opinion better immediately, and volunta-
"rily to declare the Regency to be in the Queen, than to ſtay till
"their conſent ſhould be wreſted from them upon compulſion,
cr
«
te
c
tr
and
Anno
1610.
เ
1
1
262
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1610.
ما
The reaſons
that mov'd
prefs the
CC
"and perhaps in a ſeaſon, when they ſhould have no thanks for
their labour. Which being faid, the whole Affembly forthwith
concluded upon the bufinefs, by that Act not only fecuring the
Peace of the Kingdom, but alſo introducing a great example to
pitch upon the fame, and an equally falutiferous refolution in our
days, when out great Queen Anne of Austria was ſettled in the Re-
gency, by virtue of the fame Election.
Queen Mo- cc
ther should
be declared
Regent.
(
cc
cr
CC
I have often heard the Duke diſcourſe of this Tranſaction,
the Duke to wherein though he acknowledg'd his proceeding to be by an un-
uſual, and ſomething an irregular way; "Yet that the Queens
Regency being as yet not authorized by the Suffrages of any of
the Princes of the Blood (whoſe arrival alſo ſhould it have been
expected, would probably have put all things into Confufion)
he thought it neceſſary to have it ratified by the conſent of the
people: That to procure their confents, there was no way fo
plauſible and confonant to Law, as therein to intereſt all the
"Parliaments of France, by prevailing with that of Paris, whofe
"whoſe Act would be a kind of Warranty to the reft: That
"ſhould they have ftaid the coming of the Count de Soiffons, he
would by his preſence infallibly have ſway'd all things, accord-
"ing to his inclination: That the Prince of Condé coming after
"would have been impatient at his younger Brother's getting
"the ſtart of him in an Affair where the priority of Vote in the
"Election was in him: by which means the variety of their in-
terefts not permitting them to concur in an Act, wherein each
of them would be ambitious to precede, a fraction betwixt them
"muſt of neceffity enfue: That for that reafon he had us'd all
diligence in preffing the Parliament to a ſpeedy refolution in fa-
vour of the Queen. In the carrying on of which Affair, it is in
my opinion ſomething hard to determine, whether the Stars of
France, or the Duke's Prudence did moft prevail: It is not to be
denied but that both the one and the other contributed very much
to the happy performance of this great work: But it is likewife
moft certain that the bufineſs had never been fo fortunately effe-
cted, if the Duke had lefs prudently foreſeen what was likely to
enfue, or had proceeded with lefs diligence and vigour to the
eftabliſhment of this Election, to the general benefit of the King-
dom: wherein if he perform'd a fignal Service to the State,
did no leſs for the Prince, who would have met with no little im-
pediments to his rifing greatneſs, had he at his return, found the
Count de Soiffons fettled, as it were a Co-partner in the Govern-
ment, by being poffefs'd of ſome of the moſt important Employ-
ments of the Kingdom.
с
he
· Thus
it
I
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
263
•
Thus was this buſineſs carried on,France being, from the high- Anno
eſt ſtep of her Glory, precipitated into the greateft extream of 1610.
her Misfortune; and the King's Triumphs being in a moment
overcaft with the Funeral Black of his Obfequies: but the re-efta-
bliſhment of the State, overthrown by fo great, and fo tragick a
Revolution, and the publick happiness in an inftant fecur'd with-
out one drop of Blood; was it not an afternoons work of the
Duke of Efpernon? and can fo great a fuccefs without injuſtice,
be attributed to any thing but to his prudent Conduct? In the
Narrative whereof I have not added one fyllable more than the
truth: and doubtleſs there are many yet alive that can juſtifie all
I have faid. I know very well that the Hiftorians of that time
have not mention'd all the particularities I have, as material to my
purpoſe, inſiſted upon, and that thoſe who have been moft exact
have recorded but very few in their Relations; which is in part
the reaſon why I have more willingly enlarg'd my felf in this
diſcourſe, that I might impartially render, what is fo juftly due
to Truth, and Virtue.
of the Count
The fad accident of the King's Death was fo fuddenly ſpread The return
all over Europe, that it feem'd, as if his perfon, rais'd to the high- de Soiffons
eft pitch of Honour to which man can arrive, had fall'n in the to Court.
fight of all the world. The Prince of Condé, who (as has been
faid) refided then at Milan, receiv'd the firſt news of it from the
Condé de Fuentes, which was immediately after confirm'd by a
Courrier diſpatch'd purpoſely to him from the Queen Regent, to
invite him back into France. The Count de Soiffons, who was but
two little days journey from Paris, was much fooner inform❜d,
and at the ſame inſtant in all diligence repair'd thither, to fee what
this accident might produce; where he arriv'd the fixteenth of
May, two days only after the King's Death; but late enough
notwithſtanding to find all things diſpatch'd to his hand. So that
matters being already concluded, the Queens Authority eſta
bliſh'd, the Parliament, People, Souldiery, and whole City fettled
in their Duty, and nothing left for him to do, but to approve
what was already done (and which he could no ways hope to
overthrow, had he diſlik'd it) he was fain whether fincerely,
otherwiſe to concur in the Election, and thereupon went to pre-
fent himſelf to the Queen, where he affur'd her Majeſty of his
Faith and abfolute Obedience.
or
The Count at his arrival at Court, obferving the Duke of Ef-
pernon to be feated in that degree of Favour and Reputation, to
which by his fignal, and recent Services to the Queen, he might
justly pretend, he forthwith refolv'd to contract a ſtrict connexion
with
1
264
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
Anno with him, as accordingly by making him a tender of his Friend-
1610. fhip and affiftance againſt all whomsoever, he endeavour'd to
do: neither did he do it but upon very good confideration; for
foreſeeing that the Prince of Condé returning to Court (as he foon
after did would infallibly take upon him the preeminence,
and degree due to his Quality, and Birth, he would by that means
labour ſo to eſtabliſh himſelf before his arrival, that it ſhould not
be in the Princes Power to ſhake him. To which end he could
pitch upon none ſo proper to fupport his Interest, as the Duke of
Efpernon, who was, at that time, the moſt confiderable perſon in
the Kingdom. The Queen had appointed him Lodgings in the
Louvre, not conceiving her felf fecure (as fhe was pleas'd to fay)
but under his Vigilancy and Valour; all diſpatches were commu-
nicated to him; his Orders and Advice were in all things follow'd
and obferv'd, fo that would he have ftretch'd his Authority to
the utmoſt, or had he been ambitious of favour, he might doubt.
lefs with great facility have made himſelf ſole Mafter of Affairs:
but ſo far was he from defiring to appear neceffary (though effe-
Atually fo) to the excluding thofe who had right to the Council,
that on the contrary he entreated the Queen to call,and admit into
it,all fuch as either by the priviledge of their Birth,or by the repute
of their capacities, might realonably pretend to that Honour,
coveting no greater advantage, than to have a concurrence with
worthy men for the publick Safety; and ſeeing he could not, with-
out drawing great envy upon himſelf, poffefs alone that preemi-
nence in the Adminiſtration,to which the King had defign'd him,
he was content with the reft to fhare that part, which could not
equitably be denied to his approv'd Fidelity and Wifdom.
Though the Count de Soiffons had the foremention'd reafons to
feek the Duke of Efpernon's friendſhip, he had yet therein a further
and a more important defign, and that was by the Duke's aſſi-
ftance to procure a Match betwixt Madamoiſelle de Montpenſier the
Duke's Niece, and his own Son Lewis of bourbon, fince Count de
Soiffons neither was the Duke ſo ill read in this Princes intenti-
on, that he did not very well perceive at what part he took his
aim, which made him, though he receiv'd the offer of his friend-
fhip with the reſpect due to a Prince of the Blood, nevertheleſs ac-
cept it with fuch a gravity, and refervation as fhould no ways en-
gage him to any partiality in his favour,nor in the leaft reftrain the
liberty of his proceeding in that concern. A coldness that ſo much
difgufted the Count de Soiffens, who expected a greater complacen-
and freedom from him, that his affection lo violently begun,
was not likely long to laft. The firft oppofition he met with in the
су
Duke
BOOK VI. the Duke of Eſpernon.
265
*
1
Duke to his defires, was in the propofal he made him to give
way that he might caufe the Duke of Sully to be ſtab'd in the
Louvre. He was their common Enemy, and the fole cauſe of all
the trouble had befall'n' this Prince, and of his retirement from
Court, wherein the injury he had receiv'd was fuch, that although
the King had laid upon him his pofitive command to be reconcil'd,
he had notwithſtanding rather chofen to abandon the Court,than
to do it. The Duke had alfo receiv'd from the Duke of Sully (a
great Creature of the late King's) all the ill Offices could poffibly
have been done by the moſt implacable Enemy; which being not
unknown to the Count de Soiffons, he doubted not to have met an
Animofity in the Duke againſt him as great as his own, and tơ
have found him as prompt to his revenge: but he was deceiv'd,
the Duke excufing himſelf by telling the Count he could by no
means permit fo great a violence to be offer'd in the King's Pa-
lace; beseeching him to confider, that the Guards which he had
the honour to command, being principally defign'd to preſerve
the reſpect due to his Majefties Perfon, and Preſence inviolate;and
fuch as it ought to be, he ſhould commit an irreparable offenſe to
his Duty, fhould he confent to favour an a&t of fo dangerous Ex-
ample. An anfwer at which the Count, a man of a furious, and
cholerick temper, was infinitely mov'd; yet his intereſt not
permitting him to break with the Duke, he for that time with an
extraordinary patience made the beſt ſhift he could to diffemble
his diſcontent.
During theſe tranſactions at Court,there was fomething paſs'd
allo at Metz, wherein the Duke was no little concern'd:
you have already heard how Arquien, Lieutenant Colonel to the
Regiment of Guards, had immediately upon the King's Death
taken poft to retire himſelf into the Cittadel, of which he was
Governour, after whom the Duke had fent Mun, to ſpoil his De-
fign; ſo that Mun, who was much the younger man, having po-
fted in great diligence, overtook him fome fix Stages fhort of
Metz; where he found him fo bruis'd with riding, that he was
ſcarce in a condition to perform the reft of his Journey: When
Arquien who ſaw himſelf likely to be prevented, and in danger to
be deny'd admittance into Metz, by the Duke's Servants, plainly
told Mun, "That he made no doubt, but that his Journey was
"occafion'd by a juft fufpicion the Duke had conceiv'd of his fud-
"den departure without his Order, and Command; that therein
he muſt needs confefs he had been to blame; but that he had
been prompted to that diligence by a jealoufie the Duke might
perhaps have detain'd him by force in Paris, with an intent to
cc
cc
M m
deprive
Anno
1610.
266
PART II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
(c
CC
"deprive him of his command in the Cittadel: That he therefore
1610. " had undertaken that journey fimply, and for no other end, than
to keep his poffeffion of that place, which was the moſt confi-
“derable member of his Fortune, and the only reward of his
"Service, but with no defign to differve the Duke: That he was
"his Servant; neither did he defire to govern fo much as in the
Cittadel, but under his Authority, and Command: That for a
teftimony of his Candour, and good intention herein, he pro-
"mis'd Mun, if he would flack his diligence, and let them go to-
"gether, not to enter the Cittadel, till first he ſhould by the con-
«fent of the Duke's own Creatures be permitted fo to do, ſub-
mitting moreover, till it fhould be by them determin'd, that the
"Garrison there ſhould be divided betwixt them. A propofition
that Mun conceiving to be as fair as the Duke could himſelf de-
fire, he condescended to the condition, and accordingly in his
company perform'd the rest of the Journey, arriving both toge-
ther at the City. Where being come, they immediately affembled
the Duke's Friends and Servants, which were Tilladet, and Fro-
migieres Captains of the two Companies of the Guards, who were
in Garrifon at Metz, and Momas Camp-Mafter to the old Gar-
rifon; amongſt whom it was concluded, that Tilladet the elder
Captain ſhould with an hundred men only of his Company en-
ter the Cittadel, till the Duke's further plealure could be known:
a number that to the Duke's Friends feem'd fufficient to make
good their Quarter, fhould Arquien intend any thing but fair; as
Arquien thought his would be able to maintain his Authority, and
to over-power the other, fhould the Duke be obftinately bent to
exclude him abfolutely from his Command.
Things then being thus concluded, Arquien, whilft yet in the
City, fent order to his Lieutenant to receive Tilladet into the Citta-
del, with fuch Souldiers as he ſhould bring along with him', not
naming any number, as not fufpecting any foul play; a negligence
which the Duke's Servants making uſe of to his advantage, they
caus'd above fiftymore,and thoſe the beſt men they could chufe out
of all the Companies, to be added to the hundred, that by Article
were to be admitted, who being all without any difficulty receiv'd
into the Cittadel it foon appear'd Arquien's was not the ftrongeſt
Party, and that the advantage he had in number (his Garriſon
confifting of two hundred men) being balanc'd by the quality
of the Souldiers, Tilladet was rather in a condition to give, than
to receive the Law from him.
Arquien having thus, by an excess of faithful dealing, perform'd
his promiſe, went himſelf laft of all into the Cittadel, where he
was
BOOK VI. the Duke of Eſperrion.
267
Anno
1610.
was no fooner come, but that his Lieutenant at the firft word
told him he was no longer Maſter of the place; to whom Ar-
quien having reply'd, that an hundred men could not difpute his
Authority there, the Lieutenant gave him to underſtand, that al-
moſt twice ſo many were already got in, which he had not dar'd
but to receive, not knowing the precife number of thoſe he was
to admit; at which arquien, now fenfible of the overfight he had
committed, was fo enrag'd that he would prefently revenge him-
ſelf upon Tilladet, and was ready to fall on, Tilladet alſo on his
part preparing for the Encounter; when the Friends of both par-
ties, who were in the City, came in at the firft noiſe of the dif
order. At their firft coming they found the Gates of the Cittadel
fhut, but being opened in the end to fuch as pretended to endea
your an Accommodation, it was with much ado concluded, that
for Axquiens fatisfaction, Tilladet, to whom he chiefly laid the
blame, as contriver of the Treachery, and Surprize, fhould de-
part the place; but that thofe Souldiers, already enter'd, fhould
continue there, and that Fromigieres fhould come in to command The Duke
them. Thus ended this difpute, and thus was the Duke of Efper-
of Espernon's
Authority
non's abfolute Authority, though with fome trouble, re-eſtabliſh'd re-efta-
in Metz, which from the time of. Sobole's dereliction, until
he had altogether loft.
blish'd in
now, Metz.
Fromigieres being receiv'd into the Cittadel was ftill more and
more fortified by new Souldiers, which the Duke's friends conti-
nually flipt in from the City;ſo that Arquien ſeeing himſelf in a loſt
condition, and alfo ftung with the confcience of his own fault, he
return'd in all hafte back to Paris, at once to beg the Duke of Ef
pernon's pardon,and to implore the Queen Regents Juftice. Where
being come, and finding the Duke inflexible to his fubmiffions,
and pofitively reſolute to hold what he had, ſeeing he was to ex-
pect no good accompt from him, he thought fit, as his last refuge
to appeal to the Queen. Neither did he want intereft at Court to
fupport, and countenance his caufe, where befides de Montigny
his Brother (a man of great merit and efteem, and afterwards
Mareschal of France) he had many Relations, and Friends, toge-
ther with the Duke's Enemies, who could not, without great
heart-burning, fee him re-ſettled in fo confiderable a command.
Of this number were the Lords of the Houſe of Guife, and their
Family, who made up a great part of the Court, and who being
all averſe to the Duke's greatneſs, endeavour'd by poffeffing the
Queen, that the action of Metz was an intolerable affront to
her Authority, to make her reftore Arquien to his Command.
They repreſented to her that this was an Affair by the late King
(6
LL
M m 2
con-
4
268
PARTII
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1610.
(C
(C
«Ε
ર
"conceiv'd to be of fuch importance to the State, that his Majeſty'
"had made no difficulty to make a Journey thither in perfon,
"and on purpoſe to retrive this place out of the Duke of Efper
"non's hands: That his Fidelity ought at this time to be much
the rather ſuſpected, by how much his Ambition was more in-
ordinate, and leſs eafie to be cur'd: That having,under pretenſe
"of fome trivial Services to her Majeſty in the beginning of her
Adminiſtration, committed a violence of this high nature, he
"made it plain that his fole aim was in this new face of Affairs to
"eſtabliſh his own particular greatnefs: and that, inſtead of en-
deavouring to continue Subjects in their Duty, by the example
"of a Subjects Obedience, he had himſelf committed the great-
eſt inſolence imaginable againſt the Sovereign Power, by dif
poffeffing one of the most ancient and faithful Servants of the
Crown, from a place wherein he had ferv'd, without the leaft
blemiſh, or reproach. It is certain that the Queen, how well fa-
tisfied foever with the Duke of Eſpernon, was notwithſtanding
fomething ſtagger'd in her refolution at this Remonftrance: but
the Duke having alſo given his reaſons, and repreſented to her of
what importance it was to have his Majefties Authority in the Ci-
ty and Cittadel of Metz, conjoyn'd in one man, that the emulati-
on of two Governours might not produce mutiny, fuch as would
endanger the introducing of Forein Power into the place; with
how long, and with what Fidelity he had ferv'd his Kings in that
Government, the Authority being united in his Perfon; he found
the Queen fo well dispos'd to accept of his juftification, that fhe
was abfolutely fatisfied: fo that from that time forward, nothing
was more thought of in that buſineſs, fave only how to content
Arquien, in finding out for him fome other command, that might
hold proportion with that Employment.
In the tranſaction of this Affair, Fortune, as upon other occa-
fions, would needs intereſt her felf to appear in the Duke's Fa-
vour. De Vic Governour of Calice was one of the principal Me-
diators in this difference, who on the one fide making profeffion
of great respect to the Dake's Service, and on the other of a ftrict
friendſhip with Arquien, labour'd with extraordinary paffion, and
diligence to ſatisfie both parties in their pretenfe, and had brought
matters to fo good an iffue, that nothing remain'd to their mutu-
al fatisfaction, ſave only to find out a Government for Arquien,
equal to that whereof he was now divefted: but there was none
at this time vacant of equal value, which was the only knot in
the Affair. At laft this poor Gentleman prov'd both the Mediator,,
and the price of their Accommodation, who had acted fo vigo-
roully
Book VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
269
1
1
rouſly in the Treaty, that, with poſting to and again in the moſt Anno
violent heats of Summer, he was furpriz'd with a Pleurifie; 1618.
whereof in fix days he dy'd. With his Government Arquien was
recompens'd, who after that quit claim to the Cittadel of Metz,
leaving the Duke abfolute Mafter of it, as before; a poffeffion he
afterwards kept, till that a few years before his death he demiſed
it in favour of Cardinal de la Valette his Son.
Amidſt theſe many important Affairs, the Duke was not un-
mindful of his particular Duties; whereof one, and to which he
conceiv'd himſelf moft particularly oblig'd', was to manifeſt his
gratitude to Henry the III.his Mafter,and Benefactor. He had for-
merly after his death attended his Body to Compiegne, where the
misfortunes of War, and the confufion of Affairs, not permitting
at that time a performance of his Funeral Rites; and the Queen
now refolving to begin the Regency with thofe of the late King,
he humbly begg'd of her to give him leave to make uſe of that
opportunity for the interment of Henry the III. wherein her
Majefty, doing an Act worthy her Piety, would add little or no-
thing to the expenſe ſhe was already refolv'd to make. The Queen
readilyconſented to his requeft;fo that theDuke,accompanied with
a great number of Lords and Gentlemen, went to fetch the Body
from Compiegne, from whence he convey'd it to St. Denis, where
it was depofited in the ancient Sepulchre of the Kings of France.
Neither was this the fole teftimony the Duke gave of his grati-
tude to his old Mafter, the Records of his Bounty and Favour
being fo impreſs'd in his memory, that they perish'd not, but in
his Grave, where all things are buried in Oblivion. A little before
his death, caufing a Marble Pillar, one of the moft celebrated
pieces of Architecture of theſe late times, to be carried, and ſet up
in the Church of St. Clou; wherein he was fo curious, as to make
it be wrought in his own Houſe, and almoft in his own fight;
his deſign being to found a Revenue of a thouſand Livers yearly
for the Service of the Chappel where it was erected; which was
alfo adorn'd with Pictures, and pav'd with Marble at his own
charge: but ſome difficulties arifing about the fettlement of that
Foundation, which could not be clear'd before his death, the
thing (to his great grief) remain'd imperfect.
نما
!
turns to
The Ceremony of theſe Obfequies, perform'd in the end of The Prince
June, was immediately follow'd by the return of the Prince of of Condé re-
Condé to Court, where he arriv'd in July, and where all the men Court,
of condition contended who fhould give him the greateſt teſti-
monies of joy for his return. Amongſt whom, although the pleas'd at
Duke of Ejpernon was none of the lateft, yet was he not the beft the Duke of
receiv'd.
where he
appears dif-
Efperners
}
270
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno receiv'd. The Duke of Sully, who had great need of this Prin-
1610. ces Protection, had prevented others in the poffeffion of his Fa-
The ſtate of
Court, du-
ring the
Queens
Re-
vour, and conceiving he ſhould make himſelf more acceptable
by rendring the affection of other Grandees fufpected to him; he
had (amongſt others) pointed out the Duke of Efpernon for one
of thoſe of whom he had moft reafon to complain. An ill Of
fice, that having at firft preferr'd in general terms, he afterwards
purſu'd by particular circumftance, telling the Prince that the
Duke had doubled the Guards of the Louvre at his arrival, and
put all the King's Family into Arms, as they had been to defend
it againſt a common Enemy. Which impreffion the Prince was
more apt to receive, by how much he believ'd, that the Duke be-
ing already in a great degree of Favour with the Queen, and very
intimate with the Count de Soiffons, muft needs be jealous of his re-
turn, which he could not confider, but as a great power directly
oppofite to all his concerns; which made him at the firft inter-
view receive him, not only with apparent coldneſs, but alſo, not
able to diſſemble his diffatisfaction, reproach him for having en-
deavour'd to poſſeſs the Queen with ſome fufpicions to his pre-
judice. The Duke, furpriz'd at fo unexpected an entertainment
and fo groundleſs a reproach (he having alter'd nothing in the
ufual Guards that had been kept in the Louvre fince the King's
Death) and nettled with the fenfe of fo injurious an Office, gave
aloud the Lye to all thoſe who had branded him with fo falle a Ca-
lumny. Yet would not this publick and generous profeffion of the
truth ſo ſatisfie and appeaſe the Prince,that there was not ftill fome
remains of diſcontent in his mind againſt the Duke. He did not
think him ſo affectionate to him, as to the Count de Soiffons;
ſeeing him advanc'd to that height of Reputation with the Queen,
could not expect he ſhould be favourable to him, in the deſign he
had to affume that place in Court, and to fhare that Authority in
the management of Affairs, which were due to his Birth and
Greatneſs. So that here the Court was divided, the Prince of Con-
dé having his Faction, and the Count of Soiffons his, amongſt
whom the Duke of Efpernon was the chief, and moft confiderable
member.
and
Yet did not this diverfity of Interefts produce any fudden ill ef-
Affairs at fect, the Princes paying a due refpect to the Queen, and being
by her admitted into the debate of Affairs, though the moſt im-
portant were carried on by other hands. The Cabinet Council
at this time confifted of the Duke of Efpernon, the Chancellour
de Sillery, Prefident Janin, and Mounfieur de Villeroy; wherein the
Duke's Vote had the greateſt ſway, and his Opinions did uſually
prevail;
gency.
1
"
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
T
271
prevail; by whom it being conceiv'd neceffary for the honour of
the Nation, and the memory of the late King to purſue the Enter-
prize of Fuliers, which had been the pretenfe of his Majefties
Arms, he propounded, and got it to be concluded that the Ma-
refchal de la Chafire, with an Army of 10000 Foot, and 1200.
Horſe, ſhould be ſent to affift the intereſted Princes in the reftitu-
tion of this Place. The iffue of which expedition was as fuccef-
ful as could be wiſh'd; the places poſſeſs'd by the Arch-Duke
Leopold were reſtor❜d into the hands of the Marquis of Brande-
bourg, and the Duke of Newbourg; fo that Affairs on that fide re-
main'd in as good a forwardneſs as could be defir'd to be ſhortly
compos'd (as they were) to the fatisfaction of the German
Princes.
As in the occafion we ſpoke of laft things were carried on for
the honour, fo was it no lefs neceffary for the fafety of the King-
dom to give ſome fatisfaction, and affurance to thofe of the Re-
form'd Religion in the beginning of this new Reign; it being
very much to be fear'd this Faction (which at this time was very
powerful) pretending a violation of the Edicts formerly publiſh❜d
in their toleration, might run into infurrection, to the ruine of
the publick peace. Wherein the Duke was of opinion to prevent
either the real jealoufie, or elſe the evil intentions of thoſe who
were likely to breed any Commotion, by Declarations to con-
firm the ancient Edicts granted in their favour. It is very true, that
he had no kindneſs for their Religion; but he thought it never-
theleſs unfit to violate the publick Faith, where what he did then
for reafon of State, he has ever fince oblerv'd in his own parti-
cular adminiſtration; ſo that though an enemy to new opinions,
he was notwithſtanding ever very folicitous to maintain the pro-
feffors of them within his Governments in peace, and ſafety;
and it has been obferv'd, that although at Metz the beſt Families
of the City were of that perfwafion, that they abounded in Xain-
tongue, and Angsumois, and that Guienne was not free, it could ne-
ver be perceiv'd, that he made any diſtinction betwixt them and
other the Kings Subjects, except where he found them refractory
and disobedient to his Commands.
鲞
​Theſe precautions, fſo ſeaſonably apply'd in this turn of State,
fecur'd the Peace of the Kingdom both within, and without to fo
fortunate a degree, that a more happy Government could not pof-
fibly have been wifh'd. Which certainly if we confider the great
number of diſcontents within, before the King's death, the
diſtaſtes many perſons of great Quality had taken, who breath'd
nothing but revenge, with the Ambition that reigns in all Courts
able
Anno
1610.
!
1
L
272
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
5
Anno able to overthrow the fureft foundations, is infinitely to be won
1610. dred at. To which may be added the envy of neighbouring
Princes, who could not without anxiety, and apprehenſion ſuf-
fer the height of profperity to which France was already advanc'd;
together with the Artifices of fuch as ufually in the troubles of a
State feek to repair the ruines of their own deſperate Fortunes : all
which evil difpofitions could not, according to humane imagina-
tion have found a more favourable juncture, than during a Re-
gency, to have produc'd their fatal effects, and yet never was
France at greater peace within itſelf, nor more refpected of her
Neighbours, than in all the whole time of the Queens admini-
ftration. Wherein though I dare not, I confeſs, attribute the
whole réputation of the good Government to the Duke of Ef-
pernon alone (who having call'd the moſt prudent and experienc'd
Minifters of the latter Reign into his Councils, they ought alio to
ſhare in the praiſe) yet can I not in equity deny him the first place
of Honour, he having (without difpute, the greateſt Authority,
and confequently having ever carried the greatest fway in the re-
ſults of the moſt important Affairs.
Anno
ning of the
content.
This Power and Reputation being the ordinary objects of en-
1611. vy even amongſt men of equal condition, it is no wonder if the
The begin- Princes of the Blood were jealous of the Duke of Efpernon's
Princes dif. greatness; who (as they faid) unknown to them difpos'd the
greateſt Affairs of the Kingdom, wherein they particularly com-
plain'd, that he had perfwaded the Queen to refolve upon a
match, betwixt the King and the Infanta of Spain, a thing
which in his Minority was not to be done without the confent of
the Princes of the Blood, by reaſon of the interelt which, by vir-
tue of their proximity, they had in his Majeſties Perfon. But the
Duke was ſo well read in their Priviledges, that it is not to be
fuppos'd he could commit fo great an error; and he had divers
times propos'd this Marriage to them, for the most honourable,
and moſt advantageous match could be found out for the King in
all Europe: although the Princes who began to fuffer themſelves
to be led away by the perfwafions of thoſe who could no longer
contain themſelves within thofe bounds, which the virtue of
Peace preſcrib'd to their Ambition, had ever oppos'd that propo-
fition, and would never confent unto it. The Duke nevertheleſs,
as if he had foreſeen the happineſs would accrue to the State by
this Alliance, ceas'd not continually to fortifie the Queen Mother
in the reſolution ſhe had taken to pursue that Treaty, and to bring
it to a conclufion; which, becauſe it was carried on without their
conſents, they pretended it to be without their knowledge: and
this was all the ground of their complaint.
In
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
273
*
In this point the Count de Soissons concurr'd with the Prince of
Condé; he was already broken off with the Duke of Eſpernon, and
that to fuch a degree, that he appear'd now more implacable in his
hatred, than he had before feem'd violent in his love. I have al-
ready ſaid, that amongſt the reaſons which induc'd him to ſeek
the Duke's friendſhip, the chiefeft was the Marriage of Mada-
moiſelle de Montpenfier with the Prince his Son: A Princeſs,
who had been fo far honour'd by the late King, that he had caft
his eye upon her for a Match betwixt her, and the Duke of Or-
leans, his fecond Son, and had ſpoke to the Duke of Efpernon
to that purpofe; fo that it cannot appear ftrange in him, if after
being prepoffefs'd with the hope of fo glorious a fortune for his
Niece, and fo great an honour to his whole Family he could not
cafily condescend to the Count's motion, wherein nevertheleſs he
excus'd himſelf with all imaginable Civility and Refpect: But
this Prince, of a hot and violent nature, taking for injury the
leaft contradiction to his will, was fo highly tranſported with
fury at this refufal, that there was no extreme to which he would
not hurry his revenge, publickly threatning to affault the Duke
in the Streets, in the Louvre, nay in his own Houſe. Thus do we
ſee the Duke at once opprefs'd with the open hatred of two of
the Princes of the Blood; upon which occafion, although he
very well understood the deference due to their perfons, and upon
that accompt declar❜d he would ever give them way, and retire
before them; yet did he not conceive it convenient to have the
fame refpect, and confideration for fuch as under their counte-
nance and protection ſhould make any attempts upon him. And
it was in this occurrence, that the Reputation and intereſt he had
at Court did moſt evidently appear; fo many perfons, who by
his bounty he had oblig'd (principally in the difpenfation of thofe
offices depended upon his own of Colonel) fo many others who
expected their advancement from him, fo many Lords of great
Quality, who either by Relation or Friendship were united to
him; and ſo many others out of the fole regard of his Virtue
flocking about his Perfon, that he has often been ſeen in the
ftreets of Paris with feven or eight hundred Gentlemen waiting
upon him: And I have heard many of very good quality, who
in thoſe times declar'd themſelves his Friends and Servants, af-
firm, that when he has gone on foot to the Louvre, as he would
fometimes purpoſely do, his attendance, marching in order, have
taken up
all the ſpace betwixt the Hostel d'Efpernon,and the Court,
which is at leaſt 2000 paces; infomuch that the Van of his Train
has reach'd the Barriers of the Louvre, before almoſt the Rear was
N n
1
out
Anno
1612.
4
1
274
Anno
The Hiflory of the Life of
PART II
out of his own Gates. Which (how ftrange foever it may appear)
1612. is nothing more than truth; as an infinite number of perfons
yet living can witneſs. Neither was the Queen (who had great in-
tereft in the preſervation of a man had merited fo highly from
her) forry to ſee him in ſo good a poſture, conceiving it of no lit-
tle moment to her ſervice, to have a perfon at Court able to make
a Power, that might otherwiſe have been turn'd againſt her, and
her Authority: and indeed it was upon him fhe principally rely'd,
as the chief of all her Servants, and the moft confiderable perfon
of her Party.
The favours
the Duke
receiv'd
from the
on the feuds
and the
Princes.
The Queen made this moft manifeftly appear in a very remark- ·
able occafion that hapned at this time; of which take here the
true ftory. The Baron de la Chastagneraye after the Service he had
Queen up fo fortunately done the Queen in recovering her out of the River
betwixt lim Seine, at the paffage of the Port de Neully (relations of which
you will find at large in many of our French Hiftories) had been
gratified for that action with the command of Captain of her
Majefties Guard, and was moreover very gracioully receiv'd by
the Queen; advantages that creating him much envy, either her
Majefties Favour, or his own Spirit, or both, engag'd him in ma-
ny Diſputes with ſeveral perfons of the moſt eminent condition
at Court; amongft which he had principally one with Mounſieur
le Grand Efcuyer, fince Duke de Bellegarde; wherein his paffion
one day tranfporting him fo far, as to fpeak unhandfomly of him
in the Queens prefence, and before the Duke of Efpernon who was
his Couſin German, the Duke conceiv'd himſelf oblig'd to ſay
fomething in the behalf of fo near a Relation, and thereupon
gave la Chaftagneraye fome ſmart reply, which he, unable to en-
dure, as briskly return'd upon the Duke himſelf, who with-held
by the reverence of the place, faid to him only this, "That her
"Majefties prefence which had encourag'd him to that offenfive
"language, ty'd his hands, and oblig'd him from taking any fur-
"ther notice of it; refolving within himself to let the Quarrel
alone at that time, and to call him to an accompt at fitter leiſure :
but the Queen both to fatis fie the Duke of Efpernion, and to do her
felf right, la Chastagneraye having violated the respect due to her
Perfon and Prefence, committed him immediately to the Baſtile;
from whence though he was the next day enlarg'd, yet the fenfe
of his diſgrace having wounded him to the quick, the common
bruit went that he would revenge himſelf upon the Duke's per-
ſon, and that he was countenanc'd in that reſolution by the pro-
tection of the Princes. A thing which above all other men he was
the moſt fit to undertake, both for his courage which was very
well
處
​*
!
+
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
275
well known;and alſo having the command of the Queens Guards,
he had better opportunity than any to execute his defign, and to
practice upon the Duke in the very Louvre it felf, than in any
other place, who never went accompanied in her Majeſties pre-
fence, as he did in all other places. The firft intimation of this
defign the Duke receiv'd from the Queens own mouth, who,by a
favour never before, or fince granted to any, permitted him to
take a number of ſelect Souldiers in his own Livery for the Guard
of his Perfon, to attend him in all places, ſo much as into the
Louvre it ſelf; which favour was highly improved to him, when
for his greater fecurity, the moreover gave way that he should
chufe fome Gentlemen of Quality of his moft confident Friends to
enter with him arm'd, even into her own Cabinet. Thoſe whom
the Duke made choice of for this purpoſe were Chetin, Brother to
the Marefchal de St. Geran, Sauue-Bauf, Bonneval, the Count de
Maillé, Caftelbaiart, and Marillac, all men of approved Valour: a
Grace which though it gave great jealoufie and diftafte to the
Princes and Grandees of the Court, who were the Duke's Adver-
faries, her Majefty thought it fit notwithſtanding, to give him
leave to defend his own life against whomfoever would make any
attempt againſt it.
t
Anno
1612.
Dukes three
Amongſt theſe many and great difputes wherein the Duke faw The Educa-
himſelf involv'd, he forgot not the care of his Childrens Education of the
tion; whom he brought up to the moft laborious Exerciſes, and Sons.
for whom after a foundation of Letters, not only of a bare know-
ledge in the Latine Tongue, but in the Principles of Philofophy
alſo, he took care to provide the greatest man, without contra-
diction, in Europe, for the Exercifes of the Body, eſpecially that
of Riding, which was the Sieur de la Brone formerly in the Con-
ſtable de Montmorencies entertainment, afrer whoſe Death, the
Duke gain'd him to himſelf by fo great Benefits, that he gave him
at one clap ten thouſand Crowns in Gold, with an Annuity of
a thouſand Crowns iffuing out of the Hostel de Ville of Paris, the
moft certain Revenue at that time in France: Neither did he here
limit his Bounties. Under this Gentleman's excellent-Discipline,
his two eldeſt Sons arriv'd to fuch a perfection in their exercifes,
that no young Lords of their condition in the Kingdom went be-
fore them.
When they had acquir'd as much by precept as feem'd neceffa-
ry, he conceiv'd it time they ſhould eftabliſh that knowledge by
experience, and by obferving the manners and ways of living of
other Countries; to which purpoſe having put them into an
Equipage fuiting their quality, he fent them into Germany, to the
N n 2
end
1
1
1
276
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
end that by the different Governments of the feveral little Repub-
1612. licks of which the vaft body of that Empire is compos'd, they
might be better enabled to judge of good and evil cuftoms, and
extract a more certain knowledge for their own future conduct in
the Employments to which they were by him defign'd. They ar-
riv'd in that Country in a very troubleſome time, when all ways
were very difficult, and unfafe; but the illuftrious name of the Fa-
ther, in greater repute in any part of Europe, than in France it
felf (prefent vertues being for the most part lefs confider'd) did
not only open all ways, and fecure all paffes to them; but made
them allo receiv'd with great refpect,and honour'd with many ci-
vilities,and favours by all the Princes,and Republicks of both par-
ties. After having ftaid fome time in Germany, and vifited at lei-
fure the Cities, and moft eminent places there, they went from
thence into Italy; where they made a confiderable ftay, and where
for the greateſt part they made their refidence at Rome, continu-
ing ftill their Exerciſes; from whence they went to vifit the moſt
eminent Cities of that ſweeteſt part of Europe; where having
made an acquaintance with moſt of the Princes and Lords of
that Nation, they return'd into France.
Whilft the two eldeſt were thus forming their minds and bo-
dies to fuch qualities as were either neceffary, or at leaft becoming
their condition; Lewis the youngest of the three, defign'd for the
Church, was with no lefs care brought up in the knowledge of
Letters; whom ſo ſoon as the Duke his Father conceiv'd to be of a
fit age, he ſent him to La Flefche to the Colledge of the Father Je-
fuits, where the difcipline requifite for the profeffion he was to
take upon him, was in very great repute. He there continued ſe-
veral years, and came not thence till he had first run through all
the degrees, by which men climb to the higheft pitch of know-
ledge; and in effect, when he was call'd thence to come to
Court, he had made ſo happy a progrefs, that Cardinal Perron, a
great friend of his Fathers, having been by him intreated to dif
courfe with his Son, had an exceeding great opinion of him, and
believ'd him likely to make one of the greatest men of that
age, if
he proceeded in his profeffion with a diligence proportionable to
the great parts wherewith he enter'd into it.
The three Brothers arriving almoſt all at the fame time at
Court, the Duke their Father began to think of eftabliſhing the
greatness of his Family upon the fureft foundation; and thereupon
confider'd each of them by himſelf, for the dividing his Eftate
amongst them: wherein though they were all embelliſh'à with
ſo many excellent qualities, that it could hardly be diſcern'd which
had
է
BOOK VI.
the Duke of Eſpernon.
;
1612.
277
had the greatest merit; yet the Duke having defign'd to confer Anno
his own name upon the fecond, that confideration enclin'd him a
little more to him than the other two. By Article at his Marriage
with Margaret de Foix, Countess of Candale, bis eldeft Son was
to carry the name of Foix, and to inherit his Mothers Eſtate,
clear'd, and augmented by the Duke's mony: and his own name
was alſo ſo great, what by the vertue of his Anceſtors, and what
by his own, that he would not leave him on whom it was con-
ferr'd, inferiour either in Reputation, or Eftate to any whomſo-
ever of his condition, in the Kingdom. He had already by his
Service obtain❜d from the Queen Regent the Reverſion of all his
Offices; viz. of that of Colonel General of the Infantry of
France of firft Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, an Office he
had ever kept fince his firft Favour; of Governour of the City,
and Cittadel of Metz, and of the Meßin Country; of the Pro-
vinces, Cities, and Caſtles of Xaintes, and Angouleſme; of the
City and Government of Rochelle, the Country of Aulins, with
the higher and lower Limoufin; of the City, Caftle, and Territo-
ry of Boulogne, and of the City, Country, and Caftle of Loches:
all which he at this time thus divided amongst his three Sons. To
his eldeft, the Count of Candale, he affign'd in prefent (caufing him
forthwith to be admitted into it) the Office of firft Gentleman of
the Bed-Chamber, with the Governments of Angoumois, Xain-
tonge, Aulins, and Limousin in Remainder; to which he added the
whole Eftate of the Houfe of Candale, amounting to above four-
ſcore thouſand Livers yearly revenue in goodly Lordships; as al-
fo the Dutchy of Elfpernon, with the Earldom of Montfort, toge-
ther with other Lands arifing to above fifty thouſand Crowns a
year to which the Duke having obtain'd an affurance. of a Ma-
refchal's Staff for this Son, fo foon as a more mature age and ex-
perience fhould render him capable of that Employment, he con-
ceiv'd that a high Spirit, as his was, ought to reft very well fatisfied
with ſo fair a Fortune.
To the Marquis de la Valette,his fecond Son, he affign'd his Of-
fice of Colonel, and the Government of Metz in reverfion, with
the reſt of his Eſtate whether hereditary or purchas'd; which made
up a Revenue equal to the firft, together with his fhare of the
Rents, and perfonal Eftate.
For his third Son alſo he provided to the value of fifty thouſand
Crowns a year at leaft in Church preferments; of which he was
not content only to put him into prefent poffeffion, but gave him
moreover a years Revenue advance, that he might have where-
withal to maintain a port fuitable to his condition: to which he
further
3
*
278
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
Anno further added the furvivancy of the Government of Boulogne,
1612. and Loches, with the Office of chief Almoner to the King, which
was a leading ftep to that of great Almoner of France.
In this diftribution of his Fortune, the Duke's paternal care
and liberality, might (a man would have thought) have amply
fatisfied the moſt afpiring Ambitions, and the moſt avaritious
Natures; neither could the two youngeſt enough magnifie the
bounty of fo good a Father, who by his Induſtry, and his Blood
had rais'd them to fuch a height of Riches and Honour: but fome.
malevolent Spirits, enemies to the peace and happineſs of the el-
deft, by a violence upon his nature, perfwaded him he had not
been kindly us'd in this partition, that therein his younger Bro-
ther had the beſt, and moft folid Employments affign'd to him;
*Meaning whereof one was a Command of it felf fufficient to oblige all
that of Co- the Gentlemen of France, together with a Frontier much more
lone'.
The Marri-
age of the
Canda, the
Duke sel
Count de
delt Son.
confiderable, than the beft Province of the Kingdom; whereas
what was confign'd to him, was only an Office of little value,
and no great repute at Court, with the expectation of a Maref
chal's Staff, confiderable 'twas true, but a great way off; and that
for his Governments, they lay fo in the heart of the Kingdom,
that his Authority would be very little, or nothing at all; by
which means making him at firft undervalue the benefits he had
receiv'd, they ſo debauch'd his gratitude at laft, as to make him
publickly complain of his Fathers proceeding, and to defpife all
he had, feeing he had not all he defir'd.
The Duke, advertis'd of his Sons diſcontent, labour'd all he
could to reclaim him, and make him fee his error, which he af
terwards did; neither could any thing be more grateful, and obe-
dient, than he ever carried himlelf, fo oft as he fuffer'd himself to
be govern❜d by his own natural inclination.
Even before the King's death, the Fortune and Greatness of the
Father, with the merit, and Riches of the Sons, had rendred their
Alliances fo confiderable, that there were few perfons of great
Quality at Court, who had not been offer'd to the Duke in Mar-
riage with them; but amongſt the ſeveral Matches propos'd for
the Count de Candale, his eldeſt Son, the Duke preferr'd that with
the Dutchess of Haluin, Grand-child to the Duke of Haluin, and
Daughter to the Marquis de Megnelay, the inheritrix of a rich and
illuftrious Family, before all the reft. Whereupon a Marriage be-
twixt them fhortly enfu'd, though difcontents foon after arifing,
grew at laft to that height, that in a few years they came to an ab-
folute feparation. Thoſe who had the power to low diviſion in the
Marriage-Bed, had the fame to perfwade the Count de Candale into
an
1
J
F
BOOK VI
279
the Duke of Efpernon.
•
an open breach with the Duke his Father; the grief whereof Anno
(the moſt fenfible of any he had ever met with in the whole 1612.
courfe of his life) as it was the cauſe of infinite others, which be-
fel him afterwards, had like to have brought him to his Grave.
Yet did the Duke (as if he had already foreſeen what did after fall
out) all an indulgent Father could poffibly do, to reconcile him-
ſelf to his Son, and his Son to his Duty: wherein though Le
Pleßis (the uſual mediator of all differences in that Family) did
as much as could be expected from an extraordinary prudence,
and a fincere affection, it proved all to no effect; the Count either
unable to fupport the injury he believ'd had been done him in
the partition of the Offices, or not well enduring the preſence of
a Father, he was conſcious to himſelf he had not kindly us’d,
being refolv❜d by a voluntary Exile, to feek fome repofe for his
troubled mind. He determin'd therefore to forfake France, but
the end of his Travel was not fimply for diverfion; neither could
he ſatisfie himſelf with the meer exerciſe of ſome Vertues only
to be practis'd in the obfcurity of retirement, and in the privacy
of a Cloſet; it was by painful, and perillous actions, and by ex-
pofing his life to the uncertain event of great Enterprizes, that
he would qualifie and ſweeten his diſcontents. Spurr'd on there-
fore by this generous refolution, he took the fecond time the way
of Italy, where arriving at the Court of the great Duke of Tuf-
cany, at a time when he was equipping fome Gallies for the Le-
vant, he entreated that Prince to permit him with his friends to
put himſelf aboard thofe Veffels. There had not any perſon of
his condition, for many years, gone out of the Kingdom with fo
honourable a Train of Gentlemen, and thoſe in fo handſome an
Equipage, as the Count did; having above fifty Gentlemen of
good quality in his company, whom either their refpect to the Fa-
ther, or the eſteem of his own perfon, had prevail'd upon to run
the fame fortune with him: Loziere, de Themines, Monberaut, Ca-
longes, Magnas, the two Brothers de la Tour, Villandry, Cipierre,
Vernegue, Monplaifir, de Vic, la Boiffiere, with many other Gentle-
men of note, were of this number; when the Duke his Father,
how afflicted foever at his refolution, yet unwilling he should be
expos'd to ſo infinite,and almoſt inevitable dangers, without ſome
prudent and faithful perfon to ftand by him in all hazards, per-
mitted Le Pleffis likewife, who had been very uſeful to him in
his former Travels, to attend him in this fally alfo; not doubting
but he would by his conduct be as ferviceable to him in his mili-
tary undertakings, as he had formerly been by his dexterity in
other Affairs.
The
þ
:
**
280
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Count
the Levant.
The Duke of Florence having confented that the Count de Can-
1612. dale with his Companions fhould embarque in his Gallies, they
cours'd up and down the Coafts of the Levant, performing fome
de Candale's exploits by Sea, and making fome attempts by Land, and always
Voyage into with good fuccefs: but the particular defign of this expedition
being upon the Fortress of Aglimant, the most important of all
Caramania, they were to steer their courfe that way, and to pre-
pare themſelves to affault it. This Fortress, favour'd by a good
Harbour, was man'd with fix hundred Turks, and moreover fur-
nish'd with Artillery, Ammunition, and all things neceflary for
its defenſe; which, as it lay expos'd to the inroads of the Chri-
ftians, thoſe who had the Guard of it, were fo vigilant to its pre-
fervation, that there could be no hope of effecting any thing by
furprize. Neither could the Admiral of the Tufcan Gallies (Signior
Enguerrany by name) who was to anfwer for any miscarriage in
the Enterprize, refolve to hazard an attempt, in which he evi-
dently faw fo many, and almoſt invincible difficulties: but the
Count de Candale, having generouſly defir'd the greateſt danger
might be conferr'd upon him, and his, his noble refolution cut off
all difputes, and the affault was forthwith concluded.
If in the propofition of this Enterprize the Count had evidenc'd
the bravery of his Spirit, he made it in the execution more mani-
feftly appear. Don Pedro Medici of the Duke's own Family, ha-
ving refolv'd to make one in this Voyage, would do the Count de
Candale the Honour to fight in his Squadron, which having had
the precedency in landing, had the fame deference continued to
them throughout the whole Action; which to fucceeded to the
Count's glory, that after a ftout refiftance he forc'd the place by
Petards, and took it, yet not without the lols of fome Chriftians,
whereof fome Gentlemen of Quality in his own Squadron there
loft their lives. Pedro Medici was himself defperately wounded,
Le Plessis more ſlightly; as alfo Monberaut, and fome others:
but Villandry, la Boiffiere, and Fernegue were laid dead upon the
place A lofs however foon recompens'd by that of the Turks,
who had above 300. men flain in the Fight, with two hundred
and fifty of them made flaves, as two hundred and forty Chrifti-
ans were fet free: So that the Florentine General having feiz'd of
all the spoil, the Count de Candale contented himſelf with the bare
Honour of the Victory. The Fortress was fet on fire, and in a
ſhort ſpace totally conlum'd; the chiefeft the ark had upon that
Frontier, and that ferv'd as a Port to
being but five
Leagues diſtance thence.
This action carried on with fo great prudence, and perform'd
wtih
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
281
4
}
•
ነ
Anno
•
with fo admirable Valour, was crown'd with an univerfal ap-.
plaufe: So that the Count de Candale returned into France loaded 1612.
with Glory and Praiſe, and Le Pleffis having whilft he was
abroad ſweetned his temper, and given him a better taſte of his
Fathers Affection, at his return home, he alfo return'd into his
Duty and filial Obedience; which made the Duke with an exceſs
of joy receive him with open arms into his bofom; a re-union
that continuing fome years, the Count liv'd at Court in great Ho-
nour, and as high Reputation as any Gentleman of his condition
in the Kingdom.
At this time there likewiſe hapned an abfolute and perfect re-
conciliation betwixt the Duke and the Houſe of Guife; for as
the refuſal of the Marriage of Madamoifelle de Montpenfier had loft
him the Count de Soiffons friendship, fo did the confummation of
that of the Dutchess of Montpenfier her Mother with the Duke
of Guiſe, acquire him that of that Duke, and all his Family.
This great Alliance in the revolutions, that after hapned, was
of no little importance to the Duke of Elpernon. The favour of
Concino Concini Marquis d' Encre began at this time to fhew it
felf, and to appear out of the conceal'dnels, and oblcurity, where
it had till now lain hid, and to raiſe it felf to fuch a prodigious
ftature, as drew upon the Marquis the envy of the whole Court.
I do not here pretend to ſpeak of the Birth of this Favour, nor of
the degrees by which it rofe to that exceffive height, to which it
was fo fuddenly advanc'd. I fhall only fay that this Marquis,find-
ing himself too weak to bear the great weight of Envy with which
he found himſelf opprefs'd, fought the friendship and fupport
of the Duke of Efpernon; who he knew was alone fufficient to
protect him againſt all the reſt, and to whom, how ambitious
foever he might be in his own nature, he made no difficulty to
fubmit. He had in the spring of his favour receiv'd feveral good
Offices from him,in acknowledgment of which, or to interelt the
Duke further in his preſervation, he caus'd the Marriage of his
only Daughter with the Marquis de la Valette the Duke's fecond
Son, to be propos'd unto him; offering with her in Dowry the
Office of Conftable for the Duke himſelf, fo foon as the King
ſhould come out of his Minority, of which the time was near at
hand; and for the Marquis, Mony and Offices, as much,
and as
many as they could expect by the means, and through the medi-
ation of a Favourite, who, through his Wife, poſſeſs'd an abſo-
lute Empire over the Queen Regents will.
Would the Duke have taken the advice of many of his Ser-
vants, he had not perhaps, as he did, rejected this propofal : but he
would
O ®
I
282
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Maref
would never ſuffer himſelf to be overcome, either by the impor-
1612. tunity of his Friends, or the confideration of his own peculiar
intereft, as to that motion; infomuch that inftead of receiving
chal d'Encre ſo advantageous offers with fome fhew of civility and reſpect, he
feeks the fail'd little of rejecting them with injury, and contempt, as he
pernon's Al- did with great difdain: nay he exprefs'd great offenfe, and un-
liance, and kindneſs against thofe who prefs'd him to it. An obftinacy that I
is rejected. ´have often heard condemn'd by fome, who believ'd the Duke had
Duke of Ef-
never fall'n into thoſe diſorders, whereinto he ſaw himſelf after-
wards plunged by the Marquis d' Encres exceffive favour, had he
made himſelf Moderator, that is Maſter of Affairs, as he might
with great cafe have done: but as he would pretend to no favour
himſelf, ſo could he endure no other Favourites; infomuch that
he would rather make it his buſineſs to pull this down, than by
his intereft to ſerve himſelf in doing his own work.
Though by this repulfe the Marquis d' Encre (upon whom all
things depended at that time) was infinitely cool'd towards the
Duke; yet did he not manifeft any diſguft at all: The Duke was
fo neceffary at Court, the Queen could not be without him; he
had propounded, and caus'd the Match with Spain to be refolv'd
upon, contrary to the opinion of the Princes of the Blood, and
divers others of great condition, who follow'd their interefts;
yet could not the buſines be carried on to the Queen fatisfaction,
if he did not remain at Court, to fortifie fuch in their first refo-
lution, as otherwife might perhaps be taken off by the confidera-
tion of the great.power of thoſe, who ſo ſtiffly oppos'd it. It was
therefore neceffary to make uſe of him in this occafion for the ac-
compliſhment of what had been firft propounded by him: and
in the end the conditions of the two Marriages having been mutu-
ally accepted of in both Courts, there was great demonftration
of joy in both Kingdoms, France particularly pouring out it felf
in magnificences to a degree almoft of profufion, could too much
gratitude have been expreſs'd for a bleffing that has already pro-
duc'd fo much happineſs, and that is likely to bring much more
to the Kingdom.
Whilft the Court was bufie about the preparation for theſe ſo-
lemnities, the Prince of Condé, and the Count de Soiffons, fudden-
ly withdrew from Court; whofe retirement, together with ſome
diſcontent thoſe of the Religion made fhew of at the fame time,
gave great apprehenfion, that matters were likely to come to a
ſpeedy rupture: but the wisdom of the Queens Council having.
apply'd ſeaſonable remedies to this diforder, if they did not abfo-
lutely take away the effect of what they fear'd, they at leaſt deferr'd
it,
1
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
283
Anno
deferr'd it; ſo that the publick Peace was for this time fecur'd.
The Queen caus'd the Princes to be treated with, who were at 1612.
laft content to return to Court, and to fign the conditions of the
Marriage, and thofe of the Religion, having by this little diforder
procur'd ſome inconfiderable conceffions, referr'd to a fitter
portunity the defign they had to interrupt the main work, which
they conceiv'd would be infinitely prejudicial to their Intereft,and
Safety...
{
op-
Anno
1613,
carried by
Duke of
I cannot in this place forbear another digreffion from my Sub-
ject, to ſpeak of the acquifition the Duke made at this time of
one of the principal Servants he ever had in his Family, and one
whofe merit made him afterwards very eminent at Court, where
he obtain'd no little Favour and Efteem with the King himſelf;
and this was the Sieur de Marfillac, a Gentleman of as great va-
lour, and as graceful a prefence as any whatſoever of his time..
This man had formerly had a dependence upon Balagny (call'd
the Brave of the Court) whom Balagny had taken out of the Re-
giment of Guards, where he trail'd a Pike, to put him upon one
of the boldeft, and most honourable Actions a Gentleman of his
condition could poffibly undertake, and that was to carry a Chal- A Challenge
lenge to the Duke of Eguillon, fince Duke of Mayenne. This bu- Marfillac
fineſs hapned in the Reign of Henry the great, who did not con- from Ba-
demn him for it; and, though it was the firft of this nature that lagi to the
perhaps had ever been known in France, gave notwithstanding Eguillon.
the Duke of Mayenne his Father no fatisfaction therein, what
complaints foever he could make. I have heard Marfillac himſelf
tell the ſtory: He adventur'd a poor younger Brother as he was,
to go execute his Commiffion even in the Duke d' Eguillon's own
Bed-Chamber, whofe generofity and freedom he could never
fufficiently commend, he doing him the honour to go out with
him alone to give his friend fatisfaction, without other caution,
than his own bare word, though he could by no means prevail
with him, to let him be further concern'd in the Quarrel, being
refolute to end the diſpute without a Second; the only thing
whereof he could complain in the Duke's behaviour towards
him; though he gave him at the fame time as much reafon, to
magnifie the extraordinary, and noble care he took to conceal
the action from the Duke of Mayenne his Fathers knowledge. Ha
was in the houſe when the Challenge was brought, and has often
been heard to ſay, that had he known his temerity, he would
have caus'd Marfillac to have been toft out of the Windows, to
have taught him what it was to bring a Meffage of that nature to
a Prince, from a private Gentleman: and doubtless he would
0 0 2
have
1
284
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
Anno have been as good as his word, he was fo highly incens'd at the af-
1613. front; which perhaps ferv'd for an example fhortly after to the
Anno
1614.
New difor-
ders in the
Kingdom.
Baron of Luz, in his challenge to the Chevalier de Guife. As for
Mar fillac after the death of Balagny (who was kill'd in a Quarrel)
being entertain❜d into the Duke of Elpernon's Service, he obtain'd
under him in the command of his Guard, which he beſtowed
upon him, ſo high a reputation, and eſteem, that he was at laſt
defir'd by the King, where his Majefty gave him a Company in
his own Guards, and his deſerts were infallibly raifing him to a
much higher fortune, if at the fame time the King exprefs'd the
greateft efteem and affection for him, he had not at the Siege of
Privas receiv'd a Mufquet-ſhot in his head, which as it determin'd
his hopes, was alſo the reward of all his Service.
We here with a new year enter upon a new diſorder, of which
the immoderate greatness of Conchini was either the effectual, or
at leaſt the pretended caufe; and doubtleſs his favour and info
lence were rais'd to that excefs, as rendred him intolerable; either
of which are fufficiently odious in whomfoever they happen to
befound; but being united in him, pull'd upon him the hatred,
orenvy of all forts of men. The moft part of the great ones fee-
ing themſelves excluded from all knowledge of Affairs (neither
is it poffible to fatisfic all-who will pretend to that priviledge) caft
their eyes upon the Prince of Condé, to intereft him in their dif
contents; and the Hugonot Faction not being able without great
jealoufie to fee the Marriage accompliſh'd, was no lefs ready thàn
thofe Grandees to break into open arms: The one and the other
then being in fuch a difpofition, had joyntly by the negotiation
of the Duke of Bouillon recourfe to the Prince of Condé, perfwa-
ding him to oppoſe himſelf to Concbini's greatnefs, to demand pu-
niſhment for thoſe evils of which he had been the caufe, and a
Reformation in the State; the old and common pretense of all
fuch as would infeſt the publick peace. The Prince had ever fince
the death of the Count de Soiffons been in high confideration, not
only by reaſon of his quality as firft, but alſo as it were fole Prince
of the Blood; to which his admirable endowments rendred him
no less confpicuous, than did the preeminence of his Birth: He
was knowing, dexterous, and intelligent in all forts of buſineſs,
beyond what could be expected from his age: notwithſtanding
all which great qualities, fomething yet being wanting, that fome
conceiv'd was requir'd in a perfon of his eminent condition, they
had not allow'd him that fhare in the management of Affairs he
either merited, or at leaſt defir'd; an injury that he very much re-
fneting, and moreover animated by the perfwafions not of the
Duke
BOOK VI. the Duke of Efpernon.
1
285
"
Duke de Bouillon only, but alſo by the Dukes of Longueville, Anno
Mayenne, Nevers, and Luxenbourg, who had every one a particu- 1614.
lar pretext for his defection, made him fuddenly depart from
Court, and retire himſelf to Mezieres in Champagne, from whence,
ſhould he be ſmartly laid to, he might conveniently retreat to Se-
dan. To this place he was follow'd by all the other diſcontented
Lords: as for the Duke of Vendofme, who had likewife promis'd
to do the fame, not being able to get clear of the Court fo foon
as he intended (having been detain'd priſoner in a Chamber of
the Louvre) he nevertheleſs finding means to deceive his Guards,
eſcap'd ſoon after to his Government of Bretagne, where he did
what he could to fortifie the Faction by the intereft he had in that
Province.
The Duke
of Efpernons
This great number of diſcontents put the Court into strange
diſorder, the old Miniſters of State, who had ſeen nothing of a
Civil War for many years, apprehending this would certainly
involve the Kingdom in a defperate confufion: but the Duke of
Efpernon having confider'd that the Princes for the moſt part had
neither mony, nor credit at home, nor no intelligence abroad,
few places to retire unto, and fewer friends amongst the people,
whom the ferenity of the prefent Government had rendred very
well fatisfied with their condition, was of a quite contrary opi-
nion. He therefore advis'd the Queen Regent to cauſe them by
the Regiments of French, and Swiffe Guards, with fuch Horle advice.
as were ready at hand to be fuddenly purf'd; affuring her, that
if the King would pleaſe to put himſelf into the head of this little
Body, he might with the greateſt eaſe imaginable, and without
reſiſtance ſuppreſs a faction that had inconfiderately engaged in a
Rebellion without other ground than the meer inftigation of
fome mutinous fpirits, and no other fupport at all. it was the fame Not follow-
advice he had formerly given Henry the III. in the time of his fa- cd, to the
vour, and in the first commotions of the League; which not vantage of
having then been hearkened to, had coft the King and the whole the Royal
Kingdom fo dear: but the fame Counfel had here the fame fuc-
cefs, the wiſdom of the Minifters of State could not give ear to
an advice, wherein they apprehended fo great a danger, fo that
for want of having obferv'd what the prelence of a King does in
a Kingdom, where the refpect to the Sovereign Authority has
ever been ſo inviolate, as that it ſeems to be a quality inherent to
that people, they loft the moſt favourable opportunity to have
fecur'd the prefent peace, and to have prevented the mischiefs that
enfu'd, could poffibly have been wifh'd. An overfight that the
Prince of Condé very well obferving, as I have heard him fay him-
felf,
great difad.
Affairs.
1
เ
286
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno felf, he of that obſervation (as we-fhall fee hereafter) made a
1614. great advantage for the King's Service in the Queen Mothers
Affairs.
The advice of taking Arms being thus rejected, the Duke of
Efpernon refus❜d to have any hand in the infuing Treaty, wherein
he faw they were to purchale a Peace he neither thought honour-
able, nor likely long to continue. It was nevertheless foon con-
cluded, and the Princes having at this time found no difpofition
in the people to follow the humour of their priuate diſcontents ;
nor being able of themſelves to raiſe any confiderable force, made.
no great difficulty of felling a Peace, they would undoubtedly,
have bought at any price,. had they once been made to feel the
Smart of War. But for this they had great fumes of mony, that
furniſh'd them for another Rebellion, with fome other conditi-
ons, as that, there fhould be a Convocation of the Eftates General
for regulating fuch diſorders as (they faid) were introduc'd into
the Kingdom. And this was that call'd the Peace of Saint Mene-
bou, according to the Articles of which, there follow'd after a
Convocation of the Eftates, but not till the Declaration, of the
King's Majority had first been ratified in the Parliament of Paris;
that Act having been thought convenient to precede the Affem-
bly, to the end that whatever they should there conclude, might
be more authentick, and admit of no difpute for the time to
come.
During this Seffion of the Eftates, and in the fight as it were
of all France, which in the perfons of their Deputies feem'd to
be then prefent at Faris, the Duke did an action which made a
great buftle, and noife in the beginning; but that in the iffue,
through the high confideration and efteem of his Authority and
Vertue, was paſs'd over well enough. I have already ſaid, when
ſpeaking of the erection of the Duke's command of Colonel Ge-
neral in Title of an Office of the Crown, that the King annex'd
thereto a Sovereign Juftice, or Court Martial over all the French
Infantry. In any difference betwixt Souldier and Souldier, the
Duke, together with the Officers of that Body to which the Soul-
dier did belong, was abfolute and ſovereign Judge of the Offenſe;
but if the difference hapned to be betwixt a Souldier and a Citi-
zen, there he was to call fome Officers of Juftice, together with
the Officers of the Regiment to affift him. Rules that, being en-
ter'd amongſt the Statutes of the Crown, are at this day part of
the Law, as they make up the most noble part of that brave com-
mand. It hapned that at this time, two Souldiers of the Regi-
ment of Guards fighting a Duel in the 'Pré-au-Clercs,a place within
1
the
BOOK VI. the Duke of Eſpernon.
287
/
the Juriſdiction of the Abby of Saint Germans, the one being
flain, the other was taken, and delivered into the hands of the
Prevoft of Saint Germans, who detain'd him in the Priſon be-
longing to the Abby. Whereupon the Duke conceiving this had
been ignorantly done by the Officer, who perhaps might not
know how far in this cafe his Authority did extend, fent the Pre-
voft-Martial of the Regiment to the Bailiff to make him under-
ftand the right the Duke had to demand his Priſoner, and withal
civilly to entreat him to deliver him up,that he might be brought
to his Trial: But this entreaty was anſwer'd with a furly and po-
fitive denial, which being, in the terms it was deliver'd, carried
back to the Duke, made him infinitely impatient, that the Laws
eſtabliſh'd in favour of his command, fhould fuffer fo great a
contempt: neither could he on the other fide fubmit to purfue all
the due Forms, by which he was by order of Law and Juftice to
retrive his man. Thinking it therefore the most expedite way to
make uſe of his own Authority in the cafe, he commanded the
Lieutenant of the Company of which the Priſoner was to take
a Squadron along with him, and by fair means or foul to bring
him away; which was accordingly executed and upon a fe-
cond refuſal the Priſon of Saint Germans broke open, and the
Souldier carried away to be puniſh'd according to the rigour of
the Law, but by thoſe nevertheleſs who were his proper and na-
tural Judges.
>
Hereupon the Bailiff goes to the Parliament to complain of
the contempt had been offer'd to the Court by a violence upon
their inferiour Officers: upon which complaint, and an Indict-
ment Viva voce preferr'd by the Bailiff himself; the Parliament
iſſued out a Warrant to apprehend the Lieutenant for executing
his Colonels Order, with a Citation of perfonal appearance
againſt the Colonel himſelf: A proceeding, that as it could not
certainly be approv'd by all, furpriz'd and nettled the Duke to
the laft degree. He complain'd of it to the King, reprefenting at
the fame time his reaſons to juftifie the Act, and not being able to
fupport the contempt he conceiv'd was caft upon his perfon, by a
body he had ever honour'd, and ſometimes oblig'd, he would give
the world an accompt it was no eafie matter to ferve a Proceſs up-
on him, That from the Parliament had been granted out the fix-
teenth of November, and on the ninteenth the Duke went thi-
ther in perfon, accompanied with five, or fix hundred Gentle-
men, befides whom there alfo crowded as many more young
Souldiers of the Regiment of Guards into the Palace; info-
much that all the Baſe-Court, Galleries, and the very Hall it ſelf-
Was
Anno
1614.
༤༢༩ ༨
[
1
++
¿
288
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
L
Anno
was full of them. The Duke pretended he went to preſent him-
1614. felf in obedience to the Procefs had been iffued out against him,
though no one could believe he went in fuch a pofture with any
intent of fubmiffion: So that the Parliament advertiz'd of his
coming with ſo great a Train, and not knowing his defign, nor
to what his paffion might tranfport him, fuddenly adjourn'd, re-
tiring every man his own way before their ufual time.
1
As it is hard to govern a confus'd, and unruly multitude, a fort
of young hair-brain'd fellows, who attended the Duke, offer'd
fome indignities, and affronts to fome of the inferiour Officers of
the Court; and being most of them in Boots, purpofely intan-
gled their Spurs in the Ufhers, and Proctors Gowns, thinking
thereby the more to oblige the Duke, as they appear'd more fen-
fible of his offenfe. An infolence that infinitely aggravated the
buſineſs, which without that had been foul enough of it ſelf. A
great complaint whereof was made againſt the Dake, as refpon-
fible for all that hapned at the Palace, every one believing that, in
the defign he had to brave the Parliament, all things were done by
his order, which had pafs'd in his preſence.
;
If the Duke had manifeſted a refentment of the injury he had
receiv'd from the Parliament, the Parliament exprefs'd no lefs for
what the Duke had done to the contempt of their Dignity; yet
did they make no complaint thereof to the King; but remaining
in a profound filence (the trueft fign of a violent affliction) order'd
a ceffation of Justice, with a determinate refolution never to meet
again, till firſt a publick and folemn reparation fhould be made.
This buſineſs, proceeding to fuch a height, put the King and
Queen into a very great confufion; they thought it neither con-
venient nor fafe in this juncture of Affairs, which feem'd to
threaten fome fudden mischief, to diſoblige the Duke of Efpernon ;'
neither did they think it an eafie matter to perfwade him to pay
the Parliament any great fubmiffions; who, on the other fide,
would in fuch a cafe as this accept of no ordinary fatisfaction. At
laft the King ſent the Duke de Vantadour to the Palace, to tell the
Parliament from him, That by their Body his perſon being repre-
"ſented, all the injury they pretended to have receiv'd from the
"Duke of Efpernon reflected immediately upon him: That his
"Majeſty alſo took it to himself, to whom it did belong, to vindi-
cate his own Honour, which he fhould be fufficiently able to
do without any neceffity upon them of efpouſing his Quarrel:
but that becauſe the buſineſs had made fome noife, that might
perhaps have given fome offenfe to the publick, he therefore de-
fir'd they ſhould receive a publick fatisfaction, and fuch a one as
cr
tr
“
σε
(c
L
fhould
BOOK VI.
289
the Duke of Efpernon.
•
"fhould fatisfie the world of the great refpect he had to Juftice.
“That in order thereunto it was his pleaſure the Prifoner fhould
"be return'd to the fame place from whence he had been taken,
"and by the fame perfon by whom he had been fetch'd away;
"and as for what concern'd the Duke, who proteſted he had no
"intention to offend the Parliament in what he had done, he
"ſhould be defir'd in his own perfon to make the fame protefta-
"tion before them.
cr
cr
cr
r
ແ
cr
Anno
1614.
Things being thus order'd, the Duke of Efpernon the nine and
twentieth of the fame month went to the Palace; when, though
with no extraordinary Train about his perfon, fo many never-
theleſs of his Friends had convey'd themfelves into the Palace, as
were fufficient to make head against his Enemies, fhould they,
by taking advantage of the place, or by pretending to do a right
to the Affembly, have attempted any thing against him. Being
come into the great Chamber, and having taken his accuſtomed
feat, he, fpeaking with his hat on, in few words Remonftrated :
That having never had other intent, than to pay all due reſpect
to an Affembly in which he had had the honour for many years
to have ſome place, he could not but admire they ſhould inter-
CC pret what was an effect of that due honour and refpect, for a
premeditated offenfe: That he was not altogether fo unthrifty
"of his own Intereft, as to offer an injury to them, which he
"could not but know would rebound upon himſelf: That he
had, for two and thirty years paft, been a Member of that Ho-
nourable Body; during all which time there had not been per-
"haps a man of his condition, more paffionate for their Service,
"than himſelf in the Kingdom: That he had fet down amongſt
the good fortunes of his life, the opportunity he had happily
met withal of expreffing his good.Affection to the Dignity of
that Affembly, when after the death of Henry the Great, of
"Glorious Memory, he had firft advis'd them to make uſe of
"their own Authority in providing for the Regency of the King-
"dom: That he had tendred them his Service upon that occafi-
on, which had not been altogether ineffectual to the putting
them in poffeffion of a priviledge which would doubtless beta-
"ken notice of in ages yet to come: That if any indifcreet per-
" fons had made uſe of his name, either for the pretenfe of their
"inſolencies, or in the proſecution of their own private revenge,
"he ſeriouſly demanded their Juftice, as the perfon moft con-
cern'd in the offenfe: That he very well knew his enemies
would lay hold of that occafion, to make him appear in all the
fault; but that he did humbly befeech them to judge more fa-
c
cr
cr
CC
<c
«
P P
vourably
}
290
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
•
'
་
ما
Anno
1614.
·
ir
CC
(C
vourably of his intentions, and that all things paft might be
forgot (concluding his ſpeech with theſe very words) That he
"did intreat to be excus'd, if in a rude and unpoliſh'd diſcourſe,
he had not given that fatisfaction he could have wifh'd to their
"Learned Ears, who having been all his life a Captain of Foot,
"had ever made it more his ſtudy to do, than to ſpeak well. To
which the firſt Preſident Verdun, after having gather'd the Votes
of the Affembly, return'd this Anſwer: "That fince the King
was graciously pleas'd to incline more to Clemency than Ri
gour, the Court by his Majefties expreſs Command, and in con-
"fideration of his many brave Services, as alſo willing to make
"the beſt interpretation of what had pafs'd, accepted of his ex-
"cule; hoping thereby for the future, to engage both himſelf and
his Sons to pay thofe Services to the King and Kingdom tò
which they were in gratitude oblig'd; and to that Court the
"Honour and refpe&t was due unto them. Of which he never af-
ter fail'd; neither at the hour of his death, was there any perfon
"of his condition in the Kingdom, who had more friends than
he in that honourable Affembly, nor that had more reafon upon
feveral occafions to magnifie their Juftice.
(C
(C
tr
The end of the Sixth Book.
t
THE
ד י
¦
291
P
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
S
The Seventh Book.
1615.
motion of
Oon after the forementioned difpute betwixt the Anno
Parliament, and the Duke, the Affembly of
Eftates broke up; which, instead of the happy
Reformation was expected to enfue, was imme-
diately follow'd by a War; upon which the
Council (after having long waver'd in the un-
certainty of the Peace fo lately and fo dearly bought) faw it necef-
fary at laft to refolve. The difcontents of the Prince of Condé was The Com
again the cauſe of this, as it had been of the late Commotion, the Princes
and thoſe diſcontents again founded upon the greatneſs of Cons to hinder
chini, now advanc'd to the honour of Marefchal of France. The the Marris
Marefchal therefore finding the Prince had conceiv'd an implaca- Spain.
ble animofity againſt him, and very well foreſeeing, that unleſs
he freed himſelf from the difficulties he would eternally ftrew in
his way, he could never raiſe himſelf to that pitch of greatneſs,
to which he did afpire; he refolv'd to come to a publick Rupture
with him, and to remove him from the King's Prefence by a War
that ſhould for a fufficient time fecure himſelf from thofe obftacles
Pp 2
he
age with
292
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
ما
Anno
he was otherwiſe certain to receive from fo powerful an Enemy.
1615. The Prince was already retir'd in great difcontent from
Court; having as before, taken the way of Champagne, that he
might be near Sedan, his fureft refuge, fhould he be overmatch'd
by the Royal Power: where after Conchini had long amus'd him
with the hope of fome advantageous Accommodation he at one
blow cut him off that expectation, by causing a Summons to be
fent him to be in readiness to attend the King in his Progress into
Guienne, whither his Majeſty was refolv'd ſhortly to take a Jour-
ney for the confummation of his Marriage; an Affair that having.
ever been oppos'd by the Prince, he very well underſtood the
meaning of that Summons, and now plainly faw how he was to
truft in the ſtrength of his own Arms. He had ever fince the laft
breach been fo folicitous to continue his intelligence, and to main-
tain the League he had contracted with the Lords of his Party
the precedent year, that it was no hard matter for him to engage
them in this new Quarrel: the Dukes of Longueville, Mayenne,
Vendofme, and Nevers declar'd highly in his favour, and the Duke
of Baillon (whofe intereft carried the whole Hugonot Faction
along with it) did the fame; fo that all things were apparently
difpos'd for an inteftine War, in all the beſt Provinces of the
Kingdom.
So many diſcontented perfons, and thoſe fo confiderable in
themſelves, put the Court into no little diforder; the Kings Jour-
ney in order to his Marriage had been refolv'd upon, and the
time with the Spanish Agents concluded; which was every where
fo publickly known, that the Honour of the King and the Queen
Mother was not a little concern'd in the confummation of a thing,
to which they were fo folemnly engag'd: but there was ſcarce any
who durft undertake to overcome the difficulties were prepar'd to
hinder that great Affair. For after the retirement of all the fore-
nam'd Princes, there was not any remain'd at Court, except
the Dukes of Guife and Elpernon, who were capable of ferving
the King in ſo dangerous an occafion; and of theſe the Duke of
Guife, though in fhew well enough with the Queen, ſtood never-
theleſs ſo fulpected to her, that fhe durft not truſt an Army in his
hands, left by joyning with the diſcontented Princes (whereof
the greater part were his Kindred,or nearly ally'd to him) his Ma-
jefties Perfon might be left wholly to their difcretion; and al-
though ſhe had not the fame jealoufie of the Duke of Efpernon (no
body doubting his Fidelity) yet could not that command be con-
ferr'd upon him, without giving offenfe to the Duke of
Guife.
In
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon,
293
cc
.cc
e
cc
te
Anno
1615.
The Duke
Tel- of Efpernon's
on this oc-
In this anxiety then how the might fatisfie them both, the
Duke of Efpernon went one day to attend the Queen, where he
made it his humble requeſt to her Majefty, fhe would not in the
leaſt confider his particular fatisfaction in this occurrence:
ling her he ſhould ever be very well fatisfied, provided their Service up-
Majeſties were ferv'd as they ought to be: That he did hope cafion.
they would, and that he was doing fomething in order to le-
curing their Journey ſo far as Bordeaux; wherein he neverthe-
"leſs pretended to no other Command, than barely to ride in the
head of thoſe Friends, which he fhould make ready for that Ser-
"vice: That perhaps a greater Authority might give diftafte to
"fome, who at this time were by no means to be difoblig'd:
"That for what concern'd the Princes, a good Army interpos'd
"betwixt them, and Paris, under the command of fome man of
Quality and Experience would be fufficient and that for any
"thing could be apprehended from thoſe of the Religion, whoſe
greateſt ſtrength were in Poitou, Xaintongue, and Rochelle upon
"the way to Bordeaux, he himself would undertake; his Go-
vernments in thoſe parts giving him fufficient power fo to do.
The Queen Mother, by this affurance being confirm'd in her
firſt defign,' told the Duke that the abfolutely refign'd the
King's Perfon, and her own to his care and protection, that fhe
therefore defir'd him to order all things, as ſhould ſeem to him
the moſt convenient, as fhe abfolutely left them to his Valour and
Wiſdom: A Commiffion the Duke had no fooner receiv'd, but
that ſeeing himſelf authorized fo to do, he caus'd the King's de-
parture the ſeventeenth of August to be proclaim'd, perfwading
the Queen to confer the Command of the Army which was to at-
tend the Princes motion upon the Marefchal de Bois-Dauphin; advi.
fing her Majeſty further, and in the first place to provide for the
fecurity of Paris, that the Princes Servants, who had great Autho-
rity in the City, might raiſe no commotion there in their Maje-
fties abſence.
CC
After therefore that had been taken order for, by the fecuring
of ſome eminent and fufpected perfons, the Court departed from
Paris, happily arriving in a few days at Poitiers: and had not Ma-
dam the King's Sifter fallen fick of the Small Pox delayed their
Journey, their Majeſties had been upon their return before the
Princes could have got their Forces together; but that unhappy
accident,having conſtrain'd them to ftay near two months at Poi-
Eiers, gave their Enemies leifureto put them into great apprehen-
fions: which was alſo the only harm they received from this in-
furrection.
At
$
294
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
سا
Anno
At the fame City of Poitiers there hapned another diſorder at
1615. this time, wherein had not the Duke of Efpernon, who was prin-
cipally concern'd in the Affair, rendred himself unuſually tract-
able, another obftacle to that Progrefs had infallibly enfu'd. The
Duke of Guiſe, from the time of his Marriage with the Dutchefs
of Montpenfier, had pretended to the Wardſhip of Madamoiſelle.
her Daughter, who was Inheritrix to fuch a Fortune, as might
reaſonably induce any man to covet the management of ſo brave
an Eftate, which nevertheleſs he could not obtain, without the
conſent of the Duke who was great Uncle to the young Princefs:
and he, having very good reafon to believe the Duke of Guife did
in this claim, more confider his own intereft, than that of the
Dutchefs of Montpenfier his Niece, would never gratifie him in
that particular. But the Duke of Guife conceiving his Service to
be altogether neceſſary at this time, took this opportunity to im-
portune the Queen, either to caufe the Duke of Efpernon, to fatis-
fie him in this point, or to give him leave to retire. Whereupon
the Queen Spoke of it to the Duke, whom he found very averfe
to any fuch motion; he humbly entreating her Majefty to dif
pofe abfolutely of all his own concerns, but not to command him
to neglect his Nieces interefts; though in the end, the Queen,
who could promiſe to her felf no good iffue of that Journey,
without a good intelligence betwixt theſe two great perfons, fo
far prevail'd upon the Duke, that he was content to fatisfie the
Duke of Guife; by which means their friendſhip upon the point
for ever to be diffolv'd, upon this little occafion, grew greater and
more firm than ever.
i
+
As it had been no hard matter to foreſee how advantageous
the long Sickneſs of Madam, and their Majefties ftay at Poitiers
would be to the defigns of thofe of the Religion, and others who
were engaged in the Princes Quarrel: So had the Duke of Ef-
pernon omitted nothing that might any way ferve to divert the
dangerous effects of that untoward accident. And herein he had
been eſpecially folicitous to put his Governments of Xaintonge,
and Angoumois into a pofture fit for his Majefties Service, upon
that the fecurity of that Voyage chiefly depending. To this pur-
poſe therefore he had fent thither the Duke of Candale, his eldeſt
Son (already eſtabliſh'd in the fucceffion of thofe Governments)
to keep them in Obedience: Nevertheless what he did for fo
good an end, fucceeded otherwife than he expected, news be-
ing brought him, that this Son had entertain'd refoluti-
ons much contrary to his own, and having fuffer'd himſelf
to be misled by certain ungovern'd paffions was fall'n off
1
from
་
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
295
from his duty to embrace new Counfels, and to follow new De-
figns.
;
Whether it were the ſenſe of this miſcarriage in his Son (which
alſo occafion'd a new, and a wider breach betwixt them) or the
apprehenfion of being by this means made incapable of perfor-
ming his word with the King and Queen, that put his mind into
that diſorder whereinto he foon after fell fo it was. that he fell
fick of fo violent a grief, as every one expected would carry him
to his grave. Things nevertheleſs fucceeded in his Government
according to what he had undertaken; their Majeſties after the re-
covery of Madam, having left Poitiers, proceeded in great fecu-
rity to Angouleme; neither there, nor in any other place through-
out the whole Journey meeting with any impediment at all. But
the Duke wounded to the foul with the violent forrow of his
Sons untoward carriage was now no longer able to bear it out;
but having convey'd their Majefties to the utmoft bounds of his
Government (that is to fay out of all danger, they there entring
upon Guienne, where the way was clear to Bordeaux) fell fudden-
ly into fo great a weakneſs, that he was carried back for dead to
Angouleme He lay above forty hours (a very extraordinary
thing) without ſpeech, pulſe, or any kind of motion;
that not a perſon about him, but concluded him abfolutely dead:
but at laſt his Spirits, which had been ſo long overcome with
grief, and his ftrength weakned by a very long abftinenee, being
ftirr❜d up by a glaſs of Water (his ordinary and beft Remedy, and
which he ever made uſe of in all diftempers) he began a little to
come to himſelf, with ſo great an aſtoniſhment nevertheleſs, that
he continued a great while without any kind of knowledge; his
fighs, which were the iſſue of his grief, being the only evidence
almoft he gave that he was yet alive. Yet could he not, in this
great and total neglect of himself, forget the care of his Mafters
Affairs, he being no fooner return'd to a new life, but that he
diſpatch'd away the Marquis de la Valette, who had continued
about him, during his Sickneſs, to attend the King, and Queen ;
that the Friends he had engag'd in this Voyage, having himſelf as
it were prefent with them, in the perfon of fo dear a part of him-
felf, might continue more diligent in their duty.
infomuch
The Duke had the honour, during this Sicknefs, to be vifited
by ſeveral perfons fent purpofely by the King and Queen to fee
him, by whom he receiv'd very obliging Letters, under their Ma-
jelties own hands; and when fomething recover'd, others of the
fame ftile and kindneſs. Mounfieur de Villeroy alfo, after their old
animofities, being become his very great friend, writ very often
[ơ
Anno
1615.
The Duke
of Esperim
falls defpe-
rately fick.
}
$
Į
7
296
PART II.
The Hiflory of the Life of
•
کہا
}
Anno
1
1
to him; wherein he ſtill gave him an accempt of all Affairs, con-
1615. juring him to make all the hafte he could to Court, where he faid
his Prefence and Service was never more neceffary than at this
time. Two of which Letters I have feen, bearing date the twen-
tieth, and four and twentieth of October 1615. Not that the Duke
was nevertheleſs upon fo good terms at Court, as he had former-
ly been neither did thofe Letters imply any fuch thing, it being
hardly to be expected he could be in any eminent degree of favour
with the Queen Mother (upon whom, at that time, all things
depended) being out with the Marefchal d' Encre, whofe Wife
had ſo ſtrange an afcendent over her Majefties inclinations; but
that his Service could, in this juncture, by no means be fpar'd:
neither did he, how evidently foever he faw his favour decline,
fail, out of that confideration, in any part of his Duty, being
reſolute rather to perifh, than that their Majefties fhould fuffer the
lealt inconvenience. So foon therefore as he was able to Travel,
he went to Bordeaux, where he arriv'd the twelfth day of No-
vember, and a few days after attended the King to Castres, a lit-
tle Village upon the great Road from Bayonne to that City;where
the King would the firſt time ſee the Queen his Spouſe, and
where the Duke,who was very perfect in the Spanish Tongue, had
the honour to entertain her at the Boot of her Coach, whilft his
Majeſty, in a crowd of fome young Lords and Gentlemen on
Horſeback paſs'd by incognito to view her.
+
Queen
Aria arrives
The young Queen,arriving at Bordeaux the 25th. of November,
Anne of Au: found the Court in a very great Alarm at the news of the Princes
at Bordeaux, being advanc'd on this fide the River Loire; whofe Forces being
by this time united, and moreover re inforc'd with ſome Forein
Troops, were likely to make their Majefties return to Paris very
difficult, and dangerous. An occafion wherein the Duke of Ef-.
pernon's Services were again of very great moment, who, during
his abode at Angouleme, after his recovery, had made many Le-
vies, which were all ready at Ville-Bois; a recruit that confifting
of 5000. Foot, and 400. Light Horfe, and joyn'd to the Forces
their Majesties already had, abfolutely fecur'd their return through
the Countries of Xaintonge, and Poitou, poffefs'd by those of
the Religion, and without any difficulty made good their way to
Poitiers, and ſo to Tours, notwithſtanding whatever the Princes
could do to oppoſe them.
In this return of the King to Paris, the Duke of Guife was made
General of the Army, which had hitherto ferv'd under the Ma-
refchal de Bois-Dauphin, and the Duke of Efpernon had alfo the
abfolute Authority of their Majefties Conduct conferr'd upon
him;
1
↓
BOOK VII.
297
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
him; who, for fear of diſtaſting the Duke of Guife would never
till then pretend to any command: an undertaking wherein he 1615.
fo acquitted himſelf, as might give him reaſonable expectation of
a grateful return: But who can promiſe to himſelf any fruits of
his fervices, eſpecially at Court, where the beft are ufually re-
warded with hatred, or envy? nor had the Duke's a better ac-
knowledgment, when having perform'd all that could be expe-
&ted from a Loyal Subject, and a brave Gentleman, and that
their Majeſties by his vigilancy and valour were once fettled in
fafety, there was nothing more thought of, than how to revenge
the Marefchal d' Encre, even at the price of fo good, and ſo faithful
a Servant.
The firſt evidence the Duke met withal of any manifeft disgrace, The begin-
was upon the occafion of a vacancy that hapned in the Company ning of the
Duke of
of la Courbe, one of the Captains in the Regiment of Guards: a Efpernon's
Gentleman that having ferv'd long, and with great Reputation in difgrace.
that Command, and hapning to die in this Journey; and his Son
a young and hopeful Cavalier, having before his Fathers death
been admitted Enfign to that Company,the Duke, who had been
a great lover of the Father (whoſe brave and late Services feem'd
likewiſe to plead in behalf of the Son) had mov❜d their Majeſties
in his Favour, that that Command might be conferr'd upon him.
Since the death of the late King, nor of long before, had the
Duke ever appear'd zealous in any requeſt he had not, without
any great difficulty,obtain'd; neither had he leſs, but more reaſon
now, than ever to expect the fame favour, his recent Services ha-
ving been of that importance to the Kings Affairs: all which ne-
vertheleſs being either.not regarded,or forgot; and the deſign had
before been concluded to diſoblige him, prevailing above the me-
rits of the Father, the pretenders Right, and the Duke's Intereſt
who interceded for him, la Befne, Lieutenant to the fame Compa-
ny, was preferr'd before young la Courbe, how difpleas'd ſoever
the Duke feem'd to be at that Eication. Yet did he not refent this ill
uſage ſo high as to leave the Court, fatisfying himſelf at preſent
with manifefting his difcontents bymany and publick complaints,
though in vain, the Court now no more caring to offend him :
but on the contrary taking this occafion to exclude him from the
Council, where his candid, and unbyaſs'd opinions did nothing
reliſh with ſuch as would have all things give way to their own
private intereſts (and doubtleſs had he at this time in the leaſt ban-
died with his enemies, they would immediately have attempted
upon his perfon) that the Marefchal d' Encre, and his Wife might
by ſo powerful an oppoſes be no longer travers'd in their defigns.
Qq
The
1
Խ.
•
บ
298
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Duke's Affairs were in this pofture, when their Majefties
1615. having firſt recover'd Poitiers, and afterwards Chaftellerant
(where the Peace concluded at Loudun was fign'd) arriv'd in the
end at Tours; neither did the Duke there fail, how ill foever he
ſaw himſelf entertain'd, continually to pay all due reverence to the
Queen, when coming one day into her Chamber with a great
many other Lords and Gentlemen, one of the beams that fup-
ported the floor fuddenly broke; infomuch that all that fide of
the Room fell down with a fudden ruine, overwhelming all thoſe
that ſtood upon it, to their exceeding great peril. Many perſons of
veryeminent quality were engag'd in the danger of this fall,amongſt
whom the Count de Soiffons, then very young, was one, as allo
The Duke the Duke Baſſompierre, Villeroy, and fome others: The Duke be-
in great
danger.
ing always very well attended, his Servants fuddenly leap'd into
the midst of the ruines, to relieve him, where, though himſelf
was dangerously engag'd, and very much hurt in ſeveral places,
eſpecially in one ſhoulder, he nevertheleſs call'd out to his Friends
to run and fave the Count, himſelf alſo affifting as much as in
him lay to difingage him from the rubbiſh, and to put him out
of danger by the Window of a low Parlour; being much more
folicitous of this Prince's fafety than his own: who, being by his
own, and his Servants diligence fecur'd, he afterwards difingag'd
himſelf from the ruines, and wounded, as has been faid, was con-
vey'd to his own Lodgings. The Queen Mother, who, by good
fortune had eſcap'd the danger (that part of the Chamber where
fhe fate, being fupported by the more faithful ftrength of the other
Beam that remain´d entire fent very graciouſly to vifit all the
perfons of Quality, who had receiv'd any hurt by this accident,
the Duke only (who was defign'd for the worft ulage) excepted.
It is not to be doubted, but that the Duke muft needs highly re-
fent fo manifeft a preterition, by which he evidently perceiv'd
they intended to make him fenfible of his difgrace; fo that fear-
ing, fhould he continue at Court after fo clear a teftimony of dif-
favour, fomething of a ruder nature might be put upon him, he
forthwith refolv'd to retire himſelf, as he did, but with high and
publick complaints of the injuftice was done him, and of the un-
worthy recompenfe he received for all his Service. He spent two
days before his departure in viſiting,and taking leave of his friends,
forbearing nevertheleſs that Ceremony to all he conceiv'd not to
beſuch, in what degree of favour foever they might be at Court;
he either having never understood, or having never been willing
to learn thoſe mean Court Maxims that oblige men to diffemble
their reſentments, and to give thanks for injuries receiv'd: de-
claring
勇
​1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
299
Anno
claring on the contrary to all the world, that he went away with
the diffatisfaction an honeft man ought to have for the lofs of his 1615.
time, and fervice. Notwithſtanding at laft, taking his leave of
their Majefties,he was by the King and Queen very civilly difmift, The Duke
though the Queen Mother receiv'd his laft complements with the retires from
of Espernon
ufual coldneſs ſhe had already begun to diſcover upon feveral oc- Court.
cafions.
After this manner the Duke retir'd back to Angoulefme, his old,
and ordinary refuge, in all his difgraces, whilft their Majefties con-
tinued their Journey to Paris, where they arriv'd in June; and
whither the Prince of Condé alfo (imagining he had by the Treaty,
of Loudon eftablifh'd his Affairs in fo fure a condition, that it was
not in the power of event to work any alteration to his diſadvan-
tage) came preſently after; but he foon found that nothing is more
unftable, than a power,how great foever, that depends meerly up-
on its own ſtrength, the ſole name of a King (though a Child,
and the publick adminiſtration managed by a man hateful to all)
being fufficient to arreft him in the very arms of all his Confede- The Prince
rates, and even in the City of Paris, where he believ'd his perfon, of Cond
through the affections of the people in greater fecurity, than in any
other place of the Kingdom.
of
All the Princes,and Lords,not only thofe then prefent at Court,
and who had engag'd with the Prince in the late commo-
tions, but alſo all the rest of their party, aſtoniſh'd at fo extra-
ordinary a proceeding, and believing that after an example like
this, neither refpect of perfons, nor any fecurity in general was
to be expected, they ſuddenly retir'd from Court; to whom the
reft almoſt as ſuddenly re-united themſelves for their common
fafety. The Marefchal, who thought that by fecuring the Head of
the Faction, he had likewife fecur'd himſelf from the danger of
the reft, was infinitely furpriz'd when he faw them now united in
more formidable numbers than before, and that the Lords of the
Houſe of Guiſe alſo abfented themſelves upon this occafion
wherein nevertheleſs he had this hope, that lo many perſons of
equal quality would not long agree together, eſpecially if preſs'd
home by the Royal Arms: An opinion that made him refolve
to ſet immediately ſuch Forces on foot, as fhould be fufficient to
encounter, and fupprefs them in feveral places at once. Neither
did he care to reduce any by Treaty, fave only the Duke of Guife,
conceiving an Accommodation with him would be more eaſily
effected, than with any of the other, by how much he had ever
obfery'd a greater moderation in him, and his Brothers towards
himſelf, than the reft; to which likewiſe the complacency the
Q q 2
Qq
;
Duke
confin'd.
300
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
"
1
C
Anno
Duke had ever manifefted for the Queen in other occafions, gave
1615. him greater affurance of a flexibility in him to her Majefties de-
fires in this, and that without much difficulty a good intelligence
might be eſtabliſh'd betwixt them; as there afterwards was, the
Guifes, having receiv'd caution for their ſecurity, being content to
The M. ref-
takes arms
Prince of
Condé's Par-
return to Court.
This little negotiation being fo happily diſpatch'd, the Maref
chal d' Encre chal immediately betook himſelf to Arms, and fo vigorously, that
againft the, in a very few days, three great Armies were fet on foot, whereof
one was fent against the Duke of Mayenne, who was retir'd to
Soiffons; another against the Duke of Nevers in Champagne; and
the third againſt the Dutchess of Nevers, who with a generofity
(fomething extraordinary in her delicate Sex) was refolute to de-
fend the Dutchy of Nivernois, which was the Inheritance of the
Duke her Husband.
tizens.
Anno
In this diſorder of Affairs, the Duke of Eſpernon, apprehending
1616. that the hatred the Marefchal had conceiv'd againſt him,was no leſs
than that he manifefted againſt the reft, and that he would infal-
libly fall upon him, fo foon as he had diſpatch'd with them, he
had no mind to be furpriz'd,nor to fuffer himſelf tamely to be op-
prefs'd; confidering therefore that alone he fhould not long be
able to refift the power of the King, whofe name his enemy had
uſurp'd in all his Affairs, he addreſs'd himſelf to the Duke of
Montmorency, to engage him in his Quarrel; by whofe mediati
on he made no doubt to draw over l'Efdiguieres allo. The Duke
knew thoſe two to be no better ſatisfied with the prefent Govern-
ment than himſelf, who, although they were not openly perfe-
cuted as he was, yet the example of the other perfons of the fame
condition, making them reaſonably to apprehend for themſelves,
what they already faw others fuffer; he doubted not, but that
without much difficulty they would be perfwaded to embrace the
union; neither was he miſtaken herein, the Duke of Montmoren-
cy, as allo l' Efdiguieres, abfolutely engaging with him. So that
theſe three Confederates, having opportunity to concur in the
work, through the mediation, and by the affiſtance of ſeveral
powerful friends the Duke had in Guienne, nothing could hinder
them from uniting, in ſo neceffary a defenſe, and ſo juſt a
Quarrel.
Anno
,
The Duke, notwithſtanding he had thus wifely play'd his
1617. game, and that he was certain to receive very great affiftance from
his Confederates, did nevertheleſs very well underſtand, that as
he was nearest to the approaching danger, fo it would be very ne
ceffary for him to put himſelf fooneſt into a pofture of defenfe,
that
1
!
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
301
ta
non's pre-
Arms.
that the Marefchal might not ſurprize him. His thoughts therefore Anno
were fully intent upon the refolution of Arms; but he wanted not 1617.
only a cauſe, but even a pretenſe to colour his preparation; with-
out which only to go about it, was to make himſelf Criminal in
the higheſt degree : neither (the Court Minion being abſolutely
his enemy) could he reaſonably hope, either for a Commiffion
from thence for the raiſing of men in the King's name, and at his
expenſe; or ſo much as to be permitted to do it at his own charge.
In this ftrait and anxiety, what courſe to take, the Rochellers gave
him as fair a pretenfe, as he could poffibly defire, to do that under
the vail of Duty, and Obligation, which he could not otherwiſe
have undertaken, without incurring the higheſt cenfure. They The Duke
had at this time furpriz'd a little Caſtle, near to their City, and
of Eſper-
fituate upon the Sea-coaft, call'd Rochefort; an enterprize con- tenfe for the
demn'd by all the world for the moſt fenflefs, and unadvis'd, that 'aking of
could poſſibly have been undertaken, to begin a War by an action
of fo little importance, in a time when themſelves, and their
whole party were priviledg'd by fo abfolute,and inviolate a Peace.
The Duke, who had been at ſo great a lofs before, and that could
not then have wiſh'd for a more fpecious pretense, it may eaſily
be imagin'd was very ready to lay hold of this occafion now
neither did he fail herein to aggravate the miſdemeanour to the
height: but repeating all the Accufations he had formerly preferr❜d
againſt the Ambition, and Infidelity of thofe of the Reformed
Religion, and particularly againſt thoſe of Rochelle, he of them
drew up a kind of Manifesto, which he caus'd to be publish'd in
all parts of the Kingdom. In this Declaration he forgot not to
reckon up the ſeveral inſurrections thofe of that Faction had
"broke into, to make their advantage of every diforder, had at
any time hapned in the Kingdom, notwithſtanding all fatisfa-
&tion had been given them by the inviolate obfervation of leve-
"ral Edicts granted in their favour: That they had been obſerv’d
"for many years to call together Affemblies in Rochelle, without
"either his Majefties Order, or Royal Affent; from which ſuch
unjuſt and unreaſonable Propoſitions, and demands were uſu-
ally fent to the King, as made it appear they did not Treat with
"his Majeſty in the quality of Subjects, but like Free-States that
were nothing ally'd to his Sovereign Power: That by ſuch a
"behaviour it was plain enough, the City was arriv'd to the ut
"moſt degree of Licence, and that the Rochellers could never ſatif-
"fie their Ambition, till they had introduc'd a popular Govern-
ment amongst them: That if hitherto his Majefties Council
had (contrary to his Judgment, and Advice) wink'd at the pro-
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The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
Anno
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greſs of ſo dangerous a defign; that nevertheleſs he, to whom
the Government of their City was entruſted, and who there-
"fore was more concern'd, than any other to keep fuch in their
obedience, as were committed to his care, was refolv'd to cha-
"ftife their infolence; which he nothing doubted, but by the af
"fiftance of his own friends he ſhould be able to do, and to make
"them know they had hitherto been only ftrong in the weakneſs
"of our own Counfels. This had in truth ever been his faying,
and the effects made it appear he had made a right judgment; fo
that under this pretenfe he took Arms; which, as it was colour'd
by a deſign that immediately pointed at his Majefties Service, fo
did he not ſcruple to make ufe of the King's mony in the Levies
he made upon this occafion.
With theſe ſummes, though very ſmall, and fome mony of his
own, he rais'd four Regiments of Foot, confifting of above four
thouſand five hundred men, and betwixt five and fix hundred
Horſe, to which were added fixfcore Guards on Horſeback in his
own Livery: a force, which though not very confiderable for
their number, were yet fuch as he conceiv'd fufficient to keep the
Field againſt any he had a mind to offend.
The Rochellers (who formerly had by many injuries highly in-
cens'd the Duke, no fooner faw him refolv'd, and ready to ad-
vance in a poſture of War, even to the Gates of their City, but
they began now to examine their Forces, which they had not fo
well confider'd before the danger, and which the more they exa-
min'd, the weaker they found them to be: This City the Capi-
tal of a powerful Faction, and that had ſo often difputed the
King's Authority, enrich'd by an extraordinary Traffick, and con-
federated with all the Proteftant Princes of Europe, finding it felf
in fo weak a condition, that it could not in this neceſſity mufter
2000. men, to fally out of their Walls; utterly without Horſe, or
the leaſt affiſtance from any of their Confederates and Friends:
So that converting their uſual Rhodomantades, and Menaces
into the moſt ſubmiſs terms of Humble Supplication, addreffing
themſelves by their Deputies to the King, they humbly, and with
all importunity befought his Majefty to interpofe his Royal Au-
thority betwixt the Duke of Efpernon and them, that he might not
commence a War againſt them.
Had the Rochellers made this confeffion of their weakneſs at
another time, it would doubtlefs have very well pleas'd the
Council; and 'tis likely the Duke of Efpernon would have been
countenanc'd in his defign, to the end that City might have been
made to know, what they were one day to apprehend from their
Princes
FOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon:
303
Anno
Prince's indignation: but the Marefchal d'Encre unable to en-
dure that his Capital Enemy fhould be in Arms,and confequent- 1617.
ly in a pofture fit to fruftrate the defign he had long projected of
his ruine, made the Council refolve to dispatch away Boißize,one
of the Council of State, to the Duke with a pofitive command
to lay down his Arms.
tr
CC
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1
Boiffize at his arrival found the Duke with his Forces, quarter'd
at Surgeres, but four Leagues only diftant from Rochelle, and ready
to march up to the City; neither did he fail with all the Rhetorick
he had to diffwade him from that refolution: "Repreſenting to
him the danger of what he was about, left the noiſe of the en-
terprize in hand ſhould alarm the whole Hugonot Party, whom
"the King would by no means fhould be provok'd; and in
"which cafe, of a particular Quarrel, he would be the cauſe of
a general War. With which commands from the King, and
Queen, he moreover mix'd menaces of their higheſt indignation,
ſhould he diſobey; with many promiſes on the contrary of all
fatisfaction from the Court, and the Rochellers if he would defift;
all which, wanting force to divert him from his purpoſe,the Duke
gave order in the preſence of Boiſfize to found to Horſe, and net-
tled to the laft degree, at the difficulties he faw ftrew'd in the way
of his deſigns, march'd directly towards Rochelle. Boiffize ſeeing
his endeavours altogether ineffectual, and that the Duke was ob-
ftinate in his firſt determination, after having highly protefted
againſt his proceeding, went, and put himſelf into the Town, gi-
ving the Inhabitants thereby to underſtand, that their Majefties
had no hand in the Duke's Enterprize, that it was abfolutely con-
trary to their order, and that therefore they were at full liberty to
arm themſelves for their own defenſe. But this confent, though
it warranted their Arms, gave them nevertheleſs no other power,
ſo that they were to fuffer whatever the Duke was pleas'd to in-
flict upon them: He quarter'd his men in their beſt Farms,
made his approaches up to the very Gates of their City, and de-
feated fome who (under the protection of their Counterfcape) at-
tempted to oppoſe him; till in the end, after having maintain'd
his Army, for almoft a month, at their charge, and that his fury
was a little abated by that little revenge he had taken in ſome in
conveniencies he had put them to, he grew more flexible to a new
Order he receiv'd from Court, and was at laft content to let them
alone.
It was by Vignoles, that the Duke receiv'd this laft Command,
a man for many years, well known, and highly eſteem'd by him,
which rendred the Duke more flexible to a Treaty with him, than
the
*
J
304
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
PART II.
Anno the other; from whoſe mouth having receiv'd his Majefties plea-
し
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1617. ſure, he made anſwer; "That having now made a diſcovery to
"the whole Kingdom of the Rochellers weakneſs, the dif-union
"of their Faction, and with how much eaſe they were to be re-
"claim'd when ever his Majefty fhould think fit, he was content
to let them reſt in peace: but that, if the King had pleas'd, he
might at this time have puniſh'd their infolence, as it was in his
power eafie to do, he could without much trouble have done his
Majeſty a very important Service; but he ſaw (to his great af-
"fliction) his Enemies, who were prevalent with his Majefty,
"envy'd him the honour of this Action; but that he muſt how-
ever give place to their malice in obedience to his Royal plea-
ic fure, though in a thing very prejudicial to his Majefties own
peculiar Intereft: That therefore he would retire fo foon as the
Rochellers fhould furrender the Caſtle of Rochefort into his Maje-
fties hands and; that after that act of their Obedience,having no
other particular concern, he had nothing more to defire of his
Majefty for his own private fatisfaction, than that his Majefty
would pleafe to affert, and avow what he had only undertaken
for his Service in the paft occafion. Which being accordingly in
another diſpatch brought him by Vignoles, and all thoſe who had
affifted, and ferv'd him in this occafion compriz'd, he roſe from
before Rochelle; difmiffing his Army nevertheleſs in ſuch fort
that moſt of the Commanders (moft of them having relation to
him) might be ready upon the leaft warning to re-unite in the
fame equipage as before.
cr
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"
What the Duke had exprefs'd to Vignoles of his diſcontents by
word of mouth, did not nevertheleſfs fave him the labour of wri-
ting to Court in ſuch a ſtyle, as manifeſted he ſtill retain'd the ho-
neft liberty his great fpirit had ever fuggefted to him, during the
Reigns of his two former Mafters. He therefore fent a Letter to
the King, in the beginning whereof having excus'd himſelf in
that he had not paid ſo prompt an Obedience to their Majeſties
firft Orders, deliver'd by Boiffize, and given reaſons for it, that
directly pointed at the Honour of the King himſelf, which as he
faid he conceiv'd to be very much concern'd in the buſineſs of Ro-
chelle, he continued in theſe words: "I have hitherto,Sir,preferv'd
my Hands clean, my Confcience uncorrupt, my Reputation entire,
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and
my Fidelity without reproach; I have never confpir'd but to do yo16
Service, neither do I find my felf guilty of the least thought difconfo-
nant to the Duty I owe to your Majesty, and your Crown And al-
though I am not us'd with that Equity, nor rewarded with that Grati-
tude, that (without prefumption) I conceive I have deferv'd, and that
every
BOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
305
:
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"every day I find fomething attempted upon my Offices by the diminution, Anno
"and cutting off their just, and lawful priviledges (which were ever 1617.
preferv'd inviolate to me during the Reign of the late King your Fa-
“ther) yet nothing, Sir, can prevail with me above my Duty: neither is
"there any fo ill ufage, nor ſo fenfible unkindneſs, that can hinder me
from perfevering to do well, being refolv'd to the last hour of my life to
conquer whatever just refentments Imay have,and to forget all thofe in-
juries, for which I can obtain no fatisfaction, but at the publick
expenfe. A refolution, Sir, in which I am infinitely fortified, by the
firm belief I have, that all the difgraces I receive, and all the foul play
is continually practis'd against me, proceed from no dif-affection your
"Majesty has conceiv'd against my perfon. I know,Sir, that being natu
"rally quick fighted, to distinguish betwixt your falfe Servants and your
true, you have ever bonour'd me with your favour: But 1 have this ob-
ligation to those who are enemies to your Crown, that they have, upon all
occafions difcover'd themſelves to be particularly ſo to me; and have en-
deavour'd by their artifice, to repreſent things otherwife to your Ma-
jesty, than they really are, to restrain the liberty of your own Royal dif
"pofition, from obeying the natural inclination you have to love, and
cherish good men; that as much as in them lies, they may alienate your
"Majefties good opinion from fuch, as by their long and faithful Ser-
vices have deferv'd the best room in your heart. I hope,Sir, neverthe-
"less, that truth will one day prevail in your Royal Breaft over thofe lit-
"tle Arts, and that your Majefty will then be pleas'd to diftinguish your
true and faithful Servants from fuch, as Authorized by your Name
and prefence, oppress your People, invade your own Authority, and
"continually disturb your Majefties Peace by their inordinate and unruly
"Ambition.
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From Surgere the 25. of Feb. 1617.
I have the rather inferted the exprefs words of this Letter, that
you may ſee after what manner the Duke took his diſgrace, and
how he behav'd himſelf towards his Enemies, notwithſtanding
they carried the whole favour, and fway of the Court: the Ma-
refcbal d'Encre being manifeftly pointed at in this diſpatch. We
have fince liv'd in a time, when to ſpeak our diſcontents ſo plain,
and loud, would perhaps have been out of ſeaſon: but in that
wherein the Duke writ this Letter, men were at leaft permitted to
complain; and oftentimes thofe complaints procur'da relief, to
fuch, as like the Duke, had the fpirit, and power to accompany
thoſe complaints, with the effects of a vigorous refentment.
After this manner ended the Entérprize of Rochelle, which gave
ſome jeering companions of that party, occafion to fay, for a
Rr
piece
+
306
The Hiſtory of the Life of PART II
r
Anne piece of wit, what d' Aubigne has recorded fince, That the Duke
1617. of Efpernon was come to make his Entry before Rochelle: though
it has been thought this entry before gave the King from that time'
forward to underſtand, it might alſo’be made within, and that
the Enterprize was not above his power to effect. We have fince
ſeen him bring about that glorious defign; and it is certain that
this action brought that prefent benefit along with it, that the
vantages ac- Council ever after look'd with greater contempt upon the Hugonot
Party, and the ſtrength of the Rochellers, than before: They
King, by
the Duke of now diſcover'd the weakneſs of theſe by the difunion of all the
Efpernon's reft, and from thence judg'd aright, that it being impoffible for
Enterprize the ſeparate Forces of this Faction without great difficulty fud-
What ad-
cru'd to the
upon Ro-
chelie.
denly to unite for their common defenfe, one party might be fup-
preſs'd in one Province, before any of the reft could put them-
felves in a pofture in another to relieve them. This opinion (that
in the fequel prov'd true) made the Council the bolder by their
Arreft of the 23. of June, 1617. to order the reftitution of the
Church Lands in Begrne; an Affair that had for three years to-
gether been depending in the Council, and fo long fruitlefly fo
licited by the Deputies of the Clergy of France. Not that the
Council did not conceive it very juft, but they look'd upon it as
a thing fo highly important to the peace of the Kingdom, that
they durft never till now give them that fatisfaction. But the
Duke's Enterprize cut off all difficulties, by which the Rochellers
having been conftrain'd publickly to confefs their own weakneſs,
it was conceiv'd the King's prefence would have as much Autho-
rity in Bearne, as the Duke's had had in the Country of Aunis. I
have heard ſeveral perfons of Quality, and thofe men of imploy-
ment at that time (as Mounfieur de Rouffy and others) fay, that
the Service the Duke did the Kingdom in this very occafion, was
never duly confider'd, he having thereby firft diſcover'd the weak-
nefs of the Hugenot Party, and perhaps chalk'd out the way to
their extirpation.¿`
ac
The Duke of Eſpernon having openly declar'd himſelf an ene-
my to the Marefchal d' Encre, and already made fome preparation
in order to the defenſe of his Perſon, and Fortune, many perſons
who were afraid of perfecution fled to him, fettling themſelves at
Angouleme under his protection: Amongſt whom Bulion
that time a Counsellor of State, and fince Sur-Intendant of the
Finances, was one; where he long continued in the Dake's Fami-
ly, and who ever after retain'd a grateful memory of that obliga-
tion, as he had good reaſon to do, the Duke receiving him into
his Arms in fo critical a time, as he was threatned with no less
do
than
{
*
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
307
+
than death, had he fall'n into the Marefchal's power. Guron, who
was likewiſe another of the profcrib'd, with many others, came
to ſeek the ſame refuge; all whom the Duke made no difficulty to
receive into his protection.
u
Anno
1617.
The Duke having (as has been faid) ſettled the Friends he had
in his Governments in fuch a readineſs, as upon any occafion to
make head againſt his Enemy, took a Journey into Guienne, his
native Country, in that great Province to get together what num-
bers of Friends and Souldiers he could, for the better defenſe of
his Fortune; in which Voyage he increas'd his Forces to
fuch
a degree, that being all joyn'd together, they were able to make
up a Body of 8000. Foot, and 1200. Horſe. The extremity he
knew the Duke of Mayenne to be reduc'd unto in Soiffons, and the
Duke of Nevers in the places whereunto he had retyr'd, made him
very well fee, that the Torrent would fuddenly break in upon
himſelf: notwithſtanding how reaſonable foever his apprehen-
fions were,
and how neceffary foever to put himſelf with the
fooneft into a poſture of defenſe, it might be, he could not how-
ever forbear to prefer the laft Duty he ow'd to a good, and vertu-
hus Mother, before his own particular preferuation. This Lady
having been dead from the year 1610, in an exceeding old age,
and lamented by the Duke, as if fhe had been more immaturely
raviſh'd from him, he had ever had a great defire to pay her me-
mory the laft office of her Obfequies: But the great and impor-
tant Affairs, which had detain'd him at Court having hitherto
fruftrated that pious defign, he no fooner now found himſelf in
this little interval of repofe, but that he refolv'd without further The Du
delay to fatisfie that Obligation: Affembling therefore together makes a
at his paternal Houſe of Caumont above 300. Gentlemen of Qua- ral for his
lity of his Relations and Friends, he there by a magnificent ex-
penſe, manifeſted his gratitude to a perſon ſo near and dear unto
him.
great Funes
Mother.
The Ceremony of this Funeral was no fooner perform'd, but
that the Duke departed from Caumont to Bordeaux, and from
thence was alſo upon the point to return into Angoumois, there to
draw all his Forces together, with a refolution to defend himſelf
to the laſt, and rather to die with his Sword in his hand, than tò
fuffer himſelf tamely to be opprefs'd; when by le Chalart, Secre-
tary to the Mareſchal de Roquelaure, his intimate friend, he receiv'd
intelligence of the death of the Marefchal d'Encre. This Marefchal's Thehe Ma
death hapned the 24. of April, 1617. and the news by an extra- reſchal d'
ordinary diligence came the 27. to the Duke; which how wel- Enere, flain
come it was to a man who faw himſelf deliver'd from fo powerful the Loutres
Rr 2
and
of
death
by a fhot in
1
1
+
308
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
Anno and fo implacable an Enemy may eaſily be imagin'd. He had ve-
1617. ry well foreſeen, that with the affiftance of all his Confederates
The Duke
goes to
Court.
and friends, he could not long be able to refift the Power and Au-
thority of the King; with both which his enemy would have
been arm'd againſt him and on the other fide, the King him-
felf being by this execution become, as it were, the revenger of
his particular wrongs, all his paft actions would be juftified.in
the exemplary puniſhment his Majeſty had inflicted upon the
perſon of Conchini.
In this exceſs of joy he departed from Bordeaux to Angoulefme,
of Efpernon and from thence foon after to Court, there to make a new tender
of his Fidelity and Obedience to the King, and to try in this new
face of Affairs, what foundation he could lay to his own future
peace. He was in this Journey attended by his two younger Sons,
(his own misfortune, and mifcarriages having baniſh'd the eldeſt
from his favour, and prefence, ever fince his Majefties Voyage to
Angoulefme) and at his arrival receiv'd by the King with all the de-
monſtration of favour and affection, he could poffibly expect, or
defire to which Luines the new Favourite (willing to be fup-
ported in his rifing greatnefs by fo powerful a friend) highly
fought, and importun'd his friendſhip, which alfo by fome good
Offices he endeavour'd to acquire. One of the things the Duke
was moſt earneſt with him for, and that Luines did moft faithfully
promiſe was a Cardinal's Hat for the Archbishop of Tholoufe his
youngeſt Son, at the first promotion: as for himſelf he was at the
very firft reftor❜d to the full, and abfolute Function of all his em-
ployments,having fatisfaction given for all the retrenchments had
been made upon his offices,and commands,or any of their perqui-
fits and rights, and in fine ſtood in a very good degree of favour.
Yet did not this continue long, and whether it were the too
prodigious favour of Luines, (grown up on a fudden to a greater
height, than that of the Marechal d' Encre had ever been) that ſtir'd
the Duke's old averfion he had ever had for Court Mignions;
or that his own private emulators, by their ill Offices had render'd
his humour ſuſpected to Luines: but the Duke foon perceiv'd
him to be quite another man from what he had been at firft: At
which cauflefs alteration, being highly nettled, and preferring
(according to his cuftom) a free, and profefs'd enmity, before a
faint, and diffembled friendſhip, he inveigh'd publickly, and
highly againſt the new Favourite; by which means, and by co-
hering with other perfons of condition, no better fatisfied than
himſelf with Luine's promotion, he drew upon himſelf alone the
hatred, and jealouſie that ought to have been common to them
up
all.
The
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
300
Anno
A Rupture
the Duke
The firſt thing the Duke de Luines did to diſoblige him, was
the breaking his word, who contrary to what he had promis'd, 1618.
and made him expect, concerning the Cardinal's Hat in favour of
his Son, had preferr'd Mounfieur de Reits Bishop of Paris, and betwixt the
openly affifted him in the purfuit of that dignity: To which was Duke of Ef
added, that they began afreſh to intrench upon his command of Peron and
Colonel, fome Foot employments having been difpos'd without de Lines.
the Duke's confent; by which being further exafperated, he highly
complain'd to fome of the chief Minifters: amongſt whom
Mounfieur du Vair* Garde des Sceaux, one of the greateſt Autho- * Or Lord
rity, having given him no fatisfaction, but on the contrary new Keeper.
matter of diſcontent, he was not long before he took an occafion
to let him ſee how fenfible he was of the offenfe.
It was upon Eafter-day in the year 1618. and in the Church of
St. Germain de l' Auxerrois, that the Duke took occafion to quarrel
with him. The Dukes and Peers who were then at Court offended
at the place the Garde des Sceaux du Vair, not only in the Council,
but allo in all other both publick and private Affemblies,
would
affume above them, had generally addrefs'd themſelves to the
Duke of Efpernon, as to the eldeft of their Order, to intereſt him
in their diſcontent. It was alſo fufpected that the Chancellor Syl-
lery, (ill digeſting that a man ſo inferiour to him in Dignity,
fhould ufurp upon him in State) was willing enough to promote
a buſineſs of this nature againſt him; and that being upon very
good terms (as he had ever been) with the Duke of Efpernon, he
had alſo help'd to blow the fire. However it was, or by whoſe
fuggeftion foever it first came into the Dukes head, little perfwa
fion would ferve turn to make him paffionately undertake a bufi-
neſs, wherein he conceiv'd his own Honour and Dignity to be fo
much concern'd. It was therefore refolv'd betwixt the Duke of
Montmorency (of all others the most incens'd againſt du Vair) the
Dukes de Monbazon, de Retz, d'Ufez, and fome others of the
fame quality, that he fhould be affronted upon the firſt occafion,
ſhould he again offer to take place above them. Wherein though
it was a buſineſs of danger enough, to affront a Miniſter ſo pow-
erful by the favour of his Prince, and fo violent in his own na-
ture, the Duke of Elpernon nevertheless made no difficulty to un-
dertake it, not having (it ſhould ſeem) confented to the first pro-
pofal, with an intent to leave the execution of it to any other,
than himſelf. Upon Eaſter day therefore (as has been ſaid) the
King and all the Court being in Ceremony at Saint Germain de
l'Auxerrois, and the Garde des Sceaux having, according to his
cuſtom, taken his place above all the Dukes and Peers, the Duke
of
1
*
1
+
310
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
ما
τσ
of Eſpernon violently pull'd him from his feat, and compell'd
1618. him to retire. It may eafily be ſuppos'd an action of this kind
could not paſs without fome untoward language, neither were
thoſe words thrown away upon a man infenfible of offenfe:
the Garde des Sceaux going immediately out of the Church, and
expecting with great impatience the end of the Ceremony, that
he might complain to the Duke de Luines of the affront he had
receiv'd: Wherein nevertheleſs he did not reflect upon what had
pafs'd, as an injury meerly refpecting his own perfon, "But as a
Party, and a Faction form'd, and made in the Court, by the
"Duke of Efpernon, who had feduc'd all the Dukes and Peers
"under the colour of an imaginary pretenfe, to intereft them in
"his own private difcontents: That this ambitious fpirit fo long
"inurd to Government, and Command, thought himſelf de-
priv'd of his lawful poffeffion, if remov'd from the abſolute
"fway of the moſt important Affairs: That it was through the
"fides of a Garde des Sceaux, that the fortune of the Favourite
"was levell❜d at; and that it was only a tryal, by attempting up-
on his creatures, what oppofition they were to expect when
they fhould immediately fall upon his own perfon: That it
"therefore highly imported him, whilft he had power to do it,
"betimes to ſecure an enemy, that would not ſpare him, if he
ર
'on
once got him into his hands. An advice that made fo much the
deeper impreffion upon the Duke de Luines, by how much he was
before well enough fatisfied of the Duke of Efpernon's hatred fo
highly manifeſted, by what he had publickly declar'd againſt
him. He therefore went immediately with the Garde des Sceaux to
the King; where being come, he infifted not much upon the
fcuffle betwixt the Duke and du Vair, endeavouring on the con-
all he could to diſguiſe that action from looking like a parti-
trary
cular Quarrel; but qualified it with the name of the moſt im-
pudent and audacious practice that could poffibly be introduc'd
into a State, that a Duke of Efpernon in the face, and prefence,
and in defiance of his King, fhould dare to make a combination
with perfons of the greateſt quality in the Kingdom, to affront
the Royal Authority.
The King was fo highly incens'd at a Remonftrance preferr'd
to him by two perfons in whom he had fo entire a confidence,
that immediately, and without reſerving to himſelf ſo much as
the liberty to confider the intereſt he himſelf particularly had in
the Duke of Efpernons ruine, or to call to memory the long and
faithful Services he had paid to the Crown, he in this cafe abfo-
lutely refign'd over his own Authority to them; infomuch that
*
at
*
·
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
3 r
î
1
Anno
1618.
The King
Duke of
at that very time ('tis faid) it was refolv'd upon to arrest him.
Nothing then remain'd but a fit opportunity to effect their de
fign, which it was alfo requifite fhould be fuch, as might feem to.
warrant the fuccefs of the Enterprize, it being very unfafe to of refolves to
fend a man of his fpirit by halves; who having power, places, Arreb the
friends, and mony to improve all thofe to the belt, and withal a 'Efpernon.
very high diſcontent upon him, might do more mifchief than any
other perſon whatever of his condition in France. To. which
may be added that from the time of his difpute with Mountfieur du
Vair, the Dukes and Peers at Court were ſcarcely ever abfent from
him, eſpecially the Duke of Montmorency, who was no lefs dear
to him (not only out of refpect to the alliance betwixt them, but
allo by the particular love he bore him, and the eſteem he had for
him) than one of his own Children, was infeparably with him :
They eat, went to Court, and made all their vifits together, the
Duke's two Sons alſo continually attending upon him; fo that it
was no cafie matter to attempt four perfons of their courage (and
who were not without many Friends, and Servants of
and Servants of great Fi-
delity and Valour to ſerve them upon all occafions) at once. To
all which,the Regiment of Guards were fo made up of the Duke's
Creatures, that he ſeem'd to be ftronger in the King's owa Palace
than at home: to avoid all which difficulties it was concluded.to.
furround him by night in his own Houſe, and to ſeize upon his
Perſon.
If the Duke had many, and thofe powerful Adverſaries, his ver
tue had on the other fide acquir'd him ſo many Friends, and fome
of thoſe ſo careful of him upon this occafion, that he had timely
notice of the deſign in hand, fome fay by the Princeſs of Conty,
others by the Chancellor de Syllery; but by what means foever it
came to his knowledge, upon the firſt ramour of it (which (as
it did here) commonly fore-runs a more certain intelligence) he had
taken a reſolution to withdraw himſelf, to defeat the effects of
what was threatned, and contriv'd against him: wherein though
he fo far cautious as to prevent the intended mifchief; yet
could he not forbear fo unfeaſonable an oftentation of the little
fear he had in a place where fo much was to be apprehended; as
doubtless prompted his enemies fooner to push home to. the inten-
ded buſineſs. He was for five or fix days together continually feen
riding through the ſtreets of Paris with fo extraordinary a Train,
under colour of taking leave of feveral of his friends, and acquain
tance, that thoſe who had before premeditated his ruine,interpret-
ing all for contumacy, and done on p
to brave them, re
was
folv'd in the end upon a pofitive night, wherein with four Com
panies
1
}
312
The Hiftory of the Life of
1P
The Duke
Court.
PART II.
Anno panies of Swiffe to furprize him in his own houſe, and to carry
1618. him away. All which the Duke being likewife inform'd of from
fo good a hand, as that the intelligence was no ways to be ſuſpe-
of Efpernon cted, he prefently put himself upon his preparation, to make his
leaves the beft ufe of that advice. This caution therefore being ſent him up-
on the fixth of May at night, and the furprizal being defign'd
the night following, he had fo little time to lofe, that he imme-
diately dilpers'd Tickets to all his moft affured Friends, and Ser-
vants to be in a readineſs by break of day to mount to Horſe;
according to which appointment, he found above 300. ready at
the precile hour to attend him, who after having convoy'd him to
his Houſe of Fontenay in Brie (where they conceiv'd him lodg'd
in a place of ſafety) moſt of them retir'd to follow their own af
fairs.
This retirement of the Duke's being but ten little Leagues
from Paris was ſo far from fruftrating the defign of his furprize,
that on the contrary it made the bufineſs feem more likely to fuc-
ceed: the Duke de Luines therefore having confider'd, that in
this folitude he would have far fewer friends about him, than in
Paris, the former order was only one day deferr'd, and the Swiffe
commanded to march away the day following, being the 8. of
May, together with fome Brigades of Cuiraffiers, and Light-
Horſe to inveft Fontenay. But the fame perfons who had given the
Dukethe first intelligence, being no lefs vigilant to his prefervati
on now than before, gave him alfo as ſeaſonable notice of this,
as of the other deſign; giving him to underſtand that his danger
was not yet over, and that it concern'd him with all diligence to
convey his perfon into fome place of greater fafety: Which ad-
vice having made the Duke refolve to get again to Horſe, ſo ſoon
as all the Family had fup'd, and that every one thought of retiring
to his reft, he (having in the mean time with great fecrefie pro-
vided all things neceflary for a tedious journy) commanded his
Trumpets to found to Horfe; his neceffity enforcing him fo to do
at that unfeaſonable hour, (though he was certain to undergo all
The Duke the inconveniencies of a very dark, and turbulent night) to get
clear of the manifeft, and approaching danger; at that time
therefore he ſet out towards Metz, the place to which at his depar-
ture from Paris he had taken a refolution to retire.
takes his
way towards
Metz.
+
By break of day the Duke, and all his company, arriv'd at Se-
zanne in Brie, where both himſelf, and the Horfe that were with
him,were ſo weary, the rain, the dirt, and all other incommodities
of an ill journy having equally toil'd out, and dejected horſe and
man, that he had a great defire, and very great need there to ſtay,
and
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
and take fome repofe; though his Servants, conceiving him to be
yet in danger, were fo importunate with him, that they got him
to mount again, making him to continue on horfeback all that
day, and the night following; when arriving the next day at
Montmirel, he found himſelf ſo weary,and ſpent,with riding, watch-
ing, and the indiſpoſition of Age, which now began to grow
upon him, that he was ready to faint; but being laid upon a bed,
and refreſh'd by fleep, he foon found himſelf well enough to pro-
ceed in his journy, though with nothing ſo much precipitation as
before.
313
Anno
1618.
Through ſo many traverſes and difficulties it was, that the
Duke of Efpernon waded to the foundation of the moſt glorious
Act of his life, and which, in my opinion, ought to be plac'd on
the higheſt Pyramis of his Fame; I mean the Queen Mothers
eſcape from Blois: of which the treaty began foon after the The Treaty
Duke's coming to Metz, where he arriv'd about the 20. of the
fame month of May, having departed the 6th. from Paris.
for the
Queen Mo-
thers eſcape
from Blois
on
And then it was that the Duke de Luines highly, and openly fee foot
declar'd himſelf an enemy to the Duke, giving his friends plain- at this times
ly to underſtand, he could in no wife repute them to be his, if they
did not totally abandon the Duke's intereft; offering them at the
fame time his favour and protection, if they would do it, and
thundering out great threats againſt fuch as would not embrace
his Quarrel: wherein the conftancy of the Duke's friends is
highly to be commended; who notwithſtanding the greatneſs of
the Favourite they had to deal withal, the great promifes where-
with he endeavour'd to allure them, and the implacable hatred he
publickly profeſs'd against their Friend, and Maſter, would ſcarce
any one of them be debauch'd from the fidelity they had pro-
fefs'd; whereas fome on the contrary were fo generous as to carry
him intelligence of Luines his proceeding fo far as Metz, and of
the offers he had made to withdraw them from the Service, and
Friendſhip they had promis'd, and ſworn unto him.
The Duke very well judging by what had paſs'd at Court be-
fore his departure thence, and by the continuation of thoſe pra-
tices fince, that his enemies intended to give the laft blow to his
ruine, began anew to confider of the means to defend himself. He
was very confident they would never offer to attempt any thing
againſt him by open force in Metz, neither would they be eafily
induc'd to provoke him to the utmoſt extreme, the conſequence
being of two dangerous importance: but doubted wifely withal,
that no artifice would be fpar'd,nor no covert practice unattempt-
ed againſt him which were by fo much the more dangerous, by
Sr
how
'
+
:
314
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
L
I
ما
Anno
how much a man is oftentimes furpriz'd with the effect, before
1618. he is aware of the cauſe. There were in the City divers ill affected
and feditious perfons, whom he could never diſguſt, and whom
Luines fail'd not to deal withal to put in for a Party in Metz,
who being in themſelves of too little authority for any thing of
that kind, their malice converted to Spies upon the Duke's Acti-
ons, to ſend continual intelligence to Court, whether falle, or
true, and by their Artifice poffefs'd the Duke de Luines with jea-
loufies, and fears, about things that were altogether uncertain,
and vain. To make therefore a better diſcovery of the truth, and
to the end he might penetrate with more certainty into the Duke
of Efpernon's intentions,Favier a Counſellor of State,and a man of
great fagacity in Affairs, was fent away under the fhadow of
Commiffion, to refide fometime in Metz, and to try if by his
dexterity he could better guess at the Duke's defigns; though all
thofe endeavours were equally fruitless to the Favourite, who had
to do with a man not eafie to be pry'd into, nor furpriz'd.
Story.
2
After Favier's return to Court, there hapned ſo pleaſant a
thing at Metz, as I hope, though mix'd amongst more ferious Af-
fairs, will not much importune my Reader, and that was this:
A pleafant The Duke de Luines continually expreffing a great defire to have
conftant intelligence of what was done at Metz, and few being
willing to undertake a thing the Duke's fevere humour made ap-
pear fo full of difficulty, and danger, one fellow, a Courtier, and
who thought by fuch an undertaking to advance himſelf highly
into favour, made a voluntary, and brisk tender of himſelf for
that employment, offering publickly to go to Metz, and there to
ferve (as he ſaid Mounfieur de Luines, against the Duke of Eſ-
pernon: Which generous offer of his was as kindly receiv'd, and
as readily accepted; fo that with good ftore of Crowns in his
pocket to defrayhis journy, he was preſently diſpatch'd away upon
that defign; yet not ſo foon, but that before his departure from
Paris, the Duke had notice of what a Mounfieur was coming to
brave him in his own Government.In a few days my Gentleman
arrives at the Gates of Metz, where at his firft coming he was
made to undergo all the feverities uſually obſerv'd in Frontier
Towns; they made him dance attendance a good while at the
Gate, where after having been fufficiently abus'd, hifs'd, and
hooted at, he was by four Souldiers of the Garrifon conducted to
his Inn, who (it may be imagin'd) were not commanded to uſe
him with overmuch refpect. But if this firft part of his entertain-
ment ſurpriz’d him, he was much more, when his Hoſt coming
to him at night, demanded his Name, Surname, Country, Qua-
lity,
#
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
зій
L
te
tr
te
CC
*
Anno
1618.
* Selette,
have no
fuch thing;
Criminals
examin'd.
lity, and Age, with many other interrogatories, as if he had been
upon the Selette. From all, or moſt of theſe queſtions, he for
ſome time defended himſelf, till being threatned if he would not
anſwer,to be proceeded againſt as a Spy, he was at laft conſtrain'd that for
to do it; when as his anſwers came from him, he faw them re- which we
corded in a great Book (order'd for that purpoſe amongſt other word, be-
ancient rules eſtabliſh'd for the defenfe of the place) though he caufe no
conceiv'd that under the protection of the Royal Name, which it lignifying
he had ready to produce, he ought to have been diſpens'd from a low ftool,
that Ceremony. He was fcarce recover'd from his firft aftoniſh- on which
ment, when he ſaw four of the Duke's Guards (at that time call'd in France are
les Simons, a name very famous at Court) entring his Chamber. plac'd to be
Their first Complements (it may be fuppos'd) were none of the
moft obliging; neither did they long forbear to tell the new come
Gallant, "That they were order'd by the Duke their Maſter, to
have an eye upon his actions: That the Duke very well knew
upon what pretenſe he came to Metz, but that the true cauſe
cr of his coming was to him much better known, which was to
do a differvice to the King, to obferve the weakneffes of the
place, and to give intelligence thereof to his Majefties enemies :
That therefore they were not to leave him, and that they very
"well knew how to prevent him from executing his malicious de-
figns: That in the mean time it would concern him to have a
care how he behav'd himſelf, fince no mercy was to be expe
r &ted, if the leaſt thing was diſcover'd in him contrary to his
"Majeſties Service. At this declaration the poor man was put into
a moſt terrible fear, he knew the Dukes Authority to be abſolute
in Metz, and that whatever he ſhould determine, though it ſhould
reach to his life, and under what pretenfe foever it might be,
would infallibly be executed upon him: Whereupon he ask'd his
Guards if there were no poffibility of fafety for him? to which
they reply'd, that doubtless yes, provided he attempted nothing
againſt the Crown. After which they entertain'd him with ſtories
of how many they had Baftinado'd at Paris, and after what
manner the Duke us'd to chaſtiſe ſeveral fool-hardy fellows, who
had imprudently attempted upon his Honour. If he went out of
one Chamber into another, they were continually at his heels,
and if ke went to fleep, they lay down by him; never ceafing day
nor night to afflict him: infomuch that after having two days
endur'd this ufage, fuch a terror feiz'd him at laft, that he fell down
at his Guards feet; weeping, praying, and conjuring them to af-
fure the Duke that he was his moft humble Servant, that he ac-
knowledg'd his fault, begg'd his pardon, and did humbly intreat
"
(C
Sf 2
he
4
1
"
316
The Hiftory of the Life of
P
PART II
Anno he would give him leave to depart the City. At which, though
1618. his Guards feem'd to comfort and affure him, adviſing him not
The Queen
tempts to
liberty.
to fear, and protefting that the intereſt of his Majefties Service
only excepted, they were there to no other end, than to do him
Service : yet were all their confolations vain, ſo invincible a fear
had poffefs'd him, and fo wholly was he taken up with the de-
fire to escape from the danger, whereinto he ſaw he had fo pre-
cipitoully engag'd himſelf. The Duke, after he had a few days
made himſelf merry with mortifying his Gull, let him at laft de-
part, who, as he had been before at Metz, became afterwards the
Fable of the Court. :
Yet did not the Duke ſpend his time altogether in diverſion,
having ſerious buſineſs enough to take up his thoughts with fome-
thing of more concern, and thofe were the Affairs of the Queen
Mother. This Princefs after the death of the Marefchal d' Encre;
having been conftrain'd to leave the Court (where Luines could
not ſuffer a perſon of her Authority, and offended to the degree
fhe had been, to refide) had the Caftle of Blois appointed by the
King for her retreat. To which place accordingly the Queen, (in
this change of her Fortune, being allow'd to keep very few of her
Servants about her) departed with a very flender Train. The Bi-
fhop of Luçon fince Cardinal of Richelieu) who had been Secre-
tary of State during the favour of the Marefchal'd' Encre, was one
of thoſe who follow'd her in her diſgrace, as Chanteloube alſo was
another: but the Abbot Rucellay an Italian, and very affectionate
to her Service, was, as a perfon altogether unneceffary about her
Majeſty, fent back into one of his Abbies: neither did the Bi-
fhop of Luçon remain long without another Order of the fame
kind, by which he was firft oblig'd to refide in his own Dioceſs,
and foon after to retire into Avignon."
7
The Queen Mother, from the time of her departure from
Mother at Court, had meditated nothing ſo much, as how to recover her
recover her loft Authority, and to overthrow that of the new Favourites;
wherein,though ſhe had communicated fomething to Meßieurs de
Luçon, de 'Rucellay, and de Chanteloube, men of the greateſt Fide-
lity and Conduct about her: and though they had taken fome
pains for her fatisfaction, yet could they diſcover no poffibility of
effecting her Deſigns: Neither were they permitted long to con-
fider of the means, the entire confidence the Queen was difco-
ver❜d to repole in them, being ſuſpected at Court, having foon
procur'd the banishment of the two firft (as has been faid be-
fore) of which that of Luçon had rendred him utterly uncapable
of all manner of correſpondence with her: But Rucellay a`man
+
}
of
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
317
}
Anno
of great courage, vivacity, and ambition, having for fome time
conceal'd himſelf about Blois, and having from time to time in 1618.
diſguiſe taken opportunity to confult with the Queen, was (after
having rejected ſeveral propofitions) at laſt of opinion, that ſhe
ſhould addreſs her felf to the Duke of Bouillon, to try, if with the
party of thoſe of the Religion, who were abfolutely at his difpofe,
he might be induc'd to declare himſelf of her fide, and to attempt
fomething in her favour.
addrelles
Єter of Ru
The Queen being very well pleas'd with this propofition, Ru- The Queen
cellay as chearfully undertook to make the firft overture of it to her flf to
the Duke of Bouillon at Sedan. I have often heard this Abbot (du- the Dake of
ring five, or fix weeks that I was continually with him in order Beüillon.
to the Queen Mothers diſpatches, which all paſs'd through his
hands after her eſcape) tell the whole ftory of this negotiation;
ſo that I am able to ſay ſomething of my own knowledge, both
as to the qualities of his perſon, and the circumftances of that
Treaty, which perhaps will not be altogether unpleaſant to'my
Reader. Rucellay then was a 'Gentleman of Florence, defcended A Chara-
from a Father, who by the Correſpondence he had maintain'd cellay.
with Zamet, Bandiny, Cenamy, and fome other active men of that
Nation (who in thoſe times play'd their game fo wifely, as to
keep in with all parties of the Kingdom) had made himſelf a For-
tune in France. Amongst other advantages he had there made to
himſelf, he had got the poffeffion of feveral Abbeys, arifing in
all to a Revenue of above ten thouſand Crowns a year; amongſt
which that of Signy in Champaigne not far from Sedan was moſt
confiderable. His eldeft Son (which was he of whom I am now
ſpeaking) as moſt eldeſt Sons of the beſt Families of Italy (that
education making them capable of the greateſt Dignities of the
Court of Rome) was bred up to the Church: neither had he been
wanting in his induftry to acquire all thoſe qualities that were
moſt likely to recommend him to the higheſt Preferment. He
had ſtudied much, and particularly been diligent to learn to speak,
and write accurately in his own Language; wherein he fucceeded
ſo well, that his own fine parts, together with the plentiful For-
tune he was Maſter of (he having no lefs in Secular Revenue,than
in Spiritual Entertainment) procur'd him fo great a Reputation in
the Court of Rome, that he there obtain'd the Office of Clerk Clerc de 14
of the Chamber. Pope Paul the Fifth, under whofe Papacy lie Chambre, a
was there admitted, look'd upon him'with a very gracious eye, cretary.
and though a young man, intrufted his difcretion with many le-
crets of State, not ſeldom making uſe of his Pen in Affairs of
greateſt importance; and often ſaying, by way of favour, that he
[
difco-
*
kind of Ses
1
318
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
Anno diſcover'd fomething in him of Signior de la Cafa his
great Un-
1618. cle. All which favours having poffefs'd the Cardinal-Nephews
with a great jealoufie towards Rucellay (as himſelf faid) or he
perhaps having fail'd on his part, in a fit complacency to oblige
them, he was by them perfecuted to that degree, that he was
forc'd to quit the Court of Rome, and to retire into France.
A good part of his Eftate lay in that Country, the Maref
chal d' Encre a Florentine, as he was, commanded all there, and
thofe of his own Nation having ever been well receiv'd in that
Kingdom, it appear'd he could not make choice of a fafer, nor
a more honourable retreat. He was thirty years of age, or there-
abouts when he arriv'd in France, where he was at firit very kind-
ly receiv'd by the Marefchal d' Encre,and ſoon after in great eſteem
with the whole Court, where with twenty thoufand Crowns a
year, that he had coming in, he liv'd in fo extraordinary a degree
of fplendor, as equall'd, if not out-went the greateft Nobility of
the Kingdom: no Table was ſo neatly ferv'd, nor fo plentifully
furniſh'd, as his; no man more nobly, nor more handfomly
attended than he; to which the prefents he continually made of
all the Curiofities wherewith Italy fo abounds, as by her overflow
to oblige all other Nations, were fo many, and ſo conſiderable,
as that fingle way of expenſe ſeem'd alone to exceed his Revenue.
Neither did he win lefs upon the Ladies by his liberalities, and
extraordinary fine faſhion, than he did upon the men by his
more confiderable qualities; infomuch that he obtain'd the fa-
vour and applauſe of all. And although the Marefchal d' Encre
had not as yet fix'd him in any fettled employment in the manage-
ment of Affairs, yet was he with him in fo eminent a degree of
favour, as was a fair ftep (in the height the Court Favourite then
ftood) to the greateſt Offices of the Kingdom. The death of the
Marefchal therefore, as it had put a period to all Rucellay's future
hopes, fo did it poffefs him with fuch a grief, as was not to be
comforted, but by the laft effects of an implacable animofity he
had conceiv'd againſt thoſe who had been the inftruments of his
ruine: And this ſpirit of Revenge it was that prompted him to
be one of thoſe who animated the Queen againſt the new Favou-
rites; though fuch Counfels were not neceffary to her, who of
her felf was fenfible enough; the particular injuries fhe had re-
ceiv'd, having already incens'd her to fuch a height, that ſhe was
very eafily difpos'd to employ him in a Treaty with the Duke de
Bouillon, on her behalf. In this Journy ucellay was to undergo
much trouble, and very great danger, he never daring to Travel,
but by night, and in diſguiſe for the moſt part alone, and always
without
1
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
3.19
1
t
without any Equipage;for how circumfpect foever he had been in
his intelligencies to the Queen, he could not however fend them
in ſo ſecret a manner, but that, fhe being continually,and narrowly
watch'd on all fides by fpies fet over her by Luines to that purpoſe,
fome of his practices had been diſcover'd: infomuch that I have
heard him fay,he had notice given him,that ſeveral of his Pictures
were ſent to the Magiſtrates,and other inferiour Officers,that they
might know, and apprehend him in any of their reſpective Jurif
dictions. Yet could not all theſe difficulties fright him from un-
dertaking this Negotiation, and if he had before given ſeveral te-
ftimonies of his wit, and bravery upon other occafions, he ma-
nifeſted no leſs in this of the conftancy of his Courage, his Wif
dom, and Fidelity, which were very eminent, and of great uſe
in the conduct of this Affair. The main thing he apprehended in
this undertaking was the infirmity of his own tender, and deli-
cate conſtitution; who whilſt he had liv'd in the calms of peace,
the delights of Rome, or the effeminacies of the Courts of France,
had ever been ſo impatient of the Sun, and Evenings Dew, Heat,
and Cold, that the leaft intemperance of the Air would uſually
cauſe ſtrange alterations in his health; which notwithſtanding
he was no ſooner in Action, but that he found thoſe little incon-
veniencies left behind, as if he had had no leiſure to be fick.
Whether it were that the Favourites only guefs'd at the Queen
Mothers diſcontents, by the offenſe they had given her, or that
they had fome more certain knowledge thereof, than meer con-
jecture, they were however very vigilant to fruftrate her Deſigns
To which purpoſe ſoon after her Majeſties arrival at Blois, and the
Baniſhment of the Bishop of Luçon, they had ſent to her Moun-
fieur de Roiffy, under colour of a Council for the management of
her Affairs. A man that in truth at another ſeaſon would have
been acceptable enough:. but in this juncture of time, and pre-
ferr'd to her by her enemies, could not but ftand highly fufpected
to her. Neither had he without great reluctancy taken
upon him
an employment of that nature; the principal end of his Commif-
fion being, as it was, to diſcover the Queens practices and deſigns;
though neither his unwillingneſs could excufe him from going,
nor all his art and obfervation hinder the Queen from conferring
ſometimes in private with thoſe of her Servants in whofe fidelity
The repos'd the greateſt truft, when he was there. Of which Luines
being advertis'd, and willing not only to give himſelf fome pre-
fent repofe, but alſo to live in greater fecurity for the time to come,
he refolv'd to take Religion into his affiftance, and by a principle
of conſcience to engage the Queen in an abfoluté dependance on
his
Anno
1618.
1
·320
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
The extra-
ordinary
precaution
of the Dake
de Luines, to
"make him-
felf fure of
the Queen
Mother,
fruitless.
cc
cc
cr
rr
cc
сі
Anno his Majefties good will, and pleaſure. To this end therefore he
1618. would exact from her an Oath in the preſence of God, and his
Holy Angels (the very words of the Declaration fhe was to
make) "That fhe neither now had, nor for the time to come
would entertain other thought, and defire than what ſhould
tend to the profperity,and advancement of the King's Majeftie's
"affairs: That fhe would,fo long as fhe had life, pay all the Duty
<< and Obedience to his Majefty due, as to her Sovereign Lord,
and abſolutely refign her Will into his Royal power: That ſhe
"would have no correfpondence neither within, nor without the
"Kingdom in any thing whatſoever to the prejudice of his Ser-
ci vice, his Crown, and Dignity; but did, and would difown all
perſons of what quality, or condition foever, that in her name
"Thould contrive any practice, or confpiracy, contrary to his
Majefties pleaſure: That fhe would moreover difcover all Pro-
t pofitions and Addreffes inconfiftent with his Service, together
"with the perſons themſelves ſo addreffing, and propofing,
fhould any be ſo inconſiderate, as to offer any fuch thing; and
impeach, and make known whoever fhould be fo evilly affe-
ted; and that she would never defire to return to Court, till
the King fhould be pleas'd to order her fo to do. Which prote-
ſtation was accordingly made betwixt the hands of Father Ar-
noux a Jefuit Confeffor in ordinary to the King, who had been
exprefly diſpatch'd to the Queen to receive it. Wherein we may
diſcover the fhort-fightedneſs of humane Wiſdom; when this
great Miniſter, thinking by this expedient to fettle himſelf in the
fecurity he ſo much defir'd, engag'd himself (even by his own pre-
caution) in new, and greater difficulties than before. For as on
the one fide Luines thought, that, through the perfwafions of the
King's Confeffor, he had captivated the Queen under the Em-
pire of Religion, fhe on the other fide,.fatisfied to the contrary
by Father Suffran her own Chaplain, and of the fame Society,
conceiv'd ſhe did not violate her Oath, by attempting all ways to
recover her freedom; infomuch that making uſe of her enemie's
credulity, the purfu'd her buſineſs at greater convenience, than
otherwife fhe could have done. Neither was this the only benefit
The receiv'd by this declaration; another fignal advantage arifing
thence, which was a very gracious Letter under the King's own
hand; wherein, to manifeft how abfolute a confidence he repos'd
in her Word, and Oath, he gave her leave to go whither the
pleas'd within his Kingdom: which Letter ferv'd afterwards as a
pretenfe for her going from Blois, as we ſhall ſee when we come
to ſpeak of that Affair.
Whilft
י
BOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
321
1
7
r
<c
(C
tr
Anno
1618.
Rucellay ar-
treats with
who refufes
to engage in
Whilft at Blois the Court Agents were thus diligent to cheat
themſelves, Rucellay was arriv'd fafe at Sedan; where he had ac-
quainted the Duke de Bouillon with his Commiffion, and wherein
he fail'd not with his beft Rhetorick to induce him to undertake rives at Se-
the Queens deliverance. But the Duke, who had no mind to ftir dan, and
from Sedan, where he thought himſelf fo fecure, who was already te Duke of
wearied out with his late troubles, who in the conduct of thoſe Bouillon,
troubles had run fo great a hazard of his life, and liberty, and
who likewiſe forefaw many great, and almoſt invincible difficul- the bufinefs.
ties in the buſineſs propos'd, would by no means be perfwaded
to engage in that Affair. Contented therefore to ferve the Queen
Mother with his advice, inftead of that real affiftance was expe-
cted from him, he gave Rucellay this answer, "That being old,
and infirm, as he was, well fatisfied with his preſent conditi-
on, and upon ſo good terms at Court, as to apprehend no ill
uſage from thence, it would be a great indiſcretion in him to
deprive himſelf of the peace he now enjoy'd, by engaging in a
new Quarrel, full of trouble and danger: That he was not-
"withſtanding the Queen Mothers moft humble Servant, of which
"truth the belt teftimony he could at prefent give, was to point
out to her Majeſty a Neighbour of his, a man of a vigorous
"Conftitution, though in a declining age, Wife, Valiant, Rich,
"Strong in a pofterity of men capable of great things, that was
withal poffefs'd of many very confiderable places, both in the
Heart, and upon the Frontiers of the Kingdom; and (which
was more to be confider'd than all) who was ſo nettled with
"the ill ufage he had receiv'd at Court, that there was no doubt
to be made, but he would readily embrace any overture
"would direct him to a juft revenge. In the conclufion of which
"Character he nam'd to him the Duke of Efpernon. Rucellay was The Dake
not ſo ill read in Affairs, but that he very well knew the perfon adviſes the
the Duke of Bouillon had propos'd, was of all other the moft Queen Mo-
likely to do the Queens buſineſs: but befides that he had no order ther to treat
to addreſs himſelf to the Duke of Elpernon, there had moreover Duke of E
in the time of his being at Court, fome difference hapned betwixt pernon.
the Marquis de Roilhac, the Duke's Nephew, and himself; where-
in the Duke's Authority having protected Roilhac, Rucellay had
not receiv'd that fatisfaction, he might otherwife reaſonably
have expected, for injuries of no ordinary kind. Thefe injuries
therefore, being ſtill freſh in his memory, made him very averfe
Treaty with the Duke: neither was he ignorant how ill
the Queen had us'd him, at his departure from Court, after the
many, and great Services, that during her Regency fhe had re-
¿c
CC
CC
to
any
It
that
ceiv'd
of Bouillon
with the
+
322
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno ceiv'd at his hands, which altogether put him into a very great
1618. confufion. All theſe confiderations nevertheleſs laid afide, either
J out of the deſire he had to ferve the Queen, or to be reveng'd of
the Favourites, or to re-eſtabliſh himſelf at Court, which he
hop'd would put on a new face in the change of the Queens For-
tune, he diſpatch'd away to her with all diligence to acquaint her
how the Duke of Bouillon had excus'd himſelf, and of the ad-
vice he had given concerning the Duke of Efpernon, that he might
thereupon receive her Majefties further Command.
Rucellay
fends Vin-
vici to the
Duke of
Efpernen.
This poſting to and fro took up fo much time, that the Queens
Letters of Credit to the Duke of Elpernon could not come to Ru-
cellay's hands, till towards the latter end of July, nor he ſend them
to the Duke till the month following; I ſay ſend them, Rucellay
having no mind to found the Foard himſelf, nor to make the first
overtures of that Treaty in his own perfon, for the foremention'd
reaſons. He therefore employ'd herein one Fincentio Ludovici, a
centio Lude- man in whom he repos'd an abſolute truſt, and one, who having
formerly been chief Secretary to the Marefchal d' Encre,after a long,
and very fevere impriſonment he had fuffred fince the death of his
Mafter, had retir'd himſelf to Signy, and put himſelf into Rucellay's
protection. Where living in expectation of fome confiderable em-
ployment, Rucellay propos'd this negotiation to him, who as readi-
ly undertook it; and having receiv'd full inftructions, together
with the Queens Letters of Credence, came to Metz, where at the
Moors-Head he took up his Inn, and from thence fent to le Pleßis
(whom all the world knew to be the man in greateſt truſt about
the Duke) to entreat him that he would take the pains to come fee
one of his old acquaintance, without further difcovering himſelf.
I have heard le Pleffis fay, that by this Complement he preſent-
ly gueſs'd what the buſineſs might be,that brought this man, who-
ever he was, to Town; yet would he not appear upon this firſt
Summons: but having a Valet de Chambre in his dependence, that
he had bred from a Boy, in whom he durft confide, and of whoſe
dexterity, and diſcretion, he had often made tryal upon ſeveral oc-
cafions, he commanded him to go to the Moors-Head, to fee
who it was defir'd to ſpeak with him, and to obferve if it were a
face he had formerly feen, or one that was altogether a ftranger to
him. This man's name was Cadillac, which I infert here, becauſe
we ſhall ſhortly find him a principal Agent in this Affair.
Cadillac accordingly comes to the Inn, where his eye had foon
found out his man; he obferv'd him, fpoke to him, and by his
accent foon diſcover'd him to be a ftranger, of which he prefent-
ly carried back a report to his Mafter; giving him withal a deſcri-
ption
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
323
ption of his perfon. Le Pleffis confirm'd by this accompt in his
former opinion, would by no means confer with him till he had
firft acquainted the Duke: but having receiv'd his Order, takes
his way towards the Inn. Thither being come in the confufion,
and hurry that uſually happens in thoſe houſes of publick enter-
tainment, he foon found out the man he fought for, runs to him,
and embraces him, as if they had been the greateſt friends in
the world, though they had never ſeen one another before, enqui
ring of him aloud of their friends in Xaintonge, where this ftran-
ger had never been; who, nevertheleſs very well underſtanding
le Pleffis meaning, deliver'd him the fervices of feveral perfons they
neither of them both knew: after which le Pleffis drawing him
afide, and entring into more particular conference with him, re-
ceiv'd from his mouth the firft overtures of his Treaty, which he
alſo undertook to carry back to the Duke.
Anne
1618.
No fooner therefore was he parted from Vincentio, but that he
went to find out the Duke at the Haute Pierre (the place where the
Governours of Metz ordinarily refide) where he gave him an ac-
compt of the ftrangers buſineſs; together with the humble re-
queft he made to be admitted to a further Conference with his
own perſon. Whereupon the Duke call'd for his two Sons, the
Marquis de la Valette, and the Archbishop of Tholouze, fince Car-
dinal de la Valette (it appearing very reaſonable they fhould partici-
pate of the Counsel, who were to have fo great a fhare in the
execution of the deſign) where amongst them it was concluded,
that the Duke ſhould the next day give audience to this Envoy in
the Abby of St. Vincent in Metz, belonging to the Archbiſhop of
Tholouze. According to which determination the ſtranger was
early the next morning conducted thither, by the forefaid Cadillac;
whither the Duke coming preſently after, under colour of a viſit
to the Abbot, he went to feek out Vincentio in the Chamber
before appointed for him, where he gave him his firſt au-
dience in the preſence of le Pleffis only, and where Vincentio The Duke
deliver'd him a Letter from the Queen Mother that contained
theſe words.
CC
<c
ઘર
xc
1
1
of Eſpernon
receives a
Letter from
the Queen
Mother,
by Vincentio
Coufin,
"Ientreat you not to doubt the Fidelity of the perſon that shall deli■ Ludovici.
ver you this Letter, but to believe whatever he shall tell you; leaving
it however to your own choice, either to return your answer by bin,
or by any other you shall think fit, to the earnest request he shall make
you in my behalf: promifing you withal that he shall propofe nothing
to you contrary in the least to the Service of the King my Son, who
T t 2
Shall
|
•
4
1
324
PART II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1618.
And bear-
kens tothe
Propofition.
"C
fhall himself one day give you thanks for the affistance you shall now
give me in this occafion, wherein you may also oblige me whilft I live
ແ to be
'
re
From Blois this 18th.
of July, 1618.
Your very good Coufin,
Marie.
This Letter being read, and the Duke having ask'd the Bear-
er what he had more to ſay, “He repreſented to him the many
"and fignal Services he had formerly perform'd for the Queen,
"firft in promoting her Intereft when he was declar'd Regent,
" and afterwards throughout the whole courſe of her Admini-
"ftration telling him withal how infinitely her Majefty was
"afflicted: That fhe had not acknowledg'd thofe Services at fo
juft a rate, as the quality of them did truly deferve: That ne-
"vertheleſs fhe having fhew'd her felf ready to gratifie him in ſe-
"veral things of ſome importance to him, fhe doubted not, but
"that a generous heart, as his was, would be apter to record
"thoſe teſtimonies of her Favour and Affection to him, than
"ſome little diſcontents, that could not fo juftly be imputed to
"her, as to the neceffity of the time, and the occurrences that im-
pofed them: That he very well knew the late King her Lord,
"and Husband had a few days before his death (as if he had fore-
"ſeen the perfecution was preparing againſt her) recommended
her Interefts to his care and protection, wherein he had already
in part fo worthily perform'd the Truft that great Prince had re-
pos'd in his Vertue, that he had reaſon to believe he would
continue to oblige her for ever: That fhe was now reduc'd to
"fuch a condition by the violence of her Enemies; as after be-
ing depriv'd of her liberty, to think her felf in great peril of
her life: That the King her Son, though his conftraint was lefs
apparent, was not himſelf however exempt from the tyranny
"they exercis'd upon her perfon: That it was in his power to re
"deem them both from the flavery they were in; wherein,
ແ
.
cc
rr
..
cr
×ç
te
cc
cr
al-
though the doubted not, but that the King would one day ac-
knowledge a Service of this nature to fuch a degree, as the im-
portance of it would juftly deferve; fhe in the mean time would
notwithſtanding take all the obligation upon her felf, and en-
gage to make him fee the effects of fuch a gratitude, as he
might reaſonably expect from a Princeſs, who conceiv'd her
"felf oblig'd to his generofity for her liberty, and her life. The
Duke having made anſwer to this difcourfe in fuch terms of fub-
miffion, and reſpect,as befitted a Subject to a Princefs of her con-
r
dition,
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
325
dition, the Mother of his King, and one from whom, amongst Anno
fome little unkindneffes he had receiv'd many benefits, and ſignal 1618.
favours, proceeded without more ceremony to the negotiation;
in the progress whereof, Vincentio in the Queens name promis'd
fo many men, and places, and fuch fummes of mony, propoſing
withal fo great and ſo advantageous conditions for the Duke, as
made him conceive the propofition worth the thinking of, and to
promiſe him in a few days a poſitive anſwer.
himſelf at
this time.
He was no fooner therefore parted from Vincentio, but that he
fent for his Sons to deliberate with them about this Affair, in
whom he met with young fpirits, full of heat, and courage, that
preſently advis'd him confidently to embrace that motion, where-
in they ſaid there was no queftion to be made, but that the iſſue
would be glorious for him, advantageous to the State, and eaſie ţo
be effected in it ſelf, through the concurrence he would certainly
find in most of the great men of the Kingdom, who were appa-
rently diffatisfied with the prefent Government, which was alſo
no extraordinary thing in the beft, and moſt happy Reigns. The
Duke on the contrary by a long experience become more circum-
ſpect could not ſuffer himſelf fo eafily to be overcome; but con-
fidering he was about to expoſe his Life and Fortune, his Chil-
dren, Friends, and Family for a Princeſs who had not at other But without
times been over-mindful of his former Services, he had tome engaging
reaſon to fear he ſhould receive no better an acknowledgement of
this, than he had done of the reft. Befides he knew very well
that he ſhould no fooner appear in Arms in order to the deſign in
hand, but that the Kings whole Power, and his Perſon would
immediately be upon him; and ſeeing no vifible Forces fufficient
to refift that Torrent, he could not clear his mind from thoſe
prehenfions wherewith it was involv'd. He repreſented there-
fore to his Sons, that all thoſe Confederates they feem'd to rely
upon, ſhould they joyn in the Quarrel, would most of them va-
niſh at the very found of the Royal Name: That the moſt dif-
contented of them would be reconcil'd to their Duty by the leaſt
fatisfactions ſhould be given them, and that then he alone fhould
do the work of all the other great men of the Kingdom, at the
price of his own particular ruine. So that after having again and
again confider'd of this propofal, he could not perfwade himſelf
to condefcend to the importunities of his Sons, and le Pleffis,who
was preſent at this deliberation, all they could fay being able to
prevail no further upon him at that time, than that Vincentio
might in his name affure the Queen, he had a paffionate defire to
ſerve her, provided it would pleaſe her Majeſty to enable him ſo
ap-
EQ
.
326
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno to do, by letting him know what perfons of quality fhe had won
1618. over to her party, with what fummes of mony fhe could make
for carrying on the War, until when he humbly defir'd he might'
reſerve to himſelf the liberty of his promiſe, with an affurance
of his Secrecy and Fidelity in the mean time.
Rucellay
takes him-
felf the
hand.
Vincentio,after having ftaid eight days at Metz, went back with
this anſwer to Rucellay, who with great impatience expected his
return; and who having receiv'd this accompt of the buſineſs,
thought they had done enough at this first puſh, in prevailing
with the Duke to hearken only to the propofal: neither did he
doubt, but that the difficulties he had reprefented, though very
rational in themſelves, would in the end be overcome by the fuc-
ceſs of thoſe things, whereof the Duke, before he would give
a determinate anſwer, defir'd to be affur'd. He therefore in all
hafte fignified to the Queen the Duke's diſpoſition to ſerve her,
affuring her withal of the Duke de Bouillon's Concurrence with
the Dake of Eſpernon, provided the laſt would undertake the Ser-
vice. Whereupon her Majefty, fecure of her Intereft with the
Dukes of Guife, and Montmorency, and many other perfons of
great quality; and nothing fearing alfo, but the fhould be able
to raiſe a great maſs of mony, what by borrowing, what upon
her Jewels, and what by the Revenue of thofe Provinces would
be engag'd with her, fent the fame Vincentio a month after to the
Duke, to give him full affurance of all things he defir'd. Upon
which fecond diſpatch, the Duke conceiving he might confide in
the Queens word, engag'd himſelf (though not without ſome re-
luctancy) to declare openly in her Quarrel, difmiffing his little
Ambaſſadour with a much better accompt, than before, and de-
livering him a Cypher for his future Correſpondence with the
Queen;
after which, and a particular anſwer to the Letter her
Majefty had honour'd him with by Vincentio the first time, he
launch'd ſo far into the Affair, that it was afterwards impoffible
for him to retire.
Rucellay having pump'd the whole ſecret of this Negotiation
out of Vincentio, and having no mind he fhould carry away the
Treaty in Reputation of an Affair of that importance, and fo fuccessfully
begun, refolv'd for the time to come to undertake the Treaty
himſelf, and laying afide his former averfions, with all other re-
ſpects (which he likewife conceiv'd were not of fo high a nature,
as ought to ftand in competition with the Affair in hand) would
treat with the Duke in his own perſon. In order whereunto he
advanc'd as far as Pont a Moulins, a little Village about a League
diſtance from Metz; either unwilling, or not daring to venture
himſelf
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
327
himſelf in the City, till he first knew how the Duke was difpos'd
to receive him. From this place therefore he immediately fent
away for Cadillac (the fame le Pleffis had fent the first time to Vin-
centio) not doubting but he would be the firſt ſhould be fent to
diſcover who he was. Cadillac thus fent for by he knew not whom,
would not go out to him without firft receiving his Maſters Or-
der, nor his Mafter give it him, till he himself had first receiv'd an
Order from the Duke: Neither could the Duke fuddenly confent
to this intelligence, who, although he did not know the ftranger
to be Rucellay, yet fufpecting him to be fome new Negotiator,
and unwilling to have fo many intrufted with a buſineſs, upon
the ſecrefie whereof depended his Life and Fortune, he waver'd
long before he would give way to an enterview betwixt le Pleffis,
and this new Agent. He was at laft notwithſtanding content he
fhould go but if he had at first made fome difficulty of allow-
ing this Conference, before he knew Rucellay to be the man he
was to confer withal, he was fo out of all patience when he knew
the ſecret was committed to an Italian, his enemy, and diſoblig'd
by him, that he was many times upon the point to have recall'd
his word, and abfolutely to give over the defign. Le Pleffis was
then forc'd to return back to Rucellay with a very unfatisfactory
anfwer; who, without being much out of countenance at this
repulſe (the Duke refufing to admit him into the Treaty) or the
feeing the civility he had advanc'd fo far towards a reconciliation
rejected, told le Pleffis coldly, "That fince the Duke had a mind
to do the buſineſs without him, he might, if he pleas'd, in good
time proceed; but that in the mean time he was to under-
"ftand, that it was to him the Queen had intrufted the fecret of
that Affair, and not to the other, who had hitherto appear'd in
it, who was but his fubftitute, and by him fent to make the firſt
overtures to the Duke, prefuming his own perfon might not be
“ſo acceptable to him; but that he had ſeen the Duke of Boii-
"illon, and treated with him: "That Vincentio had given him an
CC accompt of all he had done at Metz, and had deliver'd a Cypher
to him: That he knew very well that he le Pleffis in the Cant-
ing of that Cypher was call'd Floze, the Duke by another name,
and his Sons by others. After which explanation he defir'd
him to confider whether a man fo well inform'd in, and able to
give fo good an accompt of the buſineſs, was fit to be laid aſide:
That he could not but wonder the Duke of Elpernon fhould
"continue to uſe him fo ill, who had never given him any
offenfe; but on the contrary had been highly offended by him,
"and his; that having ſo many and juſt inducements to revenge
CC
..
cc
،
c
re
ર
thole
1
Anno
1618.
*
1
328
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
"thoſe injuries, he had now fufficient means to do it, were not
1618. his honour far dearer, than his ill ufage was fenfible to him :
"but that he would tread all thoſe confiderations under foot, to
"preſerve his Fidelity to the Queen his Miftrifs, provided he
"Thould not be urg'd on to the last extremes.
Rucellay
with much
difficulty
to the
Treaty.
tr
:
'This Declaration, though fomething high from an Enemy,
and very rough from a man that pretended he came to Treat,car-
ried nevertheleſs ſo much fting with it, and threatned ſo much to
the ruine of the defign in hand, that the Duke faw it neceffary ei-
ther to admit him into the Council, or to diſpatch him out of the
way the latter of which being too cruel for him to confent unto,
and on the other fide it appearing of better advantage to treat with
a man of the Quality Rucellay was, than with Vincentio, who
could do nothing, but as he receiv'd Orders from him; the Duke
refolv'd upon the firft: So that Rucellay being upon theſe terms
admitted into the negotiation,he came by night to Metz, and in
diſguiſe (as he always went) was conducted to the Haute Pierre,
admitted in- where he had a Chamber made ready for him in the Duke's own
Lodgings; out of which he never ftirr'd for a whole month to-
gether. Being there receiv'd, he had Cadillac appointed to attend
him, as alſo one of the Duke's own Valet's de Chambre, whom
he knew was to be truſted, order❜d to bring him all neceffaries
from the Kitchin, and other Offices, without any bodies being
able to gueſs who this perfon might be, that was fo carefully, and
diligently attended.TheDuke went almost everyday to fee him,his
Sons very often, and le Pleffis ofter than them all, by which regular
vifits in the Duke, and by the great care was taken to ſeek out the
beft water (for Rucellay drank nothing elſe, and was very delicate
in that) it was ſuſpected fome Woman of Pleaſure was kept pri-
vate in the houſe: A fufpicion that perhaps contributed fomething
to his better concealment, and to the reltraint of a further curio-
fity in fuch, as poffibly otherwife would have been more inqui-
fitive into the truth of the buſineſs, had they not entertain'd this
Reſolutions miſtake for the truth it felf. During this time of Rucellay's ſtay
at Metz, things were fully concluded amongst them; where above
Doke of all things, it was thought neceffary, that a ftrict League fhould be
contracted betwixt the two Dukes of Elpernon, and Bouillon, that
things might the better fucceed. There had indeed fome former
Jealoufies hapned to the difcompofure of these two great men,
but ſuch as had rather begot a coldness, than any difaffection be-
twixt them; which Rucellay undertook to reconcile, as by the affi-
ſtance of the Vicount de Sardiny (a very particular Servant to the
Duke of Boillon, and a man abfolutely devoted to the Queen)
taken be-
Twixt the
Efpernon
and Rucellay.
+
he
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
329
he afterwards did, though it wrought not that good effect, was ex-
pected from it, as ſhall in its due place be made to appear.
The Queen having heard no news of Rucellay, during his abode
at Metz, though ſhe had taken care to ſend to him, and in ſuch
an impatience to know how her Affairs fucceeded, as may be
imagin'd in the condition fhe then was, writ a Letter to the Duke
in a borrowed hand (I think Chanteloube's, he being then the
only man of truft about her) and in a fuftian ftyle; the Queen
here taking upon her the quality of a Merchants Wife of Saverne,
abfent from her Husband: of which theſe were the words.
cc
cc
(
८८
cr
Cl
"Sir, fince the Sieur Artus (meaning Rucellay) parted hence to
feek you out, I have heard no news either of him, or you; which fo
"much afflicts me, that I muft entreat you to write to me by this bearer,
" who I am told by a friend of mine will foon be back, he being to ride
"poſt upon fome business of a Gentlemans, whose name I have forgot.
"If no accident have befallen Sieur Artus, he is much to blame to leave
me fo long in fufpenfe, without giving me fome accompt, whether he
have paid you the mony I deliver'd him, or no; which though it be no
great fumme, I fhould be very forry you had not receiv'd. Oblige me
therefore fo far, as to fend me word what the matter is, as alſo of the
'ftate of your health, which I wifh may be fuch, as you your felf defire. I
"forgot to tell you that the Armourer (meaning the Duke de Luines) with
whom we have the business you know of, has fought to me for an Agree-
ment;though I know not what to say to it without my Husbands advice,
"for whom I have ſo much reſpect, as to do nothing,but what he shall think
fit: if he refer it to me to do what I think best, I shall make no agree-
ment with him. The fudges, who are to determine our controverfie,
"will, 1 doubt,not very well understand who has the wrong, and that our
"caufe is good; God also being always for the right, I hope we shall
"have as good an iſſue as we can defire. I shall trouble you no further,
"than to conjure you to write me word, when I may hope to be ſo happy
as to fee you; if your Affairs would permit, I could wish you were
..
“
ce
ce
tr
cr
(c
cc
ready to begin your Journey to morrow: however I shall refer that to
your difcretion, humbly entreating you to believe, that I shall honour
you all the days of my life, as I ought to do, and shall pray to God to
keep you in his Holy Protection, and preferve you as long in health as I
defire.
Sir,
Your humble, and very obedient Wife,and Servant,
Anno
1618.
氰
​Sign'd X.
u u
It
+
+
330
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
Mony fent
up-
It appears by this Letter, that Affairs were now in a very good
1618. forwardness, fome mony having been fent by the Queen to Metz,
which, as it was the most important place of her Party, and
to Metz by wherein the Duke had refolv'd to leave the Marquis de la Valette
the Queer. his Son, he would not he fhould be left without fome mony in
his greateſt neceffity to affift him. He very well forefaw that after
the Queens escape he ſhould be the firft affaulted, and expos'd (as
he afterwards was) to the fury of the Royal Arms, and that
on the preſervation of Metz depended, in part, the life of the
whole Action: but of how great moment foever this place might
be to the deſign in hand, the fummes nevertheleſs were very mo-
derate, that were there left for its defenfe, arifing to no more in
all, than an hundred thouſand Crowns, carried thither by Wagon
from Saverne; of which fumme Vincentio receiv'd an hundred
thouſand Livers for the uſe of the Duke of Bouillon, who was
to take Arms in favour of the Queen, a part of the remainder
only being left at Metz, for the raifing of men neceffary for the
defenſe of the Town, and to buy Ammunition.
The Duke
refolves to
go ferve the
Queen.
1
A fecond
the Queen
in the fame
ftyle with
the first.
The Duke having found by this mony coming in, ſome,
though very little effect of thofe promifes, had been made him
by the Queen, did from thence conclude her Servants had provi-
ded fo carefully for the reft, that nothing would be wanting of
all thoſe things whereof they had given him before ſo ample af-
furance: In which belief he fet himſelf wholly upon his prepa-
ration to be gone; of which alſo having given notice to the
Queen, her Majefty, whofe condition was much worse than his,
to quicken his hafte, fent him another Letter in the fame Canting
ftyle.
(C
26
"L
(6
"Sir, I fhall make use of Magutin's, one of our Factor's Pen
Letter from cc (meaning Changeloube) to let you know, that I was never more over-
joy'd in my life, than when I receiv'd the Letter you did me the honour
to fend; wherein you give me affurance of your conftant love, which is
fo great a comfort to me, that what affliction foever God fhall be pleas'd
to lay upon me, I shall notwithſtanding rejoyce in this, that my Huf-
"band loves me, and that I shall shortly have the happiness to fee him.
Neither do I doubt of his affection, who has fo good a foul, that I
"know he can never forget her, who in this world most honours and
loves him; and that ſo foon as he has fettled all our Affairs where he
now is, he will come to take order about those we have in these parts,
"which praiſed be God, are already in a very hopeful way. But I am
"in great pain to know the place where you are pleas'd I shall expect you;
"for if you think it better that I go to our own houfe, than to stay longer
((
re
here,
+
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
331
4
J
鬓
​cr
CC
"here, fend me word, and I shall do what poßibly I can to overcome the
"incommodities of the feafon to obey you; but if it should fall out that I
cannot ftir from hence, write me word how I may meet you upon the
way; and provided I be not put to rife too early, I fhall do wonders. I
"expect therefore your Commands, which I ſhall faithfully obſerve, be-
“feeching you to give me your inftruction concerning all our other Affairs,
"that I may do nothing may turn to our prejudice; it being impoßible
I should ever fail in obeying whatever Commands you will lay upon
c
Your humble, and very obedient Wife, and Servant.
And in a Poſtſcript,
"This shall be the laft Letter 1 fhall write, wherefore I conjure you
"to remember to give me notice of your fetting out, that accordingly I
" may prepare my ſelf
62
And for the Superfcription, as upon that before,
G. G.
A Monfieur, Monfieur Fabert, being at this prefent at Saverne.
Anno
1618.
culties arife
This Letter,which,betwixt perfons fo well read in one anothers
deſigns, might with great ease be explain'd, was by the Duke pre-
fently put into deliberation; firft, that a day might be reſolv'd
upon for his departure, and next that ſomething might be conclu-
ded about the order was to be obſerv'd in going to receive the
Queen. To this Confultation the Dukes two Sons, Rucellay, and
le Pleffis, were only admitted, where (as it ufually falls out) the
nearer they approach'd to the execution of their defign, the harder Some diffi-
it feem'd to be effected. From the time the Duke had firft engag'd about the
his word to the Queen, he had been very inftant at Court, to execution of
obtain liberty to go into his Governments of Xaintonge and An- the delign.
goumois, very well foreſeeing, that without fuch a formal leave,
he fhould meet difficulties enough in the very Journey it ſelf, had
he had no defign to favour the Queens efcape, but the more im-
portunate he had been to procure that Licence, the more obſti- *
nate he had found them to be in the denial. They look'd upon
him as it were mew'd up in Metz, and were refolv'd to
keep him in a manner a prifoner to his own Government, in that
remote part of the Kingdom. So that the Duke in defpair of pro-
curing that priviledge, and feeing that under the colour of fome
very inconſiderable excufes, the King had a mind to make his
prefence at Metz, appear altogether neceffary to his Service, he ſent
his Majeſty a very full Remonftrance of the urgency of his Affairs
,
U u 2
in
1
332
PART II
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
1618.
The Dale
in thoſe parts, with a repeated fupplication, that he would pleaſe
to permit him to go: Not that he expected a better fuccefs in this
than in his former applications, he had loft that hope: but by this
new Addreſs to lull the Duke de Luines afleep, who ought in rea-
ſon to believe, that this reiterated importunity pre-fuppos'd an ex-
pectation in the Duke to prevail in his request, and that confe-
quently he would not depart from Metz, 'till that were firſt ob-
tain'd. This Letter was writ by the Sieur de Balzac, and is, in my
opinion one of the best pieces has flow'd from his admirable
Pen; which notwithſtanding I have not inferted here, foraſmuch
as the Reader may find it printed amongst the reft of his excellent
Works
;
of Efpernon's By this Letter it was, that, whilft he was making preparation
preparation, for his departure, the Duke endeavour'd to conceal his Defign
and the po. wherein his policy was of infinite ufe, and this that follows of no
ufe of to co- lefs. He had a mind to fend away before his Stable of manag'd
ver his de- Horfes, confifting of thirty, what Gennets, and Barbs, the fineft,
fign.
licy he made
and beſt in France, an equipage he had ever been very curious to
maintain, as he continued to the laft hour of his life. Theſe hor-
ſes that had been very unfit to travel fuch Journeys, as he muſt
of neceffity take, had they ftaid to go along with him, and that
could not in the mean time be convey'd out of Metz, without
much notice taken, to hinder that obfervation, and to delude fuch
as were too clear fighted, and too prying into all his actions, the
Duke caus'd, for fifteen days together, bridled, fadled, and in all
their equipage as they had been to go a long Journey,to be led out
at feveral Gates of the City: wherein though it was given out by
the Grooms, as done only to air them, left they fhould become
uſeleſs by ſtanding continually ftill; yet for a few of the first days
they were ſeen to go out in that manner, no body believ'd other
than that they were the Dukes forerunners, who intended himſelf
foon after to follow. An opinion that made the people crowd in
multitudes to gaze upon the fight, every one certainly concluding
at firft,what was effectually the Duke's real defign:but in the end,
feeing them, after a walk of four or five hours,continually brought
back at night,and that which at firſt furpriz'd them by its novelty,
being grown familiar by the continuation of it, even the moft pe-
netratingly inquifitive began to grow weary of their fufpicion,
letting them at laft pafs to and again without any regard at all.
And then it was that the Duke commanded the Sieur de Campels
the Gentleman of his Horfe, who, till that time had been as ig-
norant as the reſt, at his next ordinary fally, to ride clear away,
and to go to a Houſe near Sanferra, and upon the Banks of the
River
BOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
333
}
River Loire, call'd Rezé, belonging to le Puigeolet his Lieutenant in
the Regiment of Champagne, there to expect him which was ac
cordingly perform'd without the leaft notice taken, or any noiſe
at all.
Anno
1618.
This part being thus perform'd, le Leige, Major to Rembure's
Regiment, a Gentleman very expert in the Geographical Cart,
and an excellent Quarter-Mafter for the lodging of an Army,came
back to Metz, whom the Duke had fent a few days before to dif
cover all the ways, by which he was to pafs into Angoumous.; by
whoſe extraordinary diligence,the way was already chalk'd out,and
divided into Journeys, the Fords all founded, and the whole thing
exactly drawn into a Map. After all which precautions, the Duke
ftill living at Metz, as if he never had deſign to part from thence,
and having concluded with his Sons, Rucellay, and le Pleffis the day
of his fetting out to be the 22. of January the enfuing year, all
things were thenceforward prepar'd with the greateft fecrefie, and
diligence imaginable, to be ready against the time to come. The
Queen Mother had,as you have heard, fignified in her laft diſpatch,
that ſhe was in hope fhe might convey her perfon to any place the
Duke ſhould think fit to name, thinking that the Letter ſhe had
receiv'd from the King (after the Proteftation fhe had made to Fa-
ther Arnoux) would priviledge her fo to do, fhe having full liber-
ty given her therein to go whither fhe pleas'd into any part of the
Kingdom: but becauſe that it was probable the deſign of that
Letter was rather to comfort her in her folitude, and to ſweeten
her captivity, than intended to give her abfolute liberty to diſpoſe
of her perſon; it was moreover thought impoffible fo to order
the time, that she could at a certain and punctual hour transfer her
ſelf to a place where fhe might be free to diſpoſe of her ſelf at her
own choice: Efpecially confidering that all thoſe who were about
her, the major part at leaſt, were Servants made, and corrupted
by the Court Minion. Which fole difficulty appearing invincible,
it was at laſt reſolv'd, that, to avoid all fufpicion, her Majeſty
ſhould not ftir from Blois, but that the Duke, or fome other truſty
perſon by him appointed fhould advance thither, to receive, and
convey her firſt to Loches, and from thence to Angouleme.
This refolution being taken, the Archbishop of Tholouze, atten.
ded only by his own ordinary Train, parted from Metz eight days
before the Duke his Father, to go into Angoumois. The pretenſe
of this Journey was to try to raiſe mony upon their Territories in departs
thoſe parts for their better fupport, they having not (as was pre- from Metz
tended) wherewithal to defray their neceffary expenfe, the Duke's before the
Offices being now no longer paid him fince his difpute with the F.ther.
Garde
Anno
1619.
The Arch.
biſhop of
Tholouze,af
terwards
Cardinal de
la Valette,
Duke his
334
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
+
up
: Anno
Garde des Sceaux; though indeed the true caufe of his going was
1619. to confirm the Servants the Duke had in his Governments there
in their Duty, and to fecure the ftrong Holds he had in Xaintonge
and Angoumois, by a feaſonable prevention of any practice from
Court. There was allo at the fame time a diſpatch fent to the
Queen Mother, to acquaint her with their reſolutions, that ſhe
might make her ſelf ready against the day prefix'd; the charge
whereof Rucellay having taken upon himſelf, he intrufted it to a
young fellow whoſe name was Lorme, one whom he had bred
of a Page, and by whom he had in truth been very faithfully
ferv'd at Court, in fome affairs of no ordinary nature; though in
this, and in the most critical time for the ruine of the Enterprize
in hand, he play'd fowl, and ſtumbled into the fouleft Treachery
in the world. He had often been employ'd to and fro upon this
occafion, wherein he had ever acquitted himſelf with great fince-
rity and diſcretion: but now, though he had not penetrated in-
to the depth of the defign, yet gueffing by the fecrefie had been
enjoyn'd him, that it muft neceffarily be of very great impor-
tance, what recompenſes ſoever he had been promis'd by his Ma-
fter, he choſe rather by his infidelity to obtain them, than by a
vertuous action to deferve them. Inftead therefore of going to
Blois, and from thence to Confolant in Angoumois (where he was
order'd to expect the Duke, after he ſhould be difmifs'd by the
Queen, from whom he was to bring an accompt of the precife
day of her eſcape) he went directly to Paris, where he addrefs'd
himſelf to fome of the Duke de Luines his Servants,to be by them
preſented to their Mafter; to whom he ſaid,provided he might be
fecur'd of a good reward, he would diſcover fomething of
The whole more than common concern. To this defperate pafs was the
ſtate of Affairs reduc'd, when Fortune by a ftrange and unexpe-
Єted accident ſet the Machine again on work upon its own pro-
through the per Baſe. Thole to whom Lorme had apply'd himſelf for admif-
infidelity of fion to Luines, looking upon him as an Impoftor, either made no
one of Rs mention of him to the Duke at all, or,if they did, repreſented him
cellay's Ser-, for fuch a fellow, as they themselves took him to be, making him
*
defign in
great dan-
ger to be
ruin'd,
vants.
wait at the Gates for three whole days together, without giving
him either admittance, or anfwer. In the interval of which three
days le Buiffon, a Counſellor in the Parliament of Paris, heard
by chance that Lorme, Rucellay's man was in Town; which he
had from one of his own people, who, being of Lorme's acquain-
tance, had met him accidentally in the ftreet. At which intelli-
gence le Buiffon (a man paffionately devoted to the Queen Mo-
ther, privy to her deſigns, and an affectionate Servant of the Duke
of
J
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
335
4
Anno
of Efpernon's, by reafon of a Brother of his, a Lieutenant in
the Regiment of Guards, who was one of the Duke's dome- 1619.
fticks, being infinitely furpriz'd; foraſmuch as Lorme had at
other times ever been directed immediately to him, and not be-
ing able to comprehend the cauſe of this alteration, began pre-
fently to ſuſpect there was fome knavery in the wind. He therefore
preſently took order to have my companion narrowly watch'd,
and was by his fpies as faithfully inform'd of his being continually
feen waiting at the Duke de Luines his Gate; by which diſcovery
judging aright at what he was about, and foreſeeing what miſchief
the fight of thofe Letters, he knew he had about him, would
duce, he undertook a dangerous, but a very neceffary act, and
that indeed prov'd the fafety of the whole defign. By a fuppofiti-
tious hand, one that took upon him to be a Servant to the Duke
de Luines,he caus'd five hundred crowns to be paid down to Lorme
by virtue of which he retriv'd the Packet out of his hands, dif-
pofing fo of Lorme himſelf, that he was never feen or heard of af-
ter; by which means this great defign in the greateft danger ima-
ginable to be diſcover'd, and loft, was again reftor'd to its for-
mer condition.
pro-
1
conduct in
The Duke, who as yet was totally ignorant of Lorme's treache-.
ry, and who knew nothing of it of above a month after, put
himſelf in the mean time upon his Journey; the order whereof
at his fetting out, and which he alſo continu'd during the whole
Voyage, I fhall here preſent you. Wherein we fhall obferve fo The Duke's
admirable a conduct, that we cannot forbear (notwithſtanding prudent
the Duke's modeſty) who ever gave Fortune too great a fhare in the manner
all his performances) to attribute the whole ſucceſs of this enter- of his de-
prize immediately to his own prudence. No body knew of his re- from Metz:
folution, till the night before his departure, when all the Gates of
the City being shut, which at Metz (as at all other Frontier
Towns) was commonly betimes, he commanded every one to
make ready for their departure the next morning. He had fome
time before this caus'd eight thouſand Piſtols (his whole ftock at
that time) to be ſowed up in Girdles of Leather (which were all
found in his Truncks at his death in the ſame condition they were
at his departure from Metz) fuch as a man might, without much
trouble, wear about him, which he diftributed to fifteen Gentle-
men of his Family (whom he knew to be the moſt faithful, and
that were the beſt mounted) to take care of, with orders to follow
him wherever he went, fhould any croſs accident befal him in
the way. His Jewels alfo, which were lock'd up in a little iron
Cheſt, and carried in a Male, was committed to a Valet de
Chambre
•
336
· The Hiftory of the Life of
+
PART II.
Anno Chambre of approv'd fidelity, who had likewife order not to ftir
1619. from his perfon. He had fifty Gentlemen only in his company,
every one arm'd with a Cafe of Piſtols, and a Carabine, forty
Guards, with each one a Musket, and a cafe of Piftols, fifteen
Sumpter Mules, the ordinary Officers of his Houſhold, with fe-
veral common Servants. With this Troop amounting in all not to
above an hundred good Horfe (and that would have been too
little had he gone upon the accompt of a private quarrel only) the
Duke of Elpernon adventur'd upon a Journey, contrary to the
King's express Order, from one extremity of the Kingdom to an-
other, and thence to return back again into the very heart of the
fame Kingdom, there to affift the Queen Mother; refolv'd (con-
trary to the King's will) to make her eſcape from a place, to
which ſhe had been, by his Majefty in the nature of a Priſon, con-
fin'd;
and without certainly knowing by whom he was to be af
fifted in his deſign, undertook to change the face of a mighty
State, ſo quiet, and ſo united within it ſelf, as that it ſeem'd impol-
fible either at home or abroad to be threatned with the leaft dan-
ger, or trouble: Wherein; if the attempt was bold, we fhall find
the execution no lefs worthy to be admir'd. He muft alone make
an end of what he had alone begun, his good Fortune, it ſeems,
`to his Glory, ordering it fo, that not one great man of the King-
dom (either envying, or aſtoniſh'd at ſo daring a deſign) would
Memoires de be drawn to embark in an action the honour and fuccefs whereof
Monfieur de
Roban.
could derive to none but the Duke of Efpernon: So that they were
content to let him buftle it out alone, whilft themſelves.fate idle
ſpectators of this haughty and noble Enterprize; though it was
certainly reported, and believ'd, that many of them had engag'd
themſelves to the Queen to ſerve her upon this occafion.
८८
The Duke having thus order'd his little Train, and not being
able to ſeparate himſelf from the Marquis de la Valette his molt
beloved Son, without taking his leave, he call'd him afide, where
embracing him with the tenderness of an affectionate Father, he
told him; "That the greateſt teftimony he could poffibly give him
of his Affection and Eſteem, was (as he now did) to.commit
to his Vigilancy, and Valour the Cuftody of Metz, it being the
principal member of his Fortune; and to the confervation of
"which he ought to be the more awake, as it concern'd himſelf
"much more than it did him, who having but a fhort time to
live, could expect but a few years poffeffion: That he might af-
ſure himſelf, he ſhould with the fooneft be beleaguer'd with all
"the Forces the King could make; and that no better was to be
"expected from the Inhabitants, how well affected foever they
tr
''
'
might
i
•
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
337
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re
८८
might pretend to be; to oppofe both which, much prudence
and conftancy would be requir'd: That upon the fuccefs of
"the Action, wherein they were now engag'd, depended not on-
ly their Fortunes, but their Reputations allo; which if it fuc
"ceeded well, they fhould be loaded with Honour; but if other-
"wife, be look'd upon as Criminals, and Traytors: That there-
fore they were to put on a Refolution rather to dye, than to fall
"into that difgrace; but that it was much better to live, and to
overcome, as his heart affur'd him they ſhould honourably,
"and fortunately do. By which few words the Marquis, being
confirm'd in the generous refolution he before had taken,humbly
befought the Duke his Father to be confident he would never do
any thing unworthy his own Birth, or his expectation; when his
tears having ſtop'd all further expreffion,he by that tenderneſs gave
a much better teftimony of his courage than otherwiſe, and at a
greater liberty of fpeech, his own modefty would perhaps have
permitted him to do.
The Duke was no fooner parted from his Son, but that he pre-
ſently went to Horſe to begin his Journey, it being Monday the
two and twentieth of January, as had been before appointed.
The Gates of the City had not been opened fince the evening be-
fore, and then only that by which the Duke was to fally; which
was alſo ſhut again ſo ſoon as he (who would himſelf be the laſt
man) was gone out: Neither of three days after his departure
was any one opened at all, the Duke having moreover (left any
Tickets might be thrown over the Walls, or any perfons let down,
who might carry intelligence of his motion to Court) left order
with Paul, Lieutenant to a Company of Carabines, belonging to
the Garrison of Metz, night and day to fcour the Road to Paris,
and to intercept, and ftop all that ſhould travel that way; a pre-
caution of fo good ufe, that the laſt news the Court receiv'd of the
Duke of Efpernon's departure, came from Metz, ſo well had all
the Avenues been guarded on that ſide.
The Duke,being now out of the City,purfu'd his way with great
diligence,taking as long Journeys as the heaviness of his Sumpter-
Mules would permit, which, though they ty'd him to one ftage a
day, yet was that ſtage always nine or ten Leagues at leaft; and his
good Fortune was fuch, that at this ſeaſon, commonly the moſt
turbulent of all the year, the weather was lo exceedingly favour-
able and fair,that there fell not one drop of rain all the way; info-
much that he not only could foard all the Rivers, but mounting
every morning fo foon as the Sun was up,both he and all his com-
pany rid without their Cloaks all the day long, as it had been the
X x
warmeſt
Anno
1619.
"
The Duke
goes out of
Metz.
५
338
The Hiftory of the Life of
P
PART II
Anne warmest time in Summer. The fourth day after his departure.
1619. from Metz, he pass'd by the Trenches of Dijon, where the Duke of
ried to
Court.
Bellegarde his Coufin being Governour both of the Caſtle, and
Province, and having the Sieur de Mun his Lieutenant in the Ca-
ftle the Duke fent for him, who being it ſeems at that time out
of the way, Fouqueroles Enfign to the Duke's Life-Guard came out
in his ſtead to receive the Duke's commands. Of whom the Duke
having enquir'd of the Duke his Maſter,he entreated him, ſo ſoon
as he fhould write,to prefent his Service to him, and to acquaint
him with his motion, but that nevertheleſs that complement re-
quir'd no fuch hafte, that he was oblig'd to do it otherwiſe, than
by the ordinary way of the Meffenger (the Packet Office being at
that time not erected in France) as he defir'd he would not do;
adding withal, that having been ſtarv'd out of Metz, he was con
ftrain'd to go into Xaintonge, and Angoumois to live there upon
his own Eftate: Wherein, though Fouqueroles promis'd to obey
his Orders, yet he was not fo good as his word, he diſpatching
away an expreſs Currier the next morning to the Duke de Belle-
garde, to acquaint him with the Duke's motion; by which means
it was that the King had the firft intelligence of his departure from
Metz,though it was not before he had been eight days upon the
Road, and that it was now too late to ftop him.
The news of It is not to be imagin'd how ftrangely this news alarm'd the
the Duke of whole Court, the King openly ſaying, that he ever thought if
Efpernen's
motion car- the Duke of Efpernon could not obtain the leave he defir'd, he
would infallibly take it: but the Duke de Luines, conceiving that
(in all probability) the Duke would never have done fuch a thing
without fome defign, thought fit to try if he could not effect that
by fair means, he faw was not to be done by foul; and to that
end diſpatch'd away le Maine (otherwiſe call'd Chabans) to the
Duke, with a Letter from the King to Authorize his Voyage, to-
gether with all affurance of fatisfaction in his Affairs, as alſo a
particular complement, that he would accept of his Service, and
that all things pafs'd might be no more remembred betwixt them.
Which Envoy we ſhall in due time find upon his way.
Dijon being pafs'd, the Duke continu'd his Journey without
intermiffion, baiting, or ftaying near the great Towns, till he had
paſs'd the River Loire at Port de Vichi; from whence he fent at
new diſpatch to the King, to give him notice of his Voyage into
Xaintonge, and Angoumois; where he had (as he ſaid) no other de-
fign, than to live under his Majeſties obedience. With this dif
patch Bauffonniere Nephew to le Pleffis, (a Gentleman of as good
Parts, and as much Valour, as any other of his time) was fent
away
3
r
BOOK VII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
339
"
*
f
away to Paris, where at his arrival he was very well receiv'd; but Anno
hapning to be ftill at Court, foliciting an anſwer to his diſpatch, 1619.
when the news was brought of the Queen Mothers efcape, he
ran a very great hazard of his life, his head being often brought
into debate,that in his perſon they might puniſh the high Offenſe
done to the King by the Duke his Maſter.
ter by the
way.
Two days Journey fhort of this Port de Vichi, the Duke's
Quarter Mafters (who always carried Rucellay along with them
in diſguiſe, and who, the better to conceal him, us'd him with
no other refpect, than as a Comrade) diſcover'd two Parties of An Encoun-
Horſe ſtanding in a Field, a little diſtance from them, which at
the first fight they apprehended to be two Troops, whereof men-
tion had been made to the Duke, one of Light-Horfe belonging
to the Queen, and another of Carabines commanded by Arnout;
which he had been inform'd were diſpos'd in Garriſon near this
part of the River (out of an opinion had for fome time been en-
tertain❜d at Court, that the Duke (whether his Majeſty would
conſentor no) would infallibly undertake this Journey into Gui-
enne) to obftruct his paffage. And indeed thofe Troops had
waited fome time thereabouts; but whether it were that they
had accidentally only been Quarter'd there, or that they had been
tyr'd out with expecting, or that the coming of the Duke's great
Horſes towards Sanferra, (for they were now march'd that way)
had made them alter their defign: but ſo it was that the Duke re-
ceiv'd not the leaſt impediment from them. His people notwith-
ſtanding, ſomething furpriz'd at the fight of theſe two Troops, re-
turn'd upon the fpur to give the Duke notice of what they had
ſeen; at which intelligence, as at a thing that requir'd ſome con-
fideration, he made a little halt, when immediately with a chear-
ful and confident countenance, he ſaid to thoſe who were with
him. We are now come too far my Mafters, to return back again,
we muſt either thorow, or dye. Which being laid whilſt he was
drawing up to charge, he fent to difcover who they were; when
having word back, that they were two Gentlemen, who, being at
Suits, had rais'd men on both fides to take poffeffion of a Houſe ·
in difpute betwixt them, he continu'd on his way, this being the
only Alarm he receiv'd throughout the whole Journey.
Another
But almoſt in the fame place, at leaſt at the Pals of Briare, Anunter
which is not far from it, the Duke miſs'd very little of an Encoun- with the
ter of far greater importance; which was that with the Duke of Duke of
Guife, who was retiring, diffatisfied enough with the Court, into but a few
his Government of Provence. Neither had he been gone above hors,
two hours before the Duke arriv'd at this Paſs: whereas had he
Guife, mifs'd
Xx 2
•
had
་
340
The Hiftory of the Life of
•
PART II
Anno had the fortune to have come a little fooner, the Duke of Guiſe
1619. would doubtless have had much ado to perfwade the Court, that
The Duke
and his par-
fo pat an Encounter had not been before complotted betwixt
them. A jealouſie that the known friendſhip betwixt the Duke
and him would have rendred fo plaufible to all, that the Duke of
Guife, not feeing a poffibility of jnftifying himself againſt fo
violent a preſumption, could hardly have avoided engaging on
the Queens Party, ſeeing he muft inevitably ftand highly fufpe-
cted to the other, though the Duke of Elpernon concluding him
abſolutely engag'd in the fame defign, did not much care to fend
after him, for fear of giving the Court too great a difcovery be-
fore Affairs were yet ripe: So that by this means, and from the
very buſineſs it ſelf, wherein he was thought to be fo deeply con-
cern'd, as perhaps he was, the Duke of Guife took occafion to
make his own Game at Court, and to reconcile himſelf to the
King, and the Favourites, he fending thither, feal'd up, as he re-
ceiv'd them from the Queen, the Packets wherein the made her
application to him, to engage him in her defigns.
The twentieth day after the Duke's departure from Metz, he
arriv'd at Confolant in Angoumois; where his Son, the Archbishop
of Tholouze, together with the Sieur d' Ambleville, the King's
Lieutenant in the Province, and the Duke's moſt faithful friend,
and about three hundred Gentlemen more, came to wait upon
him. And here it was that the Duke was infinitely aftonifh'd and
furprized; he had all the way expected to find Lorme there, with
the Queens inftructions about the manner of her efcape: but his
treachery (as yet unknown to the Duke) having turn'd him quite
another way, gave the Duke reaſon to believe, either that the
Queen Mother had alter'd her reſolution, or that otherwiſe fhe
had been betray'd, and that the whole deſign had been diſcover❜d:
ty in a great The one or the other of which had been equally ruinous to him,
confufion. who muft either way be certainly expos'd fingle, and naked to
his enemies diſcretion. And as one miſchief never comes alone,
it fell out, that in the heighr of this confufion, he was affaulted by
another of no leſs moment, and that confequently added very
much to the perplexity he was in before. The man of the houſe
*Or Cuiras- where 'Rucellay, and le Pleffis lay, was one of the Gendarme of
the King's own Troop, whofe name was Betifon. This man dif-
courfing with Cadillac le Pleffis's Servant about the Affairs of the
time (the common talk of that kind of people) innocently told
him, amongſt other things, that there was a bruit in the Country,
as if the Duke were come to carry away the Queen Mother from
Blois. It could never be found out from whence this rumour
fhould
fiers.
[
t
i
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
341
Anno
fhould ariſe, for it was fo great a fecret in the Duke's own Fa-
mily, that the very perfons who were continually employ'd init, 1619.
had not the leaſt inckling thereof. Infomuch that Cadillac,who was
himſelf as ignorant as the reft, told his Mafter this ſtory for ari-
diculous thing: but le Pleffis, who took it after another manner,
and that on the contrary was aſtoniſh'd to the laſt degree,'that an
affair which had been carried on with the greateft fecrefie imagin-
able, ſhould become the diſcourſe of the people, went immediate-
ly to acquaint Rucellay with what he had heard, who being no
leſs ſurpriz’d, than he, they went both together to the Duke, who
was yet the moſt amaz'd of the three, and who by this was ſtill
more confirm'd in his former belief, that he was abandoned, and
betray'd, wherein also the appearances were fo great,that his opi-
nion was not indeed much to be contradicted.
Le Pleffis
cover how
Le Pleffis, who had waded very deep into this Affair, could by
no means perſwade himſelf that the Queen had any ways alter'd
her refolution, yet did he not know what to say to her filence; He
faw his Mafter's Enterprize was no more a fecret, and that confe-
quently he could not, without eminent danger make a longer
ſtay at Confolant, his refidence in that little place giving too ma-
nifeſt evidence of ſome fecret defign. The confideration where-
of made him refolve generously to expoſe himſelf to ſearch out
the truth of the buſineſs, and to clear thofe doubts the Duke was
in at the hazard of his own life. In the clofe of the evening there-
fore he departed from Confolant upon his own Horſes, to go take takes a jour
poft at Chaſtelloraut, and from thence to Loches; where, as he ney to dif
pafs'd by he was to make ſure of la Iliere, Governour of that place Affairs
under the Duke of Efpernon. This Gentleman, however faithful, ftood.
and affectionate to the Duke his Mafter and Benefactor, was ne-
vertheleſs at the first propofal very much furpriz'd with the
greatness of this deſign, and to fuch a degree that he could not on
the fudden prevail upon himſelf to embark in an Affair, wherein
he diſcover'd ſo eminent, and inevitable danger: Infomuch that
le Pleffis not being able to overcome his apprehenfions, and aver-
fions,at this firſt Conference,durft proceed no further in his Jour-
ney, it being above all things neceſſary to make ſure of Loches. In
the interim he faw he loft a great deal of time, and the Queen he
knew, if ſhe continu'd in her firſt reſolution, muſt needs be in
great anxiety, and fufpenfe. He had moreover great reafon to be-
lieve that the news of the Duke's Voyage was by this time arriv'd
at Court, and that then all poffible diligence would be us'd (what-
ever they might be) to prevent his defigns. In which perplexity,
not daring to depart from Loches, without having firft made
Iliere
342
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II,
Anno Iliere firm to their purpofe; or at least till the Archbishop of Tho
1619. louze (who was to follow prefently after him) fhould come to ſe-
An unex-
cure the place, that being defign'd for the Queens first retreat, he
found a neceffity upon him of committing the fecret of this great
and important Affair to Cadillac's fidelity and difcretion: Cal-
ling him therefore to him, entreating, and conjuring him to be
faithful, with great promifes of reward, he deliver'd him Letters
for the Queen, with two or three words to the Cotint de Brenne,
that he might by his favour be admitted to her Majefties prefence.
The Count had hitherto, 'tis true, been entrusted with no fyllable
of the defign; but le Pleffis knew him to be very faithful to the
Queen his Miftrifs, and that they had ufually apply'd themfelves
to him to obtain Accefs, for feveral private Meflengers that had
been fent to her Majefty about this Affair. Cadillac acquitted him-
relf very well in his diſpatch, he came to Blois, prefented his Let-
ter to the Count de Brenne, and was by him that very night preſen-
ted to the Queen, who entertain'd him fome time alone in her
Cabinet; and who after having heard the humble requeft he
made in his Maſters behalf, that her Majefty would pleaſe to ſend
ſome truſty perſon to Montis (a poft ftage diftant only from
Blois) with whom he might the next day confidently confer. She
made anſwer that ſhe had no foul about her whom ſhe durft truft;
but that he ſhould immediately back to le Pleffis,to tell him from
her, that without ſtaying at Montis, he fhould come on as far as
the Suburbs of Blois, where at the little Moor he ſhould hear
further from her. Cadillac accordingly return'd, riding all night
back again towards his Mafter, to acquaint him with the Queens
defire, whom at his arrival at Montis, he found got thither before
him: Lalliere (who had never faultred in his duty, and whom
the fear of his Mafter's fafety, rather than any confideration of
his own, had made a little ſhie at firft) being upon better delibe-
ration now refolute to run the Duke's fortune, having it fhould
ſeem fet le Pleffis at liberty to purfue his Journey: wherein never-
theleſs he light upon an Encounter by the way, that had again al-
moſt overthrown the whole defign; and that had certainly done
it, had he not by his dexterity, and the vivacity of his judgment,
manag'd it in ſuch ſort, as to make it in the end contribute much
to the good fuccefs of the Affair in hand.
You have already heard that upon the first intelligence the
pected and Court receiv'd of the Duke of Efpernon's departure from Metz,
Luines had diſpatch'd away le Maine to him with an approbation
of his Journey from the King; and it now fell out that this Gen-
tleman in purſuance of that diſpatch, hapned to meet le Pleffis
important
Encounter
upon the
way.
upon
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
343
ད
h
1
upon the Road betwixt Ambois, and Blois; an Encounter that
did not a little furprize le Pleffis, who knew him to be a fubtle
man, and no very good friend to the Duke, by whom he con-
ceiv'd he had not been fo well us'd, as he deferv'd to be. Neither
was there any poffibility of paffing by him unknown, they had
been too long acquainted at Court for that; and it was much to
be fear'd, left the meeting of le Pleffis upon this Road might make
le Maine penetrate into the truth of his defign, and conlequently
endeavour to obftruct it. In this apprehenfion, I have heard le Plef
fis fay, That he was once in mind to have kill'd him; though
confidering that an act of that nature was likely to draw after it
conſequences that might utterly overthrow the Affair he had in
hand, he quickly alter'd that refolution; conceiving it therefore
better not to avoid his Encounter, he went chearfully up to him,
where after he had ſome time entertain'd him with great demon-
ftrations of intimacy, and friendſhip, he fo order'd the matter,
that he (without diſcovering the true intent of his own) got out
of le Maine the bufinefs of his Journey, which was, that he was
fent by the King, and the Duke de Luines to the Duke of Efper-
non, to let him know that his Majefty was very well fatisfied with
his expedition, and that Luines defir'd to be his Servant. In or-
der whereunto, having further enquir'd of le Pleffis where he
might find the Duke, he made anſwer, that certainly at Angou-
le/me, where he arriv'd two days before he came from thence. Af-
ter this manner did le Pleffis difingage himſelf from this danger-
ous encounter, diverting le Maine from the way to Loches, whither
before he was going, to go enquire upon the Poft Road fome
more certain news of the Duke: Whereas had he held on his
way, and met him at Loches, as infallibly he had, the Queens Af-
fairs had yet been in very great danger, le Maine returning in all
diligence to Court, having had leiſure enough to give Luines time,
either to prevent the Queen Mothers efcape, or at leaft to have ta-
ken her upon the way, had fhe been gone from thence, Loches be-
ing but one days Journey Poft from Paris.
is
Anno
1619.
Blois, is fe-
1
the Queens
This untoward accident thus fhuffled off, and le Pleffis being Le Plessis
inform'd by Cadillac of the Queen Mothers order for him to ming to
come into the Suburbs of Blois, he fail'd not to execute her com- cretly ad-
mands; where he was no fooner arriv'd, but that the Count de mitted into
Brenne's Steward came to feek him, to guide him to the Caftle, Chambers
and to lodge him in the Anti-Chambre of the Count his Maſter.
Night therefore being come, he was accordingly by him condu-
cted thither, when, ſo foon as every body was retir'd, and the
Queen left at liberty, and alone, fhe fent for him into her Cham-
}
ber,
i
す
​Ի
344
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
J
Anno ber, to confult with him what remain'd to be done; where af-
1619. ter he had in few words given her an accompt of the long, and
{
Cr
cc
dangerous Voyage his Mafter had undertaken, out of the fole,
and paffionate defire he had to ferve her, and that he had ac-
knowledged that obligation in the handſomeft manner the could
by words expreís, le Pleffis proceeded to repreſent to her Majeſty
the many dangers that attended this delay, remonftrating to her:
"That it was now a great while fince the Duke's departure from
"Metz: That he had already waited four or five days in a Vil-
"lage, in expectation of her Majefties Commands in order to her
efcape: That the true defign of the Duke's Journey (though
"he believ'd it had no other ground than meer fufpicion) was
already become the common difcourfe of the people: That he
“had met le Maine going towards the Duke, upon the intelli-
gence had already been carried to Court of his departure from
Metz; and that therefore it was very requifite her Majefty fhould
"make immediate ufe of the prefent occafion, which perhaps
might in two days be irrecoverably loft. To which the Queen
made anſwer: "That she was of his opinion, and that therefore
"they were then inftantly tó refolve upon the order, and the
"the means of her eſcape. Whereunto le Pleffis having reply'd,
That that depended chiefly upon fome man of Truft: The
Queen made anſwer again: "That fhe had not one about her
r (Chanteloube the only man of all her domeſticks, to whom ſhe
had entruſted the fecret of that Affair, being diſpatch'd away
to the Princes, and Lords, which the either conceiv'd already
ર were, or foon would be engag'd in her Quarrel) in whom ſhe
"durft confide.
r
CC
CC
Whereupon, le Pleffis conceiving there might be fomething of
the humour of her Sex, or Nation, in ſo general a diſtruſt, of his
own accord propos'd to her the Count de Brenne who,he ſaid,had
fufficiently manifefted his fidelity in thofe Services he had already
perform'd. A propofition the Queen did not ſeem abfolutely to
reject, ſaying (which are her own very words), That 'twas true
The believ❜d. the Count to be a man of honour, but that notwith-
ſtanding ſhe thought him very young for the conduct of fo im-
portant an Affair. Which ſcruple being ſatisfied by le 'Pleffis, un-
dertaking to make him capable enough; and feeing it was necef-
ſary to truft ſome one of the Queens domefticks, he thought a
man of his condition, her Majefties Gentleman of the Horſe,
and Brother to the Marquis de Mony, a moft paffionate Servant
of hers, was the moft proper of all others to be made uſe of in
this occafion. And accordingly, though it was then very far in
the
}
"
}
1
BOOK VII. the Duke of Efpernon.
345
I
J
far in the night, went immediately to talk with him about it;
to whom (after he had felt his pulſe a while, and found him very
ready to undertake any thing for her Majeſties Service he at laſt
declar'd the reſolution had been taken, to deliver the Queen Mo-
ther out of her captivity: a defign, that he told him was to be ex-
ccuted by a perfon of very great quality, 'concealing however the
Duke of Efpernon's name) who had drawn great Forces together
in his Government, to favour her Majefties retreat; and in conclu-
fion, that therefore he was the very next day to take order for Lad-
ders, to get the Coaches ready, and to lay in freſh Horles, with
all the fecrefie he in his own diſcretion fhould think fit, to the end
that the night following without further delay her Majeſty might
be reſtor❜d to her former Freedom. Not forgetting withal to re-
commend to his confideration, what he might expect from the
gratitude of a Miftrifs, reftor'd again to the whole fway of Af-
fairs, her due Authority, and Greatness; befides the honour he
would infallibly acquire to himſelf in fo glorious an occafion.
J
Anno
1619.
Preparation
for the
Queens ef-
The Count thus prepar'd and inftructed, accordingly made pro- Prepare
vifion of all things neceffary for the defign; and le Pleffis him-
felf remaining conceal'd in the Queens Cabinet (either to be, as cape.
it were,a Hoſtage for his Maſter's fidelity, or to be preſent with his
directions in the execution of the defign) fent Cadillac only back
to the Archbiſhop of Tholouze, to acquaint him with the Queens
readineſs, the night following to make her efcape. The Archbi-
fhop, who was to part from Confolans immediately after le Pleffis,
had order to advance no further than Loches (that place being de-
fign'd for the Queens firſt reception) only to clear the Road in or-
der thereunto: but le Pleffis by Cadillac intreated him to advance
as far as Montrichart, which was half way betwixt Blois and Lo-
ches; affuring him that the Queen would infallibly come thither
the night following, which hapned to be the 22. of Feb. an exact
month to a day after the Duke's departure from Metz. Cadillac
therefore poſted with extraordinary diligence back again to Lo-
ches to meet the Archbishop there; where being come, he found
not only the Son, but the Father allo, entring together the Sub-
urbs of the City. The reafon of which was, that though it had
been at firft refolv'd, the Son fhould go before with twenty or
thirty Gentlemen only, to make the leſs noiſe, and give the leſs
fufpicion; yet could not the Duke his Father, when it came to't,
confent to let him go fo flenderly attended, where he apprehended
the peril to be fo manifeft,and great. He knew not, in the anxiety
and doubt wherewith he was involv'd, what to think of the
Queens filence, of whom he had hitherto heard no news at all,
Y Y
to
1
346
The Hiftory of the Life of PART IL,
}
7
1
Anno
to which the rumour that was already ſpread abroad of his real
1619. design, having more encreas'd his apprehenfion,nature would not
permit him to expofe his Son to fo great an adventure, chufing
much rather to run the whole hazard together with him,
that he alone ſhould tempt the danger, whilft himſelf lay idle and
fecure.
The Duke
of Efp rnon
hears from
the Queen.
than
Cadillac, having diſcover'd them at diſtance, ſpur'd up to them,
tranfported with joy of the good news he brought; where he
gave them a full relation of what had pafs'd betwixt the Queen,
and himſelf, and of what he had in Commiffion from his Ma
fter, together with her Majefties readineſs to depart, and the ſecre
fie that had hitherto been preferv'd in the Queens Houfhold: but
he could give them no accompt, why they had heard nothing
from her Majefty at Confolans, the having deny'd to le Pleffis that
Lorms had ever been with her, as it was too true; or that fhe had
ever heard a fyilable from the Duke, fince his departure from
Metz, which she faid had put her into no little fear.
And here I cannot but wonder at the infirmities of men, and
theilproportion we may fometimes oblerve in the braveſt and
moſt heroick minds. The Duke of Efpernon had for fix months
together been continually projecting this defign, had forefeen all
the accidents could happen, was come from Metz for no other
end, an had wiſh'd for nothing more than to fee things at the
pals they now were: notwithſtanding all which he was ftrange-
İy aſtoniſh'd at this news, and the immediate fight of the object
reprefenting to his imagination at once, what he had only confi-
der'd by particulars before, he feem'd to ftagger in his reſolution
whether he ſhould procced any further or no in an Enterprize,
the laſt Act whereof could only crown all the reft, and fecure him
for what was already done. He made Cadillac repeat above an
hundred times in less than half an hour, what the Queen, and
what his Mafter had faid, with what he had himself obferv'd:
when fuddenly, and of himſelf, grown generoully refolute in his
first defign, he commanded Cadillac to return immediately to le
Plefis, and to affure him, that the night following, the Archbi-
fhop his Son with fifty Light-Horfe fhould infallibly be ready at
Montrichart, and that the next day after himſelf would follow with
the rest of his party, to receive the Queen, and to fecure her re-
treat,
ſhould any thing upon the way be attempted againſt her.
The end of the Seventh Book.
THE
+
4
34.7
||
In
7
いよ
​THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
*
The Eighth Book.
the 1619.
F the Duke had on his part been alarm'd Anno
with theſe jealoufies and miftrufts
Queens Servants on the other fide were in no The Queen
leſs diffidence and fear. Theſe were upon this prepares for
occafion reduc'd to a very contemptible
•
her eſcape.
* Exempts
the Royal
penſe for
number; wherein I cannot but admire, that
in fo plentiful a fortune, as this Princeſs was des Gardes
Miſtriſs of (notwithſtanding her diſgrace) there was ſo little fide- are old
lity to be found amongft her people, that the durft entrust the fe- Soldiers of
cret of this Affair to but four of her domefticks only. Of theſe Guards,who
the Count de Brenne was the chief, the others were Mazure, and as a recom-
du Lion Exempts of her Guards, and Katherine one of the wo- their long
men of her Chamber, an Italian, and exceeding faithful. Theſe Services are
priviledg'd
being all ſtrangers to le Pleffis (and the Duke of Efpernon being and exempt
not as yet declar'd undertaker of the Enterprize) difputed very
ftiffly againſt her Majefties refolution, as being very unwilling to Imports,
confent ſhe ſhould commit her fafety to perfons altogether un- common to
known. The debate whereof was very hot in the Queens Closet, the people.
Y y 2
whilft
from Duty,
Taxes, and
the rest of
1
HAL
348
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
Anno whilft in the mean time her Cabinets were packing up with her
1619. choiceft Jewels, where though they could not very well approve
4
ſo
of the thing, yet had they not however neglected to fix the Lad-
ders; and Cadillac who had fet out of Loches by eight of the
clock that evening, was got betwixt twelve and one, upon the
Bridge of Blois, to give the laſt blow to the defign. He was
here ftaid by the Count de Brenne's Gentleman of his Horfe, and
one of the Queens Footmen, who had been to convey the Coach
out of Town, and who had orders to fuffer one Currier only to
paſs; which, though this were the man intended in that direction,
yet would they not permit him to pass upon his own word, but
would themſelves go along with him to the Caftle, though he
had taken fo exact obfervation before of the way from without
the City, to the Ladders that he ferv'd for a guide to thofe, who
pretended to conduct him. In the heat therefore of this diligence,
he was not long e're he recover'd the firft Ladder, by which ha-
ving mounted the Terrafs, he went to the fecond, which from
the Terraſs lead up to the Queens Cloſet Window, by which the
was to come out. Being got up to the Window, which he found
fhur, he there heard the noiſe the Queens Servants made in their
Debate; who were not yet to be perfwaded out of the apprehen-
fions they had conceiv'd of her Majefties perfon, and fafety.
Which firſt fears had been infinitely augmented, by the recovery
of the Packet entruſted to Lorme, and retriv'd by le 'Büiſſon,which
the Queen had but that very night, and almoft at the fame inftant
receiv'd by which, though they were fatisfied the treachery had
fail'd of its effect, that knowledge was nevertheleſs ſo far from
making them ſecure, that on the contrary it awak'd their jealouſie,
and by rendring them more apprehenfive of others which they
doubted might fucceed, made them more circumfpect than be-
fore: Wherein though the Queen appear'd the leaſt ſurpriz'd, yet
did fhe not think it as yet convenient to discover the perfon who
was to affift her in this eſcape. Whilft they were in this fufpenfe,
·Cadillac knock'd at the Window, who brought news that would
fatisfie all their doubts. The Window was preſently open'd to
Floze his man (that being the phraſe) who was no fooner with-
in the Cabinet, but that tranfported with joy, to fee things fo
well prepar'd, he threw himself at her Majefties feet, telling her,
that now all things were in as good a pofture, as her Majeſty
could her felf defire; that Monfieur d' Efpernon was at Loches,
Monfieur de Tholouze at Montrichart, and with them three hun-
dred Gentlemen ready to ferve, and attend her Majefty, whither-
foever ſhe ſhould be pleas'd to go. This was the firft time the
Duke
H
לי
יד ולן
+
+
BOOK VIII.
the Duke of Efpernon.
349
Anno
#
goes out of
:
Duke of Epernon had been mention'd in all this Affair, whofe
name was no fooner heard by the Queens domefticks, but that it 1619.
clear'd them of their former apprehenfions, no one after that in
once offering to oppoſe their Miltriffes refolution. They making
no doubt, but that a man whoſe wiſdom and power were fo ge-
nerally known, had taken order for all things neceffary for the
Queens, and his own particular fafety. Here then was a fudden
change of faces, not a perfon in the Cabinet, who diſcover'd not
alacrity and fatisfaction in their looks; eſpecially the Queen, who
without loſing more time, her felf gathering up her Gown, that
fhe might at better convenience get out of the Window, gave the The Queen
Count de Brenne her hand, who went out before her, her Majefty the window
following next, le Pleffis the third, and after him all the reft. The of her Ca-
Queen had found ſo much difficulty, and trouble in this firſt de- biret.
fcent, that she had no mind to make ufe of the Ladder, to go
down from the Platform into the ſtreet of the Suburb, chuling
rather (the earth being mouldred down in many places, by rea-
fon the Terraſs was not yet fac'd with ftone) to fit upon a Cloak,
which being leiſurely drawn down, convey'd her to the bottom
with very great eaſe. The reft, either by the fame way, or by the
Ladder fuddenly follow'd, when the Queen being immediately
taken by the arms by the Count de Brenne, and le Pleffis.as they
were leading her along the Suburbs, they chanc'd to meet fome of
her own Officers; who fecing a woman led betwixt two with-
out a Torch, concluded her to be a Wench; which the hearing,
faid laughing to le Plejfis, They take me for a good one. Yet did not
thefe encounters hinder them from fuddenly recovering the
Bridge, where they were to take Coach; but being come where
they expected to find it, there was no Coach to be ſeen, nor any
body left to tell them which way 'twas gone. So that here they
were in a new diſorder. The Queen knew not what to think of
her people, nor le Pleffis what to imagine of the thing: they be-
gan to fufpect one another, and (as it happens in all dangerous
occafions) every one was fo intent upon their own particular
concern, that no one had referv'd fo much judgment as to adviſe
what was beſt to be done. In this general jealouſie, and conſter-
nation, comes one of the Queens Footmen, to guide them to the
Coach; which they had convey'd into a little blind lane out of the
way, that it might not be taken notice of by fuch as fhould have
occafion to go over the Bridge. This fear then being then blown
over,all paſt jealouſies and apprehenfions now vaniſh'd,and were
forgot. The Queen put her felf into the Coach,with the.Count de
Brenne, le Pleffis, and Katherine, the reft had all Horfes ready to
mount,
1
:
ין
350
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno mount; the Queens Cabinets alfo were all thrown into the
1619. Coach, one excepted, which by overfight was left upon the place;
The Queen
Mother is
the Duke of
Efpernon.
receiv'd by
but being mifs'd, before they had gone two hundred paces, was
fent back for, and found; and it was worth the labour, having
in it Jewels, to the value of above an hundred thouſand Crowns.
And this was the laft alarm. They went out of the Suburbs, the
Torches were lighted, and the Queen held on her Journey to-
wards Montrichart, without any further adventure worth re-
peating.
It hath already been faid, that the Archbishop of Tholouze
had taken with him fifty Gentlemen to advance as far as Montri-
chart, to fecure that little Town; of which party Rucellay was
one. They had over night poffefs'd themſelves of the Gates, to
be Maſters of the Bridge, which affords paffage over the River,
that almoſt environs the Town, neither were they ordered to
ftir from thence but le Fleffis, fearing the Queen fhould meet
any accident, or receive any fright by the way, diſpatch'd again
Cadillac in all diligence to the Archbishop, to give him notice of
her Majefties coming;and withal to defire him to ſend out twelve,
or fifteen Gentlemen to meet her for her further affurance.:
which was preſently done, and Rucellay would needs command
the Troop, whilft the Archbishop ftaid behind to guard the Paſs;
which, fhould it have been obftructed, would infallibly have
overthrown the whole deſign.
)1
Not long after Rucellay's departure, the Queen arriv'd at Mont-
richart, where ſhe was complemented by the Archbishop, and
Whence (flaying no longer there, than freſh Horſes could be put
into the Harness) fhe continued her Journey towards Loches,
better attended than hitherto fhe had been. About a League on
this fide the City, fhe was niet by the Duke of Efpernon, with a
hundred and fifty Horſe (what Gentlemen, and what of his own
Guards) he having difmifs'd moſt of the Gentry, as not neceſſary
upon this occafion. At this meeting the Queen deliver'd the moſt
paffionate expreffions of Obligation,together with the largeſt pro-
miſes of a grateful return, a Princess of her condition could pof-
fibly make to a Servant who had fo highly merited from her;
which the Duke having receiv'd with all becoming refpect, he
was by the Queen commanded to come into the Coach; where
being feated, the began to tell him of Lorme's treachery, of which
till this inftant he knew nothing; proceeding to acquaint him
with greater liberty, than by Letter before fhe durft do, with her
defigns; naming to him the perfons fhe conceiv'd ſhe had won
over to her party, and giving him hopes of feveral things which
not-
1
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
351
1
notwithſtanding fucceeded not according to her expecta- Anno
tion.
18ig.
The Queens eſcape had been carried with that fecrefie, that not
a foul in the Caftle had perceiv'd it; fo that it was far in the
morning, when the domefticks appointed for the Service of her
Majefties perfon(ſeeing themſelves not call'd to their ordinary em-
ployments, and not knowing what to think of fo profound a
fleep) refolv'd to venture into the Queens Chamber: Where be
ing enter'd, and not ſeeing the Queen, they look'd for Katherine,
•who likewife was no where to be found. Every one therefore be-
ing amaz'd at ſo ſtrange a Solitude, they fought,and call'd, but all
in vain: neither could they imagine which way they could be
gone, the Ladders, by which the Queen had gone down, having
been thrown into the River, the better to conceal the manner of
her eſcape. At laft having been ſome time in fufpenfe, they had
ſome news of the Queens motion, which begot a new aſtoniſh-
ment amongſt them, though proceeding from feveral motives.
The moſt faithful and affectionate were glad fhe had recover'd her
liberty, whereas thoſe who had been corrupted by the Favourite
(which were very many) fearing on the one fide they ſhould ſtand
fufpected at Court, to have been affifting to the Queen in her de-
fign, and on the other, left her Majefty (well inform'd of their in-
fidelity) fhould punish them according to their defert, knew not
which way to turn, nor what to do. Whilft they were in this
confufion, her Majefty writ to the Marquise de Guercheville her
Lady of Honour, to let her and the reſt of her women know of
her arrival at Loches; where fhe would ftay two days to expect
them, and where both they, and her other Servants, who had a
mind to come to her fhould be welcome, excepting five and forty,
or fifty which (as ſuſpected to her) fhe gave order fhould be turn'd
away; withal that fuch as could not come time enough to Lo
ches, might find her at Angouleme, whither he was defign'd to
go.
The Queen no fooner ſaw her felf at full liberty, but that fhe
began to meditate of the means to defend her ſelf from the Fa-
vourite's perfecution, which in all probability was likely to be vio-
lent enough; as alſo to give the Duke the beft colour fhe could,
to juftifie what he had done. To this purpoſe therefore fhe deli- begins to
ver'd him the original of the Letter the King had ſent her under fall to her
his own hand; whereby fhe was permitted to go whither she bufinefs, and
would, into any part of the Kingdom: Which Letter she alfo ac- place en-
companied with another from her felf to the Duke, a few days deavours to
antidated, and after the time of his arrival at Confolans; wherein eſcape.
shc
The Queen
Mother ar
rives at
Loches.
The Queen
in the first
juſtifie her
J
352
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno she entreated his affiſtance in the profecution of her deſign. By
1619. which means the Duke was clear'd of the imputation, the Court
laid to his charge, that he had taken away the Queen by force, and
againſt her will; which had been a crime as well towards the Mo-
ther, as the Son. The two Letters were theſe.
<c
The King's Letter to the Queen under his own hand.
Madam,
;
"Having understood you have an intention to vifit fome Religious pla-.
" ces, I am infinitely Jatisfied with the news, and shall be much more, if
for the future you would refolve to stir, and travel more abroad, than
hitherto you have done as I conceive it may conduce much to your
health, which is exceeding dear unto me. If my Affairs would per-
mit, I would with all my heart accompany you in my own perfon, as I
fhall do with my Letters to the places where you go; to the end you may
be receiv'd, respected, and honour'd equally to my self, who am, more
"than can be exprefs'd,
(c
رما
From Paris this laſt
of October 1618.
Madam,
Your moſt humble,and obedient Son
Lovis.
"C
،
cc
6C
The Queen Mothers Letter to the Duke of Eſpernon, deliver'd
Coufin,
to him with the former.
I stand oblig'd to reprefent to the King my Son, the general Dif-
contents of his people at the ill management of his Affairs, and the
troubles, which by reafon of his Nobilities being abfent from him, I
apprehend will ensue, to the prejudice of his Crown and Kingdom. A
duty, which as all good men inform me it is particularly mine, I refolve
to perform, though I were certain to lose thereby that little'remains to
me both of liberty, and life. Both which you may fecure by permit-
<c ting me to this effect to retire my felf first to Loches, and then to
Angoulefme, and by aßifting me in my way with your company, and
advice: wherein if neither the neceßity, nor the justice of my inten-
tions can prevail upon you; yet the reading this inclofed from the
King my Son ought to do it by which you will fee he permits me to
to travel whither I think fit, expreßing a defire that his Subjects
"fhould, in all places where I go, pay me all honour, and respect equal to
"his own perfon: though I intend to make no other use of it, than what
cc
"C
ec
"C
N.
"Mall
}
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
353
tr
CC
fhall be confiftent with the good of his own Service. Which, being per- Anno
form'd, I do promife, and proteft anto you, that when his own good na 1619.
<< ture fhall be as free, as my word is now, he himſelf ſhall thank
you for
"the aẞistance you have given me in an occafion fo important to him, and
"his own particular Affairs. The rest I will commit to the fidelity of this
"bearer, that is, as to the time and manner of my removal, wherein I
conjure you not to fail: without nevertheless enjoyning you, either fe-
crefie, or care, which your own wisdom will inform you to be very re-
quifite: Only I shall tell you, that by this you will eternally oblige me
to you and yours. So praying God to infpire you with this good delibe-
ration, and to give you all the fatisfaction I defire. I rest,
cc
(C
cc
From Blois the 14. of
cc
(C
CC
February, 1619.
Your very good Coufin,
4
Marie.
who
Mothers
Letter to
King.
This Letter of Rucellay's ftyle (who now (although a ftranger)
undertook nevertheleſs to ſerve the Queen in the nature of a Se-
cretary) being diſpatch'd,it was neceffary they should think alſo of
writing to the King, to give his Majefty notice of the Queens
removal, and of the defign she had to retire her felf to Angouleme :
In which Letter she reprefented, "The ill ufage she had for fome The Queen
' time ſuffer'd at Blois, doubtless without his Majefties intention;
"but through the fole Tyranny of ſome about his perſon,
"exercis'd no leſs Authority over his Majefties own Royal difpo
fition; whoſe infolence, and cruelty defcending from her upon
"moſt of the great men of the Nation, she had very great reaſon
to fear, that ſo many men of quality being difcontented, and
thoſe diſcontents concurring with the diffatisfaction of the peo-
ple, oppreſs'd by all forts of violence, would, in the end, be the
"ruine of his Kingdom. That therefore she had put her felf into
liberty, that she might at greater convenience reprefent to his
"Majefty matters of fo high importance to him, and his Affairs;
"and had chofen to retire her felf into the Duke of Efpernon's Go
vernments, by fo much the rather, by how much his fidelity,
and good affection to the Crown, had never fuffer'd the leaft
difpute: That the late King her Lord, and Husband, out of
"the teftimonies he had receiv'd of his Vertue, and Integrity,had,
but a few days before his death, advis'd her to repofe her confi
"dence in him, above all other great Minifters of the Kingdom,
"and that therefore she conceived she could not erre in following
the advice of fo mighty a Prince, and in committing her felf to
the conduct of fo faithful a Servant.
tr
“
cr
CC
cc
cc
te
r
From Loches the 25th. of Feb. 1619.
Zw Z
The
354
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
Anno
The King's
anſwer to
Mother.
tr
t
(
CC
The King had no fooner receiv'd this Letter, but that the Fa-
1619. vourites began to ftudy an anſwer; which, though it were in
ſhew reſpective enough to the Queen, was yet full of threats to-
wards the Duke. Wherein after his Majeſty had expreſs'd to the
the Queen Queen his aftoniſhment at the violence the Duke of Efpernon had
committed upon her perfon, he went on with great heat to de-
clare: "That of all others he could never have fufpected an of-
fenſe of that nature, believing there had not been that man in
“the world, who, in a profound and inviolate peace, had had the
impudence (which were the exprefs terms of the Letter) not
only to execute,but even to meditate a refolution to attempt up-
on the liberty of the Mother of his King. From whence his
Majeſty proceeding to menaces of the moſt ſevere, and exempla-
ry puniſhment, he in the end juftified thoſe about his perſon
"from the ill ufage whereof fhe complain'd; as having been done
"by his own order, and that with as much favour and reſpect as
any Son of a much inferiour Birth, could pay to a Mother:
declaring withal, that he was refolv'd to take Arms, thereby to
put her in full poffeffion of that liberty, her enemies had taken
"from her; and to caufe the honour, and refpect to be paid her
"which was due to her perfon. The reft was committed to the
Count de Bethune, who was fent away with this diſpatch, and
who was to refide with the Queen to treat with her about an Ac-
commodation; a Treaty his Majefty immediately fet on foot,not
thinking it fit, till that way had first been try'd, to commence a
War, wherein the Queen his Mother would be head of the ad-
verfe party: A refpect that did not long continue.
The Count
de Bethune
fent to the
Queen
to
treat with
her.
prepares for
a War.
cr
<c
Whilft Bethune with this Commiffion took the way to Angou-
leſme, the Queen Mother, who departed from Loches the fame day
The Queen that the fent her Letter to Court, was there arriv'd. It was upon
the first of March, 1619. that she enter'd the City; where she was
no fooner come, but that ſhe diſpatch'd away to all parts, to dif-
pofe thoſe who had promis'd to engage in her quarrel, to declare
now in her favour. Moft of the Grandees of the Kingdom were
at this time retir'd from Court, and almoſt all diffatisfied with
the preſent Government; yet whether it were (as I have faid) that
feeing the Duke of Efpernon had already fo engrols'd the entire
honour of the Action, they could not in reafon expect to fhare
with him, who had alone executed the moft glorious, and dan-
gerous part of the defign; or that they had been taken off by the
Favourites promiles (who in this juncture had not neglected to
falls uron of prevent the effect of their diſcontents) however it was, they were
Efpernon. glad to do their own work at the Duke's expenfe, and as they had
The whole
burden
whereof
had
t
•
BOOK VIII.
the Duke of Efpernon.
355
had no hand in the action, would not in the leaft appear in the
Queens behalf.
t.
The Duke of Efpernon therefore, with fuch Friends, and Ser
vants as he had, müft alone ftand the brunt of the Royal Arms,
and undergo the utmoſt effect of his Majefties indignation. The
Queen 'tis true granted out feveral Commiffions, and disburst
fome money, not confiderable, for Leavies; all which, though it
fignified little to the work, yet had ſhe betwixt five and fix thou-
fand foot, and betwixt eight and nine hundred Horſe, that were
rais'd in the Duke's Governments by his own intereft. He had
from the beginning of the Queens Regency made provifion of
Arms for ten thouſand Foot, and fix hundred Horfe, which
were now taken out, and of fo great uſe, that could the Friends
he had in Guienne have affifted him according to their affections,
he had upon his own accompt rais'd a very confiderable Army:
But the Duke of Mayenne, who was Governour of that Pro-
vince, having in this occafion been prepoffefs'd by the Favourite,
(by whom the command of the Army that was to go against the
Queen, was conferr'd upon him) it was not likely he fhould fuf-
fer thoſe Troops to go out of his Government, which were to
be employ'd against him; yet did not the Duke fail however of a
very confiderable fuccour from thence; fo great an affection, and
eſteem they had for him in that Countrey: the Marquis de Mont-
ferrant, and Foncaude Brothers, the Count de Calonges, and fome
other Gentlemen of quality, all confiderations laid apart, expo-
fing themſelves freely to the perfecutions of the Court, and the
diſpleaſure of a powerful Governour, to pay that duty they ow'd,
and had sworn to the Duke of Efpernon, though having opportu-
nity to draw away their men by Files only, and that with great
difficulty and danger, they could not ferve him fo effectually as
they defir'd.
If the Queen found her ſelf thus weak in the place where fhe was
in perſon, her party was in no better a condition in other parts of
the Kingdom. The Duke of Bouillon himſelf, of whom the Mar-
quis de la Valette thought himſelf ſecure, refufing fo much, as to
declare for the Queen, who having long expected what the firſt
fuccefs of Arms, and the iffue of the Queens Declarations
would be, and ſeeing neither the one, nor the other (which no-
velty often renders vigorous, and confiderable) had produc'd any
fignal effect; he was content to fit neuter and to attend the event:
by whofe example, fome other perfons of condition, who had en-
gag'd to take Arms in Champagne, Ficardie, and the neighbouring
Provinces, and that had been made to believe the Duke of
Za Z 2
Bouillon
Anno
1619.
1
356
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART IL
Anne Bouillon would head them, refus'd likewife to ftir, all the moſt
1619. zealous, and affectionate to the Queens Service could do, being to
The Favou-
fully arm
*A fire En-
come in in their own perſons, which fignified no great matter. Of
which number were the Marquis de Môny, Breauté, Bourbonne,
Bethancourt, and ſome others. The Marquis de Themines came in
alfo of another fide, though the Marefchal his Father was on the
contrary party; but it was only to command the Queens Guards,
of which he was Captain; fo that in effect the whole weight of
the buſineſs lay ſtill upon the Duke of Efpernon.
The Favourites were in a far better condition, who after they
rites power- had on all fides prepoffefs'd the minds of the great ones, and
themfelves. perverted the inclinations they might have had in favour of the
Queen Mother, had powerfully arm'd themſelves, rather indeed
againſt the Duke than her. The Duke of Mayenne was in the
head of ten thouſand Foot, and twelve hundred Horſe (for the
most part, old Souldiers) ready to enter into Angoumsis. The
Count de Schomberg, the Kings Lieutenant under the Duke in Li-
mouſin, had receiv'd order to make Leavies, to impede thoſe the
Duke was making in that Countrey; which having done, he
foon employ'd them in an Enterprize of greater noife, than mo-
ment, though very diſadvantageous to the Queens Intereft. The
Abbey d' Vzerche in Limonfin ftood for the Queen, where fome of
her party had fortified themfelves; and the Count de Schomberg
fate down before it; whereof the Duke of Efpernon having intel-
ligence, he went in all hafte to relieve them. His diligence herein
was notwithstanding fruitless, for the playing of a Salfiſſe ha-
ving put them out of all poffible defenſe, they were forc'd to fur-
render before he came. Neither was the place any thing confide-
rable,though,in the beginning of a War the firſt ſucceſſes being of
great importance, the Duke would willingly have prevented this
difafter; which, ſeeing he could not come time enough to do, he
fet himſelf to repair that little lofs, by fome fignal advantage, he
The Duke might with great facility have obtain'd over the Count, when he
enters with receiv'd intelligence from the Queen, of the Duke of Mayenne's
his Army being entred with his Army into Angoumois. Which Army,though
it was indeed a good one, and the coming of it very well fore-
ſeen; yet its greatneſs being made more formidable by report, it
is not imagin'd to what a degree the Queen, and thoſe about her
were terrified with its approach. The Duke had taken along with
him for this expedition of Limouſin but very few Forces; but
the life and foul of the Queens party confifting in his perfon, and
experience, her Majeſty diſpatch'd away to him Poft after Poft,
with ſo much importunity, that he was in the end conftrain'd to
gine cover'd
with Lea..
ther like un-
to, but
much big-
ger than a
of Mayenne
into Angon.
mois.
•
quic
4
BOOK VIII, the Duke of Efpernon.
357
1
quit all his deſigns in Limoufin, to return back to Angel
lefme.
Before the Duke's return, the Archbishop of Tholouze, his Son,
who had ſtaid behind to command thofe Forces, had been left
with the Queen, having intelligence of the Duke of Mayenne's
motion towards Cognac, was jealous he might attempt fome-
thing upon that little Town, the fituation whereof rendred it
very confiderable, there being a ftone Bridge over the River Cha-
rente: though otherwife very weak in it felf, and without any for-
tification at all. All which notwithſtanding the Archbishop, with
two thouſand men, went, and put himself into it with a reſo-
lution either to preſerve it, or dye. So that the Duke of May-
enne,advancing to view it, was entertain'd with ſo brisk a charge,
that he had no hope of doing any good upon men fo well pre-
par'd for their defenſe. Not therefore to waste time to no pur-
pofe, he went on, and took up his quarters at Chasten-Neuf with-
in three Leagues of Angouleme; where the Duke of Efpernon be-
ing now return'd, prefented himself, and his Forces, to oppoſe
him; fo difpofing them into places of moft advantage, that the
Duke of Mayenne could make no further progrefs into the Coun-
trey: He made indeed fome light Skirmiſhes, but fuch as won no
great reputation to the one fide, or the other, whilft the Peace was
in Treating by the Count de Bethune.
It was doubtless by no ordinary conduct, that the Duke of
Efpernon, with fo few Forces as he had about him kept fo confide-
rable an Army as the King's in play, and to manage the ſeveral
forts of people he had with him, with that dexterity as to keep
them from Mutiny, and Diſorder: Such as have been engag'd in
parties where the Royal Name has been oppos'd against them, and
who have commanded men, who have had no lefs to apprehend
from the Sword of Justice, than from thofe of the Enemy, will
eafily conceive, the Duke had never greater uſe of his Prudence,
and Valour, than upon this occafion; it being certain, that had
his Authority fuffer'd by the leaft accident of that kind, he had in-
fallibly been deſerted by the greateſt part, and conſequently ex-
pos'd to his enemies diſcretion.
Anno
16ig.
If the King's Forces were thus powerful in Angoumois against The Duke
the Duke, they were every whit as confiderable in the Meßin of Nevers
with a great
Countrey, againſt the Marquis de la Valette. The Duke of Nevers Army 2-
had there an Army, nothing inferiour to that of the Duke of gaint the
Mayenne; to which outward Force he had alfo added fecret pra- la Palette at
Mirquis de
Etices within the City, and the Inhabitants whofe affections Metz.
were warp'd with the fortune of the Duke's Family (which every
one
;
358
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
J
|
P
Anno
one believ❜d to be fo deprefs'd, as never to rife again) were not
1619. the leaft part of the enemies power. In which extremity (which
could hardly be greater) the Marquis de la Valette having reinforc'd
his Garriſon, which was faithful to him, with fome Leavies that
came to him out of Lorraine (where he found very good Friends)
he fo fecur'd the place, that the Duke of Nevers from that time
forwards loſt all hopes of doing any good upon it.
The Mir-
quis de la
Valette de-
fends Metz,
It is not to be believ'd what good effects the confervation of
And by that Metz, by the vigilancy and bravery of the Marquis de la Valette,
preferves produc'd to the advantage of the Queen Mothers Affairs,
the whole
Party.
which
was no fooner perceiv'd impoffible to be taken from the Duke,but
that they began to think it unſafe to urge him to the laſt neceffity,
left an extreme delpair might prompt him to defperate refoluti-
The Peace ons ſo that the Court began now to be more facile, and flexible
to the conclufion of a Peace; the refolution whereof had hither-
to been fo highly debated, and in fo great fufpenfe.
concluded.
;
The Treaty of this Peace receiv'd, it may be imagin'd, many
difficulties, and delays, when the Count de Bethune, having open'd
the first propoſals in the beginning of March, things were not
fully concluded at the end of May. He had with his Commiffion
receiv'd expreſs inſtructions, by all means if poffible to perfwade
the Queen Mother to exclude the Duke of Efpernon from the Ar-
ticles of that Accommodation,with power, that being granted,to
promiſe her all the fatisfaction fhe could her felf defire; wherein
I have often heard the Duke highly commend not only the
Mothers ge- Queens conftancy, who would never hearken to that propofiti-
ceeding, as on, but the Count de Bethune's generofity alſo, who being him-
alſo the felf a man of great worth, and honour, could never countenance
Count de Be- fo unhandſome an advice. But what one of the King's Minifters,
The Queen
nerous pro-
thune's.
commanded, and authoriz'd by him, and importun'd by the
Duke's enemies, was afham'd to infilt upon, was nevertheleſs.
with great eagerness purfu'd by a perfon he had very highly ob
lig'd. It is of Rucellay I fpcak, who ambitious, and puft up with
a vain opinion of himſelf, and the Services he had perform'd for
the Queen, was impatient, that any one ſhould rival him in the
Queens favour, or take the freedom to oppofe his Counfels: And
it will be imagin'd by fuch as have confider'd the former paffages
of the Duke's life, he was not of an humour to be juftled, either
in the one, or the other by a man upon all accompts fo inferiour
to him. This diſparity therefore both in their perſons, and judg-
ments, which at first begot a coldness only in the Duke (who
was very unwilling (having lov'd, and efteem'd Rucellay at a very
particular rate) to withdraw his friendſhip totally from him) pro-
ceeded
A
1
BOOK VIII.
t
the Duke of Eſpernon.
359
+
•
betwixt the
ceeded at laſt (as it commonly falls out in fuch cafes) to a final Anno
and abfolute rupture betwixt them. It was at this time, and upon 1619.
this occaſion, that I withdrew my felf from Rucellay. Le Plessis, n
thereunto mov'd by the old affection he had born my Father, had
taken me from my ftudies, to place me with this man, in hopes
that one time or another I might by his favour be introduc'd A breach
into the Queens Family, but finding that after this breach I was Duke and
become ſuſpected to him, and that he look'd upon me, as one of Rucellay:
the Duke's creatures, for having only been born in his Govern-
ment, and recommended to him by one of his domeſticks, I ac-
quainted le Pleffts with my diſcontent, and the defire I had to
withdraw my ſelf from his Service; who approving my reſolu
tion, and ſpeaking of me to the Duke, he was thereupon pleas d
to receive me into his dependence, from whom I never after par-
ted till his death; nothing but that inevitable neceffity having the
power to ſeparate me from him, which was not however till af
ter thrée and twenty years, without intermiffion, I had the honour
to live in his Service. I fhall therefore henceforward be able to
ſpeak more regularly, than hitherto I have done, of the Duke, and
his Affairs, as having been an eye-witneſs of the reſt; though I can
almoſt with the fame certainty aver the truth of what I have alrea-
dy deliver'd, the teftimony of fo many famous Authors, and
what I receiv'd from perſons of great repute, now living, who
have been affifting to me in this undertaking, having no leſs au
thority with me, than what I have ſeen with my own eyes, and
collected out of my own obferuation.
The Duke was inform'd by the Queen Mother her felf of the
importunity wherewith Rucellay had prefs'd her to feize upon the
Caftle of Angouleme, demonftrating to her at the fame time with
how great facility it might be effected. Her Majefty went fome-
times to walk in the Park belonging to the Caftle, where being ad-
mitted, as ſhe ever was, without the leaft fcruple, or distrust, ſhe
might, he ſaid, without the leaft oppofition, thruft out the Baron
d'Anton, the Duke's Nephew, and under his Authority Gover-
nour of the place; which being done, fhe would, he told her, be
Miftrifs of the Duke's Fortune; whereas one might now (with
much more reaſon, than at Blois) declare her a Prifoner, being as
ſhe was at the diſcretion of her Vaſſfal: Endeavouring moreover
to render the Duke odious to her, by making his free humour,
and ſome complaints (the non-performance of fome things, had
been promis'd by the Queen, had perhaps extorted from him) ap-
pear like affronts, and indignities to her Perfon, and Honour.
But the Queen (as has been faid) nobly rejecting ſo unhandſome a
pro-
360
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno . propoſition, her felf gave the firſt intimation of it to the Duke;
1619. who incens'd, as he had juft caufe, at a practice fo foul, and an
The Biſhop
of Lucon
advice fo pernicious to his Affairs, from that time forwards for-
bore any more, either to ſpeak to, or to treat with Rucellay, though
he could by no means conſent his Servants, and particularly
Marfillac the Captain of his Guard, ſhould revenge the injury by
any outrage upon Rucellay's perfon, which he abfolutely, and ex-
prefly forbad, as to my knowledge it was high time.
+
In the heat of theſe diforders in the Queens Court, and in the
once Card; greateſt difficulty of Affairs, the Biſhop of Luçon, afterwards
nal de Riche Cardinal Richelieu, came to Angouleme; neither could he poffibly
liex comes to have arriv'd in a better time for himself: The Queen Mother was
Angoulesme.
grown weary of Rusellay's violent Counfels, and was moreover
diffatisfied with fome undecent liberties he had taken in her pre-
fence to which the Duke of Efpernon was alfo highly animated
againſt him, defiring nothing more, than his removal, or at leaſt
fome notable diſgrace, and to all this the Treaty of Accommoda-
tion was then upon the point to be concluded; fo that the Bishop
of Luçon coming at lo opportune a feaſon, could not fail of
thanks on all fides, both from the King, and Queen, how little
foever he contributed to the work, and in the mean time of be-
ing infallibly well receiv'd at the Queen Mothers Court. Which in
my opinion was a pretty criticifme in his good fortune, and from
whence he,in the revolution of time,deriv'd all thoſe other advan-
tages, that preferr'd him at laft to that height of greatnefs, to which
he afterwards arriv'd. At his coming he firft alighted at the
Duke's lodgings, proteſting he would not enter the City, 'till he
were firft fatisfied, whether, or no, it ftood with his good liking,
and afterwards entreating he would pleafe to give him leave to
make his firft Addreffes to the Queen in his Company. He was
by the Duke (for I my felf was prefent at their meeting) receiv'd
with the greateſt freedom, and friendſhip, he could poffibly expect.
or defire; and foon after they went together to the Queens
Lodgings, where her Majefty was at that time perfwaded by the
Duke to give him her Seal, which 'till then fhe had entrusted to
none, and to admit him the first in her Council, which accord-
ingly was the next day perform'd.
The reafon
of Rucellay's
retiring
Rucellay nettled to the quick, that a new comer fhould in one
day be poffefs'd of what he could not by fo many fignal Services
from Agou obtain, and impatient, that he at fo great cafe should reap the
fruits of all his care and pains, from that time forwards began to
think of retiring himself from the Queens Court, to go put him-
ſelf into the King's. Yet was it not without highly complaining
lefme.
of
BOOK VIII.
361
the Duke of Eſpernon.
1
;
of the ill ufage he had receiv'd; nor perhaps without repenting Anno
his carriage towards the Duke, who had been his very good friend, 1619.
fo long as he behav'd himſelf civilly to him. A refolution that be-
ing known to the Queen (however her felf at that time in great
diſtreſs for mony) ſhe ſent to preſent him with thirty thouſand
Crowns, as an acknowledgement of the pains he had taken in
her behalf, though he ſeeming to be more offended at that than
all the reft, that the Queen fhould think any one could fet a price
upon his Services, fcornfully refus'd it, and went to put himſelf
into the Duke de Luines his protection; where he was by that
Favourite at firſt receiv'd with great civility and refpect, and af
terwards into a very eminent degree of favour, and truft, both as
to private, and publick Affairs. The Marquis de Môny, Rucellay's
intimate friend, had fome days before preceded him in this de-
fection; the occafion of whole diſcontent was, that he had not
obtain❜d the Government of Angers, which had been granted to
the Biſhop of Luçon, for his Brother Richelieu Camp-Maſter to
the Regiment of Piedmont, at the Duke's Recommendation, who
was as folicitous of all the interefts of that Family, as his own.
orders in
Court.
The departure of theſe two Gentlemen, both of them of fo Several di
great confideration in the Queen Mother's Court, foon begot the Queen
very great diſorders there; which (as his profeffion more expos'd Mothers
him to his enemies revenge, than that of the Biſhop his Brother
did him) fell wholly at laft upon Richelieu. The Marquis de The-
mines, a very intimate friend of Kucellay's (though as ill fatisfied
as the reft) could not however leave the Queens Court, as being
ty'd there by the obligation of his Command: A confideration
that forcing him to continue there, he would nevertheleſs let his
abfent friend fee, how much he intereſted himſelf in his difgrace,
by quarrelling with thoſe he conceiv'd had moſt contributed to
it: Wherein his malice muſt of neceffity be directed againſt the
Biſhop of Luçon, and thofe of his party. Neither did the excef-
five favours they all receiv'd from the Queen,a little add to the jea-
loufie, and envy of her other Domefticks, and Servants, they ha-
ving alone obtain'd all the Governments of Anjou, granted to the
Queen in this Accommodation; neither indeed was any thing
granted, but to them, or at their request, who alone abfolutely
difpos'd of all Affairs. Themines therefore, having refolv'd to take
himſelf the revenge of all the reft, took, occafion to require
an explanation from Richelies of fome things, of very little mo-
ment, which in the heat of the Debate (as it commonly falls
out) grew at laft to an abfolute quarrel betwixt them: Wherein
having feveral times been prevented from fighting, ſometimes by
upon
A a a
1
the
+
1
362
The Hiſtory of the Life of
+
t
PART II.
Anno the friends of the one party, and fometimes of the other, one day
1619. the Marquis de Themines mounted upon a little pad Nag met Ri-
chelieu in the open ftreet; whereupon alighting from his Horſe,
they talk'd together, but not long before their Swords were out,
when the Marquis ftooping to get under Richelieu's Sword, which
was longer than his, receiv'd a thruft, which running all along
his back, rip'd up the skin only; whilft at the fame time he
ran Richelieu quite through the heart, who fell ftone dead upon
the place
without being able to utter one word. I hapned
Themines. (amongſt fome others) accidentally to be a fpectator of this Duel;
by which unfortunace thruft, how many future Offices and
Commands were made vacant? and what might not this unhap-
py man have pretended to, and expected from the infinite power
of a Brother, fo affectionate to him, had he liv'd to ſee him in
that height of greatneſs to which he afterwards arriv’d ?
Richelieu
flain by the
Marquis de
The condi-
tions of the
Peace.
>
Some days before this accident the Peace had been concluded
to both their Majefties mutual fatisfaction; wherein the Queen
(as has been laid) had granted to her the Government of Anjou,
with the Caftles of Angers, Chinon, Pont de Cé, with the other
places of that Province, being promis'd withal that fhe fhould
fee the King (as ſhe did) and from his Majeſties own mouth be
affur'd, that when ever fhe pleas'd, fhe might go to Court. As
for the Duke of Epernon, after having receiv'd a ratification from
the Queen of thofe Services he had done for her, he at laſt ſued
out his Pardon from the King, the only Pardon he ever ſtood in
need of in all his life; as having never(excepting here in the Queen
Mothers quarrel) had a hand in any commotion whatsoever.Both
he and the Marquis his Son were reftor'd to all their Eſtates, Of-
fices, and Honours, in the fame condition they were before the
War, one thing only excepted which he could by no means ob-
tain, and that was the Cittadel of Xaintes; which, that it might
not be put into an enemies hand, he was forc'd to confent it
fhould be demolish'd.
During the time of this Treaty, the Council had generally
been held in the Duke's Lodgings, where the Bishop of Luçon.
was ever very diligent: he came continually to the Duke's Table,
waiting very often in the Parlour, and in his Bed-Chamber, his
vacancies, and leiſure, an affiduity, and respect that promis'd for
the future, an inviolate love and friendſhip; the Duke alfo on
his part was infinitely obliging to him, efpoufing all his Intereſts,
and declaring himſelf upon all occafions, highly partial, and af-
fectionate to him: notwithſtanding all which, we fhall in time
ſee lo ſtrange an alteration in them both, and ſo antartick to thoſe
*
good
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
363
Π
·
good difpofitions betwixt them,as will fufficiently inform us, how
little dependence there is upon the humours of men, when an in-
confiderate paffion, a little intereſt, or (which is more light than
either) a meer jealoufie,has power in a moment to overthrow the
greatest and most inviolate friendſhip.
Anno
1619.
cy against
difcover❜d.
Whilft this Treaty was in agitation, there hapned yet another
untoward accident, though no great matter was made of it, and
that was this. A little before the conclufion of the Treaty, a A confpira-
Powder-maker of Limoufin came, and made an offer of his per- the Queen
fon to fuch, as he very well knew were enemies both to the Mother at
Angouleme
Queen, and the Duke of Efpernon, undertaking to infinuate him. Angle
felf into the Caſtle of Angouleme, and to fire the Powder in the
Magazine; the quantity whereof was fo great, as muft infallibly
have blown up the whole Town, with the Caftle, and have re-
duc'd them both to afhes: Which fellow, though taken in the
manner, and upon the point to execute his curfed determination,
had nevertheleſs no greater puniſhment for his crime, than bare
impriſonment, and that of a few days only, the Queen, it ſhould
feem, defiring no other fatisfaction, than that of having cfcap'd
the danger, nor permitting he ſhould ſo much as be put to the
*Queſtion, that she might not be obliged to an animofity againſt
thoſe who had either fuggefted to him the thought, or encourag'd
him in the execution of ſo damnable a defign: So that the Trea-
ty receiv'd no interruption by this practice, Bethune by his dexte-
rity, and prudence, bringing it in the end to a happy conclufion.
All things therefore being refolv'd upon, the King (defiring that
thofe affurances, had been given to the Queen his Mother by his
Agent, fhould be further confirm'd to her by fome perfon of
eminent condition and Authority, ſent to her on his behalf) diſ-
patch'd away the Cardinal de la Rochefoucault, whom he knew to
be a man of great conduct, and exceedingly acceptable to her.
* viz. The
Wrack.
The Duke, beginning from this time forward to live after the
rate of a man reconcil'd to his Prince, would do all the Honour
he could to his Miniſters; and therefore treated the Cardinal, and
Bethune with a magnificence that tafted nothing of the incommo-
dities of the late War: The Duke de Luines alfo defirous to re-
gain the Queens favour, and to ſatisfie her that he intended for The Queen
the future really to become her Servant, fent to her Brantes his Mother
younger Brother, and fince Duke of Luxembourg, to affure her comple-
thereof; by whom he alfo fent very civil, and obliging Letters to from Court.
the Duke of Efpernon: to which the Marriage that was celebrated Duke of
at this time betwixt the Prince of Piedmont fince Duke of Savoy, Efpernon,
and Madam Chriſtina of France, having given this Prince, toge-
A aa 2
ther
mented
And the
*
{
!
364
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
+
We are
Anno ther with Prince Thomas his Brother, accafion alfo to come pay
1619. their reſpects to the Queen; her Court feem'd, in that little place,
The Duke
of Espernon's
magnifi-
cence.
little inferiour to theKings at Paris. The change of her fortune invi-
ted moreover every day new Servants over to her, every one now
appearing as zealous to obtain her favour, as they had before been
fhie, and cold in embracing her intereft, and engaging in her
quarrel. Upon which occafion the Duke of Efpernon, though ve-
ry much incommodated with the expenſe of this War (maintain·d
almoſt throughout at his coft, and by his intereft) endeavour'd
nevertheleſs all he could to turn the beft fide outward, pouring
out himſelf in ſo many magnificences, as perhaps he never had,
in his moſt flouriſhing condition, fo fair an opportunity of ſhew-
ing the greatneſs of his mind, and fortune. After having lodg'd
the Princes of Savoy in the Palace belonging to the Biſhop of An-
goulefme, furnish'd throughout with his own rich Hangings, cm-
bofs'd with Silver and Gold, he entertain'd them with the plea-
fure of hunting a Stag, prefenting them with two very beautiful
Courfers, he had fupply'd them with for that Chace. After which
he treated them three feveral times with ſo much ſplendour, and
magnificence, that it could hardly have been greater at Paris. The
Tables which were forty times cover'd, were at every covering
ſery'd with five ſeveral Courſes; neither was the profuſion lefs
at the entertainment of the Cardinal de la Rochefoucault, and Bran-
tes, wherein if the excess made the Duke's liberality highly
eſteem'd, it gave no lefs reputation to that little Countrey, which
could of it felf furniſh all forts of provifion in ſo
great abun-
dance.
It was not by the Cardinal de la Rochefoucault alone that the
Queen Mother was complemented from the King, and affur'd
of his good inclinations, and affection to her; Luines who had a
defire fo foon as was poffible to allure her from Angou-
leſme, ſending moreover thither le Pere Berulle, at that time Gene-
ral of the Congregation of the Oratory, and fince Cardinal, to
ſettle her mind in a full confidence, and fecurity. This Father, a
man of great Vertue, and no lefs Capacity, was very acceptable
to the Queen, and in no leſs eſteem with the Duke; to whom he
had another quality of it felf fufficient to commend him, which
was his near relation to Prefident Seguier, the Duke's moſt inti-
mate friend. After this perfon had difpos'd the Queen, ſo ſoon as
ſhe could, to come to the King, he afterwards treated at great li-
berty, and freedom with the Duke in the behalf of the Favou-
rite, from whom he deliver'd him other Letters full of affectionate
expreffions; promifing him withal in his name all forts of good
Offices
J
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
365
Offices, and Service; to which the Duke having anſwer'd with Anno
the fame civility, the Queen was in all apparence likely to be ve- 1619.
ry fecure,and the Duke very well us'd for the time to come,whoſe
diſcontents, as they had been the occafion of the War, their fatis-
faction ought in all probability to have fettled the Peace of the
Kingdom; though notwithſtanding this fair outſide of Affairs
we fhall fee things fall out quite contrary in the enſuing year.
،
CC
c
c
of Espernon
Archbishop
But to go on with the Subject in hand, the Duke, feeing all The Duke
things now perfectly reconcil'd, conceiv'd it very fit for him to fends a dif-
write to the King, to excufe what was pafs'd; which he accord- patch to the
ingly did, and indeed in terms of very great fubmiffion, and re- King by the
fpect, though nevertheless far from any meanness, or ſo much as of Tholones:
acknowledgment of the leaft offenſe: "Wherein he repre-
any
"fented to his Majefty, that having obey'd the Queen his Mo-
"ther, whom he had ever known paffionately folicitous of the
Kingdoms profperity, he never ſo much as imagin'd, that the
"reverence he ſhould pay to a perfon fo nearly related to him
"could be reputed for a Crime: That although in the very act of
taking Arms (to which he found himſelf oblig'd by an inevita-
"ble neceffity) he might poffibly have given his Majefty fome
"diſta ſte,he nevertheleſs conceiv'd he had by his behaviour there-
"in ſo amply juſtified his good intention, that no impreffion
"ought to remain in his Royal Breaſt, but what ſhould be to his
advantage: That he could confidently ſay,that without ſo much
as ever reflecting upon his own grievances, and difgrace, he had
govern'd his paffion from refolutions that might evidently
"enough have fucceeded; wherein he had fufficiently manifefted
"the Reverence he bore to his Majefties Name,and Arms,though
“in the hands of his own particular enemies: That he call'd all
"good Frenchmen to the teft, whether ever his own intereſt, or
animofity had tranſported him to any action contrary to his
duty; and whether he had not ever preferv'd his fidelity unfpot-
ted, and pure, during all the diſorders of this Kingdom: That
"he had now remaining but a fhort time to live, and that he
"fhould himſelf conclude he had already liv'd too long, could
"he find himſelf guilty of the leaft thought contrary to his Ma-
'jefties Service, and his own Duty: That his Confcience being
"clear in that particular, he demanded no other recompenſe for
his Services pafs'd, than only a little repofe in his old age; ex-
pecting an occafion wherein he might honourably dye for his
Majefties Service which was the conclufion of his Letter.
Dated at Angouleme the 7th. of June, 1619. The Archbishop of
Tholouze his Son was diſmiſs'd away with this difpatch, who had
८८
"
(6
(6
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"C
te
:
alfo
366
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno alfo another Letter for the Duke de Luines, in anſwer to thoſe
1619. the Duke had receiv'd before.
Mother de-
parts from
to go to-
wards the
King.
The Queen in the mean time was preparing for her departure,
but her equipage being not to be made ready to foon as was de-
fir'd at Court, where ſhe was with great impatience expected, the
Duke de Monbazon, Father-in-law to Luines, had yet time to come
kifs her Majefties hands, which was nevertheless, by giving her
new and greater affurances of all the good ufage fhe could defire,
The Queen to press her with the fooneft to part from Angoulefme, and to fepa-
rate her felf from the Duke. In the beginning of August therefore,
Angouleme according to the Favourites defire, the departed from Angouleme;
in which Voyage the Duke only attended her to the borders of
his own Government, not caring to engage himself nearer to a
Court, to which he was fo lately reconcil'd; where the Queen at
his taking leave, after many gracious expreffions of the infinite ob-
The Queens ligation fhe had to him, preſented him with a Ring of very great
parting with value; together with a requeſt that he would continually wear it
for her fake, as he did almoſt to his death: This Ring was a Dia-
plements, mond cut into a heart, and is at this day reputed one of the fineſt
and cleaneſt for its fize in France; and this was all the Recompenſe
he receiv'd for his Service he had done the Queen, and for above
two hundred thouſand Crowns he was out of purfe upon that
accompt, which nevertheleſs was more than he expected in the
condition fhe then was; having propos'd to himſelf in the un-
dertaking no other acknowledgment, and reward, than the ho-
nour to ſerve her effectually, and well upon this occafion.-
the Duke,
her com-
and Prefent.
The Queen after her departure from Angoumois, arriv'd in a few
days at Coufieres in Touraine, a houſe belonging to the Duke of
Monbazon, where Luines (accompanied (like a Favourite) with ma-
ny perſons of very great quality) came firft to wait upon her,com-
plementing her with the greateft civility, and refpect imaginable,
as he was alſo very gracioufly receiv'd. And here the Queen, who
had no mind to be kept any longer at a diftance from the King her
Son, endeavour'd with Luines (and that with all the infinuation,
and artifice her haughty and imperious nature would permit) to
remove thoſe difficulties, which, as they had been the causes of
their former ſeparation, were moft likely to oppoſe their concur-
rence now. The next day after her arrival, the King with all his
and Queen Royal houfhold came alfo to Confieres, where at their firft enter-
Mother view there was nothing but mutual manifeſtations of great af-
enterview. fection, and tenderneſs on both fides: from whence their Maje-.
fties went the fame day to Tours, where for fome days they con-
tinued together; but in the end, after all this diffembled kindneſs,
The King
come to an
the
4
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
звој
Anno
the King returning towards Paris, left the Queen more diſſatif-
fled to fee her felf oblig'd to go to Angers, after ſo many affuran. 1619.
ces that had been given her fhe fhould no more depart from ป
Court, than fhe had been before pleas'd with thefe demonftrati- whence fhe
ons of Honour and Refpect, wherewith they had endeavour'd departs dif-
to deceive her credulity, and to flatter her fincere intention.
From
fatisfied.
o
Mother dif
pos'd to a
new War.
From thenceforward therefore fhe fo far refented Laines his ill The Queen
ufage, as to meditate a revenge, and how by a fecond War to
procure, what by this firft Peace, fhe faw, fhe could not obtain,
neither was the Bishop of Luçon (become now abfolute with
her) forry to ſee her fo difpos'd: He confider'd, that whilft his
Migrifs remain'd thus excluded from Court, her power being fo
fmall, his could not confequently be very great; a confideration
that made this aſpiring fpirit, who already had propos'd to him-
felf no less than the Government of the Kingdom, fuffer, if pof-
fible, with greater impatience, than the Queen her felf, thofe ob-
ftacles that he ſaw were oppos'd to the level of his haughty Am-
bition, and vaſt deſigns.
a
Animated therefore with theſe reflections, he began to labour
good intelligence betwixt fuch, as he knew were diffatisfied with
the preſent Government, to re-unite them in the Queens Intereſt,
as diſcontented as they: Neither was it any hard matter to win
many over to her fide, the happy iffue the Duke of Efpernon had
fingle,and alone,procur'd to this Princeffes Affairs,having got him
fo great a reputation, that the major part of the great ones of the
Kingdom made no great difficulty of engaging in a caufe, they had
feen fa eafily, and by fo little means to fucceed. Of this number
was the Count de Soiffons, and the Countess his Mother, the Dukes
of Longueville, and Vandofme, the Grand Prior of France, the
Dukes of Mayenne, and Retz, with many other Princes, and
Lords of very eminent condition. Had the Duke of Efpernon not
been concern'd in the firſt buſineſs, he could never have been
drawn into this; fo many confederates of almoft equal quality,
giving him to apprehend more from their ill intelligence betwixt
one another, than he could reaſonably hope from their union:
but the Queen, who repos'd her chiefeft confidence in him, who
had already made trial of his Service, and found it fo fucceſsful to
her, did ſo ply him with reiterated favours, and entreaties, that
he could not handfomly avoid engaging in her behalf. Neither
had he fo long ſtood off, that he had fewer particular grievances
than the reft; but having engag'd his Faith to the Duke de Luines,
it would have been almoft impoffible to have perfwaded him to
break his word, had not Luines himſelf given the firft example:
and
}
368
PART II,
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
爨
​Anno
and on that fide it was, that the Queen affaulted the Duke, by
1619. repreſenting to him the non-performances of thofe things
had been promis'd, and that as it had been principally through
his affiſtance ſhe had obtain'd all that had been granted to her,
fhe expected he ſhould fee the Articles of the Treaty fulfill'd; en-
deavouring to perfwade him, that his own honour was no leſs
intereſted therein, than her fatisfaction.
cr
[C
And that he might the better tafte her reaſons, fhe fail'd not to
prepoffefs him with all forts of civilities, and favour, honouring
him with ſome preſents, whereof one was a very fine Watch, fet
all over with Diamonds, and very curiouſly wrought; which
The accompanied with a Letter as kind, as could poffibly be writ
upon fuch an occaſion, wherein, amongſt other obliging expref-
fions ſhe told him: "That the Diamonds, wherewith it was embel-
lifh'd, were not more firm than her affection, and that he might af
Jure himself the Services she had receiv'd from his generofity, fhould
ofter come into her memory, than the hand of that Watch should point
out hours every day: To which words (which were, it ſeems,'
the way of writing at that time, and none of my invention) I
have neither added,nor diminifh'd: But by this complement,and
feveral other teftimonies of affection, and efteem, the Queen ha-
ving awak'd the paffion the Duke had to give her always all fa-
The Queen tisfaction, fhe gave him confecutively a full accompt of her deter-
engages the mination, of all the perfons of quality fhe had made to her par-
ty, and of the powerful means fhe intended to make uſe of to re-
Efpernon in inftate her felf in that degree of honour, which was due to her
her quarrel.
Perſon, and Dignity: Whereupon the Duke confidering this ſe-
cond action, as dependent upon the firft, folemnly engag'd him-
felf, and made an abfolute promiſe, once more to ferve her.
Mother re-
Duke of
Anno
1620.
The Duke
gain him
first by la
Croix le
If the Queen was thus diligent to form, and redintegrate her
party, Luines, on the other fide, was no-leſs induftrious now, than
he had been before, to break and diſunite it. He very well knew
de Luines en- the Queen to be difcontent, which ſhe had her felf fo publickly
deavours to profefs'd; that could be no fecret He was moreover inform'd,
that most of the great perfons in the Kingdom had engag'd with
her; and though he doubted not, but that the Duke of Efpernon,
from whom ſhe had for the time paſs'd receiv'd ſo many good
Offices, continued ſtill his ancient fidelity to her; yet would he
notwithſtanding feel his pulfe by la Croix de Bleré, whom he diſ-
patch'd away to him to that purpoſe. This Gentleman therefore
comes to the Duke to Angouleme, in the time of the Carnaval;
where he found him taken up with entertainments, that nothing
relifh'd of the meditation of an approaching War, making merry
Bleré.
with
Book VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
369
with the Company of the Town, which at this Feſtival was in- Anno
creas'd with ſeveral Families of the neighbouring Gentry.
1620.
La Croix, who would by all means make ufe of his dexterity, to mi
found the Duke's intention, met with a perfon in him, that was
not eaſie to be pry'd into; fo that the Duke, after having diſ-
cours'd with him, in general terms, of the Queen Mothers Inte-
refts and Affairs; and having return'd a civil anſwer to Luines his
Complement, diſmiſs'd his Ambaſſadour, perfectly inftructed of
what he conceal'd from none, and of what he did not care Luines
himſelf ſhould know.
The first Effay having given the Favourite no great fatisfacti-
on, who already ſaw, that Affairs began to grow hot, with the
feafon; that the Count de Soiffons, with the Counteſs his Mother,
had left the Court, that the Duke of Mayenne had done the
fame, and that the Duke of Longueville, and the Brothers of
Vandome were already in their Government in actual Arms: He
would therefore be no longer in fufpenfe, what he was to expec
from the Duke of Efpernon, who of all others he had the greatest
mind to withdraw from the Queen Mothers Intereft; well enough
foreſeeing, that if the youth and inexperience of moft of the
other Lords were not govern'd by his prudence, they would be
eafie enough to deal withal. He therefore diſpatch'd away. Toiras And after-
(fince Marefchal of France) to treat with him obout this Affair. Teiras,
The Duke was then at his houſe of Plaffac in Xaintonge (fince
famous for his difgraces) making private Leavies, by the affiftance
of his Friends; to whom he had given inftructions to make ſure
of their own people, without nevertheleſs telling them what they
were to be employ'd about, till his further order. Toiras had here
in Commiſſion to tell him: "That the Duke de Luines,abfolutely
relying upon his friendſhip fince their late reconciliation, could
CC
CC
CC
<
not give credit to fome reports he had heard to the contrary; that
"fince that time he had not fail'd the leaft in any of the good Of
"fices the Duke had requir'd at his hands; that all his Commands,
Penſions, and Affignments of Offices, had been in part already
paid, and ſhould ſuddenly be fully diſcharg'd: That for the fu-
ture he ſhould be maintain'd in all their functions, and privi-
"ledges more advantageously, than hitherto he had ever been:
"That if yet all this fair dealing was too little to ſatisfie him, let
"him but ſay what he would have, and that Monfieur de Luines
"would endeavour to procure it for him: That in the mean time
'he only conjur'd him to ſeparate himſelf from the Queen Mo-
thers Intereft, with whom he had now no reaſonable pretenfe to
engage: That he had already ferv'd her fo well, and fo wor-
tr
(C
r
Bbb
thily
wards by
1
37°
PART II.
The History of the Life of
Anno
1620.
1
CC.
(c
SC
"(
thily acquitted himſelf of all he had undertaken in her behalf,
thereby to acquire the efteem, and commendation of even
his greateft enemies: That therefore he ought not to expofe a
reputation, wherein he had no rival, to the hazard of being
"overthrown, and blemiſh'd by fome finifter diſgrace: That all
"things had been perform'd, had been promis'd the Queen in
"the Treaty of Angoule/me; but that nothing could fatisfie fome
"ambitious fpirits about her, who doubtlels poffefs'd her, fhe
was not well us'd, if not permitted to rule in Chief. The Duke
having given Toiras audience for two days together, without de
claring himſelf, and having entertain'd him by intervals with
fhewing him fome Garden Inftruments, an employment where-
in he ſaid he intended to pass away the remainder of his life, he at
laft drew him afide,where he told him: "That he was too brave
' a Gentleman to be otherwiſe dealt withal, than with a free, and
open heart: That in truth he had ſome reaſon in his own par-
"ticular (whatever might be faid to the contrary) to complain of
not having receiv'd, both as to his own, and his friends concerns,
"that fatisfaction, whereof they had been fo amply affur'd; in-
"ftancing in fome things, and amongst others the refufal of a Car-
"dinals Hat for the Archbishop of Tholouze his Son: but that
"he call'd God to witnels) his own Intereſt ſhould never tempt
"him into Arms: That he very well knew the miſchiefs, and dif-
« orders attended a Civil War, which he had ever had in great
"horror; but that the Queen Mother having done him the ho-
nour to command his affiftance in her removal from Blois,
'
"C
(C
<<
and
having further honour'd him by making uſe of his perſon, and
"thoſe of his friends for the recovery of her Dignity, the violation
"of thoſe things had been granted to her, mult neceffarily reflect
as much upon him, if not more, than upon her Majefty her
"felf: That notwithſtanding he demanded nothing in his own
behalf, let them only contrive how to fatisfie the Queen, and
"that being done, he promis'd Mounfieur de Luines to be his
"friend, and Servant as much, and as inviolably as any perſon in
But in vain. "the world. With this frank declaration he difmifs'd foiras, not
The Queen
cond War.
however without entertaining a very good opinion of his perfon,
and parts, which he diſcover'd under a very profound filence, and
refervation; I never, to my remembrance, having obferv'd any
man to ſpeak fo little as this Gentleman.
After his departure, the Duke having intelligence, that the reſt
Mothers fe- who were engag'd in the Queens party were already in Arms, he
follow'd their example, and brought his Troops alfo into the
Field: but all their Forces being now on foot there was no little
{
debate
BOOK VIII.
371
the Duke of Efpernon.
debate in the Queens Council, how they ſhould diſpoſe of her
Majeſties perfon. The Duke of Mayenne, who had a very good
Army in Guienne, mov'd with great fervency, that the might re-
tire her ſelf into his Government, where he had gather'd together
above eighteen hundred effective men: but the Duke of
Efpernon underſtanding his defign was to be Mafter of the
Queens perſon, the better at her expenſe, and the Lords of her
Party to make his own conditions, would by no means allow of
that propofition; neither had there been no jealoufie in the caſe,
could he have approv'd that counsel; he confider'd that the Queen
Mothers abfence, and departure from Angers in ſo critical a jun-
&ture, would be interpreted a flight, which would very much
difcredit her Affairs, and by which occafion, befides the lofs of
reputation (wherein commonly confifts the event of War) ſhe
would infallibly loſe all the Provinces betwixt the Rivers of Loire,
and Garonne, which were now wholly at her devotion, and might
be diſputed a great while. For which reafons he concluded it
much better, and more advantageous to the Queens Service, to
unite thoſe Forces he had, with thoſe of the Duke of Mayenne,
and to march them away to Angers to joyn with the Queen, who
being re-inforc'd with five and twenty thouſand men at leaſt,
that they were able to make up betwixt them, would be in a ca-
pacity to reduce the Duke de Luines to reafon; which ought to be
the true intent of their Arms, and not the particular Interefts of
particular men ; who,as they had only taken them up in her name,
were to uſe them only for her Service.
my
Doubtless had this latter advice been receiv'd, the King's Ar-
would have found enough to do: But the Biſhop of Luçon,
who had no mind to have perfons of the Duke's condition, and
capacity, fo near the Queen, for fear of falling from the place he
had in her confidence, and efteem, could by no means conſent
either that ſhe ſhould depart from Angers, or that the Duke of
Efpernon fhould go thither to her. The knowledge he had of the
Duke's free and unbyafs'd humour, made him apprehend, he
ſhould be by him fometimes contradicted in his opinions, and by
that means be no more abfolute Maſter of the Queens Counfels:
fo that dextroufly fpinning out the time, without coming to any
pofitive reſolution, the Duke grew weary of thefe delays, and
unwilling to let his Forces unprofitably moulder away in Xain-
tonge, and Angoumois (Countreys that yet smarted with the laſt
years War) he departed thence to quarter them more commodi-
ouſly in Limousin, where better provifion was to be made both
for Horſe and Man.
Bbb 2
1
Whilft
Anne
1620:
1
:
372
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
The Qreens
Whilft in the Queen Mothers Council they confum'd the time
1620. in debates, without refolving what to do, the King, on the other
fide by the Prince of Condé's advice, put his deliberations into
affairs have prompt execution. The Duke de Luines very well inform'd of
ill fucce's. the Queen Mothers difcontents, after the interview at Tours, and
fatisfied, that, after the offenfe he had there given her, he was no
more to expect her favour, refolv'd to fecure himſelf under this
Prince's Protection; wherein he thought he was fo much the
more fafe from the Queens revenge, by how much the Prince had
himſelf reaſon to complain of the ill ufage he had receiv'd under
her adminiſtration; during whoſe Regency, Conchini had clap'd
him up in priſon, from whence Luines, preſently after the King's
coming to Paris, got him releas'd: An obligation, which, as it
was great in it felf, was foon after repaid with as grateful a return.
The Prince had found by his own experience, what an influence
the Royal name has upon all parts of the Kingdom, very well re-
membring how eafie it had been for his Majefty to have fup-
prefs'd him, when he retir'd from Court to Soiffons, whither had
the King follow'd him in perſon, with no more than the Regi-
ment of his Guards only, he had infallibly reduc'd him to a necef-
fity, either of fubmitting to his mercy, or of leaving the King-
dom: out of which obfervation he advis'd the King, fuddenly
to mount to Horſe, and to go in perfon to Caen, which was the
neareſt of the revolted Cities; wherein what the Prince had fo
judiciouſly foreſeen,as happily ſucceeded, Caen ſurrendring almoſt
without any refiftance, Prudent, who commanded there for the
Grand Prior Vandofme, delivering it up almoſt ſo ſoon as fum-
mon'd into his Majefties hands.
This little fuccefs having frighted all the other places of Nor-
mandy, that made any countenance of revolt, into their Duty, his
Majefty immediately departed thence, to advance towards Angers;
when being met by fome Troops upon the way, and by them his
Regiments of the French and Swiffe Guards being re-inforc'd, he
caus'd le Pont de Cé, to be affaulted in his own prefence; where al-
moſt in a moment, and after a very light difpute, all the Queens
Forces ran away, leaving the paſs to the Enemy: by which dif
after thoſe who were about the Queens perfon faw the error they
had committed, in not calling the Duke of Efpernon to her fuc-
cour; it being not to be doubted, but that had he had a Captain
of his experience and valour, to command upon that occafion, her
interefts would have been much better defended.
The Queen, after this blow being in the fright may be ima-
gin'd, was fit to reject no overtures of Peace, She had indeed
before
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
373
·
4.
Anno
1620.
The Queen
accepts a
out condici-.
before this engagement made fome demands, and propos'd fome
conditions; but after this baffle her Army had receiv'd,fhe was now
to fubmit to what law the Conqueror would impofe upon her:
Wherein all thoſe who had engag'd in her Party were abandon-
ed to the King's mercy; but as for her felf, fhe was permitted to Peace with
come to Court. And that was as much as the Biſhop of Luçon on.
defir'd, which gave ſome occafion to fay, that he held intelligence,
and had contracted with the enemy before he came, that he had
oppos'd the uniting of her Forces, and diverted fuch as were ca-
pable of command from coming to ſerve her, as being beforehand
affur'd to obtain the fole condition he aim'd at; which being
granted, he car'd not to leave the rest of her Majelties Servants to
Thift for themſelves: but this I fhall not take upon me to affirm,
though it was the common diſcourſe at that time..
The Duke had notice by a Gentleman, the Queen Mother pur-
poſely diſpatch'd away to him, of her Reconciliation with the
King, who finding him at St. Clau a Frontier of Limousin, to
which place he was advanc'd with his Forces,he preſently thereup-
on,without ſtaying a more expreſsOrder from Court,or fo much as
thinking of any Capitulation for himſelf,diſmiſs'd all his Troops;
infomuch that the Currier who afterwards brought him an ex-
preſs from the King, to lay down his Arms, found that, out of an The Duke
entire confidence in his Majefties Royal Bounty, he had already of Efperno
prevented his command, and put himſelf into a pofture of abfo- his Arms.
lute dependence upon his Grace, and Favour.
lays down
La Valette, by
mand of the
Father.
Duke his
Neither did the Duke think this act of his own particular obe- And the
dience enough, unless he further commanded the Marquis de la Marquis de
Valette his Son (who had never ftirr'd from Metz) to do the the com-
fame. Upon the breaking out of this fecond War, as in the firft,
he had been there invefted with a very confiderable Army; nei-
ther had they fail'd, as before, to ſtir up the Inhabitants (whole
inclinations commonly change with the fortune of thofe that
command them) to mutiny against him. Of which practice the
Marquis having intelligence on all hands, that the people had a
defign upon his perfon, and that defpifing his weaknefs, (who
to spare their purfes, and to win their affections, had forbore to
quarter any Souldiers upon them) they talk'd loud of opening
their Gates, and letting the King's Army into the City; he was
conſtrain'd by the truth, and importance of this advice, to deal
with ſome Captains of the old Regiments of that very Army
that came againſt him: In the old body of which Army there
were very few Officers who were not the Duke his Fathers Crea-
tures, and who stood not oblig'd to him for their Fortune, and
Commands;
i
1
374
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
#
J
Anno Commands; whereof fome fifteen or twenty deferted the Royal
1620. Arms, to go ferve him in this extremity of danger; fome fend-
I
ing him in Squadrons by their Serjeants, and others bringing
over their whole Companies: fo that by an act of honourable
gratitude (the example whereof is not nevertheless to be altoge-
ther approv❜d) they, brought him over in one night above fifteen
hundred men of the beſt Souldiers in the Army. With this relief
(feeing the Town upon the point of a total Revolt) he attempted,
by diſarming the Inhabitants, to fecure his own Fortune, which
he accordingly perform'd, and that without any notable violence,
for having difpos'd his men into the moſt advantageous Pofts of
the City, he made Proclamation that at the beat of Drum, upon
a penalty impos'd, every one ſhould bring their Arms into the Bi-
fhops Palace; which order being given, he himſelf accompanied
with ſome five and twenty or thirty Gentlemen, mounted on
by difarm- horfeback to be ready in fuch places, where he had information,
ing the In- fome buftle was like to be; a precaution that was not altogether
neceffary, the people being fo daunted at his refolution, as with a
ftupid filence, and fheepish tameness, with a fubmiffion greater
now, than their infolence had been before, quietly giving up
their Arms; by which means they remain'd incapable of execu-
ting any miſchief, at leaſt if (as it was evident enough) they yet
retain❜d a will to do it.
After ha-
ving pre-
fery'd Metz
habitants.
The Duke
refufes to
accept the
Peace, and
endeavours
to engage
the Duke,
of Efpernon
in bis dif-
contents.
Yet would not the Duke of Efpernon make any other advan-
of Mayenne tage of this fuccefs, than thereby the better to manifeft to the
King his fubmiffion, and the confidence he repos'd in his Royal
Goodness; refigning himself up wholly into his hands: but the
Duke of Mayenne would not do fo, who on the contrary fearing
left the Duke de Luines, whom he had highly provok'd, having
him at his mercy, fhould take fome notable revenge of the inju-
ries, he had done him, could not fo foon refolve to lay down his
Arms. He could much rather have been content to have poffefs'd
the Duke with the fame apprehenfions, and to have engag'd him
with him in ſome violent extreme, thereby to procure their own
conditions: to which purpoſe he alſo fent to found his inclinati-
on, and to reprefent to him their common danger, if they did
not provide for the fecurity of their lives, and fortunes,before they
parted with their Swords out of their hands but the Duke fent
Who refu him word again, “That his reſolution was already taken, and
"that as he had taken up arms for no particular intereft of his
"own, fo he had laid them down fo foon as he knew the Queen
was ſatisfied: That he hop'd his Majefties Clemency would eaſi-
"ly extend it felf to all his Subjects, who ſhould not obftinately
fes to ftir.
ແ
perfift
|
1
Влок VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
375
.
A
;
#
cr
ર
perfift in their diſobedience: That therefore he could give
"Monfieur de Mayenne no other advice, than that he had taken
himſelf, which, though it fhould not fucceed well with him, he
"had rather be ill us'd whilſt he could juſtifie himſelf innocent,
"than after having committed a fault that would render him cri-
"minal beyond all excufe. By which answer the Duke of May-
enne feeing he had fet up his reft in this determination, and find-
ing himſelf too weak alone to wrestle with the King's Name and
Power, he was in the end fain to ſubmit, and to return to his
Duty: wherein nevertheleſs his Majefty, who knew after what
manner both the one, and the other proceeded, as highly com-
mended the Duke of Efpernon, as he blam'd the Duke of
Mayenne.
One would have ſaid that this great diſorder in the Queen Mo-
thers Affairs, wherein fo many perfons, and thoſe of fo emi-
nent condition were engag'd, only hapned to ſet a greater value,
and luftre upon the Duke of Efpernon's conduct. In the firſt War,
alone, and unaffiſted by any, he fo manag'd the few Forces he
had, as without giving ground to his adverfaries, he ever kept
himſelf in a poſture to refift them, and fo as in the end to ob-
tain reaſonable Conditions, not only for the Queen, but alſo
for himſelf, and his friends, without ever fubmitting to his ene-
mies diſcretion; whereas in this there was no reſervation for any,
infomuch that of all the great men who were engag'd in this laft
buſineſs, there was not one who lay not open, and expos'd to the
utmoſt ſeverity of the King's juftice, had he been pleas'd to have
proceeded against them. 'Tis true notwithſtanding that his Ma-
jefty in his Clemency pardon'd every one, but it was meerly an
effect of his own goodness, without any obligation upon him,
either by writing, or the leaft promife at all.
Anno
16o.
The King affur'd of the Duke of Efpernon's obedience, and
finding by his late fignal advantages, how much his own prefence
had contributed to the fuccefs of his own Affairs., taking his
meaſures from thence, what he might promiſe to himſelf by the
fame method in other occurrences, he reſolv'd for the future to
appear in his own Perfon upon all occafions of importance, the
better thereby to eſtabliſh his Royal Authority in all parts of his
Kingdom. The Affairs of Bearne therefore being of fuch a na- The King
ture, as that his preſence feem'd to be very neceffary there, he de- Guienne and
termin'd to move that way, and even to go over into it, if occa- Bearne.
fion ſhould be. In order whereunto being advanc'd from Pictou,
as far as Xaintonge, he was pleas'd to permit that the Duke of Ef
pernon ſhould come to him to make his Apology for what had
pafs'd
goes into
376
The Hiftory of the Life of
EL
f
PART II.
Anno pafs'd upon the borders of his own Government. His Majefty
1620. therefore was no fooner come to Chizay, but that the Duke de Bel-
The Duke
of Efpernon
prefents
himfelf to
and asks his
the King,
pardon.
legarde (who was very well at Court, and exceedingly folicitous
of the Duke his Kinſmans Intereft) came to fee the Duke at An-
nay, to affure him he might be very kindly receiv'd by the King.
The Duke had never ſo much as defir'd any fuch fecurity, ſo con-
fident he had been in the King's bounty, and his own deport-
ment; nevertheleſs confirm'd in the hope of fo gracious a rece-
ption, from ſo good a hand, they departed together from the
Duke's Lodgings, to go directly to the King's: Where the Duke'
was no fooner feen to enter, but all the Court flock'd to the no-
velty; fo that I have heard the Duke fay, that ſeeing the crowd
there was to obferve his reception, and to hear what he would fay
for his excufe, he ftrain'd his voice much louder than he us'd to
do, to ſatisfie the curiofity of the ſtanders by; telling the King
in few words: "That he never thought it a differvice to his Maje-
fty to ferve the Queen his Mother; but that fince he had been fo
"unhappy, as to have incurr'd his Majefties diſpleaſure, he moſt
"humbly begg'd his Pardon; proteſting that the Grace he ſhould
* be pleas'd to grant him upon this occafion, fhould be the laſt of
"this nature he would ever ask of him, ſo long as he had life
"there being no pretenfe, nor confideration whatſoever, that
'ſhould ever have the power to ſeparate him from any intereft,
"wherein he ſhould fee his Majefties name, and perfon engag'd.
A promiſe that he from that time forward inviolably obferv'd, as
we fhall hereafter fee. The Dúke was kneel'd down when he firſt
began to ſpeak, but the King raising him at the firft word, and
embracing him at the end of this fhort fpeech; his Majefty re-
And is very ply'd: That he was confident he would be as good as his word,re-
well re-
ceiv'd.
CC
te
ceiving him with great demonftrations of favour, and eſteem;
When after having entertain'd him fome time, his Majefty diſ-
miſt him that he might go vifit the Duke de Luines; betwixt whom
at their meeting there paſs'd great civilities on both fides, with ma-
ny affurances of reciprocal affection. And that very day the Duke
executed his command of Colonel in the King's Lodgings, re-
ceiving orders from the King's own mouth to carry them to the
Regiment of Guards. The next day his Majefty commanded
him to go prepare his entry into St. Jean d' Angely, a City in his
Government, but held by thofe of the Religion, and into which
he had never till now been receiv'd; fo that he ſaw himſelf at the
ſame time, not only reftor'd to his old Commands, but alſo by a
particular favour from his Majeſty, authoriz'd in places, where, as
yet he had never been.
The
•
BOOK VIII
377
the Duke of Efpernon.
*
The Duke was furpriz'd at fo extraordinary, and fo unexpect
ed favours, but much more when he understood it was in part,
through Rucellay's good Offices, that he receiv'd them; who
though they had not parted very kindly (as you may have ob-
ſerv'd) could not nevertheleſs forbear upon all occafions to mag-
nifie the Duke's generofity and vertue, and to manifest the defire
he had to be reconcil'd to his good opinion. Rucellay had great in-
tereſt at Court, the Duke de Luines repos'dagreat confidence in
him, and was the rather enclin'd to credit all the good things he
faid of the Duke, by how much his teftimony (upon the terms
they then flood) was no ways to be fufpected. The Duke antici-
pated by ſo many good Offices,was as careful to let Rucellay know
how exceeding kindly he took them at his hands; fo that from a
violent feud, their hot ſpirits being re-united in a very particular
friendſhip,the Duke receiv'd very great affiftance from Rucellay, in
an Affair wherein he was very highly concern'd.And that was the
re-eſtabliſhment of thoſe Captains,who had forfeited their Com-
mands by putting themſelves into Metz with the Marquis de la
Valette. The Court could not fuffer an act of that dangerous ex-
ample to eſcape unpuniſh'd; and on the contrary the Duke preſs'd
an oblivion of that Affair with greater fervency than he had ever
done any concern of his own; wherein I have often heard him
acknowledge his obligation to Rucellay, by whofe folicitation he
at laſt obtain❜d his defire: Courbon, Reals, Verdelin, Bouffonniere,
and fome others of very great merit were reftord to their Com-
mands, though it was but to deprive the Duke the fooner of ſo
many worthy friends; who were ſcarce re-eftabliſh'd in their
Commands, when willing to make amends for the fault they had
committed by ſome notable teftimony of their fidelity, and va-
lour upon the firſt occafion fhould prefent it felf, they unfortu-
nately perifh'd in that brave defign, leaving the Duke infinitely af-
flisted, that he could not oblige them, but to their ruine.
Anno
1620.
From Xaintonge the King pafs'd over into Guienne, wherein
though his Majeſty had no refolution of proceeding fo far as
Bearne; yet was it neceffary he fhould advance to Bordeaux, to
diffolve the powerful Faction was form'd in that Province in fa-
vour of the Duke of Mayenne, which had fufficiently diſcover'd
it felf in the great Leavies, and Provifions of War, that had
there been made. In this Voyage the Duke had hopes of feeing receives a
his Majefty at his houfe of Cadillac,and indeed the Duke of Luines promife of
his Maje-
had promis'd him he ſhould; a favour he ought fo much the ties com-
more to covet, as it would manifeft to all the world his perfect infe at Ca
reconciliation with the King his Mafter: So that he whom every dillas.
Ccc
one
The Duke
to his
houfe
378
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II
Anno one the year before concluded utterly loſt in the Queen Mothers.
1620. Affairs, feeing him now reftor'd to a greater degree of reputati-
ما
Where be
cently en-
tertain'.
on, and favour, than perhaps he had ever been, could not but ad-
mire his Conduct, and attribute as much to his Prudence, as his
Fortune; which, it ſhould ſeem, had only ftrew'd thofe difficul
ties in his way, that they might by him be the more glorioufly
overcome.
His Majefty continuing his way through Guienne, took occafi-
on to call at Blaye; from whence he remov'd Luffan, Vicount de
Aubeterre, to recompenfe him with the ſtaff of a Marefcbal of
France; placing Brantes (fince Duke of Luxembourg in the right
of his Wife) in his ftead. Whilft theſe things were in doing, the
Duke of Efpernon (who attended his Majefty in this Voyage) took
is magnifi the opportunity to go prepare his houfe for his reception; where-
in he order'd all things fo admirably well, and with fuch magni-
ficence, that his Majefty could hardly have been better entertain❜d
in any part of the Kingdom. The noble Furniture, wherewith
this houſe did abound, was now all brought out: The Kings
Apartment hung round with Hangings embofs'd all over with
Gold, as alfo ten Chambers more were furnish'd with the fame,
to which the Beds of Cloth of Gold and Embroidery were rich-
ly fuited; neither was the delicacy, rarity, or plenty of provifi-
ons inferiour to this outward Pomp. All the Favourites Minifters,
and others of the greateft quality at Court, were commodiously
lodg'd in this ftately Houfe, and the Provifionary Officers there
found what was not elſewhere to be ſeen in the Kingdom; which
was a vaſt ſeries of Offices under ground, fo large, and fo well fit-
ted with lights, that they were aftoniſh'd at fo prodigious an ex-
tent of Accommodations; which are indeed, if not the chiefeft
ornament, at leaſt the greateft convenience of a Building.
The King
departs
After his Majefty had ftaid two days at Cadillac, where his
whole Court had been magnificently treated, he parted thence to
lac to go in- continue his Journey towards Bearne. He was made to believe,
to Bearne. that the Council of this little Countrey would think fit to ſubmit
from Cadil-
to his Royal pleaſure, without obliging him to perform that
Voyage; to quicken which refolution his Majefty had pafs'd the
River of Garonne, which, though when on the other fide he was
advanc'd no more than a League only beyond Cadillac, he thought
nevertheleſs he had done a great deal in paffing ſo great a River
with an Army, and all the equipage of his Court: The Mini-
fters, who had a great averfion to this ugly journey, would have
been very glad, that Affairs might have been concluded there
without going any further: but in the end how averſe ſoever they
were
BOOK. VIII.
379
the Duke of Efpernon.
nk
t
Province to
were to it,they must undergo the trouble. The King went thither, Anno
where his prefence produc'd the fame effect it had done in other 1620.
places; he overran all this little Province, feizing as he paſs'd of
Navarrens, the ſtrongeſt place in it, as he did alfo of Ortez, and And redt-
Olleron, principal Cities of that Countrey; he fubverted all their ces that
ancient cuſtoms, reftor'd the Biſhop, and other Ecclefiafticks to their obe-
their Eftates, and Dignities; took away the adminiftration of dience.
the Affairs of the Country from thoſe of the Reform'd Religion,
and re-eſtabliſh'd his own Authority: but he left the Government
of the Province in the hands of the Marquis de la Force fince Ma-
refchal of France; who, impatient to fee his Authority cut ſo
fhort by thefe alterations, could hardly forbear till the King was
got back to Paris, from reducing things again to the fame pofture
they were in before. He was very confident that his Majefty,
who had already try'd the ill ways of Bearne, would never be ad-
vis'd by his Minifters to undertake a fecond Journey into that
Countrey, for the refettlement of his Affairs.He knew that the Hu-
gonot Faction were ready to find his Majefty enough to do nearer
home, and did not believe, that without his immediate preſence
they could compel him to any thing he had not a mind to in his
own Government, where his Authority was eſtabliſh'd not on-
ly by a long habitude he had there contracted; but much more
by a paffionate concurrence of the whole Body, and of all the
Orders of the Province, who agreed with him in the fame Reli-
gion. He therefore labour'd all Winter to drive out the Garriſons which ne-
of Ortez, and Olleron; ſo that excepting Navarrens, that was
kept by the Marquis de Poianne, whom the King had left but a fhort
Governour there, he overthrew whatever his Majefty had done, space.
ſhuffling all things again into their former confufion.
1
The Duke of Efpernon pafs'd away the fame Winter in Gui-
enne, and the greatest part thereof in the County of Esparre,
which he had purchas'd from the Heirs of the late Marefchal de
Matignon, a Territory in truth of great beauty, and vaft extent;
though the Revenue was but ſmall, by reaſon the Eftate was noɛ
well understood: to remedy which the Duke caus'd it to be fur-
vey'd in his own preſence, a good husbandry, that was not un-
profitable to him, though this Domeſtick advantage was not the
only fatisfaction he receiv'd in that Country.
vertheleſs
continues
In the beginning of the enfuing year he there receiv'd news of Anno
the promotion of the Archbishop of Tholouze his Son to the 1621:
Dignity of a Cardinal: For as the refuſal of this favour had The Arch-
caus'd the former breach betwixt him, and the Duke de Luines, Tholos,
fo did the Favourite conceive that the fureft tye by which he could made Car-
Ccc 2
bind
biſhop of
dinale
A
1.
1
,,
1
380
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
Anno
bind the Duke to his friendſhip, would be to procure him that
1621. Addition; wherein he was nothing deceiv'd, it being impoffible
he could any way oblige him more. The Duke look'd upon this,
as the fupreme height, and accompliſhment of all the profperities
he had left to defire; he had already by his Merit, and Services,
united a confiderable number of the greateft Honours, and bra-
veft Commands of the Kingdom in his own perfon, which he
had moreover procur'd in furvivance for his Pofterity: fo that
nothing remain'd to render him fully fatisfied with his Fortune,
fave only to obtain one of the chiefeft Dignities of the Church
for him he had deſign'd to that profeſſion.
The Duke's
into Bearne.
Yet was not this the fole teftimony of favour, the Duke re-
expedition ceiv'd by this reconciliation with the Court Mignion; who being
at a lofs for fome perfon of great Quality, and Reputation to re-
duce Bearne (which the Marquis de la Force had'excited to new
Commotions) to their Duty, and Obedience, and cafting his eye
upon the Duke of Efpernon, as a difintereſted perſon, and capable
of the greateſt undertaking, he propos'd him to the King for this
employment; who well approving of his choice, the charge of
this expedition (wherein his Majefty feem'd more than ordinari-
ly concern'd) was forthwith committed to his care.
The Duke
Commiffion.
Neither, if his Majefty conferr'd herein a fignal honour upon
receives his the Duke, can it be deny'd, but that he made as fortunate a choice
for himſelf, and for the advantage of his Affairs. The Duke re-
ceiv'd his Order at Cadillac by la Saludie,which was only in paper,
without any affignation either of men, or money, wherewithal
to begin the work, but a great clutter of Commiffions, and dif-
patches only; fo that the whole weight of the King's defign lean'd
abſolutely upon his Intereſt and Wiſdom; which it was happy
were fo confiderable, things had not elfe fucceeded as they did:
but the Duke had fo great a defire to confirm the King in the good
opinion he had already entertain'd' of his Loyal Intentions, that
there was nothing he would not attempt, to let his Majefty fee,
he was neither unworthy of this prefent Favour, nor unmindful
of his former Grace, and Goodnels.
Having therefore wifely confider'd, that diligence muft ftrike
the greatest stroke in this Affair, and that ſhould he give the Mar-
quis de la Force leifure to gather together the Forces of the Hugo-
not Faction, who were already preparing to joyn in their common
defenſe, he ſhould engage himſelf in a long, and difficult War;
he departed from Cadillac fix days after he had receiv'd the King's
The Duke Command. The firſt day (accompanied only with the Servants
of his own Family) he went to lie at Langon, another of his own
Demeafnes,
begins his
Journey.
:
*
1.
י
1
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
as far as
381
Anno
Gentlemen
Demeafnes, from whence he proceeded without ftay as far as
Mont de Marfan, where he had appointed the Rendezvous for 1621.
thoſe he had invited to ferve his Majefty upon this occafion. He
had before he departed from his own houfe writ to divers perfons
in Guienne, and in his own Governments of Xaintonge, and An-
goumois to joyn with him; of which fo few fail'd to come in,
that at the Rendezvous, a handfomer, nor a more numerous bo-
dy of Gentlemen Volunteers to follow a Subject, and ferving out
of his own Government, has hardly been feen: Infomuch that I A great
have heard the Quarter-Maſters ſay they had in their Mufter-Roll number of
at leaſt fourteen hundred Gentlemen: by which it may be gueſs'd, come in to
what a number of Attendants fo many Maſters muſt neceffarily Duke of
bring in with them. But that which is moft remarkable herein, Efpernon in
is, that moſt of theſe were of Guienne, where the Duke had no- this expedi-
thing to do, and liv'd only in the quality of a private perfon; and
that though the Duke of Mayenne (who could not without an eye
of Envy ſee ſo many Forces drawn out of his Government to
ferve under any other than himself) did (it may be imagin'd) all
he could to difwade people from going in, the conflux was ne-
vertheleſs ſo great,that it feem'd the Province had fent all the brave
Gentlemen it could make to attend the Duke in this expedition.
And theſe were indeed almoſt all the Forces he had; neither
had he fo many Foot, as Gentlemen in his Army: 'Tis true that
Camp-Mafter Vignoles, who commanded fome Troops in Gui-
enne, had orders to bring them over to him; and that himſelf (as
has been faid) had Commiffions in his hands, for the railing new
Leavies; but his diligence fupply'd the place, of a good Army,
by which he alſo effected more, than he could have done with
greater preparations: all the other Forces he made ufe of, being
only ten Companies of the Regiment of Picardy, that he found
Quarter'd about Ortez: fo that it is no lefs to be wonder'd at he
fhould undertake ſo hard a task, with ſo ſmall means to effect it,
than that he did ſo glorioufly bring about his defign.
follow the
tion.
Force lends.
to divert
The Marquis de la Force no fooner had intelligence that the The Mar-
Duke was coming against him, but that (furpriz'd to have an quis de la
Enemy of his experience to deal withal, and much more at the
diligence wherewith he ſaw him haften to execute his Commif the Duke
fion, by which he alſo ſaw his defigns would be overthrown) he rom com
fent the Baron of Arros, "To entreat him not to be too precipi- Berne.
tous in the execution of the King's Commands, and to remon-
ftrate to him, that he was ready to do whatever his Majesty
ſhould pleaſe to appoint: That he had already fent a diſpatch
.
tr
tr
to the King to that effect, and that he hop'd the Court would
be
ing into
+
1
382
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno
1621.
cr
cr
"be ſo ſatisfied with his fubmiffions, as to spare him the trouble
"of a tedious Journey, his friends a great deal of inconvenience,
and the people the difturbance, and oppreffion a War muſt of
"neceffity bring upon them; adding withal the ancient friend-
ſhip, and alliance betwixt them: To which the Duke (who
was already advanc'd far on his way) return'd anſwer: "That
having undertaken that Voyage upon no other accompt than
"his Majefties command, he fhould be very ready to return upon
the first orders he ſhould receive: That except what concern'd
"the intereſt of his Majeſties Service, he was Monfieur de la Force's
"Friend, and Servant: That he had not fought that employ-
re
"C
ment againſt him, and that he ſhould be exceeding glad to hear
"his Majefty was fatisfied with his fubmiffions: But that till then
"he fhould not delay a minute the execution of the Orders he had
receiv'd; no confideration either of his own, his friends, or
any other perfon under the Sun, being of force to divert him in
the leaft from his Dury.
CC
“
re
This firſt Embaffy having therefore taken no effect,it was ſoon
feconded by another, of which one Charles the principal Mini-
fter of Bearne was the Bearer. "This perfon, in the quality of a
Deputy from the Countrey, was fent to reprefent to him the
fterility of the Countrey, the poverty of the Inhabitants, and
difficulty of the ways, and the refolution of the people to make
a fmart refiftance, fhould they (who were at prefent in as good
a difpofition as could be defir'd) be urged to the laft extremes :
"but the Duke having flatly told him, that the end of his expe-
"dition was to cauſe the King to be obey'd, and to chaftife all
"thofe that fhould rebel against him: He was fent back very
much aſtoniſh'd at fo brisk a reply.
CC
'.
The Marquis de la Force that perhaps expected no better a fuc-
cefs from his deputations (having been well enough acquainted
with the Duke of Efpernon, to know he was not a man eafie to
be impos'd upon) would therefore make what preparation he
could to oppoſe him: but he found fo general a fear, and aſto-
niſhment among the people, that he evidently faw it was to ha-
zard his own ruine, fhould he expect the Duke's coming into his
The fudden Government. The Bearnois had no fooner heard the Duke's
terror of
the Bearnois, name, but that they gave themſelves for loft; their haughty, and
declar'd infolence, with which they had a few days before over-
thrown the King's Order, and trodden his Authority under foot,
and their high Vaunts, that they would defend their Religion,and
their Countreys liberty to the laft man, were converted into a Pa-
nick terror; fo that on a fudden whole Cities were left defolate,
men
1
•
1:
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
383
Anno
men of the best quality among them, with their Wives, and Fa-
milies, feeking their fafety in their flight, out of a juft appre- 1621.
henfion of all the puniſhments an offended Prince might reaſon-
ably inflict upon a mutinous, and difobedient people.
In this general confternation of the Bearnois the Duke drew
near to Ortez, the firft City in Rebellion he met upon his way;
the Caftle whereof was of it lelf very ſtrong, and had of late
been moreover fortified, and furnith'd with all neceffaries of
War, which alſo ſhut up the pafs of the whole Countrey, and As alfo of
was of fo advantageous a fituation, as was very eafie to be defen-
ded: but thoſe within, what countenance foever they had before
of a refolute defenſe, no fooner heard the Duke had ſent
put on
for Cannon from Navarrens to force them, but they preſently
furrendred without ſtaying till they could be brought up.
This fuccefs was of no little importance to the Duke, who,had
he met with much oppofition in this firft enterprize, having but
ten Foot Companies wherewith to form a Siege, no Officers to
ferve his Artillery, little Ammunition, no Victual, Money, or
any other means to fubfift four days in a place; had been in great
danger of being ftop'd from making any further progrefs into the
Countrey. All which difficulties though he had beforehand very
well confider'd, and foreſeen, he would notwithſtanding try the
experiment, knowing very well, that in matters of War, all
was not always to be expected from an enemy, he either could, or
fhould do. And from this fuccefs he took his meaſures of what
he might promiſe to himself in reducing the other Garrisons; no-
thing doubting from that time forwards, but he fhould bring all
his other enterprizes to an honourable and fuccefsful iffue.
the Soul-
diery.
As the buſineſs of Ortez had given the Duke very good hopes-
of his expedition, ſo it totally overthrew thofe of the Marquis
de la Force, who no fooner had intelligence of the furrender of
this place, but that he made hafte to be gone, that he might not
be hemm'd in with the Duke's Forces; whilft the Duke on the
other fide, to make his advantage of the aftoniſhment the Mar-
quis his flight muſt of neceffity leave the whole Country in, ad-
vanc'd with all diligence from Ortez to Olleron, where fome for-
tifications had lately been made which were alſo at his ap-
pearing deferted, without the leaft fhew of oppofition. An un-
fortunate fellow, a Souldier, and a Provençal, had been the main
director in this work, where he fuffred himſelf to be furpriz'd;
ſo that the Duke, who was oblig❜d to make ſome example, was
not forry this wretch fhould expiate for all the reft, as according-
ly he did, being condemn'd by a Council of War, and hangd at
his
1
+
·
384
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
#
1
Anno his own Barricado, where the poor fellow at his death lamented
1621. the ill fortune he had to be born a Provençal; declaring he was fa-
crific'd to the Duke's antiquated hatred to thofe of his Countrey,
and that his Bitch was his greateſt Crime, though it was neverthe-
lefs altogether untrue.
The Duke
Bearne in
quiets
a
very fhort
time.
And at very
little ex-
penfe.
1
•
1
After this there being neither judgment to be paſs'd, nor exe-
cution to be done, the Duke went to Nay, to Salies, to Sauveterre,
and lastly to Pau; where the fear of his ſeverity, that had before
frighted every one from his habitation, being converted into an
abfolute confidence in his Clemency, and Goodneſs, every one
return'd to his own home. The Cities, which at his coming had
been almoſt totally deferted, were on a ſudden re inhabited; in-
fomuch that from that time forward all the Duke had to do, was
only to receive the tenders, and proteſtations of their obedience,
and to fet down lome Rules for their Civil Regiment; which
was order'd with fo much Juftice, and Wiſdom, or fo fortunate-
ly at leaſt, the equality of all things was fo entirely preferv'd; and
he took fuch care to reconcile the Interefts of Religion (wherein
the incompatibility had been fo great before,and had with fo mach
heat fomented their divifions) that both parties were fatisfied with
the equal ſhares he divided betwixt them in the publick admini-
ftration; fince which time there has been no revolt, nor commo-
tion in that Province, it having ever fince continued in peace and
obedience, under the Juftice of the Duke's Difcipline, which is
there inviolately obferv'd to this day.
And all this was perform'd in leſs than three weeks time, his
Journey thither, his ftay there, and his return thence, being in
all not two months expedition; neither did it coft the King twelve
thouſand Livers, I having feen the Accompt of the Army, which
did not in all arife to that little fumme. 'Tis true withal that the
Duke reckon'd nothing upon his own account, contenting him-
felf with cauſing fome Officers to be paid, that at his inftance had
ferv'd upon this occafion. So that, by the influence of his own
name only, he ſo ſettled this Province in his Majeſties obedience,
that it is at this time, however the moft remote, perhaps the moſt
quiet, and obedient Member of his Kingdom.
If the Duke was careful to keep his own hands clean, in what
concern'd the King's Intereft, he was no lefs folicitous to keep
others from embezzeling the Marquis de la Force's Goods; who
had fled from Pau in fo great hafte, that he had left his Wardrobe,
A generous Cabinets, and Papers at random; of all which the Duke took
care to have an inventory taken, leaving them fafe, feal'd up in the
Elpernon. cuftody of a perſon in whom he knew the Marquis repos'd an en-
act of the
Duke of
•
+
tire
J
1
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
1
385
$
[
tire truft: Which being done, he return'd loaden with glory, and
applaufe, but nothing enrich'd, either with the King's Money,
or the Eftates of the people, not fo much as of any of thofe his
Majeſty had declared to be his enemies, and confequently were
lawful
prey.
Anno
162.
returns out
of St. Fears
de Angely.
His Majefty thought the Duke to be moftibufie in the Affairs The Duke
of Bearne, when he receiv'd news, that he had already done his, of Efpernon
work,and was about to return. Neither could the Duke, know- of Bearnes
ing his Majefty was already grappled with thofe of the Religion, to the Siege
and had laid Siege to St. Jean d' Angely, take any reft, till he had
travell'd from the remoteft part of the Kingdom, to expofe his
life for his Service, in thofe occafions wherein he faw his Maje-
fties Perfon, and Honour fo far engag'd: The Leaguer had been
near a month ſet down, when the Duke arriv'd, and the King's
Forces were ſo much cool'd in their firft ardour, that in all appa
rence the enterprize was not over-fuddenly to be effected; when
the Duke's arrival very much chang'd the face of Affairs: Nor
do I add this to attribute any thing to him, that is not juftly
his due, he has fo much honour befides, I do not need to forge
ſo ſmall an addition to his Fame: neither on the other fide, the
thing being perfectly true, ought he to be depriv'd of any particle
of his right.
The Duke having at his arrival receiv'd from the King the ap
plaufe due to his conduct in this expedition of Bearne, and a De-
claration from his own mouth of his Majefties high fatisfaction,
whereof he had before receiv'd very favourable teftimonies in the
feveral dispatches had been fent him: He humbly entreated his
Majefty, that he might for the future have the honour to ſerve in
his own Army, and attending upon his own Perfon; and that
he would further be pleas'd, wherein his Majefty fhould vouch-
fafe to employ his Service, that he might have the priviledge to
receive his Commands immediately from his own mouth: a fa-
your that he cafily obtain'd. Now the reaſon why the Duke made
this requeſt, was, becaufe a little before the Kings departure from
Paris, the Duke de Luines (as Favourite, not being fatisfied with The King's
his Fortune, unleſs he rais'd it above all the other great men of great favour
the Kingdom) had made fuit to be honour'd with the Dignity of to the Duke
Conftable of France: to arrive at which degree (which he of Efpernon,
might well foreſee would create him much envy) having had oc- from his ex-
cafion to make use of the Duke de l'Ediguieres, he would mani-pedition of
feft his Gratitude for the good Offices he had receiv'd at his hands
upon that occafion, by dividing with him the Employments of
this brave Command; wherein referving to himſelf the honour
Ddd
and
and justice
at his return
Bearne.
1
386
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
:
1
Anne and emoluments of the place: The Duke de l' Efdiguieres, under
1621. the Title of Marefchal General de Camp, executed all the Functions,
and trouble of it. The Duke of Elpernon therefore, finding at his
coming to this Siege fo many Commanders in Chief, reprefented
to his Majeſty: "That fince he had firſt had the honour to be in
"Armies, he had never been commanded by any but the Kings his
Maſters, nor had ever receiv'd Orders, but from them: That
"therefore in the age he now was, he ſhould be very froward,
"and refractory, to lofe that advantage, and to be fubjected to
"the Marefchal de l' Efdiguieres, whofe worth, though he had in
"high honour and efteem, he believ'd nevertheless, that the Ma-
"refchal himself would not pretend to be above him: That he
.A
e
was both an older General, an older Officer of the Crown, and
"of much longer ſtanding, than the other, in all the Dignities to
"which they had both been advanc'd; and that therefore he af-
fur'd himſelf his Majeſty would not deprive him of a preemi-
nence due to his age, whereunto the Kings his Predeceffors had
"rais'd him,and wherein they had fo long maintain'd' him,which
was the only thing he had to defire of his Majefty, that he
"might live ſatisfied in his Service. Neither did the King ftick
franckly to gratific him in his requeft, which was alfo allowed to
be ſo reaſonable by all, that even thoſe whofe intereft it had been
to diſpute it, chearfully acquiefc'd in his deſign.
C
•
After this the Duke going to view the Leaguer, he eſpecially
ftaid at that Poſt, where the Marquis de la Valette his Son (who
had one of the approaches committed to his Conduct) comman-
ded in Chief, and where not being able to contain himſelf with-
in the diſcretion of a Superficial Survey, the prefent danger cal-
ling up his wonted Valour, and the froft of old Age, not being of
force to freeze his natural heat, he had no fooner ſpy'd in the
Trenches one of the eldeſt Captains of the Regiment of Guards,
but that calling him to him, he made him mount with him upon
the Parapet, at open view of the Enemy, to confider the ftrength,
and fituation of the place, with the order of the Siege. Thole
who were with him, were not a little troubled to ſee him with-
out any neceffity expoſe himſelf to ſo manifeft a peril; neither did
they fail (though they from the Town fufficiently fhew'd him
that, by the numerous Mufquet-fhot they made at him) to repre-
fent to him ſeveral times the danger he was in: but he, taking no
notice of them that preſs'd him.in vain to retire, continued ſtill
his diſcourſe with the Captain, fhewing him here and there what
he obſerv'd to be well, or ill difpos'd in the order of the Leaguer,
with as much indifferency, as he had been in the fecureft place in
the´
7
:
t
BOOK VIII.
!
the Duke of Efpernon.
38-7
**
the world a piece of bravery, 'tis ſaid, the old Souldier could
have been well content to have been excus'd from; it being, as
he conceiv'd, very much out of ſeaſon: when the Duke having
told him in the end, that it was fit they fhould let the young peo-
ple fee,their white Beards were not to be frighted away with noiſe,
he came down at laſt, to the aſtoniſhment of all in the Trenches,
who faw the action, that he could carry it with that unconcern-
edneſs, and ftrange fecurity, in fo defperate a place.
4
Anne
16zí.
the Siege.
The Duke, having thus taken a view of the Town,gave him- The Duke
of Efperno.
felf inftructions for their further proceeding in their Works; which applyes
the Marquis his Son executed with ſo extraordinary diligence,that himſelf to
they had foon made their approaches to the very graff of the City,
and had nothing left to do, but to open their Trench. We were in
thofe times very raw in Sieges, and the way of opening a Trench
was ſo new,
new, that very few knew which way to go about that
kind of Service; wherein the Duke highly manifefted his courage
and experience, and to fuch a degree, that all the reft, who had
hitherto had the ordering of the Siege, feem'd only Spectators of
his conduct, all the other works either totally ceafing, or being
but negligently carried on, and his only going forward; as indeed
it was on that part that the Town was taken.
Having therefore ſet a time for the opening the Trench, which
was St. John's Eve, the Duke went that morning very early to the
Trenches; and having the night before prepar'd all things ready
for his defign, and amongſt other things given order to the Of-
ficers of the Artillery, to play their Cannon by break of day to -
beat down the defenfes of the City, he was by the noiſe of this
Battery call'd up from his Quarters. The Enemy on the other
fide, having intelligence of what was intended against them, had
prepar'd to make a reſolute refiftance; fo that though the Can-
non, which, from two Batteries rais'd upon the very edge of the
Graffe, had in two hours time by near upon five hundred fhot
made great ruines in the Walls, yet had they not prevail'd ſo far,
but there were ſtill two Flanckers remaining, which cut the Duke
off a great many very worthy men,as well of his own Domeſtick
Servants, as others his very particular Friends The Marquis de la Tlie Mata
Valette (who fhar'd with his Father in the glory of this action) quis dé t
was at the opening this Trench wounded by a Mufquet-fhot ceives a
which broke his ankle bone all in pieces: Carbonnié Captain of Mufquer-
the Guard to the late Duke de Biron, a man of great Valour, and St. Jean d
a particular Servant of the Duke's by a Mufquet-fhot in the head Angely.
was there flain: Brignemont the Gentleman of the Duke's Horfe,
and Brother to the Count de Maillé, receiv'd another in his thigh,
Ddd z
of
Valette,res
fhot before
1
388
The Hiftory of the Life of
A
PART II.
Anne of which he died a few hours after; as alſo many others were
1621. either flain out-right, or dangeroufly wounded: which hapned
by an inconvenience for which there was no remedy, which was,
that the Graffe of the City being exceeding deep, the Trench could
not be carried on ſo low, but that they were neceffitated to leap
from a great height into it; by which means moſt of thoſe who
had thrown themſelves into that danger, receiv'd this diſadvan-
tage, before the Ditch could be fill'd up with Bavins: but how
great foever the danger was, the Duke never ftirr'd from the
mouth of the Trench, but food open, and expos'd, and in his
Doublet only, till he had ſeen the Quarter made, which by l'En-
cheres, and le Roc two Aides de Camp, was at laft brought to per-
fection; the last of which was flain in the attempt, the other
came more happily off, though it was only foon after in a very
handſome action, to meet the fame misfortune. The day after,
the Duke having renewed his Batterics, and by them made the
two Flanckers uſeleſs, which rendred that Poft very unfafe; the
befieg'd fell into ſo great a fear, that ſeeing our men already lodg'd
at the foot of their Walls, and that the Miners were about to
fappe, they fued to be admitted to Capitulation, attributing by
common conſent the whole honour of the Siege to the Duke of
rendred. Efpernon, as indeed by his conduct it was evidently two months
advanc'd.
St. Jean de
Angely fur-
For the reft, as the Duke had moft contributed to the reducing
this place, or becauſe it was a member of his Government, or
that his Authority was more abfolute with the Souldier than any
of the reft, or out of deference to his Command as Colonel, or
out of the reſpect his age, and merit had acquir'd him above all
others upon fome, or all theſe confiderations it was fo order'd,
that he himſelf was the firſt man that enter'd into the Town. And
happy it was for that poor City he did fo; for fome French and
Swiffe Foot,having got over the ruines of the Breach (whilft thoſe
within were intent about letting fuch as were appointed to enter
into the Gates) were already upon the ſpoil, and principally buſie
•The Duke about plundering the Minifters houfe, which the Duke having
of Efpernon notice of, he ran himſelf immediately to the place, where he
the Town of caus'd all that had been taken away to be reftor'd, drave away the
St. Jean de reft from the other houſes, and fet all things in order; a care in
Angely from
being fack'd him whereof I was a witneſs, and without which the King had
by the Soul- had the diſhonour to have ſeen his faith violated before his own
eyes: but the Duke by this action made it plain, that if he knew
how to conquer, he knew as well how to provide for the fafety of
thoſe he had overcome.
preferves
dier.
All
سر
BOOK VIII.
389
the Duke of Efpernon.
The Duke
ment before
All the Commotions of thole of the Religion having taken Anyo
birth from the Rochellers obftinacy to continue the Affembly 1621.
they had called together in their City, in defiance of the King's
express Command, and that they ftill continued to uphold to the of Efpernon's
prejudice of his Royal Authority; his Majefties Council con- employ-
ceiv'd it more than a little concern'd his reputation, to make this chile.
mutinous people feel the ſmart, their contumacy, and diſobedience
had ſo highly deferv'd. The ill example of this City had fo cor-
rupted the other parts of the Kingdom, and had begot fo many
diſturbances to the publick peace, as had neceffitated his Majefty.
in his own perſon to run up and down to ſo many ſeveral places
to ſuppreſs them, that in the beginning he could never be at lei-
fure to fit down before Rochelle, the living fource of all thoſe mif-
chiefs; as he did ſome years after, and that with a fucceſs poſte-
rity will hereafter look upon, as a prodigy of Fortune, and Con-
duct. But for an undertaking of that difficulty, and importance,
it was neceſſary his Majefty ſhould make choice of fome Subject
of great Valour, and approv'd Fidelity, and fuch a one as could no
way be fufpected to have intelligence, either with the Rochellers
themſelves, or any others of their party: qualities that appear’d
fo eminent in the perfon of the Duke of Efpernon, as that they
feem'd to be in him united to no other end, than to point him
out for this Employment. To which may be added, that as be-
ing Governour of the Country of Aulnis, where Rochelle ſtood,
as alſo of the bordering Provinces of Xaintonge, and Angoumois;
he could for a need upon the fingle accompt of his own Intereft,
and Authority, draw fo great Forces from thofe places to his´af-
fiftance, that his Majefty fhould not in the least be neceffitated to
flacken the vigour and progrefs of his other Victories, for any
accident that could happen on that fide.
receives the .
Upon theſe confiderations his Majeſty refolv'd to confer upon The Duke
him the Command of the Army before Rochelle, the difpatches command of
whereof were Sign'd at Cognac the 4th of uly, and at the end of the Army at
the ſame month, the Duke preſented himſelf before Rochelle; ſ。 Cognac.
diligent he was in the execution of his Charge. He had only four
thouſand Foot, and fix hundred Horſe, wherewithal to block up
this great City, whereof the Regiment of Eftiſfac (which ſoon
after tell to the Count de Bury) of the old, but one of the leaſt of
the old Regiments, was one; the others were all new rais'd
men, and commanded by le Chevalier de la Valette, Chaſteliers, Bar-
lot, Castelbayart, and Saint Geme. The Horfe were indeed exceed-
ing ſprightly, and good, and thofe compos'd of the Company of
the Queens Gens d' Armes, commanded by the Baron de Chantal.
of
5
1
3
390
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART II.
Anno of that of the Camp Mafter to the Light-Horse, commanded by
1621. Piantais, of the Company of the Duke's Gens-d'Armes, and fome
other very good Troops. He had for Marefchaux de Camp, d' Au-
riac Coufin to the Duke de l' Efdiguieres, a Gentleman of
lour and experience, Biron Brother to the late Marefchal of France,
Sauvekœuf, and le Maffé, Lieutenant to the Company of Gens-
He obtains
of the King
Monfieur
d' Antry
now Chan-
ď Armes.
great va-
The Duke finding he ſhould ſtand in great need of an Inten-
dant de Juſtice to eafe him in part of the trouble, and care of his
command, he caft his eye upon Monfieur de Autry,Nephew to Pre-
cellor of fident Seguier his very intimate friend, for that purpoſe, whom he
France, for recommended to the King, paffionately befeeching his Majefty
to inveft him with that Employment: a perfon that we have
this expedi- fince feen rais'd to the fupreme Dignity of Chancellor of France;
Intendant de
Justice in
tion.
an Office that he does at this day diſcharge with fo unblemiſh'd a
repute, as is nothing inferiour to the greateſt men of thoſe who
have preceded him in that charge; though at this time he had
been but lately admitted into the Council in the quality of Ma-
fter of Requeſts. He had not long continued with the Duke, be-
fore he gave as favourable a Character of his worth, and merit,
as could poffibly belong to a man of his condition, judging him
thence forward worthy,and capable of all the great preferments a
man of his Robe, and Profeſſion, could reaſonably expect, or pre-
tend unto.
So foon as the Troops appointed for this Service could be
drawn together, the Duke appointed the Rendezvous to be about
Surgeres, a houſe belonging to the Baron de Montendre, which he
took up for his own Quarter, and, without giving the Enemy fur-
ther refpite, brought them two days after before the City, to try if
the Rochellers, who had had time enough to prepare themſelves,
would be fo brave, as to receive him in the Field; though they
contented themſelves with beſtowing upon him fome
Volleys of their great fhot only (which did no body any
hurt at all) without once offering to ftir out of their Walls.
At his return from this little piece of bravery, the Duke came to
take up his Quarters in two great Burroughs,a quarter of a League
The Duke diftant from one another, whereof that he made choice of for
of Efpernon his own Poft was called la Jarrie, and the other Croix-Chapeau,
Quarters where he difpos'd the reft of his Army (as eldeſt Camp-Mafter)
before Ro under the command of d'Auriac. The diſtance of the Quarters
from the City was a League, or thereabouts, far enough to diſco-
ver the Enemy a great way, fhould he attempt to difturb him,
and not fo far neither as to leave him too much liberty of the
Field.
takes up his
chelle.
Having
1
I
BOOK VIII.
391
the Duke of Eſpernon.
:
}
ما
Anno
Having thus fettled his Quarters, he began to plant Garriſons
upon all the Avenues of the City, as well to keep the Enemy in, 1621.
as alfo to cut off from them all Commerce with the adjacent
Countrey: In fuch places as he found either Caftles, or Churches
he lodg'd them there, making fhift elſewhere with Mills, and
private houſes. Which Garriſons in fome places conſiſted of an
hundred, in others of fifty men: but fcarce any above an hun-
dred. To thefe he gave particular inftructions to take efpecial no-
tice of all things within the obfervation of their own Quarter;
to ſtop all fuch as would either offer to go into, or come out of
the City; and to hinder the Enemy from gathering in their Har
wefts of Corn and Wine. The Foot being thus order'd, he caus'd
the third part of the Cavalry to mount every day to Horfe to
ſcour the Field, even to the very Gates of Rochelle: So that ſhould
any thing by chance paſs by the Foot, it was almoft impoffible to
eſcape the Horſe: by which means thofe few Forces being care-
fully provided for, and ſo advantageouſly quarter'd, did in a few
months fo incommodate the Rochellers,that they found themſelves
abfolutely depriv'd of all manner of Relief by Land; infomuch
that had any Shipping at the fame time been employ'd to block
up the Channel, they could not, without all doubt, long have
wreſtled with thoſe neceffities they muſt have apparently fallen in
to: but this was a Victory too glorious to be referv'd for any
other than the King himſelf.
Of all thefe little Garriſons (which (though they had drawn no
lines of Communication) made ſhift nevertheleſs to make up the
Circumvallation of the City) there was never any one forc'd by
the Enemy 'tis very true that they had attempted upon ſome of
them, both by day, and by night: but the Duke having ever
been ſeaſonably alarm'd, alwayes came in time enough to relieve
his own men, and to make the Enemy with loss to retire: Lof-
ſes that were at laſt fo frequent, and confiderable, as that it is moſt
certain they loſt in ſeveral engagements, betwixt twelve, and fif-
teen hundred men: Whereof ſome of thoſe Skirmishes had been
fo brisk, as that therein fometimes two, fometimes three hundred
men were left dead upon the place; beſides a great number of
Citizens, and Officers of note taken Priſoners, whoſe Ranſomes
were very confiderable.
The Duke every week duly twice, ſometimes thrice mounted
on horſeback in his own perfon to vifit his Quarters; which
could not be done, without coming very near the Town: and
this commendation is due to the Rochellers, that they never faw the
Duke's Horſe approach their City, without fallying
our to
Skir-
1
;
392
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II.
Anno Skirmish: but it is alfo as true, that they never return'd with the
1621. leaſt advantage.
Several
fore Ro
chelle, be-
twixt the
Duke of
Espernon,
and the be-
fieged.
They were fometimes fo bold, as to attempt upon the Duke's:
own Quarters; but they were no more fortunate in affaulting,
than when they were themſelves affaulted. I fhall not undertake
actions be- a Narrative of all the feveral actions that pafs'd in the beginning
of this Siege, though very remarkable in themfelues; forafmuch
as they did not determine the bufinefs: There was one great en-
gagement at la Moulinette, another at la Font, another at Tadon,
and fo many others that the Duke, and the Marquis de la Valette
his Son (who alwayes made one upon all occafions) ran very of
ten very great hazard of their lives. The firft whereof had the
brims of his Hat bor'd through with a Mufquet-fhot in one En-
counter, and the truncheon he carried in his hand broke all to
pieces with another Mufquet-fhot in another; the Marquis had
one of his Stirrop-leathers carried away, and his Horfe kill'd un-
der him with ſuch another fhot: but the Enemy having in theſe
Skirmiſhes loft a great number of their beſt men, and many of
their Citizens (a lofs at which they were more concern'd, than for
theGentlemen of the beft quality of their party)they at laft refolv'd
to make no more Sallies, contenting themſelves for the future,
with defending the circuit of their own Walls, and preſerving
their City from the practices and intelligence the Duke main-
tain'd with ſome of the Inhabitants; which was gone fo far, that
thoſe he had dealt withal, were upon the point to deliver him up
one of the Gates of the City; when upon feveral conjectures,
the Magiftrates having found out the truth at laft, they expos'd
the parties (whom they call'd Traytors) to the violence of
the people, by whom they were all torn to pieces.
After the Rocbellers had taken a refolution no more to hazard
their Forces in the Field, fome active ſpirits in the City impatient
of lying idle, and immur'd, laid feveral defigns to go further off
to make trial of their Valour: amongst whom la None was one
of the firſt, and moft eager, though not the moft fortunate in the
execution of his defign. This Gentleman upon the intelligence he
had receiv'd, that the Count de la Rochefoucault was parted from his
Government of Poitou, on purpoſe to come vifit the Duke at
la farrie, had laid himſelf in ambuſh in the Foreft of Benon to
furprize him; but the Duke advertiz'd of his March by the Coun-
trey people (who (to preferve their Houfes from firing, and them-
felves from puniſhment) never fail'd diligently to inform of
whatever they could diſcover of the Enemies defigns) lending
out his Company of Gens-d' Armes, took la Nože in his own Am-
bufcado
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
393
t
Anno
1621.
bufcado; where, after he had made all the refiftance could be
expected from a very gallant man, he was at laft conftrain'd to
give way to his ill fortune, and to yield. He was therefore brought
prifoner to the Duke, who for fome time entertain'd him in his
Camp with all imaginable civility; giving him leave moreover
upon his parole to go fee his Mother in Poitton of which the
King being inform'd, his Majefty gave the Duke to underſtand
The was infinitely diffatisfied with that favourable proceeding to-
wards a man, by whom he had been fo often, and fo highly.
offended; commanding withal that he ſhould forthwith fend
him to the Priſon belonging to the Parliament of Bordeaux, that
he might there be brought to his Trial. La Noiie in the mean
time had furrendred his perfon to the Duke to difingage his word;
whom the Duke (who could now no longer allow him the li-
berty of his Camp) fent away by two of his Guard to the Caftle
of Angouleme. La Nouie in this condition, and advertis'd of the
exprefs and reiterated Orders the King had fent to the Duke, to
uſe him no longer as a prifoner of War, but as a Criminal, and a
Rebel, began to apprehend he fhould at laft be deliver'd up into
the hands of Juftice indeed: and confequently thence forward
began to think of making his eſcape; as in the end, either through
the negligence, or connivance of his Keepers he did, by that
means delivering the Duke from the perplexity he was in, either
of offending the King by inſiſting too long againſt his Majefties
pleaſure for this Gentlemans prefervation, or of giving his con-
fent and affiftance to the ruine of a man of his condition, which
he could very hardly have ever perfwaded himſelf to do.
Whilft the Duke lay before this place, he had feveral propofi- The first
tions made to him, about the ſhutting up of the Haven;
for fuch Propofitions
of his Majeſties Veffels as were commanded to lie in the mouth made to the
of this Channel, finding they were not able to hinder the entrance the block-
into it to any that had a mind to go in; fome other way was to ing up the
be try'd to deprive the befieg'd of the benefit of this Pals. Pom- Harbour of
peo Targone therefore, an Italian Engineer of great repute, and that
had long ferv'd in the King of Spain's Armies in Flanders, was
ſent to view the difpofition of the place, and to confider of the
means by which the Port was to be rendred uſeleſs: In order
whereunto having long confider'd the nature of the Channel, he
propounded at lalt a Machine, which was an Estacade, or kind of
floating Fort; though the Duke could never relish that propofi-
tion, always dilpating it must be fome folid body that could
block up the mouth of this Harbour, and demonftrating withal
which way it was to be done: The very fame in truth they were
Eee
at
that were
Duke for
Rochelle.
4
394
+
The Hiflory of the Life of
PART II
•
}
Anno
at laſt fain to reſolve upon, after having made a vain and fruitless
1621. trial of all the reft. I have yet by me a Copy of what he after-
wards writ to the Duke of Angouleme upon this very fubject,
when that Duke commanded before the place: So that I may con-
fidently fay, the Duke of Elpernon, what by his own proper For-
ces (as in his firſt expedition before Rochelle) what by his conduct
of the King's (as upon this occafion) and what by his advice (as
we ſhall hereafter ſee) did no little contribute to the glorious re-
ducement of this place.
zal of the
pernon.
The Duke did yet another thing before he quitted his Com-
mand, which was not a little conducing to this great fuccefs. The
Iſle of Maran was of fo great importance to the execution of this
Enterprize, that it has ever been thought, whilft the Rochellers
ſhould have it at their diſpoſe, a thing almoſt impoffible to take
The furpri- that City, by reafon of the communication this Ifland gave them
Iſle of Ma- with Poitou, from whence they might at great caſe, and without
ron by the
Duke of Ef any impediment at all, fupply themſelves at any time, with all
forts of Relief. The Baron de Chandolan, a man of great quality,
and merit, who at this time fhew'd himſelf very affectionate to the
King's Service, was Governour of this Ifle, but he was notwith-
ftanding of the Rochellers Religion: fo that the fidelity of a man,
who having Religion for his pretenfe might, whenever he pleas'd
and without any blemiſh to his reputation, ſeparate himſelf
from his Majefties intereft, was not in reafon altogether to be.
rely'd upon; and the Duke alſo fear'd left he might be perfwaded
into a thing he might do with great fecurity, and almoft without
reproach. He therefore took up a refolution to poffefs himſelf of
this Ifle, to prevent any inconvenience for the time to come; and
having receiv'd his Majefties command to do it by the beſt means
he could contrive, he rofe from his Quarters one of the coldeft
nights in Winter; a time when all the Ditches of the Ifland were
frozen up, and which the Duke therefore chofe, as it rendred his
acceſs more eaſie for the execution of his defign. He therefore
commanded ſome Foot Companies to fteal over filently, and by.
fingle Files,who that very night poffefs'd themſelves of all the Ave-
nues; and in the morning, having caus'd the Ice to be broken,
that he might himſelf pafs over with his Horſe, he made himſelf
Mafter of the Ifland without the leaft oppofition: an action that
nevertheleſs he undertook with great reluctancy, fo great an af-
fection and eſteem he had for the Governour: but his Duty ever
carried it with him above all confiderations. The Chevalier de Va
lette was therefore eſtabliſh'd in this Ifle, and very opportunely;
for had not the Duke taken this courfe, and that the Rochellers
who
1
1
+
BOOK VIII.
395
the Duke of Efpernon.
who had a defign to feize it, had once got footing there, great
force, and vaft expenſe muſt have been employ'd to remove them:
but the Duke by this forefight fav'd the King that charge, and
labour.
Certainly never was War carried on at greater convenience for
the Souldier, than in this Countrey, which by its fituation, and
vicinity to the Provinces of Poicton, Xaintonge, and Angoumois,
lay fo exceeding conveniently for the bringing in of all forts of
Proviſion, and other neceſſaries, that they were ſcarce to be had in
greater abundance, or at cheaper rates in the beſt Cities of the
Kingdom, than they were in the Camp continually to be fold;
as alſo the people came in with their commodities with as great
confidence, and ſecurity, as to the publick and ordinary Markets :
and they might do ſo, the leaft violence to any Higler, Sutler, or
other Proviſionary Perſon, being a crime fo capital, as never eſ-
cap'd unpuniſh'd. By which we may judge how much the con-
tinuation of our civil diffentions has impair'd the flourishing
condition the Kingdom was then in, and how much the conftitu
tion of War by being grown older, is alter'd from what it us´d to
be in thoſe better times.
Anno
1621.
Whilft the Duke thus bravely acquitted himſelf of his Com-
mand before Rochelle, his Majefty had alſo with extraordinary
vigour profecuted his defigns in Guienne; where he had compell'd
moſt of the places poffefs'd by thoſe of the Religion in that Pro-
vince to ſubmit to his Authority and Power. Of which he had
reduc'd Bergerac, Saint Foy, Puimirol, Tournon, Monflanquin, with The King's
feveral others; beſieg'd, and taken Clerac, and at laft laid Siege Guienne.
to Montauban, though herein he had not been ſo ſucceſsful, as in
his other enterprizes: fo that the year ending with this variety of
Events, his Majeſty was conſtrain'd to return to Paris, to let the
ftormy quarter blow over, that he might in a more favourable
ſeaſon recommence the interrupted progrefs of his Arms.
upon
exploits in
of the Duke
In his Majefties return to Paris, a little paltry place fituated
the banks of the River Garonne, call'd Monburt, had the im-
pudence to ftand out againſt the Royal Army; an infolence which
though it receiv'd its due reward, prov'd notwithſtanding fatal to
the Duke de Luines, who by a burning Feaver there ended his The death
days: by whofe deceaſe both the place he poffefs'd in the King's de Lusines.
favour, as alſo the Office of Constable of France became void :
The Duke of Mayenne had likewife a few days before left a vacan-
cy in the principal Government of the Kingdom, which was that
of Guienne, by a Mufquet-ſhot he receiv'd in his head before,
Montauban; by the fall of which two great Minifters the King
Eee 2
(as
+
1
J
396
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II.
Anno (as we ſhall hereafter fee) had means to recompenfe the Services
1621. of the Duke of Efpernon, and the Marefchal de l' Efdiguieres, two
of the eldeſt, and beft deferving Servants of his Crown.
Anno
1622.
The Duke
of Efpernon
goes to the
King at
Poitiers.
The Winter was no fooner a little abated of its fury, but that
thoſe of the Religion, more elevated with the railing of the
Siege of Montaubon, than they had been dejected with the lofs of
ſo many other places, as the King had taken from them, took the
field to give his Majefty a new, and greater provocation than be-
fore. Of theſe Soubize was the firft that fell in his Majeftics way,
who having fortified himſelf in the Ifle of Reé, and fome other
Iflands of Poitou, thought the difficulty of their acceſs would
protect him from the Royal Power: but he foon found that all
places are firm Land to Kings; when his Majefty overcoming all
difficulties, that oppos'd his way, pafs'd over the Marfhes, and
his own Fortifications within them, to fall upon him; where he
gave him ſo notable a defeat, that he could not of a long time af-
ter recover that blow, nor put himſelf again into any tolerable
poſture of War.
So foon as the Duke of Efpernon had intelligence of the King's
motion towards thofe Provinces, where he had the honour to
command, he defign'da Journey to his Majefty, to give him an
accompt of thoſe diſcoveries he had made whilft he lay before
Rochelle, that were of greateſt importance to his deſign: a defire
he had no fooner acquainted his Majefty withal, but that he gave.
him leave to come to him to Poitiers; where he accordingly ar-
riv'd in the beginning of the year 1622. He could not poffibly de-
fire a more favourable reception,than his Majefty was here pleas'd
to give him, who openly declar'd himſelf infinitely ſatisfied with
his Service: neither indeed could it by any one have been per-
form'd with greater fidelity, or to better effect: ſo that the King
being refolutely bent to punifh the Rochellers diſobedience, had a
great defire, that the Duke fhould ftill putlue the Siege, as he
had begun: But the Count de Soiffons a young Prince of great cou-
rage and expectation, having been prompted by his friends to
ask fome employment, he was not handfomly to be denied any
thing almoft he could demand, every thing he would pretend to
feeming justly due to his Birth, and merit. Amongst all the Com-
mands of the Kingdom, that the Duke had before Rochelle was,
without all difpute, the most honourable; and the Duke had no-
tice given him a few days after his return to his Camp, of the im-
portunate fuit the Count de Soiffons made to have the Command
of the Army under his charge conferr'd upon him; an intelli-
gence that perhaps the informer prefum'd would have been very
unwelcome
J
BOOK VIII.
397
the Duke of Efpernon.
f
t
(c
per-
unwelcome to him: but if the Duke knew how to stand upon
his punctilio, and to hold his own amongſt his equals, he alfo
better underſtood than any man of the Kingdom, what deference
was due to the Princes of the Blood. He was therefore no fooner
advertis'd of the Count's defire, but that he was himſelf the firſt
man to ſecond it; repreſenting to his Majefty in his diſpatches
how much it ſtood him upon to favour the inclinations of this
young Prince, that he might the fooner be made capable of
forming thofe Services his Majefty was one day to expect from his
Valour and Conduct. He alſo renew'd the fame inftances by word
of mouth, when his Majeſty came a few days after out of Poi- ·
Etou into Xaintonge; though when all was done he himſelf would
never be prevail'd upon to ſerve any more in this Army under
this new General. Monfieur d' Herbaut Secretary of State, his old
and particular friend, was commanded by the King to ſpeak to
him about it, who repreſented to him: "That his Majeſties in-
tention herein, was not in the leaft to diminiſh his Authority
"in the Army, nor to cut him off in the leaſt from the exercife
of his Command: That if they took from him the vanity of
a Title only, they added much more to his effectual power:
"That the Army being augmented by one half (as it was to be)
"there was no honourable exploit he might not be able to per-
"form by ſuch an addition of Forces, fince with fo few, as he
"had hitherto commanded, he had, to fo glorious a pitch, ad-
"vanc'd his Majeſties defigns: That his Majefty intended all
things ſhould be order'd by his wildom, and that this Prince's
"youth might be govern'd by his experience; to the end that un-
"der lo excellent a Diſcipline, he might betimes bè train'd up to
the profeffion of Armes. The Count alfo either of his own accord,
or by the King's order fent him the fame complement at the fame
time; but the Duke perfifting never to have dependence upon
other than Kings (from whom he ſaid, and from no other, all
things by men of his condition, were to be expected) he humbly
beſought his Majeſty to excufe him from this employment, en-
treating Monfieur d' Herbaut to tell the King from him: "That
he did not think himſelf Souldier enough to inftruct this
young Prince fo well, as he ought to be, but that he likewiſe
thought himſelf too old to begin to learn of any whomsoever.
'
CC
CC
cr
(c
(C
After the Duke had ſent the King this anſwer by Monfieur d'
Herbaut, and that he knew it had been well receiv'd, he went
himſelf the ſame day to his Majeſty,where he told him: "That
he could never enough commend the good refolution his Ma-
“jefty had taken in the Count's favour: That he did with all his
rr
heart
Anno
1622.
1
1
398
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II.
1
1
•
CC
Anno "heart refign into his Majefties hands thofe Forces he had done
1622. "him the honour to entrust him withal, without diminution of
number, and ſome encreaſe of Reputation: That of all the
"other Services he had heretofore perform'd for his Majeſty, and
"the Kings his Predeceffors, in the long courſe of his life, he had
ever expected his reward from their bounty, without importu-
*ning them with his demands: but that he fhould not do fo
here, being refolv❜d to take upon him the boldneſs to make one
requeft; which as it would neither incommodate his Majefties
Affairs, nor impair his treafure, he hop'd would not be de-
ny'd, and that was only, that his Majeſty would give him leave
"to ferve about his own perfon in the fimple condition of a Vo-
"lunteer: That bis Governments of Xaintonge, and Angoumois,
"being fecure, whilft an Army fhould lie before Rochelle, his
+
of Effernon
fent to lay
Siege to
Royan.
(C
prefence would be altogether unneceffary there; and that there-
"fore he humbly begg'd he might partake of thofe dangers, to
"which his Majefty was about to expoſe his own perſon; and
"that though he was now grown old, he found he had never-
"theleſs ftrength, and vigour enough remaining to dye in fome
glorious day, with a Pike in his hand, at his Majefties ftirrop.
Which being faid, his Majefty embracing him in his arms, re-
turn'd this anſwer: "That he did very freely grant him that re-
"compenſe, and that if he had many Servants on whom to be-
"ftow the like, and who knew fo well how to make use of it, he
"fhould think himſelf a much greater Prince than he was: That
notwithſtanding he did not receive him in the quality of a Vo-
lunteer, as he defir'd, but that he might affure himſelf he would
ever afford him fuch a place in his Armies, as that therewith he
"himſelf ſhould be very well content. And accordingly his Ma-
jefty having a deſign upon Royan, he difmifs'd the Duke with part
of his Forces to begin the Siege.
<l
ring
In this fort the Duke quitted his employment at the Siege of
The Duke Rochelle, after having lain before it eight months compleat: du-
which time the Army had receiv'd five Mufters, and yet
complain❜d of being ill us'd; though I believe now adays they
would be very well content to be fo paid. The Duke being ap-
proach'd near Royan, mounted on Horfeback to view the place.
This Royan was a little City built upon a very high Rock by the
Sea-fide, inacceffible on that fide towards the Water; the height
whereof breaking off the impetuofity of the Winds, at the foot
of the precipice afforded a very fecure Harbour to fo many Veſ
fels as it could contain. This Harbour was defended by an anti-
ent Caſtle rais'd upon the eminence of the Rock, and in the midft
of
ኔ
BOOK VIII.
399
the Duke of Efpernon.
of it a little way was levell'd, that lead to the Harbour by one of
the Gates of the City. On that fide towards the Land the fituati-
on was more even; but there alfo fo well fortified, that in the
opinion of all who view'd it either before, or after the Siege, ic
was one of the moſt tenable places, for its circuit in France. To
which it had moreover this advantage, that it was almoſt wich-
out danger to be defended; forafmuch as after their out-works
ſhould be taken (which could not be till after a long Siege) the
convenience of the Sea, and the vicinity of Rochelle, rendred their
retreat at any time ſo eaſie, and fo fecure, that it was to be defen
ded to the laſt extreme. The Baron de Saint Surin, a Hugonot, and
a Gentleman of great quality, and valour, though very young,
had in the beginning of thele commotions furpriz'd this place
from la Chefnaye, one of the King's Domeſticks of the fame Reli-
gion;
but infinitely zealous for his Majefties Service: neither
was he ignorant of the advantages of the place; he knew what
reputation he might gain amongſt thofe of his own party,
and
what recompenfe from the King himself, after a long and obfti-
nate refiftance: but la Mote Samt Surin his Brother, the Count de
Marennes his Brother-in-law, and Navailles his Coufin, having
been taken priſoners at the Ifle of Rhee, and the King threatning
to deal with them after another manner than with ordinary pri-
foners of War, gave Saint Surin to underftand, that upon his de-
termination depended the fafety of his Allies. The Duke of E
pernon, who had inftructions from the King to manage this Affair
with Saint Surin, had to the King's menaces added fo many ad-
vantageous propofitions for the Governour in his own particular,
as had altogether brought the business to that pafs, that Saint Su-
rin, who had a great refpe&t for the Duke, of whom he was alſo
very much efteem'd, and entirely belov'd, touch'd with a tender.
nefs towards his friends, and morcover very ill fatisfied with
the ill uſage men of his condition receiv'd from thoſe of their own
party (who were eternally expos'd to the capricious humour of
the moſt abject rabble of Rochelle) had made him an abſolute pro-
miſe to ſurrender the place. The day was fet, the hour concluded,
and all things prepar'd for the execution, the King's Forces were
advanc'd towards the Town to receive it, and the Duke's Guards
appointed to guard the Gates of the City; when Saint Surin,
more confident of his Garrison, than he ought to have been,
made no difficulty to go out of the place to fettle fome Articles with
the Duke he had not thought on before. 'I is true he had left his
Lieutenant, whom he had made firm to his own refolution, in the
Caſtle, a Fort that rendred him abfolutely Mafter of the City,
having
Anno
1622.
4.00
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
ዛ
Anno having a back Gate by which the King's Forces might at any time
1622. be introduc'd, notwithſtanding any endeavour of the City to
hinder his defign: but Favas, Saint Ravy, Moulines, and fome
other Gentlemen of Command, upon the rumour was spread at
Rochelle of this Treaty, ran thither in all diligence; where find-
ing the Governour gone out, and his Lieutenant call'd l' Arnau-
diere, being ſo fenfelefs as to come open the draw Bridge of the
Caſtle to talk with them in too great fecurity, Saint Ravy, affifted
by one Poyanne, gave him a Piſtol-ſhot in the head, by which he
was laid dead upon the place; which being done, they forthwith,
cry'd to Armes, when the City immediately revolting from Samt
Surin, his own Garriſon follow'd the ſame example; whereupon
on a fudden ſuch a noife was heard within, as founded nothing of
the expected furrender.
The Duke in his approach to Royan had taken up his Quarters
in a houſe call'd Saint Pierre de Royan, which was within Gannon
Thot of the City and before which was a little Green, which over-
looking the City, had drawn thither a great sumber of perfons
to behold, as from a Scaffold, the furrender of this place. The
Duke himſelf was there, where Monfieur d'Autry had been long
difcourfing with him,and they were ftill walking together; when
this cloud of people having invited thofe within to level all the
Iron, and Brass Pieces they had at that eminence, there was heard
on a fudden, one ſhot overtaking another, a Volley of eighteen
pieces of Ordnance, which all plaid into this little place. And
certainly after an example like this all Cannon-fhot are to be
defpis'd, when had they fhot with a defign to do no harm, they
could hardly have been fo exact in their aim, as to miſs fo great a
crowd of people, yet was not any one touch'd; fo that except-
ing the fear, that made fome of the over-timorous lay themſelves
flat,upon the ground, it prov'd matter of laughter to all the reſt.
The Duke was ftill talking, whilft the Cannon play'd from the
City, with the fame indifferency, as if there had been no noiſe
´at all; neither did he once break off his diſcourſe, though the
Bullets flew very thick about his ears: but the tumult being over,
conceiving theſe to be no Volleys of Triumph, and that it was
neceſſary, before the Enemy could have time to look about them,
to take all poffible advantage of this confufion; he caus'd his men
to betake themſelves to their Arms, himſelf immediately going
down into the Suburbs; which though very well Barricado'd,
was neverthelels by reaſon of their diforder to weakly guarded,
that he carried it at the firft affault, with little or no refiftance:
a thing that in many days, and without the lofs of a great many
good
•
BOOK VIII.
Book
401
the Duke of Efpernon.
good men, had he flipt this opportunity, he could not have done.
Saint Surin furpriz'd at fo unexpected an alteration, and not be-
and not be-
ing able almoſt to believe his own eyes, went down to demand
the cauſe of this confufion; where all the anſwer he could
get,
was to bid him begone, his Souldiers yet retaining ſo much refpect
for his perfon, as not to ſhoot at him, though they would not re-
ceive him; and then it was that he faw the error his youth,
and want of experience, had made him to commit. He there-
fore return'd back to the Duke to juftifie himself, who more
compaffionate of his diſgrace, than troubled at his own diſap-
pointment, receiv'd, and comforted him with great civility, and
friendſhip; entertaining him in his own Quarters, and giving
him opportunity by the Services he perform'd during this Siege,
to wipe off the imputation of his ill conduct, and to give the
world high proofs of his bravery, and valour. His good qualities
after the War was over, and no more to do at home, carried him
to ſeek his deſtiny in Holland, and by that means depriving France
of one of the moſt accompliſh'd Gentlemen to all purpoſes, and
in all qualifications commendable in a man of his condition, of
bis time. As to this buſineſs, the Duke having undertaken his in-
tereſts, againſt the ill offices of many who were emulous of his
defert, not only prevail'd with the King to accept his excuſes, but
as a recompenſe for the Paſſion he had obſerv'd in him to his Ma-
jefties Service, moreover procur❜d the enlargement of his friends ;
ordering it fo, that his Piety was not rendred fruitless by his mif
fortune, and that what would have been puniſh'd in the perfon
of another, was rewarded in him.
The Suburbs of Royan being thus taken, they were now to
proceed regularly in their approaches for the taking of the Town,
wherein though the Duke had made choice of that part, where it
was with greateſt difficulty to be affaulted; yet did he ply his bu-
finefs fo well, that a Mine was brought up under the Baftion he
had undertaken. The King's Army in the mean time advanc'd to
favour the Siege, when his Majeſty coming after to view the
Trenches, reſolv'd at laſt upon an aſſault. The order therefore
being given, and all things prepar'd for the defign, the Marquis
de la Valette put himſelf in the head of his men, feconded by the
Guards of the Duke his Father, where he engag'd himſelf fo far
in the danger, that he was buried up to the middle in a Counter-
Mine ſprung by the befieg'd, and where he had run a great ha-
zard of his life, had not Montigny the Gentleman of his Horfe, a
tall, and very ſtrong man, help'd to difingage him. The Guards
that follow'd avoided the danger of the Mine, but they found ne-
F.ff
vertheleſs
Anno
1622.
:
}
1
402
PART II
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
1
1
Anno
1622. up
nour.
vertheleſs ſo ſmart an oppofition at a work the befieg'd had caſt
within the Baſtion, that of five and forty, whereof that Com-
pany confifted, two only efcap'd without wounds. Fourteen
were there flain outright, all the reft being hurt more or lefs; but
the three Officers, Marfillac, la Roche, and Larcan, Brother to the
Baron of Efclignac, who lead them on to the affault, were all fo
deſperately wounded, that there was ſmall hope of their recovery.
The Baron de Matba, who had accompanied the Duke in this oc-
cafion, was flain upon the Baſtion by a great ſhot, as alſo ſeveral
Gentlemen of the Duke's houfhold; but the reft, refoluté to over-
come all difficulties, lodg'd themſelves at laſt in the Baſtion. The
Royan taken, Marefchal de Vitry who was preſent at this affault, and who in
to the Duke this, as in all other occafions fignaliz'd himſelf with extraordina-
of Efpernon's
great lo- ry valour, gave them the glory of this performance, principally
the Chevalier de la Valette, who did wonders in his own perſon,
from the beginning to the end of the action. Thus by the Duke's
admirable conduct, and the valour of his followers this Siege
was brought to an end in fewer weeks, than months would have
been allow'd him, had he carried it on with lefs prudence, or re-
folution. In this, as it oft falls out upon other occafions of this
nature, fo ftrange Wounds were obferv'd, as, their cures defeating
all the rules of Art, pafs'd for miraculous. One of the Souldi
ers of the Duke's Guards call'd Faure receiv'd a Cannon-ſhot in
his Belly, which paſs'd quite through, leaving an orifice bigger
than a Hat Crown; fo that the Chirurgeons could not imagine,
though it were poffible the Bowels fhould remain unoffended
that nature could have fupply'd fo wide a breach, which notwith-
ftanding fhe did; and to that perfection, that the party found
himſelf, as well as before. Another of the fame condition call'd
Rameé, and of the fame place (they being both Natives of St.
Jean de Angely) receiv'da Mufquet.fhot, which entring at his
mouth, came out of the nape of his neck, who was alſo per-
fectly cur'd: which two extravagant wounds being reported to
the King, his Majefty took them both into his own particular de-
pendence, faying thoſe were men that could not die, though they
afterwards both ended their dayes in his Service.
Strange
Wounds.
4
The march
Army into
This place being reduc'd to the King's obedience, there re-
of the Kings main'd nothing more in Xaintonge worthy his Majefties Arms, fo
Guienne, and that he was at liberty to advance with all his Forces into Guienne.
their pro- The Prince of Condé had been ſent thither before with the Vant-
guard of the Army; where at his Majefties arrival he found
Monravet taken by the Duke d' Elbeuf, and Themeins, after a long
and obftinate reſiſtance, furrendred to the fame Duke. Saint Foy
grefs there.
alſo,
і
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
4.03
1
J
2
with ſeveral other confi-
allo, Clerac, le Mont de Marfan
derable places, were reduc'd to his obedience, by the Marquis
de la Force, de Lufignan, and de Castelnau de Chaloffe, who
had taken them in; fo that his Majefty finding little to dó in
do
Guienne, pafs'd ſpeedily thence into Languedoc. Negrepoliffe, a lit-
tle paltry Town upon his way, was fo impudent as to ſtand a
Siege; but it was foon taken by affault; and St. Antonin having
after a Siege furrendred to mercy, their temerity having put the
King upon making fome examples, the neighbouring places
thought it convenient to fly to his Majefties Clemency, to evade
the trial of his victorious Arms.
Whilft the King was taken up with theſe little exploits, the
Duke of Efpernon had taken opportunity to look into his own
Domeftick Affairs, the better to fit himſelf to follow, and ſerve
his Majefty in his main expedition; which he had fo diſpatch'd,
as to come before the King to Tholouze; who arriving there a few
days after, the Army mov'd towards the higher Languedoc by the
way of Carcaffonne, Beziers, Narbonne, and other good Cities; and
the ſeven and twentieth of August the whole Court arriv'd at
la Verune, a little Town in Languedoc: where the Duke receiv'd
the honour of a Patent for Governour, and his Majefties Lieu-
tenant General in Guienne, and for the particular Governments of
Chasteau, Trompette, as alfo of the City, and Cittadel of Bergerac,
with the City and Caſtle of Nerac, in lieu of his Governments
of Angoumois, Xaintonge, Aulins, and Limouſin.
From the time of their being together at Tholouze, the Prince
of Condé having converted the animofities he had conceiv'd
againſt the Duke, during the Regency of the Queen Mother in-
to a particular eſteem; he was the first man that thought of this
Command in the Duke's favour: and though he had himſelf
been Governour of that Province, yet thinking it no prejudice to
his Birth and Dignity, to be fucceeded by a man of his Merit, he
first propos'd him to the King. His Majefty underſtood as
well as any the importance of this Command, and having
a little before experimented in the perfon of the Duke of
Mayenne, what a Governour of Guienne could do, when debauch'd
from his Duty, had been at great debate with himſelf, upon
whom to confer the honour of this great Employment.
At the first mention notwithſtanding of the Duke of Elper-
non, he very favourably gave his confent, and the conftant
teftimonies he had always receiv'd of the Duke's fidelity feem-
ing to be fecurity for him for the time to come he gave
Prince order to ſpeak to him about it, and to let him know
F f f 2
the
he
Anno
1622.
L
•
404
PART II
The Hiflory of the Life of
}
Anno
he had thoughts of conferring upon him the honour of that
1622. command.
୮
But all we who were of the Duke's Family, can witneſs there
was not the ſame facility in the Duke to receive this favour, there
had been in his Majeſty to confer it: Not that he wanted ambi-
tion, or that his ſpirit did not prompt him with great confidence
in himſelf to aſpire to the higheſt employments: but this ambi-
tion alſo was not blind, and if on the one fide he confider'd how
great an honour it would be to fucceed the late King Henry the
great of happy memory, who had maintain'd himſelf in this Go-
vernment, till he came to the Crown with other firſt Princes
of the Blood, and to have his Authority rais'd to that height in
his own native Countrey: he wifely weigh'd on the other fide,
that amongſt ſo many advantages he fhould meet with much
trouble, and many difficulties to balance the luftre of that Digni-
ty, with many occurrences that he forefaw would be very croſs
and untoward. His prefent condition 'twas true was not fo
fhining, but it was alſo more calm; and his Authority was ſo
eſtabliſh'd in his own Governments, that there was none who
was not acquainted with his Juftice, and who from the Infancy
of his Adminiſtration, had not paid fo inviolate a refpect to his
perſon, that the reverence thofe Countreys had for him, feem'd
to be a natural quality in the people committed to his charge.
The Gentry and Populacy were equally obedient to him, and he
liv'd amongſt them as free from trouble, as envy: whereas in
Guienne, where his Government would be fhut up betwixt two
Parliaments, he conceiv'd that in the adminiſtration of his charge
it would be almoſt impoffible to avoid many disputes, with the
members of the one or the other Body. Whilft he had only had
to do with them in the quality of a friend, he had found them
exceedingly obliging, and all the Gentry of the Province had
ever paid him a very great refpect: but he very much doubted
whether in fuch a degree of Authority he could preſerve the
friendſhip, and affection of fo many perfons of quality as would
be ſubjected to him. Theſe reaſons made him long deliberate
upon this Affair, and he was often tempted to refuſe it: but he
was ſo importun'd by his friends, and particularly by the Duke
of Guife, who came to wait upon the King in Languedoc, that he
at laſt reſolv'd to embrace his Majefties gracious offer: though I
heard him fay then, and he has often confirm'd it fince, that he
would never have been perfwaded to do it, had he not been be-
fore diveſted of the Cittadel of Xaintes, affuring us, that could
he have kept that in the condition he had once put it, he would
not
7
•
+
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon,
4.05
not have exchang'd thofe Governments he was already feiz'd of,
for any the beſt in France.
Anno
1623.
The Duke
Parent for
Guienne.
Having therefore long deliberated before he could refolve, he
at laſt went to receive from the King's own hand his Patent for of Efpernon
Governour of Guienne, dated from the Camp of la Verune the 27. receives his
of August 1622. the news whereof was no fooner fpread abroad, the Govern-
but that all Guienne was as much over-joyed at their good For- meat of
tune, to be govern'd by a Lord of their own Countrey, and one
that had already laid ſo many obligations upon it (there being
few Families of the Gentry, that had not been enrich'd by his
bounty) as the Provinces that faw themſelves depriv'd of him,
were afflicted, and difconfolate at his lofs. A privation the mi-
feries they afterwards endur'd made them very fenfible of a long
time after; though they have at laft found a remedy in the perſon
of the Marquis de Montauzier, the prefent Governour there;
who by his generous, and prudent adminiſtration, after having
procur'd them all the cafe and comfort, the condition of the time
will permit has either ſo confirm'd them in, or ſo reduc'd them
to their obedience to the King, as has fecur'd them from many
inconveniences, into which, by the ill example of their Neigh-
bours, they would otherwife have heen feduc'd.
the Dukes
l'
guieres, with
rent ways of
The Duke de l' Efdiguieres was at the fame time promoted to A compari-
the Office of Conftable of France: and fince Fortune ſeems to fon betwixe
have made choice of thefe two Lords (the most eminent of their of Efpernon
time) to manifeſt what fhe can do, when difpos'd to favour men and Edi-
of extraordinary merit, it will not perhaps be altogether imperti- fome refle-
nent to confider the feveral ways by which fhe rais'd them to that ations upon
infinite pitch of Honour. They were indeed very different both the diffe
in the one and the others promotion: In the advancement of their ad-
the Duke de l' Efdiguieres, ſhe was obſerv'd to proceed with order, vancement.
leading him through all the degrees of his profeffion, and from
the quality of a private Souldier, raifing him ſtep by ſtep, in re-
volution of time to the Dignity of Conftable of France. He had
never been preferr'd from a lefs command to a greater, without
having firft been concluded worthy of it; wherein Envy (which
has feldom been known to be reconcil'd to Vertue) never appear'd
his adverſary; infomuch that he ever poffefs 'd all the advantages
of the one, without once proving the malignity of the other, and
by a favour particular to him alone, was fo conftantly fortunate,
that his happineſs was never travers'd with the leaft difturbance.
He never undertook any thing, how dangerous foever, where
Fortune did not ſtill ſmooth his way, and level all difficulties be-
fore him, to favour his fuccefs, even beyond his own expectation:
and
!
1
406
The Hiftory of the Life of
r
+
PART II.
Anno and no lefs folicitous of his perfon, than partial to his Affairs,
1622. was ever fo ready to defend him from the leaſt miſchance, that
The Duke
attend the
King's per-
fon in his
expeditions.
whatever he acquir'd of Greatness, Wealth, or Honour, ſcarce coft
him ſo much as one drop of blood. It is in truth very much to rife
by ſo honourable, and ſo eafie a gradation, to fuch a place of great-
neſs: but yet methinks it muſt appear more ftrange, as it is more
rarely found, to ſee a young man at twenty years old rais'd to the
higheſt pitch, to which Fortune, and Favour, when combin'd,
could poffibly advance him: That a man envy'd of every one,
juftled by all parties, abandon'd by his own Benefactor, and per-
fecuted by a mighty King his Succeffor, fhould keep himſelf ſtill
upright,againſt all thofe violent affaults. We have feen him woun-
ded in ſeveral Engagements, blown up by Mines, and ſwallow'd
in Precipices; notwithstanding all which he overcame all diffi-
culties by a vigorous refiftance, triumphing at laft over Envy it
felf: fo that if the one obtain'd from the world a favourable opi-
nion by his Conduct, the other forc'd it by his Vigour, conſtrain-
ing all France to confefs, that thofe Offices, and Honours which
at first had prevented his defert, fell at last very much ſhort of his
Vertue. Infomuch that if we find the one worthy of Efteem, the
other is no leſs worthy of Admiration; if the one was promo-
ted by ordinary means, the other rofe to all his Advancements by
extraordinary ways; if the one leiſurely, and by degrees arriv'd
at greatneſs, there was a kind of impetuofity in the promotion of
the other; and yet his foot never flipt back: and if the one fup-
ported his Fortune erected upon fure Foundations, the other
(which is very ſtrange) even without any foundation at all, has
rais'd his to that prodigious height, as to carry it almoft out of
fight.
The Duke of Eſpernon, though he had merited well enough
refolves to from the Crown, to expect an acknowledgement like this where-
with the King thought fit to gratifie his defert, did yet receive it
rather as a new obligation for new, and greater Services, than as
a recompenfe for what he had already done; and conceiving that
thoſe he ſhould perform in his Majeſtics own view, would beſt
manifeft his Gratitude; he deferr'd till a fitter (eaſon, the taking
poffeffion of his new Government, that he might not lofe fuch
opportunities, as the War was likely to offer him whilft he ſhould
continue about the perfon of the King. He therefore attended his
Majefty to Narbonne, where fome overtures being fet on foot by
the Conftable de l'Efdiguieres, and the Duke de Roban in order
to an Accommodation he thought he might conveniently
make uſe of the interval of this Treaty, for the accompliſh-
ment
•
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
407
ment of a vow he he had formerly made to our Lady of
Monferrat.
Anno
1622.
The Duke's deſign was to go this Journey Incognito, to avoid
the trouble of many complements he was fure would be put up-
on him, if he ſhould travel in his ordinary State, in all places
through which he was to pafs; and to that end had reduc'd his
Train to a very ſmall number, fetting forwards almoſt ſo ſoon
as he had taken leave of the King, that he might prevent any ru-
mor of his motion: but he foon found it was far eaſier for him
to reduce his attendance, than to obfcure his reputation, which
had already ſo far got the ftart of his preparation, and had fo
fill'd the neighbouring Kingdoms with the reverence of his The Duke
of Espernon
name, that he was no fooner enter'd into the King of Spain's cakes a
Dominions, but he was receiv'd in all places with infinite re- Journy into
Catalognia.
ſpect, and extraordinary honours. He was in this Voyage ac-
companied by the Marquis de Varennes (made Governour of Ai-
guemortes at his return) the Vicount de Fontrailles, the Count de Má-
illé, the Sieur de la lliere Governour of Loches, fix Gentlemen of
his houfhold, as many of his Guards, and a neceffary number of
Officers; yet could he not, with all his care to contract his Equi-
page, order it fo, that he had not above fifty perſons in his Train :
fo troubleſome a thing is Greatnefs. He lay the firft night at la
Palme, a private houſe belonging to one of the Gentlemen who
went along with him, and the next day pafs'd cloſe by the Ca-
ftles of Laucate, and de Salfes, two little Fortreffes which at that
time divided the Kingdoms of France, and Spain; by the diſtance
of which from our Frontiers as they now ftand, it may be ſeen
how far our Conquefts have extended the limits of our own King.
dom. Two days after he came to Perpignan.
reception in
pafs'd.
Here it was that the Duke firſt perceiv'd how fruitless all his The Duke's
caution to conceal his perfon had been, he finding at his arrival all the Ci-
there the Garriſon already drawn out to receive him; and the Go- ties through
vernour fo foon as he was alighted coming to his Lodging to kifs which he
hands, and to offer him admittance into the Cittadel, though the
Duke making no other advantage of his Complement, than in
fuch a cafe he ought to do, after having return'd his thanks in
the moſt civil terms fo obliging an invitation requir'd, would
ftill remain in the Town. Heparted thence the next morning be-
fore day, it being neceffary to avoid the exceffive heats of the
Countrey, and the ſeaſon, to end his Journey by fix of the clock
in the morning, and to repoſe himſelf the rest of the day. And
here he was likewife conftrain'd, either for fear of wanting fo-
for Horſe, or with leſs difficulty to paſs the Mountains and
rage
Rocks,
408
PART II.
The Hiftory of the Life of
{
!
Anno Rocks, to leave his Horfes, and to mount upon Mules. The Gates
1622. were ſet open for him at the appointed hour, and two Troops of
the Garrison Horſe were found ready to convoy him two Leagues
from the City: he was moreover faluted by all the Artillery at
his departure. A complement fo loud, as the adjacent Countrey
being thereby given to underſtand, that ſo unuſual an honour was
not paid to a perſon of ordinary condition, he found at Stelrie,
at Girone,at la Roque, and the other places through which he paſs'd,
that the Spanish pride hindred not their gravity from paying alĺ
due honour, and respect to Vertue.
and
He came at laft to Barcelona, where the Duke de Alcala Vice-
Roy of Catalognia, ſo foon as he heard of his arrival, came in per-
fon to vifit him, excufing himſelf in that he had not had timely
notice of his coming, that he might have come out to meet him,
and to receive him without the City, as he faid, he had order
from the King his Mafter to do. Being return'd home, it was not
long before he ſent the Dake his Coach of Ceremony, drawn by
fix great and very beautiful Gennets, for him to go abroad,
take the Aire. A fight at which the Duke (who had ever been,and
who continued to his death a great lover of the Horfes of Spain)
was almoſt impatient, that fo ncble Creatures fhould be fubdu'd
to fo mean a ufe: nevertheleſs (fo great is the contagion of ex-
ample, eſpecially where the glory of emulation feems to be con-
cern'd) that he was afterwards himself the firft who fhow'd fuch
another ſet of Horfes in France; he being a few years after, very
often obferv'd in the Cours at Paris in a very rich Coach, drawn
by fix dapple Gray Spanish Horfes; to which I could add that it
was in the company of Ladies too, and that at the age of three-
fcore and tea, he was content to be feen playing the young man,
upon the greateſt Theatre of Europe. He ftaid two whole days at
Barcelona, during which time he view'd at leifure the greatneſs,
and beauty of the City. The Viceroy invited him to his Palace,
where he had aſſembled the beſt company of men to wait upon
him, and the fineſt women in the Town to entertain him, which
was a very extraordinary favour. This civility was moreover at
tended with a Ball, a Comedy, and a noble Banquet: and from
hence the Viceroy carried him to the Cours, which extends it ſelf
in very great length upon the Sea-fhore, and where we could not
but wonder at the delicacy of that people, the Ghing of all the
Gallies in the Harbour being drawn out every night to water this
Cours, which is above two thouſand paces long, We at first
thought it an extraordinary thing, done only in favour of the
Duke: but we were foon difpoffefs'd of that error, when we
under-
I
}
t
1
!
.
BOOK VIII.
409
the Duke of Efpernon.
3
•
underſtood that the Inhabitants, to defend themſelves from the
duft, and to qualifie the exceffive ardours of the Sun, had impos'd
this new task as an addition to the other intolerable labours of their
miferable flaves.
From Barcelona the Dake went at laft to Monferrat, where
he continued three days entire at his Devotion, not without ad-
miring the excellent Oeconomy obferv'd in this Abby, where
there are ordinarily above two thouſand five hundred perſons
provided for every day; for which all the provifions fo much as
wood, and water must be fetch'd a great way off upon Mules,
the Rock being ſo dry, and unfruitful, as neither to afford the
one, nor the other of theſe, much leſs the other neceffaries of life.
The Duke prefented the Abby with many very rich, and noble
Ornaments, adding to his Preſents an Almes of five hundred
Crowns of Gold, for three thouſand Maffes, and ſo re-
turn'd into France. The Religious Governours of this Abby ne-
ver take any mony for their Hofpitality, which they in Charity
beſtow upon all Pilgrims indifferently of what condition foever
for three days together: but they alfo never refuſe how much
foever any one is difpos'd to give for Maffes.
During the Duke's abode in. this place, thofe of his followers
who were nimbleft of Foot, had the curiofity to climb the
top of
the Mountain to ſee the Hermitages, which,being thirteen in num-
ber, are fituated upon the moft inacceffible precipices of the
Rock, and inhabited by ſo many devout perfons, who fubfift
upon almost no other nourishment than Herbs, and Fruit.
Though we met with great difficulty, and danger in this attempt,
and had very much ado to fatisfie our defires; we faw neverthe-
leſs, that one of the moſt unwieldy, and unready footed Ani-
mals, that is to ſay, a Mule went twice a week the fame way,
alone, and without being guided, to carry theſe good people their
allowance, and could with great fecurity fet his four feet in very
narrow paths, where we had much ado to difpofe of our two
fo great a priviledge has Cuftom: but what we thought the moſt
ftrange of all, was, to fee Birds of all forts, and of thoſe kinds
which with us are the moft wild, and untractable, fo familiar
with theſe Holy men, as to peck meat out of their mouths, and
fuffer themſelves to be handled, living in as great fecurity with
them, as amongst us thoſe of more docile natures, which we have
reclaim'd, and made tame with the greatest diligence, and art,
Anno
1622.
7
At his return from this Voyage, the Duke found the Treaty The Duke
abfolutely broken off, and the King ready to fit down before of Espernon
Unel; an Enterprize wherein his Majefty was pleas'd to make of Catalognid
Ggg
ufe
returns out
ま
​1
410
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II
Anno uſe of the Duke's perfon, and particular Servants, as he did after-
1622. wards at the Siege of Sominieres, at both which Leaguers the Duke
The Siege
of Mont.
pellier.
loſt many Gentlemen of great Valour and Deſert. Of which num-
ber Paigeolet a Captain in the Regiment of Guards, and who had
but lately quitted a Lieutenancy in the Regiment of Piedmont, for
this preferment, was one, as alfo Courbon, l' Enchere, Brouts, and
fome other Officers of name who depended upon him.
pro-
Theſe two places having given but a very little ſtop to the
grefs of the Royal Arms, and his Majefty ftill purfuing the Chafe
of Victory, he refolv'd to lay Siege to Montpellier; a defign of fo
high a nature, as requir'd the condition of the place fhould be
exactly, and maturely confider'd, before they ought to come to a
determinate reſolution. It had in one year been fortified to a mi-
racle, even in the opinion of thoſe who were beſt read in For-
tification; which if it had not been, the defects of the place
would notwithſtanding have been fufficiently recompens'd in the
Valour of the Governour, that had been very confiderable in an
open Village. It was the Sieur de Calonges of whom I fpeak, a
Gentleman equally to be efteem'd for his wit, and bravery; qua-
lities that made him look'd upon fo long, as he liv'd, for an extra-
ordinary perſon in his own Province, whither he at laft retir’d
himſelf, as full of honour, as empty of ambition, to end his
days, after having perform'd many fignal Services for his Prince,
by dying to expiate the glorious fault he committed againſt his
Majefty in his gallant behaviour at this Siege. The Duke of Ef-
pernon having long been acquainted with this Gentlemans vertues,
who had formerly out of his own affection ry'd himſelf to his
Service, and even in his diſgraces paid him a refpect at Court
above all other great men of the Kingdom, gave ſuch a Chara-
&ter of him to the King, as prov'd too true in the revolution of
this Siege.
The Conftable de l' Efdiguieres, by the prerogative of his place,
having the principal command of the Army, would (with good
Title) go to view the place, and the Duke, who difputed nothing
with him, but who alfo receiv'd no more orders from him now
he was Conſtable, than when he was only Marefchal General de
Camp, was alſo commanded by the King to do the fame. The
Conftable went out firft, accompanied with a strong party of
Horſe, as the Duke alfo was with fome Gentlemen: but he for
got not to take his Guards along, who prov'd very ſerviceable to
him, and alfo to the Conftable in this occafion.
The Duke of Efpernon had not advanc'd far in order to his dif
covery, before he was fir'd upon by fome Mufqueteers of the City
نه
planted
f
+
BOOK VIII.
411
the Duke of Efpernon.
planted in the hedges, in which Volley the Count de Maillé who
was talking with him, receiv'd a Mufquet-fhot in the face, which
put him in great danger of his life: fome others were alfo hurt,
and the miſchief would have been greater, had not the Duke
commanded la Roche the Lieutenant of his Guard with his Com-
panies, to alight, and beat the Enemy from their Poft; which
he having without much difficulty perform'd, and the Duke con-
ceiving that Monfieur de l' Efdiguieres would meet with the ſame
entertainment, he diſpatch'd away la Roche to do the fame Service
for him, if occafion fhould require. Neither could he have ar-
riv'd in a better time, for the Conftable having taken no Foot
with him (as the Duke had very well obferv'd) the Horſe that
attended him, at the rattle of the Mufquct-fhot, began to face
about, the craggy, and difficult paffes not permitting them to
come up to charge the Enemy, who in great fecurity fir'd very
thick upon them; infomuch that the Conftable, abandon'd by his
men, would perhaps have been himſelf oblig'd fhamefully to
retire, had not the Duke's Guards come opportunely in to clear,
his way. But meeting, after this little brush with no further op-
pofition, he foon after joyn'd himſelf with the Duke near Pont
Juvenel, where they both alighted, and where after the Duke
had a little rallied him about his diſorder, they continued a great
while in confultation to confider a Plot of the place preſented be-
fore them, and went afterwards together to the King's Quarter to
make their report.
Anno
1622.
counfe! of
which,not
being fol-
Immediately upon their return, the King call'd a Council of
War, to refolve upon the manner of carrying on the Siege, where
the Duke did not only propoſe, but did moreover with many
powerful Arguments maintain, that they were eſpecially to poffefs
themſelves of the Hill Saint Denis; an eminence near the City,
from whence the infide of all their Fortifications were fo cafily A prudent
diſcover'd, that it was impoffible (that poft being well fecur'd, the Duke
and furniſh'd with good Artillery) for the Enemy, either to go of Efpernon,
from the Town, to the defenfe of their out-works, or to remain
fecure within. But this prudent advice, that being follow'd had low'd, coft
intallibly made the King, within fifteen days, mafter of the the lives of
place, and fav'd the lives of as many perfons of Quality, and Va- ny very
lour, as ever his Majeſty loft in any one Enterprize of this kind, brave men..
wa contradicted by Chabans, the fame that has been mention'd
before in the Queen Mothers Affair. This man had, during the
time of the Duke de Luines his favour, obtain'd ſome employment
at Court, where, being a man of fenfe, and very well read in the
bufineis of the time, he had rais'd himſelf very confiderable
Ggg 2
friends
a great ma-
1
412
PART II.
1
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno friends to fupport him: So that thoſe who were enemies to the
1622. Duke (which were ever a very fufficient number) prompted Cha-
bans to diſpute his opinion in the Council, not confidering the
King's Service, and Intereft, when they came in competition with
the injury, and affront they intended againſt the Duke; which
Chabans ſo effectually perform'd, as to caufe a determination quite
contrary to what the.Duke had advis'd, to be refolv'd upon. A
very
thing I obferv'd the Duke at his return from the Council
much nettled at, and heard him give Chabans ſome very bitter lan-
guage
about it: but the overfight was already committed, and
the more unhappily, by how much it was never to be repair'd:
of fo great importance it is to husband the opportunities of War,
where a moment's neglect draws after it an irreparable loſs.
!
Immediately upon the breaking up of the Council, they fell
to work on all hands to advance the Siege. The Trenches were
opened, when thoſe within ſoon perceiving of how great impor-
tance the foremention'd eminence was to their common confer-
vation, they there caft up a little Work, and left fome Souldiers to
Guard it. Which Guard was no fooner planted there, but that our
Commanders eyes being opened, they faw the error they had
committed in not poffeffing themselves of that Poft whilft it
might have been done without any oppofition. They therefore
now reſolv'd to force it, and fucceeded in the attempt; for aſ-
ſaulting it by night, and the beſieg'd not daring to fally out of the
Town in the dark to relieve their men, they fuffer'd it to be ta
ken, the Guards giving our Souldiers leave to make themſelves
maſters of their Works, almoft without any refiftance: But (as
it often falls out) the facility of this little Victory having made
our people as negligent to its confervation, as if it never ought
more to be disputed with them, they took no care at all to perfect
the Works, that to their hands had already been begun: Neither
was this the fole over-fight was committed in this Affair; for
the Duke of Efpernon (as true in his predictions, as unhappy in
prevailing with theſe good counfels his long experience fuggefted
to him) had advis'd that a fufficient Guard of Horfe fhould be
planted near to the Fort, to beat back any that ſhould dare to fal-
ly out of the Town, to drive our men from their poſt. He knew
very well that the enemy had few, or no Horſe, and that therefore
they durft not without infinite danger hazard their Foot to come
to us, the ſpace between being large enough to give our Cavalry
room to come to charge, and to cut them in pieces before they
could come to the Fort that we kept; and Calonge has fince con-
feſs'd to me, that had his counſel been follow'd, he ſhould never
have
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Efpernon.
413
Anno
1622.
have dar'd to fally out, it being not to be done without manifeſt
ruine, and that conſequently within ten dayes he must have been
neceffitated to a furrender: but this fecond advice was rejected as Another
well as the firſt, through the oppofition of fome who car'd not prudent ad-
to overthrow the King's Affairs, provided they could thereby dif- vice of the
credit the Duke's conduct, or traverſe his defignis.
:
Duke of
Efpernon's
All theſe over-fights of ours being taken notice of by Calonges, rejected.
he would no longer defer to re-poffeſs himſelf of what had been
taken from him; eſpecially confidering, that he could not other-
wile preferve the place; to render therefore his action more illu-
Atrious by the light, and to put a greater infamy upon our confu-
fion, he fallied out at high noon, at the head of five hundred
Foot, ſeven and twenty Cuiraffiers, fourteen Carabins, and two
Trumpets with which ſmall party he fell fo vigorously upon
the Fort, that it was abandoned to him with little or no refiftance.
The noiſe of this fally at fo unexpected an hour, and the place
where the action was performd (by its height expos'd to the view
of the whole Army) foon call'd all the King's Forces to the relief
of their Friends; infomuch that many Lords of very great qua-
lity, and a great number of Gentlemen, who hapned to be at
that time in the King's Lodgings, mounted upon little pad Nags,
moſt of them without Boots, or other Arms than their Swords,
to fignalize their Valour in the fight of their Prince, who was
himſelf fpectator of the Action. Of theſe the Duke of Fronfac,
a young Prince of great expectation was one, the Duke of Mont-
morency another,the Marquis de Beuuron, Flocquetot (Lieutenant of
the Gendarmes to the Prince) Cambalet, Fabregues, with many
other Gentlemen of note; of all which not one efcap'd, except-
ing the Duke of Montmorency; and he with two thruits of a Pike
in his Breaft: fo that this unfortunate fuccour ferving only to
augment our loſs,and to condemn thoſe who had contradicted the
Duke's opinion, he receiv'd, to his great grief, a publick repara-
tion, which he could have been heartily glad to have fail❜d of,
rather than it ſhould have been purchas'd at the price of fo much
noble Blood, and ſo notable a diſadvantage to the Royal Armes.
Le Pleßis Bauffonniere, Marefchal de Battaile of the King's Armes,
bravely fighting eſcap'd in this firſt occafion,though he was there-
in defperately engag'd: but he was not fo fortunate in another
that follow'd foon after, at the ftorming a Half-moon; where
after having given his orders for the affault, and put himſelf (as
his cuſtom was) in the head of the Aſſailants, encouraging as well
by his example as his voice thofe he led on to fight, he loft an eye
by a Mufquet-fhot, which ſoon after occafion'd the lofs of his
life.
After
414
The Hiftory of the Life of PART II.
1
Anno
After ſo much blood fpilt, the difficulties of the Siege daily en-
1622. creafing, the Duke de Rohan was glad to make ufe of a juncture,
wherein his party had fome little advantage, to procure a more fa-
concluded vourable Peace
vourable Peace, which was accordingly fign'd before Montpellier
the 22 of October, 1622. and Calonges furrendred up the place in-
to his Majefties hands; who if he had by his Courage won him-
felf a great reputation in the Siege, he obtain'd no leſs by his in-
genuity in the handſome manner of his fubmiffion to the King.
The Peace
before
Montpellier.
returns to-
wards Paris.
The day after the Peace was concluded, the King made his
entry into the City, when after his Majefty had taken order for
the defenſe of the Town, he took the way to Paris by Provence,
Avignon, Dauphiné, and Lionnois; fo that the Duke of Efpernon,
who never parted from him in all this Journey, attended his Ma-
jefty into his old Government of Provence. There had formerly
been (as you may have obferv'd) various difpofitions towards
the Duke in that Countrey, as well friends as enemies; but time
(which is the fovereign cure of all untoward paffions) had recon-
cil'd them all by this time to one fenfe. All Animofities were now
converted into a general efteem of his Vertue; infomuch that I
have not obſerv'd him to have a greater reputation in any Pro-
vince of the Kingdom, nor to be any where receiv'd with grea-
ter reſpect and applauſe. All miſchiefs whether publick or par-
ticular, occafion'd by the former War, were buried in oblivion,
and the people, after having feen the King, enquir'd aloud for the
Duke of Efpernon; which his Majefty taking notice of, fail'd not
fo often as he met a crowd upon the way, to fhew them the
Duke they were fo inquifitive after, and when asking them ſome
pleaſant queftions, about their paft diſorders, even their former
miferies were at this time turn'd into delight.
The King at his departure out of Provence, paſs'd by Avignon,
The King where his Majefty was viſited by the Duke of Savoy. This Prince
ſeeing almoſt none of the old Court, fave the Duke of Efpernon
(for whom he had ever had a very great efteem, though he had
been notably diſappointed by him in all his defigns upon France,
as has been ſaid before) was particularly, and infinitely civil to
him. He came very frequently to his Lodgings, ever carrying
himſelf with great familiarity, and very obliging fashion, living in
the King of France his Court with as much liberty and freedom, as
he had been all the while in his own. His aſpect, which was gra-
cious, open, and full of Majefty, giving evidences (though under
a very moderate ftature) of the great and generous foul he was re-
ally maſter of.
From Auignon his Majefty paſs'd through Dauphiné, where ar-
riving
BOOK VIII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
415
Anno
1622.
The King
where the
betwixt the
Selle de Ver
riving about the end of the year, he there found the Queens, who
by his order were thither come to attend him. And here it was
that the Duke of Efpernon receiv'd a new honour in the perfon of
the Marquis de la Valette his Son, and which he preferr'd, with comes to
good reaſon, before all the reſt he had hitherto receiv'd from his Lyons,
Majesties bounty. The King had a little before (as you have Marriage is
heard) honour'd him with the Government of Guienne, had by celebrated
his Grace and bounty eſtabliſh'd, and confirm'd him in all the Duke de la
Offices, and Dignities, he had been invefted withal, as the re- Valette, and
wards of his Service: but now for the Crown of all his Favours, Madamoi-
the King would yet honour him with his Alliance, and make him neüil.
Father-in-law to Gabrielle a legitimated Daughter of France, one
of his own natural Sifters, being Daughter to Henry the Great,
by the Marquiſe de Verneiiil, and half Sifter to Monfieur de Metz.
This young Princeſs exceeding fair, and as finely bred as any per-
fon of her condition in the Kingdom, had been the ambition of
moſt of the great men of the Court: but the Duke of Efpernon
was preferr❜d before all. The Queens had brought her along with
them to Lyons, and her inclination, as well as her duty, having
ty'd her particularly to the Queen, the excellency of her Wit, and
Nature, the most acceptable, the ſweeteſt, and moſt accompliſh'd
of her time, having acquir'd her a very good fhare in this Prin-
cefs affection, ſhe ſtood doubtless at that time poffefs'd of the
higheſt place in her Majefties favour.
So many advantageous conditions, and ſo many admirable
qualities having rendred this Lady one of the moſt confiderable
matches in France, his Majefty would yet make her overweight,
by giving her himſelf two hundred thouſand Crowns in Dowry;
affigning her the County of Senlis (a Member of his Crown
Lands) to enter upon for payment of part of the fumme; to
which the Marquife de Verneuil her Mother added a hundred
thouſand more. The Ceremony of this Marriage was perform'd
in the Marquis de Saint-Cbaumont's Houfe, the Kings Lieutenant
in the Government of Lionnois; but the Magnificences at the
'Duke's own Lodgings, where the Feaft was honour'd with the
preſence of the King, both the Queens, and all the great perfons
of the Court. From fuch an illuftrious Marriage what could be
expected less than what we now fee? a Son, and a Daughter In-
heritors of their Mothers Vertue, and good Qualities, as imita-
tors of the Fathers, and Grandfathers Bravery, and Wiſdom;
whoſe youth is in fo great eſteem with all the Court, that if the
Courage, and Merit of the Son (which have already been fig-
naliz'd in many honourable occafions) have got him a reputation
through-
+
416
The Hiflory of the Life of
(
1
1622.
PART II.
Anno throughout all France; the Daughter (who was nothing inferi-
our in all the qualities becoming her Sex) has obtain'd an equal
fhare of opinion with all that knew her but the world was un-
worthy to poffefs her long, and the Solitude fhe made choice of
amongſt the Carmelites has manifefted to us, that nothing but
God alone could be the object of fo elevated a mind, and fo de-
vout a ſpirit,
The end of the Second Part.
3
脊
​}
*
1
1
1
THE
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}
1
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
LIFE
OF THE
Duke of ESPERNON.
THE
GREAT FAVOURITE
O F
FRANCE
ENGLISHED BY
CHARLES COTTON, Efq;
The Third Part.
Vivos interdum Fortuna, fæpe invidia, fatigat.: ubi anima Natura ceßit,
demptis obtrectationibus ipfa fe Virtus, magis, magifque extollit. Saluft.
de Rep. ord. Orat. 2.
LONDON,
Printed for Henry Brome, MDCLXX
1
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417
THE
HISTORY
Mak
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
THE THIRD PART.
The Ninth Book
E are now entring upon the third, and laſt part
of the life of the Duke of Elpernon; and if in
the preceding two you have met with great
Actions, you will meet no fewer here, though
perhaps not altogether fo fhining as the firft.
He had much to do, and no little to fuffer; his
Government of a vaſt extent, and fruitful in Novelty, would
never fuffer him to be long at reft; and the hatred of the great
Minifter Cardinal Richelieu gave him now occafion as amply to
manifeſt his conſtancy, as he had before in more favourable oc-
currences manifefted his other Vertues, as you fhall fee in the
purſuit of his Hiftory.
Soon after the accompliſhment of the Marriage of his Son the
Marquis de la Valette, their Majefties took their way towasds Pa-
ris; when the Duke of Elpernon having left the new married
Hhh
couple
1
Anno
1623.
1
.
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
The Duke
goes to-
418
Anno couple, together with his Son the Cardinal de la Valette, to attend
1623. the Court, took his leave of the King, to retire into his own Go-
vernment. In which Journey it was neceſſary for him to paſs
of Eſpernon, through Augoumois, to take order for the tranſportation of his
Furniture, Arms, and Equipage, in the Caftle of Angouleme
which he had there in fo great quantity, as requir'd no little
time, nor no few hands to remove them: though he found it a
greater trouble to part with the Friends andServants he had in that
Countrey; it being hardly poffible to fee in any particular Fami-
ly, upon the faddeft occaſion, ſo many real tears, as were ſhed by
the people in general at this feparation.
wards Gui-
enne.
ning of the
ill intelli.
gence be-
twixt the
Duke, and
the firft
Prefident
From Angoulefme he went to Coignac, and from thence to Xain-
tes, which was yet one of the principal Cities of his Government,
and where he had too dear a concern not to give her a vifit before
his departure. And this was Marguarite de Foix, Abbels of
Xaintes, a Virgin illuftrious for her Sanctity, and Vertue, and in
fo great a repute amongst the Sifters of her Order, that her exam-
ple ferves to this day for a Model to all thofe who aim at perfecti-
on in that way of devout living.
The Duke,before he departed from this place,would firft return
an anfiver to a Letter he had receiv'd a few days before from Marc
Antonie de Gourgues, firſt Preſident of the Parliament of Bordeaux.
The Father of this man had had ſeveral very profitable employ-
The begir-ments under the Marefchal de Matignon, in the time of his being
the King's Lieutenant General in Guienne, which had enrich'd
him fo, as that he had provided very plentifully for his pofterity;
of which this Marc Antonie being his eldeſt Son, he had by the
help of the wealth his Father left him, advanc'd himſelf to fome
de Gourgues. Publick employments, and being a man of notable wit, and un-
derſtanding, his parts, together with his fortune, recommended
him fo as to be receiv'd into the Family of Seguieres, a Daughter
of which he married, Sifter to the Chancellor of France now
being, who in thoſe days went by the name of Autry; and in the
end through the intereft of his Wives Relations was preferr'd to
the Dignity of firft Preſident in his Countrey. This Gourgues in
the time of his being at Court had made great profeffions of par-
ticular honour and fervice to the Duke of Efpernon, who alfo ei-
ther out of reſpect to his Allies, or to himſelf, had given him re-
ciprocal teftimonies of no ordinary affection: So that this kind-
neſs having paſs'd beforehand betwixt them, the Duke expected
that at his coming into his Government, he fhould meet with a
fincere friend at the head of the moft illuftrious Body of the Pro-
vince, whoſe mediation in occurrences, that might happen, would
:
be
1
1
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
419
be able to qualifie many little diſcontents, that the jealoufie of
Authority uſually begets in great Commands: but at the fight of
this firſt Letter he was of a contrary opinion, from which thoſe
diviſions ſprung betwixt him and the Parliament, that hardly
ended, but with the Duke's death; though they were begun even
before he was receiv'd into his Adminiſtration.
re
Anno
1623.
Which be-
gets that
betwixt the.
Duke and
the Parlia-
The Letter of which I am ſpeaking, after having treated of ment.
fome Affairs of little importance, that refpected the general con-
cern of the Province, gave the Duke at laſt plainly to underſtand:
"That a difficulty having been ftarted in the Parliament about
"the manner of his reception, they had determin'd to moderate
"the exceffive honours had formerly been paid to the Sons of
re France, or the first Princes of the Blood, who had been Ġo
"vernours of the Province, in going to receive them in their
"Scarlet Robes; a punctilio that though it was true, it had been
wav'd in deference to the Duke of Mayenne, it had nevertheleſs
"been done meerly out of respect to the high, favour wherein
"he was, when advanc'd to the Government of Guienne: but
"that at this time they were refolv'd to be more referv'd. I never
in my life faw the Duke more furpriz'd, than at this news, who,
jealous of his Honour and Dignity to the highest degree, would
rather never have enter'd Bordeaux, than to fuffer the leaft dimi-
nution of what had been granted to the Duke of Mayenne. He
therefore return'd an anſwer to this Letter, dated the 27. of Fa-
nuary 1623.wherein after having briefly anfwer'd what concern'd
the general Affairs, he inſiſted with great vehemency upon the
denial of thofe honours had been paid to his Predeceffor; telling
him amongſt other things: That if they had never appear'd in
"their Scarlet Robes, but in honour of the Sons of France, or
"the Princes of the Blood, he fo well underſtood the reſpect due
to them, as they were in a capacity of fucceeding to the Crown,
as not to defire a new example in his favour; but that he had
not the fame confideration for others. The whole Letter being
writ with his own hand, he commanded me to take a Copy of it,
from whence I have taken the very words I prefent you here.
is
The Duke, not yet fatisfied with delivering his fenfe of this Af-
fair in writing, would moreover diſpatch away Conftantin the
Comptroller of his Houfe to Bordeaux to communicate his re-
folution to ſeveral Members of that Parliament, who were his
particular friends; wherein he fucceeded according to his own
defire, and his reception was concluded in the fame form his Pre-
deceffors had been receiv'd, fome of the Company totally dif
owning all the firſt Prefident had writ concerning this buſineſs:
Hhh 2
by
1
•
1.
7
420
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno by which the Duke having juſt reaſon to believe him the Author.
1623. of this fcruple, he conceiv'd he had a mind to oblige the Society
at the price of his Friends Honour: fo that being offended to the
laft degree, that he ſhould ſo much as bring a thing into diſpute,
thas was his apparent due; he from thenceforward entertain'd
very
finifter impreffions of his friendſhip: neither was it long
before he made him fenfible of it.
W
The Duke
arrives in
Guienne.
The Duke's
Bordeaux.
Bordeaux
with the
Sheriffs in
other Cities
Whilſt theſe things were in agitation, the Duke was ftill ad-
vancing towards Cadillac, where he intended at leifure, from the
Parliaments proceedings to take his meaſures, what he was to do
about his entry into Bordeaux. He was here vifited by all the No-
bility of the Province, by ſeveral of the Parliament men in par-
ticular, and by an infinite conflux of Gentry, who came to at-
tend him at his entry, which was concluded to be upon the laſt
of February 1623. Whilft he here waited in expectation of the
appointed day, he difpos'd of the Governments of thofe places
committed to his charge; whereof that of Chafteau-Trompette was
given to Pleffis, Nērac to the Count de Maillé : but Bergerac,which
was a command of the greateſt profit, and the most important
place, was put into the hands of the Chevalier de la Valette, the
Duke's natural Son, who by his bravery had infinitely gain'd up-
on his love and opinion. The King had befides thefe places, more-
over affign'd him two Regiments in conftant pay, viz. That of
the faid Chevalier de la Valette, and that of Castelbayart, together
with his Company of Gens-d' Armes; fo that his Authority fup-
ſup
ported by thefe Forces, was much more confiderable, than any
of his Predeceffors had ever been.
The Duke,having thus fettled the Governments of theſe places,
reception at would now no longer defer his entry, but came to Frans, a houſe
belonging to a private Gentleman, about half a League only di-
ftant from the City, and upon the Banks of the River Garonne;
*Jurats de where the Jurats of Bordeaux came to receive him in a Boat they
Brette fame had prepar'd for that purpcfe. He was by them convey'd by wa-
ter to a place call'd Port du Caillau, where he was met without the
Gate, by all the Companies of the Town, excepting the Parlia-
ment, who in their Scarlet Robes receiv'd him at the entry of
the City. I ſhall not here undertake to defcribe every circumi-
ftance of this Ceremony, nor the Magnificence, refpect, or ap-
plauſe obfervable in the folemnity of this reception; it being
fufficient to fay, that therein nothing was omitted, or dimini-
fhed of what had formerly been paid to his illuftrious Predeceſ-
fors, and that the old affection, both the City, and Province had
for his Perfon, and Name, produc'd a greater, and more general
joy
BOOK IX. the Duke of Elpernon.
421
1
joy at his arrival, than had amongſt that great people been ob- Anne
ferv'd of many years before.
1623.
Duke, and
mines, the
Kings Lieu-
tenant in
Guienne.
There was only the Marefchal de Themines, the King's Lieute A diffe-
nant in the Province, who neither paid him honour, nor civility, rence be-
either by Letter, or Vifit, a man, who although he had ever till twixt the
this time had the Duke's perfon, and friendſhip in very high the Maref
eſteem; yet having been conftituted the King's Lieutenant in chal de The-
that Province, fometime before the Duke was promoted to the
Government, he could not without infinite impatience fee him-
ſelf abfolutely depriv'd of all the functions of his Command.
He knew very well the Duke would be fo active on his part, that
very little would be left for him to do; whereas he pretended this
Lieutenancy had been conferr'd upon him with a promiſe, that
if a Governour ſhould happen to be ſet over him, it ſhould be no
other than a Prince of the Blood, who fhould never continue up-
on the place, and that confequently, by his abſence, would leave
him the abfolute command of the Province: and in truth the
Marefchals, de Matignon, and d' Ornano, had formerly enjoy'd it af
ter that manner: fo that the feeing himſelf by this ufage defeated
of that expectation, was, as he himſelf declar'd, the ſubject of
his difcontent.
The Duke was very much furpriz'd at this proceeding; he
had, as there was juft, caufe, ever had the Marefchal in very high
eſteem, and could have been glad he would by gentle means have
been reconcil❜d to his duty, that he might not have been oblig'd
to make uſe of thoſe remedies the authority of his Command put
into his hands which that he might not do, he confented that
fome who were friends to them both ſhould treat with him about
a better underſtanding betwixt them; he being unwilling, what
provocation foever he had, to have recourfe to violence: wherein
perhaps he was more temperate, than ever in his life before:but in
the end, feeing his patience ferv'd only to make the Marefchal more
obftinate in his unkindneſs, laying afide all thofe confiderations
that had hitherto withheld him, he would no longer defer to
make him ſenſible of the difference betwixt a Governour and a
Lieutenant of Guienne. He therefore began imperiously to cancel
and overthrow all his Orders. A Conful of Agen, who had been
created fo at his recommendation, was difplaced by the Duke's
command, for no other reafon, but becauſe he had been preferr'd
at his requeft; fuch of the Gentry, or the People, as were known
to be affectionate to the Marefchal were certain to obtain little fa-
vour with the Governour: if any order was prefented him fign'd
by the Marefchal, he would prefently iffue out another to fuper-
fede
那
​422
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
*Or chief
Jurifdicti-
on.
*
Anno fede the firft; whatever carried the name of Themines, was inva-
1623. lid, and whatever he own'd as his act muft fignifie nothing at all.
And morcover to let him ſee he had the fame Authority over him
in his own particular Countrey, he had in other places; the Duke
prepar'd himſelf to go to Cahors, whither the Marefchal was re-
tir'd, and accordingly went. The Marefchal's Houfe ftood near
this City, he was moreover invefted with the Seneſchalfy of the
Countrey, his chiefeft Relations, Friends, and Acquaintance in-
habited there notwithſtanding all which, at the Duke's arrival
the Marefchal quitted him the place,and retir'd to his own houſe;
where ſeeing himſelf as it were fhut up, without Reputation,
without Authority, and almoft without Friends, he began,though
fomething with the lateft, to fee the error he had committed. He
then plainly ſaw himſelf ſo overmatch'd, that he could not con-
tend, but to his ruine; nor longer ftand out to other purpoſe,
than thereby to make the advantages of his Superior more mani-
feftly appear; and then it was that he rendred himſelf more fa-
cile to his friends perfwafions, who had before been fruitlefly im-
portunate with him, to reconcile himſelf to his Duty, to acknow-
ledge the Duke's Authority, and to ſeek his friendſhip. He there-
fore fent to the Duke to make an Apology for what had paſs'd,
and to let him know, that if he had hitherto fail'd of paying the
reſpect due to his Quality, and Command, it had not proceeded
from any diſlike he had of his perfon, which he had in as high re-
verence, and eſteem, as any man living; and that he ſhould have
look'd upon it as a very great honour to obey him, had not the
ſweetness of fome years Authority wherein he had commanded in
Chief, and the affurances had been given him he ſhould do fo
ftill, blinded his Judgment from ſeeing his duty: That he did
therefore befeech him, he might be permitted to come tender his
excuſes for what had paſs'd,and to affure him of his obedience for
the time to come. The Duke was very well pleas'd to find this
Lord, a man full of years, and honour, in fo good a difpofiti-
on; neither had he begun to juftle him, till after having expected
the return of his good humour with the extremeft patience; fo
An Accom- that he ſent him word he fhould be infinitely glad to fee him, and
betwixt the that he might be confident for the future of as civil ufage, as he
had hitherto found rough, and perverſe dealing in the exerciſe of
the Maref- his Command.
modation
Duke and
chal The-
mines.
A day for their interview being agreed upon by their friends,
the Duke would by no means fuffer it to be in the Capital City of
his Government, being unwilling to expofe the Age, and Perfon
of the Marefchal to fo publick a fatisfaction; but appointed it to
be
1
1
i
BOOK IX. the Duke of Efpernon.
423
t
tr
be at Saint-Foy, whither he himſelf accordingly came, accompa-
nied with many perſons of Quality of the Province; thither the
Marefchalalfo came to wait upon him, when coming into the
Duke's Lodgings, he receiv'd him without ſtirring out of his
Chamber, for which he made his being furpriz'd at Play his ex-
cuſe. It had been concluded that the Marefchal at their meeting
ſhould ſay (as he did) “My Lord, I am your very humble Servant.
" and am come to give you an aſſurance that I am fo, and that I shall be
proud of any opportunity wherein I may by a better testimony manifeſt
it to you, and therein Jatisfie the King's Command, and my own Du-
ty. To which the Duke return'd for anſwer in as few words,
which had alſo been fet down in writing: "Sir, you oblige me
"with your Friendship; you and I are both of us in a capacity of ad-
"vancing bis Majefties Service in this Province; I shall gladly concur
"with you in any thing that may be conducing to it, and embrace any
"occafion wherein I may let you fee, that I have ever had an eſteem for
your Valour, and Merit, and that I am your Servant. This firft
vifit continued but very little longer, when the Mareschal taking
his leave, the Duke brought him only to the top of the ftairs,
without going any further, by which he would let him fee, that
he both underſtood his place, and knew how to keep it.
!
at
The Marefchal, having after this first complement, continued
two days at Saint-Foy in perfect intelligence with the Duke,
laft frankly told him: "That he had us'd him according to his defert;
" that he had made him know his duty; and that he took it for a greater
"honour to be fubfervient to him, than to any other perfon of France. And
in truth he afterwards continued, both whilſt he ſtaid in the Go.
vernment, and when he was made Governour of Brittany (which
hapned a few years after) to render him ſo much honour, and rẻ-
fpect, and to give him ſo many teftimonies of friendſhip, that I
do not think the Duke had a truer friend in the Kingdom: Yet
did not all this paſs in the order it is here fet down, there having
been fome years of interval, betwixt their coldness, and their re-
conciliation: But I chofe rather to record thefe paffages all toge-
ther, than to diſperſe them into feveral pages of my Hiftory;
conceiving fuch a divifion would more have intangled the thred of
my diſcourſe, than would have been recompens'd by the order, in
a more exact obfervation of the fucceffion of time.
Anne
162
cones to an
open ru-
This Quarrel with the Marefchal de Themines was not yet com- The Duke
pos'd, when the Duke (who had never enough to do)'refolv'd to
come to an open rupture with the first Prefident de Gourques, pore with
without diffembling any longer his resentment of the ill Offices the first
he had receiv'd at his hands. I have already given an accompt of
the
Preſident?
+
424
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno the Injury, which was the Preſidents propofing a diminution of
1623. Honours at the Duke's reception; a thing that, bearing with it
a fhew of contempt, pafs'd in the Duke's opinion for an irrepa-
rable offenſe. Neither could he forbear at his firft vifit, to give
him fome hints of his difpleaſure, nor from manifefting a little re-
fervedneſs towards him : and (as heated fpirits never want occa-
fion of new offenſe) his paſſion making the lighteft pretenfes, to
paſs for reaſon, and juft caufes, there foon after fell out new acci-
dents, which animated the Duke against the first Prefident to the
laft degree. This man, fubtle and dextrous as the beft, very well
forefecing,that without the concurrence of his Brethren, he ſhould
never be able to withstand the power of the Duke he had fo high-
enga. ly provok´d, began betimes to think of interefting his Fraternity
in the Quarrel, to the end that under the protection of the whole
his quarrel. Body, he might the better defend his own particular intereft.
Neither did he herein fail to uſe ſome artifice, which he manag'd
fo, that in putting finifter interpretations upon the Duke's beſt
intentions, he poffefs'd the whole Company with a jealouſie,
that the Duke labour'd to encroach upon the Authority of their
Eftate: A part wherein all Societies of men are fo fenfible, and
tender, as that from the leaft ſhadows, the higheſt divifions are
very frequently obferv'd to arife. And here, though the Duke la-
bour'd to clear their fufpicion, by laying the truth before them;
yet the firſt impreſſions were fo deep, and the Preſident knew fo
well how to manage their mif-apprehenfion, that it was impoſ
fible to dif-unite him from his Colleagues.
Who
ges the
company in
7
ի
+
The Duke exasperated, as he had juft caufe, at the mif-under-
ſtanding Gourgues fomented betwixt the Parliament and him,
would not give him altogether the advantage of an Aggreffor;
but ſpeedily fought out all occafions to vex him, and to affault
him both in his Reputation and Fortune. He was therefore by his
order difputed with about fome priviledges, he pretended to,
and ufurp'd (as was faid) to the prejudice of the City of Li-
bourne, near unto which he had a dwelling houfe: but he gave
him a more fenfible blow,by prohibiting the Poft-Mafter of Ber-
deaux in his abſence any more to carry the Couriers, that came
through the City, to the firft Prefidents houſe, though for fome
time it had been their custom fo to do; pretending that it was
without any right at all, and that confequently he might by his
Authority overthrow that cuftom, as a new thing,and that depen-
ded abfolutely upon his Command. It is moft certain, that had
matters refted here, the Prefident would have receiv'd a notable
affront; his moſt intimate friends having generally blam'd him,
for
+
•
1
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
425
for applying himſelf much more to Politick, than to Judicial Af-
fairs, and for that by doing more, than he was concern'd to do in
the one, he left himſelf no leifure to perform what he was oblig'd
to do in the other.
ct
(C
C
<c
rr
re
The firſt Preſident being a crafty man, as has been faid, dex-
trouſly taking hold of this occafion, as fuddenly remonstrated to
the Company: "That if in this Affair,as in the other of Libourne,
there had been nothing, but what pointed at his own private in-
tereft, he ſhould not have been concern'd in the leaft; but that
"it aim'd directly at the honour, and dignity of the whole Body,
of which he was much more tender, than of any concern of
his own. That the diſpatch of the Pofts did no more reſpect
"him in particular, than the other Officers of Parliament, he ha-
ving therein only the priviledge of priority, without having
any power limited to his perfon : That in his abſence, he who
was next in order in the Company, had the lame right to ex-
amine the Couriers, to enquire of their news, and to diſmiſs
"them: That therefore fince the Injury was common to them
all, and that the Duke made it manifeſt enough, he endeavour'd
to deftroy the Authority of Parliament, it was neceflary they
"ſhould unanimouſly concur with him in the fupport of their
own Dignity and Power: That if they did not vigorously op-
pole this first attempt upon them, they would ſee themſelves in-
fenfibly depriv'd of all their Priviledges; and that the Sovereign
"Authority, they were invefted withal, would in the end be leſs
"confiderable, than that of their fubalternate Judges: That
though in this Affair he was meerly animated by the common
intereft, he nevertheleſs freely offer'd himself alone, to ſtand
"the ſhock of the Duke's utmoſt Indignation; wherein though
"he ſhould periſh, and be crush'd under the weight of his Power,
" he ſhould nevertheleſs be proud of fo glorious a Fate, as to be
"facrific'd for the honour of that Affembly.
CC
c
'
cr
tr
CC
re
It is not to be imagin'd how ftrange an impreffion this Ha-
rangue made upon the minds of this Fraternity, the whole body
almoſt being thereby betray'd into the Animofity of their head,
ſome few only of the eldeſt, and moſt affectionate to the Duke,
endeavour'd to qualifie the heat of this dilpute, but in vain, it be
ing impoffible for them to ſtop the violence of the Torrent: fo
that the Duke, who thought he had only one enemy to deal
withal, found above an hundred rais'd up in mutiny again't him.
Nay their impatience was fuch, that they would not defer a mo-
ment the paffing of an Act, at that very fitting, in oppoſition
the command he had given concerning the Couriers: it is indeed
Iii
to
true,
Anno
1623.
1
711
1
426
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
Anno true, that there was after fome propofitions of Accommodation
1623. tendred: but after this Thunder-clap from the Parliament,
The Duke
fettles his
Affairs.
the
Duke was deaf to all overtures of agreement, his invincible ſpi-
rit, that had ever been inflexible in all the undertakings of his life,
fuggeſting to him, that it would be an eternal blemiſh to his ho-
nour, fhould he in the leaft moderate his firſt reſentment, for all
the great number of enemies that were declar'd againſt him.
The beginnings of this Feud were fo light, and trivial in them-
felves, that I fhould not have been fo particular in the relation of
them, had they not brought on thofe greater difputes, that fince
hapned betwixt the Duke, and this Parliament: and this is fo un-
willing a Record, that I could heartily with all that is further to
be faid of this Affair, might be totally raz'd out of the Duke's
life, that the memory thereof might.for ever be extinct. Neither
the Parliament, nor he got any advantage by it: the publick was
the greateſt loſer, as it will ever fall out in fuch diffentions.
The Duke of Efpernon's mind was not ſo wholly taken up with
Domeſtick theſe divifions, but that he had a care of the fettlement of his
own Domeſtick Affairs, which the Queen Mothers eſcape from
Blois, the War that fucceeded, the feveral expeditions he after-
terwards undertook for the King's Service, and his chargeable
Journeys whilſt he attended the Court, had brought into very
great diforder. He was at this time above feven hundred thouſand
Livers in debt,that he had taken up at Paris upon a Rent-Charge;
which one of his Domefticks,that had been brought up in his Fa-
mily, undertook to acquit him of, fhew'd him which way it was
to be done, and perform'd what he had undertaken: and this
was the foremention'd Conftantin, Comptroller of his Houſe;
who as he could by no better way expreſs his Gratitude to his Be-
nefactor, than by doing him fo important a piece of Service, he,
without any viſible diminution of the Duke's ordinary way of
living, manag'd the buſineſs ſo, that his Maſter in a few years had
the fatisfaction of feeing himſelf difingag'd from that prodigious
Debt. Which, as I have faid, was effected without any other in con-
venience than the retrenchment of fome fuperfluous expenſes on-
ly (which his diſtance from the Court (where he was refolv❜d no
more to refide) rendred altogether unneceffary. So great a bleffing.
is an intelligent, and faithful Servant,
But to eſtabliſh the order which for the future was to be ob.
ferv'd in reference to this work, the Duke was upon the matter
oblig'd to make a Journey to Paris, to examine the Accompts of
his Agents there; he therefore fent to the King to entreat his Ma-
jefty, whilſt the peace of the Kingdom, and the good condition
t
he
1
.
7
·
•
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
427
Anno
The Duke
Court:
he had fettled his Government in, rendred his prefence leſs ne-
ceffary there, to give him leave fo to do. His requeft was eafily 1623.
granted, and he accordingly departed from Bordeaux in the lat
ter end of November 1623. and came to Paris about the end of of Esprnon
December following. Some have fuppos'd he did not fo much goes to
defire this Journey, for any thing that concern'd his Domeſtick
Affairs, as to fee if any benefit was to be made of the Queen
Mothers good inclinations towards him, and to try the grateful
return fhe made him to expect for the fignal Services he had done.
her in the time of her difgrace. She was of late years become all
in all at Court, and many of her Servants, that had not fo well
merited from her, as the Duke had done, had receiv'd very great
rewards: but he could not perceive the fame difpofitions to-
wards him, nor difcover the gratitude fhe had promis'd him,
when ſhe was in the worst condition to exprefs it: on the con-
trary, as if with her Fortune ſhe had chang'd her Nature, and as
if by being become happy, and powerful, fhe had been no more
the fame Princeſs the Duke had fo well ferv'd, when ſhe was un-
der perfecution, and had no power at all: fhe no more remem
bred him, ſhe was obliged to have recompens'd, by all forts of
benefit and favour.
Paris.
The Duke came to Paris fo well attended, that of many years
before, there had not been ſeen any perfon of his condition en-
ter the City with ſo numerous a Train. Many perfons of very Arrives at
eminent quality went out as far as Chaftre to meet him, and his
coming was very remarkable by the folitude was obferv'd in the
Louvre, where there fcarce remain'd any, fave the King's own Do-
meſtick Servants: A thing his Majefty very well obferv'd, and
was nothing difpleas'd at it: but on the contrary, having that
day taken notice of fome Gentlemen in the Prefence, who had de-
pendence upon the Duke, he merrily faid to them, Flow comes it
to pass you are not gone out to meet the Duke of Efpernon? he'l talk
with you for this when he comes. So ready his Majefty was to cauſe
that honour to be paid him that was juftly his due.
He was receiv'd at his coming by the King, and the Queens,
with very great kindness; and falling to his bufinefs prefently af-
ter his arrival, Mauroy a Councellor of State, and one of his
Agents, a man of great vertue, and very good at bufinefs, gave
him up his Accompts, exactly juft and right; but Valliech his old
Secretary having employ'd fome people under him, who had ei-
ther been not very careful, or not very honeft, fell fhort above
fifty thouſand Livers, which this good Mafter franckly forgave
him, his noble nature, it ſhould ſeem, not being able to confent
lii 2
that
a
Anno
16246
generous
act of the
Duke of Ef
pernon.
428
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
4
Anno that even fo great a fault as his negligence ſhould ruine the Affairs
1624. of his own Family.
The Duke
Paris,
fo
All his Accompts, and the other Affairs that most requir'd his
prefence at Paris, were in less than four months diſpatch'd;
that towards the latter end of April he began to think of his return
into Guienne. The Court was then at Compiegne, whither the
Duke went to receive the King's Commands, fuppofing this
fhould be the laſt leave he was to take; and not expecting that his
Age, which was now very far advanc'd (he being at this time
near upon threescore,and ten years old) would permit him to make
another Journey eight years after,as he did in a marvellous health,
and vigour.
Whilft the Duke ftaid at Compiegne, the King who would have
been very glad to have the mif-underſtanding betwixt him and
the Parliament compos'd, caus'd d' Herbaut, Secretary of State, to
treat with him about it: wherein the Duke expreſs'd himſelf ve-
ry willing to an Accommodation, and fo far as to confent to the
Act about the Couriers, which was, in his own prefence, by the
Council determin'd in the Parliaments favour: He was moreover
fatisfied with the Order the King fent to fufpend the Election of
the Maire of Libourne (which was another main thing in difpute)
till his return into the Province: But the first Prefident was not
fo well difpos'd to peace; he conceiv'd this Accommodation
would infinitely leffen the Authority he had got amongſt his
Brethren during theſe controverfies; and therefore without any
regård either to the King's Command, or the Duke's Order preci-
pitated the Election of the Maire, whom the Duke found`efta-
blifh'd at his arrival; from whence arofe a new, and higher quar-
rel than before: So that if in truth the Duke was herein to be
condemn'd for having in the beginning profecuted things with
too much heat, the Prefident cannot, in my opinion, be excus'd,
for thus urging them to the laft extremes, without ever yielding to
ſuch a reconciliation, as might, being timely apply'd, have pre-
vented the enſuing miſchiefs.
, ¡
The Duke having thus fettled thofe of his Domeftick Affairs,
gots from that requir'd his prefence at Paris, and done his part to provide
as well for the future quiet of his Government, departed firft
from Compiegne, and foon after from Paris to return into Guienne.
He would in this Journey take Efpernon in his way, that he might
touch at Chartres, in order to fome Devotions, Whither Cartier,
whom he had left at Court, to folicit his Affairs in the place of
chief Mini- Valliech, difpatch'd an exprefs Courier to him to let him know that
Cardinal Richelieu was fince his departure created prime Miniſter
Cardinal
Richèlien
created
ßer of
State.
of
+
/
Į
BOOK IX.
429
#
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
of State. I was prefent when the Duke receiv'd this news, at
which he was the more furpriz'd, foraſmuch as he had difco- 1624.
ver'd nothing of that defign in the time of his being at Court;
though he had been very frequent with the Queen Mother, who
had alſo conſtrain'd her felf to diffemble a little forc'd fhew of par-
ticularity, and confidence in him; by which he evidently ſaw he
was not upon fo good terms with her, as they had a mind to
make him believe he was: he notwithſtanding faid no more at
preſent but this: That the Cardinal was indeed a man of great dex-
terity; but that he would very much change the face of Affairs,
fhould he long continue at the Helme. Upon the inftant he, ac-
cording to his cuſtom, fent him a Complement upon his new
promotion, which doubtless was not very acceptable to the Car-
dinal, there being ſcarce any ſpace left at the top of the Letter,
and nothing more than, Your very humble Servant, fubfcrib'd at
the bottom; a ftyle that he continued a great while, and perhaps
too long for the intereft of his Affairs, though it was indeed no
other than what he ever us'd to all other Cardinals.
twixt the
ㅏ
​the Parlia-
After having diſpatch'd this Complement, he continued his
Journey towards Guienne; where he arriv'd in the beginning of
July, and where the first thing he did after his arrival was to com-
mit the pretended Maire of Libourne to priſon, he having been
advanc'd to that Magiftracy in contempt of the King's Order.
The firſt Preſident had herein his hearts defire; neither did he New diffe-
fail to make uſe of this occafion, to intereft the whole Body in rences be-
the affront, which he faid was the greatest violence imaginable Duke of Ef-
upon their Authority; a high Complaint whereof was imme- pernon, and
diately fent away to the Council. The King though very much dif- ment of Bor-
fatisfied with the firſt Preſident,would not nevertheleſs abſolutely deaux,
countenance the Duke in the Juftice he had executed in his own
behalf; but writ to him to fet the Priſoner at liberty, though that
Letter could not prevail, the Duke pretending to believe that this
Command had been procur'd either at the importunity of ſome of
the intereſted party, or negligently granted, as many times a Let-
ter under the Privy Seal was not hard to obtain. But the Cardi.
nal become now (as has been ſaid) all powerful in Affairs, having
undertaken to eſtabliſh his Majeſties abfolute Authority (which
was in effect the eſtabliſhment of his own upon the contempt of
this order, caus'd a pofitive fentence to be pafs'd in the Council,
bearing date the 12th. of August, wherein it was order'd: That
the Priſoner ſhould immediately be enlarg'd. By which magifte- The Cardi-
rial proceeding, it was then believ'd, as it was very likely, that the nal Richelie
Cardinal would exerciſe this ſeverity towards the Duke, that his
will
opposite to
the Duke.
1
4
}
430
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
will might no more be difputed; not doubting but that after an
1624. example like this all the other great men of the Kingdom would
acquiefce in his Commands. This Arreft was directed to the
Chief Juftice d' Autry, to cauſe it to be put into fpeedy execution,
without fo much as forbearing to hear any Reaſons the Duke
could repreſent to juſtifie the demur he had given to his Majeſties
firft Crder.
!
[
His Sons who were at Court, and le Pleffis (whom he had fent
thither not long before upon feveral accompts) us'd their utmoſt.
endeavour, that the feriding away of this Arreft, fo highly prėju.
dicial to the Duke's Honour, might be fome time deferr'd; they
were vehemently importunate with the Queen Mother, and the
Cardinal to that purpofe; but all to no effect, the Queen in ſo
light, though nevertheleſs ſo fenfible an Affair, totally abandon-
ing the Duke's Intereft, who had ſo paffionately embrac'd hers in
fo important occafions, and the Cardinal being obftinate in his
reſolution, all the favour they could obtain in this buſineſs, was
from d' Autry himſelf, who was perfwaded not to produce the
Order: but it was upon condition the Duke fhould enlarge the
Priſoner, as he immediately did, and that too the Court would
have him underſtand to be a fpecial Grace. After this manner then
they began to reward the Duke's,and his Sons Services, they gave
them things of no moment,for the higheſt obligations, and moſt
current pay they were continually us'd at this rate, and it is not
to be believ'd what prejudice theſe inconfiderable things were to
the Duke's more important Affairs, nor what encouragement it
gave little people frequently to offend him. It had therefore been
to have been wifh'd, either that he could have fupported theſe
affronts in his Adminiftration, with a better temper, or totally
have retir'd himself out of their way: but his great fpirit that had
never encountred any difficulty it had not overcome, was impati-
ent to be refifted by men, who as they were fingle incapable of
conteſting with him, being embodied, would neither relent, nor
obey.
The Cardinal, ftung no doubt, with the Confcience of having
in ſo trivial a thing, diſoblig'd a man, who had formerly been
ſerviceable to him in fo many important occafions, would make
himſelf Mediator betwixt the Duke and the Parliament, and
confequently diſpatch'd away Guron to Bordeaux for that end;
with Inftructions that joyntly with d' Autry, he ſhould labour an
Accommodation betwixt them. By Guron the Cardinal writ to
the Duke, that his Journey was abfolutely upon his accompt, and
in his favour, offering withal his Service in this, and in all other
occafi-
*
H
Book IX.
431
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
·
;
occafions: but theſe Complements were accompanied with no Anno
marks of honour and reſpect, the Cardinal (doubtlefs nettled, at 1624.
the little Ceremony the Duke had obferv'd with him in his con-
gratulatory Letter at his promotion to the Miniftry)leaving by his
example,but a very little ſpace above the first line, and concluding
his Letter with only Your affectionate Servant.Before Guron's arrival
the difference had been already compos'd by the mediation of
d' Autry: but the Duke touch'd to the quick at the ill uſage he
had receiv'd from Court, was not to be appeas'd with fo light a
fatisfaction; and I have ever thought that the injury he appre-
hended upon this occafion, was perhaps the firft, if not the only
motive, that totally alienated, his heart from the Cardinal's Inte-
refts, which (as you may have obferv'd) he once had in as high
confideration as his own.
1625.
T
The Peace that had been concluded before Montpellier, in the Anno
year 1622. had hitherto continued the Affairs of the Kingdom in
fome repoſe, and though thoſe of the Reform'd Religion exprefs'd
great difpofitions to a new Commotion, there was as yet no ma
nifeft breach; ſo that men rather liv'd in expectation of frefh
Alarms, than in any diſorder of open War: When Soubize, by an
attempt he made upon the King's Shipping at Blavet, began firſt
to break the Ice. All the feft of the Party broke into Arms at the A new War.
fame time, and the Duke of Rohan, who had long been known
to be the head of that Faction, infecting all parts of the King-
dom which were affectionate to his caufe, with his diſcontents,
ftirr❜d them into Infurrection, without ever moving from Seve-
nues, and without meeting the leaft contradiction. A promptitude
in his Partizans ſo much the more to be wondred at, as he com-
manded a fort of people, whofe obedience was only voluntary,
and from which every one conceiv'd himſelf to be difpens'd by all,
both Divine, and Humane Laws.
of Montan
ɔ ban.
·
Montauban was one of the Cities not only of Guienne, but al- The Revolt
fo of the whole Kingdom, that engag'd the deepeſt in this Revolt,
the Inhabitants whereof by having had a Siege rais'd from before
their Walls, and by having baffled a Royal Army, even when
animated by the preſence of the King himſelf, being elevated to
fuch a degree of Vanity, as to think themſelves invincible, and
their City a place not to be taken. A prefumption that it was ne-
vertheleſs very neceffary fhould be corrected, and the people by
ſome exemplary Puniſhment made fenfible of their Crimes. It
fhould ſeem that the Duke of Elpernon was by his Deſtiny call'd
into Guienne only for this end; he had formerly fubdu'd the pride
of Rochelle: neither did the King doubt but that he would be as
fuccessful
י
432
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
|
1
+
Anno fuccefsful at Montauban, and that his Vertue (which had ever been
1625. fatal to the Capital Cities of thoſe of the Religion) affiſted by his
powerful Arms, would alſo cauſe his Authority to be acknow-
ledg'd and obey'd here, as it had done in other places.
;
He fent order therefore to the Duke to take Arms, and to
waft the Countrey all about Montauban; in order whereunto
(though the King in his own judgment thought it an-Enterprize
of great difficulty) he notwithſtanding allow'd him no more
than 3000. men, in three new rais'd Regiments, to wit, that of
St. Croix, d' Ornano, Foncaude, and Maillé, wherewithal to effect it.
He receiv❜d a Command withal to make fome Leavies his:
own Company of Gens-d Armes, and four more of Light Horſe
were also drawn into the Field for this Expedition. With thefe
The Duke's Forces he departed from his Houſe Cadillac, to advance to Moif-
fac, a little Town about four Leagues diſtant from Montauban, the
appointed Rendezvous for the Volunteer-Troops, and Gentry;
of the latter whereof, the number was fo great, that there was an
appearance of above fix hundred Gentlemen:
Forces.
It was faid that there had hardly been ſeen fo great a conflux
of Gentry, under-any Governour, as frequently attended this, he
having never, any occafion to mount to Horſe, for his Majefties
Service, that there was not more complaints of unkindneſs ta-
ken, that they had not been ſummon'd to their Duty, than´excu-
fes made becauſe they did not come.
It will perhaps ſeem ftrange, that the Duke's humor enclin'd
rather to aufterity than ſweetneſs ſhould acquire him fo many
lovers, and friends; for certainly he was ferv'd out of affection,
it being impoffible that fear could ever have drawn after him fo
many free, and voluntary perfons. Such as have before me refle-
cted upon this obfervation, have conceiv'd that this univerſal love
was deriv'd from his Juftice, of all others the most popular ver-
tue (as in truth the Duke was a man of most unblemish'd equi-
ty) or that it might proceed from the infinite number of Employ-
ments, Offices, and Benefits he had, difpers'd throughout the
whole Province of Guienne; wherein there were very few Families
of any note, that ftood not highly oblig'd, either immediately to
him, or to his Intereft for fome fignal favour. To which they
have moreover added the generous difpofition he had to do all
good offices for his Friends, who although he was not apt to be
familiar, was nevertheleſs very civil, conftant in his friendships,
and always the fame; infomuch that one good word from his
mouth, or one gracious undiſſembled look, prevail'd more upon
thoſe who receiv'd thole petty favours, than the larger promiſes,
4
and
Book IX. the Duke of Efpernon.
433
and more winning behaviour of fome others, who in two days
would no more know the very man, to whom they had fo lately 1625.
before vow'd the Friendſhip of their whole lives.
Anno
The Duke came to Moiffac in June, and removed thence to-
wards Montauban in the beginning of July, with a Commiffion
equally extending as well into Languedoc, as Guienne, by realon
that City, which is fituated upon the Confines of both
thoſe Provinces, has a great part of its Territory lying in Lan-
guedoc. He took up his Quarters at Montleigh, and Caftelfarrazin,
from whence, as occafion ferv'd, advancing with his Forces ſtill The Coun-
nearer the City, he executed the King's Command whereever he trey about
went with ſo much vigour, and ſeverity, that the footsteps of this laid wafte.
expedition were to be ſeen a long time after.
Montauban
Yet was not this perform'd without great refiftance, thoſe of
Montauban had had early intelligence of the preparations againſt
them; neither had they neglected any thing that might conduce
to the defenſe of their fruits, or to the fupport of the Reputation
they had acquir'd in the preceding War. Befides the great number
of warlike Inhabitants, they had within their City, they were
moreover reinforc'd with a ſtrong Garrison without, commanded
by Montbrun, a Gentleman of great Quality in Dauphiné, and a
man of very great Valour, fent thither for that purpoſe by the
Duke of Rohan; to which they had alſo call'd in feveral of their
Neighbours to their affiftance; fo that the Duke never approach'd
their Walls (which notwithſtanding he did almoſt every day)
but that there follow'd very fmart Engagements, with great lofs of
men on the Enemies fide: In fome whereof there were left
fometimes 200.fometimes more dead upon the place; wherein
certainly the numerous Gentry, that attended the Duke in this
expedition, were of infinite great ufe; for the place being envi-
ron'd almoft on all fides with Plains of very large extent, and the Thofe of the
Enemy having many more, and much better Foot, than the Religion
Duke, had not thoſe brave Troops of Horſe continually repell'd
them, it had been to be fear'd, that Victory would not always liftance.
have been ſo partial to the Royal fide.
The Duke perhaps never expos'd his perfon more, than in
theſe frequent Engagements; the precincts of the City were fo
great, that they requir'd above a months time totally to deftroy
their fruits, of all which time few days paſs'd, as has been ſaid,
without an Encounter, and in all thofe Encounters the Duke
was ever in perfon, at the head of his Troops, encouraging his
men, not ſo much by his voice, as by his example.
How great foever the faults of thofe of Montauban might be,
Kkk
it
make a vi-
gorous ré
1
1
+
434
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
-་
↓
Anno it was not nevertheleſs without great reluctancy, that the Duke
1625. executed his Majefties Order upon the fruits of the Countrey with
Soubize en-
divert the
Duke.
fo great feverity, and certainly he muſt have had a very obdurate
heart, that would not have been touch'd with compaſſion at the
fight of ſo many lamentable objects, as were every where to be
feen. I remember that from Pickqueros (a place famous for having
been the King's Quarter during the Siege of Montauban, and
from whence the whole Plain betwixt the Rivers Tarn, and Vai-
ran lay open to the view) ſo ſoon as the obfcurity of the night gave
colour to the Fire that had been kindled by day; one might ſee a
thouſand Fires at once: the Corn, Fruit-Trées, Vines, and Hou-
fes were the Aliments that nouriſh'd this Flame: a fadder fight I
never law; neither can I imagine that the horrors of War can
be repreſented in a more dreadful form. Yet was not this ſeverity
altogether unprofitable, even to thoſe upon whom it was infli-
cted; I having heard ſeveral of them fince confefs, that nothing
fo much difpos'd them to the acceptation of Peace, as this auftere
uſage; and they were indeed the firſt that embrac'd it, and who
ferv'd for a leading example to the other rebellious Cities of their
Party to do the fame.
While the Duke was thus taken up at Montauban, Soubize
deavours to thinking either to divert him from his Enterprize, or to make ufe
of his abſence, and the great number of Gentry, who were gone
along with him, for the effecting fome notable exploit in the
lower Gascony, was landed with three thouſand five hundred Foot,
and fome few Horfe in the Countrey of Medoc. This little Coun-
trey, which is almoſt all the Duke's, environs a great part of the
Metropolis of Bordeaux, extending it felf to the very Gates of the
City; many of the richeſt Inhabitants whereof having poffeffi-
ons there, and Soubize having a defign to draw from the City a
large Contribution, he threatned the Citizens to deftroy their
Houfes and Fruits in the Countrey (of which he thought him-
ſelf without contradiction the abfolute Mafter) if they did not
ſpeedily ranſome them with a very confiderable Summe. As he
himſelf preſs'd the City on the one fide, he had of another caus’d¸
Verger Malagnet a Gentleman of his party, to come aſhore at a
little point of Land, in the River of Bordeaux, that divides the
Rivers of Garonne, and Dordongne, call'd Bec-Dambez, hoping
by that means to cut off the Commerce of thoſe two Rivers from
the City, and by ftreightning it both by Land, and by Water,
the ſooner to perfwade the Inhabitants to give him his demand.
This defign (which was not ill projected, if it had been as well
executed) alarm'd both the Parliament, and the people to ſuch a
degree
1
BOOK IX. the Duke of Efpernon.
435
degree, that a greater confufion was hardly any where to be feen: Anno
they knew not which way to turn them for their defenſe; and 1625:
though they had but too many Forces within themſelves to defend
their City from the threatned mischief, yet had they no mind to
examine their own ftrength, that they might not be oblig'd to
put them to the Teft. In this extremity the firft Prefident (though
upon no very good terms with the Duke, notwithſtanding the
late Accommodation) made no difficulty to have recourfe to him,
to implore his Affiſtance, for this time laying afide all Animofi-
ties, and Averfions: but it was only to aflume them again, when
the Duke had deliver'd him from this fear, as will hereafter
appear.
}
At the firft intelligence the Duke receiv'd of Soubize his land-
ing in Medoc, though he could not himſelf leave the work he had
begun, without infinite prejudice to the King's Service; yet
would he not omit his care to the prefervation of the principal
City in his Government. He therefore in all hafte diſpatch'd away
le Pleffis to Bordeaux, to adviſe with the Parliament what courſe
was to be taken, for the relief of the City, and Countrey, againſt
Soubize his attempts; giving him order withal to draw out part of
the Garrison of Bergerac, and to raiſe new Forces within his owa
Territories, to ferve himſelf withal upon this occafion; writing
moreover to his Friends and Servants in the Countrey to joyn
with him, and to Toiras who lay in the Ifle of Ré; entreating
him to advance with all the men he could conveniently draw out
of the Regiment of Champagne, of which he had the Command.
Inftructions that were fo well obferv'd by le Pleffis, and he fo
well feconded by the Parliament and Juratts (who were very rea-
dy to concur in an Affair that fo much concern'd their common
fafety) that all things were in a fhort time put into a very good
Pofture: By which means the Duke, without fuffering himſelf to
be diverted from the employment he had before Montauban, not
only fruftrated the Enemies defign, but alſo extracted thence the
opportunity of obtaining the honour of a fecond Victory. Sou-
bize being fhamefully repuls'd, his Forces routed, the few that ef
cap'd the Victors hands, and with much ado, recover'd their
Ships, leaving their Dead, Arms, Artillery, and Baggage, as in-
fallible teftimonies of a total Defeat.
The War was carried on in all places, ſo much to the diſadvan-
vantage of the Hugonot Party, that the principal Heads, and beſt
Cities of their party apprehending a continuation of thofe evils
they had already ſuffer'd, thought fit to fue to the King for Peace,
Which was accordingly granted them; but upon conditions far
Kkk 2
different
1
+
436
The Hiftory of the Life of
/
?
The Peace
PART III
Anno different from thoſe they were us'd to infift upon in former times;
1625. Rochelle if ſelf not being in this Treaty able to obtain, that they
might be freed from the flavery of Fert-Louis:but on the contrary,
concluded. for an augmentation of their grief conftrain'd by the Articles to
admit of a Chief Juftice fet over them by the King,oblig'd to flight
all their new Fortifications,to receive his Majefty with all due ho-
nor, and reſpect, ſo oft as he ſhould pleaſe to honor them with his
Prefence, and to keep no more Ships of War in their Haven. The
Rochellers would never have ſubmitted to theſe hard Conditions,
had not the other Cities of their party, and above all the reſt
Montauban pofitively declar'd they would no more expofe them-
ſelves to thoſe Miſeries they had fuffer'd in the burning up of their
Countrey fo that if we will confider the Duke's conduct
throughout the whole buſineſs, we ſhall find it more than a lit-
tle conducing to the general Peace the King granted upon condi-
tions ſo diſadvantageous to his Hugonot Subjects.
Anno
A new
breach be-
twixt the
Duke and
the Parlia-
ment of
But this Peace, to the acceleration of which the Duke had ſo
1626. highly contributed, begot a new War betwixt the Parliament and
him; and upon this following accompt. The King's Declarati-
on in favour of the Hugonots, was by his Majefty fent to the Duke
to cauſe it to be publifh'd, with exprefs order nevertheleſs not to
do it till after thofe of Montauban had accepted the Grace in all
due forms of Submiffion; which were the very words of the Dif
patch, dated the 18. of February, 1626. But the firſt Preſident
having receiv'd a Copy of the fame Declaration, without ever
acquainting the Duke, who was come no further than Cadillac,
caus'd the Peace to be openly proclaim'd, and that with fo much
precipitation,that he would not forbear fo long as till he could hear
from Montauban, to know whether they had there accepted the
Peace or no. This impatience the Duke could not but interpret
purpoſely put on to affront him; 'tis true,that,had no unkindneſs
paſs'd betwixt him and the Prefident before, the bufinefs was of
it ſelf ſo light, that it might well enough have paſs'd without any
great notice taken: but the preceding Differences giving him to
underſtand, that it muſt needs be done out of defign, he not on-
ly complain'd of it to thofe Friends he had in the Parliament, but
moreover writ about it to Court, and gave the Prefident plainly
to underſtand, that he would no more fuffer fuch Contempts.
Bordeaux.
է
This proceeding of the firft Prefident's was by no means ap-
prov'd at Court; it was there look'd upon as an occafion of noile
and buſtle, maliciouſly and unfeaſonably fought, and for which
he receiv'd a little rebuke: but this ſpirit not much delighted
with reft, having met with another that was never tir'd out
either
•
Врок IX.
437
the Duke of Efpernon.
!
Which
either in War, or Buſineſs; it was almoft neceffary that fucceffive Anne
differences fhould continually arife betwixt them. This at the laſt 1626.
proceeded fo far, that the publick Peace was therein no little con-
cern'd: the Parliament pafs'd many Acts, and the Duke as many grows to a
Ordinances to contradict thoſe Acts. From Acts,and Ordinances very great
they proceeded to Invectives, and from words to fome untoward height.
effects. Some of the Prefidents Servants were ill us'd, and himſelf
threatned; whereupon the Palace was fhut up, and a ceffation
of Juftice decreed. The Duke's Friends and Servants fear'd to
fall into the Parliaments hands, and thoſe who were affectionate
to the Parliament, were not well us'd by the Governour; many
Decrees by reafon of the diffention betwixt the two parties re-
main'd unexecuted, for not being juftified by Power, which gives
life to Juftice. Such as were the most moderate, and beft difpos'd
of the Company, could not without great grief behold thefe con-
fufions; but thoſe were not the prevailing part: ſo that things
being every day more and more exaíperated, it was infinitely to
be fear'd they would in the end fhoot up to the laft extreme,
though they were already grown to a fufficient height.
deaux, to la-
tion.
The King inform'd of this ftrange confufion, diſpatch'd away Leon Breslart
Leon Brulart (one of the Council of State, and a man who, ha- fent to Bor-
ving manifeſted his prudence in many great employments, had bour an Ac-
acquir'd himſelf a great reputation both within, and without the commoda
Kingdom) to oppoſe his Royal Authority to the Torrent of theſe
diſorders. This man arriv'd at Bordeaux, in the month of June,
and labour'd with great fincerity, and diligence betwixt the par-
ties till September following; but all in vain his dexterity that wherein he
had unravell❜d many great intricacies, and overcome the greateft does not
difficulties in his former employments, could not be fo fuccefsful
here, the Animofities were too great, and the parties too ftiff to
admit of any Reconciliation; yet did he well enough diſcover
that the greatest averfions to it were not in the Duke, as he fatif-
fied the Court at his return; to which both parties at laſt were
forc'd to appeal,and to fubmit unto a fevere, and definitive Deter-
mination, after they had rejected all rational, and moderate
ways.
1
This Quarrel was on both fides carried on with extraordinary
heat, the first Prefident himſelf was deputed by the Parliament
to maintain their caufe before the Council; to whom Prefident
du Bernett, a man of great eſteem, and approved wiſdom (and
then thought very worthy, one day to pollefs the first place in
that Company, as he afterwards did) was alfo joyn'd. The Duke
alſo on his part diſpatch'd away firft le Plessis, and after him
Magnae
1
}
¦
438
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
The buli-
nefs is re-
Anno Magnac his Kinſman; a Gentleman of great Courage, of an ex-
1626. cellent Wit, and very great Learning. All thefe Deputies were
feveral times heard in open Council, where after having long,
and with great reverence pour'd out themſelves in eloquent Ora-
ferr'd to the tions, a Regulation enfu'd, at which both parties were equally
who make difpleas'd. And then it was that all the world plainly faw, and
an Award chiefly thoſe who were immediately concern'd, that they were not
to both par- forry at Court at the continuation of theſe diffentions; and that
the deſign being already laid to diminiſh all the Authorities of the
Kingdom, to unite them in one fingle perfon, they were glad to
ſee them infenfibly put their own hands to their own deftruction.
Council,
prejudicial
ties.
A diforder
at Court.
7
ແ
CC
Theſe little diſorders were not yet fully compos'd, when an-
other of much greater importance began to diſcloſe it felf at
Court, which occafion'd the death of Chalais, and the impri-
fonment of the Duke, and the Grand Prior of Vandofme. They
would alſo have involv'd the Duke de la Valette, who at this time
retir'd to Metz, in this Affair; and to that end tempted him by
la Louviere, the Confident of Chalais, to receive the Duke of Or-
leans into that City: but they had to do with a man fo well for-
tified in his Duty to his Prince, that all la Louviere could obtain
of the Duke was only a civil repulſe in theſe terms: "That the
place was none of his: That he was only a fubftitute to the
"Duke his Father: That he was therefore to apply himself to
'him, and that for his part he ſhould do whatever his Father
would pleaſe to command him. He could not have ſerv'd the
King more faithfully, than by retaining this relpect to the Duke
his Father, whoſe principles he knew to be perfectly Loyal, and
himſelf inſeparably ty'd to his Majefties Service; yet was not the
Court ſatisfied with this proceeding: but the Duke, who had al-
ſo been tamper'd withal from the fame part, through the Nego-
tiation of the Abbot d' Aubazine, by the candour of his deport-
ment, fo clearly juftified their common intentions, that both the
one and the other had all the fatisfaction they could themſelves de-
fire. Yet was this fatisfaction in words only, and the Duke was
notwithſtanding very ill us'd in ſeveral occafions; of which ill
ufage he could not forbear highly to complain: neither in his
complaints were the Queen Mother, as powerful as fhe was, nor
the Cardinal himſelf excepted: The hard meature he receiv'd
under their Adminiftration being fo much the more fenfible to
him,by how much he had infinite reaſons (as may be gather'd out
of the former paffages) to expect they fhould have been altogether
partial to his Interefts: but though his great and advantageous fer-
vices had been fo lately perform'd, the memory of them was
notwith-
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
439
the onjicar
and the
Dutchess of
Montpenfi r.
notwithſtanding totally worn out, and the Cardinal was already Anno
exasperated, though by occafions of fo little moment, as fcarce 1626.
ought to have been taken notice of: Neither doubtlefs would
they have been, had he been in another condition: but as great
Authorities are uſually very tender, in the great height of State,
and Power he then flood, they carried, in his opinion the quality
of moſt high injuries, which thenceforward difpos'd his heart to
thoſe ſtrange Animofities, which we ſhall fee in time break out.
After the death of Chalais, and the removal of fuch of the The Marri-
age betwixt
Monfieur's Creatures, as were ſuſpected by their evil Counfels to
debauch his good Nature, and to alienate the affection he had to
the King, and the profperity of the Kingdom; it was no hard
matter to diſpoſe him to a Marriage with Madamoifelle Marie de
Bourbon, Dutchess of Montpenfier. This match had been thought
worthy of him by Henry the Great his Father, and the Duke of
Elpernon, who had the honour to be great Uncle to this Princeſs,
prepoffefs'd with the hopes of fo great a Fortune for his Niece,
and fo great an honour both to himſelf, and his whole Family,
had made no difficulty to expofe himſelf to the hatred of the late
Count de Soiffons, in refuſing him (as you may have obferv'd be-
fore) this Lady in Marriage for Lewis his Son. And truly what
rubs foever had hapned in the way of this Match, the Duke not-
withſtanding never loft the hope, nor the ambition to ſee it one
day brought to effect. It is not therefore to be doubted, but that
the accompliſhment of a thing by him fo ardently coveted, muſt
be highly pleafing to him. The firft news he heard of the con-
fummation of theſe Nuptials was by a Gentleman diſpatch'd
away purpoſely to him by Madame, the day after her Marriage,
wherein the high Dignity, to which ſhe was arriv'd,nothing hin-
dred her from paying the Duke the respect that decency, and pro-
ximity exacted from her; fhe writ to him therefore with her own
hand, and the exprefs words of the Letter were thefe.
tr
cr
cr
CC
Uncle,
1
Letter to
the Duke of
Eſpernon,
her great
Uncle.
I doubt not but you will receive as much joy, and ſatisfaction, as M.d.nees
any perſon, at the happy accomplishment of my Marriage; the news
whereof I would no longer delay to fend you, affuring my self you will
look upon it as a very great Honour, and good Fortune, to one who
"is fo near and dear unto you. I think my Jelf the more happy therein,
as I hope to be in a better capacity of letting you fee the great efteem I
“have ever had of your friendship, which I defire to preſerve by manifeft-
“ing how much I am,
(C
tr
From Nantes the 7th.
of August, 1626.
Uncle,
Your very good Niece,
Marie.
There
·
440
L
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III.
1
Anno
There was a ſtrange and ſudden alteration in Madames ftyle, be-
1626. fore her Marriage it had us'd to be Monfieur my Uncle, and her
Letters always ended with Your most humble, and most affectionate
Servant but one fole night had fo rais'd her above her former.
condition (though very illuftrious before)that there was now very
little difference betwixt her ftyle, and that us'd by the Queen, and
Queen Mother; neither was the Duke, it may be fuppos'd, dif-
pleas'd to befo us'd, and the advancement of fo near a Relation,
being in part his own; that which feem'd a little to leffen him in
this new way of writing, he conceiv'd to be amply recompens'd
in the honour of this Alliance. The Dutchefs of Guife alſo ac.
companied this Letter of Madame her Daughter with another
from her felf; wherein ſhe made an excufe for not having written
to the Duke before the Marriage, as it had been her Duty to do:
Telling him they had met with ſo many difficulties in the buſi-
"nefs, that ſhe could never believe it would take effect,till fhe faw
it abfolutely done, which uncertainty had occafion'd that neg-
'lect. The King preſently after did him the fame honour, as allo
the two Queens,the Monfieur himſelf, with the reft of his new,and
illuftrious Allies: but before he receiv'd the honour of theſe laſt
Complements, the Duke had fent the Count de Maillé to Court to
prevent them, and with all humble refpect to let them know,
how infinitely fatisfied he was, to fee his Family, by his Majefties
Royal Bounty, rais'd to fuch an eminent degree of honour, as it
was by this Marriage.
Anno·
cr
The Peace of the Kingdom, the fuccefs of the Marriage of
1627. Madame, and the news of the Dutchefs de la Vallette's being great
with child, hapning almoft at the fame time, had altogether fo
overcharg'd the Duke of Efpernon with an excess of joy, that it
muft of neceffity overflow: He would therefore communicate
part of his own fatisfaction to the publick; and as all his Paffi-
ons would ever break out after an extraordinary manner, ſo this
of ſo exceffive a joy, gave him a new occafion of fhewing the
The Duke world the largeneſs of his heart. He therefore defign'd a Tilting
at Bordeaux, wherein inſtead of the vain, unprofitable, and fabu
lous repreſentations that are ufually exhibited upon fuch occafions,
he would make the people with delight, and in fecurity to fee the
various faces of War, and in the midit of peace would divert
himſelf with the exerciſes of his own profeffion. To this enter-
tainment he invited all the perfons of Quality of both Sexes in
the Province; and the Duke de la Valette came purpoſely from
Metz, to fupply the Duke his Father's place in all thefe noble ex-
erciſes, wherein he acquitted himself fo well, that he was not the
appoints a
Tilting at
Bordeaux.
leaft
BOOK IX.
441
the Duke of Efpernon.
leaſt Ornament of that great Solemnity. As the expenſe of this Anno
Feſtival was exceeding great, the Affembly continuing for above 1627.
fifteen days together; fo Fortune would ſeem to contribute ſome-
thing to this profufion: but fhe did only feem to do it, when af-
ter having preſented the Duke with Millions, and brought them
almoſt to his own door, fhe rather chofe to bury them in the Sea,
than to make good what he had fo fairly promis'd. It is of the
wrack of the Carricks that I am about to speak, which hapned
at this time, and having had a Relation of fo remarkable an ac-
cident from the Maſter's Mate, of that of thoſe two great Veffels, The Ship-
which perifh'd upon the Coaft of Medoc, I ought not, I conceive wrack of
the Portugal
to pass by fo memorable a misfortune, and of which I am able Carricks.
to give fo true an accompt.
After the Conqueft the King of Spain had made of the King-
dom of Portugal, the fame Cuftom the Portugals had formerly
paid to their natural Princes, for the Liberty of their East India
Trade, devolv'd of courſe to the King of Spain but with this
condition nevertheless, that the Portugals ſhould not be oblig'd
to unlade their Merchandize in any other part of the Catholick
King's Dominions, than that of Lisbon only, for a Mark of the
antient Right thoſe of their Nation had ever had to that Traffick
with the Indies. This priviledge was the lofs of thofe two Car-
ricks; they had ſet fail from Goa the fourth of March, 1626. la-
den with Merchandize of very great price, as Diamonds, and
other Stones; Amber-gris, Befoar, Spices, Drugs, Silks, and
other rarities both of the Indies, and the Kingdom of China, to
the value of above two Millions and a half of Gold at least in
either bottom. They had been mann'd out with above four hun-
dred and fifty, what Mariners, and Souldiers,befides ſeveral Gen-
tlemen, and other perfons of condition, that either by the curio-
fity of Travail, or thirſt of Gain, had been tempted into thoſe re-
mote parts of the world. All thefe together made up above fix
hundred perfons, and one might indeed more properly have call'd
theſe prodigious Hulks (which were each of them of two thou-
fand Tun) floating Cities, rather than Ships built for Navigation;
they having in them all forts of Artizans, eſtabliſh'd Markets,
Victuallers, and almoſt all forts, and conditions of men
men, with
the ſame policy, and civil Regiment, that is uſually obſerv'd in
the greateſt, and most populous Cities. Theſe two great Veffels
that ſeem'd to be Sovereigns of the Sea, and that defpifing any
thing of a Storm, fear'd nothing but Quick fands, Fire, and
Rocks, after a profperous Voyage, were furpriz'd in the Road of
Lisbon with foul weather, and driven back to Coruna a very good
L11
Port,
}
|
"
442
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno Port, upon the Coaft of Galicia in Spain. Where the ſtorm conti-
1627. nuing very long, the Captains of the Carricks were by thoſe of
the Town importun'd to unlade their Goods in that Harbour, and
no more to expoſe ſo great Riches acquir'd with fo much peril,
and pains, to the dangers of the Sea: but they were deaf to that
motion, and on the contrary highly infifting upon their privi-
ledge, the King of Spain at laft gave way to their obftinacy, com-
manding.only the Admiral of the Portugal Navy, Don Manuel de
Menezes, with fix of the beft Gallions of his Squadron to put to
Sea, and to Convoy them fafe to Lisbon, though this precaution
only ſerv❜d to augment his lofs. The Gallions came up to the
Carricks, to which the Admiral gave exprefs order, not to ſtir
thence till a calmer feafon. But what good Counſel can prevent
Mifchance the Carricks contrary to all order and advice, upon
the firſt little Truce of the Tempeft (which, as it often falls out
at Sea, only retir'd to return with greater fury) weigh'd Anchor,
and put out to Sea: but they had no fooner committed their Car-
ricks to the mercy of the winds, but that they found themſelves
engag'd in the greatest ftrefs of weather, that perhaps has at any
time been feen; and after a Tempeft of two and twenty days,
without any intermiffion, they came at laft to fuffer Shipwrack,
one at Cap-Breton, near to Bayonne, and the other two days after
upon the Coaſt of Medoc; in which exigent of Fortune the Gal-
lions were fo faithful to them, as to bear them company in ruine:
ſo that three attending either Carrick, the lofs was equal in both
places.
The Duke receiv'd the firft news of this accident from the'
Common Bruit, and that not till three days after it had hapned;
and indeed the rains that had fall'n, during this tempeftuous wea-
ther, had ſo overflow'd the ways, that although this Coaſt be
no more than ten or twelve Leagues diftant from Bordeaux only,
it had been impoffible fooner to have paſs'd: but it is likewiſe
true, that the Inhabitants of the Countrey, a barbarous and inhu-'
mane people (as generally Sea-borderers are) and inur'd to the
fpoil of Wracks, were not over hafty to acquaint the Duke's Of-
ficers with this, that they might not be disturbed whilſt buſie ra-
vening after Booty. At laft,and whilft preparing for the approach-
ing folemnity, he heard of this misfortune, and that a great num-
ber of Spaniards, who deliver'd themſelves for men of Quality,
preferv'd out of a greater number that periſh'd, were upon their
way coming to implore his affiftance; and accordingly the next
day this miferable company, confifting of two hundred, or there-
abouts, were feen to enter the City, in the lamentable plight may
be
r
1
+
BOOK IX. the Duke of Efpernon.
443
+
ما
be imagin'd of men,that had been expos'd to the fury of a Wrack. Anno
The Duke took care to lodge them in the City, furnifh'd them 1627.
with Victuals, took order for Cloaths for them, and reliev'd them
with money; when being by fome of them inform'd of the great
Riches that was in the Carrick he mounted to Horſe to hinder the
Pillage, and Diſorder, which had already continued five or fix
days together without intermiffion; it was nevertheless impoffible
for him to get to the fhoare, the ways were fo impaffible; fo that
he was conltrain'd to return back, to begin his Triumph.
The Solemnity was begun, with a Skirmiſh of fixfcore Cui-
raffieres, divided into two Troops, and arm'd Cap-a-pie; the
next day they ran the Ring in the fame Equipage they fought:
after which they ran difarm'd with Vizors, and afterwards ran at
Tilt, for five or fix days together, doing all the Exerciſes that are
to be perform'd on Horfeback.
The Horſe Exerciſes being gone through, they muſt now come
to a repreſentation of Foot Service, that the angry trade of War
might be ſet forth in all its Forms. In a fpacious place therefore,
at one of the Extremities of the City, the Duke caus'd two regu-
lar Forts to be built, and fortified according to all the Maxims of
Art. "Thefe Forts were mann'd with arm'd Souldiers to defend
them, they were batter'd with Cannon,. affaulted, and in the end
taken, fo much to the delight of the beholders, as made it ap
pear, there can be no fo dreadful Original, from whence pleaſant
Copies are not to be taken.
The Combat of the Forts was follow'd by a noble Maſque,and
a Ball, and thoſe by a Combat at Barriers, which concluded the
Solemnity; the last Act of which was fet out with infinite Ex-
penfe, and very great Art. There were in it ſeven Entries, and all
thofe ufher'd in with great Machines, contriv'd by the principles
of the feveral parties, who were all perfons of eminent Quality.
I ſhall not however undertake a deſcription of all the remarkable
paffages therein,there having been then a collection taken of them
that made up a Volume of it ſelf, and I having no need to ſwell
this with unneceffary relations.
The Duke
de Candale
the Duke of
eldett Son
comesto
It was no little addition to the Duke's particular joy, and to
the general fatisfaction of the whole Affembly, to find it honour'd
with the prefence of the Duke de Candale, the Duke's eldeft Son. Esternon's
It had now been ten years complete, that their common misfor-
tune had caus'd a ſeparation betwixt them; wherein though the the Solem-
Father had high caufes of Difcontent, yet had the gallant behavi- nity.
our of the Son been ſuch, and had ſo far prevail'd upon his na-
tural affection, that at this time without all doubt he had an equal
LII 2
ſhare
1
1
1
I
444
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
"
:
;
>
Hey,
Anno
ſhare with his Brothers in the Duke's Favour. Neither indeed
1627. could the Heroick Son have better ſpent theſe years of his dif-
grace,who ſeeing he could not honourably live in his own Coun-
trey, whilft out-law'd in his Fathers Favour, went to exerciſe his
profeffion of Arms in Holland, at that time the moft confpicuous
Theatre of War in all Europe: He had not there long continued,
before by his brave deportment he fo far won the opinion of
Count Maurice Prince of Orange (acknowledg'd by all the world
to be one of the greateſt Captains of his time) that he doubtleſs
poffefs'd the higheſt place in his confidence, and eſteem. A ſhort
Truce being concluded in that Countrey, he went from thence
to Venice, where he commanded fome of the Venetian Militia in
the Valtoline; and in proceſs of time, having gain'd the favour-
able opinion of that Serene Republick, he was at laft honour'd
with one of their principal Commands, and made General of all
their Land-Forces; an Employment wherein he ferv'd upon ſo
many brave occafions, as would deſerve a particular Hiftory;
when at laft more ardently defir'd, than well us'd by France his
native Countrey, he came to end his days in his own Princes
Service, and in the Command of one of his chiefeft Armies.
The Duke his Father, when fometimes fpeaking of him, would
fay, that he could hardly with his Son had never done amifs,
fince he had done fo glorious a Penance for his faults, and by fo
many Heroick Actions expiated the afflictions he had brought up-
on him.
The arrival of this long abfent Son, was not yet the utmoſt
bound of the Duke's fatisfaction; he receiv'd another at the fame
time, that touch'd his heart with a more fenfible joy, than any
thing that has been mention'd before: and doubtless it would
have been greater now, than it was then, had God been pleas'd
to have prolong'd his life till thefe days, that he might have feen
the fruits of the juft expectation he had conceiv'd at the Birth of as
hopeful an Heir, as he could poffibly have wifh'd. I have already
told you, that the news of his Daughter-in-law the Dutchefs de la
Valette's being great with child, was one of the occaſions that
caus'd this Publick rejoycing, and that Affembly was fcarce broke
up,when he receiv'd by a Courier,difpatch'd away for that purpoſe
The Birth certain news of her being brought to bed of a Son: a Bleffing he
than
of Centale, had more zealouſly begg'd of Almighty God,
the Duke of thing in this world; and that he had the most reafon to defire,
Efpernon's that he might fee his fucceffion continued in a hopeful Heir: But
child. as this was the richeſt Preſent, this young Princess could poffibly
make him, ſo it was (God knows) the laft, fhe ten days only
of the Duke
Grand-
i
any
other
furvi-
BOOK IX.
1
the Duke of Efpernon.
445
furviving the Birth, who being deliver'd upon the fourteenth of
April, and dying the four and twentieth after, left her noble Huf
band a Widower, and all France her mourners.
Anxo
1627.
The Duke receiv'd this fad news as he was upon his return
from Medoc, to which place the Wrack of the Carrick had ob-
lig'd him to make a ſecond Journey, and where, now that the
ſeaſon gave him leave to come nearer to the Sea, we faw a moſt
incredible thing; which was the Relicks of this mighty Veffel,
ſeveral pieces whereof were to be feen, for above a quarter of a
League together, along the fhoar, and in fo great number, that
whoever had feen thofe floating Spoils, would rather have judg'd
them the ruines of fome demoliſh'd City, than the remains of
one fingle Ship. The Duke with much ado recover'd twelve
great brafs Pieces, that were buried in the Sands, which were al-
fo all that could be fav'd, of an hundred and eight, or ten, that
were aboard, either the Carrick, or the Gallions that Convoy'd
her. Upon his return from this fhort Journey, the Duke receiv'd
intelligence of the Death of the Dutchefs de la Valette, at which, The death
though his Affliction feem'd to be fo great, that nothing could be chefs de la
more, it was nevertheleſs exceeded by that of the Husband; who Valette.
having ſtaid behind at Bordeaux, during this Journey into Me-
doc, knew nothing of his misfortune, till the return of the Duke
his Father: but then all the comfort they were capable of, was;
their mutual Affliction, wherein, as a more juft occafion of for-
row could not poffibly arrive, ſo could it not poffibly be exprefs'd
with more, or with more unfained tears.
of the Dut-
1
Upon this fad occafion both the Father, and the Son receiv'd
many Complements of Confolation from the whole Court, the
King, the Queens, the Monfieur, and Madame, with all the other
Princes, and Princeſſes; and almoſt all of any eminent condition
at. Court, manifefted their intereft in this dire misfortune. But
they had ſcarce wip'd off the tears for this firſt diſaſter, when it
was fucceeded by another of almoft equal concern; for I remem-
ber that the Gentleman fent by the Monfieur, and Madame upon
this confolatory Envoy,was ſcarce departed from Bardeaux, when The death
they receiv'd the intelligence at once, of the happy delivery of Ma
dame, and the deplorable accident of her death: an occafion by
which they were oblig'd (to their great grief) to make a quick re-
turn of the Monfieur's Complement, and to recommence a new
ſhowr of tears, even before the firft ftorm was overblown.
In this variety of good, and evil events but (as it uſually falls
out in the courſe of humane life) fuch as had more in them of
evil than good, the Duke ſaw himſelf neceffitated to engage in a
Difpute
of Madame
the Dur-
chefs of Or-
leans.
\
ነ
1
446
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
き
​New occali-
ing betwixt
nal Richelieu
about the
wrack of
The Cardi-
nals preten-
tions.
Title.
Anno Difpute with the Cardinal, and upon this occafion. The rumour
1627. that had been ſpread abroad of the infinite Riches the shipwracked
Carrick carried in her, had allur'd the Cardinal, to put in that
ons of mif- title to the ſpoil, which he pretended his Office of Superintendent
underitard- of the Navies (with which he had alfo confounded that of Admi-
the Duke, ral) gave him to all the wracks that fhould happen upon the
and Cardi- Coafts of France. Wherein doubting nevertheless that the ordi-
nary Officers he had eſtabliſh'd at Bordeaux, as in all other parts
and Havens of the Kingdom, would not be fufficient to juftifie
the Carrick. his Claim against the Duke of Epernon, who was upon the place,
and whom he knew to be a man, that would not eafily be baf-
fled out of his Right; he caus'd a Commiffion to be directed to
one Fortia a young Mafter of Requests, that under the Autho-
rity of the Royal Name he might with greater facility obtain his
own defires. This bufineis was at first debated with great civility
and moderation, and the Duke was very willing to fatisfie the
The Duke's Commiffioner of his Right, and Title,by fhewing him Evidences
of above three hundred years ftanding, by which his Anceſtors
had ever been maintain'd in their Title to all the Wracks that hap-
ned upon the Coaft of Medoc, exclufively not only to the Officers
of the Admiralty, but even to the King himself: by whofe pre-
deceffors it had been formerly demis'd in free gift to the Lords of
Candale for ever. After which he moreover deliver'd him Copies
of thofe Evidences, clearing to him by ſeveral Authentick Wri-
tings and Records, his antient, and lawful Right; which he de-
fir'd him to prefer to the Council, together with his Reaſons, and
the equity of his caufe. But this was not the thing was defir'd at
Court, and Fortia was blam'd for having taken cognisance of
the Duke's Title, and for having receiv'd Copies of his Deeds,
as if he had a mind to bring a buſineſs to the iffue of a Suit, and
Tryal, wherein they intended that Authority fhould ftand for
Law. Fortia therefore having receiv'd this check, would for the
future endeavour by violence to repair, what he had by modera-
tion, and respect to Equity overthrown; and to that end began
to talk to the Duke in other terms, than he had us'd at firft
wherin meeting with a Spirit that was not to be frighted with the
menaces of the Court, the heat of their difputes grew at last to
an open Quarrel betwixt them. Whereupon the Commiffary, ei-
ther unwilling, or not daring to have any more to do with the
Duke, defir'd to be recall'd, as he was; and it is not to be doubted
at his return to the Cardinal fail'd not to lay all the evil fuccefs of
his own ill carriage at the Duke's door, by whofe ill offices the for-
mer diſcontents were not likely to be any thing qualified, much
lefs appeas'd.
ļ
,
The
•
+
BOOK IX.
447
the Duke of Efpernon:
I
Anna
ນ
The Duke
which is re-
The Duke had in the mean time diſpatch'd away le Fleffis to
the King, to befeech his Majefty that he would pleafe to fend to 1627.
the Parliament of Paris, to do him right in his lawful claim; gi-
ving him moreover inftructions to go to the Cardinal, and in his
name to conjure him to fue forth his Title, by fuch of his own
Council as he ſhould himſelf think fit; and that he for his part o
would willingly ſtand to their award but the Duke's cafe was fabric to a
too clear for the Cardinal to fubmit his to reference. He had al- reference,
ready feen his Title, which was fuch as he knew nothing but the fus'd by the
Sovereign Authority could fuperfede, and that made him deaf to Cardinal.
any thing of Arbitration. He chofe therefore rather to continue
his pretenfe under the protection of the Royal Name, and to that
•purpoſe procur'd Monfieur. Servient, another Mafter of Requeſts,
to be put into Commiffion to proſecute his Title in Fortia's ſtead
a man that by his dexterity and handſome carriage prevail'd fo
far upon
the Duke's inclination, and efteem, that he obtain'd that
from him, and in a very few days, which the other had been
conftrain'd to give over, as a hopeleſs thing, and impoffible to be
effected.
*
;
Servient em-
who recon-
*
a
ny, the Sous
is peny tar-l
The Duke in fine condeſcended ſo far, as to confent that all Monseur
the Goods fav'd from the Wrack, ſhould be depoſited in the ploy'd in
hands of two fufficient Citizens; of which Goods there were fe- the bufinefs,
ven or eight thouſand little rough Diamonds, valued generally at ciles the
forty or fifty Sous a piece, fome pieces of Amber-gris, (or ra- difference.
ther black Amber, for it was of that colour, and nothing near fo*, pe
good as ours) ſeveral Bezoar Stones, and fome other Merchan- de Paris, or
dize, of no great value; and this was all that was recover'd of Sol Marqué
the rich lading of this prodigious Carrick, the reft being either thing Eng-
buried in the Sea,or pilfred away by the Countrey people, though
all put together was but a very ſmall part of this mighty lofs. Ser-
vient therefore by a gentle, and infenfible violence, having (as has
been ſaid) won upon the Duke's inflexible temper, obtain❜d all
the fatisfaction he could defire, and in exactly obferving his Com-
miffion, acquir'd the Duke withal for his friend, performing
therein what is only referved for men of extraordinary Conduct,
which was to reconcile fo oppofite Interefts, and yet to diſob-
lige neither party.
*
lifa.
9
The differences, thus moderated by the prudence of Servient,
were foon totally huſh'd up by the noiſe of a War with England,
which at this time unexpectedly broke out. The Duke of Buck- * Bv my
ingham, Favourite to Charles King of Great Britain, as (by an ex call the
traordinary priviledge of Fortune) he had been before to King Duke de
James his Father, was(as it was faid)highly prefs'd by fome of the Boulzinghene
Houfe
Authour
+
!
448
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III.
Anno Houſe of Lords, of the Parliament of England to give an account
1627. of the Treaſure, that (as they pretended) had been imbezzeld du-
ring the Reign of the late King: upon which occafion, the Seve-
rity natural to that Nation in fuch Inquifitions, making him juſt-
ly to apprehend the iffue of an Enquiry; wherein perhaps it had
been impoſſible for any man living to have fatisfied their Judg
ments, or their Malice; he chofe rather to withdraw himſelf
from the inconvenience of fuch a Trial, and to put himſelf into a
poſture of ſtanding upon his own Guard, than to run the hazard
of a Sentence that he could not expect ſhould be favourable to
him, from men that were envious of his Favour and Fortune:
and this has been faid to have been one motive to this Invafion.
Another, and which was no lefs prevalent with the Duke (as:
fome have deliver'd, who pretended to be very privy to his
thoughts) was the jealoufie he had of the Cardinal's greatneſs, of
Our English whom he had been fo ill fatisfied in a late Embaffy into this King-
that as they dom, as thenceforward to conceive either fo mortal a hatred to
muft needs his Perfon, or at leaſt fo high an emulation of his Power, as it is
inform'd of believ'd by many prompted him to undertake this War with
the motives France; from whence it may be judg'd, how light the cauſes com-
are likely monly are, that bring on the ruine of Nations, and the defolati-
better to in- on of Kingdoms. But the better to perfwade the English to ap-
form us,give prove of this expedition (it being no eafie matter to raise money
there for any preparation of this kind without the confent of the
people) his pretenſe was to fuccour the Rockellers, that were in-
finitely opprefs'd, and the Proteftant Party, which he faid,
the laft Peace, was very much weakned in France,
Authors,
be better
of this War,
a far diffe-
rent ac-
compt. Vi
de Bakers
Chronicle.
land in the
fand our
fay.
*
fince
The English, Having with this pretext palliated either his Animofity, or his
Ifle of Ré. Ambition, with a Fleet confifting of a hundred and fifty Sail,
* Six thou- upon which he had Ship'd ten thousand men, he prefented him-
Hiftorians felf before the Ille of Ré in July 1627. This Enterprize, which
in all probability was likely to be favour'd with an Infurrection of
thoſe of the Reform'd Religion at home (who were not deprefs'd
to that degree, but that they were yet very confiderable) put the
whole Court into a very great Alarm: wherein the Cardinal,who
very well underſtood this affront,to be particularly directed against
him, look'd upon it as his own immediate concern: neither did
he fail on his part of his utmoft endeavour to fruftrate his Adver-
faries Deſign, and to maintain himſelf in the advantages of his
Princes Favour. He fent diſpatches therefore to all parts of the
Kingdom, for the raifing of new Forces, and caus'd a Commif
the English. fion to be iffued out to the Duke of Angoulfme, to call together
fuch as were already on foot, with them to go to the defenſe of
The Cardi-
nals Orders
to oppoſe
Fort-
*
BOOK IX. the Duke of Efpernon. ·
449
1
Fort-Louis, built before Rochelle, upon which it was likely the Anno
English would make their first attempt, and therein alfo to en- 1627.
deavour to curb Rochelle it felf, which yet retain'd a mutinous
difpofition, under a diffembled fhew of Obedience, and Duty.
Le Pieffis hapned in this juncture of time to be at Court, whi-
ther (as has been ſaid) he had been before diſpatch'd by the Duke
his Mafter to folicit his Intereſt about the Wrack of the Carrick.
This Gentleman was fo generally efteem'd by all both for his Va-
lour, and his Experience in matters of War, and principally by
the Cardinal (who had been a witneſs of his behaviour through-
out the Queen Mother's Affairs, and had in thoſe times contra-
&ted a ſtrict League of Friendſhip with him) that he immediate-
ly apply'd himſelf to him in this urgent neceffity; neither did he
herein forget any promiſes that might induce him, or omit any
endearments that might oblige him to render the Duke his Ma-
fter favourable to his deſigns, and himſelf to accept of an Em-
ployment, upon this important occafion: Affuring him withal, the
that no more mention fhould be made of the Carrick, or of any of Espernon's
other croſs Affair he had been perplex'd withal, and had now de- Domestick
pending at Court. Upon this affurance Le Pliffis departed from the com-
Court, provided with ten Commiffions for the raifing of a Regi- mand of a
ment in his own name, and with all the civil Language, and fair conferr'd
Promiſes could be defir'd for the Duke his Mafter,whole affiftance upon him,
upon this
was exceedingly confiderable, by reaſon of the ſhort cut by Sea,
occafion.
betwixt Bordeaux, and Rochelle.
Le Pleffis
Duke
Servant, has
Regiment
Le Pleſſis arriv'd in Guienne in the beginning of Auguſt, where
he firſt gave the Duke an accompt of his own Affairs, and after-
wards acquainted him with the Commiffion he had receiv'd for
himſelf, who was fo affifting to him in the raiſing of his Regi-
ment, that it was one of the firft that was ready for this Service.
The Duke no fooner faw Le Pleffis Companies compleat, but
that he fell to making ready the Succours were requir'd of him for
the Fort of the Iſle of Ré, already befieg'd by the English Forces,
though I must confefs it was (contrary to his cuftom in other oc-
cafions) exceeding flowly not that he did not heartily defire to
fee Rochelle reduc'd to the King's Obedience, but he could have
been glad that the Cardinal, whom he had no reaſon to love,
might have had no fhare in the honour of this great Enterprize;
as if he had then foreſeen that the addition of Reputation, and
Greatneſs, he muft infallibly derive from that fuccefs, would one
day prove fatal to him. Yet in this diſtraction of thoughts he fail d
not nevertheleſs to prefer his Duty before all other relpects,
regarded either his own Paffion, or Intereft; and in effect the
Mmm
that
great
་ ་
+
450
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno great Succours that were drawn together upon Olome Sands, and
1627. by which the Ifle was preferv'd, confifted principally of thoſe
Forces he fent away from Bordeaux.
Anno Yet was not this the only thing wherein the Duke was highly
1628. ferviceable upon this important occafion, his inftructions con-
tributing as much at leaft to the taking of Rochelle, as any other
means whatſoever for it was he, without all contradiction that
gave the firft advice for the bringing up a Cawfey to block
up the
Harbour, and who rejected all the propofitions of Pompeo Tar-
gone, as frivolous, and of no uſe; and indeed the fuccefs of thoſe
floating Forts, and Bridges contriv'd by this Italian Engineer,
proving fuch, as the Duke had prophefied it would be, they were
fain when all was done to follow his advice. A Copy of which
advice I here preſent you, as it was written by his own hand to the
Duke of Angoulejme, before the Cardinal came before Rochelle;
the Duke rather choofing (it fhould feem) to communicate his
opinion to this Prince, than to any other of the Commanders of
the King's Army, as he had his perſon in much greater eftecm.
The Duke
of Eſper-
non's Letter
SIR,
"I ſhould have been glad of an occafion wherein by fome fig-
nal Service, rather than by fruitless, and ill couch'd words to
"have manifefefted my Affection to you: But fince my good
to the Duke << Fortune will not fo far gratifie my ambition, I must content my
"felf with what I have, and make it the buſineſs of theſe lines
of advice
of Angos-
lefme.
co
(C
to give you an affurance of the great obligation you have con-
"ferr'd upon me in fending Captain Marfillac with the Relation
"of the Relief my Lord the Duke of Orleans has happily put in-
to the Fort St. Martin. I doubt not, Sir, but your Wiſdom has
"contributed much to this great performance; the fuccefs
"whereof makes me believe, that at his Majeſties arrival, the
"glory of chafing the English fhamefully out of his Kingdom, iş
cc
tr
affur'd, and confequently that of reducing Rochelle to the laſt
"neceffity of abfolutely fubmitting to his obedience; for the de-
"fign of blocking it upon the Land-fide by Forts, and Redoubts,
"with lines of communication, is an infallible courſe it is in-
« deed ſomewhat a tedious way, but in a year or two at moſt the
place muft inevitably fall into the King's hands, without loss of
men, and leſs expenſe of money: but the Port muft of necef-
fity be ſhut up, which is not to be done, but by ſome ſolid ma-
terials; and whofoever will undertake to do it by a floating
Bridge, will find himſelf miſtaken, at leaſt my opinion tells me
fo; for the impetuofity of the Winds, and the force of the Tides,
'
ແ
r
cc
i..
will
BOOK IX.
451
+
the Duke of Efpernon.
7
“will break whatever ſwims above water, there being no ſtabi- Anno
lity in floating bodies to refift them. Several other reaſons 1628.
might be given, which would be too long for a Letter; and be-
"fides it would be a great prefumption in me to think my opinion
ought to have any place amongſt ſo many great, and prudent
perfons, as you are in the King's Army, c. From Cadillac the
4" of October 1628. The Duke of Angouleme fignified to him,.
how much he approv'd of his opinion, by the anſwer he ſent him
the 21. of the fame month, in theſe terms.
cc
tr
cr
cc
<C
cc
cc
cc
My Lord,
The Duke
eme's an
fwer.
"The new affurances you are pleas'd to give me of your affe-
"ction together with your prudent advice, have given me an of Angou-
equal fatisfaction, and deſire, to purſue the courſe you conceive
"moft conducing to the happy iffue of the Enterprize in hand. I
"do affure you, I am abfolutely of your opinion, and I think my
"felf very fortunate in it: but the diverfity of Judgments amongſt
us, producing variety of counfels, I fear may be ruinous to a
defign; the beginning whereof might otherwiſe promiſe a
"fucceſsful event, &c. And elſewhere he writes him word: "That
he ſubmits to his advice, as to a thing that ought to ſtand for
a Law, and a Rule; as well out of refpect to the great Wiſdom
upon which all his opinions were grounded, as to the perfect
knowledge he had of all things, that might prejudice, or ad-
vance the defign of Rochelle. And in truth from the year 1621.
that he had been employ'd before this place, he had meditated
nothing more, than how to reduce it into his Majefties obedi-
ence. So that I have ſeen in his hands at one time thirty feveral
defigns for the ſhutting up of the Port. Pompeo Targone (as has
been ſaid) came thither at that time to view the place, and the
Duke call'd in feveral other Engineers to adviſe about it: but in
the end concluded upon the Cawley, as the only thing that could
poffibly block up the Channel.
te
c
the whole
The fitting down before Rochelle foon ſtirr'd the whole Hugonot The Com
party into Commotion; and although most of the other Cities of motion of
their Faction, utterly diſclaim'd having any hand in the English Hugonot
Invaſion, and ſeem'd to condemn Soubize for having call'd them Party.
in: yet was there not one of them nevertheleſs that in the con-
clufion did not joyn with them, or that refus'd to be involv'd in
the ruine of that Rebellious City. It was impoffible the root of
this Faction could be fo violently ſhaken, and the incorporate
branches remain infenfible of the motion: fo that the extremeſt
members thereof, foreſeeing a certain, and general ruine in the
Mmm 2
fall
+
•
1
•
452
PART III,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno fall of Rochelle (which was, as it were, the body where the foul of
1628. their Intereſt did inhabit)they no fooner faw it threatned by theſe
And of
Montauban.
l'Edi&, and
mighty preparations: but that the common fafety made them
concur in the common defenſe, and break into open Arms in all
parts of the Kingdom. In Languedoc, the Sevennes, and Guienne
they were excited by the inftigation of the Duke of Roban: Mon-
tauban follow'd the example of the reft, and what Proteftati-
ons foever the Inhabitants of that City had made to the Duke of
Efpernon, that they would continue firm in their duty, their deſti-
ny notwithſtanding over-rul'd all thofe temperate refolutions,and
the hour was now come, that the King's Victories muft (in fpight
of their own endeavours to oppoſe it) eſtabliſh them in a happier
degree of Peace, and Safety, than till this time they had ever en-
joy'd, even in the greateft profperity of theit Affairs.
It was no fault of the Duke of Efpernon's, that they did not ob-
tain this benefit better cheap, and by better ways, and that they
were not at once both happy, and innocent: he often by Let
ters put them in mind of their duty, and of the promiſes they
had fo faithfully made him, to continue firm therein, and, for a
final teftimony of the zeal he had to their preſervation, fent to
them one of the most powerful inftruments he, could poffibly
* Chambre de make choice of for fo good a work. And this was Morin, a Coun-
Chambre cellor in the Chambre de l' Edict of Guienne, a man of admirable
is all one, it Wit, and great Eloquence, to perfwade them to their own good,
being (as had they been capable to underſtand it; and one the Duke con
ceiv'd the more proper for this imployment, as being one of
their own perfwafion, who had born Arms amongft them with
great Reputation and Valour, and who having upon very good
confiderations reconcil'd himſelf to his Duty, was the more fit to
thofe of the perfwade them to do a thing, wherein he had himſelf been a
Religion, leading example.
has been
faid elfe-
where) a
Court ere-
Єted in fa-
vour of
confifting
the one
half of Ca-
tholicks,
and the
other of
thofe of
party.
So foon as theſe, and the reft of their Party had declar'd, the
King feeing the War kindled in almoſt all the Provinces of his
Kingdom, fent away the Prince of Condé into Languedoc, in the
quality of Lieutenant General of his Armies, not only in Lan-
their own guedoc, and Guienne, but likewife in fome other adjoyning Pro-
vinces; to whom he alſo deliver'd two Commiffions of Licute-
nant Generals under him, for the Dukes of Montmorency, and
Efpernon. The latter of theſe had no fooner intelligence of the
Lieutenant Prince's arrival at Tholouze,but that he immediately posted thither
Guienne, and to pay him the refpect due to a Prince of the Blood, and from his
fome other own mouth to receive his Majefties Commands. He was there
Provinces. receiv'd by the Prince with all the tenderneſs, and manifeftation
The Prince.
of Condé
made the
General in
adjoyning
of
.
#
•
¿
1
BOOK IX.
હ
<<
"
the Duke of Efpernon.
453
Anne
of entire confidence he could poffibly expect, or defire: but how
kindly foever he took this entertainment, he could not neverthe- 1628.
lefs force his complacency fo far as to accept of the Commiffion
the Prince had to give him of Lieutenant General under his Com-
mand. He at firft defended himſelf from it by ſeveral very civil,
and reſpective excuſes; telling him,amongſt other things: "That
being his moft humble Servant (and he was effectually fo) no
condition whatever could more fubje& him to his Commands,
than the reſpect he had for his Quality and Perfon had already
done, and that for any thing elfe, the power he had as Gover-
nour of Guienne, giving him of it ſelf ſufficient Authority to
"cauſe him to be obey'd in whatever he ſhould pleafe to com-
"mand within that Province, he did not ftand in need of any
"further Commiffion for that end. But at laft (the Prince unwil-
ling to underſtand his excufes, and ftill preffing him to receive it)
the Duke with his ufual liberty franckly told him: "That from
"his youth till that time he had ever been honour'd with ſuch
« Commands immediately under the King's, his Maſters, with-
"out having ever accepted that quality under any other than
themſelves; and that he did therefore beſeech him he would
pleaſe to permit him in this laft Act of his Life,to retain a privi-
«ledge he had for ſo many years, and under fo many glorious
"Maſters enjoy'd. After ſo candid a Declaration., the Prince
would no more importune him; neither did he difcover the leaft
offenſe, or unkindneſs, at the Duke's refuſal; which he had the
more reaſon to be ſatisfied withal, as he very well knew he had
formerly rejected the fame Employment under the Count de
Soiffons.
•
c
at
The Duke had no fooner taken leave of the Prince, but that
he return'd back in all diligence towards Bordeaux, to take order
for the raifing of ſuch Forces, as he was to fet on foot. He had
tpreſent no more, than the fame Regiments of Foot, and the
fame Troops of Horfe, that had ferv'd before in the like occafion,
and thoſe the Marquis de Monferrat (whom he had lately made
Lieutenant of his own Company of Gens d'-Armes) had order to
draw into the field: but theſe ſmall Forces were ſcarce ready when
the Duke receiv'd intelligence that a little Town call'd Cauffade,
near to Montauban, had had the confidence to declare for the Hu-
gonot Party. Upon this news the juft apprehenfion he had, leſt
the other Cities of his Government, that were inclin'd this way,
fhould follow this ill example; and left in the end, instead of
Montauban alone,he ſhould find thirty good Cities oppos'd againſt
him, made him haften that way to chaltize theſe firſt Rebels: but
he
14
เ
#
1
454
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
The Duke
of Expernon
oppoſes
to
the Duke of
PART III
Anno he was hardly there arriv'd, when he understood both by ſeveral
1628. Letters from the Prince, and by other preffing intelligence from
the Court it ſelf, that the Duke of Rohan had gather'd together
a confiderable body of an Army in Sevennes, where he was ftill
rallying fo many other Forces of his Party, that of them he
doubted not to make up fuch an Army, as would beʼable by ſome
notable attempt to divert the King from the Enterprize of Rochelle.
himſelf It was therefore neceffary for him to ftrive with all his endeavour
Rohan, who to obftruct his paffage, wherein confifted the main concern of
was moving the whole Affair, and accordingly he went about it, though not
without great reluctancy, that he ſhould approach fo near to.
Cauffade, and not ſtay to beſiege it: but on the other fide he
durft not do it, left whilft he ſhould be taken up with an Enter-
prize of ſo little importance, the Duke of Rohan might take that
opportunity to execute his defign. I heard many of his Servants
murmur, that he was not more eager of this Siege, and he him-
felf knew very well, that the Prince had writ fomething unhand-
fomely of him to the Court about it: but he was nothing moved
at all that noife, and having good reaſon for what he did, nothing
had power to alter his determination.
with an Ar-
my to the
relief of
Rochelle.
The Prince
Whilft he was thus vigilant about Montauban to obftruct the
Duke of Rohan's paffage, the Prince of Condé, who had made a
very confiderable progrefs in Languedoc, by the taking of Pamieres,
Realmont, and ſeveral other places, refolv'd to purfue his Victo-
ries into Guienne. There was a little corner in the lower Rouergue,
and bordering upon the Sevennes,that had never yet felt the power
of the Royal Arms; it was therefore agreed upon betwixt thePrince
and the Duke of Efpernon, that the Army fhould advance that
way, their defign herein being, either to difunite this little Coun-
trey from the Duke of Rohan's Interefts, or at leaft by this Enter-
prize to divert him from the defign he had of moving towards
Rochelle, it being very unlikely he ſhould think of that, whilſt
the Cities of his party fhould be fo dangerouſly engag'd in the
moſt advantageous Poft he had upon any occafion to retire him-
felf unto.
The Prince of Condé who was very punctual in all his defigns,
of Condé lays at the appointed day, which was in the latter end of May, pre-
Siege to St. fented himſelf in fight of Vabres, an Epiſcopal Sea, and almoft
Afrique.
the only Catholick City of all that Countrey; to whom the Duke
alfo the next day joyn'd himſelf with his Forces. Their deſign
was fuddenly to clap down before Saint Afrique, a Town' very
confiderable in thofe parts, and exceedingly well fortified but
the fuccefs of this Enterprize did by no means anſwer their
expe-.
tation,
4
F
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
455
.
ctation, they being after a very brisk affault, vigoroufly fuftain'd Anno
by thofe within, conſtrain'd to raiſe the Siege; after which the 1628.
Prince's Forces being very much decreas'd in the preceding Ser-
vice, and infinitely dejected with this repulſe, as the Duke's alſo fuccefs.
were, was neceflary to diſpoſe them into feveral Garriſons to
refreſh them.
it
1
With ill
It ſeem'd as if this baffle at Saint Afrique had hapned for no
other end, but to juftifie the Duke about the bufines of Cauſſade,
wherein the miſcarriage of the one caus'd his wiſdom to be highly
magnified for not having attempted the other; whereas before
both the Court, and the whole Kingdom talk'd a little odly of
his proceeding; ſo ready is ill natur'd mankind to cenfure the bra-
veft Spirits upon the leaft fhadow of occafion, though after ha-
ving perform'd in the fight of all the world innumerable actions
that ought the leaft of them to defend the Author's name from
Calumny, upon any accident of Fortune. The King lay at this
time before Rochelle, and le Pleffis, who had ferv'd in the Ifle of
Ré at the defeat of the English with marvellous reputation, con-
tinued to ſerve with his Regiment at this Siege; where being up-
on the great Scene of Affairs, and hearing what was faid of the
Duke his Maſter, he fail'd not to let him know what cenſure the
world pafs'd upon him concerning the buſineſs of Cauffade, and
how he had been reprefented to the King: infomuch that the
Duke finding it neceffary to give his Majefty an accompt of what
had pafs'd upon this occafion, he diſpatch'd away Monfieur Fabert, The Duke
who was then in his entertainment, to Court, to that effect. This fent Mo-
Monfieur Fabert was a Gentleman of whofe education the Duke to Court.
had had fo particular a care, that he had ever been either under his
own eye, or with the Duke de la Valette his Son; and having ob-
ſerv'd in him, in a very green youth, great courage, and under-
ſtanding, and an extraordinary affiduity, and application to mat
ters of his profeffion; and thence conceiving the hopes of thoſe
rare fruits we now fee, had ever honour'd him (which was not
ordinary with him to young people) with great demonftrations
of particular favour and efteem.
Fabert being arriv'd at Court, preſently acquainted the King
with the occafion of his coming, prefenting with all his Letters
of Credence to the Cardinal, wherein he acquitted himſelf fo
well, that his Majeſty remain’d highly ſatisfied with the Duke's
Conduct; and as touching the Cardinal, le Pleffis, who had an
old eſtabliſh'd familiarity with him, writ to the Duke in a Let-
ter dated from Perigny the 24th of September, 1628. in theſe
terms: "Before the arrival of Monfieur Fabert, there were va-
rious
fitur Fabert
·
1
1
456
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
Anno "rious difcourfes of your proceeding at Cauffade; wherein,though
1628. "ſome were prompted by their malice, yet even the moſt mode-
cr rate, and who ſpoke neither out of Envy, nor Dilaffection, could
of Espernon
i
cc
not abfolutely acquit your Reputation: but fince his coming,
all men unanimouſly applaud your Wiſdom; infomuch that
Cardinal Richelieu himſelf, who before in obfcure language
"would fometimes give me private touches of reproach (to
i which I could return no other anſwer, than to entreat he would
fufpend his Judgment, till you writ to Court) has confefs'd to
"me fince,that had you engag'd in that Siege, Monfieur de Rohan had
"doubtless pafs'd by, as he had promis'd the Rochellers; and that
"you had been fo long in poffeffion of well doing, that it was
henceforward impoffible for you to do amifs..
(C
et
After the raiſing of the Siege of Saint Afrique, they were now
to think of a ſecond devaftation of Montauban, and to make the
innocent Countrey fuffer for the Crimes of that rebellious City:
to effect which, the Duke had only two Regiments remaining of
three that he had rais'd; the third which was that of Saint Croix
d' Ornano, having by the Prince been taken into the Body of his
own Army: yet did he not for all this refufe to undertake this
difficult Enterprize, which nevertheleſs I do verily believe he
could never have been able to execute, without the affiftance of
a great number of gallant Gentlemen Volunteers, to whofe Va-
lour (as has been already faid) he ſtood oblig'd for moſt of the
Services he perform'd for the King in that Province.
The buſineſs was therefore perform'd with very good fuccefs,
not that the Enemy did not make a ftout Oppofition, and did not
daily engage the Duke's (mall Forces: but it was ever to their
own lofs. Whilft matters went thus profperously on, the conti-
nual toil wherewith the Duke had been exercis'd during this
whole Campagne, had fo overcome his ſpirits, that he fell dange-
The Duke roufly fick at Castelfarrazin; where, how importunate foever his
falls fick. Phyfician was with him to retire from the ill air of that Countrey,
corrupted no doubt by the exceffive heats, and the length of the
War, which had there continued for almoft five years together
without intermiffion, he was notwithſtanding obftinate to con
tinue in his Camp, and would by no perfwafions be drawn to
forlake his Army. Neither, though his indifpofition confin'd him
to his bed, could it hinder his indefatigable mind from ſtill work-
ing upon his buſineſs: he would have his people to bring him an
hourly accompt of all that paſs'd, and his Genius infpiring his
followers with the fame good Fortune had ever attended him in
all his deſigns, he (even in the moſt violent height of his diſtem-
per)
1
BOOK IX.
457
the Duke of Efpernon.
I
"
+
Anno
per) gave himſelf Orders, the execution whereof made him ever
victorious. But after having long ftrugled with his Difeafe, he 1628.
muft at laſt give way to its violence; and his ftrength by the agita-
tion of his mind viſibly impairing, made his Phyfician begin to
apprehend a more dangerous iffue of his diftemper, than was at
firſt ſuſpected. They were therefore conftrain'd whether he would
or no to force him from his Camp, and to carry him aboard a
Boat, in which he was convey'd upon the River Garonne, and
the next day brought to his own Houſe Cadillac; where he was
ſcarcely arriv'd, but that the change of air produc'd a manifeſt The Duke
alteration in his health, which in a few days was fucceeded by a
perfect recovery.
The waſte having been made about Montauban, it was ftill ne-
ceffary to leave fome Forces thereabouts, to hinder the excurſions
of thoſe of the City; which Forces, though very few, were not-
withſtanding ſo conveniently difpos'd, that the Enemy could ne-
ver make any advantage of their own numbers. The Marquis
de Monferrant (who together with the Lieutenancy of the Duke's
Gens d'-Armes, had at his recommendation moreover obtain'd the
Office of Marefchal de Camp) was left to command them; an em-
ployment wherein he fo well difcharg'd himſelf, as befides the
honour he deferv'd for having with fo few men bridled the Li-
cence of fo populous a City, he further acquir'd that of having
kept thoſe men in ſo admirable a Difcipline, that there was never
the leaſt complaint made of any diſorder, or the leaft infolence -
committed by any of his party.
recovers.
M
rendred to
Whilft in Languedoc, and Guienne the King's Forces were taken
up with theſe petty Enterprizes, his Majefty in his own perfon
continued to ftreighten Rochelle both by Sea and Land, carrying
on the Siege with ſo much vigour, and conduct, that after having
made the befieg'd fuffer extremities, far beyond what we read of
with horror in the moſt fenfleſs obftinacies of other defperate Ci-
ties; he at laft reduc'd them to a neceffity of fubmitting to his
Royal Mercy. In which Surrender, though the wilful blindneſs Rochelle fur
wherewith the Rochellers had been fo long poffefs'd, had kept
them from looking into their own miferable condition, till they
had confum'd not only all provifions fit for the ufe of man; but
alſo all that the extremeft hunger could compel the uncleaneſt crea-
tures to convert to food: they yet found they had not exhauſted
the King's Royal goodneſs, who had enough left to pardon the
miferable remains of thoſe wretched people, the length, and ſuf-
ferings of the Siege had yet left alive, preferving fo thofe that had
try'd, and had not been able to effect their own deftruction, and
Nnn
exer-
the King.
1
-
Pluu
T
458
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno exercifing his Clemency, upon fuch as had no compaſſion of
1628. themſelves. To conclude he made himſelf Maſter of Rochelle,
that is to fay, abfolute King of France, which, till this City was
reduc'd, he could not properly have been ſaid to be.
Anno
>
This glorious year was concluded by this happy Victory, a
1629. fuccefs by which all the occafions of thofe civil difcords, which
the difference of Religions had hitherto almoft continually fomen-
ted, were ſo totally rooted up, as gave us for the future leifure to
profecute our Forein defigns; wherein we have fince been ſo for-
tunate, as by the fuccefs of our Arms to be fecur'd of a firm, and
laft repoſe for the time to come, if we can continue this good
union, and intelligence amongst our felves; the breach whereof
can alone encourage our Neighbours to attempt upon oar
Peace.
The King being yet before Rochelle, and the Town upon the
point of Surrender, his refolution was abfolutely bent upon re-
ducing the remaining Cities of the Flugonot Party to the fame obe-
dience; in order whereunto his Majefty fent a Letter to the Duke
of Efpernon, to acquaint him with ſo much of his deſign as con-
cern'd the Province where he had the honour to Command; a
Diſpatch that was fent away by Servient, who was to be both the
Bearer of this Miffive, and the Interpreter of his Majefties fur-
ther Intentions. The Employment this Gentleman had been upon
into that Countrey the preceding year, about the buſineſs of the
Carrick, and the dexterity, and prudence he had diſcover'd in the
management of that Affair, had made him by the King thought
worthy of, and fufficient for the Office of Intendant de la Justice,
Police in Guienne, with which he was at this time inveſted: but
that being fuch a Commiffion as is hardly to be executed in Pro-
vinces, that have Parliaments of their own, without intrench-
ing upon, or at leaſt, giving offenfe unto their Authority, foon
begot a feud betwixt the Parliament of Bordeaux and him; which
grew at laſt to ſuch a height, that Servient was fain to prefer a com-
plaint to the Council of fome affronts he had receiv'd from that
Affembly; whereupon he had granted him a Sentence of Prohi
bition, together with a Citation of perfonal appearance against the
first Prefident de Gourgues, and fome other Members of that
Court. They must therefore of neceffity appear, and accordingly
the firſt Preſident came in at the appointed time; where prefenting
himſelf before the King, to justifie the proceeding that had occa-
fion'd this Citation, his reception was a little fevere. The King,
diffatisfied with him, as was faid, upan other accompts, com-
manded him to ſpeak kneeling; which the Prefident making
ſome
1
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
459
I
fome difficulty to do, as an unuſual form, the King, rifing from Anno
his ſeat, pull'd him by the Robe to compel him to it. 'Tis ſaid, 1629.
that even in this very act,and the confufion the face of an incens'd
Prince might reaſonably have put any man into, the Preſident
immediately recollecting himſelf, ſpoke of the violence was of
fer'd to him, with an Efficacy, and Eloquence that aftoniſh'd all
that heard him, and that was fo powerful, as to extract ſome
gentle and fatisfactory expreffions even from the King himself:
but this was alfo the laft lightning of his Wit, and he ſeem'd to
have muſtred all his Forces for this one piece of Service, ending
his Life almoſt as ſoon as his Oration; who though of a contem-
ptible ſtature, and an infirm conftitution, but of a strange vivacity,
and courage, was fo wounded with the fenfe of the King's feveri-
ty, that he was never after to be comforted; but retiring, already
fick, out of his Majefties prefence, dyed a very few days after. He The death
had this obligation to the Duke of Efpernons unkindneſs, that it
diſcover'd in him a great many excellent qualities, that would de Gourgues.
otherwiſe have been buried in his Aſhes; for had he in truth had
nothing more to do, than meerly to have exercis'd the ordinary
functions of his place, he would even in that capacity have met
with concurrences enough to have difputed that honour with
him but having had opportunity to manifeft his courage in fo
mighty, and dangerous a difpute, his Eloquence in ſo many Il-
luftrious Affemblies, and his Zeal for the dignity, and honour
of his Fraternity, in fo many notable, and important occafions;
has left behind him fo fair a memory, that he does at this day
paſs, in the opinions of all that knew him, for one of the greateſt
men that ever prefided in that Court.
of the Chief
Prefident
If the King's ſucceſs in the reducing of Rochelle gave a high re-
putation to the Royal Arms, the quick difpatch of that Siege was
of no lefs utility to his other Affairs; for every one imagining
this. Victory would have coft as many years, as he was months
about it, that opinion was fo generally receiv'd, and concluded
for fo infallible a truth by all the neighbouring Princes, that there
was hardly one, who had not propos'd to himſelf ſome advan-
tage, or other from this long diverfion; either to the prejudice
of his Majefties Reputation, or to that of his Affairs. The King
of Spain therefore, the King of England, the Dukes of Savoy,
and Lorain, entred into a powerful League, that every one might
make his benefit of this Civil War: Wherein Spain and Sanoy A
doubted not, without any refiftance, to poffefs themſelves of the L
Territories of the Duke of Mantua, an Ally, and a Vaffal to
this Crown: The defign of the English was not only to relieve i
Nnn 2
and
a
?
I
460
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
and reeſtabliſh the remains of the Reform'd Religion in France;
1629. but alſo to revenge themſelves for the loffes they had fuftain'd in
the bufinefs of the Iſle of Ré, and theDuke of Lorain (an ambi-
tious, and offended Prince) propos'd to himſelf, and that with-
out much difficulty, the ufurpation of the three Biſhopricks of
Metz, Toul, and Verdun, which, as they were naturally members
of it, would bring an equal addition of benefit, and honour to
his own Dukedom.
Spain and
Savoy in-
vade Man-
ta.
The laſt of the foremention'd Princes not daring to begin the
quarrel, ftaid expecting when the other Confederates fhould
break the Ice, in the mean time concealing his defigns under a
diffembled fhew of Friendſhip; and the King of England, not
well recover'd of the late Blow, had no mind to declare with-
out the concurrence of the Duke of Lorain: fo that whilft thefe
two Princes fate ftill in mutual expectation, which fhould lead
the Field, the King of Spain, and the Duke of Savoy, falling
fmartly to work, had by Arms fo far advanc'd their defigns, that
they had already poſſeſs'd themſelves of moſt of the Duke of
Mantua's Cities, and excepting Cafal, and Mantua it felf, were
maſters of the whole Dutchy.
The King, juftly incens'd at fo great an injury offer'd to him in
the perfon of his Ally, might reaſonably enough have reveng'd
himſelf by the ſame way, by which he had been offended; but
retaining, it ſhould feem, a greater refpect for the Duke of Savoy,
than he had done for him, he diſpatch'd an Ambaffadour to him
to complain That without denouncing of War, and to the viola-
tion of their former Treaties,he had taken Arms againſt a Prince,
whom as an Ally he was oblig'd in honour to protect; adviſing
him in the conclufion, either to restore things to the condition
wherein he had found them, or to prepare himſelf to withſtand
the utmoft power of his Arms, which he was refolv'd to employ
for the vindication of his own Honour, and the protection of
his Friends, and Allies.
If the Duke of Savoy (a Prince truly great in all things) had
not yet been more ambitious, than he was great, it had been no
hard matter for him to have found out fuch a remedy, as might
eaſily have prevented the enſuing War; but being big with the
hope of taking Monferrat, he was not to be perfwaded to give over
an Enterprize, which he thought as good as certain to him. He
could not imagine that the King's Army tir'd out, as it was, with
the incommodities of a tedious Siege, could be in any condition
of coming to trouble his defigns; neither did he believe that the
King himſelf, who had been expos'd to the fame inconveniences
his
1
BOOK IX. the Duke of Elpernon.
461
his Army had fuffer'd, could be fo foon able in his own perfon Anne
to undertake ſo troubleſome a Journey, which being prefuppos'd, 1629.
nothing could have power to hinder his Affairs; fo that endea-
vouring to hold his Majefty in hand, without giving his Ambaf-
fadour any poſitive anſwer, or abſolutely engaging his word, he.
ftill continued his ufurpation.
Italy.
The King impatient of this injury to his own perſon,and more
of the injuſtice done to the Duke of Mantua, with a Refolution as
generous in it felf, as the execution prov'd glorious to his Name,
concluded the following February, to cross the Alpes, and through
all the difficulties of Snow, and Ice, to force his way to the defenſe
of his Honour, which in Italy was fo highly engaged. An Expedi- The King
tion that the Duke of Savoy finding he could not with all his dex- goes into
terity prevent, he refolv'd by Arms to guard the Entry into his
own Dukedom and to that end he caus'd the paffage of Suze (a
paſs nature her ſelf had made inacceffible (if any thing could be fo
to Valour) to be ftrangely fortified: but this ftrong Poft the The Duke
King made no difficulty to affault, in which Service the Duke de la de la Valette
Valette Colonel of the Foot, putting himſelf in the head of the de
Forlorn Hope, drawn out of the Regiment of Guards, firft moun-
ted the Enemies Works, and fhewing himſelf as much Superiour
´to his Followers in bravery, as he was in Command, in a few
hours overcame all difficulties, both of Mountains, and men that
oppos'd his way.
The Duke of Savoy after this defeat, not knowing what to op-
poſe againſt the King's victorious Arms, fince his beft Forces,
when fortified in a Poft of fo great advantage, had not been able
to withſtand them, began to fee his danger, and to perceive he had
no way left but by an Accommodation to defend himſelf from
manifeſt and apparent ruine; which made him fue to the King for
Peace, and obtain'd it upon condition, the Duke ſhould favour
the paffage of his Army to the relief of the Duke of Mantua lo
unjuſtly invaded : An Accommodation with Savoy being thus
concluded, the Spaniard,who defpair'd of being able to make good
his ground in the open Field, againſt an Army that had with fo
great facility forc'd the Duke of Savoy's people in their own Tren-
ches, thought fit to accept of the fame conditions; and accord-
ingly not only rofe from before Cafal, but moreover reftor'd all
the places they had already taken in the Duke of Mantua's Do-
minions, wiſely choofing rather to give way to the King's For-
tune, than to run the hazard of a Battel, the event whereof they
fear'd would be fatal to them: though this diſcretion only ferv'd
to defer for a time the Victories heaven had deftin'd for us over that
infolent, and implacable Nation.
Doubt-
1
forces le pas
•
462
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
the fr
Doubtless had the King pleas'd to have made uſe of this occa-
1629. fion, and the power he had to effect any defign he would have un-
dertaken, he might at this time with great facility have given the
Spanish Forces fuch a blow, that they would not of many years
after have been in any condition to have brav'd him again in Italy:
but his Majefty, contenting himself with having refcu'd his Ally
from the oppreffion of thoſe two mighty Enemies, would not
in his own perſon ſeem to violate that Equity and Juftice he had
travell'd fo far to defend.
The Duke
of Ruban
takes Arms
whilst the
King is in
Italy.
If the Forein Princes had taken a wrong meaſure in the be-
lief they had entertain'd of the length of the Siege of Rochelle, the
Duke of Rohan was no leſs miſtaken in the Expedition of Italy;
wherein he doubted not his Majefty would meet with ſo many
great, and tedious difficulties, that he hop'd himfelf (who was the
foul of his whole Party) might in the mean time, and in the in-
terval of the King's abfence, infufe fo much vigour into his de-
clining cauſe, as that they would be in a condition for fome time
at least, to defend themfelves.
He had therefore taken Arms in the Sevennes, and with the af
fiftance of the Cities of Montauban, Nimes, Millaut, Caftres, Pri-
vas, Ufetz, and ſome others, had got fuch a body of an Army
together, as therewith he hop'd to maintain himſelf in that little
angle of the Kingdom, and either preſently to obtain ſome advan-
tageous conditions, or to expect a more favourable time for the
reeſtabliſhment of his depreffed party. In the mean time he trea-
ted fecretly with Spain, from whence he had alfo obtain'd a pro-
miſe of ſome ſupply of money: but the King, who had intelli-
gence of his practice, returning with the fame celerity out of Ita-
ly into France, in the most violent heats of Summer, with which
he had pafs'd out of France into Italy in the greatest extremity of
Winter, preſented himſelf before Privas (one of the Rebel Ci-
ties) in June, which alſo at his firſt coming he carried by affault:
after which Aletz, another of the fame principles, furrendred
without any reſiſtance. The Duke of Rohan, oblerving what a
terror the taking of theſe two places had infus'd into his whole
Faction, and knowing on the other fide that a Peace with Italy,
and England was already concluded, began to apprehend at laſt
he ſhould be totally deſerted by all his Confederates, and Friends,
and left alone to bear the fhock of his Majefties victorious Arms;
which made him in time ſerioully to apply himself to his mercy,
to avoid the ſevere effects of his Juftice.
One of the most powerful motives that induc'd him to fue for
this Peace, was doubtleſs the blocking up of Montauban, and the
wafte
I
1
1
BOOK IX.
463
the Duke of Efpernon.
!
Anne
ན]
waſte that,now the third time by exprefs order from the King, was
made round about that City. The Duke of Rohan had plac'd his la- 1629.
teft refuge in the ſtrength of this place,and hadever hop'd, whilſt it
could maintain it felf in a condition to fuftain a tedious Siege,
that reſiſtance would infallibly put him into a capacity of obtain-
ing very good Conditions: but the King, who had foreſeen this
defign, writ to the Prince of Condé to joyn himſelf with the Duke
of Efpernon (to whom he alſo writ at the fame time to the fame
effe&) to deprive Montauban, by deftroying their Fruits, of all
poffibility of fubfiftance, and therein the Duke of Roban of the
affiftance he promis'd to himſelf from thence in the laft extremity
of his declining Affairs.
The Prince would himſelf be the bearer of this Diſpatch, da-
ted from Suze the 27th of April, and accordingly arriv'd at Bor-,
deaux in the latter end of May; where betwixt him, and the Duke,
all things were foon concluded on for the execution of his Maje-
fties Commands: an Enterprize, that although the Duke had
neither competent Forces, nor other means wherewithal to per-
form it, that no order had been fent either for money to raiſe men,
to furniſh ammunitions of War, or to buy provifions for the
fupport of the Army; his affection to the Service notwithſtand-
ing fupplying all other defects, he foon put himſelf into a condi-
tion to ſecond the Princes defires; wherein he was indeed necef-
fitated almoft alone to undertake the buſineſs, how difficult fo
ever he knew it to be: For the Prince being oblig'd by his Com-
mand to have an eſpecial eye to the higher Languedoc, his preſence
was there very requifite, and almoft continually requir'd: but
the Duke fail'd not, for any other confideration, according to his
cuſtom, to acquit himſelf very exactly of his fhare of the work.
Whilft the Duke was in the heat of this execution, the Peace
was concluded with the Duke of Rohan in July, which all the
other Cities of his Faction likewile accepted, excepting Montan-
ban which for fome days ftood out; not that they did not defire
it equally with the reft, they had fuffer'd too much, and were re-
duc'd to too neceffitous a condition to oppoſe their own quier :
but the Duke (whatſoever thoſe of Montauban could pretend) to
wit, That having fuffer'd fo much by bis Arms they could not confent to
allow him the honour of having fubdu'd them) very well underſtood
that all thoſe excuſes were fuggefted to them by the Cardinal,who
ambitious to have the honour of totally fuppreffing that party at-
tributed to himſelf, did elpecially defire, that this City (which af-
ter the ſurrender of Rochelle was become the Metropolis of the
Faction) ſhould be deliver'd up into his hands. He had therefore
acquainted
។
1
464
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
Anno acquainted the principal of the Inhabitants, that it was from him
1629. alone they were to expect whatever advantages they could propoſe
to Montas-
ban.
to themſelves from this Accommodation,and that it would there-
fore concern them to referve themſelves entirely for him, to be
the more worthy of his protection, from whence they might de-
rive a greater fupport, than from all other powers upon earth.
The Duke nettled at this ufage, and unable in the intereſts of
Honour to give place to any whomfoever, retir'd himſelf to his
Houſe Cadillac, with a refolution feeing the Cardinal would by
his Authority ravish from him an honour, he had by his Services
fo highly delerv'd, not to pay him ſo much as the civility of a Vi-
fit in his Government, into which he was now coming, to take
The Cardi- poffeffion of Montauban, as if he had been the man had reduc'd
nal comes it: But the Cardinal, whofe deſign it was (as has been ſaid) to en-
grofs to himſelf the whole reputation of this War, thought no-
thing would fo much illuftrate his Triumph, as to receive a Vifit
from the Duke of Efpernon in one of the principal Cities of his
own Government, and conceiving fuch a Complement would
paſs in the opinion of all the world for an abfolute teftimony of an
entire fubmiffion, he was infinitely defirous to have him won to
that complacency; which being he could not handſomely try to
do directly from himſelf, he caus'd him to be very highly impor-
tun'd to that purpoſe, by fome of the Duke's own peculiar friends,
who were at that time about his perfon. Theſe Gentlemen there-
fore, and amongſt others particularly Marefchal Baffompierre re-
prefented to the Duke, that all this time an enterview betwixt
the Cardinal and him was highly neceffary to the good of his
own Affairs, without which he could not poffibly avoid giving
a mortal Affront to a man become abfolute at Court by the ruine
of a Faction, which alone had hitherto ferv'd for an allay to the
exceſs of his power. An advice that was fo well feconded by
le Pleffis, who of all others had the greateft fway with the Duke,
and fortified with fo many powerful Arguments, that at laſt he
reſolv'd upon this Vifit. Yet do I very well remember with how
great reluctancy it was, and with how ftrange a violence upon
his own humour, and haughty ſpirit, that he ſuffer'd himſelt to
be overrul'd in this particular, and how unwillingly he fet out to-
t
wards Montauban.
Though the Cardinal was very much prefs'd by his own Inte-
refts to go in all diligence after the King, who had taken the way
to Paris immediately upon the conclufion of the Treaty, it is not-
withſtanding moſt certain, that he waited two whole days toge-
ther the Duke's coming to Montauban; where when he came, he
receiv'd
5
BOOK IX. the Duke of Eſpernon.
465
1
vifir at Mon-
receiv'd by
receiv'd him with`extraordinary kindneſs, and reſpect, and Annə
though many things had paſs'd upon leveral occafions that might 1629.
reaſonably enough beget ill blood betwixt them, the Cardinal by
an exceſs of freedom, and civility, gave manifeft teftimonies, that gives the
he retain❜d no memory of any former unkindneſs: but on the Cardinal a
contrary proteſted, that he would value the Duke's friendſhip tale, and
preferrably to any other perfons in the Kingdom, which was his is very wel!
chat him.
own expreffion; and upon an intimation the Duke gave him,
he had occafion to make a Journey to Court, promis'd him, that
foo foon as he ſhould ſee the King, he would procure him leave
ſo to do; a thing, which with all the importunities he could
make, the Duke had before not been able to obtain: Neither did
the Cardinal limit his offers here, he afſuring him moreover, that
he would ſerve him in all things, and if he would give him leave,
ſupply the place of a fourth Son to him, wherein he would con-
tend with the other three, which fhould pay him the greateſt ho-
nour, which were the express terms of his Complement.
The next day after his arrival, the Cardinal treated him in his
own Lodgings, where he gave him the chief place of honour at
the Table, notwithſtanding the Duke of Montmorency was there
preſent, omitting no civility that might beget a ftrict League of
Friendſhip betwixt them: fo that it is most certain, could the
Duke have bow'd a little, and diſcreetly have husbanded theſe
good diſpoſitions, he might have improv'd them infinitely much
to his own advantage: but according to his cuftom, either as if
he had repented the having done too much; or as if he had a
mind to blot out what any one could lay to his charge for having
condeſcended too low in this vifit, by retaining a kind of a grum
reſervedneſs in the reft of his Actions, he overthrew in a moment
all the good his friends expected he ſhould reap from this com-
placency: infomuch that I have often heard le Pleßis wiſh he had
never advis'd him to it.
After they were riſen from the Table, the Duke being with-
drawn to a Window in the Room where they had din'd to en-
tertain the Duke of Montpenfier in private; the Cardinal, who
had the Archbiſhop of Bordeaux in very high confideration, came
to preſent him to the Duke to reconcile him to him. This Prelate
had apply'd himſelf particularly to the Cardinal's Service, and by
a great complacency in all things, having adapted himſelf to his
humour, and by that means got into a high degree of favour with
him, had entreated the Cardinal by his Intereft to put him upon
good terms with the Duke, there having fince the Archbishop's
advancement to that Dignity (which fell to him by the death of
O00
the
#
466
The Hiflory of the Life of
The Duke
of Eſpernon
gives Car-
dinal Riche-
licu new
cauſe
tenfe.
caufs of of.
cr
PART III
Anno the Cardinal de Sourdis his Brother) fome differences hapned be-
1629. twixt the Duke, and him, that had begot a little diftance betwixt
them. I was prefent at this Dinner (led thither by my curiofity as
ſome others were) and (if it may be call'd one) confequently at
this Reconciliation: When the Cardinal, who had already pre-
par'd the Duke for the buſineſs, and thought he had conquer'd
his animofity, coming to him to the Window, where he ftood,
faid to him theſe words, "My Lord, I here prefent you the Archbi-
Shop of Bordeaux, who is refolv'd to be your Servant'; and I there-
fore intreat, you to be his friend upon my accompt: to which the Duke
fcornfully turning that way, coldly reply'd, "My Lord the Arch-
" bishop and I know one another very well: After which, and a falute
as cold as his complement, he turn'd again without more Çere-
mony towards the Duke of Montpenfier, and follow'd on his dif
courſe. The Duke of Efpernon had no friend, nor Servant there,
that could not heartily have wifh'd this action had pafs'd after
a more obliging faſhion: but that was all could be got from him.
Which is It is not to be doubted but that this indifferency highly difoblig'd
the Cardinal, who found by that he had not yet acquir'd fo great
by the Car- an Empire over the Duke's haughty fpirit, as by his great civili-
ties he hop'd he had gain'd upon him: he nevertheleſs retir'd in-
to his Chamber without taking any more notice at all, and con-
quering his own paffion, chofe rather to attribute that odd carri-
age to the Duke's imperious humour (which he had practis'd ſo
long, as to be well enough acquainted with it) than to loſe the
earneſt he had already given towards the purchaſe of his friend-
fhip. He continued therefore to uſe him with the fame respect he
had hitherto done, and was yet ſo highly civil to him, that
the next day when he departed from Montauban to go towards
the Court, accompanied with the Duke of Montpenfier, Maref-
chal Baſſompierre, and ſeveral other perfons of very great quality,
that follow'd his Litter on Horſeback; he was fo highly refpe-
Єtive to the Duke, that he would not offer to go into it, ſo long
as the Duke ſtaid with him, which was nevertheleſs half a League
at leaſt from the City, but entertain'd him all the way on Horſe-
back, though ſo ſoon as he took his leave he went into his Lit.
ter, without retaining the fame refpect to any of the reft.
-
nevertheles
diffembled
dinal.
I cannot, before I proceed any further, omit an obfervation I
made at the Entertainment, of which we are now ſpeaking, and
of which the ſeveral misfortunes of the most eminent perfons
there have often put me in mind. There was fcarce any body at
the Cardinal's Table, excepting the Dukes of Montmorency, and
Eſpernon, the Mareſchal Baſſompierre, and Marillac; three of which
were
+
BOOK IX. the Duke of Efpernon.
46
I
were the Cardinal's most intimate friends, and he would needs
ranck the fourth in that degree from whence, if we confider
what advantage, he amongſt them all, that was the beſt us'd in
fucceffion of time, reap'd from his friendship; we fhall under-
ſtand upon how tickle, and dangerous a point, all Court- favour
depends.
Anne
1629.
น
acquaints
with his re
The Duke of Efpernon was no fooner refolv'd upon a Journey The Duke
to Court. but that he would in the firft place acquaint the Prince the Prince
of Condé with his purpoſe, and therein confult his advice, the of Condé
respect he bore to this Prince, and the confidence he repos'd in folution of
his Friendship being fuch, as would not permit him to fettle the going to
leaſt reſolution, without making him privy to his defign: where- Court.
in there was nothing of diffimulation, for he was effectually the
Princes Servant, and to fuch a degree, that it must have been a
fervice of a very foul nature, he would not chearfully have under-
taken for him. He therefore diſpatch'd away his Secretary to him,
to acquaint him with his determination, and thereupon to beg
his advice. The Prince was at this time at Rabaftens in* Albigeois, * A Coun-
where after the Secretary had deliver'd' what was given him in trey in Lan-
guedec.
charge from the Duke his Mafter, the Prince with great civility.
return'd this anſwer: "That he concern'd himſelf very much in
"all the Duke's interefts: That in another time, and during the
"favour of the Luines, he might have been capable of giving
"him fuch advice, as he durft have anfwer'd would have been
"ferviceable to him, they having been men of fo candid difpofi-
«tions, as that their intentions might have been perfectly difco-
"ver'd; but that at prefent he was fo totally in the dark, as to
any underſtanding in the defigns of thoſe who were now at
"the Helm That he durft not adventure to give the Duke any
counſel, left ſomething might happen as prejudicial to his ad-
"vice, as contrary to his defire; only he had very good intelli-
gence that the Garde des Sceaux had been very bufie, and inqui-
"fitive in making a collection of what Warrants the Duke had if
"fued out, for the fubfiftence of fuch Forces as had ferv'd in his
"Government: That indeed he could not tell to what end he
" had done it, but he could not imagine it would be to any good
intent, and that therefore the Duke might, if he pleas'd, confi
der of it. With which uncertain anſwer the Secretary was dif
mifs'd. The Duke, who was very fecure of his own innocency
(and
it is to be wifh'd he had been as cautious, and moderate to
his own good, as he was perfectly honeft to the King) did not,
for all this caution, defift from ftill earnestly foliciting his leave,
which in the end, after the Cardinal's arrival at Court, he ob-
tain'd
ર
Cl
CC
t
000 2
k
1
|
468
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
"
Anno tain❜d, by a very favourable diſpatch from the King himſelf to
1629. that effect.
The Duke
of Efpernon
arrives at
Court, and
very well
is
receiv'd.
Anne
The Duke no fooner receiv'd this permiffion, but that he made
all the hafte he could to Court, to avoid the inconvenience of a
Winter Journey; which he did by coming to Paris before All-
Saints. At his arrival (as at other times) he was welcom❜d with a
great number of perfons of Quality, who came out to meet
him, and to attend him to the Louvre; where he firft alighted, and
where he was by his Majefty much better receiv'd, than he expe-
eted, by reafon of feveral ill offices he knew had been done him
to the King. It was indeed chiefly to juftifie himſelf from thoſe
afperfions, that he had been fo paffionately importunate for leave
to come to Court; and he had exprefs'd fo much in his Letters,
which was perhaps the thing that made his permiffion fo hard to
obtain; Princes being commonly no better difpos'd to admit of
excuſes, than they are to make them. From the Louvre he went
to wait upon the Cardinal, to whom he ftood oblig'd, not only
for his leave to come, but, alfo for his Majefties gracious recepti-
on now he was come, and was by him alſo receiv'd after a moſt
infinitely obliging manner, the Cardinal ſtill improving his civi-
lities, and again making him a new tender of his fervice upon all
occafions, as indeed from that time forward he began to diftin-
guifh him by his reſpect, from all other great perfons of the
Kingdom.
Already either the multiplicity of buſineſs with which the
1630. Cardinal was continually taken up, or the defign he had to render
his perſon more venerable, and more authoritative, by commu-
nicating it to few, had put him upon that ftately way of living,
that he was very rarely to be feen: infomuch that the Dukes, and
Peers of France, the Officers of the Crown, the blue Garters,
and whoever of the higheſt quality of the Kingdom, made no
difficulty to wait below in the Hall, amongſt a promiscuous
crowd of Clients, and Suitors, the hours of his leifure, whether
they came only to viſit, or to ſpeak with him about their Affairs :
nay and were glad to go fometimes twice, fometimes more, be-
fore they could get accefs to his perfon: But the Cardinal, who
was well enough acquainted with the Duke's temper to know,
that fuch a repulfe would not need to fright him for ever coming
again to ſee him, entreated him beforehand, never to give him-
ſelf the trouble of coming to ſee him, without firſt giving him
notice, that he might always be at liberty to receive him: a rule
the Duke on his part fo well obferv'd, that he never came, but all
the Gates were open'd to him; his Coach admitted into the
Extraordi-
nary civili-
ties of the
Cardinal to
the Duke of
Espernon.
Court,
1
BOOK IX.
469
the Duke of Efpernon.
F
Court, and himſelf to all the freedom he could defire; when of
tentimes perſons of very great condition could hardly be admit-
ted at the Wicket.
It has however been believ'd that all theſe extraordinary civili-
ties began at Montauban, and continued to this time, were not
altogether without defign. Some have thought that the Cardinal,
who evidently perceiv'd that the Queen Mother (who had fuffer-
ed her felf to be wrought upon by fome ill offices had been done
him in his abſence) to be grown cold in her affection to him,
would have been glad to have made the Duke his friend. He was
powerful in himſelf, and much more in his Sons; fo that being
fecur'd of their friendſhip (which the whole Court knew to be
faithful and inviolate where they once took) he thought he could
receive no fo violent an affault of Fortune, he ſhould not be able,
whilſt back'd with ſo powerful a Family to withſtand. There
was great probability in this conjecture, and the Duke himſelf
(as clear-fighted as any) was perhaps of the fame opinion; but
if on the one fide the Cardinal courted the Duke's friendſhip for
this reaſon, the Duke on the other fide would by no means go di-
rectly oppofite to the Queen Mothers inclinations. He had ever
honour'd her, though he had not always been well us'd by her;
and, having ever imputed to the Cardinal himſelf the greateſt
part of thoſe unkindneffes he had receiv'd from this Princefs, was
more diffatisfied with him, than the Queen Mother for the ill re-
turns of his Service. But another reaſon which made him ſo re-
ferv'd in the acceptation of this precipitous friendſhip, was the
imperious fuperiority the Cardinal pretended to over all the other
great men of the Kingdom; which the Duke could never allow
him over himſelf to the degree that he defir'd, as ftill retaining a
memory how much he had known him inferiour to him. All
theſe confiderations together rendred him lefs complacent,
could have been wifh'd for the profperity of his own Affairs: I
ſhall not nevertheleſs herein take upon me to cenfure the Duke's
conduct, nor attempt to pafs fo liberal a judgment upon a perſon
I am, for ſo many reſpects, oblig'd to honour, though the event
made it plain, that had he carried things otherwife, he had done
better. În fhort the Duke was ſo much the more referv'd to the
Cardinal, than he expected he ſhould be, that the ardour of his
fudden affection cooling by degrees every day more and more, de-
generated at laſt into a perfect hatred, and from thence to perfe
cution, as we ſhall hereafter, in due order of time, and the oc-
currences of Affairs, make more evidently to appear.
than
All things that had hitherto paſs'd betwixt the Duke, and the
ነ
Cardi-
Anno
1630.
470
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
·
Anno Cardinal were well enough underſtood; and this. good intelli-
1630. gence continued till the Cardinals departure for Italy, the Duke
being (as has been faid) ever treated by him with extraordinary
kindneſs, and reſpect far different from what he fhew'd to all
other perfons of the fame condition; yet could not, the Duke
(whole humour was impatient of any thing that touch'd him)
fometimes forbear lafhing out into very free expreffions (giving
the Cardinal thereby very often to understand, that he was not to
expect any mean, or fubmifs toleration from him) of which I
fhall here preſent you one example. The Cardinal either prefu-
ming upon the authority of his favour with the King, or the af
fection he pretended to have for the Duke, took one day the li-
berty to give him fome advice concerning his deportment;
whereupon falling into difcourfe of his fevere humour, and gi-
ving him counſel to correct it, he did it merrily in the Duke's own
broad Gafcon accent (from which, how long a habitude foever he
had bad at Court, he could never totally wean himlelf) which
interweaving with ſome very civil expreffions, he ſeriouſly defir'd
him in the end not to take it ill, if he had made a little bold with
him in imitating his own way of ſpeaking: to which this untra-
ctable ſpirit (highly offended at a raillery fomething too familiar
A fmart re for his humour) briskly reply'd: "Why should I take that ill from
Duke of Ef
which I fuffer from Marais, who every day acts me in your pre-
pernon to the "fence? This Marais was one of the Grooms of the Chamber to
the King, a pleaſant fellow, and a Buffoon, that had a marvellous
faculty of imitation, who by his faces, and tricks would make
folks laugh; and when acting before the King, and the Cardi-
nal, would make as bold with the Duke of Elpernon, as other
people. It cannot be imagin'd, but that without all doubt this
compariſon muſt needs difpleafe the Cardinal; neither were the
Duke's Servants, and Friends, to whom he related this paffage at
his coming home, much better ſatisfied with it: but the words
were already out of his mouth, and were no more to be recall'd.
Every one apprehended this liberty would draw upon him the ha-
tred of him that was all powerful at Court; yet did nothing at
preſent appear: fo that if the Cardinal was really diftafted at it,
he nevertheleſs deferr'd his revenge till a fitter feafon.
ply of the
Cardina'.
New ftirs at
Court, oc-
cafion'd by
the difcon-
tents of the
Queen Mo-
ther, and
the Mon-
fieur.
CC
you,
And indeed he had at this time fomething else to do, than to
ftand upon a particular Quarrel with the Duke of Efpernon, fo
many other Affairs of very high concern falling upon him at once,
and at the fame inftant, that perhaps in his life he never had ſo hard
a Game to play. The Queen Mother had long been very much
diſſatisfied with his proceeding; and her ill will, grown now to a
greater
BOOK IX.
471
the Duke of Eſpernon.
4
1.
pow-
Anno
The Queen
Mother
to the Car-j
greater degree than ever, fhe could no longer forbear to profefs an
open, and implacable hatred against him. She could not endure 1630.
that a man who was her Creature,and rais'd by her bounty,ſhould
get the ftart of her in the confidence of the King her Son, where-
in by all the reaſons in the world ſhe ought to be preferr'd, and
that made her directly oppofe all his Counfels, which how well
foever they fucceeded, the ftill found matter enough to render profeffes an
them fufpected to the King, and to difcredit them by finifter in- open hatred
terpretations. So great a power as this hitherto entire, and fortified dinal
by all the confiderations of duty, and nature, was not eafily to be
baffled by a Servant, and who had no other fupport, than the
affection of his Mafter, of it felf mutable and uncertain; fo that
the Cardinal ſeeing himſelf affaulted by ſo paffionate, and fo
erful an Enemy, might reaſonably enough apprehend being
cruſh'd to nothing under the weight of her Authority, and Pow-
er: but as miſchiefs feldom come alone, feveral Forein troubles
allo concurr'd with this diſorder at home: The Duke of Savoy
was grown by this time fenfible of the diſhonourable peace he
had concluded at Suze: to which the loss of Montferrat ſtuck
mainly in his ftomack: He had reckon'd himſelf ſure of the The War
conqueft of this place, and indeed had not the King interpos'd,
that Countrey had by this time been wholly in his poffeffion : He
had therefore more firmly than ever confederated himſelf with the
Houſe of Auftria, to the end they might joyntly invade the
Duke of Mantua; the rumour of which preparation was al
ready (pread abroad, and they were already in Arms
in which condition this defolate Prince had no body to fly to for
protection, ſave only the King of France. His intereſts, that could
not without infamy be abandoned, put the Cardinals Affairs into
very great danger, who, as on the one fide he very well knew
that Court divifions, which are the iffue of eaſe, and reft, arc or-
dinarily ſmother'd in employment, and of all other in that of
War: So healfo faw that this War being to be undertaken by his
Counſels, to which the Queen Mother was directly oppofite, he
fhould become reſponſible for the event, and that the leaſt dif
after that ſhould happen would infallibly be laid at his door. Yet,
as if all theſe difficulties had been too few to perplex him, another
10
with Savoy.
rented.
of no leſs importance fell out at the fame time, which was the The Mon
diſcontent of the Monfieur, and his fudden retirement from fieur difcon
Court, to which alſo another fucceeded, and that was the Duke
of Lorain's taking Arms, to joyn with the Emperour; who ha-
ving a defign to poffefs us with fome jealoufie of our Frontier of The Duke
Lorain (thereby to give the Confederate Princes more leifure to takes Arms:
make
of Lorain
1
!
47.2
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno make a Progreſs in Italy) feem'd to threaten Metz, by advancing
1630. that way with his Army, and fortifying all the places upon that
The Cardi-
ty in com-
Affairs.
Frontier.
In this conflux of untoward accidents, the Cardinal, though
nals dexteri- he could work nothing upon the implacable ſpirit of the Queen
poling thefe Mother, he found means nevertheless to appease the Monfieur,
and to bring him back to Court, by. obtaining for him from
the King, whatever he could either for himſelf, or in the behalf
of his friends, demand or defire. He fent moreover into Lorain to
found the Duke's intentions, who for this time diffembling his
deſigns, proteſted he had taken Arms for no other end, than to
ferve the King, by oppofing the Emperours defigns; who, he faid,
could attempt nothing upon his Countrey, that must not infal-
libly redound to the prejudice of France. So that by this means
the Cardinal having either compos'd, diverted, or at leaft deferr'd
part of thoſe miſchiefs that moſt immediately prefs'd upon him,
he would himſelf undertake the expedition of Italy; whilft the
King ſhould totally reclaim the Monfieur his Brother, and fatisfie
all his diſcontents, by the performance of thoſe things that had
been promis'd to him.
The Cardi-
nals expedi
tion into
Italy.
The King
refolves up
on a Voy-
age into
Italy.
The Cardinal was no ſooner arriv'd in Savoy, but that he fent
to feel the pulfe of that Duke, whom finding ftill conftant to his
old State Maxims (which was by fair words, and large promiſes
to amuſe ſuch, as were likely to hinder his deſigns, whilſt he in
the mean time was ftill intent upon his buſineſs) he fell fo briskly
to work, that having taken from him Pignerol, and fome other
ftrong places, the Savoyard was at laft conftrain'd to return again
to his firft Treaty.
•
and un-
The King awak'd by this good fuccefs of his Arms,
willing the glory they ſeem'd to affure ſhould derive to a Servant,
refolv'd upon a Journey into Italy to command his Army in his
own perſon; neither though the Cardinal was ambitious to the
height, was he at this time forry, he ſhould come to eclipfe his
honour, fince he muft leave Paris to do it, where he knew all ill
offices were perpetually done him. The intereft of his confervati-
on therefore prevail'd here with the Cardinal over his infatiate
thirſt of Glory but the Queen Mother ftifly oppos'd this Voy-
age, by reprefenting to the King the interefts of his health, and
fafety; to which fhe forgot not to add the Cardinals inordinate
ambition, who fhe faid car'd not to expofe both the one, and the
other for his own particular vanity. But all theſe remonftrances
prov'd in the end too weak to prevail; fo that the appetite of Ho-
nour prevailing above all other confiderations, and his Majeſty
being
BOOK IX. the Duke of Elpernon.
473
being not to be ftaid at home:the Queen Mother to givethe Cardi-
nal less time to reeftabliſh himſelf with the King (who had after
much importunityconfented at laft to his baniſhment) was refolv'd
to follow the King her Son to Lyons, to try if fhe could, whilft he
was in this good difpofition, obtain the effects of his promiſe.
The King then in April fet forwards from Paris towards Italy,
the glorious ſucceſs of which fecond Expedition, making up one
of the moſt illuftrious parts of General Hiftory, it ought not
to be contracted within the narrow bounds of a particular Life;
wherein the Duke of Efpernon having alſo had no fhare, I fhould
not have waded ſo far as I have done into theſe fécret Affairs of
Court, had they not at laft proceeded to involve him further
therein, than he had himſelf intended to engage.
Before the King's departure from Paris, the Duke eſpecially ſo-
licitous of his Service within the Precincts of his own Govern-
ment, intreated his Majeſty to appoint him an Intendant de la Ju-
ftice; he having at his coming out of Guienne left there neither Lieu-
tenant, nor Intendant in his abfence to look after his Majefties Af-
fairs in that Province: a requeft that the King being very willing
to grant, as it principally concern'd himſelf, he gave the Duke li
berty to chooſe whom he ſhould think fit out of his Council.
The Employment, being one of the greateſt honour, was coveted
by ſeveral perfons of very great defert; but the Duke preferring
above all thoſe who made fuit for it, one of the Council, that
perhaps leaft dream'd of any fuch thing, entreated Monfieur de
Verthamont Mafter of Requeſts to accept it. This perfon of ap-
proved honeſty, and equal capacity, had, in ſeveral Employments
of very great importance,given very good proofs both of the one,
and the other: but thefe qualities how eminent foever, were yet
accompanied with another that ſerv'd no lefs to recommend him
to the Duke's Election; and that was the great friendſhip betwixe
him and Monfieur d' Autry, at that time Prefident Seguier,and fince
Gard des Sceaux, and Chancellor of France; with whofe good con-
duct in the fame Commiffion, the Duke had been fo highly fatif-
fied, that he defir'd nothing more,than one that would imitate his
Vertue to fucceed him: and he hop'd to find in this Gentleman,
what he had already prov'd in his Predeceffor; neither was he de-
ceiv'd in his Judgment, he found his expectation anfwer'd to the
full. And for ten years together that Verthamont ferv'd the King in
the Duke's Government, he gave the Duke ſo many teftimonies of
his integrity, and vertue, and in return receiv'd from the Duke ſo
high,and fo juft applauſe, that I dare be bold to affirm, there was
never obferv'd the leaft diffent, or contrariety betwixt them.
The end of the Ninth Book.
PPP
Hay
THE
Anno
1630.
t
1
1
1
#
475
#
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
A
The Tenth Book.
}
Anne
bruit that
T the fame time that Verthamont departed for.
Guienne, the Duke of Efpernon was preparing to 1630)
go to Metz, there to expoſe his perfon for the
defenſe of ſo important a place. A Journey to
which he was continually prefs'd by the conftant
intelligence he receiv'd from thence, that the
Emperours Forces every day increas'd, that he was fortifying
Moyenvic, a very confiderable place near that City; and that the upon the
Duke of Lorain (notwithstanding all his fair pretenfes) was cer- the Imperi-
tainly confederated with the House of Auftria, to the prejudice of
the Kingdom of France. The Duke de la Valette his Son had, by
his Majeſtics Command, been fent away before, upon the first Metz, the
jealoufie the Court had conceiv'd of the Emperours, and the Duke Duke of Ef
of Lorains defigns: but the Duke, prudently confidering, that a himself into
Frontier of fo great importance could not be too carefully pro- the place.
vided for, went with fome of his friends to put himself into it,
having moreover engag'd feveral other perfons of condition (who
had ſtaid behind at Paris after the King's departure) if occafion
Ppp 2
were,
alifts de-
fign'd an at-
tempt upon
pernon puts
J
}
476
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno were, to come, and joyn themſelves with him, for the defenſe of
1630. the place: So that had it ever come to a Siege, the refpect that fe-
The Duke
comes to
Metz.
veral worthy men bore to the Duke's perfon would, without all
doubt, have invited a great many perfons of great quality, and
approv❜d valour, to ferve in fo honourable an occafion. But
there hapned to be no need of any ſuch thing; and perhaps the
preſence of the Duke, and the prudent care he, together with the
Duke his Son, took for the preſervation of that City, made the
Emperour alter his defign, by putting him out of all hopes to
effe&t it.
The Duke arriv'd at Metz the firft of May, where he was re-
of Efpernon ceiv'd with manifeftations of an univerfal joy in the people, be-
coming their gratitude, and his own defert. In his way thither
he had call'd to fee the Marefchal de Marillac, who as he was at this
time (at leaſt in outward appearance) in greatest repute with the
Cardinal, ſo had he the principal charge of the Affairs of that
Countrey committed to his care; wherein doubtleſs this unfor
tunate Gentleman labour'd to his own ruine, and to the Sentence
He vifits the of Death that not long after paſs'd upon him : for the Duke found
de Marillac. him bufie fortifying the Cittadel of Verdun, preparing proviſions,
and other neceffaries for the Army of Champagne, and performing
feveral other Services, which after pafs'd for Crimes, that were
judg'd worthy of no leſs than Death. The Duke was by him re-
ceiv'd with all forts of honour, and noble entertainment; to
which the Marefchal foon after added a vifit at Metz, where they
confulted long together of what was beft to be done for the King's
Service upon that Frontier, continuing ever after in a more ſtrict
correſpondence than before.
Marefchal
The Duke's
The Duke was no fooner arriv'd at Metz, but that he forth-
orders for with fell to work about the repair of the old Fortifications of the
the defenfe City, and to the defigning of new; he ſent moreover to ſoli-
cit the Duke of Orleans (left Regent during the King's abfence) for
of Metz.
ſupply of fome Ammunitions of War: but he had firft fent a
difpatch to the King to acquaint him with his motion towards the
Frontier with which his Majefty in his anfwer of the 23. of
May declar'd himſelf to be highly ſatisfied; fending him word,
"That his being in thoſe parts, would fecure his fears for what
"concern'd the ſafety of the whole Frontier of Lorain; exhort-
"ing him to continue his vigilancy, and care for the confervation
"of fo important a place; affuring him withal of his good will,
"and affection, and of the eſteem he had of his perſon, juſt-
"ly grounded upon his merit, and old Services for the Crown.
Which were in part the exprefs words of that Diſpatch.
1
1
In
BOOK X.
477
the Duke of Efpernon.
#
Anno
In the mean time the rumor daily increafing that Walleftein was
advancing with his Army to waste the Countrey about Metz, and 1630.
afterwards to block it up by Forts, and the Duke conceiving that
the King would be ſo taken up in Savoy, that he could not come
to relieve him, fhould he chance to be reduc'd to any great
ftraight; he ſaw it was neceffary for him to make ufe of his own
Crédit, Money, and Friends,therewithal to ferve his Majefty up-
on this occafion. He writ therefore to the Cardinal de la Valette
his Son, who was then with the King, to tell his Majefty, the
Queen Mother, and the Cardinal, That foreſeeing how hard a
thing it would be for his Majefty in the heat of his Enterprizes, to
provide for the neceffities of the place, and Frontier, where he
had the honour to ſerve him, he franckly offer'd, if his Majefty The Duke
would give him leave, upon his own credit, to raiſe and arm ten King to
thouſand Foot, and five hundred Horfe for the defenfe of the raife an Ar
City of Metz, and the Meßine Countrey. An offer that the King, his ownin
with high commendations of his worth, as freely accepted, wri- tereit.
ting him a very obliging Letter thereupon; and the Cardinal in
his diſpatch dated from St. Jean de Morienne the 25th of July, ex-
preffing himſelf thus : As concerning the offer you have made Which is
the King, to advance money for the Levies you defire to ſet accepted.
foot, his Majefty looks upon it with fuch an eye of acknow-
ledgement, as the quality of fo generous an offer does justly de-
"ferve, knowing, as he does, the zeal you have to the fuccefs of
"his Affairs, and the power you have, as heretofore, to ferve him
" for the time to come,
cr
tr
c
on
The Duke to add effects to this promife, departed from Metz
about the end of July, to return to Paris, there to raise money for
his Leavies, and to provide himſelf of fuch men of Command,
as were willing to take employments upon this occafion; but
the threats of the Imperialifts by little, and little, vaniſhing at
laft to nothing, they ſatisfied themſelves with having fortified
Moyenvic, which was foon after taken, and demoliſh'd by the
King's Army and the Duke of Lorain, not daring at this time
wholly to diſcover his evil intention, ftaid to expect a fitter fea-
fon, which alſo was not far off, wherein to do it; as he afterwards
did, but with very ill fuccefs, as will in its due place appear.
offers the
my upon
returns to
The Duke being thus return'd to Paris, deliver'd of thofe ap- The Duke
prehenſions he had been poffefs'd withal concerning Metz, and fa- of Efpersion
tisfied with his preſent condition, fate ftill, calmly expecting, Paris.
without any difquiet in his own particular concerns, the iffue of
the great Conteſts at this time on foot in the Court at Lyons;
where, it was faid, the Queen Mothers animofity against the Car-
dinal
L
478
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III-
Anno dinal was increas'd to fuch a degree, that in the greatest height of
1630. the King's fickneſs, which at this time was exceeding violent, fhe
omitted no opportunity of incenfing his Majefty against him, as
the fole author of his Difeafe; wherein her importunities were
fo great
great, as at laſt to obtain a folemn promiſe from the King,
that fo foon as the War of Italy was at an end, he would give her
the fatisfaction ſhe defir'd, by removing this great Minifter from
the Adminiſtration of Affairs.
The King
falls fick at
Lyons.
Though the peril the Cardinal was now in,was very great,and
that the Duke had continual intelligence of all that pafs'd at
Court, yet did he notwithſtanding ſtill continue towards him the
fame civility, and refpect; he writ to him very often, and in truth
fo long as that great cloud of disgrace hung over his head, the
Duke would have been really forry, that it should have broke up-
on him though he had by his dexterity no fooner clear'd the
sky of Favour, but that the Duke, who could not brook his ex-
cels of Authority, and Power, converted all his former compla-
cency into teftimonics of hatred; that fail'd very little, as we ſhall
hereafter fee, of rebounding back upon himſelf, to his own ruine.
Which till it ſhall more plainly appear, I fhall only ſay this by the
way, that the Duke had doubtlels a very great efteem for the Car-
dinal, never ſpeaking of him, fo much as in private, but with a
Character of Honour, and respect; ſo that, had he not expected
from his friends an over fervile, and fubmifs regard, I do verily be-
lieve the Duke's friendfhip would have been conftant, and invio-
late te him but a civility that went very far with the haughty
humour of the one, appearing nothing to the exceffive ambition.
of the other, the Cardinal enduring no equal, and the Duke
hardly admitting of any fuperior; it was impoffible fo to com-
poſe things betwixt two fo afpiring fpirits, but that they would at
laft break out into an open feud.
Whilft the Court at Lyons was agitated with this Tempeſt of
Diviſion, of which we are now ſpeaking, the Duke of Efpernon
in the greateſt calm, and ferenity of repoſe, enjoy'd at Paris the
honour, and applaufe, that his well known, and long continued
vertue, had acquir'd to his perſon, and name; infomuch that, as
his Coach pass'd through the ftreets, we had continually the plea-
fure of feeing the people flock together in crowds from all parts of
the City to gaze upon him; confidering with admiration ſo
vigorous a health in fo great an extremity of age, purfuing him
with acclamations wherever he went; and the old hatred, that the
former Factions had ſtirr'd up againſt him, being now converted
into love, and efteem, gave us to understand, that envy is not al-
ན
A
ways
Воок Х.
·479
the Duke of Efpernon.
ways
Anno
the concomitant of Vertue; but that there is a certain
pitch, to which the one, being once arriv'd, is got clear out of 1630.
fight of the other, which of a mean and earthy compofition
cannot ſhoot its darts ſo far as to reach the Station, where Su-
preme Vertue is enthron'd.
In this great, and undisturbed leifure, that the Duke enjoy'd at
Paris, he who was himſelf a great lover of Building, .could find
no better entertainment wherewithal to divert himſelf, than by
going abroad to ſee the Houſes, in and about the City,which were
then erecting, with the magnificence that we now admire in our
proud and ſtately Structures. Amongst others, going one day in
very good company to the Hostel de Luxembourg, that the Queen
Mother was then finiſhing, they entred the Gallery, where ſhe
had caus'd the manner of her efcape from Blois (as the most re-
markable paffage of her life) to be painted in Story. One of the
moft apparent evidences the Duke could poffibly receive, that
that fervice of his was no more regarded, was, that he, who had
been the fole Authour of the whole Action, was no where re-
preſented in that painting, though fo much as the very Footmen
that opened the Boots of her Coach had not been omitted. He
had heard before of this injuſtice that had been done him; but
though it had touch'd him very near, had never manifefted the
leaſt diſcontent; neither do I believe he would have ſaid any thing
upon this occafion, if the company who were with him, had not
provok'd him to it: But every one asking him queftions of a
thing whereof they knew he was able to give them the beſt ac-
compt, at laſt ſome one freer than the reft, ask'd him how it
came to paſs that he was only left out of the ftory? to which the
Duke modeftly reply'd: "That he did not know who had done a fudden
"him that wrong; but that whoever they were that intended to
diſoblige him in it, had doubtless therein more offended the Espernon to a
Queen, than him: That he was very certain (however exclu- very nice
"ded the ſtory) that no one could condemn him for having any
ways fail'd in the action, or in any thing he had undertaken for
"the Queen upon that occafion, his carriage of that bufinefs be-
ing too generally known for that; neither did he believe they
would much magnifie her,for having deny'd him fo poor an ac-
knowledgement.
(6
tr
cr
anſwer of
the Duke of
queft ön.
Grienne.
If the Duke was very well pleas'd to ſee himſelf in fuch a degree
of reputation and cfteem, upon one of the moſt confpicuous A Famine it
Theatres of Europe; he was no leſs afflicted at the ill news he
daily receiv'd from his Government, where their Corn Harveſt
had prov'd this year fo thin, that thereupon a great, and deplo-
rable
•
480
PART III,
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno rable Famine enfu'd throughout the whole Province of Guienne.
1630. Neither did the Duke fail in this exigent to try all poffible ways to
relieve them;
relieve them; for after having given order for the diftribution of
all the Grain that could be gather'd in his own Territories, he
moreover dealt with fome Merchants of Paris, who undertook,
that provided they might have Commiffion from the King, out
of Picardy, and Britanny,to make fufficient provifion wherewithal
to ſupply that Province. They had no fooner made this propofi-
tion to the Duke, but that he immediately diſpatch'd away an
exprefs Courrier to the King to obtain that leave, which was ac-
cordingly granted; upon the return of which diſpatch thoſe, who
thofe,who
had fo largely promis'd, did indeed perform fomething; but no.
thing near what they had made the Duke expect: fo that nothing
could ſo divert the Judgment Almighty God was pleas'd to inflict
this delicate part of France; but that in leſs than fix months
ſpace above forty thouſand perfons miferably dy'd for want of
bread; a number that had in all probability yet been much grea-
ter, had the Duke's care to their preſervation been lefs, by which
the evil was at leaft moderated, though it could not be totally
Cardinal
Richelieu in
difgrace.
upon
overcome.
In the mean time the King's health was fo miraculously re-
ſtor'd at Lyons, that his Majefty refolv'd to return back to Paris;
during which Voyage 'tis faid the Cardinal employ'd all manner
of induſtry, and offer'd all forts of fubmiffion to the Queen Mo-
ther to reconcile himſelf to her favour; but all in vain, ſhe was
ftill fo implacably bent against him, that the Peace of Italy being
already concluded, and confequently the time come wherein the
King had promis'd her to remove the Cardinal, they were no
fooner arriv'd at Paris, but that purſuing this Affair with the fame
vehemency fhe had begun, and fo as if ſhe had already foreſeen
all thoſe evils ſhe juſtly had to fear, fhe was importunately inftant
with the King for the accompliſhment of his Royal Word. What
repugnancy foever the King might have to deprive himſelf of a
Servant he had found very uſeful to him in the management of his
Affairs, yet the reſpect to a Mother, and the obligation of Na-
ture had fo prevailing a power over his own intereft, and delight,
that the Order was at laft fign'd for the Cardinal's removal; when
the King to avoid either the Ceremony, or Complaints of a Fa-
vourites farewel, return'd upon that, and no other accompt to
Verſaille, from whence he was come but a few days before. Doubt-
lefs had the Queen Mother gone along with the King this little
Journey, the had made her ſelf abfolute Miftrifs of Affairs, and
there had been an end of the Cardinal: But fhe thinking the
work
Воок Х. the Duke of Efpernon.
481.
J
work already done, though he had but begun it (a common Anno
overfight) and out of that belief ftopping fhort in the heat of her 1630.
perfecution, gave the Cardinal by that means leifure to reeftabliſh
himſelf with the King, and totally to fubvert the power, that
had been employ'd to his ruine.
reitores
of the Car-
Yet was it not by his own prudence, and conduct, that he was
thus fuddenly reſtor'd, who on the contrary had ſet up his Reſt,
and was content to ſubmit to his Fortune by withdrawing him
ſelf from Court; a refolution wherein he had been fo precipitous,
that he went the very evening of his diſgrace to lye at Pointoife,
from thence to continue his journey to Havre de Grace,the place he
had made choice of for his retirement. His equipage was already Cardinal
prepar'd, already he was by the most of his friends (the firft, and Richelieu
moft ordinary effect of difgrace) flighted, and forfaken, and no- himſelf with
thing but folitude remain'd in his Houſe, when the Cardinal de la the King, by
Valette, prompted by a deſign more generous in it ſelf,than advan- the advice
tageous to, or perhaps expedient for the concerns of his own dinal de la
Family, roufing up the fubdu'd fpirit of his dejected Friend, Valette.
made him by force of Arguments recollect himſelf, and fee his
error. He remonftrated to him, as it is fufficiently known to all
the Kingdom (though ſo long as the Cardinal lived no one durft
record it) "That he could not affume a more dangerous refolu
tion, than to think of retiring himſelf: That fuch as had once
rais'd their fortunes to that height to which his was now arriv❜d,
"had no fteps left them by which again to defcend: That he had
no way to maintain himſelf in the height he then was, but by
afpiring higher, that therein the way before him was honour-
"able and fecure; but that there was nothing but precipice be-
"hind him, which upon the leaft motion of retiring would give
"him fuch a fall, that he would never be able to rife again: That
"he deceiv'd himſelf, if he thought his adverfaries would fatisfie
themſelves with what they had already done; it being plain that
c
ce
(C
(C
CC
cc
“
they muſt ſtill apprehend the recovery of his power, which
"would be ſo much the more formidable to them, as he had
"been by them more juftly provok'd: That he was therefore to
go boldly to the King, whilft the memory of his Services was
yet recent, and whilſt his enemies (blinded with their good fuc-
"cefs) had left a paffage open to him, through which he might at
"great eafe, and with great ſafety, travel to the ruine of their
defigns: That he would himſelf accompany him to run his fhare
"of the danger (if any could be) in the execution of what he did
adviſe; and that having made him a promiſe of his friendship,
"he would preferve it inviolate to him in the one, and the other
CC
re
Q99
Fortune.
1
482
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
I
Anno
"Fortune. What might not a friend have reaſonably expected
1630. in acknowledgement of fo prudent, and fo generous a counfel,
and that was crown'd with ſo favourable a fuccefs? we fhall ne
vertheleſs in a ſhort time fee a fad return of that ſeaſonable
kindneſs.
The two
Cardinals
where
cher re-
ris they
overthrow
all her de-
figns.
he
Cardinal Richelieu fortified by this advice,inftead of taking his
go together way towards Havre de Grace, went directly to Verfaille,where ad-
to the King dreffing himſelf to the King, and being better acquainted than
to Verfaille, any with all the little Labyrinths of his Majefties humour,
whilft the foon, by the charms of his Eloquence, overthrew whatever his
Queen Mo- Enemies thought they had eftablifh'd by more powerful ways.
mains at Pa- In the mean time the Queen Mother, dreaming of nothing lefs
than ſo ſudden a change, already reign'd in Paris, behaving her
felf to all that came near her perfon like one who was now got to
be the Sovereign Arbitrefs of all Affairs; and no more caring ci-
ther to improve, or retain her Intereft with perfons whofe Service
The conceiv'd for the future unneceffary to the ſupport of her
Power. The Duke of Efpernon hapned (to his good Fortune) to
be one of theſe he had the day preceding the Thunder-clap
againft the Cardinal; and of a long time before, receiv'd all kind
of civil refpect from this Queen; but after his difmiffion pre-
fenting himſelf before her as he us'd to do, fhe had fo little regard
for him, as before his face to hold diſcourſe an hour together
with people of far inferiour quality, without fo much as vouch-
fafing him one word. A neglect which if it was reſented by the
Duke (as it was to the laft degree) it was notwithstanding of no
little advantage to him: for the Cardinal, who knew how folici-
tous the Queen Mother had been to win him to her party before
his difgrace, who was not ignorant of the ftrong connexion he
had with the Houfe of Guife, and above all of the great intimacy
that was betwixt the Princefs of Conty and him; and who had
been moreover inform'd that the night preceding his disfavour, he
had been long in fecret Conference with the Marefchal de Baffom-
pierre one of his moft paffionate enemies, had from all theſe
knowledges conceiv'd a violent preſumption, that the Duke muſt
of neceffity be deeply engag'd in his enemies interefts, and defigns.
But the Queen's indifferency did in part juftifie him from that
An alterati fufpicion, though fome have believ'd that that alone would not
have been fufficient abfolutely to have clear'd him from the Car-
dinal's jealouſic, nor to have fecur'd him from impriſonment at
leaft, if the late merits of the Cardinal his Son had not reſcu'd
him from that danger. It was in truth very neceffary fome body
elſe ſhould have that care of him, he being fo far from contri-
I
on in Af-
fairs at
Court.
"C
buting
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
483
1
L
All people
to the Car
Duke of
Efpernon
buting in the leaft to his own prefervation, that on the contrary af- Anno
ter the face of Affairs was wholly chang'd, that the Queen Mo- 1630.
ther was fallen as well from her hopes, as her credit with the
King, that the Princeſs of Conty was confin'd to her own Houſe, addrefs
that the Garde des Sceaux Marillac was under the fame reftraint, themfe ves
that Marefcbal Baffompierre was clapt up Prifoner in the Baftile, dinal
and that an Order was granted out to call the Mareschal Marilluc
from the command of an Army to undergo an infamous Executi-
on: In fine after the fatal day call'd la journée des Dupes had pro-
duc'd ſo many dire effects, that not only all the men of Quality,
but almoſt all of any name at Court, went to vifit the Cardinal,
to difpoffefs him of the opinion, that they might have been any,
way inimical to him: the Duke of Efpernon was perhaps the on- Except the
ly man that would not go to ſee him, nor once offer to juftifie
himſelf from the jealouſie he might reaſonably enough conceive
of his difaffection, and that purpoſely the more. to manifeſt it to
him. He went 'tis true to Verfaille, where he ſaw the King, and
had the honour to talk with him; but he would never be pre-
vail'd upon to go into the Cardinal's Chamber, though very near
the King's, to pay him the leaft civility, or refpect. I ſaw le Plejsis
the fame night infinitely afflicted at this carriage; this Gentleman
who was very diſcreet, well vers'd in Affairs, and much more paf-
fionate for his Maſters interefts, than for any thing that concern'd
himſelf, had importun'd him to give the Cardinal a Vifit, but, ac-
cording to his cuftom, the more he reprefented to him the danger
of not doing it, the more obftinate he was not to do it, his haugh-
ty, and undaunted ſpirit, rather choofing to tranfgrefs the Maxims
of Policy, and Prudence, than thoſe of Bravery and Honour. It
is indeed true that he went two days after to fee him, where the
Cardinal knowing every tittle of what had paſs'd) it may be ima-
gin'd how he was receiv'd; though the Duke, without being con-
cern'd at his cold entertainment, ſaid to thoſe who ſpoke to him
of it: "That he had done as he ought to do; that every one did
not underſtand the diftinction that ought to be made betwixt
the Maſter and the Servant; that thofe were refpects fo different
in themſelves, as they ought not to be flightly confounded; and
"that he was old enough to carry the authority of Example.
CC
te
Of all the means that can be propos'd for the eſtabliſhment of Anno
prodigious power, there is none fo certain as attempts that are 1631.
vainly made to fupprefs it; it appearing that whatever is imper-
fect in the one, does ever give increaſe to the other; neither can
there be any ſo imprudent, or fo dangerous a refolution, as to of
fend a great Minifter by halves; fince by making him fenfible of
Qqq 2
the
t
*
+
484
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
1
Anno the power he has to revenge himſelf, you give him at the fame
1631. time a pretenfe to do it with fome colour of Juftice. It fell out fo
in the violent, but fruitless endeavours the Cardinal's Enemies
made uſe of to work his ruine; by which being made to under-
ſtand the intereſt he had in the King's bofom, and employing that
intereſt under the ſole pretenſe of retorting the injuries he had vi-
fibly receiv'd, he found his Majefty fo much the more inclin❜d to
take his part, as he ſaw there was a kind of equity in the cafe:
wherein he would not do his buſineſs by halves, as his enemies
had done; but vigorously preffing them, who either had already
fall'n foul upon him, or who had yet the power to do it; he put
The Cardi- himſelf by that means into a condition of living not only in fe-
curity, but alſo in repoſe for the time to come, by removing all
his enemies. fuch as were likely, either to moleft his Peace, or to trouble his
Affairs.
nal falls
foul upon
not ſparing
the Mon-
fieur,
nor the
ther.
As the Monfieur was the perfon whofe power of all others (af-
ter having publickly declar'd himself his Enemy in his own
Houſe) the Cardinal had moſt cauſe to fear; fo was he the firft
he took occafion to fright from Court, by cauſing him to be poſ-
ſeſs'd, that his perſon was not there very ſecure: the Queen Mo-
Queen Mo- ther alfo was by the fame device perfwaded to depart from Com-
peigne to retire into Flanders: So that these two being remov'd out
of the way, and all the Queens adherents being either clapt up in
prifon, or confin'd to their own Houſes, nothing remain'd that
could bring any obftacle to his deſigns, or ftop the ſwing of
his Fortune, that now fail'd with all her Canvas a trip in the full
Tide of Favour.
The Duke
retires into
enne, which
The Duke of Efpernon was yet at Court in the midſt of this
Tempeſt, who judging by the example of the wrack of theſe
great Fortunes, what power the Cardinal would have over him,
unleſs he did wholly fubmit himſelf to his pleaſure, he choſe ra-
ther calmly, and without diforder, to retire into his own Govern-
ment, than to preſerve himſelf by fubmitting to ſo unhandſome,
and fo difhonourable a compliance.
He departed then from Paris in June 1631. to return into his
of Efpernon Government of Guienne, where being arriv'd he found that mifer-
his Govern- able Province in the most defolate condition that can poffibly be
ment of Gui- imagin'd: the Famine had there been fucceeded by a Plague;
and if by his Wiſdom, and good conduct, he had not deliver'd
moft deplo- them from the third Judgment, which was that of the Sword,
rable con- by keeping thofe Regiments quiet, that, after the Peace was con-
cluded, had been ſent thither to be refreſh'd, there had been
end of that pleaſant part of France: but his good Diſcipline in
he finds in a
dition.
an
reftrain-
1
BOOK X. the Duke of Eſpernon.
485
*
reſtraining the licence of the unruly Souldiers, that were quar- Anne
ter'd in the Countrey; the good order he took for bringing in 1631.
the relief of Corn; and the care he had, that the Magiftrates, and
Officers of Health, perform'd their duty in endeavouring to ftop
the progrefs of the Contagion in the City', were to fo good ef
fect; that without all doubt, both Bordeaux, and the whole Pro
vince ſtand eternally oblig'd to his vigilancy and care.
After having taken the beft order he could for the prefervation
of the Capital City, he departed thence with a refolution to
continue fome time at his houfe Cadillac; but he could not make
ſo long a ſtay there, as he intended. This little place being in a
manner neceffitated by its fituation fo near to Bordeaux, and lying
upon the fame River, to have continual intercourſe, and Com-
merce with the principal City, had thence caught the Infe&ion,'
which, for ten or twelve days that the Duke made his abode
there, made miferable havock among them; yet was it only up-
on the Inhabitants of the Town, as if it had had a reſpect to his
Family: infomuch that although he never refuſed to admit any
of the people into his houfe, that he went himself frequently to
vifit the fick in their Cabins, and that fo numerous a Train as his,
could not long continue in fo little a place, without having fome
communication with infected perfons; yet was there (which
was a kind of Miracle) a continual health throughout his whole
Family. At laſt at the importunity of his Domeſticks, who The Duke
were much more ſolicitous of him, than he was of himself, he goes into
refolv❜d to leave the lower, and infected, to go ſeek out a better Gafcony.
air, in the higher, and more healthful Gascony.
He went therefore firft to Nerac, where he met intelligence of
a Rebellion newly broken out at Saint-Afrique. This City, cle-
vated to a ftrange degree of prefumption, by having a Siege rais'd
from before it, of which we have already ſpoken in the year
1628. receiv'd order at this time to quarter feven Foot Compa-
nies belonging to the Regiment of Phalsbourg, the fame that has
fince long ferv'd by the name of the Regiment of Chamblay up-
on the receipt of which Order, the Inhabitants had betaken
themſelves to open Arms,fhut up their Gates,and deny'd entrance
to thoſe Companies. Neither was this all, they proceeded from
words to fome untoward effects, fome Souldiers were kill'd
from the Walls of the City; neither did theſe feditious people
fail of their endeavours to engage Millant, and ſome other neigh-
bouring Cities of their Religion, in the fame Revolt: but the
Duke having upon the firft notice of this diſorder preſently tranf-
ferr'd himſelf to Montauban, with a reſolution to proceed further
if
the higher!
.
1
486
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III.
1
The Duke
new Re-
bellion by
diſmantel-
ing ſeveral
ftrong Ci-
ties of the
Hugonot
party.
Anno if occafion fhould require, by his prefence, prevented further
1631. miſchief, which otherwife might have grown up to fomething
of greater importance. The Inhabitants of Saint-Afrique, feeing
of Efpernon themſelves left alone, abandon'd by all their old Confederates
ftops the and Friends, and moreover befieg'd by old Souldiers that had
progress of
lodg'd themſelves under their Walls, refolv'd in the end to open
their Gates to the Garriſon, as they accordingly did; giving the
Duke thereby an opportunity, he would by no means let flip, of
tying them for ever faft to their duty. Making a right ufe there-.
fore of the aſtoniſhment, and confternation they were then in,
he commanded the Inhabitants to be difarm'd, and the Walls of
their City to be demolish'd, according to the Articles of the laſt
Peace granted to thofe of the Reform'd Religion. Verthamont In-
tendant de la Fuftice took upon him the charge of feeing it per-
form'd, who, together with his Office of Intendant, was more-
over qualified with a Commiffion for the difmantling of ſeveral
Cities of that Province,which had engag'd with the Duke of Ro-
han in the late Commotion. So that the Walls of Millant, one of
the ſtrongeſt Holds of that Party, were foon feen levell'd with the
ground, as alfo thofe of Saint-Afrique, of Pont de Camarés, of
Saint-Rome, Tarn, and feveral other places. Wherein fo good or
der was taken, that there was no more fear this little Countrey,
one of the hardeſt to be reclaim'd in the whole Kingdom, and
that had been likewiſe one of thelaft, that had return'd to its obe-
dience, ſhould for the future commit any more offenfes, or be
guilty of any new Commotion.
The Inhabi-
tants of
behave
themſelves
very well
•
The Inhabitants of Montauban cannot in this part of my ſtory,
without great injuftice,be deny'd the due praife of behaving them-
felves exceedingly well upon this occafion; who no fooner heard
the Duke defign'd to come into their Countrcy, but that they
diſpatch'd away ſome of the chiefeft amongſt them, to beſeech
him, that he would honour their City with his prefence. An in-
Montauban vitation wherein fome fcruple might reaſonably have been made,
and would the Duke have been govern'd by the advice of many
of his Servants, he had not perhaps fo eafily given up himſelf to
the diſcretion of a people, that it had not been in his power fome-
times to uſe ſo kindly as he defir'd. To this confideration the pre-
fent juncture of Affairs, rendred their complement much more
fufpected, Saint-Afrique (a Town cf the Hugonot Party) was al-
ready revolted, and had folicited all the other Cities of the fame
Religion to concur with them in the maintenance (as they call'd
it) of that little Liberty, they had left remaining; but the Duke
by his generofity overcoming all theſe jealoufies (fufficient of them-
upon this
occafion.
felves
L
BOOK X.
487-
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
+
themſelves to have made a lefs daring man lofe the opportunity Anno
of performing that Service for the King, he then did him) acce- 1631.
pted their invitation, and went confidently to Montauban;
where, if thofe of the Town had really any evil intention (which
did nevertheleſs no ways appear) having by his prefence diffolv❜d
that ill humour, he thereby rendred the mutinous defigns of
Saint-Afrique fo inconfiderable, that they fell at last upon the heads
of them, who had been the contrivers of the miſchief.
Baths of
1
୮
The Duke at firſt had intended to have continu'd for ſome
time at Montauban, believing that the Commotion of Rouergue
would not ſo ſoon have been appeas'd; but having by his pru-
dent care compos'd things fooner than he expected, he in a few
days found himſelf at liberty to go as far as the Frontier to the The Duke
Baths at Banieres. This Countrey, abounding with Gentry equal- goes to the
ly to any other of the Kingdom, had been the Nurſery from Banierese
whence Monfieur de la Valette his Father, the Admiral his Brother,
and himſelf had continually drawn out most of the brave men
with which they had fo gloriously ferv'd their Kings, and main-
tain'd their own Fortunes; as it was alſo out of them, that he had
conftantly chofen moft of his Officers for Foot Commands. The
acknowledgment therefore of his former favours, being by no
better way to be exprefs'd, than by the great conflux of thoſe he
had oblig'd, they came to wait upon him in fo great numbers,and
ſo handfomely attended, that he could hardly have been better ac-
companied in any other part of his Government. They here
pafs'd away the time, as people ufually do in the Bathing feaſon;
in all forts of innocent Recreations, to which the good Compa-
ny there had invited the Ladies, as well as the Gentlemen of the
Countrey: when the Duke, after having beftow'd more of his
time upon his friends, than to the conſultation of his own health
(which at fo great an age continued in a marvellous vigour) would
return back towards the lower Gascony, to fee the miferable con-
dition of that part of the Province, ftill groaning under the ſame
heavy judgments, wherewith at his firft coming from Court he
had found it afflicted.
Whilft the Duke was preparing for his return,he receiv'd news
of the Grace his fecond Son had receiv'd from the King, who had
lately conferr'd upon him the honour of Duke, and Peer; he The Mar
had long before receiv'd his Patent for that Dignity, which has quis de la
made me ſo often in the preceding difcourfe, give him that Title; takes his
but he had neither taken his Oath, nor affum'd his place in Pat Oath for
liament till this time. The Territory of Ville-Bois fettled upon Peer of
him by the Duke his Father at his Marriage, was alſo honour'd France.
with
Valette
Duke and
1
48.8
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno with the Title of a Dutchy, by that means leaving its former de-
1631. nomination, to take that of its Lord, and Owner. That which
rendred this new Dignity more remarkable was, that Cardinal
Richelieu (at this time advanc'd to the greateſt height a Subject
can be capable of) would at the fame Seffion be inftalled in the
fame degree of honour; fo that they were both receiv'd together
in Parliament, and both their Letters Patents the ſame day veri-
fied, and confirmed.
nal de la Va-
of Anjou.
The Duke, though at prefent ill enough dealt withal at Court,
and inwardly not over-well fatisfied with former paffages, could
not however, but acknowledge this for a favour; fo that, once in
his life accommodating himſelf to the time, he writ a Letter of
Complement to the Cardinal: to which he foon after return'd an
anfwer obliging enough; wherein, after he had reply'd to the
The Cardi- Duke's civility concerning his Sons promotion, he proceeded to
lette made acquaint him that the Cardinal his youngeſt Son had been lately
Governour created Governour of Anjou. A news at which the Duke was
highly pleas'd: but as joy feldom arrives without fome mixture
of bitterness; this was foon follow'd by one of the moft juft,
and moſt ſenſible afflictions that could almoft arrive, which was
the Death of le Pleẞis his beloved, and faithful Servant. This Gen-
tleman, equally wife, and valiant, dextrous, and faithful, and
who had all theſe qualities eminent in him, to a very confpicuous
degree had been ſo happy, that the Services which had been ac-
ceptable to the Father, were no lefs pleafing to his Sons; info-
much that not one of them but was paffionate for his advancement,
and ambitious to contribute fomething to his Fortune; a thing he
himſelf fo little confidered, that had he not met with Mafters li-
beral in their own Natures, his deferts had been the worſt re-
warded of any mans of his time: but fuch was the acknowledg-
ment they all paid to his merit, that the Cardinal de la Valette was
no fooner provided of the Government of Anjou, but that he
caft his eye upon le Pleßis, to bestow upon him one of the beſt
and principal Commands of that Province, which was that of
the Caftle of Angers. He had already that of Chasteau Trompette
of Bordeaux; neither would the Duke confent to be totally de-
priv'd of his Service, all that he could condefcend unto to fatisfie
his Son, being to ſhare with him in this good Servant, and to
give way that he ſhould ſerve at the Caftle of Angers, ftill keep-
ing the command of Chasteau Trompette. Le Plessis having there-
fore taken his leave of the Duke at Condom to go to take poffeffion
of his new Government ftaid by the way to keep his Christmas at
Bordeaux, with an intention after the Holy days were pafs'd, to
con-
!
BOOK X.
489
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
1631.
The deatli
the Duke's
principal
continue his Journey to Angers: but his Devotion making him
commit a violence upon his health, at this time fomething im-
pair'd, by an indifpofition that began to grow upon him, his
Difeafe increas'd to fuch a degree at midnight Mass, that the con-
clufion of his Prayers was almoft the end of his Life. He went
out of the Church feiz'd with a Catarre, by which his breathing of le Pleis
being ſtop'd, and all fenfe and memory taken away, he was in a Banffonniere
few hours totally fuffocated. He could not certainly by a more
Chriſtian, nor a more cafie death have finish'd a very excellent Servant.
life: but the Duke of Efpernan could not of a long time after be
comforted for his lofs; neither indeed could a greater almoſt have
befallen him, he having ſcarce any other Servant left, that was
allow'd the liberty to tell his Mafter, what he conceiv'd was beſt
for the good of his Service: the Duke, who would never ſlacken
the fevere hand he ever held over all his Servants, not enduring
that any of them ſhould prefume to adviſe him: this only by the
prerogative of his Age, and approv'd Fidelity, was difpens'd from
that Law; a difpenfation that he notwithſtanding ever made uſe
of with fo great modefty, as to make it appear it was rather a
Priviledge granted by the Mafter's bounty, than any Empire
ufurp'd by the Servant over his Maſters affections.
The life of the Duke of Efpernon, and his particular actions, Anno
have ſo great a connexion with the publick intereft, that his story 1632.
is no where to be long continued without putting the writer up-
on a neceffity of interweaving fomething of the general concerns
of the Kingdom; which obliges me in this place to refume the
grofs of Affairs, and with the year to enter into tranfactions of
very great importance, wherein the Duke had ſo eminent a ſhare
that his greateſt enemies, and fuch as were moſt emulous of his
glory, cannot but do him that right as to confefs that he ftrook
the greateſt ſtroke in the fuccefs of the Royal Arms.
arife upon
ther, and
The Queen Mother and the Monfieur being retir'd out of the Troubles
Kingdom, it was not likely, but that two fo great perfons, being the retire-
open, and profeſs'd enemies to the Cardinal (whom they had ment of the
publickly declar'd to be the Author of their diſcontents) would Queen Mo-
do their utmoſt endeavours to make him feel the effects of their the Mon-
indignation: but it appearing that the King was in a manner ob- fieur.
lig'd in honour to protect his Minifter, and that he was not con-
fequently to be affaulted without offending his Majefty himſelf,
they were to expect a great, and vigorous oppofition, to whatever
attempts they ſhould make upon the Cardinal's Fortune. Theſe
two diſcontented Princes therefore, well foreſeeing this difficulty,
willingly accepted the offers made them by the Emperour, the
Rrr
King
1
*
490
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
T
Anno King of Spain, and the Duke of Lorain, to take Arms in their
1632. favour: but as it was impoffible thefe feparate Forces fhould unite,
and move at the fame time, whereas thofe of the King embodied,
and acting by one fole authority, could in a moment produce the
effects of all their power: it was no hard matter for the Cardinal
to fruſtrate the attempts of all theſe Forein Princes, and to repel
Lorain, en- even upon them themſelves, who were most active to deftroy
him, the deſigns they had projected for his ruine.
The Empe-
>
rour, the
King of
Spain, and
the Duke of
gage in
their quar-
rel.
7
If the Cardinal's wisdom was of great ufe to him (as queftion-
leſs it was) upon this occafion, it muſt likewife be confefs'd that
Fortune did no little contribute to his fafety, who from the extre-
mities of the North, rais'd him up a Prince, one of the moſt emi
nent, and great in all qualities both Military, and Civil, that latter
ages have produc'd, and that was the great Guftavus Adolphus King
of Sweden. This Prince (in truth inconfiderable enough, had not
his fingle Perſon, and Valour in themſelves, been worth the
greateſt Armies) undertook to invade Germany, and to aſſault
the Emperour in the heart of his own Dominions; notwithſtand-
ing that this mighty Prince, who had already fubdu'd all the
powers that were oppoſite to him, poffefs'd that Empire (com-
pos'd of many Kingdoms) in a greater degree of Sovereignty,
than any of his Predeceffors, who had ſway'd that Scepter for
many Ages before him, had ever done.
Thefe difficulties, fufficient to have difcourag'd, and withheld
the mightiest powers ferv'd only for Spurs to the ambition of this
generous, and magnanimous Prince. He entred then into Germany,
where at his coming he proclaim'd liberty to all the Princes, and
People; a great allurement indeed, but his large promiles with-
out fome advantageous effects were not of force to draw many
Partizans over to his fide. He fought therefore with great eager-
neſs an occafion wherein to make tryal of his Arms, which he
knew was the only way to win himſelf Reputation, and Friends;
and the Emperour,who had no lefs Intereft to stop the impetuofity
of an Invader who came to brave him in the heart of his own
Empire, oppos'd to this Torrent (and that under the command
of the beft, and moft fortunate Leaders he had) his Army hither-
to victorious over all the Forces they had met in the Field: but
the glory of all thofe Victories ferv'd only to render that of the
King of Sweden more illuftrious, which he obtain'd over theſe
Conquerours at the Battel of Lipfick; by which great, and fa-
mous action, having rendred his name (till then almost un-
known) formidable throughout the whole Empire, he ran from
one extremity thereof to the other, almoft without any refi-
ftance
1
I
!
}
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
491
#r
!
ftance, at leaft without meeting any impediment that could ftop
his way.
The Cardinal (as he had good reaſon) rendred himself very fa-
cile, and favourable to this Prince, who feem'd to be come out
of his Rocks, and Defarts for no other end fave only to defend
his quarrel. He affifted him therefore in the beginning with fome
few men, and a little money; which though not very confider-
able, the Swede nevertheleſs gave fo important a diverfion to the
Houſe of Auftria, that having their hands more than full of their
own Affairs, they were far from being in any capacity of traver-
fing their Neighbours defigns. If the Emperour had enough to
do at home, the King of Spain had no leſs need of all his Forces at
the Siege of Maftrick; and the Duke of Lorain depriv'd of the
ſupport of theſe two great Princes, under whofe fhadow, and
protection he had taken Arms, being of himſelf unable to with-
ftand the King's Power was neceffitated (as he had done
fome time before) to fly to his Majefties mercy. By the Treaty of
Vic, concluded in the beginning of the year, he had deliver'd
Marfal to the King by way of caution for the performance of his
word; and for this fecond of Liverdune, he morcover affign'd to
him Stenay, Jamets, and Clairmont; upon which good fecurity his
Majeſty having granted him peace, he was conſtrain'd to obſerve
it, though it was only not long after to break it: from whence
enfu'd the lofs of his whole Dukedom.
;
The Monfieur ſeeing himſelf thus defeated of all hopes of any
Forein affiftance, his Servants affay'd to procure that for him at
home, they law was not clfewhere to be expected; to which end
Letters from the Queen Mother, and himſelf were prefented to
the Parliament of Paris, to try if by that application they could
intereft that Aſſembly in their grievances, and inveagle the Pari-
fians into a good opinion of their caufe: but all in vain, they
practis'd moreover ſeveral diſcontented perfons, whofe affiſtance
conſiſting only of a very few men, was alfo of no great effect;
the remains of the Hugonot party were likewife tamper'd withal,
but befides that they were reduc'd to fuch a low condition, that
they had greater need of fome Potent Prince to protect them, than
that they were in any capacity to repair the fortune of a great
Prince declin'd; there was fo good order taken to hold them in,
in all parts of the Kingdom, that not a man amongst them durft
once offer to ftir. The Cardinal having from the beginning of:
the year foreſeen, that the diſcontents of the Queen Mother, and
the Monfieur exasperated, and fomented by ſtrangers, would infal-
libly bring a War upon the Kingdom, had omitted no manner
Rrr 2
of
Anno
1632.
1
492
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno of precaution that might ſerve to fruftrate their defigns: he had
1632. caus'd the Kings ſtanding Regiments both of Horfe and Foot to
the King-
dom.
be reinforc❜d, had put fufficient Garrifons into all the important
Cities, had by very fevere prohibitions foreftall'd all fuch as were
likely to engage with the Enemy; and thoſe of the Religion,
though already upon the matter fubdud, being yet in fome fort,
even in their impotency to be fufpected, he had taken a particular
care to make ſuré of them upon this occafion.
What difficulties foever the punctual execution of theſe Orders
had ftrew'd in the way of the Monfieur's defigns, and notwith-
ſtanding that he ſaw himſelf abandoned by his Forein friends,
fufficiently taken up with their own particular Affairs, he thought
nevertheleſs that the fole intereft of the Duke of Montmorency,
who was abfolutely at his Devotion, would of it ſelf enable him
The Mon- to execute his revenge for the injuries he had receiv'd. Upon which
feur enters affurance he entred the Kingdom in June, accompanied only with
two thouſand Horfe, pick'd up of feveral Nations, and two thou
ſand Foot, or thereabouts, taking his way through Burgundy,
without making any diſcovery into what part of France he inten-
ded to retire: and then it was that the King's Orders, and diſpat-
ches were redoubled, and fent with great diligence into all parts
of the Kingdom, to which it was probable thofe Forces would
direct their March. They feem'd principally to threaten either
Languedoc, or Guienne; the Governours of which two Provinces
having no great reafon to be very well fatisfied with the Court,
the Cardinal did not well know what to think of them, nor what
to promiſe to himſelf from their Fidelity in fo critical a time. Of
theſe the Duke of Montmorency, the more reafon the Court had
to be jealous of his behaviour, the more induſtrious he was (as
guilty men ufually are) to wipe off all fhadow of fufpicion they
might juftly conceive, infomuch that 'tis faid he diſpatch'd poft
after poft to the King to give him affurance of his Loyalty; a thing
that afterwards prov'd one of the most dangerous circumstances
of his offenfe. The Duke of Efpernon did not promife fo much,
and perform'd much more, he only fending the Sieur de Campels,
Gentleman of his Horle, to affure the King of his Fidelity, and
was ſo punctual in the performance of his word, that he fail'd
not in the leatt Article of his duty.
The Duke
of Montmo
rency de-
clares in fa-
vour of the
Monfieur.
After the Duke of Montmorency had kept the Court fufficiently
in ſuſpenſe of what he refolv'd to do, he at last declar'd himſelf
by taking open arms in favour of the Monfieur; who was now
come intó Languedoc, where he caus'd feveral Cities he had made
firm for his purpose, to revolt, and moreover debauch'd many
Gentle-
I
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
493
Gentlemen of very eminent quality, whom either the reſpect,and
affection to his perſon, or the hope of change had allur'd over to
his Party.
"
Anne
1632.
If the Monfieur's defigns, before the Duke of Montmorency de-
clar'd in his Quarrel, had amus'd the whole Court, their afto-
niſhment was infinitely augmented, after he had betaken himself
to Arms, who having immediately thereupon publifh'd ſeveral
cauſes of his diſcontent, many at that time allow'd them to be ve
ry juſt, though no one could approve the courſe he took to mani-
felt his reſentment. The news of his defection furpriz'd the Duke
of Elpernon at Agen, it furpriz'd him indeed, who expected no-
thing less than to fee himſelf engaged in a party contraty to the
deareſt friend he had in the world; though that friendfhip, as all The Duke
his other friendſhips had ever done, mult here give place to his of pernon
duty. Upon the firſt Orders therefore he receiv'd from the King, ward's Lan-
after the Monfieur's entry into the Kingdom, he immediately de- suedoc.
parted from Cadillac, to advance into the center of the Province,
which was Agen, to the end that from that profpect, he might ob-
ferve what parts of his Government ſtood moſt in need of his
prefence.
There was no diſpute (the Duke of Montmorency having de-
clar'd) but that he muft of neceffity advance towards Languedoc,
to ſecure Montauban, that being the nearest City of importance to
the revolted Province: but the difficulty was, how to do it fo,that
Montauban might not rather fecure him, who had only his own
Guards about his perfon, with ten Companies of the Regiment
of Phalfbourg, that remain'd of twenty he had had in Guienne,
the reft being a few days before fent away to joyn with the Ma-
refchal de Schomberg. The Marefchal arriving in Languedoc, had
fent to borrow thefe Forces of the Duke of Efpernon, perhaps out
of a defiga, rather to weaken him (of whofe refolutions they
were yet uncertain) than to ftrengthen himself; which though the
Duke could at that time very ill have fpar'd, who was to go to
expoſe himſelf in a place, where he had great reafon to fufpect his
own fafety, yet would he not refufe the Marefchal upon his firſt
demand; by that freedom fufficiently manifefting with what inte-
grity and candour he proceeded in the Kings Intereft.
go.to
advances to-
in appre-
This proceeding, how franck and generous foever, could not The Corre
nevertheleſs fo fatisfie the Court, that they were not yet in great henfion of
anxiety, and fufpenfe, what his refolution might be the here- the Dke of
ditary friendſhip, and ftrict alliance, betwixt the Houfe of Mont- refolutions.
Efpernon's
morency, and him, were ſufficiently known; neither were they
ignorant that the tender, and paffionate affection he had for the
perfon
494
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno perfon of this Duke, was equal to that he had for his own Chil-
1632. dren they knew moreover that two days before the Duke had
5
declar'd, the Marchioness of Montferrant of the House of Mont-
morency widow to the Baron de Montaut the Duke's Goufin
German, and now Wife to one of the most intimate friends he
had in the Province, had parted from the Dutchess of Montmo-
rency, to return into Guienne to her Husband who was then with
the Duke of Elpernon fo that this Lady, a woman capable of
the greateſt Affairs, above what is ufual in perfons of her Sex,
there were few who did not conclude, fhe had been purpofely
fent by the Duke her Kinfman to labour an intelligence with the
Duke his ally; though in truth there was no fuch thing. In fine,
the good or ill fuccefs of Affairs depending without all doubt ab-
folutely upon him, the Court had all the reafon in the world to be
in fome fear of what his determination would be. All the Gen-
try of his Government were wavering, thofe of the Reform'd Re-
ligion who had been conftrain'd to accept of an incommodious
Peace, in all apparence, waited only expecting a fit opportunity
to begin a new War; thereby to obtain more advantageous con-
ditions, than thofe that had been impos'd upon them; and the
people opprefs'd morethan ordinary by new Taxes, defir'd no-
thing more than trouble, and confufion, which they conceiv'd
to be the beſt, and only remedy for their prefent calamities. Theſe
evil difpofitions were not only in Guienne, but Angoumois alſo
Xaintonge, Limoufin, and Poitou, panted with the fame.thirſt of
Innovation fo that in all theſe Provinces (where the Duke had
long govern'd) they yet retain'd for him fo great a love, and re-
fpect, that what refolution foever he had taken, would without
contradiction have been follow'd by them for the beſt. Neither
had he needed to have made any great ado, to procure a great
deal of miſchief; fince by only fitting ſtill, and conniving never
fo little at thoſe who were ready for Commotion, he might have
wrought matters into fuch a confufion, as would infallibly have
put the Kingdom into very great diforder; and then the
Marefchal de Schomberg, fhut up betwixt the Forces of Languedoc,
and Guienne, would have been irrecoverably loft. But this good
Frenchman, what averfion foever he might have to the Cardinal's
immeaſurable greatneſs,. what affection foever for the Duke of
Montmorency, or what advantage foever he might reaſonably pro-
poſe to himſelf from the alteration of Affairs. (the face whereof
he might doubtless have chang'd) he ftill preferr'd the Service of
his Prince, and the good of his Countrey, before any particular
Intereft of his own, and remain'd unfhaken in his duty, notwith-
:
ſtanding
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
495
ftanding all the overtures had been made, and the importunities Anno
had been us'd to debauch him.
The Duke acting with this fincerity and candour, thought it ve-
ry requifite to confirm the King in the affurances he had formerly
given his Majefty, of his fidelity, and truth,which he did by fend-
ing away the Count de Maillé to that effect: and proceeding from
words to actions, after he was arriv'd at Montauban, his first care
was ſpeedily to diſpatch away two Gentlemen throughout the
whole Province, to fummon in to him all the perfons of quality,
whom he had moft reafon to fufpect. There were very few who
did not promptly obey this Summons, which being deliver'd them
by men of Repute, they could not make any excufe, that they had
not receiv'd his Commands; and it was no hard matter for the
Duke when he had them ſo near his perſon, to keep them there,
and ſo narrowly to watch them, that they were not conveniently
to be practis'd; by which means, befides this advantage, which
was none of the moſt inconfiderable, he from this way of pro-
ceeding, deriv'd another of exceeding great moment, which
was infenfibly, and as it were almoft without defign, to fortifie
himſelf in a City, where he was very weak, and the diſpoſition
whereof was as yet very uncertain.
It is not to be believ'd how great an effect theſe prudent precau-
tions produc❜d to the fecurity of Affairs, nor how much ſeveral
perfons were difabus'd thereby, who otherwiſe might have fuf-
fer'd themſelves to have been deceiv'd by falſe impreſſions of the
Duke, and fuch as were utterly contrary to his intention: but
his fidelity was ſo legible throughout the whole order of his con-
duct, and he gave fo little hopes to thoſe who were feditiouſly af-
fected, of being to be tempted to embrace any difloyal motion,
that in fo great a difpofition to evil, and in fo favourable an oc-
cafion to do it, there was not one man of quality of Guienne, ex-
cepting Saint Croix d' Ornano, who was one of the Monfieur's Do-
meſtick Servants, that went out of the Province to joyn with
him; the Duke's good Example, and Exhortations, fo containing
all the reft within the bounds of their Duty, that the King had a
very good iffue of an Affair, his Majeſty himself thought would
not fo cafily have determin'd. It was after all theſe important fer-
vices, that it was juſtly ſaid of the Duke of Eſpernon, that In doing
nothing be had done all ; for in effect, without ftirring from the place,
without arming any other than his own Guards, without having
fpilt one drop of blood, or ſpent fix pence of the King's money,
he procur'd his Majefty,without danger, or expenſe, a Victory that
fettled the whole Kingdom in repofe.
The
i6zz.
سما
496
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
་
Anno
The Kirg
and the
to the Duke
ledgment of
The King,inform'd by the Duke's diſpatches of the good order
1632. he had taken in his Government, by very gracious Letters (which
the Count de Maillé brought back at his return) fignified to him
writes very] how highly he was fatisfied with his conduct; wherein, amongſt
graciously, other things, his Majefty acquainted him with his intention to
Cardinal leave Paris, and to take the way of Lyons, there to command his
very kindly Army in his own perfon (a thing the Council would never confent
of Efpernon unto, till they were fecure of the Duke's intentions) and the Car-
in acknow- dinal, in his Letters bearing the fame date with the King's, writ
to him in theſe expreſs terms: "I fhall content my felf with gi-
"ving you this affurance, that nothing can poffibly be added to
"the infinite fatisfaction his Majefty has receiv'd in the Zeal you
have manifefted to the good of his Service in the prefent occa-
“fion; and that I fhall with great diligence feek all opportuni-
ties that may contribute to the defire I have to let you fee,that no
"one is more really than my felf, Your, &c. To thefe during the
King's Expedition, he receiv'd feveral other Diſpatches, of the
fame obliging ſtyle, which I forbear to copy here, that I may not
importune my Reader,
his good
Service.
The En-
gagement
naudary,
wherein the
tr
"
7
But how great foever the Duke's Merits and Services were,and
how large foever the promiſes, that had been made him, the me-
mory of thoſe Services was notwithstanding fo fhort liv'd, that
even before the ſtorm was well over, they fought an occafion to
quarrel with him, thinking it, belike, better cheap to cavil at ſome
little paffages, (which ought rather to be imputed to his humour,
than his intention) than to ſtand oblig'd to him for this Service.
I fhould never have done fhould I undertake to relate all the
particularities (though remarkable enough in themſelves) or
Thould I fo much as infift upon the more eminently confider.
able paffages that hapned upon this occafion, which makes me
omit many things, that perhaps would not be altogether unplea-
fant, to come to the main buſineſs of all, which is the defeat of
of Caftel- of the Duke of Montmorency, and his being taken priſoner.
'Tis well enough known after what manner this unfortunate
Lord precipitously, and almoſt alone, engag'd himſelf againſt a
Meret was whole Army; a rafhnefs by which he became the principal in-
the Duke of ftrument of his enemies Victory: infomuch that had he com-
Montmoren- bin'd with them againſt himſelf, he could not more blindly, and
wilfully have run upon his own deftruction. He compell'd the
from which Marefchal de Scomberg to fight against his intention, and to over-
come him againſt his will; he had not, 'tis true, full fifty men flain
Monfieur's in this Engagement, which will yet appear a great number, con-
fidering that he had not above an hundred, that charg'd with him
Count de
flain, and
cy taken
priſoner;
difafter the
ruine of the
party en-
fues.
upon
1
BOOK X. the Duke of Eſpernon.
497
upon
this occafion. The Count de Moret, a young Prince of great
merit, and much greater expectation, was fo unfortunate as to
lofe his life without the Trenches that feparated the Monfieur's
Army from that of the Marefchal; fome other perfons of quali-
ty ran alſo the fame Fortune: but although this lofs was fmall in
reſpect to the number of men, the taking of the Duke of Mont-
morency made it nevertheleſs ſo highly confiderable, that every one
concluded the ruine of the whole party infallible. For the Man-
fieur having upon him-repos'd his whole confidence for the com-
mand of the Army, the Cities and Forces of Languedoc being
wholly ty'd to his perfon, and intereft, and all things abfolutely
depending upon him; he was no fooner taken, but that the Ci
ties revolted, and the Army disbanded: fo that in a few days the
Monfieur ſaw himſelf ſo totally deſerted, that what attempt fo-
ever he had a defire to make to refcue the Duke of Montmorency
out of the enemies hands, and yet to diſpute the Victory, he
had fo few left wherewith to execute his defire, and thoſe few fo
dejected with the late misfortune, that he was reduc'd to a neceſ-
fity of relying upon the faith of a Treaty for the preſervation of
a Servant, who contrary to his order had loft himſelf.
The Duke of Efpernon advertis'd of this accident, by a diſpatch
from the Marefchal de Scomberg, dated the fecond of September,
which was the next day after the fight, was afflicted beyond ex-
preffion at the Duke of Montmorency's misfortune. He gave him
at the firft for loft, and being very well acquainted with the fe-
vere Maxims of that time, together with the implacable hatred
the great Minifter had conceiv'd against him, did forthwith con-
clude,that this firſt Offenſe would alſo be the laſt he was ever like-
ly to commit.
Anno
1632.
:
Yet not to fail upon this event in any of his refpects, he wrote
to the King to fignifie to his Majefty the joy he conceiv'd for the
profperity of his Arms; he fent likewife the fame Complement
to the Marefchal de Scomberg, and to the Marquis de. Brezé, who
had behay'd himſelf very gallantly upon this occafion: but he
alſo manifeſted to the Duke of Montmorency, his great grief for
his misfortune. It was by a Gentleman difpatch'd on purpoſe to
that end (and before the liberty of receiving his friends addreffes,
was taken from him) that,he ſent to affure this Duke of whatever The Duke
without refervation, he could expect from the paffion, he had of Efpernon
ever had, and was oblig'd ever to have for his Service. He did fends a
not write to him, but he writ to the Marefchal de Scomberg, to in- ment to the
treat he would permit him to pay his friend in fo great an extremi- Duke of
ty, what their mutual Affection exacted from his duty: a request cy in Prisons
$ ff
in
Comple-
Montmoren
}
#
498
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno in the granting whereof, the Marefchal was ſo exceeding civil, as
1632. to caufe the Duke's Gentleman (which was Naugas the Lieute
nant of his Guards) to be forthwith conducted to the Duke of
Montmorency's Chamber. Naugas had there full liberty to deliver
all he had in charge from the Duke his Mafter; whereupon this
unfortunate Lord, who had ever honour'd the Duke, as if he had
been his Father, touch'd with the ſenſe of this ſeaſonable mani-
feſtation of a Friendſhip, which he knew to be unfeigned, would
needs upon the inſtant return an acknowledgment of the timely
kindness, by a word in writing under his own hand, though very
much weakened with ten great wounds,and roul'd up with Lints
and Plaiſters. Wherein he briefly told him according to his ordi-
nary way of writing, "That he acknowledg'd himself infinitely.
oblig'd for the favour he had done him: That he would not
"however in return offer him his good Graces, which,' at this
otherwife to time were none of the beſt (intimating thereby his wounded
without "face) but that,ifit fhould pleaſe God to restore him to his health,
fpoiling the " he would imploy that, with his life in his Service. To which he
* Not
be rendred
fenſe.
advances to
..
>
added by word of mouth, ſeveral paffionate expreffions of the
Affection he bore to the Duke; not then dreaming without
doubt that he ſhould fofoon be depriv'd of all means whereby
to make it appear. All which, being brought back by Nangas,
only ſerv❜d to augment the Duke's Affliction, who was the more
compaffionate of his friends condition, by how much he himſelf
was ignorant of his own misfortune, and infenfible of his
danger.
The news of this defeat having met the King at Lyons, who
with new Forces was following his other Armies, his Majefty no
more doubted, but that all the Monfieur's Party would fuddenly
diffolve, as in a few days it did; fo that having nothing more to
do, fave only to fettle what had been difcompos'd by the late
The Duke Commotion, he mov'd with ſo great deliberation towards Tho-
Tholouze. Isuze, that he arriv'd not there till the 22. of the month following,
The Duke of Efpernon in the mean time, feeing there was now
nothing that could oblige him to make any longer ſtay either at
Montauban, or upon the Frontier of Languedoc, went to the wa
ters of Ensauffe, a journey he rather undertook to divert himſelf,
whilft he waited in expectation of the King's coming, than for
of Montmo- any great buſineſs he had there in order to his health,
The Duke
rency
brought to
The King being (as has been faid) arriv'd at Tholouge the 22.
Tholonze, of October, there was prefent order given for the bringing thither
of the Duke of Montmorency, who accordingly arriving there,
was, as foon as brought, committed into the cuftody of two
and his
Tryal be-
gun.
Judges
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
499
!
Judges of the Parliament: a proceeding by which his Relations Anno
and Friends, being given to underſtand,that they aim'd directly at 1632.
his life, there was not one of them who was not ready to ferve
him, with the hazard of his own; but yet not one of them
durſt be ſo bold, as to ſpeak for him to the King. His Majefty
feem'd to have bolted the door againſt all manner of interceffi-
on, by denying his pardon to the Monfieur, who had not (as it
was faid fign'd the Articles of the Treaty upon any other ac-
compt, fave only to preſerve him. The Princels of Condé was
moreover forbidden to enter into Tholouze, by that means being
rendred incapable of paying fo beloved, and fo noble a Brother
any other duty than that of her fruitless fighs, and tears. In this
general confternation, whilft the Cardinal de la Valette, was ufing
his utmost intereft, and endeavour with Cardinal Richelieu, the
Duke of Efpernon was no leſs importunate with the King, he be-
ing the only man that had the courage to ſpeak directly in the be-
half of the Duke of Montmorency, and to be the Orator of his
other Friends, wherein if his fuccefs was not fuch, as he did
heartily defire; yet ought he not in this place to be deny'd the te-
ftimony of his vertuous endeavour for the preſervation of ſo
precious a life.
(C
ແ
Duke of
+
He addreſs'd himſelf therefore boldly to the King, when be- The Duke
of Espernos
ing kneel'd down, with greater fubmiffion to prefer his moft intercedes
humble Suit, the King was pleas'd to raiſe him up, and to give for the
him leave to ſay: "That he did not throw himſelf at his Maje Montme
"fties feet to juftifie the Duke of Montmorency in the leaft, nor by rency.
"excufes to extenuate the greatness of his offenſe: That he did
acknowledge him to be guilty, his Crime being too high, and
"manifeft to admit of any excufe; but that if it were lefs, it
"would be lefs worthy of his Majefties mercy: That that Ver-
tue truly Royal, never appear'd in fo great luftre, as when em-
ploy'd upon great Subjects, and after great Offenſes: That his
"Majefty would hardly meet with another occafion, wherein it
"would be fo confpicuoufly eminent, as in this, all Europe ha-
ving at this time their eyes fix'd upon him, to obſerve what he
"would pleaſe to determine of fo illuftrious a Head: That he
was the bolder to fue to his Majefty for this pardon, by how
"much having in his own perſon, and upon almoft the like oc-
cafion, receiv'd the fame Grace from his Majefties bounty,
flatter'd himſelf to be fo happy as that his Majefty had never re-
pented himſelf of that favour: That he was not the only per-
"fon amongſt his Servants, who flood oblig'd to his Clemency
"for the fame benefit, but that Monfieur, the Cardinal de Ri-
CC
σε
r
r
sff2
he
cheliew
500
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
is
"chelieu was equally concern'd: That they had both of them en-
1632. gag'd in the Queen Mothers intereſt in a time when his Maje-
J "Ities Royal Name was oppos'd against them, though they had
'
cc
tr
cr
“therein no other intention, than to do him ſervice; and that if
"in that juncture his Majeſty had left them to the ſeverity of Law
"and Juftice, he had depriv'd himſelf of the great ſervices of the
one, and the gratitude of the other: That the youth of Mon-
fieur de Montmorency deferv'd no lefs to be excus'd, than their
"good intentions: That his perfon being in his Majefties pow-
er, he would be fecur'd from doing any thing to the prejudice
“of his Service; but that his preſervation might ſerve eternally
to his glory: That he did humbly beſeech his Majeſty to confi
"der, that the great name of Montmorency was now only furvi-
ving in his fingle perfon: That the merit of his Anceſtors
"(who by a long fucceffion extended their race almoſt to the firſt
"foundation of the French Monarchy) pleaded fo highly for his
"Pardon, that one raſh Act ought not to forfeit ſo brave a Gen-
"tleman to the ſeverity of his Majefties Juftice. That if he
"fhould be fo fortunate as to obtain a fecond life for his friend, he
“would with all his heart become his Security, that for the future
"it ſhould never be employ'd, but in his Majefties Service, and
"that his Blood fhould ferve for no other ufe, than to wash away
"the Stain, and for ever to obliterate the memory of his Offenſe.
(C
J
The King with great patience, and without once offering to in-
terrupt him, gave the Duke free liberty to continue his diſcourſe to
the end, feeming moreover to hearken to him with ſome kind of
hopeful attention: but that favourable audience was alfo the on-
ly fruit of his addrefs; for his Majefty having from the beginning
of the Duke's Speech fix'd his eyes upon the ground, never lifted
them from thence fo much as once to look upon the Duke who
was ſpeaking to him; neither when he had concluded did he an-
ſwer him one word: by which filence the Duke perceiving the
ruine of his friend to be abfolutely decreed, he spoke again, and
The Duke faid, "Sir, fince I am fo unhappy as not to hope to obtain your Majefties
of Efpernon "Pardon for Monfieur de Montmorency, I humbly beg leave that I
may retire: When though the King had been dumb to the firſt,
he found words to make anſwer to this laſt requeſt,by telling him,
Yes, you have free leave; neither do I intend my felf to stay long in
this City. Whereupon the Duke afflicted to the laft degree, that
he had been able to obtain nothing more (though indeed he had
not expected much better fuccefs) preſently withdrew himſelf
go wait upon the Princefs of Condé in the Suburbs of Tholouze
obtains it. (to which place fhe was retir'd) there to condole with her their
not being
able to pre-
vail with
the King
in the be-
half of the
Duke of
Mintmɔ-
rency begs
leave to re-
tire, and
cc
re
to
com-
BOOK X.
501
the Duke of Efpernon.
common misfortune. He found at his coming thither that Car-
dinal Richelieu was but newly parted thence, whofe vifit, by gi.
ving her no ſatisfaction, having put her into the laſt deſpair, the
Duke's hapned to be exceeding feaſonable for the compofing of
her mind agitated with ſo violent a Paſſion.
Anno
1632.
Though the Duke from that very day prepar'd himſelf for his
departure, yet had he time enough before he went, totally to re-
ject a propofition made to him on the Cardinal's behalf, prefently
after the King's arrival at Tholouze. He had caus'd the Duke to be
treated withal to quit the Government of Metz in his favour;
offering him in exchange the ſurvivancy of that of Guienne, for
the Duke de la Valette his Son, who was already feiz'd of that of
Metz in reverſion. Bullion, newly created Sur-Intendant des Fi-
nances, was chofen by the Cardinal, as a perfon moſt acceptable
to the Duke to make to him this Overture: a propofition at which
the Duke, having ferv'd the King fo well as he had done in the
laft occafion, was not a little furpriz'd; and the rather becauſe
his Services having been of great inportance to the Cardinal's
Fortune (which was much more ftrook at in the late Rebellion,
than any thing that concern'd either the King or the Kingdom)
he had reaſon, befides the fatisfaction the King had been pleas'd
to manifeft of his performance, to expect also a very grateful re-
turn from the Cardinal himſelf. It was the belief of many at that
time, that the Cardinal's defign was, to accommodate himſelf
with the Biſhoprick of Metz, together with five or fix great Ab-
beys in that City of above an hundred thouſand Livers a year
Revenue, befides the Biſhoprick which was worth twice as much,
and to add thereunto the Government of the City, and Countrey,
with thoſe of the Cities and Cittadels of Ihoul and Verdun; to Cardinal
the end that by providing for himſelf ſo certain, and ſecure a re-
treat, he might in time be arm'd againſt all diſgrace; to which defigns.
others have added an opinion, that he had a project to reunite all
the Provinces that had formerly been members of the Kingdom
of Auſtratia in his own perſon, to hold them in the quality of a
Sovereign Prince, whereof Lorain, and Alfatia, which were in
his Majefties poffeffion, together with the three forenamed Bi-
fhopricks of Metz, Toul, and Verdun, made up the greatest part;
it had been a matter of no great difficulty for the Cardinal to have
poffefs'd himſelf of this Eltate, by any title he would have defir'd
of the King: So that, if he ever had this thought, it is not to be
wondred at, if he was fenfibly offended that the Duke refus'd to
treat and to comply with him in a thing,he had ſet his heart upon
for the eſtabliſhment of his Fortune.
How-
Richelieu's
ambitious
#
502
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
''
A
1
Anno
con-
However it was, it is concluded by all, that this Affair made
1632. the Cardinal take up a refolution abfolutely to break with the
Duke of Efpernon, whom he faw to be too ftiff to ftoop to his
Authority, and look'd upon as the only perfon of the Kingdom,
who had either the power, or the ſpirit to mate his greatneſs.
Wherein nevertheleſs though the Duke appear'd to be very averſe,
yet did he not abſolutely reject the Cardinal's propofal; but
ceiving he did not offer enough, demanded moreover a Maref-
chal's Staff for the Duke de Candale his eldeſt Son. This was a Dig-
nity that could not indeed be deny'd to his merit, though it had
never been laid in the balance againſt the Government of Metz:
but if the Duke had a kindneſs for this Son, the Cardinal had no
leſs averfion,who (it was faid) having been wounded to the quick
with ſome ſmart touches of the Duke de Candale's Wit (as pleaſant
a one indeed as any of his time, but withal as tart, as pleaſant)
he could by no means forget it, but would rather choofe to leave
a thing of fo great importance to the eſtabliſhment of his Fortune
imperfect, than to be inftrumental to the advancement of a per-
fon by whom he conceiv'd himſelf ſo highly offended. Having
therefore broke off with the Duke upon theſe terms, it is to be
prefum'd, he only for the future waited an occafion, or at leaſt a
pretenſe wherewithal to colour his revenge. Wherein though the
Duke's haughty humour was likely enough to furniſh him with
as good as he could defire, it appear'd nevertheleſs that fortune
(who will ever have a hand in all humane Affairs) feconding the
Cardinal's paffion, produc'd him one much fooner, than he ex-
pected. It was in truth, at this time, contrary to the Duke's in-
tention, who, although he would not diſcover a weakneſs in con-
deſcending below his own Dignity, had no defire notwithſtand.
ing to provoke the Cardinal's Almighty power, by infifting upon
any thing he might irreproachably do.
:
After that, by the death of the Duke of Montmorency, the King
thought he had abfolutely appeas'd the ftorm in Languedoc, his
Majefty thought of nothing more, than by the neareſt way, and
with a very flender train, of returning back to Paris. The Queen,
who was attended by the Council, and all the Court, two days
after the King's departure, began her Journey towards Bordeaux,
at greater conveniency to fend away her equipage down the River
Garonne, where being arriv'd, her Majefty was pleas'd to honour
the Duke of Efpernon ſo far, as to cross the River, to go ſee him
The Queen in his Houle Cadillac. The Vertue, Generofity, and other excel-
goes to Ca- lent qualities this Queen was Miftrifs of, had acquir'd the Duke
abfolutely to her Service; who alſo in return, receiv'd infinite te-
dillac.
ftimonies
4
}
BOOK X.
503
the Duke of Efpernon.
+
1
ftimonies of her love and efteem; ſo that it is not to be doubted, Anna
but he was overjoy'd to have fo favourable an Opportunity, 1632.
wherein to manifeft, in fome meaſure, his Gratitude for her
Grace, and Favour. Nothing therefore was fpar'd to that end,
and the Duke, having a few days preceded her Majefties coming,
had made ſo plentiful provifion of all things,and ſhe was receiv'd
at his Houfe after fo fplendid a manner, that as on the one fide it
was impoffible for him fully to fatisfic his Duty, and Affection;
fo could he on the other very hardly have done more, than he did,
or have added any thing to the Splendour,and Magnificence of this
Entertainment.
The Duke's ill Fortune would have it that Cardinal Richelieu
came this Journey with the Queen; who fince he had fortified
Brouage to fuch a degree, that it is at this day reputed one of the
ftrongeft places in France, had never been there, and would
now therefore for all the money he had laid out upon it (which
was a vaſt Summe) give himſelf the ſatisfaction of taking a view
of his Work. The Duke was not forry for this Reſolution ; but
on the contrary, no publick unkindneſs having hitherto hapned
betwixt them, he invited the Cardinal to his Houſe, hoping the The Cardi-
good Entertainment he intended him there, might thaw the for- al comes
mer Coldneſs: but it fell out quite otherwife, and two unto- where he
ward Accidents that hapned in this Journey making the difcon- takes new
tents, which had fo long been hatching in the Cardinal's Bofom, the Duke of
to diſcloſe themſelves, occafion'd ſoon after the firſt Diſorder the Eſpernon,
Duke had ever receiv'd in his Fortune. Of theſe Accidents the
firft was this.
to Cadillac,
offenſe at
1
The Queen being to pass the River betwixt Cadillac, and Bor-
deaux, to come to the Houſe, the Duke had prepar'd Coaches rea-
dy to receive her Majefty, at her landing; giving order withal to
fome of his Servants to referve one for the Cardinal, that he might
have no cauſe to complain of any want of refpect towards him:
an Order nevertheleſs ſo ill obſerv'd, that the Queen firft landing,
and the Coaches defign'd for her Train proving too few to con-
tain them all, they alſo made bold with that, which was inten-
ded for the Cardinal. At the Queens coming afhore, the Duke, The Cardi-
having paid her the refpect that was moft justly due, by attend- nal's first
ing her Majefty to her apartment, that firft duty perform'd,
went back in all hafte to receive the Cardinal upon the Ri-
ver, himſelf taking a Coach along with him for that purpoſe;
but for all his diligence he came too late, meeting the Cardinal
already advanc'd a pretty way towards the Houfe on Foot; where,
though the Duke made him all imaginable Excufes for the fault
had
complaint.
504
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
I
1
Anno had been committed contrary to his Order; they were not ne-
1632. vertheleſs of force to difpoffefs him of the diftafte he had taken,
that he had not been fo well us'd as he ought to be: fo that though
he receiv'd them with fome fhew of fatisfaction, his actions ne-
vertheleſs fufficiently manifefted his difcontent, he being not to be
perfwaded to make ufe of the Coach the Duke had brought him;
and although already feiz'd with the beginning of a diftemper, of
which a few days after at Bordeaux, he had like to have dy'd, he
was nevertheleſs obftinate to finish the remaining part of his way
on foot, though with great trouble and inconvenience, till he
came to the Lodgings that were made ready for him.
nal's fecond
This was the firft crofs accident the Duke met with upon this
occafion, and in this every impartial Judge muft of neceffity ac-
quit him. The fecond hapned foon after at Bordeaux, wherein,
though it be true, that there was fomething more of the Duke's
haughty humour, yet was his intention nevertheleſs infinitely
wide of the finifter interpretations were put upon it. The Queen,
having ftaid two whole days at Cadillac, caus'd her felf to be con-
vey'd thence back to Bordeaux, in order to the continuation of her
Journey, where at the fame time the Cardinal alfo arriv'd: ´but
his Diſeaſe was by this time ſo much increas'd, that finding him-
ſelf then in exceffive pain, within a very few days they began to
deſpair of his life; and in truth without the affiftance of a Chi
rurgeon of Bordeaux, he had then infallibly dy'd of a fuppreffion
The Cardi- of Vrine. Whilft he lay in this extremity, the Queen refolv'd up-
complaint. on leaving Bordeaux, to advance towards Paris, by taking Ro-
chelle nevertheleſs in her way; a place ſhe would by all means take
this opportunity to fee, as an eternal Monument of the Kings
Victory. The Duke very well underſtanding what refpect was
due to his Queen, and Miftrifs, whilft her Majeſty ſtaid in the Ci-
ty, had caus'd his Guards to lay afide their Liveries, and Muf-
kets; divefting himſelf moreover of all other Marks, and Fun-
Яtions of a Governour in her prefence: but fo foon as fhe was
gone, and that he had had the honour to attend her to her Boat,
he did not conceive himſelf oblig'd to retain the fame respect for
the Cardinal.He therefore immediately after the Queens departure
commanded his Guards again to put on their Caflocks, and to
take their Arms; and very well attended, preſented himſelf at the
Cardinals Lodgings, who continued yet very ill, though fome-
thing better than before. Upon this occafion, that was interpre-
ted for a premeditated Violence, which was only intended for a
Civility, and Reſpect, and thoſe of the Cardinals Servants, who
faw him come to the Houfe fo accompanied, ran to alarm their
Maſter,
1
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
505
A
fter, by telling him that the Duke of Efpernon was coming to at- Anno
tempt fomething upon his perfon. Whereupon follow'd a Hu- 1632.
bub throughout the whole Family, every one was agaft, and be-
took themſelves confuſedly to their Arms. In the mean time the
Duke enters the Houfe, where not knowing what to think of
the general Diſorder, and aftoniſhment he obferv'd in every face
he met, he went on to the Cardinal's Chamber door, follow'd
by very few (having forbidden his Guards to ſet ſo much as one
foot upon the ftairs) where after having enquir'd of the Cardi-
nals health, and having been anſwer'd, he was exceeding ill, and
in ſuch a condition that he intreated to be excus'd, he could not
fee him, he return'd back in the ſame pofture he came, there be-
ing neither more nor leſs in this Affair.
fity against
This is indeed the naked truth of the Story: but it was not fo
repreſented to the Cardinal; thoſe who were about him on the
contrary to infinuate into his Favour, and to make him believe
they had done him a notable piece of Service, affuring him that
without their extraordinary care, and the good pofture they had
put themſelves into to oppofe the Duke, he had infallibly been
loft. The Duke was afterwards inform'd, and had it from very The Cardi-
good hands, that the Archbishop of Bordeaux was one of thofe nal's animo-
who poffefs'd the Cardinal with this belief; fo that the Duke, the Duke of
and he not having been (as you may have obferv'd) very good Efpernon,
friends before, an Office like this could not but incenfe him by the
anew, and the more juftly, by how much his Honour was Archbishop
therein fo highly concern'd. He was impatient to think they
ſhould repreſent him for a man that would harbour violent De-
figns againſt the perfon of a Cardinal, and a Prieft; which cer-
tainly was the thing that moft contributed to the great Difputes,
that hapned betwixt them the enfuing year 5 of which you will
have a luddain accompt, and ſuch a one as will take up a great part
of this laft Volume.
The Duke who neither then, nor of fome time after, knew
any thing of the ill impreffions the Cardinal had been poffefs'd
withal, continued to uſe him at the fame rate he had begun; his
Guards attended him where-ever he mov'd; he never went abroad
but extraordinarily well accompanied, and many Gentlemen of
the Country, who had come in to him upon the Queens arrival,
ftill continuing about his perfon: The day that the Cardinal de-
parted for Brouage, the Duke, thinking thereby to pay him a
greater Civility, and refpect, follow'd by his Guards, and Friends,
conducted him to his Boat. By which new Complement he fo
reviv'd his former Apprehenfion, that fome have fince faid, the
Ttt
Cardinal
fomented
of Borde-
Aux.
1
506
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
5
Anno Cardinal had a mind to make the world believe, he had avoided
1632. a very eminent danger, by efcaping out of the Duke of Efpernon's
hands. The Duke could never perfwade himſelf that the Cardi-
nal could have any ſuch apprehenfion, he being a man of too
great judgment not to fee, that had he had any defign upon his
perfon, nothing could have hindred him from the execution of
that defign. He had been, without difpute, the ftrongest in the
Gardinal's Lodgings, when he took the firft alarm, and during
the whole time of his ſtay at Bordeaux, the favour of the people
being nothing inclin'd to him, his Domefticks alone had not
been able to have made any refiftance against thofe of the Duke,
eſpecially fortified, as he was, by fuch a number of his Friends of
the Province. It is therefore evident, that the Duke never had
any intention to hurt him, foraſmuch as he did not do it: but
he had nevertheleſs an opinion, (and that opinion was grounded
upon great probabilities) that the Cardinals ambitious fpirit
was offended to the laft degree, that he had not paid the fame re-
fpect to his Perfon, he had done to that of the Queen; and that,
being he could not handſomly publiſh the true cauſe of his dif
content, he had palliated it with this pretenfe, to have the more
plaufible colour of revenging himſelf upon the Duke, as upon an
enemy, who had plotted againſt his life.
The Cardi-
at Broйage.
7
t
The Cardinal was no fooner got to Brouage, but that (whether
nal arrives it was the change of Air, or the joy to fee himſelf in a place of
fafety that produc'd this good effect) his health began vifibly to
improve; when the Duke of Efpernon, ignorant as yet of the ill
impreffions he had been poffefs'd withal, concerning his former
Vifits, diſpatch'd a Gentleman to him to enquire of his
amendment. It was by the return of this Envoy, that he was ac-
quainted with all the former ftory, of which the Cardinal de la
Valette his Son, who had never departed from Cardinal Richelieu,
during the whole time of his fickneſs, gave him a full accompt.
This fufpicion fo lightly grounded, and fo much contrary to his
intention, did much more offend, than any way incline the Duke
to offer any thing in his own juftification: And although he ve-
ry
well forefaw that a jealoufie of this nature, whether feign'd,
or true, threatned him with fome great, and fudden mifchief; it
was nevertheleſs ſo far from rendring him more flexible, or more
complacent, that he chofe rather to expofe himſelf to the worlt
effects of the Cardinal's unrefifted power, than to recede in the
leaſt from his ordinary way of living.
Anno
This Journey of the Cardinal's to Bordeaux, and the moroficy
633. of his diftemper there, was not fatal to the Duke alone; the dif
grace
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
507
grace of the Garde des Sceaux, de Chasteau-Neuf, being (as has Anno
been faid) refolv'd upon at the fame time; the reafons of which 1633
difgrace are to this day a fecret, though the thing it felf was foon
enough publickly known: for the Cardinal had no fooner ſeen
the King, but that Chaftean-Neuf had Orders fent him to retire The dif
to Ruffee in Angoumois, who being upon his way in Obedience grace of
to that command, a ſecond Order overtook him, by which he Chateau-
Neuf Garde
was carried away Prifoner to the Caftle of Angoulefme. The des Sceaux.
Duke of Efpernon, who stood highly oblig'd to this Gentleman's
friendſhip, for ſeveral acts of Favour in his Affairs, and who
had moreover his Vertue, and Integrity in very great efteem, was
much afflicted at his misfortune; yet did he even from the
very
accident it ſelf derive ſuch a conſolation, as ferv'd very much to
fweeten his diſcontent. And that was the choice the King had
made of Prefident Seguer, on him to confer the Seal; one that Preſident
was the Duke's intimate and very faithful Friend, and of whom Seguier
from his first Employments, he had made ſo advantageous a des Sceaux.
judgment, that he conceiv'd there was no advancement how
high foever in his Profeffion, to which he might not juftly pre-
tend, if his Vertues once came to be fufficiently known. But if
the Duke began the year, with fo great an occafion of joy, For-
tune, who never ſuffers the Affairs of this world to continue long
in the fame poſture, did alſo not long defer to poyfon his content,
by one of the rudeft Affaults he had met withal in the whole
courfe of his life; and fince the Archbishop of Bordeaux was the
Inftrument by which the wrought this difgrace,it will not be im-
pertinent to give a brief accompt of that which kindled their firſt
Divifions, and the enſuing cauſes, that occafion'd this laſt Diſ
order.
made Garde
twixt the
and the
This Prelate, Brother to the Cardinal de Sourdis, had imme-
diately upon the death of his elder Brother fucceeded him in the
Archbishoprick of Bordeaux, but not in the good intelligence had
been betwixt the Duke of Efpernon, and him; not that the Duke The diffe-
had not this mans merit, which was very great, in high confide- rence be-
ration alſo, he had Wit, Courage, Dexterity, and many other Dake of
good qualities, which had formerly acquir'd his eſteem: but the Eperon
intimacy he had with Cardinal Richelieu, rendred his friendſhip Archbishop
fo fufpected to him, that he could not confide in a perfon, he of Borde-
faw engaged in fo ftrict a League with another he did not love.
As for the Cardinal de Sourdis, who had no ſuch connexion, the
Duke had ever liv'd with him in fo perfect an Intelligence, as has
rarely been obferv'd, betwixt two perfons of fo eminent conditi-
on, to have been maintain'd ſo inviolate, and fincere: Yet was
4
Ttt 2
it
Aux.
·
508
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
|
Anno it not without the admiration of all that knew their Humours;
1633. they were both in the one, and the other haughty, and fierce,
there was much of fire and ambition, in both their natures;
and little would have ferv'd to have kindled a fewd betwixt them:
but perhaps knowing one another to be fo Subject to Heat, they
would not interfere, foreſeeing that whoever ſhould begin, would
doubtless in his adverſary meet with a vigorous Oppofition. This
Cardinal had formerly had great Difputes both with the Parlia-
ment, and the Governours of the Province, which Difputes had
begot him much trouble; fo that his more mature, and more
temperate Age, having cool'd the violent Ardours of his more
ungovern'd, and inconfiderate Youth, he began to relifh the con-
veniency of Peace', choofing rather to bufie himſelf about the
well ordering of his Diocefs (which he did equally with any Pre-
late of the Church, about laying Foundations of Monafteries,
Hofpitals, and other Actions of great Luftre, and Example, than
to ſpend his Spirits, and confume his time in fruitless and unpro-
fitable Quarrels. The Duke alfo on the other fide, who had his
fhare of Contention with the Parliament, found himſelf fuffici-
ently perplex'd with them, without drawing new inconvenien-
cies upon him. by forcing a man of the Cardinal's condition to
his Adverfaries fide; fo that as to any thing elſe, theſe two Lords
obferving a great Correfpondency in their Complements, Viſits,
and all other Pun&tilio's of mutual respect, this former confide
ration ferv'd not a little to the continuance of this good Intelli-
gence betwixt them. In fine, whether it were their interefts, or
the ſole reſpect of their common Vertue, that begot this friend-
fhip they had for one another, it could hardly have been greater:
but after the death of this Cardinal, his Brother having (as has
been faid) been promoted to that See, the Duke did not pay him
the fame Honour, he had done his elder Brother, who on the
other fide impatient of that diſtinction, joyn'd himſelf with the
Parliament, at this time high in conteft with the Duke, and fup-
porting the intereſts of that Affembly, with the Credit he had
with the Cardinal (which was very great) procur'd fome determi-
nations in their favour, concerning the things fo highly contro-
verted betwixt the Duke, and them. In acknowledgment of
theſe Obligations, the Parliament augmented in his Perfon the
Honours that had ufually been paid to his Predeceffors, and the
Duke on the contrary cut off fome of thoſe he had formerly paid
even to him himſelf, an ufage which the Archbishop publickly re-
fenting, oblig'd the Duke (who never engaged in a quarrel, but
to push it home) to be more obftinately bent, not to give him the
•
leaft
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
500
•
-
1
leaſt ſatisfaction in any of his complaints: So that he ftill per- Anno
fifted, not only to uſe him, as he had begun but to this abate 1633.
ment of Ceremony, added moreover ſome diſobliging effects.
All this had preceded the Accommodation made at Cardinal Ri-
chelieu's being at Montauban; but this Reconciliation having ſa-
tisfied neither the interested perfons, nor him who had interpos'd
to reconcile them, they rather remain'd in a difpofition to do one
another a Spight upon the firft occafion that ſhould prefent it ſelf,
than to live in the good Intelligence could have been wifh'd for
their common repofe. Since that time the Duke had been adver-
tis'd,that it was principally the Archbishop of Bordeaux, who had
exasperated the Cardinal againſt him,and who had rendred his Vi-
fit at Bordeaux(when he went to fee him,attended by his Guards)
fufpected to him. A thing that had offended him to the laft de-
gree, and he had publickly complain'd of that proceeding (for
his Paffions were never conceal'd) which was also reported to the
Archbishop who was at this time oblig'd to come into his Dio-
ceſs to make ſome Reſidence there.
:
He departed therefore from Court, and took the way of Gui-
enne. Some have believ'd that it was by the exprefs Order of Car-
dinal Richelieu, that he undertook this Journey, who having up-
on the late diftaftes he had taken at the Duke, fummon'd all his
old animofities to his remembrance, had fent the Archbiſhop of
Bordeaux, whom he knew the Duke did not love to brave him,
his ſpirit being the better known to him, as he had made tryal of
it, upon other occafions, and found it bold, and capable of the
highelt refolutions. Ifhall not however take upon me here to in-
terpoſe my judgment in any of theſe Tranſactions; I fhall only
report things true, and as they were, without diſguiſe, hatred, or
envy, any of which it would certainly very much mif-become me
to retain after the Duke's death, whofe defire it was they might
be buried with him, that being one of the most expreſs com-
mands he gave his Family at the laſt hour of his Life.
£
The Archbishop being upon his way towards Bordeaux, türn'd
a little out of the ordinary Road to go into a Territory belonging
to his Bishoprick, call'd Monravel; where being arriv'd, he was
inform'd, that one of the Duke's Guards had been affifting in the
execution of fome Acts of Juftice, wherein he was himſelf im-
mediately concern'd, and which would otherwife perhaps have The Arch-
met with fome oppofition. He would therefore take this occafion bishop of
to fend a Gentleman to the Duke, to return his thanks for fo op- fends to
portune a kindneſs: who having found the Duke at Bordeaux, complement
told him from the Archbiſhop his Mafter, “That he took the Efpernon.
affiſtance
Bordeaux
the Duke of
510
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1633.
"
+
"affiſtance one of his Guards had given fome of his people to
"the fupport of his interefts, and in the time of his abfence for a
“fingular favour, and obligation; and that he had therefore
"commanded him to come kiſs his hands, and to return him his.
hearty thanks. Some have drawn a confequence from this way
of proceeding, that the Archbishop did not come with any de-
fign to offend the Duke,it being unlikely, that had he had any fuch
intention, he would have ſent to him to have fought his friend-
ſhip, by the acknowledgment of an obligation receiv'd. others
(and perhaps too critically) have believ'd, that it was only artifice
to make the Duke appear more in fault, and that the Archbiſhop,
knowing the Duke's humour had made no difficulty in making
this diffembled Application, to the end, that it being rejected, as
he expected it ſhould be, the Duke might be more univerfally
condemn'd, even when being provok'd, he ſhould break out in-
to juft and neceffary refentments.
ແ
ແ
CC
CC
t
Whatever the deſign of this Complement might be, it was very
ill receiv'd, and ſo ill, that if the Archbishop had therein any.
clandeftine end, to extract from it fome new cauſe of offenfe, he
could hardly better have fucceeded. The Duke made anſwer to
the Gentleman who came from the Archbishop, "That thanks
were neither neceffary, nor due to a perfon, who had no defign
to oblige: That if any thing by his orders had been perform'd
to his Maſters advantage, it had been done upon no other ac-
count than the meer confideration of Juftice, without any re-
fpect to his Friendſhip: and fo difmifs'd him. The Duke ob-
ferving all his people furpriz'd at ſo flight, and ſo crude an anſwer,
to fatisfie them in fome meaſure, told them, "That they ought
not to wonder if he had made a rude return to the Archbishop's
Complement: That it was without doubt no other than a
feign'd Civility in Monfieur de Bordeaux, who he very well knew
"did not love him, to feek an advantage against him: That he
"would be glad under a colour of feeming Courtefie, to lay a
weakneſs at his door, and to make the world believe, that he
"had firft fought his Friendship: That had the Biſhop fent to
"him by the way of a fimple How d'ee only, he fhould have
"receiv'd his Vifit with the refpect due to a man of his conditi-
er
"(
c
ແ
r
on; but having added terms of thanks, which prefuppos'd
"favour receiv'd, he would not the world fhould believe, that he
"had made the firſt application to a man he did not take to be
"his Friend.
The Archbiſhop might very well judge by this firft repulfe,
that he ſhould have a very hard game to play with the Duke of
Efpernon,
+
J
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
511
Efpernon, which made him hover very near a month about
Bordeaux, before he could refolve to enter the City. It is moſt
certain, that in the mean time he fent to Court to acquaint the
Cardinal with what had pafs'd betwixt the Duke and him, and
to receive Inſtructions from him, how he was to behave himſelf
if matters ſhould grow to a greater height betwixt them. To
which the Cardinals anſwer was (as it was a few days after Pub-
lifh'd) that he affur'd him of a powerful Protection, and fuch a
one as he had promis'd him before his departure; whereupon the
Archbiſhop made no difficulty to engage in the Affair, to fuch a
height, as even to be himſelf the Aggreffor, as at the firft dafh,
by giving the Duke very ſenſible, and very publick Affronts, he
manifeftly appeared to be.
The first was, when upon his arrival at the City, he did not
find the Jurats (that is the Magiftrates) upon the River, ready
to receive him at his Landing; which he pretended to be a Cere-
mony due to his Place, and Dignity, as having formerly been
paid him but the Jurats, who declar'd to have ſometimes done
it only upon Courtefie, and without any intention to draw it
into Example, would by no means confent, that what had been
perform'd meerly in the nature of a Civility, fhould become a
Right. This therefore he would interpret for a hainous offenſe,
not only from the Jurats, but alſo from the Duke, who he be-
liev'd (with ſome reaſon) to have been the cauſe, that Honour had
been deny'd him. So that without longer diffembling his Dif-
content, the Jurats having deputed two of their Corporation to
Harangue him fo foon as he ſhould be alighted at his own Palace,
he anſwer'd them in theſe very words.
cr
cc
KC
cr
"C
"Gentlemen, I have reaſon at my arrival to be fatisfied with
the people of Bordeaux, who have behav'd themſelves civilly
towards me; and I look upon it as a continuation of the good
affection, they have formerly had for the late Cardinal de Sour-
dis my Brother but I have reaſon to be diffatisfied with the
Magiſtrates of your City, and cannot but believe, that if thoſe,
who put the words you have deliver'd me into your mouths,
had given you leave to pay me the reſpect you ought to have
"done, you would have done it after the accustomed manner,
"and in the ufual place but by having made your felves flaves
to your Offices, and by having forfeited your Liberties in fo
doing, you have committed this neglect. I muft needs think
"this proceeding would have been againſt the fenfe of the People,
might they have been allow'd the freedom of their Voices, and
ແ confequently can take nothing ill from them: and as to your
"
cr
:
particular,
Anno
1633.
- 512
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1633.
cr
'
particular, I fhall alfo parden you; foraſmuch as I know what
you have done, was by the Inftigation of others, and not up-
on your own account.
The Duke of Elpernon was too evidently glanc'd at in this Dif
courfe, to be infenfible of the Injury was done him, and confe-
quently fought nothing more than an occafion wherein to mani-
feft his Refentment. It was nevertheleſs contrary to the advice of
all the Friends and Servants he had about him, that he took up
that Refolution; there being none of them who did not very
well forefee, that having to do with a man of the Archbishops
condition, and upheld as he was, by the most powerful Protecti-
on of the Kingdom, he muft of neceffity put his Affairs into
very great diforder.
pre.
I would omit nothing of what pafs'd upon this occafion, this
being the first occurrence whereby the Duke's Fortune was really
wounded; the others that had pafs'd before had only rippled up
the skin, and hitherto he had bravely overcome all the difficulties
had been oppos'd against him. Since therefore the Scene is now
to be chang'd, and that a new profpect of his Affairs will be
fented to your view, it ſhould not methinks be impertinent to re-
peat every Circumftance, that contributed to this Alteration; but
on the other fide I muft, in being ſo particular, defcend to fuch
little things, as I fear will importune my Reader. I fhall however
do the best I can to avoid that inconvenience, by touching at.
every thing; but with ſo much brevity, as fhall be no durable
penance, even to thoſe who are leaft delighted with fuch recitals.
The Duke, nettled to the quick with the Archbishops Speech
to the Jurats, began rather by trifling Peccadillo's, than by down-
right Injury to manifeft his refentment: for it must needs be con-
fels'd, that never man was more ingenious than he, to offend
fuch as he did not love; fo that he fet all Engines on work, little
Affronts, as well as high Abuſes, and ſpar'd nothing that might
any way contribute to his Revenge. Having therefore found the
Archbiſhop ſo fenfible of this firſt Affault, he perfifted to wound
him deeper by new and more legible Offenfes. He had in proprie-.
ty, as Lord of the Mannor of Puipaulin, the Royalty of the Clie
of Bordeaux (which is the Fiſh-Market there) fo as that he might
lawfully forbid the entrance thereinto to any, he had no mind to
admit: He therefore commanded the Archbishops Officers one
Fiſh-day to be excluded, to the end they might be neceffitated to
take their Fiſh without the Bar, with the reft of the people.
Theſe men refuſed to receive it after that manner, and otherwiſe
they could not have it; neither was the Duke content with doing
this
Book X. the Duke of Efpernon.
513
this alone; but, knowing it would be brought in from other pla-
ces, caus'd his Guards moreover to watch all the avenues to hin-
der it; by whom fome were turn'd back, who would have done
the Archbiſhop that Service, and in the end fome of his own
Domeſticks very roughtly handled.
Anno
1633.
Upon this occafion it was, that the clandeftine Animofities,
they had hitherto in fome meaſure fmother'd in their Bofoms,
flam'd out to an open Feud betwixt them; and from this begin-
ning all the Diſorders we ſhall hereafter fee enfue, took their rife
and being. The Archbiſhop by Publick Declarations complain'd
of the Violence had been offer'd to him by a fort of men fet on
purpoſely to do it, defcribing them by the name of the Ruffet
Caffocks, which was the Duke's Livery; demanding of the Ma-
giftrate protection, and affiftance to oppoſe them, and proteſting
to Retire with his Clergy, if they would not provide for his Safety.
Whilft the Archbishop was thus bufie to vindicate himſelf by
Forms of Law, the Duke,conceiving it very unbecoming the Au-
thority he had in the Province,to proceed by the fame ways,would
try to do his buſineſs by other means: He therefore commanded
the Lieutenant of his Guards, the next day after the Archbiſhop
had exhibited this injurious Bill,againft his Guards,to go with all
his Souldiers to preſent himſelf before him, and to ask of him,
If amongſt all thofe he knew any one man who was likely to
commit an unhandſome a&ion? The Lieutenant did as he was
commanded, and waited near to the Archbishops Palace his re-
turn from the City; when feeing him come in his Coach, he
preſented himſelf to speak to him: It was about Dinner time,
when the Archbiſhop ſeeing ſo many Souldiers attending the
Lieutenant, and not imagining they could come after that man-
ner for any civil end, he commanded his Coach-man to drive on.
The Lieutenant was ftill earnest with him, and (with his Hat
nevertheleſs in his hand) befeeches the Archbishop he would be
pleas'd to hear him; affuring him withal he had nothing to ſay,
that could any way offend him: but all was in vain, the Coach-
man was ſtill call'd to to drive on; when the Lieutenant fearing
to loſe the opportunity of executing what he had in charge (and
having on the other fide not much ſtudied the Canon, where- * Siquis
in ſo many perſons by this Conteſt have fince been made perfect) fuadente
call'd in the end to one of his Companions to lay hold of the
Reins, and to ftop the Horfes: which being accordingly done,
the Archbiſhop came immediately out of his Coach, crying out
there was violence offer'd to his perfon, and fo retir'd himſelf in-
to his Houſe.
J
Uuu
X
The
1
Diabolo, &cs
+
1
514
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
The Duke, inform'd by the Lieutenant of his Guards how all
1633 things had pafs'd, perceiv'd by the manner of it, that the Arch-
bifhop had been put into a terrible fright; which was the only
thing he had intended, and fo turn'd the whole bufinefs into
Mirth, and Laughter. But the Archbiſhop did not fo; but ha-
ving on the contrary the afternoon of that very fame day, being
the 29th of October, fummon'd in all the Orders, and Societies of
Ecclefiafticks in the City, he there expos'd before them the open
Violence he pretended had been offer'd to him, rendring the acti-
on as foul as he could poffibly make it, and omitting nothing he
thought would conduce to the intereffing the whole Body of the
Clergy in his Quarrel. Wherein he fucceeded fo well, that at
the very inſtant moſt of the Affiſtants, fir'd by his Eloquence,
concluded upon an Excommunication; fome notwithſtanding
there were, more moderate than the reft, who a little allaying
the fury of this firft Sentence, perfwaded them in the end to re-
ſolve upon a Deputation to the Duke, to complain to him of the
ill uſage their Prelate had receiv'd fince his arrival, and therein
chiefly of the infolence committed by the Lieutenant of his
Guards, and to demand his Justice.
*
This Complaint was preferr'd to the Duke the 30th of October,
at which he was a little furpriz'd; and now better confidering
what this Affair,by the intereft all the Ecclefiafticks would take in
it, might produce; would, it was conceiv'd, have been glad that
things might have continued in the fame pofture they then were,
without running on into greater extremes; neither would he up-
on the fuddain return any precife Anſwer. He therefore told the
Canon, who had been deputed to him in the behalf of the whole
Clergy: "That the Speech he had made to him conſiſted of ſeve-
"ral Heads of great importance: That he was old, and his me-
mory fo ill, that it would be hard for him to remember all he
had faid: That he therefore defir'd he might have it in writing,
"and that then he would confider of it, and return his Anſwer in
writing alfo. The Duke thought that during this refpit he
defir'd, the Archbishop would fufpend the Publication of his
Cenfures, and that in the mean time, what had pafs'd might by
the Publi- the mediation of Friends, in ſome amicable Treaty be hufh'd,and
lications of taken up: but he did not in his Adverſary meet with a ſpirit fo
and Faits of flexible to an Accommodation, who on the contrary was fo ob.
the Church, ftinately deaf to all overtures of Agreement, that
Agreement, that upon All-Saints
Matrimony, day he thundred out his Excommunication against the Lieute-
Excommu- nant of the Guards, and all thofe who accompanied him, at the
&c. * Profnes of all the Parish Churches of the City. Neither did he
1
* The*
Profnes are
the Feasts,
Banes of
nications,
CC
therein
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
15
tr
<<
'
WW
Sentence of
againſt the
therein ſpare the perfon of the Duke himſelf, of whom in his Anno
Act he ſpoke in theſe terms: And although the Authors of this 1633.
"attempt be compriz'd in the fame cenfures; nevertheleſs, con- Th: Arca-
fidering how many perfons are oblig'd to frequent them for the bfhop pro-
"Service of the King, and the good of the Province, we would nounces a
not neither will we make the fame Declaration, and Denun- Excomm-
"tiation against them: but repofing our truft in the mercy of nication
Almighty God, who ftrikes the moſt obdurate hearts, and Lieutenant
"thence draws tears of faving Repentance, we have appointed, of the Duke
"and ordained, and do hereby appoint, and ordain,
of Efpernon's
Prayers of
Guard, and
forty hours upon Sunday the 6th of November in the Church tacitly
“ of St. Michael of this City, to implore the affiſtance of the Di- against the
"vine Goodneſs for the Converfion of Sinners, c. Given at felf.
Bordeaux this Monday the laft of October 1633. Here you have
the first Action that pafs'd betwixt theſe two great perfons, which
could not poffibly have been push'd on by either fide with greater
heat, or violence, there being not a day, nay hardly a minute loft
betwixt them; but all things hurried on with that vehemency,
and precipitation, that whoever had obfery'd the impetuofity
wherewith theſe two Enemies ran against one another, might
very well have foreſeen, that the ſhock at their meeting, muft of
neceffity bear one of them to the ground.
Dake him-
Richelieu
This buſineſs made a mighty noiſe at Court,whither the Arch-
biſhop had writ in great diligence, and where the Cardinal in-
tereſted himſelf in his caufe, as it had been his own Affair: but,
although he was from that time forward refolv'd to puſh things
to the laſt extreme, and from this Quarrel to derive an occafion
wherein to revenge himſelf of the Duke, for all his former dif-
contents; he had nevertheleſs the Duke, and the Cardinal de la
Valette, the Duke of Efpernon's Sons in fo high confideration,
that he ſurrendred all his Animofity to the refpect he had to them.
He would therefore take a moderate courfe to compofe this Dif Cardinal
order by an Accommodation; the agitation whereof was com- endeavours
mitted to Villemontée, one of the Council of State, and Inten an Accom-
dant de la Justice in Poitou, Xaintonge, and Angoumois, a man of
great efteem with the Cardinal, and the whole Council. This them,
Gentleman therefore departed with this Commiffion, to transfer
himſelf in all hafte to Bordeaux; but notwithstanding all the di-
ligence he could uſe, the Animofity betwixt these two haughty
Spirits was fo great, as had, before he could arrive there, fhuffled Bat in vain.
matters into ſo ſtrange a confufion, that it was utterly impoffible
to find out any way to compose them.
The Duke of Efpernon exasperated to the last degree, that the
Uuu 2
little
modet on
'betwixt
1
1
516
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
PART III
Anno little refpit he had fo modeftly defir'd, fhould be denyed him, and
1633. to find that the Archbishop would not a little bend by his exam-
ple; from that time forward excluded all thoughts of Re-
conciliation, and for the future only meditated how to fettle his
Conſcience in repoſe, by paying the refpect, and fubmiffion that
was due to the Church. To this end therefore he call'd an Affem-
bly of ſeveral Learned Divines in his own Houſe, to confult
about the Excommunication had been pronounc'd againſt the
Lieutenant of his Guards, and implicitely against himſelf. In
this Debate there were very few who did not conclude it altoge-
ther groundleſs; of particular Opinions therefore they drew up a
Publick Act, which being fubfcribed by all the Doctors, to the
number of more than thirty, was publish'd throughout the City,
to the end, they ſaid, that all Scandal and Scruple might be taken
away, which the Archbishops Excommunication might have
rais'd, and begot in the minds of the people.
1
*
But that which was defign'd for fo good an end, produc'd, as
we fhall fee, a very different effect. Amongst the Doctors, the
Duke had Affembled, there were feveral Religious, and other
Ecclefiafticks, who were under the Archbishops Jurifdiction ;
this Prelate therefore being ftrangely incens'd, to be abandoned
by his own Party, in a Cauſe wherein the Church was fo highly
concern'd, and impatient to have the Lye given him, by thofe
very men, by whofe advice (or the greateſt part of them at leaſt)
he had Publish'd his Cenfures, would once more call them toge-
ther, his defign therein being either to make them retract from
what they had ſubſcribed to in the Duke's favour, or to puniſh
them for having fubmitted themſelves to a Secular Power. He
therefore cited them to appear before him, by the publication of
an Ordinance, bearing date the 10th day of November 1633.
The Doctors, furpriz'd at this citation, were very much afraid
of their Metropolitan's Indignation, and ſome ſevere Chaſtiſe-
ment, that would be inflicted on them. This apprehenfion made
them fly to the Duke's Protection, who, to ſecure them, the ſame
day iffued out another Ordinance, wherein he prohibited all forts
of perſons, of what quality, condition, or profeffion foever, to
meet in an extraordinary Affembly, either in the Archbishops Pa-
lace, or elſewhere, without his efpecial Licence; excepting ne-
vertheleſs the Religious, and Ecclefiafticks immediately belong-
ing to the Archbishop's Congregation, and whofe Councils he
cuftomarily made ufe of, for the better ordering the Difcipline of
his Dioceſs. The Doctors, not yet believing themſelves fufficient-
ly fecur'd by this Edict, entreated the Duke that he would more-
over
.....
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
517
ד
over place the Archers of the Watch of the City upon all the
Avenues, and Gates of the Archbishops Palace, to hinder fuch as
would pretend to obey the Biſhops Summons. A requeſt the
Duke as readily granted, conceiving himſelf ſo far oblig'd in ho-
nour to protect them, that whatſoever could be repreſented to
him, to hinder that determination, the confequences whereof,
were in all probability like to be exceedingly untoward, it was
notwithſtanding.impoffible to divert him.
The Archbiſhop had no ſooner notice, that the Captain of
the Watch, with his Archers, had planted himſelf at his Gates;
but that immediately putting on his Pontifical Robes, and cauſing
himſelf to be follow'd by fome Ecclefiafticks, together with
what people he had about him, he went on foot out of the Houfe,
crying out in the Streets as he pafs'd along, To me my people, there is
no more Liberty for the Church. In this pofture he went to feveral
Religious Houſes of the City, gathering after him a great num-
ber of people (who ran from all parts to the Novelty) as he went
along, and in the end return'd back towards his own Palace,
without effecting any thing more, or being able to raiſe any
Commotion in the City.
*
Whilft all theſe things were in doing, the Duke was at the Ca
puchins, in one of the remoteft parts of the City, where
having news brought him by two Preſidents of the Parliament
of what had paſs'd, and of the danger there was, left the Arch-
biſhop ſhould ſtir up any Mutiny to the prejudice of the common
Safety; he was at laſt by them intreated to interpofe his Autho-
rity, and Wiſdom, for the confervation of the Publick Peace. In
the heat therefore this fudden intelligence had put him into, the
Duke ſpeedily mounted his Coach, commanding they ſhould
drive that way he heard the Archbishop was gone. He had in
company with him the Count de Maillé, and the Commendator
de la fustice, both of them men of very eminent Vertue, and in
whom he had a particular confidence: but in this fudden paffion
their Counfels could by no means prevail. The Duke made his
Coach-man ftill drive on, and through all, till he came near the
Archbiſhops Palace, whither he heard he was upon his return,
and where he overtook him. The Biſhop thus overtaken, ftill
continued on his pace, when the Duke having ftaid him by the
Arm, and demanded of him by what Authority he ftirr'd up
this Commotion in his Government, he was by the Archbishop
interrupted, who cry'd out aloud, Strike Tyrant, thy blows will be to
me Flowers, and Rofes, thou art Excommunicated. In the heat of this
buſtle, the Duke catching him by the hand, lifted it up twice, or
thrice,
Anno
1633.
+
518
PARTIII
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno thrice, and fet it againſt his Breaft: but in the end, the Archbi
1633. ſhop ſtill provoking him with injurious Language, and with his
Hat on, the Duke with a Cane he had in his hand, touch'd the
Brim of his Hat, and thruft it off his head to the ground, telling
him at the fame time, he did not know the refpect he ought him;
but if the Reverence to his Profeffion did not reftrain him he
would make him know it. Something worfe might perhaps have
pafs'd, had not the Count de Maillé, and the Commendator de la Ju-
Stice interpos'd, who ftepping in betwixt them, put an end to this
untoward buſtle, very much unbecoming both the one, and the
other.
After this action had thus pafs'd, the Duke return'd to his own
Houſe, and although he very well knew no good iffue could at-
tend it, manifefted notwithstanding no fhew of apprehenfion,
or repentance, difcourfing of it with his Friends (who were more
in fufpenfe than he himſelf appear'd to be, of what would be the
event) as of a thing of an indifferent nature, and a juft refent-
ment of an Affair wherein his Honour was concern'd. The
Archbishop was no fooner difingag'd from the Duke, but that
he forthwith repair'd to his Church, where he pronounc'd his
Sentence of Excommunication, both againſt him, and all thoſe
Excommu- who had been in company with him, prohibiting Divine Service
in all the Churches of the City, and alfo in that of Cadillac, by a
against the publick Act, I fhall forbear to Copy in this place, that I may not
importune my Reader.
The Sen-
tence of
nication
pronounced
Duke of
Efpernon.
This firft Spiritual Thunder-bolt having been darted by the
Archbiſhop, he had moreover recourfe to the Temporal Authori-
ty, very well foreſeeing, that if that did not juſtifie the Blow he
had already levell❜d at the Duke, it would be no very hard matter
for him to evade it, and to fruftrate any mortal effect by very per-
tinent, and powerful Reaſons. He fent away a diſpatch there-
fore to Court, wherein he gave Cardinal Richelieu an account of
the Violence had been offer'd to him; at which the Cardinal was
fo highly incens'd, that nothing now had power to appease him.
He therefore talk'd no more of attempting an Accommodation,
Villemontée's Commiffion (who had been ſent away upon their
firft difference to that purpoſe) was at an end, even before he
could arrive at the place; fo that nothing now was thought of,
fave how by the Kings Authority to enquire into the Riots con-
tain'd in the Archbishops Complaint: and his Majefty as Prote-
&tor, and eldeſt Son of the Church, was counfell'd by the Car-
dinal (particularly concern'd in the Affair, by the intereſt of his
profeffion, which he would render inviolable) to make a fignal
example
1
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
519
"
example of his Piety, and Justice, in the Perſon of the Duke of
Elpernon.
t
It is believ'd, that if the Duke had taken the fame courſe, the
Archbiſhop did, and had fent to Court in time to give his
Reaſons for what he had done, he had infinitely difcredited his
Adverſaries Cauſe; but it was for fome days impoffible to prevail
with him to do it. He ftill carried on the buſineſs with the fame
indifferency, ſaying to fuch as urg'd him to that courfe (with a
generofity fomething out of feafon at this time) "That he was
not to give an account of his Actions to any, but the King
"himſelf, which he was ready to do when-ever his Majeſty
"fhould pleaſe to call him to it: That he very willingly gave the
"ftart to fuch, as were diffident either of themſelves, or their
Cauſe, and that he had done nothing, but what he ought to
'do, for the maintenance of the King's Authority entruſted with
«him. So that carrying himſelf at the fame careleſs rate, it is
not to be imagined how much he fortified his Enemies fide by
his own negligence, nor how many advantages he gave him,
which he would otherwiſe perhaps never have obtain❜d, had not
he himself contributed to them.
"C
<<
•
Anno
1633.
In the end notwithſtanding for faſhions fake, he diſpatch'd
away one of the Souldiers of his Guards to Coutt, but it was not
of four days after the buftle; and then he did it after fuch a man-
ner, as made it appear it was rather out of complacency to his
Friends, who were importunate with him to that effect, than
out of any reſpect to his own Interefts. His Sons, who before
this Courriers arrival knew not what to oppofe to the Archbi- The Coure
ſhops Complaints, had now fomething to fay in their Fathers be- the Archbi
half: but it was impoffible for them to alter the Refolutions al- ſhop,
ready taken, or to fufpend the blow the King (who had his hand
already up) was ready to diſcharge upon him.
fides with
or Bordeaux
draw upan
Information
Whilft Affairs were debated with this heat at Cotirt, they were
carried on with no lefs violence at Bordeaux. The Parliament And the
there had taken cognizance of the Quarrel, and though the Duke Parliament
had ſeveral very good Friends in that Affembly, yet the number alfo, who
of thoſe who were not fo prevailing, and the news that came
every day from Court, to the Duke's difadvantage, having given against him.
mens minds very ill impreffions of the fuccefs of his Affairs the
;
Company could not be diffwaded from fending a Deputation to
the Archbishop, to let him know how highly they intereſted
themſelves in his Offenſe, and to make him a tender of all the
good Offices, they were capable to do him upon this occafion.
After which, from Offers, going on to Effects, they began to fall
to
+
+
520
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
7
Anno to fall to work, about drawing up an Information againſt the
1633. Duke, and notwithstanding he made feveral Proteftations to ap-
peal from the Parliament, as a Court prohibited in all his Cauſes,
nothing could ftop the Torrent of their proceeding; but they
would perfect what they had begun, as they did, and fo exactly
for the Court Palat, that they would hear talk of no other In-
formation.
The Duke
Signs his
Anfwer,
wherein he
Relation of
the whole
gives a true
buſineſs.
Villemontée, who had heard nothing before his departure of this
laft buſineſs, was gone, according to his Orders to Accommodate
the first, and was by this time arriv'd at Bordeaux. The Duke of
Efpernon knew him not, on the contrary he had been rendred ſuſ-
pected to him, by having been reprefented for a great Creature of
the Cardinals, and that was confequently like to be very partial
to the Archbishops fide; but the Duke, baving at their firft Con-
ference, found him much more fway'd by his Duty, than all
other Reſpects, he made no difficulty to repofe his entire Confi-
dence in this man's Vertue, and to give him a full account of the
whole action, to the end that he might draw up his anſwer in due
Form of Law, The Duke was fo generous, as herein to cauſe
every thing that had pafs'd to be laid open at length, and without
difguife; to which he would moreover add his Seal to confirm
it; and although it was often repreſented to him, by very un-
dei ftanding men, that ſo ingenious a Confeffion was not neceffa
ry, in an occafion wherein he ſaw his Adverfaries profecute with
fo much heat, and that in this caſe, his fingle Confeffion would
more prejudice his Caufe, than the Depofitions of all the Witneſ
fes could be produc'd against him; yet thofe Remonftrances
were not of force to diffwade him, he fmartly replying: That
he had not done an action to disavow it, and that whatever the
iffue might be, it would be much more ſupportable to him, than
the ſhame of being reduc'd to the neceffity of difowning any A&
of his life. It was in truth upon this fingle confeffion of the Duke's,
after the Parliaments Information had been fufficiently canvas'd,
that the Cardinal pronounc'd the Excommunication to be valid,
and right; and that the King was oblig'd both in Equity, and
Honour, to repair the Injury committed by one of his Officers of
that condition, againſt the Perfon, and Dignity of a Prelate,
and the whole Church.
The first reparation was a command the Duke received
in a Diſpatch from the King, to depart out of his Government,
and to retire to his Houſe of Plaſſac, which was in theſe
words.
Coufin,
+
BOOK X. the Duke of Efpernon.
521
1
ແ
((
“
CC
"
Coufin,
Anno
1633.
The Duke
from the
his Govern-
ment.
Having feen a Declaration of feveral Riots, whereof the
Archbishop, and the Clergy of Bordeaux highly complain to
Us; We have thereupon thought fit to ſend you this Letter, receives a
"which will be delivered you by the Sieur de Varennes, one of our Command
Gentlemen in ordinary, to tell you, We defire that immediate- King to de-
ly upon fight hereof you retire to your Houſe of Plaffac, and part out of
< there remain till our further Pleaſure. We do alfo fend to the
Archbishop, to fignifie to him, that it is our defire he come to
us, to the end we may be fully inform'd of the truth of what
"has paſs'd; purpofing in the mean time to fend one of our
"Council, to our faid City of Bordeaux, to enquire into, and
"to bring us thence a perfect Accompt of the bufinefs. The reft
"we refer to the faid Sieur de Varennes to communicate to you,
"whom you are in all things to believe; praying God Coufin,
c. At St. Germain en Laye this 18th. of November 1633. Sign'd
Lovis,
tr
And below
Philipeaux.
The Duke of Elpernon's Friends at Court, being inform'd of
the fevere contents of this Diſpatch, were not a little in doubt
after what manner he would receive it. They fear'd his great
Spirit, full of thoſe generous Maxims, which had for ſo many
years, and in ſo many froward occurrences fupported his Reputa
tion, and Fortune, would with great difficulty fubmit to Laws,
fo different from what they had been in former times. Amongſt
theſe the Cardinal de la Valette (a man as well read in the Court,
as any whatever of his time) upon this occafion laid afide the
complacency of a Son, to affume the aufterity of a faithful Advi-
fer, and writ to him to this effect, "That he did befeech him to
"look upon this Affair, as one of the greateſt Difficulty and Im-
portance he had met withal in the whole courfe of his life:
"That to avoid any inconveniences might befal him, he muſt
"immediately ſubmit to the King's Pleaſure, and Command,and
"refer the buſineſs wholly, and without reſervation to the Car-
"dinal, which was the only way to put a good end to this Dif-
pute. Monfieur de Seguier Garde des Sceaux, the Duke's inti-
mate friend, and a man that appeared more for his Intereft, than
the condition of the time feem'd conveniently to permit, did the
fame, writing him word, "That a prompt and abfolute Obe-
"dience was the only way whereby a caule, his Enemies Favour
"rendred generally difapprov'd, might be brought to a fucceff-
"ful iffue, but that without that, it was utterly impoffible for
"
CC
X x X
his
1
4
522
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
cc
his Friends, and Servants, to do him thoſe Offices were neceſſa-
1633. ry for the bringing of matters to any tolerable conclufion. All
the Duke's other Friends having confirm'd the fame thing, he evi-
dently ſaw, that he muft of neceffity obey; yet was it not with-
out an incredible violence upon his own Humour, and great Spi-
rit. He had at other times refifted the greateſt powers of the State,
when arm'd againſt him with the King's Authority, and Forces,
whereas now he ſaw himſelf reduc'd to ſubmit to four lines of
Paper; they made him indeed to depart out of his Government :
And though it be true, that in theſe latter Times, the Royal Au-
thority was rais'd to a more illuftrious height, than formerly it
had ever been; yet I do not know that any one has obferv'd a
greater example of his Power, than upon this occafion. All
France acknowledg'd the Duke, for the eminent qualities he was
mafter of, to be a man of the greatest Reputation of his Age;
he was poffefs'd of the greateft, and most important Govern-
ments of the Kingdom,powerful in Riches, Commands, Places,
Servants, and much more in his Children. His three Sons had all
of them great Offices, and great Employments, and yet with all
theſe advantages he was not able to refift four words; and then
it was, that he plainly faw a Subject had no way to fupport him-
ſelf in his Fortune, and Reputation, but by Obedience; and that
the Power of a King, manag'd as it ought to be, can meet no
difficulties, nor impediments, it cannot eafily mafter, and over-
come. He had ſeen a time, when by making a fhew of Refolu-
tion, or Diſcontent, men had fometimes obtain'd part of what
they defir'd, or at leaft defended themſelves from what they had
not a mind to do. Under the Reign of Henry the III, the di-
verfity of Factions, which then divided the State, had ſo weaken-
ed the Authority of the Sovereign, that he durft ſcarce pretend to
more than a voluntary Submiffion from his People: And Henry
the Great his Succeffor, by an exceſs of Bounty and good Nature,
had continued to do, what the other had been conftrain'd to by
inevitable Neceffity. This Mighty Prince was of ſo noble a Diſpo-
fition,that he would deftroy none; fo that,excepting the Marefchal
de Biron, who would have no compaffion of himſelf, almoſt all
the great men of the Kingdom, were either actually Rebels, or
highly Disobedient, without ever feeling either the Sword, or fo
much as the Hand of Juftice. The Regency of Queen Mary de
Medici, was equally moderate, and gentle, and the Tempeſts that
arofe in her time, being appeas'd with money, men did not only
offend ſecurely, but made moreover a profit of their Crimes.
The Marefchald Encre try'd to change thoſe milder into rougher
!
7
Maxims;
\
BOOK X
523
the Duke of Efpernon.
Maxims, but he loft himſelf in the practice of this premature fe.
verity. In the Miniftry of the Duke de Luines, there was no more
of violence, than in the preceding Reigns: the good fuccefs not-
withſtanding the Royal Arms, always had in all Enterprizes, du-
ring the time of his favour, made it plain, that there was nothing
his Majeſty could not with great facility effect in his own King-
dom. He had with great eaſe fuppreft the Queen Mothers Infur-
rection; he had invaded the Party of the Religion with very
great fuccefs, wherein having found their weakneſs by their dif
union amongſt themſelves, he was by that diſcovery encourag'd
to undertake their total ruine; and the Cardinal entring into the
Miniſtry in ſo favourable a juncture of Affairs, prefs'd the decli-
ning Faction fo home, that in a very fhort time he remov'd all
Obftacles, which could any ways oppoſe the Royal Authority,
or impede the eſtabliſhment of his own. The Party of the Reli-
gion was totally fupprefs'd, the Houſe of Auftria infinitely
weakened; all the other Princes who were ill affected to the
Crown, reduc'd to a neceffity of complying with whatſoever
was impos'd upon them; and thoſe of the Nobility who were ſo
bold, as to oppoſe the King's will, had been ſo roughly handled,
that not a man durft any more expoſe himſelf to the puniſhment
they all knew would inevitably follow the leaft forfeiture of their
Duty. It had been but of very late years, that this new form of
Government had been introduc'd into the Kingdom, and the
Duke was grown old in the practice of other Maxims : It is
not then to be doubted, but that it muſt needs be with great re-
pugnancy, and unwillingneſs, that he could Accommodate him-
felt to a thing fo unuſual, and fevere; he did notwithſtanding
do it, and without delaying time, or spending any more than
was requifite for the making of fome few Viſits, and taking leave
of his Friends, he departed out of his Government, fufpended
from his Functions, Excommunicated from the Church, and re-
duc'd to the converfation of his own Domefticks only. Though
in a condition ſo different from what it had formerly been, and
fo contrary to his ordinary way of living, he could not but be
very much afflicted, he nevertheleſs ſo well conceal'd his grief, that
he was not obſerv'd to be either more melancholy, or dejected,
than at other times; and he had fo great a command over his
paffions, as not to utter fo much as one word unbecoming
either his courage, or his piety, ever retaining in all things the de-
yout Reverence due to the Holy Church.
own
So oft as any one writ him word from Paris, that his Friends
could have wiſh'd he had retain'd a greater moderation, and re-
Xxx 2
ſpec
ما
Anno
1633.
524
The Hiſtory of the Life of
PART III
Anno fpect towards the perfon of a Prelate, he would ſtill maintain,
1633.
"That in repelling an injury done to the Royal Power, he had
"done no more than it was his Duty to do: That the King him-
"ſelf might proſtitute his Authority as he pleafed; but that as
"for him who was oblig'd in his Majefties Right to maintain all
"the Priviledges of his Command; he neither could, nor ought
to have done otherwiſe, than he did, and that he would ever do
"it, though he was thereby certain to forfeit, not only his Offices,
"and his Eftate, but alſo his Life.
The Duke
comes to
Plaffac,
where he
obferves
his Excom-
And fub-
mits to the
Churcht.
So foon as the Duke was arriv'd at Plaffac,, he began to ob-
ſerve his Excommunication, though he wanted not the advice of
feveral very
Learned Divines, who maintain'd it to be invalid,
and unjuſt; wherein his fubmiffion appear'd to all fo much the
munication. more to be commended, in that he was willing to undergo the
puniſhment of an Offenfe, he was not convinc'd he had commit-
ted. Thus banifh'd to a Countrey Houfe, where his only con-
folation fhould have been to have convers'd with his God, even
there alſo the doors of his Church were bolted againſt him; fo
that he affifted no more at Maffes as he had formerly ever done;
he moreover deprived himſelf of the participation of all the Sa-
craments: but he omitted nothing withal that might any ways
ſerve to manifeſt his refpect to the Holy Church, and her Mini-
fters. He made all the Proteftations that could be prevailing to
the vindication of the integrity of his Obedience, and to that
purpoſe ſent away an expreſs diſpatch to Cardinal Bichi,the Pope's
Nuntio in France; he fent alfo to Foitiers, where he knew the
Archbishop of Bordeaux had call'd together an Aſſembly of Pre-
lates, to make the fame Declarations; but it was all in vain and
it was decreed he ſhould undergo all, and all the ſevereſt Forms
of Penance, before he ſhould receive his Abfolution.
But as the Spiritual Authority was not arm'd againſt him alone,
and that it was not that (though he had it in the higheſt reverence)
he had the greatest reafon to apprehend; it was alfo neceflary for
him to employ his principal care, and endeavour, to divert the
Fury of the Royal Power, which was already diſplay'd againſt
The Duke him. To that effect therefore he diſpatch'd away the Count de
fends a Dif- Maillé to the King, with inftructions especially to folicite, that the
Commiſſioners his Majefty had made him hope for in his Dif
patch, might be fent away, that by the return of their Report,
his Majefty might be fully inform'd of the truth of his Actions:
but after the Information of the Parliament of Bordeaux, which
was altogether favourable to the Archbishop, the Court had no
ear left open, either to his Prayers, or Complaints; and the Car-
patch to the
King,
dinal
!
谭
​BOOK X. the Duke of Eſpernon.
525
dinal having folemnly efpous'd the Quarrel,and made it his own,
was fo far from permitting the Duke's Friends to difpute his
Will with their beſt Arguments, and Reaſons, that he would
fo much as endure any one fhould dare to propose them.
not
How great foever the Cardinal's paffion was herein, or how
great foever his Credit with the King, they were not however
fuch as could hinder the Duke,and the Cardinal de la Valette from
paying (with equal Generofity, and good Nature) the refpect
which by all forts of Obligation, they fo juftly ow'd to the Duke
their Father. The firft of which had no fooner notice of the Dif
his Father had with the Archbishop, but that he departed
pute
from Metz, to come first to Court, there to obferve the difpofiti-
on of things, and from thence to go to Plaffac, either to comfort
the Duke his Father in his Affliction; or to give him his beſt ad-
vice in his Affairs. As for the Cardinal his Brother, what depen-
dence foever he had at Court, he very often expos'd all that Inte-
reft, to perform his Duty, and fo far as to engage fometimes in
ſo hot Diſputes with the Cardinal Richelieu, that it was often be-
liev'd, they would never again be fo fully reconcil'd, that there
would not ftill remain a Core in the bofom of the one or the
other.
>
Anno
1633:
Paris.
ป
So foon as the Archbishop had got his Information perfected, The Arch-1
and fo well to his liking, that he conceiv'd his proofs could admit Bordea
biſhop of
of no Difpute, he departed from Bordeaux to go to Paris. Plaffac goes to
the place to which the Duke was retir'd, was in truth in his way
but not fo, that he might not without any inconvenience have
balk'd it; and all the world believ'd he would have been ſo civil
to the Duke's Disgrace as to have done it: he did not nevertheleſs,
but on the contrary, paſs'd along by the Park Wall after ſo bra-
ving a manner, that he made the noife of his Equipage rattle
againſt the very Walls of the Duke's Houſe. And then indeed it
was,that the Duke felt himſelf moſt ſenſibly wounded, and that this
Bravado had like to have tranfported him to fomething that might
have made the Archbishop's Caufe better than it was, by offering
to him fome fignal Violence. I was my felf a witness how much
ado he had to forbear; but his Friends and Servants repreſenting
to him the importance of the Action he was about, he in the end
gave way to their Reaſon, though I do believe with the greateſt
violence he committed upon himſelf,and his great Spirit,through-
out the whole progreſs of this troubleſome Affair.
The Archbiſhop was no fooner arriv'd at Court, but that all
the Prelates, who were then in Paris, aſſembled after unuſual
manner, to deliberate amongſt themſelves what was beft to be
an
done
Anno
1634.
1
526
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno done in the bebalf of their Brother; which Convocation the
1634. Duke of Efpernon had no fooner notice of; but continuing to do,
as he had formerly done, he fent to them his Proteftations of an
abfolute fubmiffion to the Holy Church. The Duke de la Valette
therefore, who was return'd back to Court, demanded Audi.
ence in the Affembly, in the name of the Duke his Father; which
being granted, he there laid down his Reafons before them, with
ſo much efficacy, and elocution, that of five and twenty Prelates
who were there preſent, thirteen were of opinion to take upon
them the quality of Judges, under the good pleaſure of the Pope,
and the King, the Duke having abfolutely fubmitted himfelt to
their Determination: but this refolution was not for the guft of
the Court; by this way the buſineſs would have been too foon
decided, and it was refolv'd the Duke ſhould pay much dearer
for his re-eſtabliſhment in his Offices and Commands. The next
day therefore what had been agreed upon the day before, was to-
tally overthrown, and Meßieurs the Prelates would by no means
accept the high degree of Judges, the Duke had fo fubmiffively
offer'd, but would humble themſelves to the qualities of fimple
Parties only. They affembled then again at the Archbishop of
Bordeaux his Palace, and from thence fent a Deputation to the
King, wherein the Archbishop of Arles was to ſpeak for the reft.
All that (they fay) was obſervable in the Biſhop's Oration, was
only an exceffive vehemency; in the heat whereof he made ufe of
all the odious terms he could invent, to allure his Majefties In-
dignation, and to poffefs him with the higheſt ſenſe of the Duke's
Miſdemeanour. Upon which occafion it was that Cafpian Biſhop
of Nantes, one of the greateſt, and moſt vertuous Prelates of his
time, cry'd out, That if it were poßible for the Devil to Jubmit
himſelf to God Almighty, to fuch a degree as the Duke did, he would
infallibly obtain pardon for all his Offenfes; and that notwithstanding
"the Church deny'd this Pardon to a Chriftian, who had ever ferv'd
"God and his Church. But neither this true Remonftrance, nor
any other whatſoever that could be offer'd in the Duke's behalf,
could produce any good effect to the compoſing of this Affair.
CC
re
He had very good intelligence of all the Severity was practis'd
to his prejudice; for although the greateſt Powers were declar'd
againſt him, he had notwithstanding friends in the Affembly, that
were fway'd by no other confideration, fave only the pure intereſt
of Piety and Juſtice. Of this number were the Archbishops of
Sens, and of Tholouze, the Bishop of Nantes; before mention'd,
that of Mans, of Beauvais, and fome others. Theſe Prelates ac-
knowledg'd by the whole Kingdom for men of great Merit, and
Example,
•
BOOK X. the Duke of Elpernon.
527
1
t
Example, no fooner had intelligence of what the rest of their
Order were contriving against the Duke, but that they came in
all hafte to Paris, to do him all the good Offices, the condition
of the time would permit : but there was an over ruling power,
that rendred all their endeavours fruitless; fo that after having
long fuftain'd the Torrent of Authority, that oppoſed their Rea-
fon, they were conſtrain'd at laft to give way to force, that ever
gives the Law to the beſt Arguments.
Anno
1634.
Upon the Complaints of the Clergy preferr'd to the King, by
the mouth of the Archbiſhop of Arles, his Majeſty commanded
that the Informations of the Parliament of Bordeaux ſhould be
put
into the hands of Lauzon, Maſter of Requeſts, to make his
Report. Villemontée, who was alſo at the fame time at Court, was
likewife order'd to give in his Anſwer; after which, and that the
Depofitions of the Witneffes, had been fufficiently canvas'd, the
Cardinal, who was prefent at the Council, was of opinion,
"That upon the Duke's fingle Confeffion contain❜d in his An- A Sentence
"fwer, he ought to be reputed Excommunicate,and as fo, that the against the
"King ought to declare him laps'd from all his Offices, and Dig- Efpernon.
nities, till by vertue of his Abfolution he fhould be re-united
"to the Church.
CC
Though the King's Sentences were by the Duke himſelf obey'd
with all manner of fubmiffion; his Friends, and Servants never-
theleſs did not forbear, even in the face of the Court, with many
powerful Arguments to move for his Quietus eft; of which Ar-
guments there were enow of themſelves, to make an entire Vo-
lumn: but I have nothing to do to tranfcribe them here, both in
regard they were of no advantage to the Duke at that time, and
that his intention remains fufficiently juftified, by his Refpect,
and Submiffions to the Church. The Cardinal de la Valette fail'd
not however to urge, and diſpute thoſe Reaſons, as he had ever
done; but not having been able to prevail, that the Clergy might
themſelves be Judges of his Father's Caufe; nor that the King
would pleaſe to take off the puniſhment he had impos'd upon
him, till after he ſhould be abfolv'd; The Duke was conftrain'd
to apply himſelf to the Court of Rome, first to obtain the re-
pofe of his Confcience, and after his Reftauration to his Offices,
and Commands.
1
Duke of
fends a Dif-
Rome to pro-
cure his Ab-
patch to
His Secretary was therefore diſmiſs'd from Plafsac to go to The Duke
Rome, furnish'd with ſeveral Diſpatches directed to feveral of the
principal perſons of that Court. The Duke's name, famous in
all parts of Europe, was with his Holiness in very great efteem;
he had had the honour to be acquainted with him in the time of
his
folution.
I
528
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
M
|
1
İ
Anno his Nuntiature in France, and he was then reputed no ill Catho-
1634. lick. His Holiness therefore very graciously receiv'd his Submif-
The Duke's
Affairs be-
cover a bet-
gin to dif-
ter face.
fions, and, contrary to the caftom of that Court, where delays
are very ufual (chiefly when the Authority of the Apoftolick See
in any Debate of Confequence, is concern'd) cutting off a great
many of the tedious Forms, caus'd the Expeditions neceffary for
the Duke's fatisfaction to be diſpatch'd, and ſent them away to
Cardinal Bichi, his Nuntio in France. So that, had the Refoluti-
ons of the Court of Rome at that time had lefs dependence upon
thoſe of France, the Duke had from thence obtain'd a ſpeedy, and
full fatisfaction. But ſo many rubs were on this fide the Alpes laid
in the way, that four whole months were laps'd, before the Duke
could receive his Abſolution, which when it came, was no other
neither than, Ad Reincidentiam, a term us'd by thoſe who treat of
fuch matters, when it is not a plenary Abſolution.
Who is it that, reading the progrefs of this Difpute,but muft ad-
mirethat a little Complement ill receiv'd, and a few words ill in-
terpreted, fhould grow to be one of the moſt important Affairs of
two of the greateſt Courts of Europe? I was very unwilling to
have been fo tedious in being fo particular: but others having re-
lated it ſo as they knew would pleaſe the Great Ones of that time,
who were no Friends to the Duke, I thought my felf oblig'd to
render here an account of things as they truly pafs'd: which if
it will not here abfolutely excufe the Duke for being in his fudden
paffion too violently tranſported against an Ecclefiaftical Perfon,
it will at leaſt ſerve to manifeft the refpe&t he bore to the Church,
and to a Dignity he ever had in the higheſt Reverence, and
Efteem.
From this time forward the Duke's Affairs began to appear
with a much better face at Court, his Sons having by their dili-
gence, and diſcretion ſo moderated Cardinal Richelieu's heat, that
nothing remain'd to do, fave only how to contrive a durable Re-
conciliation, and from this breach (as it often falls out) to derive
an occafion of infeparably uniting their two Families The Car-
dinal notwithſtanding would firſt have his Will: he had (as has
been faid) in the Year 1632. defir'd that the Duke would demiſe
his Government of Metz in his favour; wherein, having not
met with that complacency he expected, he must now be fatif
fied. Neither would promiſes ferve the turn, the laying down
the Government of this place muft alfo precede the Abfolution,
the Cardinal being by no means to be perfwaded to confent, that
the Duke ſhould be allow'd to be a Chriftian to God, and his
Church, whilſt he continued a Rebel to him. Yet was it not
never-
BOOK X.
4
the Duke of Eſpernon.
529
.
Anno
1634.
nevertheleſs at this time to make any private advantage of this
Demiſſion, he had alter'd that defign; and the poffeffion of Metz
feeming to be fuperfluous, in the affurance he had of the King's
Favour, which he thought he had abfolutely acquir'd by the ne-
ceffity of his Service, the fole end, he could in all apparence pro-
poſe to himſelf herein, was, to let the world fee, that no one
was thenceforward to contend with him, and by an example of
this nature to eſtabliſh his Authority over all the other great men
of the Kingdom. The place however only chang'd the hand
without going out of the Family, it being transferr'd to the Car- An Alliance
dinal de la Valette; as the Duke his Brother was made choice of with the
by a Marriage wholly to piece up, what the late Diſorders had pod.
difunited. And then it was that they began in good earneſt to
treat about a plenary Abfolution, of the fatisfactions were to be
made to the Church, and other things that were of courſe to pre-
cede the Duke's Reftauration to his Offices, and Commands.
Duke pro-
But before I proceed to the conclufion of this Affair, it will
not I conceive be impertinent, to give an account of two palfa-
which will render the Duke's conftancy, and generoficy high-
ges,
ly confiderable, even in the greatest cloud of his Difgrace; the
firft whereof was this. In the time that the Court Perfecutions
were moſt violent againſt the Duke, many of his Enemies, both
of the Parliament of Bordeaux, and other parts of the Province,
out of a vanity of Generofity, would needs offer themſelves to
be reconcil'd to him, believing that in fuch a time of affliction
he would be more flexible to an Accommodation,and that ſeeing
how many Enemies he had to deal withal, he would be glad: to
leflen their number; atleaft they doubted not but he would re-
ceive into his Favour, and good Opinion, thoſe who in ſo malig-
nant a Juncture ſhould out of the fole reſpect to his Per
ſon, and Vertue, offer their Service to him: but he on the contra-
ry apprehending, that to appear facile to Reconciliations in a
time of difgrace, would be interpreted weakness, and want of
Spirit, fent them word, "That he could not deny his Friendſhip
to fuch as fhould defire it of him, in a time when he ſhould be
in a capacity to oblige them; but that he would never recon-
cile himſelf to receive any good Offices from any, who had not
"been his Friends. And he remain'd fo conftant to this refolu-
tion, that he was never to be perfwaded to alter it, what prudent
confiderations foever could be laid before him to that effect..
tr
4
The other thing was a Propofition made to him by a Letter
from Paris, writ by an unknown hand, Seal'd with an unknown
Seal, and without Superſcription. In this Letter there was pro
Yyy
pounded
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
530
Anno pounded to him an infallible way to cut off Cardinal Richelieu,
1634. his worst, and implacable Enemy, and bent to his ruine (which
were the express terms of the Letter.) He who was the Author of
this deſign deliver'd himself to be a Gentleman of Lorain, and an
Engineer, who for this piece of Service would demand no more,
but fix hundred Piſtols only, three hundred in hand, and the reft
when he had done his bufinefs. The Duke had the very thought
of ſo great a wickedness in the greatest horror, and deteftation;
and what cauſe ſoever of unkindneſs, or offenfe he might have
againſt the Cardinal, he had his perfon notwithſtanding in very
great eſteem
efteem; which had it been lefs, or that his Animofity had
been greater, it is moſt certain, that he would never have choſen
fo baſe a way to his Revenge. He therefore burnt the Letter with-
out ſpeaking a word of it to any, fave one of his Domeſticks on-
ly, though the Propofition was thrice repeated. The Servant the
Duke was pleas'd to entrust with this fecret, obferving with what
obftinacy the Villain perfever'd in his damnable refolution, did
very rightly judg, that it was not to the Duke alone he would
diſcover his treacherous intent', well foreſeeing he would fay as
much to all the great men of the Kingdom, that he thought to
be diſcontented, and that in the end he would be trap'd, as it fell
out. That if then he ſhould accufe the Duke to have hearkened
three times to his Propofition, without making any diſcovery of
it, his filence in fuch a cafe might pafs, in the Cardinal's Opinion,
for a tacit confent. He was therefore of advice that the Duke
fhould acquaint the Cardinal with it; but it was impoffible to
perfwade him to that refolution, whilft he was in difgrace. He
always profefs'd that he would never confent to the death of an
Enemy by ſo infamous a way: but that withal he would not give
him that advantage, to perfwade himſelf that he had invented this
Artifice (he not being able to produce the Author) by that pittiful
way to feek his Favour. The business then refted in this pofture,
till after the Duke's return to Bordeaux, that he was reltor❜d to his
Government; when the fame perfon, perfifting in the fame
wicked defign, and importuning the Duke to accept his offer,
without fecurely fleeping (which were his own words) under the
diffembled fhew of a counterfeit Reconciliation, he then yielded
to the advice of the Duke de la Valette his Son, who was now.
with him, and at his perfwafion refolv'd in the end to ſend his
Letters to the Cardinal de la Valette, to communicate them to
Cardinal Richelieu. And they could not have been fent in a better
time, for the fame propoſals that had been made to the Duke,
having alſo been tendred to the Dutchess of Lorain, ſhe had dif
cover'd
1
BOOK X.
531
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
cover'd them to the Cardinal, who, being alarm'd with the con-
formity of theſe Intelligences, fet fpies upon the actious of him 1634.
that propos'd them. He was therefore Arrefted upon the marks
he had given of himſelf in his Letters; neither was there any
thing, how daring foever, that might not be expected from the te-
merity of this man. He was known to have been formerly a Ser-
vant to the Duke de la Valette, and for one of the moſt reſolute
fellows of his time, of which at his being taken he gave notable
proof, having kill'd two men of feven that came to apprehend
him, and dangerouſly wounded two more? but in the end, gor'd
with Wounds, he was taken, and had life enough left to end his
days upon a Gibbet.
cluded with
Some of theſe things having hapned before the overtures of
Agreement, we are now to continue the thred of our Diſcourſe,
where it was broke off before. The Cardinal de la Valette there- The Alli-
fore purfu'd the conclufion of this Treaty with great vigour, and ance con-
fo as that he had concluded the Marriage of the Duke de la Valette the Duke
his Brother, with the eldest Daughter of the Marquis de Pont-Cha- de la Valette.
fleau, a match that was to be the main tye of this Accommodati-
on. This Lady, who was Neece to the Cardinal, and one of
the beſt Families in Britany, equally confiderable, both for the
rare Endowments of her Perfon,and the advantages of her Con-
dition, was fought after by all the great men of the Court; but
the Cardinal her Uncle, having long had a defign to engage the
Duke, and his, in the Interefts of his own Fortune, and Great-
nefs, preferr❜d the Duke de la Valette above all other perfons that
pretended to her.
So foon as this Affair, which put an end to all the reft with
Honour, and cut off all difficulties whatever, was agreed upon,
the Duke de la Valette, who had been fent for to Court to con-
clude it, return'd back'again to the Duke his Father, to ask his
confent. The Duke gave it.him 'tis true, but that also was all: and
although this Match had been made for no other end, than meer-
ly to difingage him from thoſe troubles wherewith he was in-
volv'd, he would notwithstanding grant no more, than his com-
placency only, nothing more being to be obtain'd of his ſevere,
and untractable humour, but a generous denial. He faid; "That
"he had efteem enough for the perfon, who was to enter into his
“ Alliance, to gratifie her with a good ſhare of his Eſtate, which
"in due time he would alfo do, but that he had much rather con-
"tinue in the pofture he then was all the days of his life, than
"that it fhould be faid he had redeem'd himſelf by his money, or
"by Bribes been reftored to his Command.
re
Yyy 2
What
#
+
532
PART III.
The Hiſtory of the Life of
Anno
Abfolution
on.
What offenſe ſoever the Cardinal took at this difobliging carri.
1634. age of the Duke, he proceeded notwithſtanding to the accom
plifhment of the intended Match; which being done, he dif-
patch'd away the Abbot de Courfan, one of the Ecclefiafticks in
his dependence, with Orders from the King to end all Differen-
ces. Wherein the Archbishop had order to give the Duke his Ab-
folution, as the Duke alfo had his, about what he was to obferve
The Duke's in the receiving of it. The Cardinal had a defire that the Cere-
refsived up. mony might have been perform'd in the Chappel of his Caſtle of
Coutras, that his Houſe might have been rendred famous by fo
memorable an action: but the Archbishop would never confent
to have it done there; on the contrary obftinately infifting, that
he would have it at the Gates of the Parish Church of that place,
and in the face of all the people; wherein although Cafpian at that
time Biſhop of Nantes, and de Efprüets now Bishop of Saint
Papoul, who were the Mediators of the Duke's Interefts with the
Archbiſhop, endeavour'd all they could to conquer this refoluti-
on, it was all in vain. The Duke, who, for a nicity like that, would
not defer the accompliſhment of an Affair, which through ſo ma-
ny difficulties had been brought on to the pafs it then was, con-
quering his own humour, fubmitted in the end to all the Archbi-
fhop could defire. But it was withal an odd beginning of a Re-
conciliation, the two Parties before they parted from the place,
being perhaps more diffatisfied with one another, than they had
The Abfo-
lution.
been before.
The day for the Abſolution being appointed, the Duke of Ef-
pernon, attended by the Duke de la Valette, and feveral perfons of
quality, went to Coutras ; where being come, the Archbishop,
who was already there, accompanied with his Ecclefiafticks,
went first to the Church, where the Duke following after, and
preſenting himſelf before him, kneel'd down upon a Velvet Cu-
Thion, laid ready for that purpoſe. In this poſture, and in the
preſence of five Councellors of the Parliament of Bordeaux,
who were, by the King's Order to be affifting at this Ceremony,
the Archbiſhop pronounc'd his Abfolution in theſe words.
Et Ego Authoritate Ecclefiæ, & eâ quâ fungor,abfolvo te vinculo Ex-
communicationis, quam incurrifti; quia immunitatem Ecclefia mea Me-
tropolitanæ perfregiſti; manum armatam militum, ut me currumque
meum in via fisterent, mififti; Statione dispofitâ Palatium noftrum
vallafti, Jurifdictionem Ecclefiafticam violafti, eámque tibi arrogafti;
Nos, Clerumque noftrum infignibus, & indignis contumeliis affecifti:
In nomine Patris, & Filij, &c.
Though
1
Врок Х. the Duke of Efpernon.
533
1
"
Anno
Though the Duke was no great Latinift, he had nevertheleſs ſo
much, as to underſtand many words of this Abfolution,by which 1634.
he obſerv'd, they were not according to the ordinary ftyle of the
Church; ſo that (as he afterwards faid) he was once going to
interrupt the Archbishop, as he was fpeaking: but being un-
willing to do any thing that might either look like an Irreverence
to the Church, or retard the fatisfaction he hop'd for, both as to
his Conſcience and Affairs after the buſineſs was done, he per-
mitted him to proceed, choofing rather to paſs for an indifferent
• Clerk,than to play the Doctor out of time, and to his own preju
dice The Abfolution being paſs'd, there were mutual Vifits to be
paid, wherein the Duke in Obedience to the King's Order, began
firft, and went to give the Archbiſhop thanks for his Abfolution;
a civility that was foon return'd by the Archbiſhop: but with ſo
much coldness on both fides,that it was eafie to judg this Reconci-
liation was likely to beget no very good intelligence betwixt them.
In plain truth the Duke could not digeft the Severities the Archbi-
ſhop had made him undergo, which he interpreting to be done
out of a premeditared defign to provoke him to fomething that
might either hinder, or defer his Abfolution, he was much more
fenfible of thoſe publick Manifeſtations of his ill will, than of
any obligation for the involuntary Grace he had imparted to him.
There enfu'd therefore, and that immediately upon the Abfo-
lution, high complaints on both ſides ; of which upon the inſtant
Relations were made, and whereof thoſe of the Duke were
great
juftified by the teſtimony of the Abbot de Coursan, who,by ſeeing
how hardly he had been dealt withal, was become altogether of
his Party: But whilft thefe Remonftrances were upon their way
to Court, the Duke, to divert himſelf, took a turn into his Terri-
tories of Angoumois, beginning now to make uſe of that liberty,
which, by his Reconciliation to the Church, was once more his
own. At his return from this little Journey, by an expreſs Cour-
rier from Court, he receiv'd his Majefties Orders to return into
Guienne: neither could they have been couch'd in more obliging
terms, there being therein not one fyllable of any thing that had
pals'd; and the King's Letter,without fpeaking of any re-establiſh-
ment, which would have prefuppos'd a former Sufpenfion, con-
taining only theſe words.
CC
CC
Coufin,
Having confider'd how much your preſence may be néceffa-
ry in my Province of Guienne, that you may have an eye to fuch
Occurrences as may happen there, I have thought fit to write
you
1
534
PARTIN.
The Hiflory of the Life of
Anno
1634.
CC
(c
tr
CC
you this Letter, to let you know, that I defire, and fhall be
"well pleas'd that you go thither, to the end you may there con-
tinue the Functions that belong to the Authority of your Com-
mand, as you have formerly done; and to take care that all
things be continued in the good condition they ought to be, for
the fafety, and confervation of the faid Province in my Obe-
"dience. Wherein being affur'd you will acquit your felf, with
your accuſtomed vigilancy, and care, and refting fecure in the
"abfolute confidence, I have ever repos'd in your Fidelity, and
good Affection, I fhall fay no more, but only affure you of my.
"Affection. Praying God, &c. From Saint Germain en Laye this
first.of October, 1634. With this there were other Difpatches
ſent, directed, both to the first Prefident d'Agneſſeau, that he
might acquaint the Affembly with his Majefties intention, and
allo to the Jurats of the City; which the Duke having fent away
The Duke fome days before his departure from Plaffac, he himself followed
of Efper foon after, and return'd into his Government, more honour'd,
and eſteem'd, for having ſo handſomely difingag'd himſelf from
this troubleſome Affair, than if it had never been. Men (as it
uſually happens) foon forgot all the Difgraces he had undergone,
to confider how great his Credit muft neceffarily be; who of all
the Great Perſons of the Kingdom, whofe Fortunes had been fo
rudely affaulted, alone kept himſelf upright, and entire, in ſpight
of all his Enemies, or all they could contrive against him. All
thoſe, who had been unkind to him, fued to be reconcil'd to his
Favour; and the Duke de la Valette, who would by no means leave
him, till all things were abfolutely fettled to his own defire, be-
came their Mediator; by that means re-establishing matters in fo
good a poſture, that for the future there was more repofe to be ex-
pected for the Duke his Father, than he had ever yet enjoy'd, fince
he had first taken poffeffion of the Government of Guienne.
Eſpernon
returns into
Guienne.
The End of the Tenth Book.
THE
r
$35
THE
HISTORY
1
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Eleventh Book.
J
1
•
T was not fortunate to the Duke alone, but as
much at leaſt to the Province, and the whole
Kingdom, that he was at this time reſtor❜d to
his Command; the firft whereof, without his
Valour, and Wiſdom, had been in manifeſt
danger, and the other embroyl'd in no con-
temptible diſorders: but by his Prudence and generous Conduct,
he brought them both fo brave, and ſo ſeaſonable a relief, that
what we are now about to deliver, makes up no ſmall part of the
principal Actions of his Life.
Anno
1635.
He was no fooner arriv'd in Guienne, but that feveral Com- The Sediti
ons of Gul-
plaints were preſented to him, of the Infolence fome Officers who
enne, their
Farm'd the Crown Revenues of that Province exercis'd over the birth and
progrefsa
King's Subjects. The people were no longer able to fupport their
Exactions, and their Poverty, which is ordinarily accompanied
with deſpair, had ſo ſtirr'd them up, that they were ready to rufh
into Arms, and to ſhuffle all things into confufion. The Duke
could have been glad, the Court would have order'd fome mode-
`ration
.
536
PARTIII.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno ration in theſe Impofitions to have prevented thoſe miſchiefs,
1635. which are uſually the iffue of general Diſcontent, and the certain
ww effects of popular fury; and to that end had made fo many feve-
سما
The Duke
of hfperion
falls tick.
t
ral Remonftrances to the Council, and urg'd them ſo home, that
what he did for a good, that as much refpected the King's Ser
vice, as the Publick Intereft, was in the end fo misinterpreted,
as to turn to his own difgrace: Seeing therefore he could by his
Prayers, and Importunities, prevail nothing with the Court, he
was neceffitated to make uſe of the Authority he had in the Pro-
vince, to prevent a total Revolt, to which the generality of men
were too vitibly inclin'd. Wherein his conduct was guided by fo
admirable difcretion, that what by convincing fuch by Reafon, as
were capable of it, by feeding fuch by Hopes, as would be ſatiſ
fied with them, and threatning Punishment to thofe,who would
be ſatisfied with neither, he for a long time continued all things
in a pretty quict condition.
of a
+
He practis'd theſe gentle and eafie Remedies, during the courſe
a very troubleſome Diſeaſe he had fall'n into preſently after
his return from Plaffac. His abode, and folitude in his Houſe, to-
gether with the hard meaſure he had receiv'd, had not lighted up-
on a heart infenfible of wrong; nor had committed no ordina
ry violence upon his generous fpirit: and although, by a wonder-
ful Victory over his own Paffions, he had ſuppreſs'd his diſcon-
tent from breaking out to the discovery of thoſe about him; it-is
notwithſtanding to be believ'd, that the more he fmothered his
fire, the more it niuft of neceffity burn him within, and dif-
compofe his natural Conftitution. He fuffer'd therefore by the
heat of Urine fo intolerable, and fo unintermitted pains, as fcarce
gave him any truce of repofe; in which Diftemper, that which
was moſt remarkable was, the Remedies they made use of for
his Recovery, for of eighteen days together, that his Infirmity
continued, he drank nothing but cold water, and of that fo pro-
digious a quantity, that I do not think any ftomach in the world,
but his, could have digefted fo much crudity: He was moreover
very often put into cold Baths; fo that all the art and induftry
of his Phyficians was wholly employ'd to qualifie the ebullient
Blood of a young man of fourfcore and four years old.
J
217
He was scarcely deliver'd of his pain, when he was forced to
attend the Affairs of his Government with greater diligence, and
care than at any time before. The King, from the beginning of
the year having taken a refolution to fall out with Spain, would
not however engage in that War, before he had well, and particu-
larly examin'd the condition and ſtrength of his Kingdom; to
be
+
!
7
.
BOOK XI.
537
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
be therefore well inform'd of the State of Guienne, the greateſt, Anno
and beft of all his other Provinces, he writ to the Duke in March, 1635.
to fend him a true account of what number of men he could for
time of need draw out of his Government, and how many men
of Command he might relye upon to bear Office in his Armies:
to which the Duke return'd Anfwer, that, although within eight
months time above eighteen thousand men had been fent out of
the Province, as by the Mufter Rolls annex'd to his Difpatch, his
Majeſty might perceive, there might yet be a very great number
rais'd, provided the Affections of the People were diſcreetly ma-
nag'd by ſome good uſage; that his Majeſty would alſo find a
great many Gentlemen of Quality, and capable of Command, An account
(of which he fent a Lift of above fixſcore) but that the greateſt of the For-
part of them were fo neceffitous, that (to his great grief) he durft
not promiſe to himſelf from their inability, all that his Majeſty
might expect from their good will: by which Abstract let any one
judg of the Forces of the Kingdom, and what a King of France may
propoſe to himſelf, having the Love, and Affection of his Sub-
jects.
The Duke, who knew by a long experience, what ftrange ef
fects the good will of the people was able to produce, never
ceas'd importuning the King to husband it, by granting fome re-
dreſs to their Oppreffions; which though he always did, after the
moſt humble, and reſpective manner could be imagin'd, it not-
withſtanding wrought no effect, but to his own prejudice: in-
fomuch that, without receiving any Anſwer to his real Remon-
ftrances, he was often prefs'd by very fevere diſpatches, to be aſ-
fifting in the execution of feveral Edicts.
ces of Gui
enne.
upon the
dition in
L
Amongſt all thoſe that were fet forth at this time, the lighteſt, The Excife
and moſt inconfiderable was, that of the Exciſe upon the Victu- Victuallers
allers; it brought in very little profit to the King, and was no begets a Se
burthen to the grofs of the people; none but the Victuallers them- Bordeaux.
ſelves were concern'd in it: this fort of men nevertheleſs, having
not much to fave, did fo much the lefs care to hazard the lofing of
all. Some therefore of the moſt Seditious amongst them having
upon the fourteenth of May put themſelves in the Head of an un-
ruly Rabble, gather'd together at the first of all a Body of betwixt
four and five hundred men. Some perfons of note endeavour'd
to oppoſe this firſt Diſorder; but theſe being too few to extinguiſh
the flame, ferv'd only to make it mount to a greater, and more
formidable height. Defaigües a particular Servant of the Duke's, The first ef
and of one of the best Families in the City, bore the firft brunt fects of the
of the peoples fury; he had attempted by threats to have
Zzz
brought
Poplar
Fury.
538
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
Anno brought them to a fence of their Duty; but thefe Bruits incapa-
1635. ble of Reaſon, were fo exafperated at the very name of Puniſh-
ment, that they ran immediately to Arms, when having forc’d
Officer be-
Houfhold,
that fets
l' Hostel de Ville, whither Defaigües had retir'd himself, they there
in the first place Maffacred him; neither was he the only man
* Prevost de that tafted of their violence, an Archer belonging to the Prevost
Hoftel, an de b Floftel, that the Partners had fubftituted, for the gathering
longing to in of this Impoft, with five, or fix other perfons concern'd in the
the King's fame Employment, had the fame meaſure. The Jurats at the
firft rumour of this Tumult, had caus'd the Captains of the City
rates upon to take Arms for the defence of l'Hostel de Ville, which the peo-
the fame I ple threatned to affault, who accordingly did indeed put themselves
fuppofe into ſome poſture of defence: but being preſently befieg'd, and
hem'd in on all fides, by the multitude, foon capitulated, and
retir'd. This firft fuccefs having by the eafinefs thereof, increas'd
the inſolence of theſe rafcally people, they in a moment over-ran
the whole City, fo that in less than two hours time, they had
got together betwixt four, and five thousand people.
Victuallers;
with one of
our Officers
of the
Green-
cloth. A
Clerk of
the Market.
*
દ
So foon as the Parliament faw the Sedition increaſe to fuch a
formidable height, they endeavour'd to ſtop the progress of it, by
iffuing out an Act for the fuppreffion of the Edit: but the Mu-
tineers believing (as it was true) that nothing, but the fole terror
which had poffefs'd all the Orders of the City, had procur'd this
Arreſt in their favour, raiſing their Impudence higher, upon the
preſumption of this Fear, would not fo much as fuffer it to be
Publiſh'd; and the Multitude was feen to hurry up and down
the Streets after that audacious and threatning manner, as very
much affrighted all the well difpos'd Inhabitants of the City.
At the beginning of this uproar the Duke was at Cadillac in a
courfe of Phyfick, for the confirmation of his health, which he
had not yet perfectly recover'd; where he was very much furpriz'd
to ſee in the cloſe of the evening a Courrier come in, that the firft
Prefident d' Agneffeau, had caus'd to fteal privately out of the Ci-
ty, to bring him the firft news of this Infurrection, of which he
writ him a Letter in theſe terms.
''
it
My Lord,
"I write you this Ticket in hafte from the Palace (where I
now am with ſome other Members of the Parliament, and a
Jurat, and from whence I am advis'd by my Friends not to
ftir) to give you notice of the Sedition is rais'd in the City,
"about the eſtabliſhment the Sieur de la Forest Archer to the
Grand Prevost was about to make of an Excife upon the Vicu-
cr
allers.
BOOK XI. the Duke of Efpernon.
539
"allers. To ftop the torrent of which Diſorder, though the Par- Anno
"liament have granted out an Arreft of Sufpenfion, it is notwith- 1635.
"ſtanding ſo violent, that way will do no good. So that we are
"here in very great danger, which makes me fend you this
"prefs Meffenger, humbly to befeech you with all poffible ſpeed
"to
to interpoſe his Majeſties Authority, and your own to appeaſe
"this tumult. A favour that I in my own particular have fome
"reaſon to hope for from you, being as I am,
Bordeaux, May 14. 1635, at three
of the Clock in the afternoon.
My Lord, c.
ex-
The Duke had no fooner receiv'd this Diſpatch, but that he
order'd Letters to be fent forthwith to fome Gentlemen there-
abouts, whilſt himſelf took order for the raifing fome men
amongt his own Tenants to accompany him the next day to the
City. In the mean time he diſpatch'd away la Roche the Captain
of his Guards the fame night to the first Prefident, to affure him
of the ſpeedy relief he was preparing for him, and to inform
himſelf more particularly of the ftate of the City.
Whilft he was bufie about this preparation, he had news
brought, that the Rebels drunk with Wine, and tir'd with the
work of the day, were in the evening retir'd every man to his
own houſe, with a refolution to be quiet, provided no notice
might be taken of what was pafs'd. Had things remain'd in this
condition, their offence, though very great, might have had
fome colour of excufe: but theſe people at their awaking, puff'd
Sedition.
with the fuccefs of their laft days temerity, broke out again The Pro-
up
the next morning into new, and greater Fury than before. In grefs of the
which heat they drew up a Lift of above four hundred of the
beſt Families of the City, under the Title of Gabellers: In which
Lift many of the principal Members of the Parliament were
compriz'd, and the reft were all Citizens of the beſt quality; all
which the night following they intended to Maffacre, and to rifle
their Houſes.
The Parlia
to quicken
The Duke had preſent notice of this defign. The Officers of
Parliament,aftoniſh'd at the extreme danger they faw themſelves ment fends
expos'd
unto, had diſpatch'd to him in all haſte Lacheze, and Bou- to the Duke
caut, two young Counsellors whom they knew to be acceptable his hafte.
to him, to befeech him to make hafte to the City. Theſe Gen-
tlemen gave him an account of the condition the Town, and the
infinite peril all good men were in; declaring withal that their
Lives, and Fortunes depended upon his Prefence, and Protection.
Zzzz
Thefe
I
1
540
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
;
Anno Theſe two Deputies found the Duke juſt ready to ſet out, as they
1655. came
he therefore took them into his Coach, and his Houſe
being but five Leagues diftant from the City, arriv'd there the
fame day, which was the 16th. in very good time.
The Duke's
peaſes the
tumult.
The Authority and Power, that the efteem of an extraordina-
preſence ap- ry Vertue exerciſes over the minds of men, is hardly any where
more remarkable, than upon this occafion; there being not one,
even of the moſt Seditious, who did not manifeft fhame, and re-
pentance for his paft offences. They were no more the fame men,
who had determin'd to cut throats, and to plunder the richeſt
houſes the enſuing night; infomuch that even the very Incendia-
aries themſelves came, mix'd with the honefte ft Burgers of the
Town, to meet, and receive their Governour, a great way with-
out the Gates of the City, with Acclamations that founded no-
thing but Obedience, and Submiffion.
·
With this general applaufe, the Duke went to alight at the Ho-
fel de Ville, which was in his way, and which he found in a mi-
ferable plight, the Gates burnt down, the Infcriptions defac'd, the
Windows broken, the Priſons ſet open, and all things as in the
defolation of a City taken and fack'd by a Forein Enemy.
After having taken the beft order he could for the fecuring the
Hoftel de Ville, he retir'd himſelf to his own Houfe; and thus far
all things look'd well: but afterwards his defign being to proceed
about the late tumult, rather by moderate, and gentle, than by
fevere and exemplary ways, (the firft being at this time the fafeft,
and beft, if they could fucceed) the Mutineers began to gather
heart from their impunity, and to believe they were fear'd. No-
thing therefore being ſo ſweet, and tempting, as Dominion, and
Power, to thofe who are not acquainted with it, theſe men would
by no means ſo foon lay down, that which they had fo rebelli-
ouſly taken up, and which they thought with their great num-
bers, they could ſo eaſily maintain. They began then to affemble
themſelves anew, giving out terrible threats of what ftrange
things they would do, by which the Duke judging they would
from high words, doubtless proceed to fome mischievous effects;
he fent the Court an account of all the evil difpofitions he had
obferv'd, not only in the fpirits of the Inhabitants of the City,
but alſo of the whole Province; defiring withal the affiftance of
fuch Forces, as might be fufficient to remedy the evil he faw was
already as good as concluded. But all his Remonftrances were
neglected, they thought he only made this his pretence to Arm
and fortifie himſelf in his own Government; and the defign of
the Court being to keep him weak, and difarm'd, they rather
-
chofe
i
+
}
1
!
1
BOOK XI.
the Duke of Efpernon.
541
Anno
choſe to expoſe the Province to the danger of popular Sedition,
than to enable him with Honour to maintain the King's Autho- 1635.
rity, and Intereſt...
open Arms
The Duke feeing himſelf thus naked, and alone, did very well
judg he ſhould not in this pofture be able to fupprefs the Faction;
fo that their inſolence daily more and more increas'd, till in the
end either ſtirr'd up with the fear of being made examples, prom
pted on with the avarice of booty, or allur'd with the fole appe- The people
tite of ill doing, without danger of puniſhment (which to ab- run into
ject minds is no ſmall temptation) they betook themſelves open-
ly to Arms; and after many infolent Diſcourſes, and ſeveral Tic-
kets ſcatter'd up and down the Streets, to excite the people to Se-
dition, they canton'd, and fortified themſelves in one part of
the City, whereof they poſſeſs'd themſelves of the half, and, by
making great Barricado's upon all the Avenues, made themſelves
abfolute Mafters of it. Within this Precinct there were five
Gates, ſeveral Churches, with fome Towers, and Fortifications
which were joyn'd to the City; all which they had carefully pro-
vided for, and were therein fo well accommodated, that it feem'd
to them impoſſible they fhould be forc'd, having many more men
than were neceſſary to defend their Works.
This diſorder hapned the 15th of June, it began about ten of
the Clock in the morning, and the Duke had notice of it pre-
fently after Dinner; upon which Intelligence judging that a Se-
dition of this high nature, and premeditated as this was, was not
to be tolerated without manifeft danger both of the City, and the
whole Province, and a very great diminution both of the King's
Authority, and his own; he forthwith commanded thoſe Gen-
tlemen he had about him to mount to Horſe, and la Roche the
Captain of his Guards to put himſelf in the head of his Compa- The Duke
nies on Foot; with which inconfiderable number himſelf, with almost alone
out further deliberation, went out about one in the afternoon, to
execute one of the boldeft actions he ever undertook in his whole them.
life.
Neither would he herein fo much as confider his own weak-
neſs, or the temerity, and number of thoſe he was to encounter,
that the disproportion of their Forces might not divert him from
his defign. He had not with him above two and twenty Horſe,
and fix and twenty of his Guards on Foot, whereas no leſs than
the one half of the City were already in Arms against him, and
little better to be expected from the reft. For the greater part of the
Inhabitants look'd upon thefe Mutineers, as the Champions of
their Liberty; fo that thoſe of the better fort, and fome few honeft:
Citizens
goes out
againſt
J
1
1
1
*
542
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
j
Anno Citizens excepted, the reft were prepoffefs'd with ſo ſtrange a
1635. blindness, that there were very few,who did not at leaſt contribute
their wishes to the profperity of fo Lewd a Caufe. In fine,had not
his promptitude and courage (and that beyond all probality) pro-
cur'd him the fuccefs of this Action, there had been an end of the
City of Bordeaux, and the whole Province of Guienne; and an
invading Enemy could not have wrought a greater defolation,
than had been justly to be fear'd from the wild Fury of a people,
puff'd up with the ſucceſs of the leaft Victory they could have ob-
tain'd. He therefore indeed hazarded a great deal to prevent fo
dire a miſchief, and to preſerve the whole: but there was alſo a
neceffity upon him, that he ſhould do fo; neither would the
evil have been lefs, if he had rendred his Authority contemptible
by his Toleration of two extremes he therefore made choice of
that, wherein, 'twas true, there was more danger; but that gave
him withal opportunity, either fuddenly to fupprefs the Com-
motion, or to end his Life with Honour in the Service of his
Prince and Countrey.
:
he
So foon as the Duke was on Horfeback, the first place he went
to was the Lodgings of the Premier Preſident, to ſecure his per-
fon from danger; which he did, by prevailing with him to retire
himſelf to his Houfe, and from thence advanc'd towards the
Barricado's. The Hoftel de Ville was comprehended in the Cir-
cuit, the Mutineers had poffefs'd themſelves of; but they were
not Maſters of the place: he would therefore, before he advanc'd
any further, make ſome ſtay there to encourage the Guards,
had before there plac'd in Garriſon, in their Duty. As he was up-
on his March thither, at the entry into the Market place, he
found all the Chains up, and ſeveral of the Inhabitants in Arms,
refolute to defend the pafs. Whereupon la Roche by the Duke's
Order, commanded them to make way, and retire; when per-
ceiving them in fufpence what to do, whether to obey, or ſtand
upon their defence, la Roche wifely taking advantage of their ir-
refolution, leapt upon the Barricado, difarm'd thoſe who were
more advanc'd, and forc'd the reft to retire, without any other
violence to any.
Though the little reſpect theſe first oppoſers manifeſted for the
Age and venerable Perſon of their Governour, gave him very
well to underſtand he was to expect no better from the reft, he de-
fifted not nevertheleſs to go on. He alighted therefore at the Ho-
ftel de Ville, where, after he had taken the beſt Order he could, for
the fecurity of the place, and put it into a condition to fend him
„fome affiftance if occafion were, he commanded la Roche to af
fault
Врок.XI.
543
the Duke of Efpernon.
fault a Barricado that was made at the entry of the Street call'd laAnno
Rue Saint Michel. Thoſe who defended this pafs were too many to 1635.
keep any good order; they indeed made fhew of great refoluti-
on,
>
Barricade.
}
and receiv'd the Guards with feveral Musker fhot, but con-
fuſedly made, and at random: but how irregularly foever, be-
fore any fhot was fir'd against them, they wounded one of the
Duke's Guards to death, with a Musket Bullet in his Breaft. The The Duke,
Duke had expressly commanded his people not to fhoot till the fourly op-
though
laft extremity, and as much as was poffible to fpare the Blood of pofed, for-
the people, whoſe blindneſs he much more lamented, than he ces the firft
was with their temerity and infolence offended: but after this firft
Volly, his Guards having diſcharg'd theirs almoft at the Muzzle
of the Musket, it was foon feen how much Valour can prevail
over Numbers, and what Experience, and Difcipline can do
againſt Brutality, and Diſorder, They ſhor fo right, and to ſo
good effect, that few gave fire, who did not carry his man; in-
fomuch that nine were kill'd out-right at this firft Volley, and
twelve more wounded that were in little better condition; lo
brisk a Charge having a little ftartled thofe who were formoft, la
Roche with his Companions fell preſently to work upon the Bar-
ricado to break it down, where they yet met with fome oppofiti-
on, and where a Gentleman call'd la Serre, who would fight on
foot with the Duke's Guards, amongſt whom he had long born
Arms, in mounting the Barricado, was by a'thruft with a Hal-
bert run quite through the fhoulder, as fome others were alſo
more flightly wounded: but in the end, the Duke who feconded And breaks
his Guards, himſelf on Horſeback at the head of his Troop,break- through
ing in at the paffage they had open'd for him, forc'd the Defen- Horfe.
dants to retire.
with his
forces three
other Barri
Yet was it not nevertheless to retreat very far, the fquander'd
party foon recovering the other Barricades that were along the
fame ftreet, and that call'd la Rue de Faures, leading towards the
Port de la Grave. There were three ftrong Barricado's in this Quar-
ter, which were all fo obftinately derended, that at every one
there were men flain on both fides. The Duke there loft a young The D ke
Gentleman of the Houfe of Montagne, whom he had bred up a
Page, and whom but a few days before he had made to take a cado's,
Caflock in his Guards, which unfortunate Youth came to fall wherein fe-
dead at his feet: Another of the fame condition call'd le Pouy re- men are
ceiv'd his Deaths wound by a Musket fhot that broke his fhoul- fain, and
der, five or fix more were allo wounded, what with Muskets wounded.
and Pikes; and the Duke had moreover a Gentleman fhat be-
hind him on Horſeback; all which oppofition notwithſtanding,
:
every
veral of his
5.44
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno every thing muft give way to the valour of this little Party; and
1635. la Roche, feeing his Maſter engag'd in ſo manifeſt a danger of his
life, fo bravely expos'd both his own, and his fellows for his
preſervation, that nothing was able to withſtand them.
The Duke
goes into
another
quarter
the City,
which was
alfo in mu-
tiny, and
Barrica-
do'd.
The five firſt Barricado's being forc'd,and taken,the Duke was
inform'd, that in that part of the Town towards St. Croix, there
of were ſeveral others, ſome perfected, and others only begun : up-
on which intelligence he thought it very requifite to make uſe of
the altoniſhment his firft fucceffes might poffibly have imprinted
in the minds of the people, and to go immediately to this fecond
occafion. He met in truth with lefs refiftance at theſe, than the
former, there was notwithſtanding ſomething every where to do,
and he had alſo here ſome men wounded: but it is not to be be-
liev'd what infinite hazards he ran that day in his own perſon;
for being on Horſeback at the head of his Troop, and very re-
markable by his gray Beard, and Head, he feem'd to be the
mark at which all the Musket fhot, Piftols, and Stones were di-
rected. Neither was he only to apprehend thoſe that were ſhot
at him from the Barricado's, his greatest danger being from the
Windows, and ſo much the more, by reafon the Streets being ex-
ceeding narrow, took from him all poffibility of avoiding the
fhot, that was pour'd perpendicular upon him. Even the women
put him into no ſmall danger, one of which fail'd but little of
braining him with a Flower-pot, which came ſo near as to fall
upon his Horfes Crupper; and a man through a Cafement, with
his Musket couch'd at his Cheek, was about to let fly at him, at
no more than ten paces diftance, had he not been prevented by
one of the Duke's Guard call'd Caudere, who efpied, and kill'd
The Duke's him. A greater refolution, than this day appear'd in the people,
has hardly at any time been obferv'd; which was fuch, that even
when the Duke's followers had made themſelves Mafters of the
Barricades, they had much ado to make them retire; and when
either they had taken their Arms from them, or that themſelves in
deſpair had thrown them away, they cry'd out, and intreated, ra-
ther to be diſpatch'd than permitted to live to fee the Gabelle im-
pos'd upon them: So hard a thing is it to cure the minds of the
people, when prepoffefs'd with falſe impreſſions.
danger.
They could not nevertheleſs either by their obftinacy, or the ill
will they had fo violently manifefted to the Duke's perfon, pro-
voke him to conſent to more Blood, or greater Slaughter, than
what had inevitably pass'd in the heat of the action: he continu-
The Duke's ally calling out to fave the lives of the people; neither was there
Clemency. above five and twenty, or thirty perfons kill'd upon the place,and
fome
1
BOOK XI. the Duke of Efpernon.
545
}
fome few wounded, one of which did a thing worthy a better Anna
Caufe, and a more confpicuous Theatre. A Cooper that had put 1635.
himſelf in the head of a crew of Rakels of his own profeffion,
of which there are very many in this City, having at the defence
of a Barricade receiv'da Musket fhot that broke his Arm, being
a ſtrong lufty fellow, without being daunted at the fhatter'd limb,
that hung down only by a little piece of skin, he went to the
next. Chirurgion's where having caus'd it to be totally cut
off, and a Plafter to be apply'd to it, he return'd immediately to
another Barricade, which he again defended with great bravery,
and refolution, till in the end being taken, and preſented to the
Duke, with an account of his action, he commanded him to be
carried back to his own houſe, and that care fhould be taken for
his cure but his life was not to be faved for this unluchy fel-
low, by his obftinacy oppofing the Grace the Duke had fhew'd
him, a new Sedition a few days after arifing (for this was not the
laft) he ſtart out of his Bed at the firſt noiſe of it, to put himſelf
again in the head of his Comrades; which fecond agitation ha-
ving put him into a continued Fever, he dy'd a few days after.
2
go to a new
The Duke having fcour'd this great quarter of the City, and
forc'd above three thoufand perfons to lay down their Arms,who
had taken them up in this Commotion, carrying off with him his
dead, and wounded, return'd back to the Hoftel de Ville, to give his
men a little breath, who were almoft tired out, and ſpent with the
heat, and continuation of the Fight: But it was only to take a
very fhort repofe; for he was fcarce alighted from his Horſe,
when he was advertis'd,that near to the Port de Saint Julien, which
is one of the principal Gates of the City, eight or nine hundred
men were intrench'd, within five great Barricades, that fhut up all
the Avenues, by which there was any way to come to them.Thefe The Duke
Mutineers had a deſign to make themſelves Maſters of this Gate, prepares to
which had been no hard matter for them to do, by that means to occafion,
have let in the Country people thereabouts to their affiftance; which he
which they from without the Walls mainly cry'd out for, that they without
might ſhare in the Plunder of the City, which they had already fighting.
fwallow'd in their imagination, and look'd upon it as a certain,
and infallible Prey. The Duke was a little furpriz'd to find he was
to enter into new engagements, before he was well clear of the
former: he knew very well that the fmall number of men he had
left, would be too few to undertake this fecond Enterprize; yet
would he not leave an action imperfect, which unleſs it was car-
ried on to an abfolute, and total Victory, he muft of neceffity lofe
the fruits of what he had already perform'd with ſo much Bravery
Aaaa
and
effects
י
t
+
546
PART III
}
The Hiftory of the Life of
-k
}
Anno and fuccefs. He refolv'd therefore to draw fifty men out of
1635. the Garrifon of Chasteau-Tronipette,, all that could poffibly be
fpar'd from thence, and fome fmall Field-pieces to force
thoſe Entrenchments with lefs danger, than he had done the
other Barricado's before. He had no fooner made his preparati-`
on, and was ready to go againſt theſe people, when either a pan-
nick terror, or the confideration of their Duty, or the Reſpect to
their Governours perfon, whom they faw fo freely to expoſe
himſelf for the publick Safety, touch'd the hearts of fome ho-
neft Burgers of that part of the City; who had, it ſhould ſeem,
ſo much credit with the Seditious, as to make them capable of
Reaſon, and ſenſible of their Duty, fo far as to prevail with them,
without ſtaying to be compell'd unto it, to fend the Duke a Pro-
teftation that they would return to their Obedience; which they
accordingly did, at the fame time falling to work to open their
Barricado's So that the Duke, prefently advancing to ſee what
condition they were in, caus'd them to be totally beaten down in
his own prefence.
Whilft on this fide of the Town the Duke went on at this prof-
perous rate, there was new work cutting out for him in the other
part of the City,had he been lefs fuccessful here: For although that
The whole Quarter call'd du Chapeau Rouge, was inhabited with a great many
City upon! perfons of very good quality, who were heartily concern'd at
run into Se theſe diſorders; there were alſo very many who had been ſo pre-
poffefs'd with talle opinions, that they were much more enclin'd
the point to
dition,
But are
}
to joyn with the Seditious,than any ways to help to fupprefs them.
Theſe were doubtless the greater party, and thefe had been put
into Arms under the Captains of the City, if occafion had been
to have gone to the Duke's fuccour: but by good fortune he ſtood
in no need of ſo dangerous a Relief; it being almoft certain that
they would have turn'd to the other fide, and, had never fo little
with-held misfortune befall'n him,their Captains would have had very much
ado to have with-held them; but his fuccefs prevented their evil
purpoſe: So that ſeeing him return Victorious with fo few For-
ces, their Fury was turn'd into admiration; and they for that time
fatisfied themſelves with muttering ſome diſcontent at their Com-
panions defeat, without farther manifefting their malevolent de-
figns by any confiderable effects.
by the
Duke's fuc-
cefs.
Though this Action,that had had fo violent a beginning, and fo
miraculous a conclufion, had made the Duke's generofity, and
good conduct admir'd by all; it had nevertheleſs withal made the
people fenfible of his weakneſs, by the few that came into his de-
fence, in a time of ſo great, and manifeft danger. The Seditious
there-
t
、
!
BOOK XI. the Duke of Efpernon.
547
;
*
therefore taking from thence a truer meaſure of their own Forces,
and comparing their numbers with his, doubted not, ſhould they
come to a ſecond Tryal, to do their work with greater facility:
So that prepoffefs'd with the hope of their curfed advantages, they
highly, and publickly threatned what they would do; and doubt-
lefs,had not the fole refpect to the Duke's perfon with-held them,
they had again betaken themſelves to Arms, and he would have
been in very great danger to have perifh'd by the hands of the
people, and to have ſuffer'd the moſt unfortunate death could pof-
fibly have arriv'd to any perfon of his condition.
Anno
1635.
The Dike
fends the 1
·King an Ac-
count of the
late Infur-
rection.
Prefs'd therefore by the hourly intelligence he receiv'd of the
evil diſpoſition that ſtill continued in the minds of the people, he
refolv❜d to diſpatch away Magnas in all ſpeed to Court, to let the
King underſtand the eftate of the City, and Province, and to
beſeech his Majeſty to provide for the prefent evils, and againſt
thoſe that were reaſonably to be fear'd for the time to come. In
this Diſpatch he, above all things, was importunate that the Duke
de la Valette his Son might be fent away to him, that he might be
affifted by a ſecond ſelf in occafions where the whole burthen of
Affairs were to depend upon his Fidelity, and care. In the
mean time he writ to fome Gentlemen of the Country to come
ſpeedily in to him, and moreover gave order for the raising fome
Forces in fuch of his own Territories, as lay nearest to the City.
He had from thence often drawn out to the number of above two
thouſand good men, by which he had been exceedingly well
ſerv'd upon ſeveral important occafions: but at this time (which
will appear very ſtrange, and at which I obferv'd him to be more
aftoniſh'd, than at any thing that had hapned during the whole
diſorder) he could not get fo much as one man: fo great was ei-
ther their terror, or their correfpondence with the Mutineers,
There came in indeed fome Gentlemen, but with much ado, and The whole
with very great danger, occafion'd by the new diforder, which Province of
we ſhall now fee; for Magnas was no fooner departed from him, cept Mon-
but that moſt of the moſt confiderable Cities of the Province, by tauban,
the example of their Metropolis revolted; infomuch that there was break into
fcarce any, fave Montauban only, that contain'd it ſelf within the * A Sove-
limits of its Duty, the reft breaking out into open Arms, and reign Cour
committing every where all the barbarous acts of an inhumane cafes that
fury. Amongst all theſe horrid Riots, thofe which were com-
mitted at Agen were the most extreme. La Cour des Aides was
this time eſtabliſh'd in this City; and it was upon the Officers of
this Court, that they exercis'd the most notable violence, all that
the people could meet withal being miferably burnt, or Maffacred and deter
Aaaa 2
+
at
+
Guienne, ex-
Sedition.
wherein all
concern the
Tailles, that
Taxes, or
Aid, or
is
Subfidies
are bear'd,
m'n'de
(lor
1
J
548
The Hiftory of the Life of
feffors, or
Sablidies.
du Bernet
Aud Mon-
1
1
PART III.
Anno (for in popular furies we ſeldom read of ordinary executions) the
1635.
Eleus were handled after the ſame manner, many honeft Bur-
* Elens, Al. gers were by their Enemies put into the number of Gabellers, and
had the fame meaſure: So that had not Preſident du Bernet (who
Collectors was Preſident of the Chambre de l' Edict, that had its feat in the
of the Kings fame City) oppos'd this Torrent of popular fury, with greater
Prefident vigour than was to be expected from a man of his profeffion, it
oppofes the is certainly believ'd, that not one man of condition' would have
Sedition of been left alive, in the whole City. Neither had the diforder been
Agen. lefs at Perigueux, had it not been for the preſence of Vertamont, In-
fieur de Ver- tendant de la Justice; for the Duke knowing the humour of this
tamont that people, enclin'd to Licence, had entreated Vertamont to go thither,
under colour of fome Commiffion of his Intendancy; 'where
he was ſcarcely arriv'd, when the people rofe in Commotion, as
in other places, falling upon fome Officers of the Election, and
other innocent perfons, to make a horrid Maſſacre: And then it
was, that Pertamont, abandoning the care of his own perſon, en-
courag'd the Magiftrates boldly to oppofe the popular Fury, and
putting himſelf in the head of them, made no difficulty to reſcue
fome poor people, who were going to be facrific'd to their barba-
rous cruelty, out of the hands of the infolent rabble: So that
with an extraordinary fortune, the effect of his generous refolu
tion, he contain'd this City in its Obedience, giving in himſelf
at the fame time, a great Example of Juftice, and Moderation in
fo dangerous an occurrence.
of Perigu-
esx.
The Duke
fends his
Orders into
all parts of
the Pro-
vince,
which a
little calms
.on.
Though the Duke had enough to do in the City of Bordeaux,
yet did he not fail however, even in the midſt of theſe confufions,
with incredible diligence,and care,to difperfe his Orders through-
out all parts of the Province; in the remoteft parts whereof, the
report being ſpread, that all things continued quiet at Bordeaux
by the reſpect to the Dukes Authority, and Perſon; the other Ci-
the Sediti- ties that had taken Arms by the example of this, quieted them-
felves also by the fame confideration; by which means the Licence
of the people was kept within fome moderate bounds; a mode-
ration nevertheleſs that hung by fo flender a thred, that upon the
leaft occafion worſe,and more dangerous Commotions were to be
expected. The Duke had no Forces, neither was any to be hop'd
for out of any part of the Province; and it was a matter of ex-
traordinary difficulty to fend him any from any other place; fo
that he was conftrain'd in fo great an exigency, to have recourfe
to other means, and to caufe fome of the promoters of this Sedi-
tion to be treated withal, for the bringing about of that, which
he faw no other poffible way to effect: Wherein he alfo fucceeded
}
+
}
#
Воок XI.
$49
the Duke of Eſpernon.
I
•
Anno
fo well, that theſe people allur'd by promiſes of Indemnity, and
fome hopes of reward, gave themfelves up abfolutely to his dif- 1635.
pofe; fo that it was by this politick way of proceeding he in the
end totally fecur'd both the City of Bordeaux; and the whole Pro-
vince of Guienne. The diſorder had continued fo long, and with
ſo much noiſe, that there was few of the Incendiaries, who were
not in every quarter particularly known, of which there were ve-
ry many who had formerly born Arms in the King's Regiments
of Foot; and who, being grown weary of that profeffion, were
return'd again to their old Trades. Thefe men wrought upon by
the Duke's Exhortations, and the greatest part of them more-
over touch'd with the fence of the moderation he had exercis'd to-
wards them, notwithstanding the greatneſs of their offences, pro-
mis'd him,that nothing ſhould paſs amongſt the people, of which
he ſhould not have continual notice; and they were as good as
their words, giving him by their conftant intelligence, means and
opportunity to prevent thofe evils, which otherwife would infal-
libly have given the laft blow to the publick Peace.
Mutiny.
The Commotions of the City were no fooner in ſome meaſure
appeas'd, but that the madneſs diffus'd it felf into the Villages of
the adjacent Country. Theſe people having in the time of one of The Boors
the foremention'd Mutinies, taken occafion to rifle fome Houſes
of the City, were return'd with their Booty to their own homes;
by whofe ill example, their Neighbours were fo excited to Ra-
pine, that in a moment all the Boors threw away the inftruments
of their labour, and betook themſelves to Arms. In this po-
fture they rob'd the Country houſes, they affembled themſelves.
in great numbers in all the Suburbs of Bordeaux, and would at-
tempt to make their way into the City it felf; where they were
fo much defired by the baſeft of the people, that they did their
endeavours alfo to let them in. The greateſt appearance of them
was in the Suburb de Saint Surin,to which place the Duke's houſe
was near enough for him to hear their clamours, and hideous
yells, and from his Chamber Window that look'd into the Fields
to fee the Fire they had kindled in feveral houſes, of which the
greateſt part were miſerably confum'd. At the fight of thefe bar- The Duke
barous Riots, it was impoffible to detain him; but, although he of Epernows
was at laſt fall'n into an almoſt unintermitted indifpofition,he got against
out of his bed, mounted to Horſe by night, and with forty or
fifty Gentlemen, his Guards, and fome of the Town Compa-
nies, went out towards thefe Mutineers. They had fortified
themſelves in ſeveral places of the Suburb, had Barricado'd the
Church, and made a countenance of refolution to defend them-
felves;
goes ont
them,
1
1
F
J
550
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
է
#
fes them.
Anno felves; nevertheleſs at the Duke's arrival, they almoſt all disban-
1635. ded, and ran away, none faving thofe in the Church making any
refiftance, who alſo at the firft Volley was diſcharg'd upon them,
fled after their fellows; when the Cavalry putting themſelves in
purſuit of thoſe who had recover'd the Fields, fome forty or fifty
And difper- of them were miferably flain. It is not to be imagin'd how
ftrangely the Duke was afflicted at the death of thefe wretched
people: This little evil nevertheleſs conduc'd very much to a far
greater good; for the report of this Execution diſperſing it ſelf in
a moment, throughout the whole Province, the other Country
people who fate, expecting the good, or evil fucceſs of their fel-
lows, made themſelves, for this year, wife by the example of their
misfortune; and without engaging in the folly of the greater
Cities, were content to fit fpectators of their Tumults, and Dif
orders. There were indeed hardly any more after this action; for
the Duke de la Valette coming prefently after to the Duke his Fa-
ther, they bent their joynt endeavours to the healing of ſome ſe-
cret difcontents that yet remain'd in the minds of the people;
when having, by gentle and obliging ways, made them fenfible of
their late miſcarriages, and of their Duty, and Obedience for the
time to come, they foon after, by the King's Order, publifh'd an
Act of Oblivion for all things that were pafs'd; a Grace his Ma-
jeſty had been pleas'd to grant to their interceffion, and at their
humble requeſt.
From
whence a
calm enfues.
The Duke
afpers'd af-
rer all his
vice.
Who could have imagin'd that ſo many brave Actions of the
Duke's (whether confider'd in the dangers to which he was ſo of
brave Ser-ten oblig'd to expòſe his Perſon; the great conduct wherewith
they were carried on, or the utility that deriv'd from them to the
publick repoſe) that thofe Actions I fay ought to have ferv'd for a
pretence to the blackeſt, and moſt. hateful calumny, that could
poffibly have been invented to the prejudice of his Honour ? It
was nevertheleſs the fruit, and reward of his brave Service, after
which no man certainly is ever again to repine at Detraction, or
complain of Envy. Briet, a Counsellor in the Parliament of Bor-
deaux, openly profefs'd himſelf to be no friend to the Duke, and
fecretly nouriſh'd in his boſom an implacable hatred, both to his
Perſon and Name; inftigated therefore with this accurfed paffi-
on, he writ to the Archbishop of Bordeaux (who was no better in-
clin❜d to the Duke) that it was to be prov'd, the Duke himſelf had
been the Author of all theſe Commotions; that it was he who
had ſo long fomented them, and that he would again revive them
whenever he thought it convenient fo to do, for the promoting
of his own Authority in the Province, and to get himself a Repu-
tation
1
1
1
•
!
+
BOOK XI.
551
the Duke of Elpernon.
}
tation at Court. He had not always writ after this manner, but Anno
on the contrary, after the action of the Barricades, the 15 of 1635.
June, compell'd to it by the vertue of Truth, which will dart her
Rays through the darkeſt Clouds of Malevolence and Envy, he
had writ to Monfieur de la Crilliere, Secretary of State,' with
whom he had a particular Familiarity and Correfpondence, a
Letter that was fent to the Duke, containing theſe words.
SIR,
J
"If you be curious to know what pafs'd here upon Friday laſt,
"I fend you this fhort, and true Account of it, as I could inform
" my ſelf from the beft hands. This Action of our Governour
was very great, and perform'd with great Bravery, Judgment,
"and Fortune had any finifter Action befallen him, we had all
"been loft, and for my part I cannot but highly efteem him. I
« have nothing more at prefent, but that, c, From Bordeaux
"the 18th of June 1635. But if he had in the beginning ſo high-
ly applauded this Action, he had with no lefs malignity cenfur'd
the fequel of it, and the finifter interpretation he put upon the
Duke's good intentions, wrought fo much the greater effect, by
how much they fell upon a ſpirit difpos'd of old, and of it felf to
convert to ill, what good foever could come from the Duke's
fide. The Archbishop therefore with open Arms embrac'd this
new occafion of doing him a new mischief; he ſpoke of it to
Cardinal Richelieu, of whom he eafily obtain'd order to write to
Briet, as he allo did, that he might promife both impunity, and
reward to fuch as fhould prove the Duke of Efpernon to be the
Author of theſe Diſorders. The Archbishop's Letters to Briet,
which were intercepted, ſpoke in theſe terms, and in others far
more odious than theſe. Briet having receiv'd this Order, caus'd
the Host of the Petit More, the firft, and one of the chiefeft Ring-
leaders, that had appear'd in this Sedition, to be tamper'd withal,
cauſing him to be often ſpoken to,and tempted by one of his own
Domeſticks,who was very familiar with him: but theFellow, what
promiſes foever they could make him, would never be corrupted
into fo foul a practice; and the Duke's good Fortune would have
it, that there was honefty enough in this man to fecure him from
thoſe dangers, wherein perfons of a much more eminent condi-
tion would otherwife have involv'd him.
The Duke as yet knew nothing of the Miſchief that was brew-
ing against him; but on the contrary, relying upon the merit of
his Services, and the acknowledgment the King had made him
hope for in all his diſpatches, he had never liv'd at greater eaſe in
his
The bone-
ity of one
of the Mu-
tineers.
1
552
PART III
1
The Hiftory of the Life of
•
he
Anno his Government, than he thought he might expect to do for the
1635. time to come. In his Majefties Diſpatch of the last of June,
writ to the Duke thefe words.
Ci
cc
tr
ёв
cr
cc
c
Coufin,
"I underſtand by your Letters of the 17" and nineteenth in-
ftant, and by the Relation annex'd unto them, befides the Ac-
count I receiv'd from the Sieur de Magnas, the Diſorders that
have hapned in my City of Bordeaux; whofe ill example has
alfo produc'd the like Infurrections in feveral other Cities, and
"places of my Province of Guienne: which I conceive to be of fo
high importance, that, had not powerful and ſpeedy Remedies
been feaſonably applyed, worfe and more dangerous Confe-
quences were yet to be fear'd; as it had doubtless fall'n out in my
faid City of Bordeaux, if by your wonted Bravery, and Wiſdom,
you had not oppos'd the Torrent of that Mutinous People. And
as all the, Accounts have been given me of that buſineſs, as well
by the Principal Officers of my faid City, as other my Servants
agree in this, That your Valour, together with your Zeal and
Affection to my Service,, have been equally eminent upon this
occafion; fo can I not omit to affure you, that I am ſo highly fa-
"tisfied with your behaviour, that no opportunity fhall ever pre-
έσ fent it felf, wherein I may manifeft my fence of your good Ser-
vice in this Affair,by the effects of my Favour and Affection, but
"you fhall find me very ready to embrace it: which the Sieur de
Magnas fhall the more expressly confirm to you on my behalf,
cr c. The Duke's other performances upon this occafion receiv'd
from his Majeſty the fame Approbation, and Applauſe, and in all
apparence he ought to reft very well fatisfied with the Acknow-
ledgment his Majefty was pleas'd to profefs; when on a ſudden,
and without dreaming in the leaft of any fuch matter, he ſaw him-
felf reduc'd to the neceffity of a Juftification. He did not how-
do it after the fubmifs and abject manner of a guilty man;
but on the contrary, confident in the fecurity of a good. Confci-
ence, he had no fooner notice of the afperfion had been caft upon
him; but that he fent away immediately to the King, to demand
his Majeſties Juſtice, and writ to the Cardinal himſelf,complain-
ing, that fome perfons had made ufe of his name to fuborn falſe,
Witneffes, to the prejudice of him, and his Honour. The King
granted him his defire, permitting him to profecute his fatisfacti-
on in the Parliament of Paris; and the Cardinal, after having
utterly deny'd the giving of any Order to the prejudice of the
Duke's Interefts, or that he ever doubted of his Candour, and
"(
ever
the
1
1
'
Воок XI.
1
the Duke of Eſpernon.
553
f
A
the fincerity of his intentions, writ him an anſwer in thefe Anno
words.
(C
e
<<
cc
My Lord,
but
1635.
civil Letter
to the
Duke of
Espernon.
"I have receiv'd the Letter you was pleas'd to fend me, and Cardinal
"conferr'd with Mounfieur de Magnas, about the occafion of his Richelieu's
Journey; in anſwer whereunto I have nothing to return,
this, that neither the King, nor any of his Servants, have ever
" doubted in the leaft of the fincerity of your affection to his
Service, or of your paffion to the profperity of his Affairs; or
that you
you had in the late buſineſs of Guienne, any other, than the
"fame defires with his Majefty, and his Council,... for which I
"ſhall ever very willingly be your Caution. If any perfons have
reported otherwiſe, they muſt have done it meerly out of:defign
to vex you, and not that they could themſelves believe it; it be-
ing not to be imagin'd, that any one can be fo fenflefs, who
"knowing what has hapned at Bordeaux, and how you have be
"hav'd your felf in thoſe diſorders, can poffibly doubt, that you
"did not upon that occafion contribute all that in you lay,
"that could be expected from your Vigilancy, and Valour to
the fecurity of the Province. I do therefore conjure you to fet
"your heart at reft, for any thing of that kind; and to believe that
neither the King, nor any of his Servants, who have the honour
to be about him, can poffibly either upon this, or any other oc-
"cafion, entertain the leaft thought to your prejudice. His Ma-
jeſty has caus'd the Sieur de Briet to be fent unto to come ſpeedi-
"ly hither, c.
cc
tr
“
cr
or
The Cardinal could not in truth have writ to the Duke after
a more obliging manner, or have carried himſelf more civilly to
him, than he did at the beginning of this Affair; permitting Ju-
ftice to be executed upon the fellow Briet had employ'd to cor-
rupt the Petit More, who by Sentence of Parliament was con-
demn'd to make the Duke honourable fatisfaction, and with a
Torch in his hand, and a Halter about his Neck in his Shirt, to
be Carted through the City of Bordeaux, and to ferve ten years in The Dake
the Gallies, which was accordingly executed upon him: but receives
when it came to the buſineſs of Briet himſelf, who had reafon ation.
to apprehend the iffue of his caufe, fince he who had only been
the Inftrument of the Miſchief, whereof he had been the Con-
triver, had been fo roughly handled, the Cardinal interpos'd his
Intereft with the Parliament in his behalf; who having once ap-
pear'd in his favour, his Power had fo great an Afcendant over all
other Powers, how great foever in the Kingdom, that it was im-
Bbbb
poffible
1
fome fatisfa-
1
554
The Hiftory of the Life of
i
น
PART III.
Anno poffible upon this occafion to obtain Juftice contrary to his will
1635. and pleaſure, fo that the Duke notwithſtanding all the Impor-
tunities he could after ufe, could never obtain from Briet the leaſt
Reparation.
But not full.
The Cardi-
nal de lava-
lette fent at
the head of
a great Ar-
my
Germany.
If the Duke was wounded to have this Juftice deny'd him, in
fo publick and fo fenfible a wrong, he was no lefs afflicted at the
Order he foon after receiv'd, to permit that Briet might come,
and execute the Functions of his Office in Parliament, in all fe-
curity and freedom: He had expected at leaſt that he ſhould be
detain❜d at Paris, and that his Majefty would have had that com-
placency to his juſt indignation, as to have remov'd ſo hateful an
object from his fight. But he faw very plainly, that the Cardinal
was the Author of this Command: He knew alſo very well,
how dangerous a thing it was, either to contradict, or provoke
him.. But how great foever his Credit might be, the violent effects
whereof he had already felt, he would notwithſtanding never
fubmit to his will, nor lay down the Animofity he had juftly ta-"
ken up againſt a perfon from whom he had receiv'd ſo irreparable
an Offence.
;
Whilft the Duke was perplex'd with thefe troubleſome Affairs,
both in his own Government, and at Court, the Cardinal de la
Valette his Son had been employ'd in the conduct of the greateſt
Army his Majefty had at that time on foot the Command
whereof was equally divided betwixt Duke Veimar and him. And
if the Jealoufie of our Confederates (who had oblig'd our two
Generals to enter a good way into Germany to their Succour) had
not bounded their Conquefts, it is moſt certain they had made a
very confiderable progrefs into this mighty Empire. But thoſe
who had implor'd their affiftance, choofing rather to be left weak,
as they were, than to fee the French Name rais'd to a greater
height of Glory, and Reputation, by the Victories they would in-
fallibly have obtain'd over thoſe of their own-Nation, it was im-
poffible to perfwade them to joyn their Forces with ours. By
which tergiverfation, if (as they did) they depriv'd our Generals
of the advantages they might reaſonably expect, it was alſo to
make them acquire the honour of fo brave a Retreat, as might
juftly be rank'd with the moſt famous Victories. Our Army, be-
ing advanc'd a great way into Germany, had all the Forces of the
Emperour pour'd upon them; in which condition they had not
only the Rhine, but feveral other Rivers alfo, and difficult paffes to
Retreat of go over, and break through, before they could return into their
the Cardi- Own Countrey. Which notwithſtanding they did, with their
Swords in their hands; neither the incommodities of the ways,
A brave
nal de la Va-
lette.
nor
↑
•
Book XI. the Duke of Efpernon.
555
nor the interpofition of the Enemy, being able to stop them: fo
that they fought eight days together almoſt without intermiffion,
leaving the ways,by which they made their retreat, much more re-
markable by the blood of their Enemies, than by that of their
own Souldiers.
Anno
1635.
diffatisfied
la Valette his
Though the mouths of all men were full of the praife of this
Action, that the Court appear'd to be infinitely fatisfied with it,
and that the Duke himſelf from all parts receiv'd congratulatory
applauſes of ſo great an exploit in the perfon of his Son; he had The Duke
notwithſtanding much rather this Son, advanc'd into the Church that the
by his Learning, Birth, and Fortune to fo eminent a degree of Cardinal de
Dignity, and Reputation, fhould wholly have apply'd himself to son fhould
her Service, than that he fhould expofe fo dear a Life to fo dan- follow the
gerous a Profeffion. He ever apprehended it would be fatal to profemor
him, and therefore had done all he could to diffwade him from it,
employing to that end the endeavours of feveral his moſt
intimate Friends and Servants: but all in vain, either the hu-
mour of the Time, the inclination of his Son,, the neceffity of
his Deſtiny, or all together ftill prevailing with him, above the
fears or forefight of fo affectionate a Father.
profeffion
Arms.
rouſly fick.
The Duke arriv'd now at an extreme old Age, worn out, and The Duke
of Efpernon
ſpent with the labours he had undergone during theſe Commo-
falls dange
tions, and the Vexations that had fucceeded, was again in the be-
ginning of Winter feiz'd by a very troubleſome, and very violent
Diſeaſe. This feafon, for ſeveral years, had never paſs'd over,
without producing ſtrange alterations in his health; infomuch
that he would often fay, he perceiv'd in the end it would do his
buſineſs, and that he could not long defend himself against two
Winters at once, that of Age, and that of the Seaſon; as it indeed
fell out. At this time every one defpair'd of his Lite, and the re-
port of his Death,that was ſpread in all parts, follow'd a few days
after with the certain news of his Recovery, having aſtoniſh'd
all the world, that now ſcarce paſs'd any longer for raillery,which
had ſo pleaſantly been faid, That he had out-liv'd the Age of dying.
In truth all Forein Parts, having for the ſpace of threefcore and
eight, or threeſcore and ten years been continually full of the
great Name of Efpernon, finding him ftill in their Gazetts, one
while taking Towns, another in the head of Armies;
umphing, and again in Difgrace: but ever in fome great and il-
luftrious Occafion; Strangers conceiv'd of him, that this muſt
be the Grand-child of that Duke of Efpernon, who had been the
Favourite of Henry the III. of France, and could not perfwade
themſelves that the lives of two men could furnish this Hiſtory
with ſo many important Actions,
Bbbb z
now Tri-
The
}
1
A
556
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno
The Duke, whilft he was yet ſick, and even in the worſt of his
1636. Sickneſs, had an inckling of fome defigns the Spaniard had upon
ſeveral Frontiers of this Kingdom, and particularly upon thofe
ard makes
Guienne.
تو
of his own Government; of which to be better affur'd, he was
The Spani- careful to fend thither fuch perfons, as were capable of diſcove-
preparation ry, and as he durft truft, to bring him true intelligence of what
to invade pafs'd amongſt our Neighbours abroad. By thefe Spies he under-
tood that all the Frontiers of Arragon, Biscay, Guipufcaa, and
other finitimous Provinces of Spain, had order to make Prepara-
tion of Arms, and were to fet out a certain number of Souldi-
ers by an appointed day: That to thefe Provincial Forces they
would moreover adde ſeveral ſtanding Regiments, and of both
together to make up a confiderable Body. Of all which the Duke
was ſo preciſely inform'd, that he did not only know the number
of men, but even the names of all the Captains who were to
Command them. Neither did he fail to fend the King an Account
The Court of the Intelligence he had receiv'd: but our great Minifters were
neglects the fo taken up with other nearer, and more immediate Affairs, that
telligence, they were not much concern'd at a danger two hundred Leagues
Duke's In-
from Paris. They therefore contented themſelves with writing to
the Duke, that he ſhould caufe Bayonne (the place that was prin-
cipally threatned) to be fortified at the Charge of the Inhabitants;
and as to the reft, that he was by his Wiſdom, and Intereſt, to
provide for all things within the Precincts of his Command.
Thefe Orders fo general, and of ſo vaſt a Latitude, had formerly
been the fulleft Commiffions the Romans were wont to give their
Generals in the greateſt neceffities of Publick Danger: but they
were in our times the narroweft, and the moft limited that could
poffibly be granted, who had the King's Intereft committed to
their Truft. There were,already others eſtabliſh'd by Law,which
no one without being Criminal was to exceed, and thoſe were,
That no one should make Leavies, either of Men, or Mony, without
Order by Letters Patents from the Council: That no one should mount
Artillery, or take neceffary Arms out of the Arsenals, without special
Order fo to do. So that all the Power of the Kingdom, refiding
in the perfons of the Prime Miniſters, no Governour could make
uſe of his own, without incurring the danger of Cenfure. The
Duke knowing, that in the evil difpofition the Court then was
as towards him, this was only a device to make him run into ſome
error, that might draw the King's Indignation upon him, wiſely
fear'd to be involv'd in thofe Calamities,under which, for Caufes
light enough in themſelves, he had ſeen men of great Quality,
and Merit to perish, was not eafie to be trap'd that way. He
therefore
1
1
1
¡
:
BOOK XI.
557
the Duke of Eſpernon.
1
And pro-
for the de-
therefore again writ to the King for more precife Orders in occur. Anno
rences that might happen, and in thoſe dangers he had humbly ì636.
repreſented to him, and in the end, with much importunity, ob-
tain'd Order to ſend an Engineer to Bayonne, to fee it fortified las vides very
far as forty thouſand Livers would extend; the one half whereof fenderly
was to be rais'd out of his Majefties Revenue, and the other up- fence of the
on the Inhabitants of the place. The Duke, feeing he could ob- Frontiers.
tain no more, did as he was commanded, and began fome For-
tifications, which the want of money caus'd to be left imperfect,
and by that means the Town left in a weaker condition, than if
nothing had been done at all.
This Affair, which at this time was the only one of moment in
the Province,being put into this forwardness, the Duke conceiv'd
he had now leiſure to look a little after the recovery of his own
health; which that he might do at better convenience, and greater
vacancy, from the perpetual diſtraction of the Affairs of the Pro-
vince, he humbly intreated the King to give him leave for a few
days to retire himſelf to Plaffac, to the end he might at greater li-
berty make uſe of thoſe remedies,that were proper for his Difeafe.
The King without any difficulty, and in very favourable terms,
granted his ſo juſt requeſt: whereupon he accordingly in the be-
ginning of May came to his Houfe of Plaffac, .but it was to make
a very ſhort ſtay, he being ſcarcely there arriv'd, but that he re-.
ceiv'd Order to return fpeedily into Guienne, to look after the Af-
fairs, that very much requir'd his Prefence there. The great Pre-
parations that were every where making by the Enemies of
France, to invade it, obliging him to provide alfo for his defence
as he did, and that fo well, as in the end turn'd all their defigns to
their own confufion. There never perhaps in this Kingdom had
been more to do for the great men of it, than at this time; and as
the Government of Guienne by its vaft extent, made up one of
the moſt important, and confiderable Members of the State; fo
did it confequently produce for its Governour, fo many, and fo va-
rious Affairs, that it is to be wondred at, a man of fo extreme an
Age could undergo fo many, and fo continual labours.
*
1
The first thing the Duke did after his return into the Province
(which was in the latter end of May) was to execute an Expreſs
Commiffion had been directed to him from the King, for the en-
rolling the Edi& de Criie, newly pafs'd by his Majefty, for the * A Statute
addition of one Prefident, and twelve Counsellors to the Parlia- of Augmen
ment of Bordeaux. This Affair could not pass without encoun-
tring feveral Difficulties, all the other Parliaments of France were
charg'd with the fame Augmentations proportionably to the extent
of
tation.
1
i
+
1
ƒ
558
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
of their ſeveral Jurifdictions; this being therefore a common in-
1636. tereft amongſt fo many men of condition, it begat alſo a great
correſpondency amonft them to oppofe it. The King having fore-
ſeen, and expected all theſe obſtacles from the Parliament of Bor-
deaux, thought fit to inveft the Duke with as much Authority, as
he could himſelf defire to overcome them; wherein his Maje-
fty, and thoſe of his Council doubted not, but that he would
with great alacrity put all his Orders into fevere Execution: they
knew very well that there had been perpetual feuds betwixt him,
and that Affembly, and, as it uſually falls out, defign'd to make
their own advantage of thofe Divifions: but the Duke taking a
quite contrary courfe in this Affair, than what they had expected
at Court, fatisfied himſelf with only giving the Parliament to un-
derftand what, ſhould it come to the pufh, he had power to do,
in cafe the King ſhould not be obey'd; exhorting them withal
by their Wiſdoms to prevent, what he for his part would avoid,
as far as was confiftent with his Duty; and remonftrating to
them, that in a concern of this kind, they ſhould not find him
any ways to act by his own particular paffion; neither would he
either ufe, or abufe the King's Name to fatisfie his own Reſent-
ments. This diſcreet, and moderate way of proceeding, having
in time wrought upon ſome ſpirits, that a more violent courfe
.might perhaps have provok'd into more untoward refolutions,
fucceeded fo well, that by this means he procur'd a very confide-
rable affiſtance to the advancement of his Majefties Affairs; and
that even with the good will, and free confent of the Company,
whoſe intereſts in return he husbanded, upon this occafion, with
the fame tenderneſs, and care, as if they had effectually been his
#
own.
tỏ
At the fame time that theſe Affairs were in agitation in Guienne,
the Enemy, who had been long preparing for fome notable En-
terprize, was now ready on all fides to invade the Kingdom; to
provide therefore for the neceffary expence in fo critical an occafi-
on (all ordinary, and extraordinary ways befides having been
found to fall fhort) the King was conſtrain'd to lock up his Trea-
fure from all other Expences, which did not directly refpect the
War: fo that all the great men of the Kingdom faw themſelves
excluded from all poffibility of extracting from thence their En-
tertainments, Penſions, or other Affignments of right belonging,
and annex'd unto their ſeveral Offices, and Commands. To fup-
ply which defect, part of theſe expences were thrown upon the
people; they began at leaft to impofe upon them the Entertain.
ments of the Governours of Provinces to be Leavied upon them,
by
حيد
1
1
A
1
-
BOOK XI.
559
the Duke of Efpernon.
•
* Taxes, or
by Commiffions of the Taille. Bullion, Sur-Intendant of the Fi- Anno
nances, who profeſs'd a particular Friendſhip to the Duke of Eſ- 1636.
pernon, and pretended to be very folicitous of his Interefts, offer'd
him one of theſe Impofitions for the payment of his Salary; ad- Impofts.
vifing him moreover, that out of this flock he fhould pay himself
feveral Arrears that were due to him: but the Duke rejected the
propoſition, with a generofity never enough to be commended;
fending him word, "That having for above threeſcore
years A rare ex-
"ferv'd the Kings of France, without ever touching peny of the ample of the
"Affignations they had pleas'd to think him, worthy of, except- to the peo-,
ing what came immediately out of the Exchequer, he would ple.
"¿
C
<<
not
cr begin towards his latter end, to extract a fubfiftence out of the
poor and miferable people, he faw every day perifh before his
eyes for want of Bread: That being plac'd in his Government
to ferve the King, and to govern his People, it was from the
"Mafter he ſerv'd,and not from thoſe he commanded, that he was
to expect his Reward: That he had much rather be reduc'd to the
"bare Revenue of his own Eftate, than to fee his Name in the Ex-
"cife Office,or his Table furniſh'd out at the price of the Poor.Such
as folicited his buſineſs for him at Court, to render him more fa-
cile to their perſwaſions, repreſented to him the example of all
the other great men of the Kingdom, as well Princes as others,
who they ſaid received now not one farthing any other way: But
all would not prevail; he returning anſwer, "That he did not
"take upon him to condemn any one for ſo doing, but that he
"did not nevertheleſs conceive himſelf oblig'd to follow the Ex-
amples of any whomsoever; and that he had much rather un-
"dergo the imputation of Singularity,in doing a thing he thought
s to be juſt, than to do the contrary in imitation of all the world
"befides. And indeed he continued to the laft fo conftant in this
noble, and generous Reſolution, that he never after receiv'd one
peny of any of his Affignments, not ſo much as of thoſe that
were due for the year before: So that at his Death he had near
upon ſeven years Arrears due to him, amounting to above five
hundred thouſand Livers: By which it may be judg'd how much
his ſtrongeſt inclinations (for I cannot deny but that he was ex-
ceedingly cloſe handed in very many things) gave place to Inte-
refts, wherein his Honour was concern'd,
"
If in this particular he was fo folicitous of eafing the King's
Subjects that were under his Government, even to the prejudice of
his own Interefts; he was no lefs careful to keep them within the
juſt limits of their Obedience, and Duty. The gathering in of
the Tailles was at this time a matter of fo great difficulty, that in
feveral
the
Duke's love
$
+
}
560
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
;
Anno feveral neighbouring Provinces, as in Poitou, Xaintonge, and in
1636. Angoumois, the people were in manifeſt Rebellion. The Duke de-
terminately oppos'd himſelf againſt this ill example, and would
never tolerate the leaſt Diſobedience to his Majefties Royal Plea-
fure; a ftrictneſs that being for their licencious Conftitutions,
or at leaſt in their Opinions too fevere, made the people no lefs
murmur at him, for being too rough, than he was cenfur❜d at
Court for being too indulgent: But he was no more mov'd with
Complaints of the one, than the Jealoufie of the other; and his
own fatisfaction being his only Object, he did not much regard
any other, than what he found in his own Confcience.
The Duke
for all the
of Briet,
venge, but
fright.
:
Though the Duke's mind was taken up with ſo many Affairs
of great difficulty, and trouble, he had yet ſo much room left
there, as to allow fomething to his own particular refentments,
which would ever upon occafion crowd in for a place with the
Publick Concerns. The impunity of Briet, and the liberty had
injuries he been granted to him again to execute his Office in the Parliament
had receiv'd of Bordeaux, before his face, and as it were in defiance of him,
would take was infupportable to ſuch a ſpirit, as that he was poffefs'd with-
no other real, fo that, what command foever the King had been pleas'd to
only to put lay upon him, to permit him fo to do, it was impoffible for him
him into a to pay his Majeſty that chearful Obedience in this, he did in all
other occafions. To which indigeftive humour of his, his Ani-
moſity (but too juft in it ſelf) being every day exafperated more,
and more by new Provocations; he, in the end, was no longer
able fo to conquer his paffion; but that his patience,being woun-
ded to the last degree, muft of neceffity overflow all bounds of
moderation, and proceed to fome effects of Revenge; fo difpro-
portionate nevertheleſs to the Injuries he had receiv'd, that if on
the one fide he was frugal of his own Conſcience in ſparing the
Blood of an Enemy, he was not however excus'd from the
blame of undertaking, and that with great bustle and noiſe, a
thing of little, or no moment, and that notwithſtanding had like
to have turn'd very much to his own prejudice. After therefore
the Duke had rejected the propofal of one of his own Souldiers,
who offer'd to ftab Briet, and to do it after fuch a manner, that
he could never be ſuſpected for the Murther; he commanded four
of his Foot men to kill his Coach-Horfes in the open Street. This
Command was executed one day, that Briet was returning out of
the City to his own Houſe; when his Coach-man being aſſaulted
by theſe four Foot-men, they first pull'd him out of his Coach-
box, and afterwards thruft their Swords into the Flancks of the
Horſes; whereupon the poor Beafts enrag'd with the ſmart of
their
J
•
Book XI.
561
the Duke of Efpernon.
C
1
:
ment of Bor-
deaux inte-
affront of-
their Wounds, ran away full fpeed, hurrying the Coach, and Anno
their Mafter in it three or four hundred paces along the Streets, 1636.
till at last, at one and the fame inftant, upon the pavement they
fell down, and dy'd. Briet, who had at first been terribly frighted
with the fight of the Swords, was not much lefs afraid of his
Horſes precipitous Career, which was alfo all the harm he re-
ceiv'd; the Coach ſtop'd, and overturn'd at the death of the Hor-
ſes, giving him time to come out, half dead with Fear, and to re-
tire to his own Houſe. The Relation of this buſineſs was imme- The Parlia-
diately carried to the Duke, which ſhadow of Revenge was to
him matter of entertainment, and laughter for an hour after rett them-
But the Parliament took it after a quite contrary manner, who felves in the
offended to the height at the Injury done to one of their Robe, the fer'd to
next day aflembled their feveral Chambers, to enquire into the Brist.
Fact: There was none of them who were not very well ſatisfied
with the Juftice of the Duke's refentment, and who would not
have approv'd of his Revenge, had it proceeded a great deal fur-
ther: but there was alſo hardly any one of them,who did not in-
tereft himſelf in the offence offer'd after fo publick a manner to
the Dignity, and Honour of the Affembly. Without doubt the
buſineſs would have gone very ill with the Duke,had matters con-
tinued upon theſe terms, and thofe of the Parliament after having
declar'd themſelves Parties, remaining ftill Judges, would nei-
ther have ſpar'd the Duke's Footmen, nor any other could have
been prov'd concern'd in the Action; they had already prepof-
fefs'd the Cardinal,by repreſenting to him,that neither the King's
Authority, nor that of his Eminency, had been fufficient to pro-
tect an Officer in the Execution of his Duty, in the moſt honour-
able Body of the Province: but befides that the Cardinal (ever
ill fatisfied with the Duke, who on his part alfo did not
much ſtudy to pleaſe him) was of himſelf fufficiently difpos'd to
do him a miſchief, had not the occurrences of the time involv'd
the Court in the greateft diforder, wherein perhaps it had ever
very
been.
The Enemy, after having long threatned the Kingdom, was in
the end with a powerful Army entred into Picardy, and at their
first coming had carried la Capelle, and le Catelet, affaulted Corbie,
which they alſo took, and alarm'd Paris it ſelf to fuch a degree,
as is fufficiently known to all. They were likewife enter'd into
Burgundy, and were preparing for the like attempt upon Langue-
doc: and Guienne was not to be fpar'd; neither was it a little while
after: So that the great Minifter, wholly taken up with concerns
of fo high importance, had no leifure to look after the Duke's Af-
Cccc
fairs;
+
+
1
562
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
Anno fairs; neither did he think it convenient to nettle him, in a time
1636. when his fervices were fo neceffary to the Kingdom;and the Chan-
cellor who ſtill retain'd his old affection to the Duke's Interefts,
fecing himſelf abfolute Mafter of this bufinefs, concealing it from
the Parliaments knowledge, referr'd it to the ordinary Juftice,
where being animated with very little paſſion, it ſoon fell of it
felf.
The great
Employ-
At this time of all others the Greatness of the Duke of Efper-
ments of the non ſeems eſpecially to appear, by the important Employments,
Duke of E/- and Commands wherewith his whole Family were inveſted. The
pernon's Fa- Duke de Candale his eldeft Son was Generalißimo to the Armies of
mily.
The Sp.1-
the Republick of Venice, an Ally to this Crown. The Duke de la
Valette his fecond Son, was in the Army of Picardy, wherein
though he had not in truth the Principal Command (the Count de
Soiffens being General there) yet had he the honour to be chofen
out by the King, to infufe life, and vigour into that Army, the
Souldiers whereof, by fome ill fucceffes had befall'n them, being
exceedingly dejected, which were the exprefs terms wherewith
his Majeſty allur'd him to that Service. The Cardinal de la Valette
was alſo employ'd againſt Galas in Burgundy, into which Province
the Enemy being entred with a formidable Army, had already
made fome Conquefts before his arrival there. Mirebeau had been
taken, Saint Jean de Laonne was befieg'd, and the beft Cities of the.
Country were highly threatned; the fear there was exceeding great,
and the danger had been no lefs, if the Cardinal de la Valette, by
oppofing himſelf to their defigns, had not ſtop'd the progreſs of
their Arms. He fought them with advantage in five or fix feveral
Engagements, and without ever being able to tempt them to a
Battel with all the provocation he could ufe, forc'd them in the
end to retire, with the ruine, and diffolution of their whole Ar-
my, that unprofitably mouldred away to nothing. As for the Fa-
ther, his buſineſs lay in Guienne, a Province, that as it made up a
principal part of the Kingdom, of how great utility muft the Ser-
vice neceffarily be, that preferv'd it from diforder in fo critical a
time? A thing nevertheleſs fortunately effected, by his Wiſdom ſo
moderating the diſcontents of the people, as to keep them in ſo
dangerous a Jun&ure of Affairs, from lafhing into thofe extremes,
whereinto by their former behaviour, it might realonably be ap-
prehended, ſhould they find an opportunity of this nature, they
would precipitouſly run.
This was indeed one of the most important, but not the only
niard en ers Service he did the King upon this occafion. The Spanish Council
having (as has been faid) determin'd to invade the Kingdom in
Guienne.
feveral
F
J
F
!
1
+
BOOK XI.
563
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
Է
feveral places at once, principally hafted to enter into Guienne; to
come to which Province, they were to pass through the Country 1636.
of Labourt (which is that of Bifcaye) and by the way highly
threatned the City of Bayonne! They knew very well the Duke of
Elpernon had no Forces to fend into that Country; neither had
he had them, durft he indeed have done it, without the confent
of the Inhabitants; left, being a cholerick, and impatient people,
as they naturally are, any thing he ſhould do of that kind, out of
care to preferve them, fhould put them upon defperate refolutions,
and make them wilfully lofe themſelves. They had before they
came fo deſpis'd the Enemies Forces, that they would not endure
any one ſhould think of contributing to their prefervation; a ſe-
curity that did not a little afflict the Duke, who had been of old
acquainted with the humour of this people, and knew them to
be as timorous, and dejected when any danger was near at hand,
as they were ftout and haughty, when it was remote, and out of
the profpect of their fear. Not daring therefore to rely upon the
valour, and Fidelity of fuch a people in an Affair of ſo high impor-
tance, and moreover importun'd by the intelligence he receiv'd
from all parts, that the Enemy was ready to enter the Country, he
departed from Bordeaux the 6th. of October,arriv'd the tenth at Ne-
rac, and the fixteenth at Bayonne, with a diligence fo much above
the ſtrength of a man of his Age, that at his arrival there he was
1
falls lick at
Bayonne.
.:
furpriz'd with a ſharp, and a dolorous diftemper, fo violent a The Duke
Fever accompanying his pain, that for ſome days his Friends, and of Efpernon
Servants knew not; what to hope would be the iffue of his Dif
eaſe. Though the Duke had with him no other Forces, fave only
his Company of Gens d' Armes, his Guards, and an hundred or
fixſcore Gentlemen Volunteers, he notwithſtanding ſtuck not,
boldly to expoſe his Perfon, for the fecurity of that Frontier, in
the preſervation whereof confifted the fafety of the whole
Country.
ter;
He was scarcely there arriv'd, when the people came running
in crowds with news that the Enemy was upon the point to en-
who alſo on their part follow'd the intelligence fo clofe, that
there was ſcarce any interval betwixt the report of their coming,
and their being come. The Duke, though exceedingly ill, would The Spanish
by no means, that in an Affair of this Confequence they fhould Army en-
conceal any thing from his knowledge; neither did he upon the Biscay.
firft intimation fail to take order for all things with as much dili-
gence, and care, as if he had been in the greateft vigour of health:
wherein his inftructions were alſo fuch, as had they been duly ex-
ecuted, and obferv'd, the Enemy would have met with greater
Cccc 2
diffi-
ters into
1
564
The Hiftory of the Life of
:
I
PART III
Anno difficulties than they did; and their Entry into this little Country,
1636. though open on all fides, would have coft them, both more time,
and more blood, than they laid out upon this occafion. But what
he had order'd with fo much prudence, and forefight, was very ill
obey'd; and the people of the Country no fooner faw the Enemy
appear, than they fled before them, none of their Leaders being
able to prevail with them to ftand, or ſo much as once to face
about in any place of what advantage foever.
de la Valette
Father to
Bayonne.
เ
The Duke ſometime before he advanc'd towards this Frontier,
foreſeeing what work and trouble the invaſion of a Forcin Army
was likely to create him, had intreated the King to fend the Duke
de la Valette his Son, who alſo had the Government of Guienne
ſettled upon him in reverfion, to his affiftance; who according-
The Duke ly came to him to Bayonne, the fame day the Enemy entred the
comes to his Country, and who having, as he pafs'd by Bordeaux, heard of the
Sickneſs of the Duke his Father, was by that ill news oblig'd to
take Poſt, and was but newly alighted when intelligence was
brought, that the Enemy was entring, and that thereupon had
followed a great confufion amongst our own people. The Duke
at this news was not a little distracted, betwixt two contrary Paf-
fions, by which he was at one, and the fame time affaulted, either
of paying the affiſtance to which he was in Nature, and Duty
bound, to a good and languiſhing Father, or of purſuing what
his Honour, and Bravery exacted from him, for the Service of
his Prince, and Maſter: But that debate betwixt his Piety, and
Honour was foon determin'd by the Father himself; and the mu-
tual tenderneſs they had for one another was foon overcome, by
the Affection they both had to their common duty. It was in
the cloſe of the Evening when the Duke de la Valette arriv'd at
Bayonne, and the night was no fooner pafs'd, when mounting
on Horſeback with fome perfons of on Condition, who had
there waited in expectation of his coming, he went out to difco-
ver the Countenance of the Enemy: but neither his Prefence,
Exhortations, nor Example could work any effect upon the com-
mon people; whoſe Spirits had by the firſt days fright been ſo
ftrangely fubdu'd, that it was impoffible to raiſe them the next, to
any tolerable degree of refolution: fo that in this general Con-
fternation, all he could poffibly do was to retreat without diſorder,
which alſo was not to be done without a very great deal of dan-
ger. The Duke de la Valette engag'd his Perfon fo far to make good
this Retreat, and to preſerve the little Honour he had to manage
in this Encounter, that he very often ran a very great hazard of his
life, and certainly expos'd himſelf more, than he was any way
1
!
oblig'd
す
​}
1
-
: Воок XI.
565
the Duke of Elpernon,
W
1
1636.
oblig'd to do, when being in the end retir'd (himſelf always the… Anno
laft man) he commanded la Roche Captain of the Duke his Fa-
thers Guards, and alfo of his own, to make good the Bridge
(which feparates the Bourg of Siboure, from that of Saint Jean de
Luz) againſt the Enemy that follow'd very cloſe in his Rear.
This Order was not to be executed without infinite danger, buc
the Duke de la Valette well enough knew, that he, to whom it was
given, would not bely his former Actions; neither did la Roche
deceive his expectation, who with forty Musketeers only which
he had under his Command, ftop'd the torrent of a Victorious
Army, and after having kill'd two hundred of their men upon
the place, amongſt whom were eight or ten of their beſt Officers,
and having by that means given our Foot time to put themſelves
into a place of fafety, after he had fufficiently manifefted his own
Conduct, with the Valour and Dexterity of his Souldiers, he
drew up the Draw-Bridge that lay over the middle of the River,
and with very little lofs retir'd to the Duke de la Valette's Troop,
who ftaid to make good his Retreat.
themſelves
of Labourt,
coa without
reſiſtance.
After this manner the Spanish Forces poffefs'd themſelves of the The Spa-
Country of Labourt, and our men were no fooner retir'd on this niards make
fide Saint Jean de Luz, but that the Enemy feiz'd it, and the Mafters of
fame day preſented themselves before Socoa. This Socoa was a lit the Country
tle point of Land, jetting out into the Sea, convenient, and pro- and take the
per enough for Fortification; but thofe of the Country would Fort of So-
never confent to have it fortified. Which notwithstanding
the place of it ſelf was of ſo advantageous a fituation, that they
had ventur'd to put into it two hundred Souldiers; who-having
had leifure to caft up fome Works, made a countenance before
the arrival of the Spanish Army, there bravely to defend them.
felves but their Refolution was of no long continuance, the
fear of the people foon infected the Souldier; and fome Gentle-
men who upon other occafions had given teftimony of their Va-
lour, having been appointed to command them, were ſo unhap.
py as not to preferve the fame Reputation here. So that to be
Thort, contrary to the opinion of the two Dukes, the Father, and
the Son, and of all the men of Command about them, the
place was deliver'd up without the leaft refiftance, and the Ene-
my at the fame in ftant there fortified themſelves.
It is not to be believ❜d what a terror the entry of the Spaniards,and A panick
the taking of Socoa, it being but three Leagues diftant from their fear in the
City, ftrook into the Inhabitants of Bayonne; and, as all the Paff City of Baya
ons of the Populacy are extreme, they in a moment converted the
abfolute affurance, wherewith they had hitherto flatter'd them..
felves,
onne.
}
1
566
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
*
1
Anno felves into a moft infamous, and immoderate Fear ; infomuch
1636. that had not the Duke been prefent in the City, it had doubtleſs
They are
encourag'd
by the
Duke of
Efpernon.
The order
raken by the
Duke of Ef-
pernon for
the confer-
vation of
the place.
been in very great danger to be loft: wherein nevertheleſs, if the
Kingdom of France ftood highly indebted to him for working by
by his preſence ſo good an effect; they ſtood little leſs obliged to
the Spanish Gravity, and Circumfpection, whofe deliberate way
of proceeding made them run into an error, ufually committed
by fuch, as perfwade themſelves their Enemies are provided
against all forts of Accidents. For his cautious Enemy, forbear-
ing out of this belief to prefent themſelves before Bayonne, un-
furniſh'd of all things neceffary for its defence, gave the Duke
time by that means to make the Inhabitants reaffume their for-
mer courage; and that to fuch a degree, as from the deſpair of be-
ing able to defend themſelves, being grown to a confidence of
doing it with honour, and advantage, they were foon in a condi-
tion to repel any thing the Enemy could attempt against them.
The Duke feeing them in this good difpofition, caus'd a Review
to be made of all fuch as were able to bear Arms, which upon
examination were found to be nine hundred only; and which not-
withſtanding he ſo encourag'd, what by the confideration of their
Duty, and their own Intereft (an Argument as prevalent at leaſt
as any whatever in the minds of men) that they all unanimously
ſwore to him, to live and dye in the defence of their City. Such
as were not capable of bearing Arms, were employ'd at the For-
tifications which were yet imperfect; a labour wherein the more
delicate Sex would no more be fpar'd than the men; by which
means the work was follow'd on all hands with fo unwearied a
Diligence, that what remain'd to be done, was perfected in fewer
days, than months would have been requir'd before the Enemies
approach. This being thus provided for, they proceeded in the
next place to examine what Grain was in the City; of which
ſearch Pertamont, Intendant de la Justice had the charge committed
to his care
to his care and in this they found the greatest defect, which was
fuch, that in three days the place muft infallibly have been loft,
had the Enemy prefently clap'd down before it; for there was ve-
little Corn to be found, and no Flower at all, all the Mills
were without the City, and the nearest of them a League diftant.
This defect was therefore of all things to be fupply'd, which alone
renders all forts of Provifion, how great foever the Store, alto-
gether uſeleſs that therefore in a few days was accordingly done;
and being the City, which is divided from the reft of the King-
dom by the Doux, a great and deep River, was not to be reliev'd
but on that fide: The Duke was eſpecially folicitous to fecure
ry
the
1
巾
​1
:
+
BOOK XI.
the Duke of Eſpernon.
567
the wodden Bridge that affords the City communication with the Anno
Suburb du St. Eſprit, and from thence with the reft of France, by 1636:
the County of Lannes. To that end therefore he caus'd two good
Forts to be trac'd out in his own prefence upon two Eminences
that commanded that Bridge, and made the Work to be fo dili-
gently follow'd, that they were in a few days put into a condi-
tion of defence. They alfo by his order haftened the Leavies for
fome Recruits that were raifing in Guienne, that they might be put
into thoſe two Forts, by which means they were fufficiently
man'd. He moreover put three months Provilion into the City,
gave order for the perfecting of the Fortifications, wholly reaffur'd
the Inhabitants, and put the place into fo good acondition, that
nothing for the future, but by a regular Siege, was to be effected
against it. After having thus provided for the fafety of this City,
he prepar'd himſelf to go take order for the defence of the other Ci-
ties, that were upon this Frontier, which were alſo in no little dan-
ger; yet was it not before he had further ſupply'd the neceffities of
the Inhabitants of Bayonne, who complaining to him that their
Corporation was reduc'd to fo great poverty, that it would be im-
poffible for them to provide againſt a thouſand little Accidents
that might happen to them, mov'd at their entreaties, he left with
them all the money he had left of the Expence of his Houſe, ari-
fing to four and twenty thousand Livers, which was owing to
him at his Death, and was the only money he ever lent
curity, and at Intereft in the whole time of his Life.
upon Se-
The Spaniards knew nothing of the ill condition of this place, a remark-
till after it was fortifi'd, and ſupply'd in fuch manner, as you have able over-
heard; and then they faw the error they had committed, but it Spaniard.
fight in the
was then too late. They declar'd however, to the Duke's Glory,
and in their own Vindication, That they did not repent them of their
wary manner of proceeding; but that if it were to do again, they fhould
do the fame, and that they could never think a place ill Fortified, that
had a Duke of Eſpernon to defend it. The Duke, what teftimonies
foever they fo highly, and publickly gave, of the eſteem they had
of his Vertue, was not notwithstanding fo to be charm'd with
the Harmony of their Praiſes: but that being inform'd the Ene-
my, deſpairing for the future of being able to effect any thing
upon Bayonne by force, was determin'd to paſs the River Doux,
to fall
upon Dacqs, by that means to cut off all Relief that could
be put into Bayonne ; to the end, that of it felf, and without the The Duke
expence of a Siege, it might fall into their hands; he departed of Efpernon
thence with the Duke de la Valette his Son, his faithful Compa- goes from
nion in all the cares and troubles of this Expedition, to
take order Dacgss
for
Bayonne to
.
568
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1
and
for the defence of this little place, which they alſo in fix days
1636. that they made their abode there, what by their Vivacity,
good Conduct, and partly at their own expence, put into ſo
good a poſture of ſafety, that it was out of all danger of Surprize.
Having thus provided for the fecurity of the moſt Important
Places, they diſpatch'd away a Gentleman to the King, to give his
Majeſty an Account of what they had done for his Service, and to
receive his Commands, what they were to do for the time to
And from
thence fends
a Difparch
to the King.
plary Fide-
lity 'in the
Inhabitants
of Bifcay.
Anno
1637.
come.
From Dacqs they went to Mont de Marfan, where they yet
made ſome ſtay, as well in reference to the fecuring that place, as
alſo to be better ſatisfied concerning an intimation had been given
them, that the Spanish Army was refolv'd to paſs the River in or-
der to fome notable Attempt. To this end Captain la Roche was
fent to diſcover nearer hand the depth of the Enemies Defigns;
who ſoon perceiv'd by the Works they had begun at Socoa, that
they had no thoughts of making any further progrefs into the
Country that Winter. Having therefore at his return given his
Maſters this affurance, upon his Report, which they found after-
wards to be very true, they continued on their way towards Bor-
deaux. The Spaniards on the other fide applying themſelves to their
Fortifications, labour'd more luccessfully, than they imagin'd, to
the Glory which was referv'd for the Duke de la Valette in their De-
feat the enſuing year; and having in the mean time loft all hopes
of advancing further into the Country by force of Arms, fell to
Caballs, and practices to feduce the Inhabitants of Labourt over
to their fide. They promis'd them Peace, freedom, Security, and
all other advantages they could defire, if they would cohabit
with them, they offer'd Protection to all fuch as would continue
Neuters in their own Houſes: but,they threatned no little puniſh-
ments to thoſe, who ſhould retire into France. All which Artifice
nevertheleſs prevail'd nothing with the Bifcains, there being not
ſo much as any one Family, that did not prefer a voluntary Exile,
before any Benefit,or Immunity that could derive from the boun-
ty of invading Neighbours: So that if they were in the beginning
condemn'd by fome, for having manifeſted too little heat at the
Enemies firſt coming in, every one in the end applauded their Fi-
delity, who would rather chooſe to abandon their Country, and
Fortunes, than to enjoy them in the greateſt quiet, and fecurity,
under the ufurpation of a Forein and invaſive Power.
As it was evident enough both by the number of the Enemy,
and the good condition wherein they had had the leiſure to fortifie
themſelves, that it was impoffible to attempt any thing againſt
them,
BOOK XI.
569
the Duke of Eſpernon.
Anno
them, but by means proportionable to the greatnes of their For-
ces; the Duke fate ftill at Bordeaux in expectation of Orders from 1637.
Court for their future proceeding. But they waited not long, Hatt-
mont, which was the Gentleman they had diſpatch'd thither, re-
turning to Bordeaux almoſt as ſoon as they, furnish'd with ſeveral
very favourable Difpatches; wherein after the King had highly
magnified the Duke of Efpernon's Conduct, who by fo little means
had preferv'd that Frontier, his Majefty proceeded to let him
know, he infinitely defir'd the Enemy might be difoblig'd from
the places they had already poffefs'd; promifing in order there-
unto Men, Proviſions, Ammunition, a Train of Artillery, and
what was neceſſary to the execution of fo great a defign: All this
notwithſtanding remain'd in terms of a bare promife only, with-
out ever coming to the leaft effect; nay, there was not fo much
money to be had, as would ferve for the railing of two Regi-
ments of Foot, and four Troops of Horfe; though the Duke
had not fo much as one Souldier in the Province: a Summe,
which though it amounted not to above fifty thouſand Livers, yet
the Exchequers of the feveral Provinces, and the King's other
Bancks being totally exhauſted,there was a neceffity for the Duke
to advance it, out of his own private Stock, which he also was The Dake
willing to do; and though it went fomething hard with him, had of Elpernon
much rather in this urgency of his Majefties Affairs, lay out the ces with his
money of his own private Revenue (for of two years he had not own money,
touch'd one peny of the King's) than that the Country the Ene-
my
had invaded ſhould be left unto them, which alſo was not to
be preferv'd, but by the oppofition of ſome confiderable Forces.
While the Frontier of Bayonne found work enough for the two
Dukes, the Royal Arms were employ'd for the recovery of Corbie;
that being almoſt the only place of importance, the Enemy had
made a Conqueſt of, with all their long, aud mighty preparati-
on. In the beginning of this Siege, there was fcarce any who did
not believe the Fortune of the Cardinal depended upon the event.
of that Enterprize, and that, fhould the King happen to be baf-
fled before it, his Majefty weary of maintaining the Quarrels of
his Minifter (for fuch were all the Wars of Europe at that time
time reputed) at ſo vaft an expence of Treaſure, and with ſo much
difquiet to his Kingdom, would infallibly facrifice him to the
Animofities of Strangers, and the Diſcontents of the Great Ones
of his own people, who equally defir'd his Ruine: But the fuc-
ceſs of this Leaguer, more ſpeedy, and fortunate than was to be
expected, having reconcil'd the Cardinal to the Kings opinion,
and aſtoniſh'd all thofe who had prophefied an alteration in his
Dddd
For-
raiſes For-
A.
570
PART II
The Hiflory of the Life of
1
Anno Fortune, every one was ftrook with admiration at a profperity fo
1637. beyond all example, infomuch that even thofe who had moſt
thirfted after his Ruine, were the firft to congratulate him for
the good fuccefs. 'Tis faid that of thofe there were fome, who,
that they might with greater Elegancy fhrowd themselves from
any jealouſie the Cardinal might entertain againſt them, made no
difficulty to proſtitute their own Fidelity, and Honour, in drico-
vering the Secrets either of their Mafters, or Friends, to him who
was their common Enemy.It was by that fort of people (as is be-
liev'd) that the Cardinal had intelligence of a Plot, wherein the
Monfieur, and the Count de Soiffons had confpir'd against him,
Cautela with whom the Duke de la Valette was alfo deliver'd to him for
The firft
cauſe of the
Valette's
one, who had a great hand in this Affair, and it is moft certain
Difgrace. that from thence the Cardinal laid the defign to perfecute his Fa-
The manner
de la Valett's
tred into
Cardinal
Alliance.
milies and his own particular Fortune to the last extreme; lo that
from that time forward, there was neither bound, nor moderati-
on in the implacable Hatred he conceiv'd against him upon this
very account. How far the Duke de la Valette's Refentments might
tranfport him towards the Cardinal, I cannot tell, but I am well
enough inform'd in the ill ufage he receiv'd from him, as well in
the perfon of the Duke his Father, as his own, to be bold to fay,
that he had all the reafon in the world to be offended to a very high
degree but this Affair having been (as has been faid either the
occafion, or at leaſt the pretence of all the great Perfecutions of
this Family,it will not perhaps be impertinent to take things from
the beginning, that they may be the better understood.
The Duke de la Valette being (as we have obferv'd) entred in-
of the Duke to the Alliance of Cardinal Richelieu, had examples enough' of fe-
Conduct at- Veral perſon's of very great Quality before his eyes, to make him
ter heen- ftoop to extraordinary Applications, and refpects towards him:
but nothing could ever induce him to bend below the terms of de-
Richelieu's cency, and his own condition; fo that he only paid him what
reſpect was due, and nothing more: a way of living that by no
means fatisfied the Cardinal, who would exact from all conditi-
ons of men, a Reverence without all reſerve. A vanity of his,
that although the Duke de la Valette was very perfect in, yet did
not that knowledge make him alter his refolution, chooſing ra-
ther to live with him in a lefs degree of Favour, than to beg Of-
fices and Employments at the price of his own Honour. Many
fecret diſcontents arising from this firft caufe, it must of neceffi
ty follow, that these two Spirits having been fo long diffatisfied
twixt them. with one another, and fo equally difpos'd to a final Rupture,
would at one time or another produce their ordinary effect. An
Difcontents
arife be-
occaſion
1
I
!
BOOK XI.· the Duke of Efpernon.
571
occafion, preſented it felf at the Enemies entring into Picardy, and
about the taking of la Capelle. The Baron du Bec was Governour
of this place, which this Gentleman very well known to, and
entirely belov❜d by the Duke de la Valette, had furrendred fooner,
than the Cardinal could have wifh'd, for want (as he pretended)
of Proviſion. The Cardinal, who by an example of high ſeverity,
would oblige the Governours of other places to hold out to the
laft extremities; or perhaps by that means to juftifie-himſelf to
the King, from any cenfure he might undergo, as Prime Mini-
fter of State, in not having fufficiently provided for the neceffi-
ties of fo important a place, caus'd an Honourable Council im-
mediately to be Affembled. This Council confifted of all the Of
ficers of the Crown, who were then to be found in Paris, toge-
ther with ſome Counſellors of State, whoſe buſineſs it must be
to condemn the Baron du Bec, as convict of Cowardıfe, and
Treachery, to a privation of his Life and Honour. The Duke
de la Valette was amongst the reft fummond to this Affembly,
wherein as he ſaw he was not call'd to it to deliver his free Opi-
nion, that the Gentleman was beforehand mark'd out for Ruine,
and that Sentence of Death muft confequently enlue; fo did he
endeavour with all the art he had to decline having any thing to
do in that bufinefs: but it was altogether in vain. The Cardinal
would admit of no excufes,but after having fent three times to his
Houſe to ſeek him, Chavigni, Secretary of State, went the fourth
time to tell him plainly, he muft either fatisfie, or abfolutely break
with the Cardinal. This exprefs, and poſitive Declaration prevail'd
in the end with the Duke de la Valette to go to the Council; but it
was not nevertheleſs to comply in the lealt with the animofities
of others. The Baron du Bec's Affair was laid open in the Pre-
fence of the King, and the Cardinal, and the greater part of the
Judges concluded the Crimes laid to his charge, fufficient to con-
demn the party accus'd: but the Duke de la Valette did not think
himſelf oblig'd to be of that opinion, and conſequently could
not confent to his Condemnation. If the Cardinal had manifeſted
ſomething of vehemency, in importuning the Duke to come
to the Council, he exprefs'd yet a far greater indignation to find
him of a judgment fo far diffenting from his own, infomuch
that at his coming out of the Council, taking the Duke de la Va-
lette aſide, he could not contain himſelf from breaking into very
unhandſome Language, proceeding to fo bitter, and fo injurious
expreffions, that the Duke was not able to forbear giving a very
fmart Reply, the Reverence due to the place where they then
were permitting him at that time to do no more, though fuch as
Dddd z
were
Anno
1637.
1
572
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
Anno
were acquainted with his temper, will eafily judg, that he would
1637. omit no occafion of manifefting a higher refentment. In the heat
of this Diſcontent he receiv'd the Command of which I have al-
ready ſpoken, to go joyn himſelf with the Count de Soiffons in
Picardy, and then the Cardinal could find fome expreffions of Ci-
vility, and Complement, to fmooth him withal, at his depar
ture; but an Offence being much harder to be repair'd, than
committed, the Wound the Duke carried along with him in his
Bofom, was not to be clos'd by fo flender a Remedy. It was pre-
fently after this that the Cardinal was inform'd, the Duke de la Va-
lette had hearkened to the Propofitions had been made to him by
the Count de Soiffons, for the Revenge of their common Injuries,
and that the Monfieur was alfo confenting with them.
The Monfi-
At the time the Cardinal receiv'd this intimation, the Duke de
eur, and the la Valette, to his good Fortune, was as far off as Bayonne; but the
Soiffons re- Monfieur, and the Count de Soiffons, being both at Paris, eſcap'd
Count de
tire from
Court,
to the Duke
him in their
but a very few hours of being both Arrefted, having nevertheless
time enough to withdraw themſelves,they departed fuddenly from
Paris: when, though they ſcarce knew which way to fly for re-
fuge from the power of their Enemy; yet hoping that either the
danger the Duke de la Valette ran equally with them, or that the
Generoſity of the Duke of Efpernon (who on the other fide was
And fend himſelf not very well fatisfied with the Court) might induce him
of Efpernon to receive them into Guienne: they difpatch'd away thither firft
to engage the Count de Bourdelle, and after him the Count de Montrefor his
Quarrel. Brother; of which both the one and the other had inftructions to
addreſs themſelves to the Duke de la Valette, that by his perſwaſi-
ons the Father might be rendred more favourable to their defires:
But this Duke,who had much rather be alone expos'd to the Car-
dinal's whole ſtock of hatred, than to difquiet the old Age of the
Duke his Father, by intereffing him in his Quarrels, freely told
them, "That the Monfieur, and the Count were to expect nothing
from his Mediation in this Affair: That he was indeed refolv'd
to follow his Fathers Refolutions; but that he would never
prompt him to any thing that might trouble his repofe. Mon-
trefor, who came laft, and who would not depart without a pofi-
tive reſolution, finding no hopes of concurrence in the Duke de
la Valette, defir'd to talk in private with the Duke of Efpernon.
He was accordingly admitted into his Chamber, at ten of the
Clock at night, after all his Servants were retir'd, where he re-
preſented to him, "The immediate danger wherein two great
*Princes of the Blood were at this time engag'd by the violence
of Cardinal Richelieu, their, and his particular Enemy: That
CC
te
in
BOOK XI.
Book
573
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
CC
CC
Anno
1637.
"in fecuring their lives he might alſo eſtabliſh his own Fortune,
"and that of his Family: That he knew very well how great was
"the number of difcontented perfons, how violent the de
Ipair of the people, and how intolerable the oppreffion of all
"the feveral Orders of the Kingdom: That all theſe favourable
difpofitions wanted only fome confiderable heads, to work
"their common fafety by the ruine of the Cardinals Affairs:
"That there was not a perfon in the Kingdom, who would not
"be ready ſpeedily to joyn with thefe Princes, feeing their good
"intention for the Redreſs of the Publick, fhould their caufe be
"fupported by his prudent Conduct: "That this Act would
"crown all the other actions of his life, for ever eſtabliſh the For-
"tune of his own Family, and render oblig'd to him for their
Lives, and Honour, two Princes, the one the Son, and Bro-
'ther of the King his Mafter's, his own Nephew, and Friend;
and the other ſo paffionately enamour'd of his Vertue, that he
"would with all his heart lay afide his condition, to obey his
"Orders in the conduct of thoſe things they were to purſue for
"their common ſafety. All thefe Reaſons, how plaufible foever
in themſelves, and how handfomly foever laid before him, were
not yet of force to ſhake a man ſo firm, and fo confirm'd in his
Duty, as the Duke of Elpernon; who, although he very well
knew, and that it was no hard matter for him to judg by the Ex-
ample of theſe Princes, and of moſt of the great men of the
Kingdom, that the Cardinal would not long hold his hand
from ftriking at his Fortune, which was the only one almoſt that
remain❜d unſhaken, would nevertheleſs rather chooſe to lie-ex-
pos'd to this danger, than to fecure himſelf, by being the promo-
ter of a Civil War. He therefore anſwer'd Montrefor, “That he who exca-
"was the Monfieur's moſt humble Servant, that he was the Count's fes himfelt.
"alfo: That they did a great deal of Honour in repofing ſo
(c
CC
cr
<c
great a confidence in him, as to communicate ſo much of their
Intereſts, and Deſigns: That they could not do it to one that
was a more faithful Servant both to the King, and to them, or
more paffionate for their good: That the greateft teftimony he
"could poffibly give them of that paffion, was, humbly to be-
ſeech, and (if he durft be ſo bold) to adviſe them, to have
speedy recourfe to his Majefties Bounty, and Royal Favour:
"That for what concern'd himſelf, he was very fenfible of all the
"ill uſage he receiv'd from Court; but that he did by no means
"impute it to the King: That feeing alfo he could not do him-
"felf right, without offending him, he rather choſe ſtill to fup-
port the oppreffion under which he now ſuffer'd,than to revenge
cc
cc
him-
+
-
.
574
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III,
L
Anno
1637.
t
ແ
"himſelf of his particular Enemies, by troubling the Peace of
"the Kingdom, and by adding the miſchief of a Civil War to
"thoſe miſeries wherewith the poor people were already afflicted :
That he did moſt humbly conjure thefe Princes by the name,
"and quality they bore, and by the Intereft they had in the Good
“of the Kingdom, to do the fame, and to furrender all their
Animofities, and Difcontents to the Publick, leaving to Hea-
ven, which was juft, the Revenge of their Wrongs: That as
"to the reft, they might affure themſelves the Secret they had
"been pleas'd to entruft him withal, fhould be faithfully lock¸d
up in his heart, and that he would fuffer all forts of Extrem i-
ties, rather than reveal it. Montrefor being able to obtain no-
thing more of the Duke, return'd with this anfwer back to the
Monfieur his Mafter; who either prevail'd upon by the Duke's
advice, or obeying the natural affection he had to the good of the
Kingdom, very readily embrac'd the firft overtures of Accommo-
dation that were from the Court prefented to him: But the
Count de Soiffons, not thinking it convenient to truft the Cardinal,
what faithful, and fincere reconciliation foever could be promis'd
to him, retir'd himſelf to Sedan, from whence he never more re-
turn'd.
c
rr
८८
c
As there is no fecret that time does not in the end diſcover, the
advice the Duke had given the Monfieur, upon the Propofitions he
had ſent him, was not long conceal'd from the knowledge of the
Court. I am certain the diſcovery was neither made by the Duke,
nor by any of his, the Fidelity, and Secrefie he obferv'd towards
theſe Princes, giving on the contrary the Chancellour Seguier oc
cafion to complain of him. This true Friend of his having un-
derſtood his Prudent, and Loyal Conduct, in this fo important
Affair, writ to him, after other things, in theſe terms Give
me leave to affure you that the King is infinitely ſatisfied with
your Behaviour: I was ever confident, and have ever ſaid, that
the Princes folicitations would never prevail with you, who can
"entertain no overture, nor embrace no Propofition inconfiftent
with your Maſters Service.
Maſters Service. I have learn'd this excellent Maxim
"from your felf, and your Actions have ever been ſo pure from
any blemiſh of that kind, that your Fidelity, which will ſtand
"for a Prefident to fucceeding Ages, was never in any poffibility
" of being fufpected; and did you ftand in need of any one to
"undertake for you in this cafe, I ſhould offer my ſelf to be the
man. I hope the Anſwer you fent this great Prince will
"make him fee his own good,and confider that of the Kingdom:
"We here expect his Reſolution, which we doubt not but will be
[C
(c
cc
very
1
1
#
+
$
Book XI. the Duke of Elpernon.
575%
1
(6
"
Anno
very good; foraſmuch as all things he has defir'd of his Maje-
"fties Bounty are granted to him, &c. The Duke, who little ex- 1637.
pected fuch a Complement as this, and that had not given the
Monfieur this counfel with any intent to obtain thereby a thanks
from the King, return'd the Chancellour a very civil Anſwer;
but fent him word withal, "That if he had obferv'd him in thofe
"times wherein they had ferv'd the King together wholly intent
upon his Majefties Interelts, he was fo far from having loft any
"thing of that Zeal, and Affection, that on the contrary thofe
"years which had pafs'd over his head, had only ferv'd to confirm
"him in his Duty, but that he was infinitely furpriz'd to hear
"the Court ſhould be inform'd that he fhould have us'd any Ar-
guments to the Monfieur concerning the prefent Affairs, of force
to make him confider what he did owe to the Service of the
King, the good of the Kingdom, or his own prefervation :
"That he could affure him fince his Highness departed laſt from
"Court he had not feen him, nor any one employ'd by him; nei-
ther had he directly, or indirectly heard from him at all: That
"the difcourfe therefore which had done him this good Office
"with the King, must be fomething he might perhaps. have faid
“
in publick without other defign, than the vanity he had upon all
"occafions to manifeft his paffion to his Majefties Service, and to
"exhòft all men to continue firm in that Duty, c. The Chan-
cellour was by no means fatisfied with this Anfwer, it feeming to
him that the Duke was therein more referv'd, than became their
old acquaintance, or the entire confidence he might ſafely repoſe
in his Friendship: but the Duke, who would by no means do the
Monfieur the lealt ill office, or fail in his Fidelity to him, chofe ra-
ther to give his friend this little difcontent, which he alſo knew
would foon be forgot, than to fail in his Faith, which would be
an eternal blemiſh to him, and fo great a forfeit to Honour, as he
could never have forgiven himſelf, as it had been impoffible for
him ever to repair.
nal diffem-
Although the Cardinal prepoffefs'd with the ill Offices had
been done by the Duke de le Valette had conceiv'd that high diftaſte
against him, he ufually manifefted in fuch cafes; he nevertheleſs
made fhift to fmother it upon this occafion. He had at this time The Cardia
great use both of the Father, and the Son, in the Affairs of Gui- bles his dif
enne, upon their ſhoulders (he being fufficiently taken up with fatisfaction
troubles nearer home) to lay the burthen of the care of that Pro- with the
vince; ſo that he treated with them in terms of greater confi- Efpernon,
dence, than ever, writing to the Duke of Efpernon after this and de la V
manner
My
Dukes of
lette.
m
►
L
1
576
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
%
Anno
1637.
And puts
J
them joynt
miffion for
The Affairs
ly in Com-
of Guienne.
t
My Lord,
"You will find by the King's Difpaches, that his Majefty
"unmindful of nothing he conceives neceffary for the driving
"his Enemies out of your Government, and does affure himſelf
you will upon this occafion give him a teſtimony of
tr
t
t
your Va-
lour and Experience, equally advantageous to the Reputation
"of his Majefties Arms, and your own particular Glory. This
"Action will crown all the reft of your Life, which makes me
confident you will undertake it, with the ardour both the King
'himſelf has reaſon to expect from your zeal to his Service, and
amongſt other his Majefties moft paffionate Servants, one who
honours you at the rate I do, who am, &c.
r
(C
·
The like Complement was alſo ſent to the Duke de la Valette,
which is a little too long to be inferted here, and wherein his
Majeſty ſent a Lift, or form of a gallant Army, wherein were to
be three Companies of Gens-d' Armes, twelve Troops of Light
Horſe, ſeven Regiments of Foot confifting of twenty Companies
each, and three of ten, with Equipage for the Artillery, and other
things neceffary for the execution of a great Defign. Had any
part of theſe large promiſes been perform'd, the two Governours
would have needed little perfwafion to undertake the Enemy in
what poſture foever they had been: but the whole Winter almoft
being laps'd in vain expectation, the Duke de la Valette conceiving,
that, if he did not do fomething of himſelf, the Enemy might be
fo eſtabliſh'd upon the Frontier, that it would be afterwards a
matter of extraordinary difficulty to diſlodge him, advanc'd with
the fole Regiments of Guienne, and of Mun, compos'd of the
Duke his Father's Servants, and his own, and rais'd at their own
charge. He found upon the place their Company of Gens-d' Armes,
and two Troops of Light-Horfe, with which ſmall Forces he
undertook to oppofe the progrels of an Enemy three times as
ſtrong as himſelf in number of men; he forc'd them from ſome
poſts of Advantage they had fortified in the Country; and ſo
Atraitned their Quarters, and conftrain'd them to lie fo clofe in their
Trenches, thát he thenceforwards made them begin to feel necef-
fities, which in fucceffion of time gave him a Victory beyond all
humane hope or expectation.
Whilft he was taken up with this Employment, which of it
felf was but too great for the ſmall means he had wherewith to
effect fo great a Defign; the Diſcontents that had fo long lain
hatching in the minds of the people, produc'd at this time the
Miſchief had ſo long been fear'd, and foreſeen, and on a ſudden
diſclos'd
'
1
BOOK XI.
$77
the Duke of Eſpernon.
A formi-
breaks out
France.
clos'd one of the moſt formidable Revolts, that ever perhaps ap- Anno
pear'd in the Kingdom. This diforder began firft in Perigort, 1637.
from whence it fuddenly crept into Quercy, and thence in a mo-
ment diffus'd it ſelf into Agenois, and Bourdelois; nay, even the dab'e R:-
Provinces of Angoumeis, Xaintonge, and Poitou alſo, which but bellion
a little before had been quieted by the Wiſdom of Villemontée Inten- in feveral
dant de la Justice in that Country, being not yet well fettled in Provinces of
their Obedience, ftirr'd up by the ill example of their Neighbours,
ran into new, and more dangerous Commotions, than before:
fo that theſe joyning in the common mischief with the reft before
mentioned, the Contagion (pread it felf almoft as far as the Ri-
ver Loire. That which render'd the Sedition of Guienne the more
confiderable was, that thoſe who ran into Arms were not unhan-
dy Peaſants, but old Souldiers of the moft Warlike Provinces of
the Kingdom, who having long follow'd the Profeſſion of Arms,
and not being able fo foon to reduce themſelves to their former
condition, would in the diſorders of popular Infurrection feek
out that licence, the ſweets whereof they had ſometime tafted,
when their Riots had been in fome meaſure juftified by their Arms.
Moſt Commotions of this nature have been obferv'd to proceed
by certain degrees, and the forming of the defign has ufually been
diſcover'd, before the clap of Thunder has been heard; they
commonly advance ſtep by ſtep, and proceed from one gradation
to another, to their determinate end: but this at its very birth
appear'd in that exceffive and formidable height, that like great
Conflagrations which have long been fmothering before they have
broken out, it caft out flames in a moment, which were hardly
poffibly to be extinguiſh'd. The firft Intelligence the Duke of Ef. The num-
pernon receiv'd of this accident, was, that there were already ber of the
above thirty thouſand men in Arms, and it was true: amongſt
whom many Gentlemen of good Quality were fo indifcreet as to
engage; who though none of them was able to govern fo unruly,
and fo confus'd a rabble, they nevertheleſs made choice of a Gen-
tleman a Borderer of Periguex, call'd la Mothe-la-Foreft to be their
General, enforcing him to accept of that unhappy Command.
This poor Gentleman finding himfelf the first day opprefs'd with
ſo great a burthen, after having in vain tty'd all ways to difingage
himſelf, was fain in the end to undertake to Head them; wherein
the most prudent thing he did, was to reduce this great multitude
to a regular number, by choofing out of the beſt Souldiers, and
fuch as were beft Arm'd, ten thousand good men, and difmiffing
the reft home to their own houfes with order to be ready to March
upon the first Summons. This crew of Rakehells, made indeed
Eeee
in
Rebels,
And their
progrefs.
1
*
"
1
578
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
7
Anno in a few days a very confiderable progreſs; but it was without
1637. any manner of oppofition; the people generally having fo great
a kindneſs for the Rebellion, that there was fcarce a City in the
Province, which they might not conclude to be their own. They
were receiv'd into Bergerac, and had poffefs'd themſelves of the
Stone-Bridge which is upon the River Dordogne; they were
moreover fo confident as to fall upon Saint Foy, and had not the
Duke fortified the honeft Inhabitants, againſt the licence of the
bafer fort of people, by fending firft Coderé a Souldier of his
Guards, a brave, and underſtanding fellow, and after him one
of his Gentlemen call'd Friget, with an hundred and fifty Foot,
rais'd amongſt his own Vaffals, the place had infallibly been loft.
It was a Town of no little importance at this time; for befide the
advantage of its fituation, all the Arms the Marefchal de St. Luc,
the King's Lieutenant of the Province, and particular Governour
of this place, had formerly taken away from Broage when he
left that Government, were in the Cittadel, as alſo ſome pieces of
Cannon, which would have fupply'd the Rebels with fuch acon-
veniency, as would have encourag'd, and enabled them to attempt
the beft Cities of the Province.
The Duke of Elpernon having in this extremity no more, than
three very weak Regiments, which had been lately reform'd,
and that by little and little, were drawing together in the Pro-
vince, to go towards the Frontier, the Service to which they were
defign'd; writ to St. Torfe Aide de Camp, who commanded them,to
draw them out againſt the Mutineers: but that Gentleman,more
diſcreet, and circumfpect, than the Duke could have wifh'd up-
on ſo urgent an occafion, chofe rather betimes to abandon his
Quarters to the Rebels, than to do them the honour to diſpute
them by any the leaft oppofition.
The Duke after this feeing no means left to fupprefs this dan-
gerous Faction, which every day increas'd to a more formidable
height, and ftartled with the news he receiv'd from all parts, that
ſome of the beſt Cities were ready to revolt, and only expected
the approach of the Rebels to receive them; writ in all hafte to
the Duke de la Valette to come ſpeedily to the Relief of the Pro-
vince with ſome of thoſe Forces he had with him upon the Fron-
tier, fince thofe in the Lower Gafcony were not able to make head
againſt the miſchief already grown too great to be withstood. The
Duke at this Summons, without deliberating upon the Duke his
Father's Command, immediately put himſelf upon his March;
but yet fo that the Forein Enemy ftill continued fhut up within
their Trenches by the Marquis de Poganne Marefchal de Camp, with
whom
!
t
Book XI.
579
the Duke of Efpernon.
>
1
1
1
whom during his abfence he left the Command of the Army, Anno
whilſt himſelf came to do the King, the Kingdom, and particular- 1637.
ly the Province, one of the moſt important Services, could poſ-
fibly be defir'd in ſo dangerous a time.
Being come to Cadillac, where his Father expected him fick (for
he was at laſt conſtrain'd to faint under the Burthen of Affairs, and
the affliction wherewith theſe untoward occurrences had over-
come his Spirits) and having from him receiv'd fuch Inftructions,
as be was at that time in a condition to give,he earlythe next morn-
ing took Horſe to go in all hafte to Marmanda. The Duke his Fa-
ther had already there caus'd fome Troops to be gather'd together
under the Command of the Marquis de Monferrant Marefchal de
Camp, and Lieutenant of his own Company of Gens-d'Armes ;
where the Duke was no fooner arriv'd, but he understood
that at la Sauvetat, a little Town about four Leagues off, there was
a confiderable Body of the Rebels, who had there fortified them-
felves, and made fhew of a refolute Defence; an information
that made him immediately March his Forces that way to go to
affault them. All the ftrength he had with him were no more
than two thouſand five hundred Foot; but the Enemy were very
many more, which notwithſtanding he made no difficulty him-
ſelf to go view the place. At the firft fight he apprehended the
danger of affaulting them without Cannon, fortified as they were
on every fide either with Walls, or ftrong Barricado's; and ma-
of the Officers about him were of opinion, he ſhould ſtay
for fome Field-Pieces, he had order'd to follow after but having
confider'd, that to dally with theſe kind of people only, were to
give them greater encouragement, and to augment their Infolence;
he gave
gave order
order upon the inftant to go on to the Affault. I have
heard feveral who were prefent at, and had a ſhare in this Action,
fay, that the Affault was as vigorously given, and as obftinately ſu-
ftain d, as any they had ever feen, though they had been in many
very memorable occafions, and that they ſhould eternally lament,
that what was there on both fides perform'd, had not been done
againſt the Enemies of the Crown; fince doubtless whatever
they had undertaken muft have fucceeded to their immortal Glory.
The Duke's men fir'd no further off than at the Muzzle of the The Rebels
Musket, and the other party did the fame; fo that on either fide a fupprefs'd
great many men, with fome Officers of the Duke's Regiments Duke de la
were flain and the flaughter had queftionleſs been much
had the befieg'd been furniſh'd with Pikes, to their Fire Arms;
but being deftitute of that fort of Defence, they were conftrain'd,
after they had diſcharg'd their Muskets, to abandon their Barri-
Eeee 2. cado's,
ny
:
:
greater,
by the
Valette,
+
1
580
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
Anno cado's, and to retire. Madaillan who commanded the Rebels gave
1637. the firft example of a cowardly, and ſhameful flight, whom they
purfu'd as far as Quercy, to which place he fled for refuge: but ha-
ving eſcap'd the hands of the purluers, he fav'd himſelf out of the
Kingdom, from whence he return'd not but to execute one of the
moſt deteſtable Villanies againſt the Duke of Efpernon that could
ever have entred into the imagination of an accurfed Villain, The
fatal and unhappy circumſtances whereof, we ſhall foon preſent
before you, wherein this wicked, and abominable wretch will
appear to be both the inftrument, and the caufe of the Duke's
approaching Death, and Ruine.
The forcing of this place was preſently follow'd by the Sur-
render of Bergerac; the Mutineers had there made a countenance
of defending themſelves: but the example of their Complices
being taken by Aſſault, render'd them more facile to the perſwaſt-
ons of their General, who was otherwile averſe to War, than
as he was compell'd to it by the unbridled Fury of fome of the
more violent Spirits, who as they prompted their fellows to
greater miſchief, would alſo urge him on to the greateſt extremes.
Theſe two places being thus reduc'd to their Obedience, fecur'd
all the other Cities of the Province; fo that although fome few
of the people continued ftill on foot, they were rather thought fit
* Des Pre- to be undertaken by the ordinary Officers of Juftice, than worth
the pains, or notice of men of Arms.
vests.
.
The report of this Defeat ſoon ſpread it felf into Angsumois,
Xaintonge, and Poitou, whither the Duke de Palette alſo ſent
fome few Forces, of thoſe which were now fupernumerary after
this fuccefs, and where the people, through fear of punishment;
remain'd in a poſture of Obedience; by that means delivering
the Court of one of the greateft, and moft troubleſome appre
henfions wherewith the minds of the great Minifters could poſ-
fibly be poffefs'd.
This Victory was by the Marquis de Duras judg'd of impor.
tance enough to deferve the pains of a Journey to Court, to car-
ry news of it to the King, who as he had by his own Valour con-
tributed very much to the good fuccefs, the Duke of Efpernon,
who had him in very great efteem, was alfo very willing that he
fhould give his Majefty an account of the Action. Being
The Court therefore there arriv'd, he omitted nothing that might any
news of the ways recommend the merit of the Service: but he did not find
Date de la the Court difpos'd to receive things that came from the Duke's at
Valett's Vi- fo favourable a rate, as in themſelves they did juftly deſerve; they
coldly. looking upon all that had been perform'd as good as nothing,
rece ves the
&tory, very
and
I
BOOK XI.
581
the Duke of Efpernon.
·
Anno
and impofing upon them the affault of the Forts the Spaniard had
erected upon the Frontier upon pain of his Majefties Indignation, 1637.
which was the firſt recompence of their Service.
Already the Duke de la Valette had taken the way to his ordina-
ry Poft, and was arriv'd at his Quarters, which he had fortified
oppofite to the Spanish Trenches; when the Duke his Father re-
ceiv'd his Difpatches from Court, wherein he had order, and ex-
preſs power to ſerve himſelf with the King's money, and ftrength
of the Province; and moreover to lay what Impofitions they
fhould together think fit upon the people, for the execution of his
Majefties Deſigns. The Duke of Elpernon very well judg'd what
was to be expected from theſe kind of Leavies, he knew with
what difficulties, and delays the King's own Revenue was gather'd
in: He was alſo not ignorant of the little kindness they had for
him at Court: He knew very well that his Obedience herein
might be converted to a Crime, all Leavies of money being ex-
prefsly forbidden, excepting fuch Taxes as fhould be impos'd by
the King himself: all which being duly confider'd by him, made
him reſolve to write to his Majefty, "That both himſelf, and his Son The Dake
of Espernon
« were very ready franckly to expofe their Lives for the execution of his
Majesties Commands, provided fomething of what was neceſſary might ra fe money
"be added to their Endeavours, that they might attempt to execute his by Impofiti-
« Orders with ſome poßibility of fuccefs: but that he should ever im- the people.
pofe a Tax upon his Majesties Subjects, be most humbly beg'd to be
difpens'd from any fuch Employment, and that his Majesty would be
cr
c
cr
pleas'd, fince hitherto be had kept his hands clean from any thing of that
kind, he might ſtill preferve his Reputation without expofing it to the
"Clamour of his miferable Subjects, whofe Neceßities were to him al-
"ready too well known. Theſe laft words wrought the most dange
rous effect imaginable against him, the Court perfwading them-
felves that he affected Popularity, and fought this way to ingratiate
himſelf with the people, to the end that he might by their affi-
ftance be able to maintain himſelf in his Government, and was
in effect the principal Caufe, if not the only Motive, that caus'd
him to be remov'd from thence the enſuing year,
Whilft the Duke of Efpernon was engag'd in thefe troubleſome
Diſputes with the Court, the Duke de la Valette continued the
War with the Enemy, after the fame manner he had begun,
keeping them cloſe mew'd up in their Trenches, without per-
mitting them to receive any relief from the Country, or fo much
as to taſte of the Air of the Field, where they never prefented
themſelves without ſome notable diſadvantage. This way of ma-
king War having continued for two whole months together, had
reduc'd
refuſes to
ons upon
1
582
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
L
Anno reduc'd the Spaniard to Neceffities were no longer to be endur'd;
1637. they were neceffitated to have all their Provifions out of their own
Country, and thoſe to be brought to them by Sea, with infinite
hazard, and inconvenience, and at an intolerable expence. The
Duke de la Valette was very well inform'd of the ill condition to
which they were reduc'd, their Neceffities had bred an infinite
number of Diſeaſes in their Camp, and the number of fix thou-
fand men which they were at firft, was diminiſh'd to that degree,
that not above half of them were left alive. In this condition
he prepar'd to make ſome attempt upon them, and to that end
caus'd thofe Forces, which by reason of the late Commotions, he
had been oblig❜d to leave in the Lower Gafcony, to advance to-
ward the Frontier; not doubting but at this time to effect that,
which they would have had him fome time before have attempted
with almoſt certain, and apparent ruine: but the Enemy inform'd
of his refolution, by a fhameful, and precipitous flight (which
was the higheſt acknowledgment of their weakneſs he could pof-
fibly defire prevented his defign. They embark'd therefore all
their Artillery, their Equipage, and their Sick by night; the Port
of Socoa (which they were Mafters of affording them conveni-
ency fo to do,by the fame way,and with fo little noife drawing off
the reft of their Forces,that their defign was not difcover'd,till they
The Duke were all aboard. The Duke de la Valette was no fooner inform'd
de la Valette of their flight, but that he drew up to the Fort, which was fura
defeats the rendred to him without refiftance: But it is not to be imagin'd
Spaniſh Ar-
my without how many feveral Objects of Mifery were to be ſeen in their
Fighting Camp; nor to what extremities, by his long perfeverance, they
had been reduc'd. They then quitted him their Forts, giving him
thereby the moſt abfolute, and moſt happy Victory could poffibly
be defir'd; fo that he had the good fortune almoft without men
(at leaſt with Forces not half fo great as the Enemies) without
money (having never touch'd a peny of thie King's) almoſt with-
out Victuals (having had none fave what by the induſtry, and
providence of Vertamont Intendant de la Justice had been convey'd
to the Frontier) and without the loſs of any one man of note, to
ruine an entire Army of an invading Enemy, to make them
ſpend ten months time in vain, to confume Provifions fufficient
for the plentiful fubfiftence of the greateſt Army, and to leave
three thouſand of their men behind them, for a teftimony of their
Defeat. Yet how great, and of what utility foever this Victory
might be, to the Kingdoms Honour, and Safety, the Court was
notwithſtanding diffatisfied with the fuccefs; who ſeeing he had
done more, than any one durft propofe to himſelf, and outſtrip'd
the
Воок XI. the Duke of Eſpernon.
583
Anne
1637.
the hopes, and expectation of thoſe who were emulous of his Ver
tue,and would have been glad ſome diſaſter had befall'n him,were
by no means fatisfied with this performance; as if he had not
done enough in doing ſo much with ſo little means, and with fo
great fafety, and reputation to his own Perſon, and Name. Had
he been at this time in a ſtate of Favour, what recompence might
he not reaſonably have expected for two Services of fo high im-
portance, and both perform'd in one Campagne? Which though
he fail'd of through the ill Offices of fome, that blinded by Ani-
mofity could not difcern his Merit; yet fuch as will make a right
Judgment of things, muft maugre the ingratitude, and injuftice
of the Age, fet a right Value upon them. I know very well (with- Which ne-
out mentioning the Defeat of the Spanish Army, which ſpeaks is but cold-
fufficiently for it ſelf) that the other exploit has been highly magni- ly receiv'd
fied by difintereſted perfons, that had at that time the principal
Command of Poitou, and Xaintonge; who have declar'd that all
the Provinces on this fide the River Loire, had run an extremé
danger, had the general diforder, to which the people were appa-
rently, and abſolutely enclin'd, not been fupprefs'd by the vigour
and celerity, wherewith the Duke acted upon this occafion.
at Court.
and the
command
If the King's Affairs had the good fuccefs you have heard, un- The Duke
der the Conduct of the Duke de la Valette in Guienne, they fucceed- de Candale,
ed no leſs fortunately upon the Frontier of Picardy, under the Cardinal
command of the Duke de Candale, and the Cardinal de la Valette de la Valette,
his Brothers. Theſe two Generals joyntly commanded the King's the Army
Army in thoſe parts, and fo well, that they had in a fhort time re- in Picardy:
taken the Caftle of Cambrefis, Maugbeuge, and Lendrecies in the end.
That which was moſt remarkable in the Siege of this laft place,
was, that they employ'd fewer days to take it, than the Emperour
Charles the Fifth had formerly fquanderd away months to go
without it; who after a fix months Leaguer, had been conftrain'd
ingloriouſly to quit the Siege: And all theſe things were done in
the very face of the Cardinal Infanta, who having been baffled in
two fignal Engagements, durft no more make trial of our Gene-
rals Arms. The Duke of Efpernon victorious in two extremities
of the Kingdom, by the Valour of his three Sons, and hoping
that the utility of theſe important Services for the Crown, would
at leaft fecure the repofe of his old Age, thought of nothing more,
than by a gentle hand to compofe the Affairs of his own Govern-
ment, and ſo to order all things by his Moderation, and Juftice,
that the people committed to his Charge, might enjoy the ſweets
of Peace, even in the greateft tumults of War. To this end there-
fore he with great generofity, and conftancy, rejected the offer
that
+
584
PARTIII
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
4
I
1
1
•
Anno that was made to him, of the Command of a great Army where-
1637. withal to invade the Enemies Country, propofing to himſelf a
greater glory in maintaining that little part of the Kingdom en-
trufted to his care, in fecurity, and peace, than in all the Pomp
that was laid before his eyes to allure him. How great a happi-
neſs had it been if he could have effected this good defign, and by
that means have ſpun out the remainder of his exceeding old Age
in the calms of Vacancy, and repofe? neither was the fault his,
that he did not bring this vertuous intention to the defired end: but
fome ambitious, and intereſted Spirits, having infatuated the
Court with propofitions of vain and imaginary Conqueſts, pre-
vail'd fo far with the great Minifter, that it was determinately re-
folv'd, the Scene of the War fhould be transferr'd into Spain, and
that by the Siege of Fontarabie it ſhould be begun. The Enter-
prize was of no fmall difficulty, as it has fince been prov'd;
which the Cardinal alfo was very perfect in, as having long before
caus'd the place to be confider'd by the Duke de la Valette himſelf,
who had then diverted him from that defign: upon this occafi-
on however he would no more remember the reaſons by which
he had ſometimes fuffer'd himself to be over-rul'd; but having
premeditated to engage both the Father, and the Son in an Enter-
prize, wherein he refolved they ſhould both perish, he fent them
pofitive word, that they muft either abfolutely undertake this
War, and advance ſo much money, as was neceffary to begin it,
or that the King would fend the Prince of Condé to command his
Arms in Guienne. The Duke of Epernon, accuſtomed of old to
the ill ufage of the Court, was nothing furpriz'd with theſe
Threats; but on the contrary what was laid before him in the na-
ture of a Penalty, being conformable to his own defire, he gave
the Court to underſtand, that he ſhould ever efteem it a great
Honour, to have this Prince a Judg of his Actions; and that he
ſhould be very glad the King would pleaſe to give him a Com-
mand in his Government. He wanted not Servants about him,
to diffwade him from ſending ſuch a Meſſage, and to repreſent
to him the danger of inviting a greater perfon than himſelf into
a place where his Authority was abfolute, and where he had no
rival to diſpute it with him; laying before him withal many
more examples of fuch as had repented the having fubmitted their
Power to a Superiour, than of fuch as in fo doing had found their
expectation anſwer'd by the event: But the Duke was fo confi.
dent in the Affection the Prince of Condé had manifeſted to him in
theſe latter times, that he could not poffibly entertain the leaſt di-
ftruft, and moreover ſeeing it was abfolutely determin'd, that the
Province
i
}
1
BOOK XI.
585
the Duke of Elpernon.
Province of Guienne fhould bear the burthen of the War with
Spain, he had much rather the Expences of the War fhould be
ftated by a great Prince,who by his Quality was priviledg'd from
all Forms, than that he by impofing them fhould be conſtrain'd
to ſubmit to the ſeverity of an Inquifition, and be brought by his
Enemies to an Account. But that which moft of all confirm'd
him in this Reſolution, was the advantage that would thereby
accrue to the Duke de la Valette his Son, who having nothing to
do in Military Affairs, but to execute the Prince's Orders only,
would by that means be nothing accountable for any event of the
War; and as to any thing elſe, he was very well affur'd, that
what Employment foev er fhould be conferr'd upon him, he
would ever fo behave himſelf, as to deſerve no other, than the
greatest honour and applauſe.
1
Upon theſe prudent Confiderations it was that the Duke re-
folv'd to write to the Prince of Condé, to entreat he would pleaſe
to accept the Command that was offer'd him in Guienne, affuring
him (as it was very true) that nothing could be a greater fatisfacti-
on to him, than to have the Honour to kiſs his Hands in a place
where he might have opportunity to give him fome teftimonies
of the paffionate affection he had for his Service. Neither was he
fatisfied with fending him this Complement from himſelf alone,
he would moreover make the Duke de la Valette do the fame fo
that the Prince, who before would never confent to take upon
him any Employment in the Duke's Governments, made thence-
forward no difficulty to accept it: However, things not fucceed-
ing according to the Duke's defire, men took hence an occafion
to cenſure his Diſcretion, and to condemn his Conduct, (as it
uſually falls out) becauſe he prov'd unhappy in the end.
The End of the Eleventh Book.
Anno
1637.
1
:
1
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+
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J
THE
HISTORY
Of the LIFE of the
Duke of Efpernon.
The Twelfth Book.
HE Prince of Condé had no fooner accepted the Anno
Employment, but that a very ample Commif- 1638.
fion was forthwith drawn up for him, by vir-
tue whereof he was to Command, not only in
Guienne, but alſo in Languedoc, Navarre, Bearne,
and Foix. His Letters Patents were diſpatch'd
at St. Germains en Laye the Tenth of March; a Copy of which
the Prince took care to fend to the Duke of Efpernon the one and
twentieth, by the Sicur Bonneau his Secreary, together with a Let-
ter that contained theſe words.
c
“
'
Monfieur,
"It is with great reluctancy, that by his Majefties Order I muſt
go to Command his Forces in your Government, knowing as
I do, that to have his Majefties Service there well perform'd,
"there had been no need of any other perfon than your ſelf, and
Monfieur de la Valette your Son; notwithſtanding ſuch being
his Royal Pleaſure I muft of neceffity obey. Of my Commif
r
Ffff z
2
fion
1
!
;
588
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III
L
1
!
c
Anno fion I have here ſent you a Copy, affuring you withal, that in
"the exerciſe of it, I fhall take all occafions to manifeſt to you
my entire affection; and that I will be fo long as I live,
1638.
The Duke
asks leave
to retire
himfelf
to Plaffac.
cc
F
Monfieur,
Your Affectionate Coufin,
and Humble Servant
Henry of Bourbon.
To this Letter the Duke return'd a veryicivil Anſwer, but,
before he receiv'd it, had fent to defire leave to retire himſelf to
his Houſe Plaffac; of which Requeft though the pretence was
to enter into a courſe of Phyfick for the recovery of his Health ;
yet the true reaſon was, that he might be out of the way of ha-
ving any Difputes with the Prince about the Affairs of his Go-
vernment, which he could not, without great grief, have ſeen
afflicted with thofe miferies wherewith it was threatned; nor
perhaps without expreffing fuch a diſlike of that harsh way of
proceeding, as might have given him Offence. A thing which
all the Friends and Servants he had at Court having foreſeen, they
had advis'd him to this courfe; his Sons, who were beft acquain-
ted with his tickle, and impatient humour, were of this advice:
but there is great apparence that the first thoughts of retiring were
infpir'd by the Prince himſelf, who having in other Employ-
ments, where the Duke and he had ferv'd together, had tryal
enough of his difficult humour, would no more be fubject to
thofe contrarieties he had formerly endur'd, and had therefore
doubtless prompted him with that refolution. The Duke's Re-
queft therefore being fo conformable to the Princes defires, and
to the fence of the Court, it was no hard matter for him to ob-
tain that in the quality of a favour, which had doubtless been en-
joyn'd him as a puniſhment, had he not by fpeaking firſt preven-
ted a Command from the King to the fame effect; for it had been
from that time forward (as it has been evident fince) been refolv'd
upon to withdraw him from his Government, and to fufpend
him from all the Functions of his Command, Nevertheleſs ha-
ving lighted fo pat upon the humour of the great Minifters, by
the advice of his Friends, he was very civilly treated in his Maje-
fties Anſwer, which was couch'd in theſe terms.
Coufin,
4
Having found by your Letter of the eigteenth inftant, and
moreover underſtood by the mouth of the Sieur de Lavrilliere
the
BOOK XI.
589
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
}
(c
rr
(C
[C
*
*
Eftat, The
taries, who
Gign Letters
"the Secretary of my Difpatches, that in order to your Health, Anno
"by the change of Air, and the ufe of fome Remedies have been 1637.
"prefcrib'd you by your Phyficians, you defire, for ſome time, to scoretaire
retire your felf to your Houfe of Plaffac: I fend you this to let de Comman-
you know,that any thing which may either concern your health, demens, os d
or fatisfaction being very pleafing to me, I do willingly grant four Princi-
you the liberty you defire, to go to your faid Houfe; affuring pal Secre
my ſelf, that even from thence you will have a vigilant eye to in the Court
"whatſoever may concern the good of my Service within the of France
precincts of your Government. In the mean time I fhall pray parents, and
"to God, Coufin, to have you in his Holy Protection. From Difpatches.
"St. Germains en Laye the 28 day of March 1638. The Duke of State.
very well ſatisfied with this anfwer, began to make himſelf ready
to begin his Journey, fofoon as the Prince ſhould be arriv'd in
Guienne; where, whilft he waited in expectation of his coming,
he paſs'd away the time with the Duke de Candale his eldeſt Son,
entertaining him with greater familiarity, and freedom, than
till that time he had ever done; whofe complacency, and fine
Behaviour made at this time fo great an impreſſion upon the
Duke his Father, that certainly this Son had never been fo dear to
him, as when he was upon the point to loſe him; in fomuch that
his prefent joy was no little difpofition to augment the approach-
ing grief foon after occafion'd by his unexpected Death.
J
is conftrain-
Court,
The Duke de la Valette had in the interim of theſe Diſpatches The Duke
from the King, and the Prince of Condé, been oblig'd to make a de la Valetté
Journey to Court, to which he had been engag'd contrary both ed to make
to his Majefties exprefs Order, and alſo his own refolution. He a journey to
knew very well the ill Offices had been done him to the Cardinal
fince the buſineſs of Corbie, glanc'd at in the preceding Diſcourſe,
he was morcover very well acquainted with the implacable nature
of the perfon, who conceiv'd himſelf ſo highly offended by him,
to which his power was no leſs known to him, than his malice;
confiderations that altogether had made him pofitively determine
not to put himself into his hands, that he might not add to the
number of thoſe who had already tafted the utmoſt effects of his
Indignation; chooſing rather to live in his Government in ſafety,
though in diſgrace,than to expoſe himſelf to the almoſt inevitable
dangers he was to wade through to a faint,and diffembled Recon-
ciliation. But how determinate foever he had been in that refo-
lution, it was impoffible for him to keep it; for thoſe who had
imprudently engag'd his Majefty in a War with Spain, as malici-
oufly made the Cardinal fome overtures of Accommodation, as
a thing folicited by the Duke de la Valette himſelf, who defir'd
nothing
1
1
590
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
ger.
Anno nothing lefs, expoſing him by that means to the greateſt hazard he
1638. perhaps ever ran in the whole time of his Life. The Treaty how-
ever being thus fet on Foot, the Duke ſeeing himſelf reduc'd to
But with in- a neceffity, either of breaking openly with the Cardinal, or of
finite dan- going immediately to him, chofe in truth the most dangerous
courfe; but withal that by which he could at that time alone
fecure the Fortune of his Family, and the repofe of the Duke his
Father, which he ever preferr'd before his own particular fafety.
This laft confideration therefore prevail'd with him to undertake
this Journey, fo that he went to Court, and had fome Confe-
rence with the Cardinal; who, becauſe he would make all the uſe
of him he could before he would deftroy him, thinking fit to
ſpare him at that time, with a diffimulation peculiar to himſelf,
receiv'd him at the greateft rate of kindness, and feeedom could
poffibly be put on; proteſting an abſolute Oblivion of all for-
mer diſcontents, and making the King to give him the ſame aſ-
furance; which being done, he difmifs'd him, much more fa-
tisfied that he had efcap'd the prefent danger, than any ways ſe-
cure of his good intention for the time to come
L
The Frince
arrives in
Guienne.
At his return from this Voyage, he found the Prince of Condé
of Condé already arriv'd in Guienne. The Duke his Father had receiv'd
him at Bordeaux with all imaginable Honours; wherein, though
doubtleſs there was a great deal due to his Quality, as being a
Prince of the Blood; yet it is moft certain, that in this unuſual
complacency the Duke had an equal regard to his Perfon. His
reſpect proceeded ſo far, that not content to pay him all the defe-
rence, and fubmiffion he was capable of in his own perfon, he
would moreover extend his civility further, by employing his
Authority, and intereft with the Parliament of that City for his
full fatisfaction. The Prince would that at their coming to vifit
him, they ſhould Complement him by the title of Monfeigneur,
and the Company infifted upon the contrary, as a term at that
time not in ufe: but the Duke interpofing thereupon, the Inte-
reſt he had in the Deputies of that Affembly, prevail'd with them
ſo far, that the Ceremony paſs'd in the end according to the Prin-
ces defire.
1
All theſe Civilities paid by way of advance, met not however
with that acknowledgment the Duke had reaſon to expect; he
was not ignorant, that although the Prince us'd him with reſpect
enough in outward fhew, he nevertheleſs did him underhand all
the ill Offices he could; he knew that fcarce any, but fuch as
were his known, and declared Enemies, were admitted to his
preſence: That he made himſelf merry with Stories they repor-
ted
:
氰
​BOOK XII.
591
the Duke of Efpernon.
།
İ
}
1638.
ཤ
ted of his behaviour, and was very attentive to, if not inquifitive Anno
after the Informations of fuch as were diſcontented with him:
all which notwithſtanding, the Duke very fecure in the Confci-
ence of his own Conduct, did not much concern himſelf at this
unfriendly way of proceeding, but continued to live with the
Prince at the fame refpective rate, paying him all imaginable
Honours; and the inclination he had for his Service making him
flight, or give little credit to thofe flying rumours that daily came
to his ear, he could not be jealous in the leaft of an Affection
he had by fo many Titles fo highly deferv'd. It is alſo true that the
Prince on the other fide fhew'd him in publick the beſt counte-
nance he could poffibly put on, would do him the honour to dine
with him at his Houſe, and to that purpoſe invited himſelf, where
the Duke entertain'd him after his accuſtomed manner, and with
a ſplendour natural to him upon fuch eminent occafions. To
this Entertainment the Prince brought fome of his particular
Servants, as the Duke alfo invited fome of his own Friends; ſo
that the Company confifted of eighteen perſons. It has been
thought by fome, that this was an appointment purpoſely con-
triv'd by the Prince, and thoſe about him, to make themſelves
merry with the good old man, and with an intent to put him up-
on an extravagant recital of his old actions, full of Honour, and
Glory, to turn afterwards his Gafcon humour into Mirth, and
Laughter. Neither did they fail to tempt him to it, by falling in-
to difcourfe of his Favour, Wars, Miftriffes, and other things,
which vain and ambitious men are commonly well enough
pleas'd withal, that they may have an occafion to vent their vain-
glory, by fpeaking loud in their own praiſes; but the wife old
Duke deceiv'd their expectation; anſwering to all that was pro-
pounded with ſo great modefty, and diſcretion, and therein fo
highly fatisfying all the Company, as gave the Prince impreffions
much contrary to thoſe wherewith he had perhaps been prepof
ſeſs'd,confirming him more than ever in the opinion of his vertue,
which to him was already well known, and that to fuch a degree,
that rifing from the Table, full of admiration, at fo prudent, and
ſo happy an old Age, I my felf heard him ſay to ſome of his Con-
fidents, who perhaps had been brought thither to have their ſhare
of the sport, that certainly (fpeaking of the Duke) he was the
greateſt man in the world.
ኒ
But how great ſoever he might be, he was not, it ſeems, ſo hap-
py to pleaſe him now, as he had been at other times; and either
the Prince had chang'd his inclination with the face of Affairs, or
if he yet retain'd a kindneſs for him, the ftrict Orders he had re-
ceiv'd
1
592
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno ceiv'd from Court, would not give him leave to diſcover it; ſo
1638. that he grew impatient of his ftay at Bordeaux, from whence al-
fo the Duke was refolv'd not to depart, till fome Affign-
ments were firſt paid him, left after his back fhould be once turn'd,
that money might be converted to other uſe.
"
J
The delays therefore growing infupportable to the Prince, he
refolv❜d to complain of them to the Court, from whence that he
might the more speedily obtain the thing he defir'd (which was a
pofitive command for the Duke to depart the Province) he ac-
companied his Complaint with a very ill Office, which though
deriv'd from a very light occafion, yet in the evil afpect of the ru-
ling Planets of that time, the leaft pretext was but too powerful
an argument to prejudice a man already profcrib'd for ruine. It
was then no hard matter for the Prince to obtain his defire of the
Court, and that in terms of the greateſt ſeverity, it being ſaid that
he had Orders for the Duke to depart from Bordeaux without fur-
ther delay, and to retire himſelf to his Houfe Plaffac, according
to the leave he had defir'd, and obtain'd, with an Injunction
moreover not to ftir from thence till his Majefties further Pleaſure.
It ſhould ſeem that the Prince would retain ſo much refpect for
the Duke upon this occafion, as not to afflict him before his de-
parture with the knowledge of this fevere Command, contenting
himſelf with communicating the Diſpatch to fome few only of the
Duke's Friends,and Enemies, without delivering it to himſelf: but
not one of his Friends would take upon him to be the bearer of
fo unwelcome news, all of them generally apprehending left the
Duke, after fo ill uſage, and fo contrary from what he had reaſon
to expect at the Princes hands, might lafh out into fome paffio-
nate expreffions, that would beget ill blood betwixt them. At laft
he departed from Bordeaux in May,when not conceiving himself to
be fo illus'd either by the Prince or the Court, as he really was, be
fore he began his Journey,he would go to receive his Commands;
where after fome expreffions of Complement, and Reſpect, he
told him, "That he was going to undertake a War, wherein he
would infallibly meet with greater difficulties than had been re-
'prefented to him: That it was not likely the King of Spain,
"whofe Power throughout all Europe was fufficiently known,
"would fuffer one of the best places of his Dominions to be loft,
without attempting to relieve it: That he did therefore
"humbly befeech his Highnefs, if any occafion fhould hap-
pen wherein he might be ferviceable, either to the King, or
to himſelf, he would be pleas'd to honour him with his Com-
"mands; that in cafe he would do him that favour, he would
ແ
"
cc
engage
4
BOOK XII.
593
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
+
I
66
ર
engage within fifteen days after he ſhould receive his Summons, Anno
"to bring him a thouſand Gentlemen to the Frontier, at the head 1638.
"of whom he ſhould take it for a great glory to die, thereby to ac-
quire his Highneſs the Honour of a fignal Victory. The Duke
might without all doubt have been a great deal better than his
word, had he been made uſe of upon this occafion, and have ren-
dred by that means the Battel of Fontarabie as illuftrious, and fuc-
ceſsful,as it prov'd cloudy, and malevolent to the French Renown.
The Duke was no fooner gone, but that the Prince began to
prepare all things for the War. The Land Army by the exceeding
diligence he uſed was quickly fet on foot: but the Sea Forces were
ſo long in making ready, that the Prince impatient of their delays,
by which he was likely to loſe the ſeaſon,and opportunity of doing
the Service the King expected from him, advanc'd to the Frontier,
inveſted the place,and began the Siege. The Enemy alarm'd at the
Vigour, and Celerity, wherewith the Prince made his Approa-
ches by Land in order to the taking of the place, having the Sea
open to them, two ſeveral times convey'd Relief into the For-
treſs in the very face of our Land Army, and at one of thoſe put
Governour into it; a Relief of ſo infinite importance, as that it
was firft the cauſe of the places prefervation,and afterwards of the
diſaſter that befel the Royal Arms.
a
put
The Royal
Army baf-
Font arabie.
Aled before
I fhall not trouble my Reader with a long Narrative of the
manner of this Siege, I could on the contrary wish it werean my
power to extinguiſh the memory of it for ever; not that the
Enemy however obtain'd any fo fignal reputation by it, they on-
ly making uſe of a kind of Lethargy, of which our whole Ar-
my was at that time fick; fo that although they made ſhift to kill
a few people, that lay without motion, and confequently unca-
pable of any reſiſtance; yet had they no other advantage by it,
than what their Fortune, and our miſchance combin'd together
into their hands, even beyond their own aim, or expectation.
And this is all I fhould have faid of this bufinefs, had not ſome
endeavour'd to have engag'd the Duke de la Valett's Honour in the
mifcarriage: but his interefts being not to be feparated from thoſe
of the Duke his Father, and the concern here being the vindica-
tion of Truth, and the defence of both their Honours, from Ca-
lumny, and the malice of malevolent men, I conceive I may
here be permitted to fay (always retaining the reſpect due to thole
who were not very favourable to them) that it is not to be deny'd, For which
but that the Duke de la Valette was the firft man, who going over the Duke
on foot, and up to the middle in water, at the head of the Army is unjuítly
open'd the way into the Enemies Country, beating them from blam'd.
Gggg
the
'
594
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno the Trenches they had caft up upon the Banks of the River, to
1638. defend that Pafs: That at the Quarter where he commanded in
cation.
the Siege, he had very much advanc'd his Approaches, and fo as
hie fons for had infallibly reduced the place to a neceffity of being taken on that
fide, had it not been reliev'd: neither is it to be contradicted,
but that he gave advice to Fight the Relief fo foon as ever it began
to appear. They know moreover very well, that he had nothing
at all to do in the Siege, at the time it was rais'd, he having re-
fign'd his Poſt to the Archbishop of Bordeaux, by expreſs Order
from the Prince, and under his own hand; that he was above a
League diftant from the Battel, when it was fought, and that be-
ing totally ignorant of the diforder, till he had it from the Run-
aways, who brought the Alarm into his Quarters; he thereup-
on immediately put himſelf into the head of thofe men he had
with him: That he rallied as many as he could of thofe that were
fquandered, and that with theſe, and his own men having ftaid
the purſuit of the Conquerours, he by that means preferved all
thoſe, who had eſcap'd from the Defeat. These truths, though
fufficiently known to all the world, were not nevertheleſs of force
to hinder his Enemies from laying the whole miscarriage of this
buſineſs at his door, and from charging him, who was certainly
innocent, with the fault of ten thouſand who were guilty. He
was not ſo much as permitted without a Crime, to fet a manly
countenance upon this diſaſter, or to manifeſt his Courage, and
Affurance upon fo dangerous an occafion; even his Valour, and
conſtancy (an unheard of injuftice) were the main things in his
Accufation, it being objected againſt him that he was glad of the
mifchance, and was obferv'd to laugh at the Defeat; becauſe he
did not appear dejected, and fhew'd a countenance, void of fear,
and confufion. He was not however lo unjuft to them, but has
ever commended (as there was juſt cauſe) both the Actions, and
Intentions of thoſe who commanded at this Siege, never doubt-
ing in the leaſt of their Sincerity, and paffionate defire to ferve
the King effectually, and well; and ever believing, that had their
Valour been ſeconded, as it ought to have been, they would have
obtain❜d thoſe advantages over the Enemy, was reaſonably to be
expected from their Bravery, and good Conduct: But if the chance
of Arms was contrary to them, if the panick Terror that ſeiz'd
the Souldier, would not permit them to follow the example of
their Leaders; and if his Counfels which would have procur'd
fafety to the Army were not follow'd, or approv'd, why fhould he
be rendred criminal, for not having been able to prevail upon the
humours, or opinions of other men?
Some
1
BOOK XII.
595
the Duke of Efpernon.
without Or-
his Govern-
Some days before this Difgrace hapned, the Duke of Efpernon Anno
had return'd without Order into his Government, after having 1638.
continued fome months at his Houſe Plaffac, wherein his defignake
in truth was to have pass'd away his time in repofe at his other of Efpernos
Houſe Cadillac, without intermedling at all with the trouble of Af- returns
fairs: neither would he fo much as go to Bordeaux, to the end der from
that what accident ſoever ſhould happen, nothing might reflect the King in-
upon him; nor that he might any ways appear refponfible for the ment of
event of things, which he ever apprehended would be finifter Guienne
enough; and feeing the Orders had been left in the Province, de-
pofited in the hands of men of very little Experience, and Autho-
rity, and who had ſcarce any other argument to recommend
them to that truft, fave only the hatred they openly bare to him;
he very well judg'd by the apparence (which prov'd alſo in the
end but too certain) that from thefe Orders ill executed (as they
were like to be) nothing but difafter, and confufion could
enſue.
The Duke
receives
news of the
Whilſt the Duke liv'd in apprehenſion of this miſhap, he re-
ceiv'd the joyfulleft news that could poſſibly arrive, which was, of Efpernon
that of the Birth of Monfegnieur the Dolphin, the fame whom we
now ſee reigning, with fo much Glory, and Happineſs in the Birth of the
Throne of France, that there is not that profperity can fall within Dolphin.
the limits of Humane Expectation, we may not reaſonably pro-
miſe to our ſelves from fo aufpicious a beginning. By a Diſpatch
from the King, dated the fifth of September (the precife day of this
illuftrious Birth) the Duke was to order a publick Thankſgiving,
and to cauſe Bonfires to be made for Joy of this Bleffing to his
Majefty, and the whole Kingdom. The Courrier, who had been
exprefsly diſpatch'd away to the Duke, having found him at Ca-
dillac (willing (without all doubt) to flatter his credulity) told
him, "That it was his Majefties defire he fhould himself in perfon be
aßifting at the Ceremonies which were to be perform'd in the City of Bor-
deaux, to render the Solemnity the more Ilustrious by his Prefence;
a deceit that gave a ſtrange addition of joy to the good old Duke,
who could not in himſelf but hug and applaud his own forefight,
by which he had fo feafonably prevented the King's defire; and
in that pleaſing error he departed from Cadillac the 29th. of the ſame
month to go to Bordeaux, where being arriv'd, he began the very
fame Evening by Bonfires, thundering of Cannon, and by infi
nite numbers of Lights, fet up in all the Windows of the City,
to manifeſt no leſs his own, than the publick contentment; and
for a final teltimony of the high fatisfaction he had receiv'd by
this good news, he rewarded the Courrier with a Chain of Gold,
G ggg 2
to
;
596
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
+
Anno
to the value of 500. Crowns, which he gave him at the time he
1638. diſmiſs'd him back with his anſwer to the King.
The Duke
receives
Font arabie.
But the inundation of this Joy, than which nothing could be
greater, was (as it commonly falls out) only a fore-runner of the
news of the worft tidings could almoft arrive, which was the difafter of Fon
Defeat of tarabie, a private and uncertain murmur of the defeat of our Ar-
my arifing even in the height of thefe publick Solemnities, and
Acclamations; and as ill News does for the moft part prove
too true; fo this which for the pace of two, or three hours was
a rumour only, paſs'd on a ſudden for certain, and met lo little
contradiction, that the truth of it was no longer to be doubted.
The Duke of Efpernon, though infinitely furpriz'd, at this evil fuc-
cefs; yet not believing the Duke de la Valette could be any ways
accomptable for the mifcarriage, he was at prefent no further af
flicted at it, than for what concern'd the prejudice he ſaw muſt
thence of neceffity derive to the profperity of his Majefties Af-
fairs, and the reputation of his Arms: but underſtanding foon
after that their common Enemies endeavour'd to lay the blame of
this baffle upon the Duke his Son, he then began prudently to
apprehend, that in the evil difpofitions of the Court againſt
them at that time, ſuch as were emulous of their Vertue, or that
had particular animofities to the perfon either of the one, cr the
other would with great eagerness embrace this occafion,
though infinitely remote, to work their deſired ruine.
The Duke
returns to
2
As if therefore he had at a diſtance difcover'd the Cloud that
of Eſpernon was gather'd to break upon him, he withdrew himſelf infenfibly
Plaffic. from Bordeaux, under colour of going to vifit his Territories in
Medoc, where he receiv'd the firſt Command by the ordinary
way of the Poft to return to Plaffac, and from thence not to ftir,
till his Majeſties further pleafure; and prefently after had another
brought him by Milleres one of the Gentlemen in ordinary to the
King. This Gentleman had been exprefsly diſpatch'd to the Duke
de la Valette, to fummon him from the King, to come render his
Majefty an account of his actions; whom he alfo found very
ready to obey the Order, and to begin his Journey fo foon as he
fhould receive permiffion fo to do, by the return of a Gentleman,
he had diſpatch'd away to his Majefty for that purpofe, upon the
intimation he had receiv'd of the ill Offices had been done him at
Court. As for the Duke of Efpernon having prevented this fecond
Order, by his early retiring, Milleres found him already at Plaffac;
from whence he alſo never after departed till three, or
four years
after, that he went to end his days at Loches.
Though it be no part of my deſign to anticipate the minds of
men
+
*
www
$
BOOK XII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
traordinary,
accident by
597
men by extraordinary accidents, or to forge, and obtrude upon Anno
their belief Predictions, and Prodigies, to render the perfon of 1638.
whom I ſpeak more venerable, and eſteem'd; I ought not, I
conceive,nevertheleſs to omit fuch memorable accidents, as fome-
times hapned during the progreſs of this long and illuftrious Life.
I fhall therefore tell you, that when the Duke parted from Bor- A very ex-
deaux to go this Journey into Medoc, of which I was now fpeak-
ing, he commanded me to ſtay behind in the City, there to ex- L'g'itening.
pect his return. According to which Order I remain'd in the
Town, when hapning one afternoon to be in a Houſe oppofite
to the Duke's Palace of Puipaulin, about three, or four of the
Clock, on a fudden, though the day was exceeding clear, and
bright, there aroſe ſo violent a Storm, that after two, or three
Claps of Thunder, a Bolt falling upon the higheſt Tower of his
Lodgings,firft carried away part of the covering, and from thence
piercing through the roof of the main Body of the Houſe, fet
fire on fome Furniture of confiderable value, that were beftow'd
in the Garret, from whence deſcending lower into the Duke's
own Chamber, it made a great Breach in the Chimney, and
thence piercing further ftill into the Chamber underneath the
fame, wherein his Sons were us'd to lie, it left its mark there alſo
in the Tranſom of a Window, which it brake in two pieces, and
proceeded thence to lofe it felf in the Foundations of the Fabrick.
Who is it that would not have been ftrook at this ill Omen? I muſt
confess that at that time I was rather willing to ranek this accident
amongſt things of chance, than thence to derive conjectures of
any miladventure to come; confidering the Portent (if ſuch it
were) threatned him, in whofe Honour, and good Fortune, I
was my ſelf ſo nearly concern'd: So that all I made of it was to
run to the Lodgings with a Kinſman of mine, who had been
fpectator with me of this Tempeft, to look if the flaſh of Light-
ning we had ſeen to dart upon the Tower,had not fir'd the Houfe;
which prov'd to be no unfeaſonable precaution, we finding the
Furniture already flaming, fo as to threaten the whole Pile with a
total ruine: but we made ſhift to get it fuddenly quench'd, which
was also the only fruit of our Care, and all that could be done up-
on that occafion.
ཟ
Paffionate
expreffions
The Duke was no ſooner arriv'd at his Houſe Plaffac, but that
he understood by Haumont, whom he had a few days before dif
patch'd to Court, to what a degree the King had been incens'd
against the Duke de la Valette his Son; the Cardinal having de- of the Car-
clar'd fo highly against him, as to proteft in publick, That he dinalagain.ft
would in this cafe execute the Office of the King's Attorney General de la Valettes
in
the Duke
1
598
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
ضا
Anno in his profecution (which were his expreſs words) and that his Maje-
1638. fty had not forgot the business of Corbie; nor as yet granted him an
Indemnity concerning that Affair. To be fhort, he appear'd ſo im-
meaſurably animated against him, that no one doubted of the
Duke de la Valett's manifeſt ruine, ſhould he in this juncture of
Affairs adventure to go to Court. He had notwithſtanding put
himſelf upon his way in order to that Journey,when being arriv'd
near Bordeaux, he there receiv'd information of the evil difpofiti-
ons of the Court towards him, and above all, that the bufinefs
of Corbie was ftill upon Record (for as touching that of Fonta-
rabie, he was not much concern'd) which made him ſend an ex-
preſs Diſpatch to the Duke his Father, to entreat him, that by
fome one of his Servants, in whom they might equally confide,
he would ſend him his opinion concerning his Journey to the
King. This Servant accordingly arriv'd at Bordeaux the fame day
that the Duke de la Valette himſelf came thither, where he told
him from the Duke his Father," That in an Affair of the impor-
"tance of that which was now in agitation, he ought not to ex-
pect advice from a Father, who was much more folicitous of
his fafety than he himfelf could be: That herein his tenderneſs
and affection ought to ftand equally fufpected to them both:
"That as he durft not give him counſel to go to Court, know-
ing as he did, to what a dangerous degree it was animated
against him; ſo could he not adviſe him to depart the Kingdom,
perhaps never to ſee his face again: That therefore he was him-
"felf to clear all thofe doubts, and thereupon to form his own
determination; wherein if he ſhould refolve upon withdrawing
himſelf out of France, he was by no means of opinion that he
ought to engage his Safety on this fide fo many Rivers, to come
to take his leave of him, left his Enemies might take that op-
portunity to attempt fomething upon his Perfon: That fo fhort
a Vifit would only ſerve to augment their mutual Affliction :
That he was therefore to have patience, and to reſerve himſelf
"for better times: And that he might affure himſelf of his Af-
fection, which ſhould never be wanting to him, whatever could
poffibly arrive.
Pub
By which
he is diver-
ted from
going to
Courr.
The Duke
non's Dif..
graces.
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We are now come to the time of the Duke of Efpernon's great-
of Efper- eft Disgraces, which from henceforward alſo were continual,
and unintermitted to the hour of his Death; and Fortune, who
had hitherto made a fhew of going hand in hand with Vertue,and
Prudence in the conduct of his Life, by a volubility, by fo much
the more dangerous and unfeaſonable, as it was the lefs fufpe-
Єted, and unforeſeen, now totally forfook his Interefts to leave
?
him
*
BOOK XII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
599
He is de-
ment.
1
him in the Arms, and to the protection of his own fingle Vertue. Anno
The firft, and the rudeft ſhock his conftancy could poffibly re- 1638.
ceive, was the abfence of the Duke de la Palette his beloved Son;
which after he had a few days lamented, with the tenderness, and pos'd of his
compaffion of an excellent, and paffionately affectionate Father, Govern
he had news brought him of a rumour, that was already ſpread
at Bordeaux, that the Prince of Condé was to be made fole Go-
vernour of Guienne, and had already receiv'd Orders to difpoffefs
him of Chasteau-Trompette, therein to place one of the King's
Domeſtick Servants. The Duke had all his beſt Furniture, befides
other Riches, laid up in this place; who having not fo much as
once dream'd of being fo fuddenly diveſted of his Command,had
not conſequently at his departure out of the Province, remov❜d
any thing from thence: Sudden order was therefore to be taken
in an Affair of this importance, and even the very moments of
time to be husbanded, which alſo were not many more, than
was neceſſary for the effecting his purpoſe, Thofe to whofe fide-
lity and care he entrufted the management of this bufinefs were
fo diligent, and fo faithful, that in one night, they fecur'd to the
value of above a million of Livers, what in Money, Jewels, and
Plate; of which the Money, and Jewels were carried to Plaffac,
and there ſafe deliver'd into his own hands, and' the Plate was
convey'd to Cadillac, and all done with fo great fecrefie, that thofe
to whom the Government of the place was a few days after com-
mitted, expected to have found all this Treafure there; which
if they had, it would have been in great danger of being put into
the King's hands, as the Arms, and other of the Duke's own pe-
culiar Goods were, which he could never again recover, to the
hour of his Death.
?
So foon as they had thus ftript the Duke of his Command, The Dake
and wrefted thofe places he held in Guienne out of his hands, calumniated
of Efpernors
their common Enemies began openly to labour the perfecution
not only of the Duke de la Valette, but of the Duke his Father
allo; wherein the Father being no ways queftionable for the dif
after of Fontarabie, as having had nothing at all to do in that Af-
fair, he was blemish'd with all the ignominy that malice could
invent, or the tongue of Calumny utter, against a man of Fide-
lity, and Honour; and his Son, who by his abfence lay expos'd
to all the miſchief was intended against him, was proceeded
againſt as a Criminal, and a Traytor. In order to the Duke de
la Valett's Tryal, Accufers, and Witneffes were found out, ſome
whereof were frighted by menaces, and others fuborn'd by mo-
ney (for nothing was ſpar'd upon this occafion) into theſe excel-
lent
600
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
lent Offices; and out of this kind of Evidence an Information
1638. was fuddenly drawn up, fufficient to darken, and overwhelm the
cleareſt, and moſt unspotted innocence in the world. The Inter-
ceffions, and Services of the Duke de Candale, and the Cardinal de
la Valette, who commanded the Army of Italy were fruitless,; and
invalid upon this occafion; nay, they had much ado to prevail
for a little Truce, and ceffation from thofe perfecutions, where-
with the Ruling Powers were refolv'd to diſquiet the old Age of
the Duke their Father; and that was granted to them in the qua-
lity of an extraordinary Grace, and Favour, which was hardly to
be excus'd without fhame: With fo unjust a return were they re-
warded for the expence of their Fortunes, the hazard of their
Lives, and their continual vigilancy and care, with an Army un-
furnish'd of all neceffaries of War, to withstand the greatest pow-
er of the most dangerous Enemies to the Crown,
Kingdom.
Anno
falls dange-
and
All theſe Afflictions, how great foever, were yet but the fore-
1639. runners of thofe, which by the Divine Juftice, or Bounty were
The Duke prepar'd, wherewith to exerciſe the Duke's Vertue. They foon
of Efpernon Thifted from outward things, to wound him more fenfibly in his
rouſly fick. own perſon; and whether it were the unkindneſs he took at the
ill uſage he daily ſuffer'd, or the infirmities of his very great Age
only, that occafion'd his diftemper, fo it was that he fell into the
moft acute, and most dangerous Diſeaſe, he had ever before ſu-
ftain'd, during the whole courfe of his Life. He was for four
months together feiz'd with a defluxion of Rhume, by which all
his Members were ftrangely benumm'd, and that numneſs ac-
companied with exceffive dolours in all his parts: from which
pain he no fooner began to find fome eaſe the March following,
but that the joy of his Amendment was foon quafh'd with the
The Death; fad news of the Death of the Duke de Candale his eldeft Son. This
of the Duke Son, become infinitely dear to the Duke his Father fince his laft
Vifit, lay at Cazal with part of the Army he had in charge joynt-
ly with the Cardinal de la Valette his Brother; where the tenth day
of March, falling ill of a Tertian Ague, and that growing to a
double Tertian at the third Fit, and afterwards to an unintermit-
ted Fever, it prov'd in the end mortal the eleventh day of his Sick-
nefs. The Cardinal his Brother immediately upon this accident
diſpatch'd away a Courrier to the. Duke their Father to acquaint
him with it, but fome days pafs'd over before any one durft tell
him the news, for fear left the grief, which could not but be ex-
ceeding great, might caufe him to relapfe into his former difpofi-
tion, from which alſo he was yet but upon the mending hand.
de Candale.
At
1
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
601
1
+
At laft his Servants apprehending it might by fome, or other be
indiſcreetly and unſeaſonably blurted out, they conceiv'd it better
with fome preparatory arguments, to sweeten the bitterneſs of
his loſs, to make him acquainted with it, than to detain him ſtill
in ignorance of a thing, which could not always, nor very long
be conceal'd from him. The Duke had kept about him during
all the time of his laſt Sickneſs, a Father Capuchin, in whom he
repos'd a fingular Confidence: This good Father therefore as he
was one day talking with him, having fall'n into a Difcourfe of
the inconftancy of Humane Life, and the neceffity of dying, and
therein flip'd in ſome mention of the Duke de Candale's Sickneſs,
the Duke preſently underſtood the reft, and thereupon fpar'd the
good man the pains of any further preparation. When his coun-
tenance, wherein before this part of their Difcourfe fomething of
chearfulneſs had appear'd, fuddenly changing into a more fevere
Gravity (though only fo as to compofe it to his conftancy) he
faid, "Father, I have ever been difpos'd to fubmit my felf, and
"all my concerns to the good pleaſure of God; and I befeech him
"of his goodneſs to give me Fortitude enough to conform my
"felf alfo to it upon this occafion: My Son is dead, I am certain
"of it; and if he died in the fear of God, he is happier than we,
"at leaft out of the reach of thofe perfecutions Fortune is prepa-
ring for us who are left behind. After which they prefented
him the Letters that contain'd the Relation of his Death; by
which the Duke being ſatisfied, it had been very conftant, and
Chriſtian, he ſaid again, "That he praifed God from the bottom
"of his heart, that in depriving him of one of his chiefeſt com-
"forts, he had yet left him the hope in a fhort time to fee his Son
"in a better Life. He afterwards entertain'd himself ſome time
in pious Diſcourſes with that Holy Man after which being
again laid in bed, that he yet quitted not, but by intervals, he was
heard in that privacy, a great while to weep thofe tears, and vent
thoſe fighs, which with extraordinary violence upon himſelf he
had fupprefs'd whilft there was any witneſs by: But after having
paid what was due to the impulfe of Nature, he fummon'd his
wonted conftancy to encounter this Accident; the bitterneſs
whereof, though he could by no art baniſh from his remem-
brance; yet did he ever keep himſelf upright from manifefting
his forrow with the leaft weakness. There were very few perfons
of condition in the Kingdom, who did not fignifie to him by
very civil Meſſages, and kind Letters, the part they fhar'd with
him in his grief upon this occafion; amongſt whom Cardinal
Richelieu himſelf was one, who made fhift to find out fome con-
CC
Hhhh
;
folatory
Anno
I
1639.
-
L
602
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno folatory Complements for a man he at the fame inftant perfecu-
1639. ted with the moft bloody effects he could poffibly inflict upon
him, he at the fame time profecuting the Duke de la Valette to the
de la Valette laft extreme: For the information that had been drawn up againſt
fentenc'd to him, having been laid open in the prefence of his Majelty the
Confifcari- 25th day of May, the greater part of the Judges had concluded
on of Offi- him worthy of Death, the forfeiture of his Offices, and the con-
The Duke
Death, with
ces, Ho-
nors, and
Eftate.
fiſcation of his Eftate; yet were they not all of that opinion, Pre-
fident Believre, amongst the reft,, taking upon him the honeft
boldneſs, to defend the innocence of the accus'd, and by an Ora-
tion no leſs Judicious, and Eloquent, than hardy and equitable,
acquitting his own Conſcience, and confirming himſelf in the
high esteem already conceiv'd of the great Worth, and Integrity
which for ſo many happy years have been eminent in his Name,
and Race.
It would not become me in this place to inlarge my felf upon
the words of this Sentence, it having been pronounc'd by per-
fons, to whom too great a refpect is due, for any one to dare to
complain: neither in truth is it to them, that the feverity of it
ought to be imputed for in criminal matters the Evidence are
the chief Judges, and confequently they at whoſe doors all that
was extraordinary or fevere in his proceeding ought of right to
be laid. It has fince appear'd by the high and publick juftification
of the party accus'd, and that in the face of the moft Auguft Tri-
bunal of Juftice in all Europe, what has been thought of the
Depofitions that were preferr❜d againſt him, the Parliament of
Paris having reftor'd him to his Honour, Life, Offices, and Eſtate,
which had been all taken from him by the Arreft of the Council:
And he has this Obligation to his Enemies, not only by their means
to have had an occafion wherein to vindicate his Innocency, and
The Duke Honour: but moreover to have receiv'd the Eulogies for his
brave Services, which his modefty would not have permitted him
justified. to have endur'd, had his Vertue never been diſputed.
de la Valette
folemnly
1
But this laſt good not arriving in time to ferve for any confola-
tion to the Duke of Epernon, and that all his misfortunes fuc-
ceeded in the neck of one another, without any the leaſt ſhadow
of Proſperity intervening to fweeten his Affliction, is not the
The Duke ftability of his mind, and the conftancy of his Courage highly
of Efpernen to be commended, and admir'd, that could continue fo firm in
ftill perfe all the fhocks of Fortune? A Fortitude that will diſcover it ſelf,
privation of much better to our obfervation, if we ſeparately confider the va-
a good part rious occafions he had at this time wherein to exerciſe that He-
roick Vertue. Diſgrace knock'd at his Door from the first arrival
cuted by the
of his
Estate.
of
•
:
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
603
1
1
1
of the Prince in Guienne, as you may have already obferv'd, and his
Afflictions began to unveil themſelves in the ili ufage he at that
time receiv'd by Order from the Court, very much contrary to
what he had all the reafon in the world to hope for, and expect;
they were continued to him by the Command he receiv'd to with-
draw himſelf out of his Government, which feem'd to blaſt
him with fome kind of Ignominy and reproach: But what an
overplus of vexation muft it needs be, when by the ill fuccefs of
Fontarabie, he ſaw all the miscarriage of that Expedition caft up-
on his Son? what a grief to ſee him profecuted for a Criminal,
and himſelf at the fame time look'd upon as a guilty man? They
were both of them divefted of their Offices, and Commands, and
thoſe transferr❜d into the hands of their mortal, and moſt impla-
cable Enemies: So that the Duke de la Valette was conftrain'd
to give way to their Power, and through infinite dangers to fly
for Sanctuary into England, a Kingdom at that time agitated with
Mutinous Factions, and Civil Diſcords of their own; whilst the
Father in a Country Houfe, expos'd to their difcretion, faw him-
felf ftrip'd of all his Employments, and his venerable old Age, ſo
highly reverenc'd, and efteem'd throughout the whole Kingdom,
become an Object of Scorn to fuch as a few days before had
truckled under his Authority, and trembled at his Name. If he
was touch'd to the quick by thefe: Afflictions, he was no leſs fen-
fible of the privation of all his Priviledges, Appointments, Pen-
fions, and other Emoluments, that were the lawful Perquifits of
his feveral Offices, and Commands; whereby they cut him off
at one blow above fifty thouſand Crowns of yearly Revenne, and
by which means he found himself reduc'd to the bare Revenue of
his own Eftate, wherein he alſo fuffer'd a very confiderable di-
minution. Theſe Affronts, and injuries were fucceeded by long,
and painful Diſeaſes, and thofe by the death of his eldeſt Son, to-
gether with the Condemnation of the ſecond,by which Sentence
he alfo was dead in Law. Yet was not this all, and Almighty
God, who upon fo great, and illuftrious a Subject would pleaſe
to manifeft the ſtrength of his Arm, left him nothing entire, up-
on which He did not evidently make it appear. There remain'd
to him in all theſe miſhaps one refuge, that might ſtill afford fome
ftay, and ſupport to his Affairs, and cherish him with fome hope
one day to reſtore them to their primitive condition: The Cardi-
nal de la Valette his Son, was in a great Employment, he had for-
merly oblig'd Cardinal Richelien to the highest degree, he was be-
liev'd to be in great favour, and confideration with him; he had
at leaſt obtain'd a promiſe from him, that the old Age of the
Hhhh 2
Duke
•
Anno
1639.
१
!
1
1
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
F
The Death
of the Car-
dinal de la
Valette.
4
604
Anno Duke his Father fhould not be molefted; this Son was alfo ra-
1639. vifh'd from him with the reft, and nothing left him to which he
could in his greateſt extremities have any visible recourſe. We
have often heard mention of the ſeveral afflictions and chaſtiſe-
ments wherewith Almighty God hath fometimes been pleas'd to
vifit finful men: but let us confider whether amongst all the ex-
amples of his Juftice, there be many more eminent, than theſe
in the cafe of the Duke of Efpernon. It had now been threeſcore
and two years fince the Duke firſt taſted the ſweets of Favour,
from which time Fortune,together with his own Vertue had rais'd
him to all the degrees of Greatness, that render men confiderable
upon earth: There had ſcarce a year paſs'd over his head, which
had not added ſomething to his Profperity, he had acquir'd as
great Riches, as many Offices, and Titles, as much Reſpect, Re-
putation, and Authority, as any other whoever of his time: but
above all, his Greatneſs ſeem'd to be eſtabliſh'd, and fecure in the
fupport of his three Sons; any of which by his merit was fuffi
cient alone to ſuſtain the Burthen, who all three in less than fix
months ſpace were raviſh'd from him, and himſelf reduc'd to the
moſt deplorable folitude was poffibly to be feen, or conceiv'd. He
acknowledg'd the Finger of God to be in all this, he fubmitted
to his Juſtice, and was never obferv'd more to reverence his unre
fifted Power, than when his hand lay moft heavy upon him.
}
+
But would it not be too light a preterition, to pass over the
Death of the Cardinal de la Valette with fo little Ceremony, and
to take no further notice of it, than by what has been already
faid? Yes doubtless, and it was of too great importance to the in-
tereſts of the Duke his Father, to be flipt over with fo flight a men-
tion. Ifhall therefore tell you, that this Cardinal, after the Death
of the Duke de Candale his Brother, had alone fuftain'd the King's
declining Affairs in Italy, and with a very inconfiderable Army,
had at once with ftood the power of our Enemies, and the infide-
lity of our Allies: but in the end, either worn out with the con-
tinual toil of fo many Affairs, or wounded with the ill ufage he
faw his Family daily receive, he fell into a Melancholy, that put
him at laft into a defperate Diſeaſe. The beginning of this Di-
ftemper was as light, as it had been in that of the Duke de Candale,
and the iffue of it as fatal. At the firſt news the Duke of Efpernon
receiv'd of his indifpofition, though he had an account withal,
that it was without any fymptome of danger, he could not ne-
vertheleſs forbear crying out aloud to thoſe who were about him,
That his Son was a dead man. A faying which, though at firſt
ſpoke in paffion only, in a few days turn'd into a Prophefie; the
t
intel-
+
1
'
1
t
}
'
BOOK XII.
the Duke of Efpernon.
6.05
Anno
!
intelligence, that came in from time to time of his condition, ſtill
fignified an encreaſe of his Diftemper, till after having feventeen 1639-
days ftrugled with a Diſeaſe, that at the fifth had been concluded
mortal, he ended a glorious Life, by a very conftant and Chri
ftian Death. The Prince of Joinville, eldeſt Son to the Duke
of Guife, exercis'd at that time his firſt Arms, under the Diſci-
pline of fo dear, and fo generous a Kinfman; the Marefchal de
Turenne had alſo an Employment of Marefchal de Lamp in his
Army; both which writ the Duke of Efpernon the fad news of
his Death, But de Thou, who never parted almoſt from his Bed-
fide in all the time of his Sickness, and who had his entire Con-
fidence in all things, writ a long Relation of it to be prefented to
the Duke, fo foon as he fhould be in a condition to endure the
reading. Here it was that his Servants were in the greateſt ſtrait:
they doubted not, but that this lofs, which apparently gave the
laft blow to all his hopes, would afflict him to the laft degree;
and although Nature, and the Vertues of this Son, fhould have
taken a leſs impreffion upon him, than all the world knew they
had done; they yet fear'd, his Conftancy being exhauſted by pre-
ceding misfortunes, he had not a fufficient ftock left wherewithal
to fuftain the affault of this new affliction. In this perplexity they
had recourfe to d' Efpruets Bishop of Saint Papoul,a Prelate whom
the Duke, as well for his profound Learning as his exemplary Pi-
ety, and Goodneſs had in great Reverence, and particular Efteem.
The Bishop at the first word very readily put himſelf into his
Coach, and in all diligence came to Plaffac, where prefenting
himſelf before the Duke, after he had fome time entertain'd him
with indifferent things, falling at laſt into diſcourſe of his
Sons Sickneſs, he told him that all his Friends and Servants were
in great ſuſpence at fome uncertain rumours that were ſpread
abroad in the Country. At that word the Duke was no more in
doubt, but that he was dead; yet would he not upon the inſtant
extract the utmoſt truth of his unfortunate lofs: but changing
his Diſcourſe, entertain'd the Biſhop with Affairs of another na-
ture, till they were both call'd to Dinner, as they foon after were.
It may eaſily be judg'd what a Dinner this was for the Duke, who
could feed on nothing fave his own fad Imaginations; his reſt-
leſſneſs all the while he fate at meat, fufficiently manifefting the
anguifh of his Soul: he notwithſtanding contain'd himſelf in
this violent agitation of mind, and continued at Table fo long as
was necellary to ſatisfie what was due to Decency, and Reſpect,
without ſuffering himſelf to be tranſported into any action unbe-
coming his Gravity, and Wiſdom. The Table being taken away,
and
I
r
606
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
}
Anno and he having retir'd himſelf into his Chamber fooner, than he
1639. ordinarily us'd to do, he caus'd his Secretary to be call'd in his be-
half to write to Meẞieurs de Joinville, de Turenne, de Thou, and de
Fontravilles, to recommend to them the care of his Sons health,
to whom all humane help was already fruitless, and vain; wri-
ting moreover to him himſelf ſome few lines under his own
hand. One of his Gentlemen, who had lately been fent on the
ſame errand, was now ready to depart with this new Diſpatch,
when the Duke, overcome with the violent agitations of his
mind, was conſtrain'd to caft himſelf upon his Bed; where cal-
ling his Secretary to him, he ſaid to him theſe words: "I do not
“know why you ſhould all dally with me thus long, nor to what
"end you ſhould conceal from me the Death of the Cardinal my
Son is it that you imagine me fo weak, I have not Fortitude
"enough to fupport the News? Do not you deceive me, as the
"reft have done, but tell me the naked truth, which alfo cannot
te
long be conceal'd from me. At which words the poor Gentle-
man, who for four or five days had had the power to govern his
Tongue, had not now the fame command over his Eyes; fo that,
his Tears having whether he would or no betray'd him to be the
Meffenger of the ill news he had hitherto, fo faithfully conceal'd,
he proceeded by word of mouth to interpret, what was before
The Duke but too legible in his tears, and told his Maſter, “That what he
"had prophefied the first hour he heard of his Sons Sickneſs, was
"but too true: That the news of his Death had been brought
of Efper-
non's con-
itancy.
tr
rr
rr
cc
re
1
four days ago, but that his people, apprehending left fo great a
"blow of miſhap might ruine his health, had addrefs'd them-
“ſelves to Monfieur de Saint Papoul, to fortifie him with his Con-
folation, in acquainting him with the fatal News. At which
words he lift up his hands to Heaven, and after a profound Sigh,
cried out aloud, "O Lord, fince thou haft referv'd my old Age
"to furvive the lofs of my three Children, be pleas'd withal to
give me ſtrength wherewith to fupport the feverity of thy Judg-'
ments. Hereupon the Bishop of Saint Papoul was preſently
call'd in to him, who, after having highly commended his refig-
nation of himſelf, and his Affairs to the Will of God, made him
a Learned Diſcourſe infinitely full of fuch admirable Arguments,
and Examples both Chriftian, and Moral, as were proper for his
difconfolate condition: And then it was that they prefented him
with the relations of the Sickneſs, and Death of the Cardinal his
Son; wherein was obſerv'd ſo many teftimonies of Piety, and
Refignation, fo firm a confidence in the Divine Mercy, and ſo
little concern for Humane Life, that every one concluded him in-
finitely
K...
1
་
BOOK XII.
607
the Duke of Efpernon.
finitely happy, to have taken his leave of it in ſo good, and ſo
holy a difpofition; and it was alfo from thence that the Duke de-
riv'd his chiefeſt Confolations. After this he requeſted ſome re-
ſpite from his Friends wherein to ſatisfie the refentments of Na-
ture, and in private to pay fome tears to his Affliction. His Cur-
tains were therefore drawn, when his tears, which he had hi-
therto with ſo great violence to his forrow fupprefs'd, having now
liberty to fally out flow'd in fo great abundance, that thoſe about
him began to fear his immoderate paffion might endanger his
health but having remain'd two hours in this condition, he
himſelf at laft rows'd up his fpirits ſo long overcharg'd with grief,
and was heard to fay, "That Tears were to be left to women,and
"that it would be a fhame a man could not allay his grief, but by
"fo poor and effeminate a Remedy: That he would live perhaps
to ſurvive his Enemies: When ſtarting from his Bed, he had
fo great a power over himſelf, as the ſame day again to appear in
publick. He entreated the Bishop of Papoul to bear him compa-
ny, where he walk'd with him above two hours on foot, enter-
taining him all the while, either with Diſcourſes of Piety, or the
ſtate of his preſent Fortune, and that with a conftancy this good
Prelate could never fufficiently magnifie, and admire.
'
CC
Anno
1639.
many Con-
Letters,
Monfieur,
the Emi-
Kingdom.
It muſt nevertheleſs be confefs'd, that amongst all theſe affli- TheDuke
ctions which were many, and extreme; the Duke likewife re-
of Efpernors
receives
ceiv'd very many, and great Confolations, or at leaft what were
intended for fuch, there being few perfons of any eminent con- folatory
dition in France, who did not manifeft the part. they fhar'd with both from
him in hisgrief. The King did him the Honour to write very ob- the King,
ligingly to him; he receiv'd the fame Favour from the Queen, the Queen, the
Monfieur, all the Princes, Cardinal Richelieu; and almoft all who Cardinal,
were any ways confiderable, either in Birth, or Dignity in the and most of
Kingdom, gave him teftimonies, either of their Affection, or nent per-
Efteem upon this fad occafion. But if out of all thele Comple. fons of the
ments he did extract any real Confolation, it was chiefly from the
gracious manifeftations of the Queens Royal Favour to him,
which took ſo much the deeper impreffion upon his mind, by how
much he knew they proceeded from the heart of this excellent
Princeſs. He had ever made her the object of all his Services;
neither was there any he would not have been very ready to have
perform'd for her, even in this moment of his greateſt Adverfity:
An inclination,that as it gave him a legitimate Title to her Grace,
and Favour, fo was he the man of all the other Great Ones of
the Kingdom, that had the higheſt place in her Efteem: but the
condition of the time not permitting her to manifeft it to that
degree
1
608
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
Anno degree her Majefty could have defir'd, ſhe did
1639. on all ſhe had the liberty to do
The Queens
Letter to
Efpernon.
upon this occafi-
which was to fend him a very
obliging Letter, written with her own hand, of which the Con-
tents were theſe.
CC
cr
r
Coufin,
1
I can here neither fully expreſs, nor altogether conceal the
the Duke of "forrow I fhare with you for the lofs you have fuftain'd in the
perſon of my Coufin the Cardinal de la Valette your Son; the
"fence whereof being too great to be expreſs'd by words, I ſhall
only entreat you to believe, that I partake in it equally with any
perfon living: And fince it is from God alone, that you are to
"hope for a true Confolation, I do from my heart befeech him of
"his Divine Goodneſs to fortifie your mind againſt the ſeverity of
"this accident, and to pour his Bleffings upon you in the abun-
"dance that is heartily wifh'd by her, whom you know really to
"be,
The Cardi-
From St. Germains en Laye
the 12th of Octob. 1639.
Your very good Coufin
Anne.
·Cardinal Richelieu alſo would not upon fuch an occafion be
wanting in the Ceremony of a Complement; but it fignified no
more than fo, and theſe were the words.
(C
1
My Lord,
"I cannot fufficiently manifeft to you the extreme forrow I fu-
nal's Letter "ftain for the Death of Monfieur, the Cardinal de la Valette, and
to the Duke « the affliction wherewith you must of neceffity refent it. So that
of Espernon.
'being my ſelf incapable of receiving any Confolation upon this
"fad Accident, I am fo much the more unfit to adminifter it to
you. The manner wherewith I ever liv'd with him, his Affe-
"ction towards me, and the fingular Efteem I ever had for him,
"will without much difficulty perfwade you to believe this truth;
"which is ſo certain,that were it poffible for a man with his Blood
to redeem fuch a Friend, I would give a great deal of mine to re-
"trive him. There is none fave God Almighty himſelf, who can
allay your Griefs, I beseech you therefore to apply your felf to
"him, and to believe that I am,
cc
re
From Lyons the 19th.
of Octob. 1639.
My Lord,
Your, &c.
It
1
·
1
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
609
It was fufficiently known to all France, that if one Friend can
oblige another, the Cardinal de la Palette had oblig'd that of Ri-
chelieu to the higheſt degree: which made the Duke of Eſpernon
(importun'd by his Friends to try if he yet retain'd any memory
of that Friendship he in his Letter ſo highly profeſs'd) in the end
to obtain ſo much of his own haughty humour, as to write to
him this that follows.
Co
tr
"
(C
r
cc
re
re
cr
My Lord,
Anno
1639.
to Cardinal
"The Teſtimonies you have done me the honour to give me The Duke
"in one of your Letters of the part you fhare with me in the grief of Elper-
"I fuftain for the lofs of my Son the Cardinal de la Valette, has non's Letter
"made me hope you will be no lefs fenfible of the other Affli. Richelies.
ctions, and Grievances wherewith I am from all parts affaulted.
"I fhall therefore take the liberty to repreſent them to you, and to
"tell your Lordship, that fince the time I left my Government to
"retire my ſelf to this place, there is no fort of Injury, or Out-
rage with which I have not by my Enemies been unjustly of-
"fended: Who after having diffected me in publick by injuri-
ous Declarations,have fince publifh'd defamatory Libels againſt
me, therewith, as much as in them lies, to blemiſh the Ho-
nour I have juſtly acquir'd in the Service of the Kings my Ma-
fters. Neither have they been fatisfied with attempting upon
my fingle Perſon, and the Perfons of my Sons only, but I
have neither Friend, nor Servant, they do not moft violently,
"and injuriously perfecute, as if it were a Crime to embrace, or
own my Intereſts, and Concerns. I know (my Lord) that nei-
"ther the King, nor your ſelf know any thing of this proceeding,
"and that you are too juft to confent, that after fourfcore years
"pafs'd, of which the greateft part have been employ'd in the
"Service of the Kings my Mafters, and for the good of the King-
"dom, I ſhould be fo feverely us'd under your Adminiftration.
"I have now loft the Cardinal my Son, whilft ferving the King in
Italy, his elder Brother but a few months fince went before him;
u which great loffes I have born with patience out of the fole.con-
"fideration of the Service they perifh'd in, which has ferv'd for
"fome allay to my Affliction. I affure my ſelf that their Merits,
"and Services (fince I my felf am no more in a condition to
ferve either his Majefty or you) will (my Lord) at leaſt ſecure
"the repofe of an afflicted Father, who daily expects that benefit
"from his Age, and Nature, &c.
cc
From Plaffac this firft of Decemb. 1639.
I ii i
This
1
610
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
This Letter with how great reluctancy foever the Duke had
1639. confented to write it, though it produc'd no good effect, the
Duke notwithſtanding who had expected no better fuccefs, reap'd
this advantage by it, that he by that means deliver'd himſelf from
the importunities of thoſe who otherwife would upon other oc-
cafions have been preffing with him to have been ftill imploring
the Cardinal's Favour. But after this Repulfe nothing of that na-
ſo that if he after-
ture was ever more to be extorted from him ;
wards writ, it was ever either to preſerve the Decorum of com-
mon civility, or upon pure neceffity, or to the end his Friends
might not condemn him for having by his own obftinacy pull'd
upon himſelf the mifchiefs which had long been preparing againſt
him. Thus therefore depriv'd of all humane affiftance, fince the
Cardinal (without whom all the reft of what Quality foever fig-
nified nothing) was oppofite to his Interefts, he wholly refign'd
himſelf into the hands of God, and would no more make ap-
plication to any other but to him alone. He had ever born a great
Reſpect, and Zeal to Religion; and for above twenty years before
his Death, had been obferv'd to be ſo conſtant to his Beads, that
not a day paſs'd over his head wherein he did not ſpend three
whole hours in Devotion. At this time, as the perfecutions of ma-
levolent men grew more violent againſt him, ſo did he redouble
his Prayers to Heaven, and has ever believ'd, that it was from
thence he deriv'd the ftrength, and fortitude to fupport all the ac-
cidents that befel him, and the diſgraces that were hourly multi-
plied upon him.
Anno
This calm and innocent way of living created either fo great an
1640. cfteem for his Vertue, or fo great a compaffion for his Adverfity
in the minds of men, that there was ſcarce any who did not ma-
nifeſt ſome tendernes for a perſon of his eminent condition fo
unjustly oppreſs'd. Infomuch that the Prince of Condé, who had
not been able (fo pofitive his Orders were) to avoid employing
his Authority to the ruine of his Fortune, could not but difcover,
that he alſo amongst the reft was touch'd with commiferation of
his Wrongs, and deplorable condition; fo that whether it were,
that he therein glanced at ſome particular advantages to himſelf, or
that it was meerly an act of his Generofity in order to the Duke's
repoſe, he fent him word as he was upon his Journey to Bordeaux :
That he had compaffion on his Misfortune, and Solitude, and if
fers his Ser-"he unluckily had formerly had a hand in the Difgraces had be-
vice to the "fall'n him, he would much more willingly employ it to his re-
Duke of Ef-<e dreſs: That his Afflictions how great foever, were not altoge-
ther without remedy; but that he had one Son ſtill ſurviving,
The Prince "
of Condé of-
pernon upon
fome Con-
ditions.
cr
cc
८८
from
1
BOOK XII.
611
the Duke of Efpernon.
J
#
+
"from whom he might yet derive comfort: That although the Anno
"Court was highly animated,and incens'd againſt him, he would 1640.
notwithstanding do his utmoſt endeavour, and fet it hard to
"obtain his return into France; provided he would be content
<<
to refign his Governments, in lieu whereof he would alſo pro-
"cure him fome reaſonable recompence; and that by this means
" he might ſpend the remainder of his days in company, which
"it felf would render the worst of evils fupportable to him. Ge
nefte a Counfellor in the Parliament of Bordeaux, known of long
to have been a particular Friend to the Duke, was made choice
of by the Prince to offer this propofal to him; but he had Inftru-
ctions withal,not to own he did it by any expreſs Order from the
Prince, unleſs he ſhould firft perceive the Duke very ready to em-
brace the motion. The Duke, unable to endure the first overture,
would return no anſwer at all, thinking by that means to difin-
gage himſelf from that unpleafing Treaty, but the Prince, who
(as it was faid) having caft his eye upon Languedoc, and openly
difcovered a defire to be invefted in that Government, had per-
haps a defign to make that of Guienne the Price of the other, It
was moreover believ'd he had a mind to tranflate the Office of
Colonel into the hands of a Favourite, thereby to promote his
own pretence: For one or both of theſe reaſons therefore he
would not be repuls'd at the Duke's firſt tacit denial: but not
long after having left Bordeaux to return to Court, his way
through Xaintonge gave him opportunity, as he pafs'd by to fee
the Count de Jonzac, the King's Lieutenant in that Province, and
one of the most intimate Friends the Duke at that time had in the
Kingdom. To him therefore he gave exprefs charge to go to the
Duke, and to go through with that Negotiation, he had not on-
ly occafionally committed to Geneste; to which he alſo requir'd a
precife and pofitive anſwer. The Count de Fonzac could do no
other, than obey the Prince in this particular, though he was al-
ready very well affur'd, he ſhould bring him no fatisfactory re-
turn from the Duke concerning this Affair. This Gentleman was
without all doubt the depofitary of the Duke's moft fecret
thoughts, and intentions; and I am certain in feveral very, im-
portant occafions had prov'd exceeding faithful to him: So that,
there being ſcarce any thing referv'd, which he did not freely com-
mit to his Secrefie, and Truft, it is to be prefumid the Duke had
not conceal'd from him this Propofition from the Prince, toge-
ther with the fix'd and determinate Refolution he had put on as
to that buſineſs. He therefore only confirm'd to him anew, what
he had already ſufficiently affur'd him of; defiring him withal,
fince
Iiii 2
+
:
612
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
ጌ
3
t
f
Which are
rejected by
the Duke.
c
t
te.
Anno fince the Prince would have a pofitive anſwer, to tell him on his
1640. behalf, “That he could have wifh'd, having ever honour'd him
as he had done, he had fooner had thofe confiderations for him,
he was pleas'd at prefent to profefs: That his compaffion was
now out of ſeaſon: That he was content alone to undergo all
"his misfortunes the remaining part of his life, and that he had
"much rather never more fee the Duke de la Valette his Son, than
"to ſee him reduc'd to the condition of a private perfon: That
he would accept no Recompence for his Offices, and Com-
"mands, foraſmuch as he was refolved never to part with them;
and that he had enough remaining through the favour and libé-
rality of the Kings his Mafters, to ſpare thoſe profits, and emo²
"luments he had formerly receiv'd. And to the end that for the
time to come he might fecure himſelf from being any more im-
portun'd with ſuch diſtaſteful propofols, he declar'd aloud, that
fhould any of his Friends ever entertain him with the like dif
courſe, he ſhould never take that man for his Friend again: but
in caſe any over whom he had an Authority fhould prefume once
to open his mouth to fuch a purpoſe, he would handle him fo as
fhould manifeft to all the world how highly he was offended at
the motion.
"C
The Duke foon perceiv'd that the Court was by no means
pleas'd with this anfwer, the ill ufage he had hitherto receiv'd, be-
ing after this refuſal evidently doubled upon him; infomuch that
he had news brought the Cardinal had been importun'd by the
Enemies of his Familly, to remove him from Plaffac, that being
(as they pretended) too near to Bordeaux, where, by the conveni-
ence of fo dangerous a vicinity, he might ſtill maintain a Corre-
fpondence there, and fet what practices he pleas'd on foot, to the
New perfe- prejudice of the Publick Peace. Thus even when confin'd to a
cutions for Country Houſe, difarm'd, and naked, as he then was, and as it
of-Efpernon, were buried under his own ruines, his fole Name, and Authority
the Duke
was formidable to his Enemies, even in fo low a condition. Such
as were moſt violent againſt him, advis'd to have him fhut up in
Priſon, and the more moderate fort would only have him confin'd
to fome remote places, which they had already pointed out for
him iu Auvergne. Yet did all thefe ill-founding rumours at this
time produce no evil effects; and it was faid the Cardinal would
keep his word, he had given to the Cardinal de la Valette, not to
add to the perfecution of the Duke his Father; but if he did not
openly do it, and fo as to own his own act, he at leaft gave the
Duke's moft implacable Enemies leave to do what he himſelf was
either aſham'd of, or had no mind to own; men who abuſing
that
•
4
BOOK XII
1
the Duke of Eſpernon.
613
ኃ
1
that liberty committed out-rages against him, unworthy both of Anno
their own, and his condition; and fuch as the Prince, who at this 1640.
time was no ways favourable to him, could not himſelf endure,
and therefore did him a noble right: but I rather chooſe to omit
the recital of it, than to revive the refentment of things almoft,
if not altogether,extinguiſh'd and forgot, by a relation that would
otherwiſe perhaps, be pertinent enough to my ſtory.
+
In this violent perfecution,the Duke's Servants humbly advis'd
him to flacken the ſtiffneſs, he had hitherto ever maintain'd, and
eſpecially towards the Cardinal; in hopes that by a little foothing
his vain humour (immeaſurably greedy of Glory) with fome
thing above what he had formerly us'd to do, he might obtain
fome fatisfaction from him. Whereupon they reprefented to him
the examples of the Princes of the Blood, who by having a little
warp'd from their degree, and parted with ſome ſmall advantages
in his confideration, had by fo doing given the other Great Ones
of the Kingdom an honourable colour, and pretext to go fome-
thing lefs in their Quality alſo in the Cardinal's Favour: but theſe
Arguments could by no means prevail upon his invincible Spirit.
He made anſwer; "That could he ever deliberate to fubmit to The Duke
"civilities beyond what he had ufually done, he ſhould how-non's noble
of Efper-
re ever much leſs do-it-in the time of his Difgrace, than at any conftancy.
ર other: That he ought no more to confider the condition to
"which Fortune had now reduc'd him, than that from which
"he was fall'n: That what at another time would pafs only for
Complement, would now be interpreted an act of Fear: That
"if he must perish, he had much rather have the injuftice of his
“Enemies whereof to complain, than to ſtand oblig'd to his
own weakneſs for his prefervation: That the example of the
"Princes of the Blood fignified nothing to him: That their Qua-
cr
((
.66
lity was infeparably annex'd to their Birth: That therefore it
"could never by any demiffion of theirs be alienated from them:
"That what would be call'd Prudence in perfons of that conditi-
.
on to accommodate themſelves to the time, would be interpre-
❝ted an inexcufable meanness in him"; and that they fhould never
"fee him do any thing, either by example or perfwafion, that
fhould in the leaft prejudice, or reflect upon his Honour.
"
Before this, and foon after the Death of the Cardinal de la Va-
lette, fome there were who endeavour'd to perfwade him to ask
of the King, and the Cardinal ſome of the Benefices which were
become vacant by his Deceafe; but he with the fame conftancy
refus'd to do that alfo, telling thoſe who urg'd him fo to do,
"That he would not augment the grief of his lofs,by the diſhonor
of
1
1
!
614
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
"of a repulſe That being depriv'd of the perfon of his
1640. "Son, his Eftate was to him of very little confideration; and
"that if his Enemies had had the pleaſure of making him unhap
Anno
ແ
py, they ſhould never have that of reproaching him, that they
"had made him do any mean, or unhandfomething.
་་
So long before this allo, as from the Duke's first arrival at Plaf
fac, fome of his Servants thinking thereby to flatter his thrifty hu-
mour, had propos'd to him, in the great diminution of his Re-
venue, fome retrenchment in his Expences alſo: a propofition
in truth by the Duke well enough receiv'd, confidering that in a
private Country Houſe, neither his Table,nor his Stables requir'd
the fame Splendour, as when he refided in his Government; fo
that he moreover gave way an account fhould be ftated, to fee
what they could reduce his Expences to: but when it came to
the puſh, he rejected all, ſaying, “That he had for above three-
"fcore years together maintain'd himſelf in the fame Port, and
"Luftre, and that thoſe who were his perfecuters fhould never
"have that advantage over him, as to make him abate in the leaft
"of his ordinary way of living, and that finally in the fame Splen-
"dor he had liv'd, he was refolv'd he would dye.
'Tis methinks a very ftrange thing, and very well worthy our
obſervation, that amongſt all the Alarms were daily given him,
in all the adverfities he was made to undergo, and with all the ill
news, which either to afflict, or forewarn him, he hourly receiv'd,
he never loft (as he himſelf did profeſs) ſo much as one nights
fleep. A thing no one can impute to his infenfibility, who was
but too tender that way, and over-fenfible of the leaft touch of
Offence. Who is it then, but muft admire the ſtability, and unſha-
ken conftancy of that noble Soul, which in the fury of all theſe
Tempeſts (fufficient to diſorder the greateſt reſolution) remain'd
as calm, and undiſturb'd, as in the moſt tranquil eftate of his moſt
proſperous Fortune ?
Neither was he content to maintain this ferenity, and Stoical
contempt of injuries in his own perfon: he would moreover
that his Servants ſhould be infpir'd with the fame Courage, and
generous Principles, of which I have feen fome incur his difgrace,
for having only wept before him. He thought men of ſuch mean
Spirits unworthy of his Dependence, and would above all things
that without diſguiſe, or reſervation, they ſhould acquaint him
with the true ftate of his Affairs, how foul foever it might be;
being accuſtomed to fay, "That it was a kind of Confola-
tion to know the worst of things, and to what a degree a
man was unhappy; fince Doubts, and Fears, rendring an evil
CC
re
infinite
1
1
#
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
615
"infinite to the imagination, it was in that incertitude utterly
"impoffible, for any one to take a true meaſure, or to form right
"refolutions,from things that were boundleſs,and unlimited : But
withal, he whofe Office it was to acquaint him with any thing of
that nature, was alſo to have a care fo to compofe his counte-
nance, that he might not therein diſcover either forrow, or ap-
prehenfion. Nay he would himſelf oftentimes antedate his own
Affliction, by asking fuch as were oblig'd to diſcourſe his Af-
fairs to him, if they had heard no ill news that day? occaſion-
ally comforting thoſe in whom he repos'd the greateft confi-
dence, and appearing himself, in all outward fhew, the leaft con-
cern'd at the misfortunes befel him.
In the greateſt Confufion of things, and the moſt violent heat
of his Perfecution, he was with nothing ſo much delighted, as
to hear what a fear his Enemies were in, and how much they ap-
prehended his Power. Unhappy as he was, he yet retain'd io much
vanity, as to fuffer himſelf to be tranfported with that kind of
adulation; a frailty, which as it foonelt, and with great facili-
ty infinuates it ſelf into the moſt generous minds, was alſo the
laſt thing almoſt that forfook him.
He was never heard in the greateſt height of Adverſity to com-
plain of Fortune, but on the contrary, when ſome of his Friends
have ſometimes put him upon that Difcourfe, would fay, "That
"he fhould be very ungrateful for the benefits of Fortune, who
"had for the ſpace of threefcore years been continually favour-
"able to him, fhould he murmur, or repine, that ſhe ſhould for-
"fake him for the ſmall remainder of time he had now to live:
"That he had rarely obſerv❜d a whole life to be fortunate, even
"of thoſe had been much fhorter than his; and that in the incon-
ftancy, and inftability of Humane Affairs, it was no little ad-
vantage to have been referv'd for the Trial of Difgrace, till a
time when he was hardly any more capable oftafting the fweets
of a more profperous Fortune.
.cc
(C
cr
cy,
That which ought yet further to make us admire the Conftan-
and Vigour he ever kept entire in all his Words, and Actions
is, that he was neither with-held by a morofe Gravity in the 'one,
nor hurried on by an impetuous Fury in the other. He very well
underſtood that his way of living was utterly contrary to the con-
ftitution of the time, and in fpeaking of his own Conduct,
would fometimes confefs to his particular Friends, that having
often reflected upon his own Carriage, long before it had pull'd
upon him thoſe Diſgraces which now lay fo heavy upon him;
fhould he have diſcover'd his Sons inclin'd to follow the fame
Maxims,
Anno
1640.
.
1
I
;
616
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
•
Anno Maxims, he would have diffwaded them from it: but that ha-
1640. ving himſelf kept up fomething of a ſteady humour throughout
the paft Reigns, he thought it now unfit to deprave, and give the
lye to threescore years of life, to preferve what yet remain'd, with
imbecillity, and ſhame; and that if he muft fall he would perifh
altogether.
!
Three re-
markable
ſtories of
the Dike
of Efper-
non's good
Fortune,
whereof this
is the firft.
But though he obftinately maintain'd this fullen, and wilful
humour in matters wherein he conceiv'd his Honour to be con-
cern'd, he wanted not nevertheless complacency, and reſpect
enough in things that only refpected his Duty. This year there-
fore having produc'd the King two brave Conquefts, namely,that
of Arras, and that of Turin, he would not, upon this occaſion,
fail to manifeft the intereft, that, as a good Frenchman he pretended
to, in the profperity of his Majefties Arms. A Complement that
was further directed to the Cardinal, who doubtless had a very
great ſhare in all the fucceffes of his Majefties Affairs. The Count
de Maillé was the Envoy of this Diſpatch, by whom this Affair,
and ſome other of the Duke's concerns, were fo difcreetly ma-
naged, that he brought back a very favourable Letter from the
Cardinal, together with feveral expreffions by word of mouth of
far greater kindneſs: but the effects were very different, as we
ſhall ſee in the revolution of the enfuing year.
of
But before we take our leaves of this, I muft prefent you with
the Relation of a little Accident, by which it will appear that
even in the height of his Difgraces, Fortune could not fo altoge-
ther forget the Duke, but that the muft impart fome of her petty
Favours to him, which though not fufficient to compenfate his
Adverfity, The, at leaft by thofe trifling Obligations, made it feem
The could not find in her heart totally to abandon a perfon who
had formerly been fo dear unto her. A young Fellow the Dake
had bred, and brought up from his Infancy to the
age man,
and by whom he had long been attended in his Chamber, fo far
at laft forgot his Duty, as to defign to rob his Mafter. He was
not long before he executed that defign, and with fuch dexterity,
that he purloin'd two thouſand Piftols out of a Trunck in his
Chamber, the Duke diſcovering nothing of his lofs till above
fix months after, This Companion having thus perform'd his
Feat, was, with his Mafters leave retir'd into his own Country,
upon the Frontiers of Spain, where he had either imbezzel'd, or
laid out a good part of the money. The Duke no ſooner diſco-
ver'd the Theft, but that he as foon gueſt who had been the
Thief, and nam'd him to thoſe who were then waiting in his
Chamber: but he was at firft in fome fufpence, whether or no
he
L
A
BOOK XII.
the Duke of Efpernon.
*
ſo
617
Anno
of money to
'xviii. pence
fterling.
he ſhould buſtle in a buſineſs, that it would be no eafie matter for
him to prove. In the end importun'd by fome of his Servants, 1640.
not to tolerate an Action of fo ill example, he fent away a Prevoft
to take him, wherein he was alfo fo fuccefsful, as to have him
forc'd away from his own Country (the moſt favourable to: A&i-
ons of this nature in France) and brought before him, where he *.A piece
was no fooner come, but that he confeſs'd his fault, and reftor'd the value of
the money he had taken to a Tefton.
This Story puts me in mind of two others, which I conceive The fecond
ought not to be omitted, Being one day in the great Church of Story.
Metz, at Vefpers upon a folemn Feſtival: he whofe Office it was
to Cenfe the Priests, came alfo to offer it to the Duke, who pul-
ling off his Gloves with greater refpect to receive the Honour was
done him, a Diamond of very great value he wore upon his
Finger, drop'd out of the Socket, and fell to ground without his
taking any notice of it at all: But the Cenfor was foon aware of
the accident, and that he might with the more cleanly conveyance
gather up the Diamond, having made a Reverence fo low, as
with his knees to touch the ground, he with great dexterity ſnapt
up the Stone without being obferv'd by any, and retir'd The
Duke having again put on his Gloves, ftaid out the remainder of
the Office, which being done, he return'd home to his own Lodg-
ing. Supper time being come, and the Duke being to wash be-
fore he fate down to Table, going to pull off his Ring, as he al-
ways us'd to do, when he waſh'd his hands, he perceiv'd the
Stone to be loft: Whereupon without further aftoniſhment, or
deliberation, he gave order to have the man that Cens'd at Ve-
fpers brought before him. He had obferv'd, though without any
kind of fulpicion, the extraordinary low Reverence the Fellow
had made him, and his quick and ready apprehenfion made him
now jealous, that ſo unufal a Complement had not been paid
him without fome defign. The man being therefore brought be-
fore him, he without more Ceremony, or Examination, pofi-
tively demanded of him his Diamond, which the other at first
deny'd: but being commanded the fecond time to produce it,
and that preſently, or he ſhould be preſently hang'd,the poor man,
as if that word had been of as great validity, as an hundred Wit-
neffes, and ſo many Judges, without making any other reply,
humbly befought the Duke to let ſome of his people go home
with him for his Diamond, which he alfo immediately reftord.
In this his own Wiſdom was his Friend, and another lefs circum-
Spect would alſo haue been lefs favour'd by Fortune.
But I fhall here prefent you with a third accident of the fame The third
Kkkk
Story.
nature,
1
1
A
618
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
J
1
1
P
រ
Anno nature, which was a pure effect of Chance, and of which the
1640. example may go hand in hand with thofe marvellous Succeffes,
which are related for wonderful, even of fuch as have been the
moſt eminently favour'd by Fortune. The Duke many years be-
fore all this, going one time to Paris, had taken Loches in his way,
as he ordinarily us'd to do; when being come to la Haye in Tou
rain at the time of year when days are at the longeft, he would
after ſupper go take a walk in the Meadows without the City.
The Graſs was not yet cut, but ready for the Scythe,when playing
with ſome of his Followers, (for he was at this tinie in that wan-
ton Age) a Pearl in the faſhion of a Pear of two which he always
wore in his Ears, fell down into the Grafs, without being at pre-
fent perceiv'd by him. Thofe two Pearls were noted for the fair-
eft of that time, each of them being valued at ten thouſand
Crowns. The men of the French Court in thoſe days us'd to trick
themſelves with ſuch things as thefe, which now even amongſt
the Ladies are ſcarcely any more in ufe. The Duke going at night
to put off his Pendants, before he went to Bed, perceiv'd one
of them to be loft: the night was already fhut up and in the
cleareft light of day it had been almoft impoffible to have found ſo
little a thing, in fo great a clutter of thick, and deep Graſs, as
in that place cover'd the face of the ground. He had nevertheleſs
fo great a confidence in his good luck, as to command one of his
Valett's de Chambre to go feek his Pearl, and to bring it to him; as
if he had been in fee with Fortune, and that ſhe had been oblig'd
to ſecond all his defires. But it fo fell out, that the immediately
put that into the hands of the Palette de Chambre, which he de-
Ipair'd ever to find, and he brought the Pearl prefently back to his
Mafter a thing that rendred all the Company no lefs aftoniſh'd
at the confidence the Duke had in his good Fortune, than at his
good Fortune it felf.
Anno
1641.
falls dang -
After theſe digreffions it is now high time for us to purfue our
former Diſcourſe. The Count de Maillé then being return'd from
The Duke Court in the beginning of Winter, found the Duke fall'n fick of
of Efpernon a very troubleſome Diſeaſe. This feafon for fome years pafs'd had
roufly fick. been ſo inaufpicious to him, that he would ordinarily call it his
Enemy; as it prov'd in the end, and that to fuch a degree as to
deprive him of his Life. At this time nevertheleſs it contented it
felf a ſecond time to afflict him with another defluxion of Rhume,
which having run through all the parts of his Body with extra-
ordinary torment, left him at laft in fo great a weakneſs, that he
lay near fix months before he could recover to any indifferent po-
ſture of health. In this tedious, and troubleſome Sickneſs, he re-
1
I
ceiv'd
}
+
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
619
·
ceiv'd very great comfort in the company of the Dutchefs de laValette Anno
his Daughter-in-law,and theMarquise de la Valette his Grand-child, 1641.
who forfook the Court to attend him in his Solitude, and Retire-
ment.Both theſe arriv'd at Plaffac fometime before the Dukes Sick-
neſs: The Marquis de la Valette, now Duke de Candale,had been
there a good while before, the Duke his Grand father having re-
folv'd himſelf to take care of his Education, and to form him be
times to thoſe great Actions;of which his Predeceffors had left him
fo beautiful Examples. In the fweet Converſation of this innocent
Family, did this Îlluſtrious old man flatter his Grief, and deceive
his Afflictions; creating to himſelf a kind of fruition out of that
Confinement, and Privacy, his Enemies had for a puniſhment
inflicted on him. Living in this Calm of Repoſe, which the
Tempeſts of his Fortune had at laft fretted themſelves into, and.
hoping therein to ſpin out the remainder of his Life, he was fur-
priz'd with an unexpected Command from the King, to leave his
Houſe of Plafsac, and to remove thence to Loches. And feeing
this Affair (of it felf untoward enough) was the fountain from
whence feveral other afflictions deriv'd themſelves, which alſo in
the end occafion'd his Death, it ſhould not methinks be imperti-
nent to give a full Relation of a Tranfaction, by which we are
now about to conclude his Life.
The eftate
of the Af-
fairs of the
from
hence the
on to fend
From the time that the Count de Soiffons departed from Court
to retire himſelf to Sedan (of which we have already ſpoken) this
Prince had reſted content with the enjoyment of his own Eftate, Kingdom,
and the payment of thofe Penfions affign'd him from the Crown;
and (it has been ſaid that had thoſe Penfions been continued to Cardinal
him, would have remain'd in the fame quiet pofture wherein he took occafi-
had liv'd ever fince his departure from Court, choofing rather to the Duke of
languiſh in Sloth, and out of all Employment, than by his Am- Efpernen to
bition to diſcompofe the Peace of his Country. But as if his Ene- Loches.
mies had been diſpoſers of his Deſtiny, they would never grant
him thoſe juſt, and reaſonable conditions he defir'd; infomuch
that they impos'd upon him a neceffity of applying himſelf to Fo-
rein Princes. Theſe therefore having ſupplied him with ſome
Forces, his own Intereft having procur'd him fome others with-
in the Kingdom, and the Duke de Bouillon (who was equally in-
tereſted with him in his caufe) having arm'd a great number of
his Friends, he of all theſe together made up a very confiderable
Army. Thefe Forces however, how great foever they were,
would notwithſtanding have given the Cardinal no very great
Alarm, had he not found withal, that even at home there was
fo formidable a Faction form'd in this Prince's favour, as that the
Kkkk 2
King-
לי
#
1
ť
620
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
1
1.
+
1
1
f
Anno Kingdom was univerfally engag'd in his deſigns: But when he
1641. faw that the people openly declar'd in his Quarrel, and that the
whole Frontier of Champagne, together with the beſt Cities of.
that Province, threatned to revolt in his Favour, that Paris it ſelf
open'd her Arms to receive him; and-that it was to be fear'd, if
fome fudden courfe was not taken, that without a blow ftrook,
or the leaſt reſiſtance, he ſhould ſee himſelf reduc'd to his Mercy,
then it was (as has been reported) that he ſeriouſly repented him-
felf he had not been more just to him, and that he had not ren-
dred himſelf more facile to his equitable demands: But having
fruitleſly attempted to quiet this ſtorm, by fome overtures of Ac
commodation, thofe Propofitions being rejected, there was now
a neceffity of coming to the decifion of Arms. The Cardinal
therefore endeavour'd with all imaginable expedition to oppofe a
good Army against him under the Command of the Marefchal de
Chaftillon; to whom he alſo gave exprefs Orders at any hand to
hazard the fortune of a Battel, before the evil difpofitions of the
people could produce thoſe finifter effects, he had all the reaſon
in the world to apprehend. In this pofture of Affairs, his moſt re-
doubted Enemies, being the Great Ones he had offended, he con-
ceiv'd it in the firſt place neceffary to fecure the Duke of Efpernon,
not doubting but that a man of his known fpirit, and fo highly
offended by him, would take hold of the first opportunity to re-
venge himſelf of thoſe infupportable Injuries he had fo continu-
ally receiv'd at his hands. But over and above this jealoufie which
the Cardinal had reaſonably enough conceiv'd upon the foremen-
tion'd accounts, the Duke's ill Fortune would moreover at this
time joyn with his Enemy to give him fome colourable pretence
for this new injury, and injuftice. All the Kingdom believ'd that
the Cardinal de la Valette had before his Deceale, obtain'd of this
great Miniſter an aſſurance of repoſe for his Father the remain-
ing part of his Life; and there had been no new occafion of-
fer'd, that could juftifie the violation of this promife; fo that his
private, and folitary way of living fheltring him from all the
Tempefts of the bufie World, he thought to live quiet, and ſe-
cure in that harbour whereinto even by his misfortunes he had
been so fortunately thrown. In this eftate a wretched Fellow, ut-
terly unknown to the Duke, or to any of his, without any the leaft
acquaintance with any of his Family, or any frequentation in his
Houſe, was fo malicious,as in his name to go to the Sieur du Bourg,
Governour of the little Fort the Spaniards had poffefs'd themſelves
of at their entry into Biſcaye, and by me before call'd Socoa, offer-
ing him in the names of the Dukes of Efpernon, and de la Valette
(whom
1
1
+
BOOK XII.
621
the Duke of Efpernon.
}
Anno
Contri-
Vance a-
pernon.
(whom he had never feen) a very great recompence, if he would
deliver up that Fort into their hands. Le Bourg easily imagin'd 1641.
that this place being fo well known as it was to theſe two Dukes,
could not be ſo ardently coveted by them, it being of very little
importance; and confequently did at the very first believe the per-
fon that made him this Propofition, muſt be fome Impoftor, who
hop❜d to obtain ſome recompence for informing againſt him, and
afterwards to run away; but a Rope in the end was his reward.
Though (as I have faid) le Bourg well enough understood this Fel- A malicious
low to be a Counterfeit, he notwithstanding either to render
himſelf more confiderable at theſe two Dukes Expence, or more gainst the
Duke of El-
exactly to diſcharge his Duty than upon ſuch an occaſion he was
oblig'd to do, fail'd not however to give the Court an account of
the Propofition had been made to him, detaining the Impoftor
Priſoner in the mean time. Whereupon he foon after receiv'd
Orders to deliver him into the hands of Laufon Intendant de la Fu-
Stice in Guienne; by whom though he was condemn'd to die, and
the Sentence accordingly executed upon him, yet at preſent they
made uſe of this Impoſture to colour a Command to the Duke of
Efpernon, to depart from Plaffac, and to transfer himſelf to Lo-
ches. Varennes one of the Gentlemen in Ordinary to the King,was
appointed to carry this Order, who the 20th. of June, about two
of the Clock in the afternoon arriv'd with it at Plaffac. The Duke
was at that time a Bed, where he us'd to take two or three hours
repoſe every afternoon; by reafon whereof Varennes being ne-
ceffitated to attend his waking, he ask'd to ſpeak with the Count
de Maillé in the mean time; which he did to anticipate the Duke by
ſome excuſes, in that he was fo unhappy, as to be always fent up-
on unwelcome Commiſſions (for it was he alfo who in the bu-
finefs of the Archbishop of Bordeaux, had been the Bearer of
the Order was fent the Duke to retire out of his Government to
Plaffac.) The Count de Maillé, having by difcourfing with him un-
derttood Varenne's Errand, doubted not but that the Duke muft
needs be infinitely furpriz'd at the Novelty of this Command;
wherefore having confulted with fuch of the Duke's Servants as
were of moft confideration about him, they concluded it moſt
convenient, that he ſhould by his Secretary be beforehand ac-
quainted with it, to the end he might be prepar'd to receive it
with leſs emotion. The business therefore being thus order'd
amongſt them, was accordingly executed, and the Duke was no
fooner awake, but that the Secretary coming to his Bed-fide, told
him that a Gentleman from the King was newly arriv'd, who
had brought him an Order to depart from Plaffac, and go away
to
1
•
622
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
3
1
Anno to Loches. The Duke, who had of old fortified his mind againſt
1640. the worst of events, and not finding in this that extremity of
The King's
Letter to
Efpernon.
evils it lay in his Enemies power to inflict upon him, without be-
ing at all mov'd at the fuddennefs of the thing; calmly reply'd,
and is that all? After which words a little compofing himſelf, he
commanded his Secretary to call the Gentleman in. Varennes Was
preſently brought into his Chamber, who, advancing to the Bed-
fide, preſented him with the King's Letter, which the Duke open-
ing, he found it to contain theſe words.
'
(c
'દ
Coufin,
"I am forry that by your Sons ill carriage, together with fome
the Duke of Intelligence I have lately receiv'd out of Guienne, I am con-
ftrain'd to tell you, that I defire you will at prefent leave your
"abode at Plafſac, where you now are, and come to Loches. Va-
rennes one of my Gentlemen, by whom you will receive this
Diſpatch, will inform you more particularly of my intention
"herein, in whom you are to repofe an entire confidence, and be-
"lief. In the mean time I pray God, Coufin, to have you in his
Holy Protection.
¦
*
From Abbeville this 13th of June 1641.
This Letter being read, and Varennes offering anew at the fame
excuſes he had already made to the Count de Maillé, the Duke cut
him fhort, by telling him, that whatever came from the King
was infinitely welcome,and that excuſes were not neceffary where
a man did nothing but what it was his Duty to do; after which
he fell into a pretty long difcourfe, wherein he manifefted ſo much
judgment, and conſtancy upon fo unpleaſing an accident,as made
every one admire that heard him: It was very near word for
word in theſe terms, "That threescore years being now laps'd
"fince he had first had the Honour to ferve the Kings his Ma-
fters,and to teach fuch as their Majefties had fubjected under his
Authority to obey, it would be inexcufable in him, ſhould he
"in that time have profited fo little himself, as not to know how
"in his own perſon to practice the Precepts he had laid down to
"others: That he was very ready to pay the King all the Obedi-
ence his Majefty could himself defire: That had he a fufficient
"ftock of ſtrength, and health to perform that Journey Poft, he
"would immediately mount to Horſe, by that promptness to
"thew how every Subject ought to obey his Prince; not that he
"did not nevertheleſs underſtand himſelf to be very unkindly
ແ
tr
ic
باحا
!
us'd,
'
BOOK XII.
I
the Duke of Efpernon.
623
•
:
7
ર
CC
(C
}
Anno
I
“us'd, and look'd upon this proceeding as exceffively ſevere to
him who had never fail'd in the leaſt in his Majefties Service, 1641.
and to whom no one living could impute the leaft offence to his
Duty: That his Enemies made it their pretence to uſe him ill,
"from the ill carriage of his Son; as if a Father could be any ways
reſponſible for the defaults of his Children,or ought to fuffer for
ટ their Offences. Not that I do (he preſently caught himself) in
"the leaft confeſs thoſe wherewith they have charg'd my Son the
Duke de la Valette; he is an honeft man, and innocent and
"had the King been rightly inform'd of his Actions, his Majeſty
might with better reaſon have commended his Services, than
(as he is pleas'd to do) to condemn his Conduct. Upon which
expreffion, excufing himſelf for that little eſcape of his refentment,
he proceeded to fay, "Is it not very hard that my Enemies will
expoſe my old Age to the fcorn, and mockery of the one half
"of the Kingdom I am to paſs through to the place of my Exile ?
Why will they not at least give me leave to finiſh the fmall re-
"mainder of my days I have to live in the obſcurity of this Soli-
"tude? After which, asking him if there was any time limited
for his fetting out, or if he had receiv'd any Order to continue
with him till his departure? and Varennes having deny'd both the
one, and the other, he continued to fay, "That fince they were
pleas'd to proceed fo favourably with him, he would be no ill
"Husband of his time: That he would give order to have his
Equipage made ready with the fooneft; but that he had let
them hang by to ruft, and rot for four years together, that
"he had been in that Houſe. In the conclufion of all, Varennes
having entreated an Anſwer to his Letter, the Duke gave him one
in these terms.
>
<<
cc
tr
""
SIR,
1
non's Letter
I have by the Sieur de Varennes receiv'd the Command your The Duke
"Majefty has been pleas'd to fend me to quit my Refidence in this of Efper-
place, and to go to Loches, upon fome information your Ma- to the King-
"jeſty has receiv'd to the prejudice of the Duke de la Valette my
""
r
،
Son. If my faid Son continue to follow my Counfels, and Ex-
"ample, as I am certain he will ever do, he can never commit
any thing that may either offend your Majefty, or that fhall be
unworthy of his Birth. For what concerns my felf Sir, who for
"threescore years pafs'd have never ceas'd to render the Kings
' your Royal Predeceffors, and your Majefty all forts of faithful,
" and humble Service, and Obedience, I fhall continue with all
poffible expedition to teftifie my reſpect to this new Command.
ic
It
$
1
1
[
624
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
L
Anno
1641.
The gene-
rous pro-
the Maref-
ceeding
chal de
··Scomberg.
of
-
CC
"It is true,Sir, that I am ſomething furpriz'd at it, and that having
"continued now four years together in this Houſe, I had fet up
my reft, and concluded here to end my days; by which mi-
"ftake I am at preſent utterly deftitute of Equipage both for my
"felf, my Daughter-in-law, and my little Children: but I
"fhall with all poffible diligence make my preparation, and
"though my Health be exceedingly impair'd, both by my
ແ great Age, and my late Sickneſs; which having detain'd me four
"months in Bed, has left me in a very weak condition: I ſhall
"notwithstanding chearfully expofe my little remainder of Life,
to this long, and troubleſome Journey, in obedience to your
Majefties good pleaſure, and ſhall think my felf exceeding hap-
py, if I may conclude it in manifefting my Zeal,and Paffion, as I
"have ever done my Obedience, and inviolate Fidelity, &c.
cc
ёс
r
From Plafſſac this 20th of June, 1641.:-
+
Neither in this anſwer, nor in his Diſcourſe to Varennes, had
he made any Reply to that part of the King's Letter, which men.
tion'd the intelligence his Majeſty had receiv'd out of Guienne; for-
afmuch as he was as yet totally ignorant of the buſineſs of Socoa:
but having ſometime after underſtood that his name had been
made uſe of in that Affair, he conceiv'd it very neceffary for him
to addreſs himſelf to the Marefchal de Scomberg, to request that he
would penetrate into the bottom of that Impofture, that fo he
might be able to inform his Majefty of the truth of the Story.
This Marefchal had been withdrawn from his Government of
Languedoc, as well as the Duke of Efpernon had been out of that of
Guienne: but being it had been done without any visible mark
of Diſgrace, and only out of deferenee to the Prince, who was
impatient of the leaſt contradiction from any of the Governours
of the Provinces, where he had any thing to do, he had been
difmifs'd with an honourable Commiffion into Guienne, to Com-
mand as the Kings Lieutenant in that Province. His carriage
there towards the Duke of Efpernon was very different from that
of thoſe who had preceded him in that Employment, he highly,
and publickly declaring, that he fhar'd in the feeling an honeft
man ought to have of the ill ufage had been inflicted upon a man
of that eminent Quality, and who had ever behav'd himſelf
without all manner of reproach: Neither was this the only te-
ftimony of his Friendſhip, he proceeding from theſe favourable
expreffions, to effects of a much more obliging nature. They had
propos'd to him the Government of Guienne in récompence of
X
that
'
1
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
625
i
that of Languedoc (with the privation of which he had alſo been Anno
tacitly threatned) but all thofe offers, and menaces could never 1641.
prevail upon him, he profeffing that he had much rather chooſe
to be without any Employment at all, than to be invefted with
the ſpoils of two perfons of that eminent condition yet living,
and with whom he was not convinc'd that any fault could juftly
be found; exercising moreover the Commiffion he had there with
fo great tenderness and refpect to them, that though he had there-
by as ample Authority, as he could himself defire; he would
notwithſtanding never come to execute any of his Functions at
Bordeaux, the Capital City of that Province. He would not fo
much as come near it, but contented himſelf to ſtay at Agen,
which he made the feat of his refidence till his return into Lan-
guedoc and whereas others, who had commanded there before
him, had carried themſelves very rudely to the Duke's Friends,
and Servants there, the Marejchal on the contrary took them into
his elpecial Truſt, and Favour, conceiving he could not make a
better choice, than of fuch men, as had pafs'd the tryal of his
late Adverfity. This noble way af proceeding had fo highly ob-
lig'd the Duke, that he made no difficulry to folicite his Favour
a thing he had never done to anyi fince his perfecution; he writ
to him therefore before he departed from Plaffac, intreating him
to cauſe the Impoftor by whom, he had been accus'd to be
throughly fifted, that he might be able to fatisfie the Court of
what could be diſcover'd from his Examination. The Marefchal
upon this Letter did the Duke all the good Offices could be expe-
&ted from his generous and noble Nature, and writ fo favourably
to the Council in his behalf,as from des Noyers Secretary of State to
obtain this anſwer: a Copy whereof he fent to the Duke.
et
"For what concerns the Fellow that is detain'd Prifoner at
Socoa, I could have wifh'd that Monfieur du Bourg had better ex-
"amined the buſineſs, before he had acquainted the King with
"it, and brought fo great an inconvenience upon perfons of that
"condition: Monfieur de Lauzon, who is at Bayonne, will in two
"hours time be able to clear all doubts, obferving the Order I
"have ſent him according to your defire. In effect the buſineſs
was perfectly clear'd, and the Dukes Innocence fufficiently mani-
feft: but notwithſtanding the refolutions that had been taken
againſt him were nothing alter'd; neither indeed did he folicit
any thing of that kind, nor would addreſs himſelf to any other,
faving the Marefchal de Scomberg only, his defign being only to fe-
cure his Reputation, and not to receive any the leaft favour from
his Enemies.
LIII
Yet
}
626
PART III,
The Hiftory of the Life of
I
Anno
Yet whatever he had faid to Varennes, or whatſoever he had
1641. writ to the King concerning the diligence he would uſe to put
himſelf upon his way; he did not for all that make fo much hafte,
that three weeks at leaft were not laps'd before he began his Journy.
non's irrefo- He spun out the preparation of his Equipage in great length, and
cerning the although he at first manifeſted an abfolute, and franck difpofition
Journey of to depart, either the tenderneſs, and apprehenfion of his Friends,
The Duke
of Efper-
lution con-
Leches,
* One
whereof I
find in D.-
the Duke of cċ
Elleanf was
Priſoner
preſently
after the
Death of
the Duke of
Guife at
Blots.
σε το
*
or his own doubts, and diffidences, had poffefs'd him with ſo
great a jealouſie, that he could not eafily perfwade himſelf to-per-
form a thing he faw was nevertheleſs by no means to be avoided.
Some, who would ſeem to be moſt folicitous of his Perfon, and
Safety, had often repreſented to him, "That the Caftle of Loches
was a Priſon of State: That it had already been made uſe of
"in that nature upon very confiderable occafions: That it be-
ing fituate in the heart of the Kingdom, his Captivity would
vila when "be the more fevere, by how much there was no poffibility of
an eſcape, and that fo foon as he fhould be come thither, it
fent thither "would be in the power of any one of the Exempts-des Guardes,
to charge the Garriſon, and to make himſelf Mafter of the Gate
to-engage his Liberty for ever. It was no hard matter to foreſee,
that all theſe inconveniences might poffibly arrive: but being his
forbearing to go, would inevitably convince him of the higheſt
difobedience, the difcreeter fort of men concluded it the fafelt for
him to try if he could not avoid the utmoft extremes, by an entire
confidence in his Majefties Juftice, and in outward fhew to per-
form that with great alacrity, and freedom, which in effect there
was a neceffity upon him, he muſt however do. The Duke ſaw
clearly enough into the truth of this laft advice, yet could he not
without great repugnancy, and unwillingneſs follow that Coun-
and the natural defire of the Liberty, he believ'd ready to
be raviſh'd from him (or that at beft depended only upon his
Enemies-Capricio) poffefs'd him with fo great a difquiet of.
mind, as fail'd little of endangering his health by a new relapſe.
He nevertheleſs by his conftancy, once more overcame all his re-
fentments, and miftrufts, and arming himſelf with a generous
refolution, determin'd in the end to do, what muft either ſpeedi-
ly be done, or he muſt inevitably loſe himſelf for ever. But for-
afmuch as he diſcover'd ſome little beam of hope in the Count de
Soiffon's undertaking (whofe party was tacitly favour'd by all the
Male-contents, and with greater reafon by him, than all the reſt)
he obferv'd fuch an Order in his departure from Plaffac, and
throughout the whole progrefs of his Journey, as on the one fide
to avoid the imputation of Disobedience, fhould the Count's Af-
瞿
​fel;
fairs
7
BOOK XII.
•
the Duke of Elpernon,
627
fairs meet with any ill fuccefs; and on the other to be in a condi- Anno
tion ſuddenly to return into his Government to favour his Caule, 1641.
ſhould there be the leaft apparence (as there was a great deal)
that this Prince could receive any advantage by his joyning with
him.
The better then to fit all things for his propos'd defign, he
was near a month in preparing his Equipage: the moſt neceffary
things muſt by all means be bought at places a great way off,
though they might have been had much nearer at hand; and
when all things were got ready, he was advis'd to feign fome in-
commodities in his Health, as the remains of his late Sickneſs:
an advice he for a few days put in practice, though in the end he
muft of neceffity ſet out, and it was the 12th day of July. He had
been ſometime in fufpence, whether he ſhould take the Dutchess
de la Palette and her little Children along with him this Journey,
or no; he could not in the great apprehenfions had been infus'd
into him of the loss of his own Liberty, conſent that perfons fo
dear unto him ſhould bear a part in fo great a Difgrace; who as
fo
they were in other things the greateft Confolation he had,
were they in this none of the leaft caufes of his Affliction: but
their Piety foon cut off all deliberation, and they carried that by
the violence of their importunity, which they could not otherwiſe
obtain of ſo good a Father, and were at laft admitted to the
Voyage.
makes great
1
During theſe delays in the Duke's flender Preparation, the The Count de
Count de Soiffons, and the Duke de Bouillon, had made fo mighty Soifons
ones wherewith to oppofe the Power of the King, that they were preparation
apparently the ftronger Party, and in a condition to bring over for War.
the Victory to their own fide. The Armies of the one, and the
other party were ſo near, and both ſo animated against one an-
other, that it was hardly poffible they fhould avoid coming imme-
diately to Blows; every one in his wifhes favour'd the Count's
Defigns, and all the people, the Cities, and generally all France
open'd their Arms to receive him: neither was the Duke of Ef-
with
pernon ignorant of theſe good difpofitions towards him,
whom he went along in his Heart, and Judgment; fo that hoping
much on the one fide, and fearing fomething nevertheleſs on the
other, he began his Journey. From Plaffac, his firſt days Jour-
ney was to Pons, a League and a half only diftant from his own
Houſe, which although a very little one, and that he perform'd
it in his Litter, he notwithſtanding went to Bed preſently after
his arrival, and all the next day refted there. The day following he
went to Cognac, to vifit the Count de Jonzac, in which little Town,
Llll 2
which
628
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III
1
។
Anno which had formerly been a member of his Government of Angou-
1641. mois, he found a great number of Gentlemen, and Ladies of ve-
ry good Quality, whom the compaffion of his finifter Fortune
had affembled there to pay him their laft Vifit, as they believ❜d,
and as indeed it prov'd to be. He could not upon this occafion,
fo govern his own humour, as to be perfwaded to feign himſelf
indifpos'd, that being a part he could only play, when there was
none by to ſee him but in the great world his Prudence could
never obtain fo great an Authority over his haughty Spirit: but
that he muſt ever make a fhew of more Health and vigour, than
he really had. A thing his Servants were very much afflicted at,
as very much out of ſeaſon; ſome of which having repreſented
to him the example of the Duke of Rhetz, who a longtime pre-
ferv'd his Life, and kept his Offices, by having with great art,
and induſtry given hopes, that the latter, would foon become va-
cant by the loſs of the other; he defpis'd that fort of Prudence,
telling them that the malignity of old Age, would foon enough,
and to his great grief render him altogether ufelefs, without that
he needed to antedate that unhappy time by artifice, and diffimu.
lation.
News
brought to
the Duke
of Efpernon
of the
Death of
the Count de
Soiffons,
flain at the
Battel of
Sedan.
༈
+
That which I conceive made him fo refolute to deſpiſe all
Counſels that carried with them any fimilitude of fear, was the
frequent intelligence he receiv'd from a very good hand of the
good pofture the Count's. Affairs were in: full of which good
news he departed from Cognac to go to Neuvy, a Houſe belonging
to the Baron of Auton his Nephew, where he intended to coun-
terfeit the fick man, till he ſhould have certain intelligence of the
fuccefs of the Count's Arms: but he had no time to make a long
diffimulation of it, for two days after his arrival at this place, the
Countess de Brienne paffing that way to go into Angoumois, came
to give him a Vifit, and brought him the first news of the win-
ning of the Battel of Sedan, but withal of the Count's unhappy
Death. The truth of this difafter foon cur'd the Duke of his pre-
tended Indifpofition; he very well knew that the lofs of this
Prince did not only take away the fruits of his Victory, but
would moreover infallibly transfer it to the contrary fide: And
then it was that he faw how much he ftood oblig'd to his own
Wiſdom, and how great an error he had run into, had he yielded
more to the tenderneſs of his Friends, than to his own maturer
Counfels; for had this news found him yet at Plaffac, with what
probable excufes could he have palliated the Intelligence, he was
believ'd to maintain with the Count; or what more fpecious pre-
tence could his Enemies have defir'd, to have added to the ill ufage
they
BOOK XII.
629
the Duke of Efpernon.
1
Anno
they had ſo long made him undergo? Even his own delays, and
ſome too free expreffions had efcap'd from him in the almoft cer- 1641.
tain expectation he had been poffefs'd withal of a hopeful iffue,
did not a little afflict him; wherefore the better to conceal all
that had paſs'd, he immediately reſoly'd upon fending away a
Gentleman to Court with a Letter antedated fome few days be-
fore, to the end it might not be imagin'd, he had writ fince the
Death of the Count; which Letter contain'd theſe words.
(c
CL
1
of Eſper-
nɔn's Letter
the Kinge
SIR,
"Ifend this Gentleman to acquaint your Majefty with the Obe The Duke
“dience I have paid to the command you was pleas'd to fend me
to go to Loches; 'tis now fix days fince I fet out to begin this to
Journey,
which I ſhould alſo Sir have done much fooner,
would my health have permitted; or could I with lefs trouble
"have procur'd the Equipages neceffary for my departure. From
"the time that I have been in a condition to move, I have been
"in motion, having never had the leaft repugnancy to your Ma-
“jefties command: Iſhall ever have the fame inclination to obey
"them, and in the last moments of my Life, make it my glory to
"manifeft to your Majefty, that I have never fwery'd from the ab-
"folute Obedience, that was vow'd to you from your birth, by
Sir,
:
Your, &c.
And being he conceiv'd it not enough to give the King this
account only, unleſs at the fame time the Cardinal was alfo fa-
tisfied with his Conduct, he wrote to him in like manner, and
almoſt in the fame words he had done to the King.
Whilft thefe Letters were pofting to Court, he, by very fhort
Journeys was ſtill advancing towards Loches, where, notwith
ftanding all the delays he could make, having the hazard of his
Liberty ever preſent to his imagination, he thought he ſhould but
too ſoon arrive. With theſe melancholy thoughts going on to
Poitiers, the compaffion which the principal Officers, and the
people of that City manifefted for his prefent Adverfity, did
much augment his Grief, and fufpicion of fome future miſchief.
He there receiv'd from all the Orders of the City the fame Ho-
nours, and Reſpect, as if he had ſtill ſtood in the highest degree of
his Profperity, and Favour, and every one making the famere-
flections upon his prefent condition, that he himself did; the peo-
ple ran from all parts to ſee ſo great an example of the Injuſtice,
Vicif
•
1
630
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
5
Anno Viciffitude, and Extravagancy of Fortune, which occafion'd ſo
1641. great a crow'd even in his own Lodgins, as put him upon a reſo
lution to go out on foot into the Market-place of the City, which
was alſo near to his Inne, to fatisfie the curiofity they had to be-
hold him but he was thereby in fo great danger to be ftifled by
the multitude, that he had no way to free himself, but by the fa-
vour of his Coach, that he was of neceffity conſtrain'd to ſend
for to difingage him. From Poitiers he continued his way to la
Tricherie; but he had made fo little hafte withal, as had given his
Courrier time to go to Court, and to return, whilst he had been
advancing, twelve, or fifteen Leagues of his Journey only; fo
that he found him ftill upon his way, when he brought him this,
Diſpatch from the King.
His Maje-
fties Letter
CL
te
Coufin,
3
"I was very well pleas'd to find by your Letter, that you had
to the Duke. put your felf upon your way to Loches, fo foon as your
would
health would permit, neither did I doubt, but you up-
on this occafion conform your felf unto my defires: and I do
moreover affure my ſelf you will ever do the fame, whereby
you will oblige me to continue to you the teftimonies of my Af-
fection, upon which affurance I pray God, &c.
+
The Cardi-
nals Letter
to the Duke.
.ec
(C
"
tr
cc
te
"
From Rhemes the 21. of July, 1641.
That of the Cardinal was couch'd in theſe terms.
Monfieur,
}
"The King is very well fatisfied with
well fatisfied with your Obedience to his
Commands, which he alſo has laid upon you in order to your
own particular good; and I for my part have receiv'd a very
high contentment in underſtanding by this Gentleman the good
diſpoſition wherein you now are; a continuation whereof I
heartily wish you, as being, &c.
To add yet ſomething more to the fatisfaction the Duke had
receiv'd by theſe two kind Letters, the Gentleman that brought
them moreover affur'd him, that he had obferv'd at Court no
other than Serene, and Aufpicious Countenances; and that there
was nothing which for the future threatned any worſe uſage,than
what he had already receiv'd: Infomuch that even his beſt
Friends there, and thoſe who were moft folicitous of him did be
lieve, that had he not already receiv'd a Command to depart from
Plaſſac,
+
BOOK XII.
631
the Duke of Eſpernon.
Anno
Plaffac, they would not now have enjoyn'd him that trouble, the
Cardinal being reaffur'd by the Death of the Count de Soiffons: 1641.
but feeing that Order had been already fent him, they would ra-
ther chooſe to have it executed, contrary to all reaſon, than to
revoke it with any kind of Justice. Thefe Difpatches, and this
news from Court, being fo much better than the Duke had ex-
pected, did a little quiet his mind; fo that in the end he arriv'd
at Loches, with much leſs apprehenfion, and far greater chear-
fulness than he had parted from Plaffac.
trives at
Leches, and
is
there re-
ceiv'd with
great Ho-
nour.
This fatisfaction was improv'd to him by the extraordinary The Dake
Acclamations wherewith all the people receiv'd him at his arrival of Efpernon
there, which was upon the third of August, there being no kind
of Honours, nor any evidences of Publick Joy omitted at his
Reception. All the Perfons of Quality, of which there are a
very great number thereabouts, came to vifit him: The City of
Tour's paid him the fame Reſpect, and the Archbiſhop having
given the example to the reft of the City, the Chapter, and Pre-
fident also fent to Complement him befides which Civilities
from the Body in general, and the feveral Societies, and Fraterni-
ties in particular, almoſt all the Magiftrates, and Officers, at leaſt
the moſt confiderable of them, came in their own perſons to wait
upon him, infomuch that it ſeem'd, whilft Courted, and Com-
plemented at this unexpected rate, he was nothing fall'n from his
former Profperity, and Greatness. All theſe Honours (of which
he was as fenfible as any) having reviv'd his Spirits, and confe-
quently quickned, and rais'd his Wit, and Fancy, he made him-
felf to be highly admir'd, by an infinite number of the Curious,
who being continually asking him a thouſand Queſtions concern-
ing the State Secret of paft Tranfactions, he clear'd them of ſe-
veral important Doubts, which few men living could unriddle;
and explain'd to them many paffages in d'Avila's Hiftory, which
at this time was ſo new in France, that it was in the hands of very
few. He had a complacency for all forts of people, far above
what till now he had ever had, and a gracious and winning fweet-
nefs for his own Servants they had never known before: by
which obliging and free faſhion, together with the antient efteem
annext to his Perfon, and Vertue, he in an inftant won the Love,
and Applauſe of all the world. In this publick and univerfal Fa-
vour, and Reputation, and in the affurance had been given him
from Court, that nothing finifter was to be apprehended thence,
the memory of his antient Authority began again to revive in his
mind, and that put him upon a defire to exerciſe it in this little
Government; which that he might the better do, he particularly
inform'd
632
The Hiftory of the Life of
•
PART III
Anno inform'd himſelf of all the Affairs of the City, and Country about
1641. it, becaus'd all the Courriers that pass'd that way to come im-
The Cardi-
nals Letter
to the Duke
of Espernon.
mediately to himſelf, and fuffer'd nothing of Publick Buſineſs,
to be determin'd without firft giving him an account: fo that in
a place where it ſeem'd he had nothing at all to do, he was ingeni-
ous enough to find himſelf employment, and to create himſelf
ſome diverſion, and delight.
Who is it but must be aftoniſh'd in this condition of the
Duke's, and after fo many, and fo great Severities exercis'd upon
him, to fee the Cardinal, who was the Authour of all, make no
difficulty to addreſs to him, and to requeſt favours at his hands?
In the height of all his Perfecutions, they had ftill retained for
him ſome ſhadow of his Office of Colonel; and about this
time one of his Officers Aide Major to the Regiment of Guards,
call'd Ocamp, having been ſlain at the Siege of Aire, Montant his
Brother addreſs'd himſelf to the Cardinal, by his Interceffion to
be invefted with his Brothers Command. The Duke would
never deſcend ſo low towards the Cardinal (though he had met
with ſeveral occafions wherein he might with much more reaſon
have done it) not fo much as.after the death of the Cardinal his
Son, he being (as has been already faid) never to be prevail'd up-
on to ask him any one of his Benefices: but Cardinal Richelieu,
without being mov'd at the generosity of this Example, writ this
Letter to the Duke.
८८
Monfieur,
"The Sieur de Montant who is coming to wait upon you, to
"make fuit for the Office of Aide Major to the Regiment of
Guards, formerly poffefs'd by his Brother, flain at the Siege
"of Aire, having intreated me to fortifie his Requeft by my Re-
commendation: I write this to fatis fie his defire, and to tell
you, that in my opinion, you cannot make choice of any one
"that will either be more acceptable to the Regiment, or that in
"his own perſon will more worthily diſcharge it. For what con-
cerns my own particular, I fhall think my felf highly oblig'd,
"if you manifeft to him, upon this occafion, that my Interceffi-
on has been uſeful to him, and that you have a confideration
"for the Requeſt of
(C
From Rethel this 28 b.
of July, 1641.
Monfieur,
Your, &c,
There
I
#
:.
Book XII.
633
the Duke of Efpernon.
::
There was not any about the Duke, who was not aftoniſh'd Anno
atthis Requeſt, and he himſelf to that degree, that he had much 1641.
ado to perfwade himſelf the Letter was not fuppofititious, and
forg'd having nevertheless confider'd how unlikely it was,
that in fo publick a thing, any perfon whatever durft be fo bold,
as to counterfeit the Seal of fo powerful, and fo fear'd a Mini-
fter, he began to ſuſpect it might be ſome Artifice to extract from
him a denial,from thence to derive a pretext for the future to dif
poſe of all Offices that ſhould become vacant in the French Infan-
try, without having any more recourfe to him for his Conſent.
Knowing therefore very well, that he, who only intreated, had
Power to take; and that he would doubtleſs do it, did he not
preſently grant his requeſt, he rather quitted to him, than gave
him the Command, and thereupon fent him a Letter, of which
this is the Copy.
ec
re
..
Monfieur,
"The Sieur de Montant being come to me with a Letter from The Duke's
you, wherein you defire of me in his Favour the Office of answer.
Aide Major to the Regiment of Guards, become vacant by the
"Death of his Brother; I was no lefs pleas'd than amaz'd to
"fee, that in the Condition I now am, I have any thing left that
may be acceptable to you. This is it has oblig'd me to difpatch
away this Gentleman on purpoſe to bring you a Blank
"Commiffion of the Office you defire, that you may fill it up
with any you have a mind to gratifie with that Command,
"referving to my ſelf herein nothing, fave the fole fatisfaction of
"letting you fee how much I am,
cr
>
From Loches this 12th. of August, 1641.
Monfieur, &c.
The Cardinal would by no means comprehend the terms
of this Letter, though they were not ſo obſcure, but that the true
fenſe was very eafie to be understood; he accepted the Office
however very well, without confidering nevertheleſs, how few
occafions of that kind remain'd to the Duke, wherein to oblige
his own Servants, and to add yet more to our wonder, return'd
him thanks in theſe words.
(C
re
Monfieur,
The Cardi-
nal's Re-
"The obliging faſhion wherewith you have been pleas'd to
gratifie me concerning the Office of Aide Major to the Regi- turn to the
ment of Guards, for which I writ to you in the behalf of the Duke's an
Mmmm
Sieur
fwer.
گھر
634
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
1641.
Commoti-
ons at
Court,ftir'd
Cing-Mars.
“
"is
Sieur de Montant, has given me fo high a ſenſe of the Favour,
"that I can never fufficiently thank you, nor expreís how infi-
nitely kindly I take it. I beseech you to believe that my gratitude
is fuch, as thereto nothing can be added, no more than to
"the defire I have to meet with occafions, wherein by my Servi-
I may manifeft to you, That I am, &c. From Blerancour this
16th of August, 1641. Was it any other than a meer mockery
to accompany theſe ſmooth words with the fevereſt uſage, where-
with an honeft man could poffibly be perfecuted?
cc
ces
Yet was not all the Favour of that time abfolutely contrary to
the Duke, and his Interefts; and if he was by the Car-
up by the dinal perfecuted to the degree we have already ſeen, Cinq-
Favourite Mars Grand Efcuyer of France, and the King's true Favourite, had
at leaſt as great an inclination to ferve, as the other had manife-
fted a defire to hurt him. This young Gentleman one of the moſt
accompliſh'd, and unhappy that Nature ever produc'd in his
time, either jealous of the Cardinal's Power, or prompted by
more vertuous and laudable Motives, openly labour'd to over-
throw his Credit with the King. He had for his principal Con-
fidents, de Thou, and Fontrailles, both the one and the other a
particular Friend, and Servant to the Duke of Efpernon, by whoſe
good Offices Cinq-Mars had been wrought into fo great a kind-
nefs for the Duke, that he often receiv'd very reſpective Comple-
ments from him. I do not believe notwithstanding, that the
Duke had any hand in his Deſigns, if not ſo far as they might be
conducing to the Service of the Queen; for in truth he had fo
wholly devoted himself to the Service of this Princess (every day
threatned with the lofs of the King by his continual Sickneffes)
that he was refolv'd, upon occafion, to expofe all things for her
Service, and that of the Princes her Children; a difpofition in him
the Queen was very well affur'd of: Neither did fhe a little rely up-
on the Credit, and Fidelity of ſo confiderable a Servant. As to
the other diſorders of the Court, I very well know he did by no
means approve them: but on the other fide fearing left Fon-
trailles, whom he entirely lov'd, fhould engage himſelf too far
insthofe Factions, he never writ to him, though he did it very of-
* Above all ten, without adding in a Poftfcript under his own hand. Sur
things take
tout gardez vous de la Bastille, an advice he as difcreetly follow'd,
and in good time: But for de Thou, being come to fee him at Lo
ches, foon after his arrival there, I know very well, as having
been a Witneſs to it, that he exhorted and conjur'd him by all the
Ties betwixt them, to forfake the frequentations, and engage.
ments he had at Court, and to fettle himſelf to fome moderate
heed of the
Baftille.
conditi-
:
BOOK XII. the Duke of Elpernon.
635
:
condition in the Long Robe, which he had taken upon him. Anno
He had acquir'd ſo many rare, and eminent qualities proper for 1641.
that calling, as might have rendred him one of the greateſt men'
of the Profeffion and befides that, the Duke was induc'd to give
him theſe prudent Exhortations, by the confideration of their
Alliance, and the Affection and Efteem he had for his perfon;
he did moreover herein not a little gratifie the defire of his Rela-
tions, and Friends, who, knowing what a Power the Duke had
with him, never ceas'd importuning him to uſe his utmoſt in
tereft, and endeavour to withdraw him from that unquiet kind
of life, he had for fome time lead. But his Deſtiny carried it Monfieur de
above their Prudence, and Forefight; and he muft in the end volv'd in the
add to the number of the Illuftrious unhappy of his time. The Grand Ef
Duke had not the grief of ſeeing his deplorable end, his own
Death ſometime preceding, as we ſhall ſhortly fee, and of which
this in my opinion was the cauſe.
WH
Thon in-
cuyer's ruine
Duke, the
From the time that the Duke of Efpernon had been efta- The Ca-
lumny of
bliſh'd in the Government of Guienne, he having conceiv'd, Madaillan
that to add greater weight to his Authority, it would not be against the
inconvenient to inflict fome exemplary puniſhment, upon fome caufe of his
notable Offenders: a Gentleman of that Province, but one the Deatha
moſt unworthy of that Quality of any that ever wore that Cha-
racter, called Madaillan, fell within the danger of his Juſtice.
The Duke therefore being folicited, and importun'd on a thou-
fand hands, to cauſe Juftice to be executed upon this man,
for an
infinite number of Crimes, whereof he flood Convict, he at
laſt attempted to ſeize him, that he might be brought to con-
digne Puniſhment: but this wretch as Diftruſtful and Cunning,
as Villanous, and Wicked, ftill found means to eſcape the hands
of the Serjeants, who had order from the Duke to apprehend
him, and lay a long time conceal'd in the Province. In the end Madaillan's
notwithſtanding he was conſtrain'd to fly, which he did, and Character.
put himſelf into the Enemies Armies, not to Fight, for he was
never guilty of any handſome Action, but to Plunder and to
Betray; infomuch that in a very little ſpace, he had to his other
Crimes added that of a Fugitive from all Parties. He was in
Pay with the Imperialiſts, the Swedes, the Spaniards, and the
States of Holland; after which famous Exploits he return'd home
to his own houſe, hoping that time had worn out of the Duke's
mind the memory of his former Offences: but he foon per-
ceiv'd there was no abiding in the Duke's Government, for men
of his known and detected manners. He there liv'd therefore
in ſo perpetual fear, as made him to keep a kind of Garriſon in
Mmmm 2
his
譬
​f
ન
i
+
636
"1
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III
Anno his Houſe; which the Duke having notice of, he refolv'd to cauſe
1641. fome of his Souldiery to befet the Houſe, and by fine force to take
kim. This Deliberation, which could not be executed without
ſome noiſe, gave Madaillan leifure to make his eſcape: he
took therefore at this time the way of Italy, and went to Genoa,
where he prefented Prince Auria with fome counterfeit Letters
from the Duke of Montmorency, under favour of which, he gull'd
this Prince of fome very confiderable Summes of Money. From
thence he went to Rome, where he infinuated himſelf into the Fa-
mily of the Count de Braffac, Ambaffadour there for the King of
France, of whom, by virtue of other Counterfeit Letters, he was
favourably receiv'd: But it is not to be believ'd how maný
Cheats, Infolencies, and other abominable Crimes he commit-
ted under our Ambaffadours Protection; till in the end the
Count tir'd out with the Complaints he daily receiv'd of his lewd
Behaviour, was upon the point to have deliver'd him into the
hands of Juftice, if he had not fairly ran away. After this man-
ner Madaillan returns back into France; neither could he poffibly
have arriv'd in a more favourable conjuncture for fuch men as he,
it being preciſely at the time of the great Revolts of Guienne, and
wherein he alſo had the ſhare that was his due. The King being
willing to communicate his Grace at the Duke's inftance towards
fuch as had been guilty of thoſe Diſorders, the faid Duke had ne-
vertheleſs a care, to caufe fuch to be excepted from the general In-
demnity, as were tax'd with other hainous and notorious
Crimes, conceiving it neither juft, nor of good Examplé, that
by new Crimes men fhould pretend to Pardon for the old, and
that by great Offences they ſhould obtain an impunity for others
of lefs importance.The King maturely weighing thefe good Rea-
fons of the Duke, proceeded according to his Advice, by which
means Madaillan found himſelf in much more danger after the Par-
don of the other Delinquents, than at any time before he had ever
been. His Conſcience, befides the Crimes already mention'd, did
moreove accuſe him of feveral others, of a horrid, and unheard
of nature; For the inceft he had committed with his own
Daughter, had in his Proceſs been prov'd againſt him; the
Parricide having moreover caus'd three Children he had by her
to be murther'd before his own eyes. He had been Convict of
having four Wives at one, and the fame time, and of all the other
abominable Actions can be imagin'd: what was there then that
ought to be fufpected from an Enemy arm'd with fo much wic-
kedneſs, and ſo many horrid, and detefted Crimes?
+
This defperate Villain ſeeing himſelf, and his Affairs, in fo loft
and
BOOK XII.
637
the Duke of Eſpernon.
·
1641.
His Refo-
pernon.
and irrecoverable a condition, and knowing the perfecution Anno
the Duke of Efpernon, and all his Family fuffer'd under at that
time, took a refolution to fall upon him to his final Ruine, and
to affault him with fo hateful a Calumny, as that the fole Accu- lution to
fation fhould of it ſelf, and of courſe, put the party accus'd ruine the
out of all manner of defence. Big therefore with this accurs'd
Dake of El-
defign, he goes to Paris, where not finding the King, he ad-
dreffes himself to the Dutchess of Eguillon; to whom conceal-
ing his Name, as being too well known, in a ſtudied Diſcourſe
of which he was capable enough, he delivers in,great fecrefie,
That there was a Confpiracy on foot against the proper Perfon
of the King himſelf, and alſo againſt that of the Cardinal her
Uncle. Neither was he content to make a bare diſcovery of the
pretended Treaſon, and proceeded moreover to undertake to
juftifie what he had ſaid by literal proofs, provided he might
have three months Protection granted him in Guienne, where
his Enemies, he faid, had invented falfe Crimes againſt him,
on purpoſe to deſtroy him. It is to be prefum'd, he did not His Artifice
forget the Duke of Efpernon's name in this firft Accufation, herein.
though it was afterwards deny'd at Court, when the buſineſs
came to be diſcover'd. The Dutchefs however, intereſted as fhe
was in the Perſon of the Cardinal, and ſtartled as fhe ought to
be, with the horror of ſo prodigious a Treaſon, writ in all
hafte to the Court, which was then at Amiens; from whence
without any difficulty at all fhe obtain'd the fafe Condu&t Ma-
daillan had defir'd in order to the producing his Proofs. He muſt
needs have ſome money alſo, which was likewiſe given him,
with an Order to take up more in the Province; fo that to the
aftoniſhment of all good men, behold this wicked Villain re-
ftor'd to his Country, and again fettled in his own Houſe. He
preſents his Letters of fafe Conduct to the Parliament, where
they were Recorded, and foon after Affembles all thofe whom
the Relation of their Offences could any ways render favourable
to him, to his own Houſe. Amongst this fort of people there
were three or four notorious Impoftors, to whom with the reſt
of his Complices he very gravely reprefented, "The Obligation He propos
they all had to him, for the ſpecial care he had taken, both of fes his De-
"their Lives, and Fortunes telling them that he had now that Complices«
"of the Duke of Efpernon their common Perfecutor, abfolutely
"in his power, to difpofe of it to their Benefit, and Advantage:
That in order hereunto he had undertaken by his diligence to
prove, the Duke had meditated an Artempt upon the Perfons
"of the King, and the great Minifter: That therefore every one
was
|
1
"
638
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno
"(
CC
tr
there was to do his utmoft endeavour, that an act of that merit,
1641. utility, and importance to them all might not be left imperfect;
"efpecially confidering, that thereupon depended their happi-
nefs, Security, Repoſe, and Advancement. Theſe promiſes
were far greater than had been any ways neceffary to allure fuch
mean, and abject Minds into his wicked defign; ſo that they
immediately, and without further deliberation, put their hands
to the work: The Secretaries Character was eafie enough to be
imitated; but they could never Counterfeit the Duke's Seal,
which being very intricate, was exceedingly difficult to be re-
fembled to any tolerable degree. Madaillan then feeing this
way would not take, applies himſelf to one Grillety a notorious
Ring-Leader of the Padders: This Fellow, after the Defeat, and
Diffipation of his Complices, had retir'd himſelf into a Foreft of
Perigort, where with ftrange Boldness, and Impudence, he com
mitted fo many Robberies, and Murthers, as had rendred his
name Famous even in the very Court it felf. To this man, as
he had done before to the rest, he offers Indemnity, and Re-
compence, if he would accufe the Duke of Efpernon to have dealt
with him to attempt an Affaffinate upon the Perſons of the
King, and Cardinal Richelieu. 'Tis faid, that, although nou-
rifh'd in Blood, and Slaughter, and oppreft with Crimes,
which he could expect no Pardon, this man nevertheleſs was not
wicked enough to hearken to this Propofition; infomuch that
at the first he abfolutely refus'd to do it, and if afterwards the
hopes of Pardon tempted him into that damnable practice, it
was not however to perſiſt in his wickedneſs to the utmoſt tryal,
as we shall hereafter fee.
F
|
The Duke
receives in
telligence
of Med
ilian's Con-
fpiracy.
for
Madaillans practices had alarm'd the whole Country, no body
doubting but that the frequent Affemblies of fuch a crew of Vil-
lains, would infallibly produce fome prodigious mischief. The
Duke's Servants, of which there were very many in that Neigh-
bourhood, as in all other parts of the Province, did eafily judg
that this Conſultation was principally intended against him, and
were not a little troubled at it: but they could not at firft ima-
gine the wickedneſs of their defign to be ſo great, as it really was.
Saint Quentin a Servant from Father to Son, very affectionate to
the Duke's Family, and who had been bred up from his younger
years with the Duke de la Palette his Son, fent the firft intelligence
of this Confpiracy: but it was no other than Conjecture only;
the certainty of it was brought the Duke by Auterive, who
came poft to him (and I think it was upon the 8 day of
November) to diſcover to him the whole contrivance of this
treache
T
*
BOOK XII.
639
the Duke of Eſpernon.
1
Anno
treacherous defign. Another Gentleman a Neighbour of his
had a Nephew who was a great Comrade of Madaillan's, and a 1641.
great Confident of his, from whom he had learn'd the whole
Affair, of which he was not content to deliver Auterive a
fimple Relation by word of mouth only, but would moreover
give him the whole Circumftance of it in writing!, that it might
by the Duke be the better believ'd. The Duke having read, and
communicated this Intelligence to fome of his Domeſticks, was
fürpriz'd with ſo great an aftoniſhment, as the like had never,
upon any occafion whatever been obferv'd in him before. He
was in Bed, according to his cuſtom, though it was in the after-
noon, when this news came to him; and doubtless it was con-
venient for him, that it fhould find him in that pofture, the
better to refift fo ftrange a furprize. His firft thought was, that
an Accufation of fo black, and odious a nature had not been
contriv'd without order, and concluded thence, that his Ene-
mies, weary of his long Life, would at one blow deprive
Secretary
ſelf.
him of that, his Eftate, Offices, and Honour. In this And dif-
violent agitation of mind, which was viſible enough in his patches his
Countenance, he commanded his Secretary immediately to to Court, to
depart to go with Auterive to the Court. He would found juftifie him
to the bottom what opinion they there had concerning this Af-
fair; but he defir'd withal, that the Truth might be exactly fif
ted out, that ſo he might have means to justifie his own Inno-
cency, and to cauſe the Authors of fo damnable a miſchief to
be ſeverely puniſh'd. The Secretary. had order to addreſs him-
ſelf to Monfieur Fabert, at that time Captain of the Regiment
of Guards, by his means to get accefs to Chavigny, the Secreta-
of State, by him with greater facility to be admitted to the
Cardinal's prefence. The bufinefs was carried on according to
the Duke's defire; Auterive and the Secretary, without any dif
ficulty, got to speak with Chavigny, who promis'd the next day to
procure them Audience.
ry
The next day being come, which was the 15th of November,
they were accordingly admitted into the Cardinal's Prefence,
where the Secretary having a Letter of Credence from the Duke
his Mafter, he advanc'd to prefent it; which the Cardinal having
received, and read, he told him; "That Monfieur d' Efpernon had
"referr❜d the further explication of what he defir'd he fhould be
acquainted withal to him, who was the Bearer; wherefore he
defir'd to know what Service he defir'd of him? He had been
before fufficiently inform'd of all by Chavigny, who was there
prelent but would nevertheleſs permit, that he who had de-
CC
liver'd
640
PART III.
The Hiftory of the Life of
t
Anno liver'd him the Letter, fhould again report to him the life of the
1641. wretched perfon, who had fo vilely accus'd his Mafter. Where-
upon the Secretary fummarily repeated, "All you have heard
"before, fetting out Madaillan in his own colours, and for ſuch
ably re-
ceiv'd by
the Cardi-
nal.
cc
cr
cc
<c
cc
as he truly was; acquainting the Cardinal moreover of the di-
ligence the Duke had us'd to apprehend him, and to bring him
ર to condigne Puniſhment for his many, and hainous Crimes;
making it appear, that from thence proceeded the malice of this
Accufer, and that that was the thing which had prompted
him to invent this hateful Calumny, by which he intended to
eclipfe the Duke's Honour; intreating him at laft, as the high-
"eft Favour his Mafter could receive at his hands, to give order
"that the falfity of this Accufation might be ftrictly examin'd
"by any perſon he ſhould think fit to appoint, and not to permit
that the moſt ancient Officer of the Crown, who had ferv'd
"four Kings without Reproach, fhould in the laſt Act of his
"Life undergo the moſt odious of all Afperfions, without re-
tr ceiving the fatisfaction he might reaſonably promiſe to him-
"felf from his Eminences Juftice, and his own Innocency.
(C
“
(c
ce
<<
The Cardinal, after he had hearkened to this Difcourfe, which
was pretty long, with great Civility, and Patience, the Secre-
His Secreta- tary having done, made anſwer, "That it was true, the King
ry is favour- "being five or fix weeks ago at Amiens, Meßieurs, the Miniſters
who ſtaid behind at Paris, had given him intimation of a
man of the Province of Guienne, who deliver'd himſelf to be
a Gentleman, and whom they had found to be a man of un-
derſtanding, that was purpofely come thither to affure them,
that a Conspiracy had been made in Guienne, to attempt.upon
"the Life of the King, and that he had offer'd to prove his Ac-
"cufation by fufficient evidence in Writing, under the Hands of
"the Confpirators. You will very well judg (added the Car-
dinal) that an Advertiſement of this kind, was of too important
a nature to be neglected: but he deny'd withal that the Duke's
"name had ever been mention'd in that Affair; aſſuring him
moreover, that had it been ſo much as glanced at in that Infor-
"mation, he fhould immediately have concluded the whole
thing altogether forg'd, and falfe, as he now abfolutely did :
"That he knew the Duke to be too good a man to entertain fo
"criminal a thought, and that he would ever anſwer for him, as
"for himſelf: That therefore he ought not to concern himſelf
"about his Juftification, and that he had been very well wafh'd
"(which was his own expreffion) but that notwithstanding they
were to confider which way to give him fatisfaction, in caufing
k
ແ
cc
thoſe
}
BOOK XII.
641
the Duke of Elpernon.
"thoſe who had been the Authors of his Calumny,to be brought Anno
cr
to exemplary puniſhment. After which he enquir'd by what 1641.
means Madaillan might be taken, concluding in the end that the
King ſhould give the Duke power to apprehend him, if poffible,
even in Guienne it felf; that in the mean time he would give or-
der to have him fent for to Court, whither in a very ſhort time
he had alſo promis'd to come; that by one means or other, it
ſhould be a hard matter for him to eſcape; and, that if he did once
fall into his hands, he would deliver him up into thofe of Justice,
as he afterwards did, and in that was very juft to his word.
yet
The King's Diſpatch was made ready at this time; but the Se-
cretary could not however fo foon depart, as by this fucceſsful
beginning he was in hopes he ſhould have done, Chavigny, who
had order to deliver him his Diſpatch, appointing him to ſtay
fome few days longer. But theſe few days were fpun out into
fome few weeks, during which interval he had notice given him
by ſeveral of his Friends, that there was an Order granted out to
Arreſt him, to make him give an account of thofe Counter-
feit Papers were laid to his charge. Theſe advertiſements, which
he receiv'd from very good hands, did much more trouble him
for the regard he had to the Duke his Mafter, than for any thing
that concern'd himſelf, he believ'd that they would proceed in
this Affair by the way, and in the forms of Juftice, which was
nothing confonant to what had been promis'd him in the begin.
ning. The Duke's Servants, to whom he had inftructions to
communicate all things, were alfo infinitely furpriz'd at the news:
but he forbore not, what danger foever had been repreſented to
him,to appear as at other times in all places where his buſineſs lay.
After he had given all the time was neceffary, wherein to clear
any doubts that might have been ſtarted concerning this Affair,
and weary to ſee no more than the first hour he came, he refolv'd
at laft, finding he could obtain nothing from Chavigny, to make
his Addreſs immediately to the Cardinal himſelf, hoping from
him at leaſt to learn the true reafons, why he had been thus long
delay'd. This defign accordingly took effect, and the Cardinal
having eſpied him amongſt a crowd of other Solicitors, and
Suitors that were attending in the Hall, caus'd him prefently to -
be call'd to tell him, "That upon the hopes Madaillan had gi- And an Or-
ven him of his coming every day to Town, he had defir'd he der granted
might ſtay to be a witneſs of his Confinement: but that fee- hend Mada-
"ing there was no end of his delays, he might now return to his illan, and his
Maſter, and affure him, that what he had promis'd upon this Complices.
occaſion, ſhould be punctually perform'd: That it would alfo
CC
((
Nnnn
be
to appre-
J
1
:
1
642
tr
cc
The Hiftory of the Life of
PART III.
Anno "be neceffary he on his part ſhould employ all the Friends, and
1641. "Servants he had in Guienne, to caufe the Slanderer to be taken,
"and that, the thing being of that importance to his Honour, he
did not doubt but the Duke would herein uſe endeavours pro-
portionable to the quality of the Affair. After which he
pour'd out himſelf in feveral expreffions of very great Civility
concerning the Duke: but they were fo.diftant from his man-
ner of proceeding, and lo differing from the ill ufage he made his
Mafter at the ſame time undergo; that giving them no place in
his belief, he ſcarce allow'd them a room in his memory. After
this manner the Duke's Secretary departed from Court, charg'd
with Letters from the King, and the Cardinal, which were
couch'd in theſe terms.
The King's
Letter to
the Duke of
Efpernon.
The Car-
dinal's Let-
ter to the
pernon.
Coufin,
"Having underſtood by the Sieur Girard, the intimation you
"have receiv'd, that one Madaillan of Sauvetat had an intent to
"accuſe you of a defign to attempt upon my Perfon, as alfo up-
८८
on that of my Coufin the Cardinal of Richelieu; I write you
"this to let you know, It is my pleaſure, that you cauſe the faid
"Madaillan to be apprehended in any place where he ſhall be
found; as alfo the named le Sage, Bois-Martin, Seingoux, and
a certain Scrivener dwelling at la Linde in Perigort, whom, it is
ſaid, he intends to make uſe of to fortifie his Calumny. I doubt
not but you will uſe all imaginable diligence to caufe the fore-
mentioned perſons to be taken, and to difpofe them into ſome
"fecure hold until you receive my further Order. In which affu-
CC rance I pray God, Coufin, c.
ແ
<c
(
At St. Germaine en Laye this roth. of Decemb. 1641.
That of the Cardinal contain'd theſe words.
Monfieur,
The Sieur Girard will acquaint you with how great facility the
King has been pleas'd to give way to the clearing the Calumny,
Duke of El-"wherewith you have diſcover'd fome malicious people have a
"deſign to aſperſe you. I can affure you that ſuch a juftification
"is not at all neceffary for the poffeffing his Majefty, touching the
buſineſs in agitation, with fuch impreffions of
you, as you
"would your felf defire: but he will be very glad for your own
fatisfaction, that ſo wicked an Impofture be puniſh'd according
r
"to its defert. For my own particular I fhall ever be very proud
te
4
|
{
Book XII.
643
the Duke of Elpernon.
cc
to meet occafions wherein I may manifeft how great an efteem Anno
"I have for your Perſon, and how much I am, &c.
From Ruel this 10th of Decemb. 1641.
adi.
1641.
"
The Duke after the departure of his Secretary was fall'n into fo
profound a Melancholy, accompanied with a lingring Fever, that
the reading the favourable Letters he brought him back at his
return, was not of Vertue wholly to cure a Diſeaſe that had
already taken too deep root in his mind. He was affected with
grief to that degree, that nothing could content him: but he
was nevertheleſs a little reviv'd to find that this Affair had not
deriv'd it felf from the fource he had at firft fufpected, nor pro-
duc'd thoſe dangerous effects he reaſonably apprehended it would.
In this little interval of repofe, he diſpatch'd Auterive in all dili-
gence into Guienne, with the most exprefs Orders he could poffibly
tell how to give, to cauſe Madaillan, and his Complices to be ap-
prehended: but it was labour loft; he went of his own
accord to put himſelf into the Cardinal's hands, who kept his
word with the Duke, committing him the very day of his arrival
to the Conciergerie du Palais, from whence he came no more *O: Priſons
forth, but to fuffer the puniſhment of his Crimes. But that was
not till after the return of the Duke de la Valette, who with fo
much paffion, and generofity profecuted this accurfed Villain, the
real inftrument of the Duke his Father's Death, that in the end he
procur'd his chaſtiſement by the hand of the Hangman.
*
+
finds a Lets
After the diſmiſſion of Auterive, of which I have now ſpoken,
the Duke made yet another dispatch, which alfo was almoft the
laft of his Life, and that was to Cardinal Richelieu. All his Friends The Duke
at Court, knowing how civilly the Duke had been us'd by him in of Efpern
the buſineſs of Madaillan, had joyntly given him advice to return ter of
him thanks by fome exprefs Meſſenger; at whofe perfwafions he thanks to
writ to him by the Count de Maillé (whom he entreated to under- Richelies.
take that Journey) and theſe were the words of the Letter.
((
cr
cc
c
Monfieur,
After the Favours wherewith you were pleas'd to oblige me,
when my Secretary a few days fince took a journey to wait up-
on you, I were of all men living the moſt ingrate, ſhould I
not to the utmoſt of what I poffibly can, manifeft to you the
"the high ſenſe I have of fo great an Obligation. The care of
" which Commiffion, I thought I could not better entruſt to any,
re
in
than to my Couſin Monfieur de Maillé, whom I have intreated
Nnnn 2
to
Cardinal
}
1
644
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
ны
ما
Anno
164ì.
Anno
1642.
The Sick
nels and
Death of
the Duke
iC
re
to proteſt to you in my behalf, that I will preferve the memory
and acknowledgment of that fignal Favour to the laft hour of
"my life.I do befeech you to believe this great truth,which by my
"Actions ſhould be juftified, and confirmed to you, if the power
to ſerve you were equal to the will he ſhall ever retain; who is,
"
L
ཎྞ་
Monfieur,
Your moſt Humble, and
moſt Obedient Servant, &c.
This Complement of Most Obedient, which I have here pur-
poſely tranſcrib'd, was none of his ufual ftile, it had now allo by
inadvertency fcap'd his Pen, and he fent an exprefs Courrier af-
ter the Count de Maillé, to retrive his Letter fo foon as he perceiv'd
he had fubfcrib'd it after that manner: Inftead thereof fending him
another with the ordinary Subſcription of Moft Humble and most
Affectionate, chooſing rather to be thought ftiffe, and punctillious,
than to go lefs in the condition he then was, and to defcend to an
extraordinary civility, which might rather be interpreted, and
imputed to weakneſs, and want of courage, than to complacency,
and gratitude. His firft Letter was indeed never delivered: but he
alſo never ſaw it again.His Death preceded the return of the Count
de Maillé, who had ftill kept it in his hands; and the time was
now come, when this long life, which had efcap'd from fo many,
and fo eminent dangers, muft end by a Difeafe that was easily
enough to be foreſeen: but for which no remedy could poffibly
be found.
I have already given an account of the dangerous effect, the
news of Madaillan's Confpiracy produc'd to the ruine of the
Duke's Health. And I fhall now tell you that it was a wound
which had pierc'd ſo deep into his heart, as no Balfam, nei-
ther of the King's, nor Cardinal's civil, and obliging Letters, of
of Efpernon. his Friends Confolations, or of the confcience of his own In-
nocency, of greater vertue than them both, that could be apply'd,.
could poffibly cure. The affurances he had receiv'd from Court,
that this Calumny had made no impreffion to his diſadvantage
there, nor the hopes he had thence receiv'd of receiving thereup-
on a full, and honourable fatisfaction, could never fo appeaſe the
tempeft of his mind, that the difcontents he had deriv'd from this
accurfed cauſe, was not continually working upon all the un-
pleafing Objects his unquiet thoughts could reprefent to his ima
gination. He was grown impatient almoſt of all kind of Com-
pany, the divertiſements which had formerly been moft accept-
able
+
1
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
645
را
able to him were become naufeous, and offenfive, and nothing Anno
was now ſo pleaſing to him as folitude, which till this time he had 1642.
ever abhorr❜d. An alteration that he himself was very fenfible of,
and would often ſpeak of it to thoſe with whom he was pleas'd to
be the moſt familiar about him, as a certain prefage of his
proaching End: he nevertheless did all he could to difappoint his
ill humour, which he had no way to do but by play fometimes in
his Chamber, ſeeing he found himſelf incapable of taking any
pleaſure abroad.
ap-
per-
Thus ſpinning out the ſmall remainder of his life in this
petual trouble of mind, his ftrength was every day obferv'd vi-
fibly to impair: not long before he had been feen to tire out
young, and vigorous men with walking (for it must needs be con-
fels'd that never man perhaps felt the infirmities of Age fo late
as he) whereas now, and on a fudden he appeard fo faint, and
overworn, that he could ſcarce take two turns in his Chamber
without repofing himſelf. It was now come to that pafs, that he
must repoſe for good and all, and the feventh of January, having
in the night been furpriz'd with a grudging of an Ague, he paft
it over with great unquietnefs, and without any reft at all.
The next day notwithſtanding he could make a ſhift to riſe to
talk with fome of his principal Servants of his Affairs, and to
make fome Diſpatches, as in the times of his better health: but
he found withal ſo great a thirſt upon him, as he could neither
by a Broth, nor two great Glaffes of cold water, his familiar, and
beft Remedy, quench, and overcome. He went nevertheleſs to
Maſs in a Cabinet adjoyning to his own Chamber; but he was
not able to ſtay it out: infomuch that prefently after the Elevati-
on, he was conſtrain'd to retire, and to betake himſelf to his
Bed. And it was for the last time, his Fever immediately feizing
him with ſo great violence, that it never after left him, but with
his Life.
Within a few hours after he had been laid in Bed, Fabert, whom
he had a paffionate defire to fee, and had a long time expected,
came to fee him. He was by him prefented with a great many
Letters from ſeveral of his Friends: But the Duke without
opening any one of them, contented himſelf with embracing him
only, and entreating to be excus'd, that he was not in a conditi-
on that day to entertain him, referr'd it till the next morning, in
hopes by that time to be in a better pofture of Health. At an-
other time his active, and curious Spirit, that was never tir'd out
with buſineſs, would not have referr'd the difcourfing with a
Friend he fo dearly lov'd, till the morrow; but now, as if he
had
+
646
PART III
The Hiftory of the Life of
7
*
Anno had foreſeen what a ſmall ſhare remain'd to him of Worldly
1642. things, he had not ſo much as the Curiofity to inform himſelf of
any.
>
His Fever, which the first day was judg'd to be Quotidian (a
fort of Ague he us'd frequently to have, and which alfo did
not a little contribute to the better fupport of his Health) conti-
nued from the first, to the fecond, and from the fecond, to the
third Fit, with ſo exceffive violence, that Motivier his Phyſician,
a man very excellent in his profeffion, and who had for many
years been very diligent about his Perfon, judg'd him from that
time forwards to be in very great danger, as well by reafon of his
wonderful great Age, and the evil difpofitions that had preceded
his Diſeaſe, as from the Diſeaſe it ſelf. He was therefore of opi-
nion that a Father Capuchin fhould be fent for, to the end he
might in due time prepare him for Confeffion; the Fathers of
that Order having a particular priviledge to adminifter that Sa-
crament to him. They were the more hafty to make this provifi-
on for his Conſcience, by how much they perceiv'd him fome-
times to fall into Fits of Raving, which gave them an apprehenſi-
on, that his diftemper encreafing, his judgment might be totally
taken from him, which notwithſtanding did not fo fall out.
This 'good Father being come to the Duke, under pretence of a
meer Viſit only, put him infenfibly upon the contempt of world-
ly things, and the neceffity of Death, and came at laft by degrees
to touch a little at Confeffion. The Duke though by this difcourfe
he preſently gueſs'd at the ill opinion they had of him, and that
they began to deſpair of his Life, yer did he nevertheleſs make
no fhew of aſtoniſhment, or furprize: but on the contrary fub-
mitting, with great ferenity, and calmness to the good Pleaſure
The Duke's of Almighty God, he told the Holy Father, "That he had highly
oblig'd him in putting him in mind of his Confcience: That he
was Old, and Sick: That in a better eftate of Health his end
"could not be far diftant from him; and that being by the Grace
"of God a Chriftian, he intended to dye after a Chriftian man-
"ner. After which few words, intreating he would give him
ſome time to prepare himſelf for this Sacrament, he caus'd him
to retire into another Room. He commanded his Servants alfo
to leave him alone, and to depart out of his Chamber; which
being accordingly done, after he had two hours recollected him-
felf, he caus'd the Father to be again call'd in, who could never
enough commend the Zeal, and Repentance he obferv'd in this
illuftrious Penitent. It was about noon that he made his Confef
fion, and about four of the Clock the fame day, he defir'd the
good diſpo-
titions to
dye.
t
CC
Holy
BOOK XII. the Duke of Efpernon.
647
1
1.
Holy Euchariſt, which he receiv'd with fo great Piety, and Reve- Anno
rence, as was not a little edifying to all the Affiftants. He at the 1642.
fame time gave charge to his Almoner to acquaint him when it
was time to receive the Extreme Unction, taking order for all
theſe laſt Ceremonies, with fo manly an indifferency, and fo
great a tranquillity of mind, as if he had rather been taking care
for fome other in a dying condition, than bufie about any thing
that immediately concern'd himself. He was never heard at any
time either to wiſh for Life, or to repine at Death; but performing
without trouble and diſorder what was to be done, fo well to re-
ceive the one, and to part fairly with the other, he, in my opini-
on, at this time gave the greateft proof, and example of his Cou
rage, and Conftancy, that he had ever done.
His Difeafe growing every day more violent than other, he
was, the fourth day of his Sickneſs, obſery'd to fall into more
and more extravagant Ravings, than at any time before, to which
his Cheſt allo began to be fo obftructed, that there was a viſible
difficulty of Breathing: All which dangerous Accidents, and
mortal Symptomes, in an Age like that of his, making every
one conclude his diffolution to be very near, they talk'd to him no
more of any thing, but God; a Difcourfe that he alſo on his
part hearkened to, with great willingneſs, and attention. He
had at all times had a Crucifix faftned to his Beds-feet, upon
which he now perpetually fixt his eyes,and having caus'd his Chap-
let to be put about his Arm, becauſe he wanted ftrength to hold
it in his hand, he was continually lifting it to his mouth to
kifs it.
The fifth day of his Sickneſs was very much worſe, than thoſe
that had gone before, and if upon his other days he had had
fome intervals of repole, the continuation of his Diſeaſe having
infected all that remain'd in him of found, and uncorrupt; he
was totally opprefs'd without any releaſe, or intermiffion at all.
The extremities of his Diſeaſe therefore caufing it to be judg'd
convenient to make uſe of the extremeft Remedies both for Soul
and Body; his Phyſician reſolv'd upon a Bleeding, and the Ec-
clefiafticks upon the Extreme Unction, of which the last nam'd
preceded the other. About two hours after midnight, the Dut-
chefs de la Valette, the Marquis, and Marquiſe de la Valette her
Children, got up to be affifting at this Holy Ceremony; to whom
the Servants alſo being come in, he in the prefence of all his Fa-
mily, with exceeding Meeknefs, and profound Reverence re-
ceiv'd that Sacrament. So foon as he faw the Prieft enter the
Chamber, he rais'd himſelf up in his Bed, and having pull'd off
his
+
1
+
648
The Hiftory of the Life of PART III.
Anno his Cap, remain'd uncovered all the time of the Adminiſtration,
1642. making his Refponces aloud to all the Prayers of the Church,
and to all the Pfalms, eſpecially the Miferere, which he repeated by
heart, with a great many Penitent Tears. This Ceremony be-
ing over, they left him fome time to his repoſe, and about ten in
the morning the fixth day of his Sickneſs, and alſo that of his
Death, his Phyfician caus'd him to be ler Blood. He found
himſelf yet capable of this Remedy, and moreover found by it
ſome kind of preſent Relief, his Cheft was much lefs obftructed,
and his Deliriums had far longer intervals than before; info-
much that he began to have a better opinion of himſelf, telling us
(as it was very true) that two years before a Bleeding had ſav’d
his Life, and that he found himſelf very much reliev'd by this:
but all theſe Hopes were no other than feeble Rayes, that threat-
ned us with a ſudden, and fatal Eclipſe. At three in the Afternoon
he appear'd fo infinitely chang'd, that it was judg'd impoffible
for him to paſs over that day; neither was he himſelf infenfible
of it and certainly it was an extraordinary mercy he receiv'd in
this Extremity, to have his Judgment more perfect, and entire,
and his mind better compos'd at this, than at any other time du-
ring the whole courfe of his Sickneſs.
laft request
his Chil-
dren.
(c
T
His laſt moments he employ'd in entertaining Fabert, from
the day of his arrival he had never feen him; but having now
on a fudden remembred he was in the houſe, he caus'd him im-
mediately to be call'd, where, after he had embrac'd him in his
The Duke's Arms, he told him, "That he would not now loſe time in gi-
to the King "ving him- new affurances of an Affection, which would hencefor-
concerning ward be uſeleſs to him: but that he would conjure him by thoſe
"teftimonies he had ſometime receiv'd, that he would preferve
"his to his declining Family: That he did entreat him to affure
the King he dy'd his Majefties moft humble, and moſt faith
"ful Servant, and in his Name humbly to beſeech him, to Ho-
< nour his little Children, whom the Diſgrace of the Duke their
"Father expos'd to infinite Injuries, with his gracious Protecti-
on: That they had the Honour to appertain to his Majeſty:
That nothing could be imputed to their Innocency, and that
"he hop'd they would one day by their Services manifeſt their
"Gratitude for his Bounty, and Favour. Though to render the
King more favourable to this Requeſt, and to thofe Relations
he did recommend thereby, there feem'd to be a kind of ne-
ceffity that he ſhould alſo fend fome Complement to the Cardi-
nal, he did not do it nevertheless, which fome of his people
thinking he had through forgetfulneſs omitted, they made bold
tr
८८
to
BOOK XII. the Duke of Eſpernon.
649
der manner of delivery
>
to put him in mind; to whom after a little pauſe, he return'd Anno
no other anſwer, but that he was his Servant. The fame Com- 1642.
plement, but with a very great deal of difference in the ten-
he fent to the Chancellour Mon-
fieur Seguier, who had ever manifefted for him a conftant, and
inviolate Friendſhip; as alſo to ſeveral other Perſons of Qua-
lity at Court. The feverity that had been exercis'd upon his
Family, making him believe that their Enemies aim'd at no
lefs, than their total Ruine, he would enjoyn Fabert of all
his Governments, and Commands to ask the Caftle of Loches
only in favour of the Marquis de la Valette his Grandchild, and
that only, becauſe ſeeing himself upon the point to expire,
he could have wifh'd, that his Body after his Death, might
have been in the power of no other, than thofe of his own
Blood. A requeſt ſo modeft, and ſo inconfiderable in it ſelf,
that he doubted not, but it would be eafily granted, and that
he might have retriv'd this little piece from the wrack of his
great Fortune: but he was deceiv'd, and the ill nature of his
Enemies was fuch, that even that was alfo deny'd him.
After he had diſmiſs'd Fabert, he caus'd the Dutchefs de la
Valette his Daughter-in-Law, the Marquis de la Valette, and
the Marquife his Sifter to come to his Bed-fide, to whom after
he had in general deliver'd himſelf in feveral expreffions of
great Paffion, and tenderness, and exhorted them to Unity,
and Mutual Affection; directing his Speech to the Marquis,
"He in the first place recommended to him the Service of God,
and next that of the King, without ever alienating himſelf
"from it upon any colour, or pretence whatever: to honour
"his Father, and in what eſtate foever to pay him all the Duty,
"and Service of a good, and Obedient Son; and never to re-
"member the Injuries had been done him; of which he charg❜d
"him in expreſs terms to retain no kind of refentment; affu-
<< ring them all, that living in that Unity, and good Intelligence
"with one another, he had recommended to them, God Al-
mighty would bleſs them, as he blefs'd them with all his
"heart. After which, proceeding to fome confolatory Ad-
monitions wherewithal to moderate their Grief, he with
great difficulty lifted up his hand to give them his laft Benedicti-
This Action thus pafs'd, he turn'd himſelf to the other
fide of the Bed, either to repofe himſelf after this laft effort of
his Spirits, and Voice; or to conceal his Tears, which although
by tenderneſs, and good Nature, rather than want of Courage,
extracted from him; yet would he not be reproach'd with ſuch a
ic
on.
>
1
Oooo
weak-
1
¡
PART III.
650
The Hiftory of the Life of
Anno weakneſs, ſtill retaining ſo much vigour, as to maintain de-
1642. cency, and the conftancy he had ever manifefted in all his Acti-
Jons, even in death it felf. He was heard indeed to fetch fome
profound fighs, and often to repeat the name of his Son de la Va-
lette, who of all his Children had ever been deareft to him: but
that alfo was all he yielded to the impulfe of nature, in this final
Separation.
F
Having thus paid ſome Sighs to his Grief, ſeveral good, and
Learned Divines, who were affifting about him, again put
him upon the Diſcourſe of Piety, and the forgiveness of his
Enemies; to whom he ftill conftantly reply'd, that he freely
forgave them all, naming withal thofe from whom he had re-
ceiv'd the greateſt and moſt irreparable wrongs: when ſome of
them, more zealous than the reft, feeing him in fo good a dif-
pofition, ask'd him if he did not alſo forgive his Servants,
who had any way difpleas'd him? To whom he again reply'd,
that yes, and withal his heart: but there being one of them,
who a few days before he had fall'n upon with very fevere, and
paffionate Language, the fame perſon who had engaged in the
former Interrogatorics, proceeding (indifcreetly enough) to ask
him, if he did not alfo ask pardon of thofe he might have
himſelf offended? His courage, not totally abated in this laft
extremity, being a little inflam'd at the propofal of this reci-
procal fubmiffion, he made anſwer, that it was fufficient,
he had pardon'd thoſe of his people who had offended him,
and that he had never heard, that to dye well a Maſter was
*Amende oblig'd to make Honourable Satisfaction to his own
nifies fome- Domeſticks. Thofe who were nearest to him perceiv'd him
thing more, to be a little tranfported at that word: but it was very eafie
to pacific, and compoſe him and after that nothing was
intended by heard from him but ardent Prayers to God: neither was he
the Author obferv'd to do any thing more, than to turn his eyes towards
the Crucifix, and to kiss his Beads. In this condition he lay,
when his ftrength vifibly impairing, but his mind remain-
ing in a great tranquillity, and calm, they perceiv'd him by lit-
tle and little to decline, and faint away, fenfibly obſerving
His Death. Death to difperfe it felf over all his Limbs. His Legs firſt
grew ftiffe, and cold; which cold in a few hours feiz'd of
his other parts, till it came at laft to his Heart. Thus the
thirteenth day of January, and the fixth of his Diſeaſe, he
dy'd environ❜d by three of his Children, feveral Divines, and
all his Domeſtick Servants; the laft whereof having with un-
parallel'd Care, and Diligence attended him all the time of his
honorable lig-
but what
cannot be
in this place.
f
;
Sickneſs,
4
BOOK XII.
6ş İ
the Duke of Efpernon.
Sickneſs, continued ftill the fame Services, and Refpest, till
they brought him to his Grave. He was entred into the four-
ſcore, and eighth year of his Age, by which long ſeries of time
he had had the advantage of ſeeing himſelf the moſt Ancient
Duke, and Peer of France, the moft Ancient Officer of the
Crown, the moſt Ancient General of an Army, the moſt An-
cient Governour of a Province, the moft Ancient Knight of the
Order, the moft Ancient Counſellor of State, and the Oldeft
Man of Condition almoſt of his Time.
The End of the Twelfth and Laft Book of the Life of
the Duke of Efpernon.
Anno
1642.
4
FINIS.
Some Books Printed for Henry Brome, at the Gun, at the
Weft End of St. Pauls.
Mr. Simpſon's Divifion Viol, in three Parts, in Folio.
His Compendium of Mufick, in five Parts, Octavo,
Biſhop Saundersons Five Cafes of Confcience, O&avo.
Sir Kenelme Digby's Receipts in Phyfick and Chyrurgery: Allo his Ca-
binet opened for making Metheglin, Sydar, Cherry-Wine, with Dire-
&ions for Cookery, Preferving, Conferving, and Candying, O&avo.
The Complete Body of the Art Military both for Horfe and Foot, with
the Art of Gunnery: By Richard Elton, L. C. and Thomas Rudd,
Chief Engineer to King Charles the Firft, Folio.
Scarronnides, or Virgil Traveftié, a Mock Poem, Octavo.
Mr. A. Bromes Poems, and Songs, Octavo.
Dr. Browns Vulgar Errors, and Urne Burial, Quarto.
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UNIV. OF MICH.
LIBRARY
DC
121.8
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Life of the Duke of
6026
Espernon
Frees (Hons)
192