Anno 1643.

LEwis 14 ^th Eldest son of Lewis 13 ^th, being in the fifth year of his Age, succeeded to the Crown; the 65 ^th in number of our Kings.

The King never dies in France; uno avulso, non deficit alter. Therefore im­mediately after the Court of Parliament had assembled, the King was received, accompanied with the Queen Regent his Mother, Monseigneur the Duke of [Page 2] Anjou the King's Brother, Monsieur the Duke of Orleans his Uncle, and Mon­sieur the Prince of Condé; where the Queen was declared Regent during the Kings minority, and Monsieur the Duke of Orleans General of all the Forces.

No sooner was the King seated in the Throne Royal, thereby to take pos­session of the Crown of his Ancestors, but he saw himself under the shadow of victorious Palms, brought from Rocroy by the Duke of Enguien Gene­ral of his Triumphant Army.

On the 9 of May, the Duke of En­guien having Rendezvouz'd his Troops on the Banks of the Oise, and the Somme, received advice, that the Enemy under the command of the Count d' I­semburg, had invested Rocroy the second past: upon this intelligence he sends immediately the Sieur Gassion to give some diversion to their Attempts; who on his arrival, having made their chief Force draw together, took that oppor­tunity to put 100 men into the Town; [Page 3] and this Succour gave the Besieged occasion to retake their Out-works, which the Enemie had quitted. The 18 of May, was resolved on to relieve the place effectually; to that end the Duke of Enguien, assisted by the Mareschal de l'Hospital, and the Mareschals of the Camp, appeared with his Cavalry that day about two of the clock afternoon, and immediately on his arrival caused his Army to draw into Battalia. At five in the evening the Enemies Cannon began to play, and cut off many of our men; but they were soon answered by our Artillerie, which appeared as the Lightning to that Thunder which was to follow. The night coming on, by order of a Council of War, the dispute was deferred till next morning the 19 of May. During this interval, a French Cavalier in the Enemies Army came over to ours, and gives advice to the Duke of Enguien that General Beck was to arrive the next morning by 7 a clock with 1000 Horse, and 3000 Foot, to re-inforce the Enemy: hereupon it [Page 4] was resolved to fight by break of day; which no sooner appeared, but the Ge­neral having taken the Right wing of the Army, and the Mareschal de l' Hos­pital. the Left; about a quarter of a League from Rocroy, they disposed themselves to do their best.

The Enemies Army being composed of 25000 men, viz. 17000 Foot, and 8000 Horse; the Infantry commanded by the Comte d' Isemberg, and the Cavalry by the Duke d'Alberquerque, and the Comte de Fontaines Mareschal General du Camp under Fancisco de Mello General for the King of Spain. The French Army was 14000 Foot, and 6000 Horse. The Duke of Enguien having visited the several Divisions, and encouraged the Officers to perform their Duty, the Skirmish begins, and 1000 Musqueteers of the Enemy are forced to give ground. On the Left, the Sieur de la Ferté-Seneterre charging the Enemy, the Combat was so obstinate, that he was Wounded in ten several pla­ces, [Page 5] and taken prisoner, though a while after rescued. During this advantage, the Enemy took our Cannon; but the Mareschal de l' Hospital with his suc­cours charged and recovered them again: In this lively action he was wounded in the Arm with a Musquet-shot, so that he was forced to leave the fight. This accident gave the Enemy such advantage, that once more they took our Cannon, and used them a­gainst us: but the Baron de Siron Mareschal de Camp of the Cavalry ha­ving a body of reserve, rallies our men, and stops the Enemie's success. In the mean while our Right wing, having routed the Cavalry, attaques the Spa­nish Foot, which she cuts in pieces. In fine, the Sieur Gassion coming up, they are all put to the Rout. We lost there about 20 Officers, and as many Wounded. On the Enemies side, be­side a great number of Dead of lesser note, the Comte de Fontaines was kil­led, and the Comte d' Isemberg woun­ded to death; and 6000 Prisoners, a­mong [Page 6] whom 200 Officers and 20 pieces of Cannon.

From this signal Victory, which has insencibly carried this Discourse be­yond its intended Bounds, we will proceed to the Funerals of Lewis the Just; the preparatives for which, were made the 22 of July: the day preceding ended the *A space of forty days, during which time Prayers are con­tinually made for the Dead. Quarantaine, during all which time the Queen-Mother remained shut up, thereby to give place more opportunely to the sensible regrets for the loss of her Spouse. Monday was appointed for the Funeral-Ceremonies, at which did assist the Princes, Prelates, and Sove­raign Courts of Justice. The Kings Body was placed in the midst of a Chappel all flaming with Lights, and the Solemn Service made at St. Denis in France, where also the Body was deposited in the Vault of his Prede­cessors.

The 29th of July, Madam the Dut­chess of Enguien was happily delivered [Page 7] of a Son, who bears the Name of Duke d'Albert.

The 2 of August, the Duke of Beau­fort, youngest of the two Sons of the Duke of Vendôme, was arrested, and im­prisoned in the Bois de Vincennes.

The Duke of Enguien, after the Victory at Rocroy, and the taking of Cirq, returns to Paris with the Comte de Rantzau; and on the 7th of October, the King and Queen Regent were plea­sed to leave the Louvre, to inhabit at the Palais Royal: about which time also was sent to the Abbey of St. Ger­mains desprez, one of St. Placidus's Arms, by the great Master of Malta; which Relique was solemnly received by the Religious.

The Civil troubles in England con­tinuing, the Comte de Harcour was sent on the part of his most Christian Ma­jesty to compose, if possible, the discon­tents between the King of great Britain and his Parliament; but he found the Spirits of the Dissenters so little dis­posed that way, that he returned with­out success.

[Page 8]About, the same time a crew of Ras­kals at Rovergüe, who took the name of *Croquans. Devourers, did raise a Tumult, which notwithstand­ing was soon after supprest by the Comte de Noüaille.

As our Kings have alwaies had this advantage, to give Laws to Strangers, and not to receive them; so also have they been constant Mediators of Con­cord among Christian Princes, and par­ticularly of the reconciliation of the Duke of Parma with his Holiness, of which the Treaty was concluded at Pa­ris, and the Articles signed by the Car­dinal Dongly Plenipotentiary for his Holiness, and by the Cardinal Bichy Plenipotentiary on the part of his Ma­jestie for the Duke of Parma. In which Treaty he continued the Title enjoyed by our former Kings, of Arbiters of Christian Princes. A while after, les Sieurs de Servient, and d'Avaux, Ple­nipotentiaries for his Majesty, parted from France to conclude the Peace, which in fine was presently effected.

[Page 9]The 21 of November, Monsieur Le­soit Doctor and professor at the Sor­bonne, who for his singular merits had been named to the Bishoprick of Char­tres, was consecrated at Paris.

The Mareschal de Guebriant, a Breton, whose valour was signalized in the last King's Raign, being now at the siege of Rothweil in Germany, was wounded with a Faulcon-shot the 24th of No­vember, of which he died; his Body being conveyed to Paris, by the King's express order, his Funerals were per­formed with great solemnity.

Anno 1644.

The Year 1644. was no less fertile in producing new Lawrels for France than the former. But before we at­tempt to display these Victories, it is not impertinent to observe, by the by, the Death of Anne de Montasie, Wi­dow of Charles of Bourbon Comte of Soissons, Prince of the Blood, and great Master of France, who died at [Page 10] Paris, aged 67 years: she left by her Will, 100000 Crowns to the Cheva­lier de Soissons, Bastard-son to the de­ceased Comte de Soissons, who was slain in the Battle of Sedan.

The Town of Gravelines was besie­ged by Monsieur the Duke of Orleans, who invested it the 6. of June, assisted by the Dukes of Guise and Nemours, the Comte de Harcour Eldest son of the Duke d'Elbeuf, and the Mareschals de la Meleraye, de Gassion, de Cossé, and the Marquess d'Alegre. This Siege may be placed in the number of the most diffi­cult, such was the stout resistance of the besieged; which notwithstanding had no power to stop the Victories of France. Here in one of our Attaques fell the Marquess de Nangis. In fine, the Besieged under the Conduct of Ferdinando de Solis, finding himself out of all hope of Relief, which Pico­lomini had once made a shew of giving, surrendered to the Duke of Orleans the 29th of July. And at the same time died Ʋrban 8th, after he had possess'd the Holy Seat 21 years.

[Page 11]Now also past an Arrest in the Par­liament of Paris, prohibiting all Physi­tians whatsoever, except those of the University of Paris, to administer in that City.

In Germany, the Duke of Enguien desiring to relieve Friburg, besieged in August by the Enemy, had no sooner begun his March on this designe, but he understood of the Surrender: this news inflamed his courage to such a degree, that he resolved to recompence the loss of the Town by a Fight; in which he succeeded, remaining Master of the field, though not without consider­able loss on our side. In pursuit of this Victory he besieges Philipsburg the 24 of August, which a little before we had lost, and in less than 3 Weeks forceth Gasper de Bamberg the Governour to surrender. We lost there the Comte de Journon Governour of Dauphiné, and the Marquess of Pluvaud, with 70 Soul­diers. Spire at the same time submitted to the King's obedience, and received a Garrison of French.

[Page 12]Amidst these serious relations, let us mingle something of sport, though in truth it was ended with a sad Catastro­phe. A Citizen of Paris named Ber­tou, being at Vitry, a Town two Leagues from Paris, with several other jovial Companions, undertook to present a Comedy, where Bertou should personate a Dead man; who according to the designe of the Play, was to be raised to life by the Inchantments of a certain Magician: But being toucht with the Magicians Wand to that purpose, he was found without motion. Never did Actor represent a dead man's part more truely, for indeed he was dead. Which Accident gave matter for serious consideration to all the company.

The 6 of October, Elizabeth Queen of Spain, Aunt to our King Lewis 14, dies at Madrid, in the 42 year of her age, leaving two sons to Philip 4th, King of Spain, her Spouse.

Anno 1645.

In the Moneth of February, the year 1645. begun with a horrid Tempest, accompanied with such an Earthquake at Poictiers, as proved the ruine of se­veral houses, and the more elevated parts of some Churches.

A few daies after this, died at Paris, in the Abbey of St. Geneviefve, Messire Francois de la Rochefaucault, aged 87 years, and Cardinal since the year 1607. His Life was a model of Sanctity, and that by the testimony of the most ver­tuous persons of his age. The Pope himself, Ʋrban 8th, who having granted him something which he desired, gave him besides this Elogie: Behold here all that remains of Sanctity, Piety, and Truth, in our Apostolick Colledge. Long time before his Death he Regulated the Abbey of St. Geneviefve of Paris, to which Father Fore, deceased not long before him, was elected; which course is still observed in the promotion of the Abbot, the place being Triennial.

[Page 14]A while after this, the Comte de Har­cour departed hence, to execute his charge of Vice-Roy in Catalonia.

In the mean time the Comte du Ples­sis-Praslin lays siege to the Town of Rose in the County of Roussilon, with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse: Those of our party that lay on that side of the Town next the Sea, were surprized with such an impetuous and sudden storm, that the Gallies of the Sieur de St. Just, and the Sieur de Birades, were dasht to pieces; the Officers leapt into the Sea, to save themselves by swimming: This notwith­standing was no impediment to the progress of the Siege.

Not long after was celebrated the Nuptials of Madamoiselle de Rohan sole Heiress to the deceased Monsieur the Duke of Rohan, with Monsieur de Chabot of the house of Chabots or Jarnac in Angoumois, youngest son to the Governour of Leucate: this gave occasion to her Mother, who could ne­ver be wrought to consent to this Match, to publish that she was not sole Heiress [Page 15] (though she had formerly declared it by a publick Instrument, when a Mar­riage was treated for her Daughter with Monsieur the Comte of Soissons.) To this purpose she produces an Infant about 15 years old, baptized at Paris in the Church of St. Paul, by the Name of Tancrede, which she maintained to be son to the late Duke of Rohan; and that she had always kept him concealed, fearing he might be taken from her, while Monsieur the Duke of Rohan re­tired himself at Venice; that he had been nursed in Normandy, in the house of the father of her Maistre de Hostel, and after that transported into Holland. Upon this Case did afterwards arise that famous Pleading in the Parliament at Paris.

In Germany, the Mareschal de Turenne was defeated by Jean de Wert, who commanded the Army of Bavarians, near to Mariandal, the 5 of May. The Colonels Rose, the Vicomte de Lamed, and the Sieur Passage, Prisoners of War, were carried to Ingolstat. The mis­fortune of this Battle was recompensed [Page 16] in Catalonia, the Comte du Plessis-Pras­lin having taken the Town of Rose, which the Spaniards surrendered upon honourable Compositions the 28th of May. After this la Motte in Lorain, which Garrison did much damage upon our Frontiers, was surrendered to the Marquiss de Villeroy the first of July, by Clicot Governour of the place, who was forced to capitulate after a long re­sistance. The 11 of the same moneth the Fort of Mardike submitted to Mon­sieur the Duke of Orleans.

About the same time Mary de Jars, called la Damoiselle de Gournay, Kins­woman to the Sieur Montagne (from whose Pen we have the Book of Essays) being aged 80 years, died at Paris. She surpast all her Sex in Learning, ha­ving left behind her several Printed works: many great persons did honour her, among whom Justus Lipsius.

The 6 of July, Messire Josias de Rant­zau, descended of the Illustrious house of the Comtes de Rantzau in Holstein, whom the course of our History has [Page 17] shewn in many generous Actions for the Service of France, received the Staff of Mareschal from the hand of Mon­sieur the Duke of Orleans, by the King's order. He had lost in several Encounters one Eye, one Arm, and one Leg; which notwithstanding had no ways diminisht the vivacity of his Spirit, and that as well in a Council of War, as in a brave resolution in Engagements.

The Duke of Enguien continuing still the progress of his Arms, and mar­ching up into Germany, gave Battle neer Nordlinguen the 3 of August, where the Imperialists were defeated, Gene­ral Mercy slain, with 4000 Enemies, and about 2000 taken Prisoners, among whom General Gleen. After this he takes Nordlinguen, which submitted to discretion. We lost there the Marquess de Pisani, son to the Marquess de Rom­boüillet, and the Sieurs de Gremonville and Marson; beside the Mareschal de Grammont, who remained Prisoner, with the Marquess de la Chastre.

The Town of Bourburg neer Grave­lines, [Page 18] sometime part of the Appenage of the house of Vendôme, but of late U­surped by the Spaniard, being besieged by Monsieur the Duke of Orleans, sur­rendered the 19th of August: 600 men went out of it, who were conducted to Gravelines as Prisoners of War. And the 21 of the same Moneth was taken Mont-Cassel.

Hereupon Bethune, a considerable place in Artois, surrendered by Com­position to the King's Army: and pre­sently after, the Mareschal de Rantzau invests the Town of Lilers, and the Mareschal de Gassion that of St. Venant; both which surrendered not long after, and thereby made us Masters of the River Lis. In the mean time the Duke of Guise went to take an exact view of the Town of Armentiers.

Not long after this, the Sieur Maze­rin, of the Order of St. Dominique, Master of the Holy Palace, and at present Arch-Bishop of Aix, departed from Rome for France.

The 7 of September, the King went [Page 19] to the Parliament. At the same hap­pened a difference in the Convent of Reformed Jacobins, in the new street St Honoré, between the Parisians and Gascons of this Reformation: these demanding to be separated from the other. The affair was urged to such a point, that the Queen Regent gave order to the Chancellor, with certain Bishops and Councellors of State, to compose it: who ordained, that there should be no separation; that none of the Parisians might be sent into Gasco­nie; and that there should be but 8 Gascons in the said Monastery; four of which to be of the Province of St. Maximin, and the other four of Tho­louse.

The Town of Armentiers, through which passes the River Lis, and in which are about 6000 Inhabitants, surrender­ed by Composition to the Mareschals de Gassion and de Rantzau, on the 10 of December. In the mean while, by the mediation of the most Christian King, a Peace was concluded between [Page 20] the Kings of Sweden and Denmark; the Sieur de la Tuillerie being sent Em­bassador Extraordinary on the part of his Majestie.

The 20th of September, was con­cluded at the Castle of Fontainbleau the Contract of Marriage between Ʋladislaus King of Poland, and Lowisa-Maria de Gonzague, Daughter to the Duke of Mantua, and Aunt to him now living. The Contract, among other things, contained, that the Princess Mary should have in the name of Dow­ [...]y two Millions and one hundred thou­ [...]and Livres of French money; of which sum, the most Christian King should pay six hundred thousand Livres in free gift; and for the other fifteen hundred thousand Livres, was to be valued her Title which she might have to succeed her Father in the Dutchy of Mantua. The King Authorized this affair as her Father, and the Queen Regent as her Mother, who thereupon did signe the Contract.

On Sunday the 29th of October, the [Page 21] Embassadors of Poland made their magnificent entry into Paris, at the Gate of St. Anthony. The pomp was so full of admiration to the eyes of all Spectators, (who fill'd the High-ways for the space of two Leagues from Pa­ris) insomuch that several Authors have in their Writings left us very am­ple descriptions of it. I shall therefore dwell no longer on this particular of small consequence, having so large a Subject of the Exploits of War, and our Generals of Armies. Let it suf­fice that the Embassadors were the Bishop of Varuic, and the Palatine of Posnanie, who the Tuesday following had Audience of their Majesties, and afterwards of the Princess, the design­ed Queen of Poland.

During these Secular Grandeurs, the Church Triumph'd in three Conver­sions: One was of Prince Edward Count Palatine of the Rhine, Husband to the Princess Anne de Gonzague Sister to the Queen of Poland, who abjured Heresie between the hands of Father [Page 22] Fore a Cordelier, the 3d of November. This was immediately preceded by that of the Marquess de Montausier, who was made Governour of Angoumois and Xaintonge. Afterwards, in the moneth of July, at the siege of Bourburg, fol­lowed that of the Comte de Rantzau, who (as may be seen in the course of this History) after many Exploits of War, and in divers Combats, having left himself but half a Body, had not­withstanding a Soul remaining so sound and entire, as to dispose himself into the Bosom of the Church; in which affair also was employed Father Fore.

On the 20th of October, the Town of Balaguier submitted to the Comte de Harcour Vice-Roy in Catalonia.

The 3d of September happened a great fire in the Town of Angers, which begun in the house of a certain Pastry-Cook; the Flame raged with such vi­olence, that it did much damage to many Houses: this occasioned the con­course of many people to assist. Du­ring the Bustle, somebody advised to [Page 23] cast into the midst of the Flames cer­tain little Scappularies of the Virgin of Mount Carmel; with which action the fire was appeased and extinguish'd, yet the Scappularies themselves no ways indamaged.

During this, they murmur at Rome to see the Arms of France placed over the Palace-gates of Cardinal Barberin, and Dom Thadaeo his Brother Prefect of the City: But the Cardinal Barberin gave an account of the action to his Holiness.

On the 5th of November, the Queen of Poland was espoused to the Prince Palatine of Posnanie, representing the person of the King his Master. The Ceremonies were performed at the Pa­lace Royal by the Bishop of Varuic, with permission of the Cardinal of Lions Grand Aumosnier of France, and the Arch-Bishop of Paris: And after Mass, was celebrated the Feast Royal.

And now the Mareschal de Gassion, who commands the King's Army in the Low Countries, cuts in pieces the Spa­nish [Page 24] Forces, takes 19 Ensignes, and 8 Cornets of Horse, and 4000 Prisoners. At the same time the French Army, under the conduct of the Mareschal de Turenne, takes Treves by Composition, of which place the Comte de Laverne was Governour. Afterwards the Arch-Bishop Elector of the Empire was re­stored to his possession.

This year the Assembly of the Clergy was held at the great Augustins in Paris. And at the same time was finish'd that painful Work, the great Bible, which contains seven several Texts, viz. the Hebrew, the Samaritan, the Chaldee, the Seventy, the Syriack, St. Jerom's Translation, and the Arabick: The Work consists of ten Volumes, and was perfected at the expence of the Sieur le Jay. This admirable Piece being now compleated, was presented to the King and Qu. Regent, in the presence of Mon­sieur the Duke of Orleans, Monsieur the Prince of Condé, Monsieur the Cardinal of Mazarine, and Monsieur the Chan­cellor. Le Sieur le Jay received for [Page 25] recompence a Brieve to be Councellor of State, and 2000 Livres of Pension.

The 27th of November, Loüise-Marie de Gonzague Queen of Poland, parted from Paris to finde the King her Hus­band, with the Embassadors: the King and Queen Regent accompanied her almost to St. Denis in France, and bid her adieu before the Chappel of Clig­nancourt, leaving with her the Sieurs de Rhodes and Sanctot, great Masters of the Ceremonies, the Sieurs de Berlise Conductor of Embassadors, and de Linage Captain-Ensigne to the Regi­ment of Guards, to conduct her to the Frontiers; and to cause the same honour to be paid her in all places where she past, as to the King and Queens own persons. Having remained two days at St. Denis, she past on to Senlis, Com­peigne, Noyon, and from thence to Pe­ronne, where she was received by the Sieur d'Hoquincourt the Governour. Passing still further, she rested in the middle of a Field, where the Sieurs de Rhodes, Sanctot, Berlize, and Linage [Page 26] took their leave of her, having first delivered her into the hands of the Comte de Buquoy General of the Spa­nish Army. Hereupon a suspension of Arms was made for three days. In the mean time the Sieur de Hoquincourt cau­sed to be erected a Table, for the enter­tainment of 80 persons. Neer at hand stood six * Muid, in French, 3 of which make a Tun. Hogsheads of Wine with their heads knockt out. The King of France's Health was begun by the Governour of Cambray; the King of Spain's by the Sieur d'Hoquincourt: and in like manner the Combat of the Glass continued till the Queens depar­ture; at which time the Comte de Bu­quoy presented her with a Company of 100 Spaniards for her Guard.

On the 4th of December, the Fort Mardike, which the French had took like Lyons, the Spaniards surprized like Foxes.

When the Queen of Poland pass'd through the Country of Cologne, to­wards Ʋtrec, there was presented to her [Page 27] sight a Damsel, named Anne Marie de Skurman, a Virgin indowed with many handsome qualities; she understood and spoke divers Languages, as the Arabic, Turkish, Greek, French, and Spanish; but above all Latine, in which she would answer to certain questions of Divinity and Philosophie, in pre­sence of the Queen and Embassadors of Poland. Among several other Works, she has writ two Latine Epistles, Trans­lated into *By Monsieur Colle­tet, one of the Aca­demy. French; be­sides two other which she writ full of Elo­quence, in our Lan­guage, to the Queen, and to Monsieur the Cardinal of Richlieu, who thought it not below them to answer her in the year 1638. This Damsel is accounted one of the Wonders of the Age.

Anno 1646.

The 6th of February, in the year 1646. Cardinal Francis Barberin, Dom Thadaeo his Brother Prefect of Rome, [Page 28] with four of his Children, and all their Train, arrived in Provence, having left Rome upon jealousie arising from cer­tain ill actions on the part of their Enemies. Cardinal Antonio their Bro­ther came hither the moneth before.

In February, Cardinal d'Est Brother to the Duke of Modenae, was declared Protector of France in the Court of Rome; whereupon the Breve was car­ried him by Monsieur the Abbot of St. Nicholas les Angers, who at the same time parted from Paris for Italy.

The 14th of March, upon a diffe­rence happening between the Religious de la Mercy and their Prior, whom they refused to obey because he was a Gas­con; it was Ordered by solemn Arrest, that the Gascon should remain Prior, in regard the Gascons are French-men as well as the Inhabitants of the other parts of the Kingdom.

The 21th of February, deceased at Paris M. Thomas de Gauffre Priest, heretofore Master of the Chamber of Accounts, who succeeded in the pious [Page 29] Offices of Father Claude Bernard, in visiting the Prisoners, and assisting the Poor and Criminals at their Execution. His Body was buried at la Charité. Le Sieur Juif, Son of that famous Chy­rurgeon not long since deceased, suc­ceeded him in those charitable Offi­ces.

The displeasure which the Dutchess Dowager of Rohan had conceived at the Marriage of her Daughter Mar­guerite de Rohan with Messire Henry de Chabot, now Duke of Rohan, was grown to that height, that it occasio­ned an Arrest in the Court of Parlia­ment at Paris, which was given at this time against Mr. Jacob Jolly Proctor of the said Court, Tutor in the Cause of one called Tancrede. The Arrest pro­hibited to the said Tancrede to call himself Son of the deceased Duke of Rohan, or to take to himself the Name and Arms of the House of Rohan; and to the Dutchess Dowager and all others to give him that quality, under the penalties in the said Ordinance contai­ned: [Page 30] and lastly, the said parties were condemned in the costs of Suit. This was after Martinet, the Advocate, had pleaded with no less Learning than E­loquence for the Lady Marguerite Dut­chess and sole Heiress of Rohan, and Gaultire for Henry de Chabot Duke of Rohan: neither Jacob the Proctor, nor any other appearing for Tancrede.

In the moneth of April were pub­lish'd certain Apologies in defence of the Cardinals Barberin, who had refu­ged themselves in France, and put them­selves into the King's protection.

Before we pass any further, let us deliver the Queen of Poland into the hands of the King her Husband: she arrived at Warsow the 10th of March; the Prince Charles Brother to the King met her: she was presented to the King by the Comte de Bregy, in the name of both their most Christian Majesties. The Mareschal de Guebriant also made ano­ther Complement; but the Queen offer­ing to kneel, as is customary to Queens when first they see their Husbands, [Page 31] the King raised her with a kiss and em­brace. Presently after this, the Apo­stolick Nuntio, in his Pontificial habit, confirmed the Marriage with the usual Benediction.

On the 7th of May, the Cardinal Barberin went to the Assembly of the Clergy by way of visit, where he was harangued by the Arch-Bishop of Thou­louse.

In the same Moneth of May, Messire Philip Cospean Bishop of Lizieux, and formerly of Nantes, a Prelate of great Piety and Learning, deceased in his own Diocess, and in the 78 year of his age.

On the 7th of May, the King made his first Voyage out of the Territory of Paris, for Amiens, where he was received with extraordinary joy.

At this time was decided by Arrest of the Parliament at Paris, the Process formerly commenced, touching the In­terment of Secular persons in Reli­gious Houses, between Nicholas Ma­zure Doctor of Divinity of the Faculty [Page 32] of Paris, Curate of St. Paul, and the Religious Minimes of the Place Royal; in which all the Curates of Paris joy­ned with him of St. Paul; and all the other Religious with the Minimes. The Arrest contain'd, that always and as often as any particular person should chuse his Sepulture in the Church be­longing to any Religious Men, or Reli­gious Women, whether without or within the Parish of the Defunct, the Curate or his Vicar, with all his Clergy, should conduct the Corps to the Church-door of the said Monastery, where it shall be received by the Superiour of the place, or some other of the Reli­gious to that Office appointed: after this, the Curate or Vicar having certi­fied that the Defunct died in the Com­munion of the Church, he shall depart with his Clergy. The Lights and Tor­ches serving at the said Funeral, to be equaly divided, one moity to the Cu­rate, and the other to the Religious. Prohibiting all Religious whatsoever to fetch and convey the Body of any De­funct [Page 33] desiring to be buried in their re­spective Churches, unless in case of re­fusal by the Curates or their Vicars; being first duely acquainted therewith, and required to perform the said Office. All this notwithstanding not to preju­dice any agreements formerly made be­tween any Curates, and Religious Hou­ses, touching Interments: the tenours of all which are to be duely observed and kept.

In England, during this May, the King left Oxford in disguise, being there Besieged by the Parliament-Forces, and fled to the Scots, who shewed him no part of that due reception which be­longs to their King, but sent him under a strong Convoy to Newcastle; to which place also the King of France sends the Sieur de Montreüil to reside neer him, and reconcile him to the Parliament.

On the 9th of May, the Comte de Harcour lays siege to Lerida, where in our first Attaques we lost the Comte de Chabot, and the Marquiss de Gévres, Sons to the Comte de Tremes.

[Page 34]On the 14th of June, the Town of Courtray in Flanders was taken by the French Army, notwithstanding that Duke Charles, Picolomini, and Lamboy made a shew of Relief.

In Italy, the Town Orbitello in Tus­cany was besieged by the Prince Tho­mas. Here our Admiral Commanding a Fleet on the part of the Besiegers, was killed by a Cannon-shot in a Na­val fight. In fine, Prince Thomas was forced to retire, the Enemies Forces being augmented by fresh succours.

July 8th, the Prince of Wales Eldest son to the King of England arrived at Caën in Normandy, and from thence directly to the Queen his Mother at St. Germain en Laye.

The 13th of July, died Messire Ro­ger de Bellegarde Duke and Pair of France and Grand Escuyer, aged 83 years and 7 moneths: and the 26th of the same moneth died also his Brother Octavius de Bellegarde Arch-Bishop of Sens. His decease was preceded by two other Prelates, viz. Messire Abra de [Page 35] Raconis Bishop of Lavaur in Langue­doc, and Messire François de Pericard Bishop of Eureux.

Longuvy, the onely place that re­mained in the Duke of Lorain's Ter­ritories, was taken about this time by the Marquiss de la Ferté Seneterre.

The Assembly of the Clergy ending about the 30th of July, Messire Jean François Paul de Gondy, Arch-Bishop of Corinth, and Coadjutor in the Arch-bishoprick of Paris, made an Ha­rangue to the King in the name of all the Clergy.

And now Messire le President Believre was sent Embassador into England, where he had favourable Audience by the Parliament at London the 27 of July, and the first of August by the King at Newcastle.

In the beginning of August, the Fort of Mardike was Besieged by Monsieur the Duke of Orleans: the brisk At­taques which we gave, took from us at the very first the Chivalier de la Füeillade, le Sieur du Terrail, of the same [Page 36] Race with Captain Bayard; and three days after, the Comte de Fley, and the Chevalier de Fiesque. The Duke of Nemours was Wounded by a Musquet-shot in his Leg, but without hurting the Bone; and as favourably, the Prince de Marsillac Eldest son to the Duke de la Rochfoucault. The 22 of August, the Sieur de Grignan had his Head ta­ken off by a Cannon-shot. This re­sistance by the Besieged enflamed the Courage of our party; and the mouth of the Channel being stopt by six ships of Holland, so that the Besieged were forced to receive all their Relief from Gravelines, to which they had been as a Bulwork: Mardike finding her self so severely prest, began to Parley: the Besieged were received to Composition by Monsieur the Duke of Orleans; and the chief Articles were, that 3000 men, then and there in Garrison, should come out, Life and Baggage safe, but should remain Prisoners of War. The place thus taken, the Sieur de Chalen was made Governour.

[Page 37]The 6th of September, the Comte Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, Embassa­dor extraordinary from Swedeland, arrived at Paris, where he was extream kindely received by their Majesties, and lodged at the Hostel de Vendôme.

In the mean while News arrives at Court, that on the 17th of September, his Holiness at the Kings Instance had restored those of the House of Barbe­rins to their Goods, conditionally, that the two Cardinals should abide some while at Avignon. At the same time the Mareschal de Bassompierre, aged 68 years, dies suddainly at Provins.

Dunkirk, which hitherto had been the receptacle of Pirates, who had con­tinually scowred the Seas on all the Coasts of France, was Invested by the Duke of Enguien on the 17th of Sep­tember, and assaulted so vigorously by our Souldiers excited by the courage of their Commander, that on the tenth of October it surrendered by Compo­sition: The Marquiss de Leide the Go­vernour march'd out with 1500 men, [Page 38] of which 400 Sick and Wounded; and he confest to have lost 600 of his best Souldiers. The Mareschal of Rantzau suc­ceeded to the place of Governour for the French. Dunkirk was first built 600 years since by Baudoüin Earl of Flan­ders. After that, it was burnt down by the English in the year 1388. Rebuilt by the French, and after taken by the Spaniards, who kept it till the present Conquest.

The King's Army in Italy, comman­ded by the Mareschals de la Mêleraye, take the Town, Castle, and Citadel of Piambino in Tuscany; at which time Monsieur the Marquiss Villeroy, the King's Governour, received from the hands of their Majesties the Oath of Mareschal of France.

Portolongona, a place scituated in the Isle of Elb, lying in the Tuscan-Sea between the Continent of Italy and Corsica, which was heretofore usurp'd from its own lawful Lord by a Captain of the Emperour Charles the 5th, in the year 1548. after that delivered into the [Page 39] possession of his son Philip the 2d, and whose Successors held it ever since, was now Besieged and taken by the French Army. In the midst of this Island ri­ses a Spring, on this account the more admirable, that its Waters are observed to hold proportion with the length of the daies of the year, in such manner, that when they are at the longest the Stream is able to drive a Mill, but when at the shortest 'tis almost dry.

Lerida in Catalonia having been be­sieged by the Comte de Harcour for the space of 7 moneths, was relieved the 21 of November, in the night, by the Mar­quiss de Leganez General of the Spanish Army; who forcing our Lines with 7000 Foot, and 3000 Horse, our par­ty, though at the first they made a stout resistance, encouraged by the Va­lour of their Commander, yet finding themselves o'repower'd by the number of the Enemy, were constrained to re­tire (but in good order) into Cerveres with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse, by that means to secure the Country. We [Page 40] lost there the Comte de Origny: In re­venge of this action, the Sieur de St. Colom-Marin, Mareschal of the Field, took from the Enemy the Town of Arbera, the 6th of December follow­ing.

The 26th of the same moneth Ma­dam la Dutchess of Orleans was happi­ly delivered of a second Daughter.

The same day, the 26th of December, being the Feast of St. Steven, Henry de Bourbon Prince of Condé deceased at Paris, aged 58 years and three moneths: he left two Sons and a Daughter, the *Formerly called Duke of Enguien. Eldest of which makes no inconsiderable part in the French History of these last years, by reason of his many Renowned Ex­ploits of War, Sieges and Battles, in which things he has rendered his Name Renowned, having joyned Mars and Minerva in his own person. The se­cond son is Monsieur the Prince of Con­ty. The Daughter Mademoiselle de Bourbon, Married Monsieur the Duke of Longueville.

Anno 1647.

In the beginning of the year 1647. though the Winter-season invited our Troops rather into Garrison, yet such was the courage of the Mareschal de Gassion, that nothing relenting at the extremity of the Weather, he under­takes the siege of Ingelmunster; the Garrison of which place was no small impediment in our Victualling Courtray. This place was Attaqu'd with such fury, that she was forced to yield by the end of February. The Governour with his Garrison was conducted to Cour­tray, having received no other compo­sition than to remain Prisoners of War. Also the Marquiss of Marolles, Gover­nour of Thionville (a place heretofore taken by the now Prince of Condé pre­sently after his Victory at Rocroy, in the year 1643.) about the same time de­feated a party of the Garrison of Lux­emburg, by means of an Ambuscade, where he killed and took Prisoners a­bove 100 men.

[Page 42]About the end of the said Moneth of February, the Mareschal de Turenne invests Tubinguen in Germany, and after a Siege of seventeen or eighteen daies submits the place to the King's obedi­ence. This did contribute much to the Treaty of Neutrality, not long after concluded with the Duke of Bavaria, in which was comprised the Elector of Cologne.

Since the Arch-Duke Leopold had quitted the Conduct of the Imperial Forces to be General in the Low-Coun­tries, he had raised on the suddain a compleat Army, with which he Invests Armentieres, under the Government of the Sieur du Plessis-Bellievre. This Siege being so surprizing, made the cou­rage of our party yield to necessity, so that for want of Ammunition the place was surrendered the 31 of May. The Garrison remained all Prisoners of War, except the Governour and Principal Officers.

At this time the King and Queen Regent were at Amiens, to give their [Page 43] orders more effectually for securing the Frontiers of Picardy.

The Arch-Duke Leopold having ta­ken Armentieres, lays siege to Landre­cies, where the Garrison not being suf­ficient to secure their Outworks, the Sieur Heudicourt their Governour, after a courageous defence of three Weeks, was forced to surrender the 18th of July.

The Mareschal de Gassion finding that he was unable to succour Landre­cies, joyned with the Mareschal de Rantzau to revenge that loss elsewhere: this last in three days made himself Master of Dixmude; and the Mareschal de Gassion so vigorously Assaulted la Bassée, that he forced the Besieged to surrender at the end of eight daies. After this, the Mareschal in one day takes the Fort Nieufdan neer Newport, and Sluise, with several other little Forts, all which he Demolish'd. Du­ring this, the Marquiss de Caracene, sent to relieve Newport in case of a Siege, obliges the Mareschal to an Engage­ment, [Page 44] in which Rencounter the Enemy lost 300 men, and we not above fif­teen.

The French Army, being now in sufficient condition to oppose their Ene­mies, the King and Queen Regent leave Amiens the 27th of July, and take the way of Abbeville; passing thence to Dieppe, they were received by the Sieur de Montigny, who met them in the head of 500 Gentlemen. The 9th of August they arrive at Paris.

The Mareschal de Rantzau consider­ing that the Mareschal de Gassion was necessitated to remain in the midst of his Enemies to keep la Bassée, makes a shew of besieging Lens; and by that means having diverted the Enemy, and brought off Gassion from all danger, attaques the Troops of Duke Charles, lately arrived from Luxemburg, and defeats 800 men, of which he took 200 Prisoners. Presently after, the Ar­mies of these two Generals being uni­ted, the 10th of September, march against the Common Enemy, and often [Page 45] Skirmish, but always with advantage on our side.

The 23 of September, our Army having past the River Lis, the next day arrives before Lens: The Mareschal Gassion took the plain of Doway, and the Sieur de Villequier the Bridge Avandin: the night following they opened their Trenches, and the 26th the Cannon began to batter; but the Mareschal Gassion being on his way to succour the Sieur de Villequier at the Bridge Avan­din, and understanding that the Ene­my had taken it, returns to the Tren­ches.

The 28th he hearing that the Besie­ged had raised a Pallisade neer the Town-gate, he gives order that the Posts be immediately pluck'd up: and being told it was a matter of extraordi­nary danger, by reason of the Enemies continual firing from that quarter; he goes thither himself, and as he was trying to move one of the Posts, receives a Musquet-shot in the side of his head, with which he falls from his Horse; and being [Page 46] taken up and carried to Arras, deceased the 10th of October, in the 38th year of his Age.

But the Sieur de Villequier continues the siege of Lens, and that with such re­solution and effect, that the Besieged are forced to surrender the third of the same October; and the Comte de Palluau, Me­stre de Camp of the Cavalry, took pos­session of the place with a French Gar­rison.

In the mean time the Enemy think­ing to divert the siege of Lens, besiege Dixmude; which place, after a coura­geous resistance on our part, was forced to surrender.

The Mareschal de Turenne receiving orders from the King to march into Germany, understands that Major-Ge­neral Rose by secret practises had de­bauched several Souldiers of his Troops; hereupon, having first endeavoured by all means possible to reclaim him to his duty, though ineffectually; to prevent a greater disorder, he secures his person, and sends him Prisoner to Philipsburg.

[Page 47]About this time, the Spaniards under the Conduct of Bonichausen, Mareschal de Camp Imperial, Colonel Frangipani Governour of Frankendal, and Colo­nel Garnier, form a designe to be­siege Worms, the Garrison consisting but of 100 men. The Sieur de la Marche, Governour of the place, per­ceiving the weakness of the place, and being prest by the Enemy who had al­ready struck a terrour into the Citizens, engaged to surrender, in case he recei­ved no relief in two daies. Hereupon he sends immediately to the Gover­nour of Philipsburg, who dispatches the Sieur de la Poquetiere a Gentleman of Touraine, with 100 men, who guar­ded with other Succours, pass the Ene­my, enter the Town, and without ever resting Sally immediately at another Gate on the opposite side, charging the Enemy in that quarter so courage­ously, that in fine they beat them off, and *That is, to drive a Nail or Iron-pin into the Touch-hole, so that they become use­less. Nail'd their Cannon, in such manner, that the Enemy [Page 48] finding no hopes of gaining the place, quitted the siege.

In Catalonia, the Mareschal de Gra­mont, by order of the Prince of Condé, having pursued the Spaniards who be­sieged Constantine, return'd and joyns with our Army the 12 of October; and the 21, Monsieur the Prince of Condé, ha­ving drawn together all our Troops, on advice that the Spaniards under the Conduct of the Marquiss d'Aietone pre­pared to fight us, and with designe to engage them marches towards Bel­pouche, about three hours journey from Lesborges, between Lerida and the E­nemy; but perceiving them to retreat towards Lerida, he sends the Marquiss de la Trousse to intercept their way, and follows himself upon their Rear. The Enemy, who thought of nothing but a safe Retreat to Lerida, and now seeing themselves encompast by the Mareschal de Gramont's Forces, prepare for fight; and they had undoubtedly beat our party, had not Monsieur the Prince, seeing the hazard, advanced and stopt [Page 49] their success: but by the favour of the Night, which came on apace, they re­past the Segre, with the loss of seven or eight hundred men, cut in pieces by our Forces. We lost there the Sieur de Lupes St. Remy a Captain, de Serre a Cornet, and some Common Soul­diers.

The 24th of October, Tutavilla Go­vernour of Terragona, presenting him­self again before Constantin, was again beaten off by the Troops of Monsieur the Prince of Condé, and the diligence of the Sieur de la Baume Governour of the place.

This year 1647. concludes with the Duke of Guise's entry into Naples, the Neapolitans (who of a long time had been opprest with the Spanish Yoak) having invited him, and put themselves under his protection, during his abode at Rome. Embarquing then the third of November, attended onely with his Aumosnier and the Gentleman of his Chamber, he arrived happily at Naples the fifth, and was there received with [Page 50] incredible joy of the Inhabitants, who had made a shift to defend themselves to that present against the Spanish Do­mination, notwithstanding their many Conspiracies; and had also expel'd all those whom they suspected of the Spa­nish Faction. Here the Machinations of the other party were so great and dangerous, that the Duke run many hazards.

From the year 1280, in which hap­pened the Massacre of the French in Sicily, under Charles of Anjou first of that Name, and Brother of St. Lewis, to the time of René d'Anjou, Naples had been the constant Field of Battle in all the Contests between the Houses of Anjou and Aragon, as is observed in the course of the French History, where we may see how Charles the 2d suc­ceeded to his Father in that Kingdom, and after his death his son Robert. Af­terwards, about the year 1344, Joan the first of that Name, Daughter of Charles a Son of the said Robert, succeeded to the Crown of Naples. Joan ending [Page 51] her life by a sad and shameful death, Ladislaus son to Charles of Durazo suc­ceeded, about the year 1387. and re­mained in possession of the Kingdom of Naples till his death. Ladislaus dy­ing, Joan the 2d his Sister succeeds, in the year 1417. who finding her self continually molested by those of the House of Aragon, declares René d'Anjou her Heir and Successor, about the year 1435. But whether it was that his own peaceful Inclinations, or the Inconstan­cies of the Neapolitan humour stop'd his designes, is uncertain: this is ap­parent, he never did any thing effectu­ally towards the Conquest of that Kingdom, to which his Birth-right did call him. This gave opportunity to Ferdinand son of Alphonso to seize the Scepter, notwithstanding John Duke of Calabria son of René attempted (though in vain) to recover the right of his Grandfathers: But Charles the 8th, King of France, undertook this Enter­prize with such a courage, that all Italy lay open to his Arms; and having first [Page 52] made his entry into Rome, he was re­ceived at Naples with extraordinary magnificence, in the year 1494. Charles after this retiring into France, and Lewis the 12th extending his Conquests to Milain, Francis the first desiring to extend them still further, at such time as he Besieged Pavie, divided his Army, and sent half for Naples; but his being taken Prisoner on the 24th of February, in the year 1525, put a period to those designes. From that time to the pre­sent, Naples ever remained under the Dominion of the Spaniards. And this last Change being so notorious, we have made this short recapitulation of the several vicissitudes of that King­dom.

From the time of Francis the first, to Lewis 13th, and Lewis 14th, so hap­pily raigning at present, the power of Spain was arrived to that point, that in fine it seemed all Europe should speak no other Language than Spanish: but God, whose Dominion extends over all Monarchies, hath in a few years dimi­nish'd [Page 53] the swelling extent of this, which now of late begins, by little and little, to fall within its ancient limits.

But to return to the Duke of Guise, after this little digression, and observe some of the principal actions which at that time he performed in those parts; we must know then in short: This Prince, on his arrival perceiving how much the people were oppress'd by the Spanish Dominion, in the first place dispatches several Couriers to all those Towns which he conceived most material to contribute to the overthrow of their Authority; and after he had duly dis­posed of all things, by his rare Conduct, he visits the said places seve­rally, and takes an exact view of all their Ammunitions: after this, he raises 26000 men, which he distributes into three Bodies. And at the same time, Salerne falls off to the Republick.

Hereupon Dom John of Austria, and the Duke of Tursi, arrive in Naples with a Counter Force, to stop the peo­ples Mutinies; but they having joyn'd [Page 54] Policy and Address to the Arms they had levied, the Spaniards could not possibly prevent their Choice of our Prince for Duke of the Republick, and Generalissimo of all their Forces. But since events of War are so uncertain, and what seems most assured often wants success; Fortune was so indul­gent to the Spaniards, that our Duke was taken Prisoner by Tutavilla at the Pass of a little River; and this was the utter ruine of the Neapolitans de­signes.

Anno 1648.

Let us now return to France. The King, and Queen Regent his Mother, having been at Chartres to pay their Vows to our Lady, return to Paris the 27th of March 1648.

In April, the Generals of our Armies prepare for a new Campagne, expe­cting the usual Progress, in adding to their former Conquests. According­ly, on the 20th of August, his Majesty [Page 55] obtained a signal Victory before Lens; where the Prince of Condé Comman­ding in chief, took Prisoner the Gene­ral Bek, who died soon after of his Wounds. This had filled all France with joy, had not an unexpected acci­dent disturbed the Feast. On the 26th Te Deum was sung in the Cathedral of Nostre Dame at Paris; and on the same day, the Sieurs de Broussel, and de Blanc­mesnil were Arrested; which caused a great disorder through all the City, till by the Queens bounty in restoring their Liberty, it was appeased.

In the moneth of January, the same year, the Rebels of England had the horrid Impudence to Condemn their King to the Scaffold: After that, forbid the having any other King for the fu­ture, and changed the Government to a Republick. Fairfax was declared General of their Forces, and Cromwel his Lieutenant; who soon after, on the acquittal of the former, took to himself the whole Authority: He made himself Master of Scotland, Ireland, and [Page 56] England, he made and unmade the Parliament at his pleasure; and in fine, under the name of Protector of the Commonwealth of England, he most Sacrilegiously usurp'd the Command of a King.

This year ended with the Peace be­tween France, the Emperour, and Swede, concluded at Osnabruc.

Anno 1649.

In the year 1649, the King, Queen, and Princes leave Paris, in the night between the fifth and sixth of January, and retire to St. Germains. The Pari­sians believing they intend to revenge their insolencies committed in the action aforesaid, take Arms, and rise in Troops by order of the Prince of Conty. Hereupon the King seizes St. Denis, Meudon, Corbeil, and Lagny. This had no doubt occasioned a publick Ruine, had not the Court of Parliament depu­ted several of their Members to his Majestie, and obtained a general Am­nestie, [Page 57] which once more restored France to her former quiet.

Anno 1650.

In January 1650, the Princes of Condé, Conty, and Duke of Longueville were Imprisoned in the Château de Vin­cennes; from thence removed first to Marcoussy, and then to Havre de Grace, and restored to Liberty the 6th of Fe­bruary 1651. The Princess of Condé retired to Bourdeaux with the Duke of Enguien her Son, where were also the Dukes of Boüillon, Roche-Foucaut, and de Turenne.

In this year the Enemy recovered Piombino, and Portolongone, le Catelet, la Capelle, and Vervins, as also Mouson, and Rethel, which notwithstanding they kept not long.

Anno 1651.

Nor was the year 1651 more fortu­nate to us, seeing we lost then Furnes, and Bergue in Flanders.

[Page 58]And now the Prince of Condé retires into his Government of Guienne, neg­lecting to be present at the King's Ma­jority, which was magnificently cele­brated the 7th of September. Present­ly after, his Majesty takes a Journey to­wards Bourges, to stop the ill intentions of the Princes; which place, upon his approach, they quitted with their For­ces.

The King stops not in his designes, but marches on towards Poitou, takes St. Amand, sends the Comte de Harcour to attaque Rochelle, which the Comte d'Ognon held at the Prince's devotion, and compels him to submit to obe­dience.

Anno 1652.

In the mean time the Parliament at Paris declares the Cardinal Mazarin guilty of High Treason; who retires for a while: but not at all to remit ought of his care or occasion to serve his Majesty, he raises several Troops, [Page 59] and presents them to the King at Poitiers the 25th of January 1652, without having encountered any obstacle. Af­ter this, Angers is Besieged by the Duke of Rohan, and compel'd to submit to the King's obedience, together with le Pont de Cé. And now the King in­tending to justifie his Minister, sends a Declaration to the Parliament at Paris, commanding that all the proceedings a­gainst the Cardinal Mazarin be forth­with brought over to him.

The King Besieges Estampes, in which place the Army of the Princes was shut up; but the Issue being not very ad­vantageous to the Royal Army, he was forced to draw off, and invest Paris. Here happened many Attaques on both sides after the arrival of the Lo­rainers; though these last shun'd the Encounter as much as possible, in such fort, that they came not hand to hand till such time as they met in the Faux­bourg St. Anthoine; at which Encounter it is believed there died more than 1000 men on both sides. The Fight endu­red [Page 60] from seven in the Morning till three in the Afternoon. The Prince of Condé did all that could be expected from a valiant Captain; nevertheless, had not Mademoiselle caused the City-Gate to be opened, and the Cannon to be discharged from the Bastille, the Ar­my of the Princes had been utterly de­feated.

Two days after this, the disorder was so great in Paris, that all people were forced to wear Straw about 'em, as a mark of aversion to the Cardinal Maza­rin: After this, they set fire to the outward Gates of the Hostel de Ville, where 300 of the most noted Citizens being Assembled, to consult of some means whereby to unite the City with the Parliament, the Mutineers, in order to destroy them all, first Massacre the Sieurs le Gras Master of Requests, de Janvry Counsellor in the Parliament, Myron Master of the Accounts, and several others, as they came out from the As­sembly. The Sieur Doujat Counsellor of the Great Chamber, and several [Page 61] other persons of Condition, had run the same fortune, had they not used Disguizes, and by the favour of the night past unknown during this distur­bance. Two of the Factious were Condemned by the Sentence of the Parliament to be Hanged, and were accordingly Executed in the Court of the Palace. The Sedition grew to that extremity, that even the Priests, and Religious, Women and Children, were forced to wear Straw, and thereby secure themselves from outrages: nay, the very Nuns, who to shun the dangers of the Campagne sought refuge in this City, if at any time they were seen in the Streets, or Churches, found themselves obliged to appear with this ridiculous Badge. The Duke of Nemours about this time challenged the Duke of Beau­fort; they met with Sword and Pistol: The Duke of Nemours fires, but with­out further execution than onely to singe the Duke of Beaufort's Periwig; but he in return fail'd not to kill his Enemy.

[Page 62]And now the people of Paris being pretty well tired with the effects of War, begin to disgust the rule of the Princes, and upon this occasion depute several of their Burgesses to Pontoise, where the King then was, to supplicate his Majesty to honour his good Town of Paris with his return. This occa­sioned the retreat of the Duke of Or­leans, and flight of the Prince of Con­dé with his Troops. Not long after, the King returns to the City, followed by the Mareschal de l'Hospital Gover­nour of the place, the Prevost des Merchands, and the Eschevins, who had been all constrained to absent; and was there received with all the submis­sions and blessings which the people could possibly invent.

After this, the King went to the Par­liament, which he re-unites with that part which he had lately establish'd at Pontoise. And then and there also he publishes his Amnestie, in favour of all those who had risen, provided that by their returning to duty they made [Page 63] themselves capable of such a Grace. But the Prince of Condé being retired into the Catholick King's Dominions, appeared in the head of an Army be­fore Rhetel, of which soon after he got possession, as also of Chasteau-Por­cien, Sainte-Menchou, and Bar.

During the troubles at Paris, the Spaniards knowing the Mareschal de Grancey to be absent from Gravelines, lay siege to that place, and take it be­fore it could possibly be succoured on our part.

Those of Guienne finding themselves in such disorder by reason of the Prin­ces party, invite the King's Army to come among them, commanded by the Count de Harcour, who retakes Bar­besieux, Pondesat, and la Reole; though the Baron of Vatteville was come into the River of Bourdeaux to assist the Princes, on the part of the Catholick King; who serving himself of the pre­sent troubles, sent Dom John of Austria to Besiege Barcelona, of which with much ease he became Master. However, [Page 64] the loss was in some sort repaired by the reduction of Mont-rond; of which place, the Mareschal de Palluau, who Commanded at the Siege, had order to cast down the Fortifications.

Towards the end of this Campagne, the measure of our disgraces was arri­ved to that fulness, as to loose also Dun­kirk, and Casal; the first to the Spa­niards, the other to the Duke of Man­tua.

The Cardinal de Rets, Coadjutor of Paris, having been arrested in the Louvre by the Sieur de Villequier, was conducted to the Bois de Vincennes, where having been detained for a con­siderable time, was from thence con­veyed by the Mareschal de la Mêleraye to the Castle of Nantes, from which in the open day he escaped, first to Belle-Isle, and then to Rome.

The Marquiss of Vieville, Super-In­tendant of the Finances, being deceased, the Sieur de Servient, and the Sieur Fouquet Attorney-General, were joynt­ly put into the Office.

[Page 65]Also the Cardinal Antonio Barberin had the Office of Grand Aumosnier of France, confer'd the 8th of April, late void by the death of the Cardinal of Lyons.

Anno 1653.

The year 1653. began successfully in Bourgogne; Bellegarde is besieged by the Duke of Espernon Governour of that Province, and in spite of the Mar­quiss of Bouteville's resistance who Com­manded the place for the Prince of Condé, he forced a submission to the Arms of his Majesty. Rhetel, Mouzon, and St. Menehou, not long after follow­ed the same fortune. But the taking of Rocroy by the Prince, abated a little the publick joy for these advanta­ges.

This Success was followed by the reduction of Bourdeaux, and all the other Towns of Guyenne who had ta­ken Arms in the Rebellion. As also by the accommodement of the Prince [Page 66] of Conty, and the Dutchess of Longue­ville, who came in to the Amnestie; but the Princess of Condé refusing to use that favour, put her self directly on the way to Flanders with her son the Duke of Enguien.

Anno 1654.

On the 19th of January 1654, the King being seated in his Court of Par­liament, at which were present a suffi­cient number of Peers, Process was commenced against Lewis de Bourbon, Prince of Condé; which ended the 27th of March. About the end of May, his Majesty took his Journey towards Rheims, to be there Crowned and A­nointed: he arrived the third of June; and being received by the Burgesses and Inhabitants with extraordinary testimonials of love, he was conducted to the Cathedral of Nostre-Dame, where the Bishop of Soissons attended him, with the Quire and Canons of the Church. The 7th following, was per­formed [Page 67] that admirable Ceremony of his Anointing and Coronation by the said Bishop, who in that Office repre­sented the Arch-Bishop of Rheims. At the same time, the Town of Stenay was Besieged, and forced to surrender to the King's obedience; though the Prince of Condé did his utmost to re­lieve it: But the Prince acknowledging the loss unavoidable, immediately march'd the whole Force of the Spa­nish Army towards Arras, to which he lays siege with 30000 men, and all this before our Generals could possibly put into the place any Succours consider­able: Here he made a Circumvallation that seemed to defie all the force of the World: notwithstanding, the Lines that compassed it, how dreadful soever, were so vigorously attaqued by our Ar­my, sent to endeavour the relief, that the Enemies were constrained to abandon their designes, sufficient to intimidate any Nation but the French. We gai­ned by this flight of theirs (which happened on St. Lewis's day) sixty [Page 68] pieces of Cannon, and all the Bag­gage of the Besiegers: 'Tis also possi­ble they had all found their Graves on the place, had not the Prince (the Arch-Duke and other Chiefs having left him) bestir'd himself more than ordinary to asswage the precipitate vi­olence of the retreat.

The Mareschal de la Ferte-Seneterre, desirous to end the Campagne as glo­riously as it was begun and continued this year, led the Body which he com­manded before Clermont, which he Be­sieges and takes. In the mean time our other Chiefs observe the broken con­dition of the Spanish Army, which all the Winter did nothing but onely threa­ten Quesnoy; which place was so well furnish'd by the Marquiss de Chastelnau, assisted by the Marquiss de Monpoüil­lon, and the Chevalier de Maupeou, that she found her self in no condition to fear her Enemies.

Anno 1655.

The beginning of the year 1655, was remarkable for the decease of Pope Innocent 10th, happening on the 7th of January: after whose death the Cardinals entering the Conclave the 17th of the same moneth, and there continuing till the 7th of April, where all the Embassadors were also present to perform their Complements; they elected to the Holy Seat Cardinal Chisi, a Gentleman of Sienna, as the most worthy in the Sacred Colledge: he had been in all the considerable Offices belonging to the Chair of Rome, and being now in the supreamest, took the name of Alexander 7th. His inclina­tion to Peace gave hopes that he would procure it to Christendom, provided he found the Spaniard as much disposed to it as France; which hopes we have at length seen happily effected.

About this time the Duke of Guise arrived from Naples. And the Court [Page 70] thought convenient to send into Por­tugal, to purchase there a certain num­ber of Ships for the King's service.

In May 1655, Monsieur the Prince of Conty, Lieutenant-Generalissimo, and Vice-roy for his Majesty in Catalo­nia, took by Assault Cap-de Tiers; and in July, continuing the course of his Victories, he took Chastillon and Saul­sone. No less glorious success had our Arms in Flanders than in Catalonia, by the taking of Landrecy, in the face of 35000 men, which being all their force, our Enemies had united, if possible, to secure this important place, but the event rendered their endeavours to no purpose.

Following the course of our succes­ful projects, in August, the same year, we took Condé, and St. Guillain; the King commanding there in person, and having for his Lieutenant-Generals de Turenne, and la Ferté-Seneterre.

In November following, Peace was concluded and proclaimed between France and England; the Treaty was [Page 71] made at Westminster, Monsieur de Bour­deaux being Embassador from his Ma­jesty to the said Republick.

During this year, the Dukes of Mantua and Modena arrived in France, to perform to his Majesty their several Homages. Then arrived also his Ene­my Cardinal Antonio Barberin Nephew to the late Pope Ʋrban the 8th, named by his Majesty for his Grand Aumosnier in place of the decased Cardinal of Lyons.

Anno 1656.

On the third of January, being the Feast of St. Geneviefve, 1656, Messire Matthew Molé, Gardes Sceaux of France, deceased about seven in the Morning, af­ter three daies sickness, in the 72 year of his age; during which time he had past most of the chief Offices belonging to his robe; namely, that of the President of Requests of the Palace; Attorney-General in the Parliament, which place he exercised neer 27 years; first Presi­dent [Page 72] in the said Assembly neer thirteen years, and lastly Gard de Sceaux; and all these with a marvelous integrity and fidelity to the King's service. The next day the Chancelier of France coming to attend the King according to the orders sent him by the Sieur Mancini, his Majesty by the advice of his Eminency, gave him the Seals in the Queens presence, with all possible demonstrations of the just esteem which he had for this so eminent and sage Head of the French Justice.

In the same year, the King having laid siege to Valenciennes, where the Mareschal de Turenne commanded in the quality of Lieutenant-General; and having now reduced this impor­tant place, and the Spanish Forces to their very last effort; but not being able to prevent the succours, he raised the siege. Though immediately after, his Majestie's Army in Italy, under the conduct of the Duke of Modena, took Valence; and at the same time his said Majesty forced la Capelle to submission, [Page 73] in sight of the Enemy's Army, consi­sting of more than 30000 men.

On the 8th of September, the Prin­cess Christina, late Queen of Swede­land, after she had abjured Heresie be­tween the Pope's own hands at Rome, and resigned her Kingdom to her Cozin Charles Gustavus, Prince Palatine, ar­rived at Paris, where she was most mag­nificently received; after this, and that she had saluted the King at Com­piegne, she returned to Rome.

This year ended happily with a Uni­versal Jubile, which began the first Sunday of Advent, and ended the se­cond of January 1657.

Anno 1657.

This year begins with the loss of the Town of St. Guillain, which the Spa­niards recovered from us, the Garrison retiring to Guise after an honourable Capitulation.

The season now approaching to draw into the Campagne, Monsieur [Page 74] the Mareschal de Turenne took the way of Flanders, there to command our Forces: The King followed not long after, making his Family immediately set forwards for Compeigne.

Monsieur le Mareschal de la Ferté having also directed his march towards Luxemburg with a considerable Army, Monsieur the Mareschal de Turenne assisting him at a distance with his Troops, he invests Montmedy the 11th of June, and wrought at the Lines with such a resolution, that in spight of all resistance from the Besieged, they were compleated the 15th following. In regard this place was of such impor­tance to the Catholick King, the Spa­nish Commanders did their utmost to relieve it; but with no success, and therefore they think of some other way. Having then intelligence that the Garrison of Calais had been of late much weakened by the absence of 300 men, drawn off from thence to re-inforce that at Ardres, they resolve to attaque it at unawares; but it resisted [Page 75] with so much glory, that the Assailants, not able to effect their designes, retired with shame.

The Spaniards unable to relieve Montmedy, the Inhabitants were forced to capitulate, the 6th of August. The Garrison, consisting of 300 Musqueteers and 100 Horse, left the place, and were conducted within sight of the Walls of Arlon. The King entred, and viewed the Walls round, on Horseback. He made the Baron de St. Pé Governour, to whose place not long after succeeded the Marquiss de Vandy, one of his Ma­jestie's Generals, and Camp-Master to the Carabines.

The Conquest of Montmedy, was followed by that of St. Venant; from which place the Spaniards desiring to divert our Arms, made a shew to at­taque Ardres; where notwithstanding they were forced shamefully to raise their siege, with the loss of the entire Regiment of Persan, who were all cut to pieces. The rest of this Campagne past in petty Skirmishes; in particular, [Page 76] the Garrison of Rocroy was soundly beaten in seeking to raise a Contribu­tion among the neighbour Villages.

Dom John of Austria, the Prince of Condé, and several Troops with them, having put themselves into Dunkirk on some designe, the Mareschal de Turenne on his part prepares to attaque Mar­dike; which he did so effectually, that it was soon after surrendered to the discretion of our Commanders, the E­nemy having deferred to capitulate, till it was too late.

We were no less happy in Italy. The Castle of Monteri surrendered to the force of our Arms; so also did the Ca­stle of Non, which was taken before the very face of the Comte de Fuensal­daigne, by the Prince of Conty. After this, we invest Alexandria; but the siege there was no sooner formed, but raised again, and that for the Conquest of Montecalvo, and the Castle of Monts, places which made us Masters of Monferrat.

Nothing considerable past this year [Page 77] in Catalonia, where at that time the Duke of Candale commanded, but died in his return at Lyons.

The Magazine of Powder in the Town-house at Bourdeaux took fire, by some accident, which reduced that poor Town into a deplorable condi­tion. This misfortune happened on the third of December.

Innocent the 10th deceasing, (as aforesaid) Alexander the 7th succeed­ed in the Papacy, who desiring above all things to see the two greatest Kings of Europe united in a Peace, proposed it first to his most Christian Majesty, and endeavoured to incline him: but he received for answer, that the onely ob­struction lay on the part of his Ene­mies, and that he was always most wil­ling.

Anno 1658.

This so generous Declaration thus happily opening the way, gave no small hopes for the effecting so great a good: [Page 78] but first his Majesty found himself ob­liged to force the Spaniards to reason, by a further pursuit of his Victories, beginning with the siege of Dunkirk; which soon after being taken, he put it into the hands of Milord Lockhart the English Embassador, conditionally that he should permit no violence to the Religion of the Inhabitants.

The taking of this place, though of chief concern, 'twas too small a Con­quest for our Invincible Monarch. The Battle of Dunes, which we gained in­tirely, with the addition of Bergues, St. Winox, Furnes, and Dixmude, fol­lowed this gallant Enterprize. The Spaniards were seized with terrour at the sight of so many Conquests; and the consternation was so great among them, that at the very name of the French they took their heels before Newport, with the loss of 800 Horse and 3000 Cows, which our party took without any resistance.

Amidst so many Lawrels, our invin­cible Monarch was assaulted by a vio­lent [Page 79] Feaver, which in a little time re­duced him to much extremity; but God, who is always vigilant for the conservation of Kingdoms, restored this young Mars to his people, beyond all their hopes. His health being thus recovered, his Majesty leaves Calais, to return to Paris, where all the So­veraign Courts, and the Burgesses, went out to meet him, testifying with how great joy they had received the happy news of his recovery, of which they had been almost desperate.

In the mean time, the Mareschals de Turenne, and la Ferté, to whose care his Majesty had left his Army, to con­tinue the glorious progress of their suc­cessful undertakings; Having then first taken Moncassel, they invest Gravelines under the conduct of Monsieur the Mareschal de Bellefons; which place, after a stout defence by the Besieged, who fought in despair, was reduced to a Capitulation, as when taken from us, at such time as the Spaniards made use of our Civil Wars. The Chevalier de [Page 80] Hautefeville Captain of the Regiment of Guards, entred the 31 day of the siege with three Companies of the said Regiment; and the Sieur Davignan was, the next day, left Governour till fur­ther order.

The Spaniards foreseeing they were about to lose all that they had in these parts, did their utmost endeavours to secure what they could possibly: but the discreet vigilancy of Monsieur the Mareschal de Turenne did always fru­strate their designes. They were not able to succour Oudenarde, which sur­rendered immediately to the French valour: they were glad to take covert in Armentiers, and Tournay, for fear of being engaged to Battle; where with­out doubt they would have been bea­ten, since in all our Encounters, For­tune had seemed to forsake them, and to confer her Victories on us.

The King designing to visit Lyons, arrives at Dijon, where receiving some discontents from his Parliament, he in­terdicts them immediately, and pursues [Page 81] his Journey to Lyons, at which place he was received with incredible joy from all people: And here it was that he received the complements of Ma­dame Royale, who came to visit him with the Princesses her Daughters. Al­so his Royal Highness of Savoy presen­ted himself with a very considerable Retinue, extraordinary well furnish'd. Two days after, his said Highness par­ted again for Turin, but with a most entire satisfaction at the sight of our ex­cellent Prince. The Deputies of the Estates of Languedoc, and those of Provence, had Audience; but the Em­bassador of Savoy had a particular one, as also the Envoy of the Duke of Man­tua.

Since, in the beginning of the year, all things did seem to concur to ren­der the Lawrels of our young Mars more resplendant, all people began now to talk of Peace. To that purpose, a Cessation from acts of Hostility was publish'd on both sides, to the end they might have the more liberty to treat [Page 82] of the future tranquillity: and this daughter of Heaven, which God alone gives to his people, after he has Chasti­zed 'em, was equally desired by both parties. Monsieur de Lyonne, then, is sent into Spain, and the Sieur Pimentel arrived at Lyons, during the King's a­bode there: this appeared a good and hopeful beginning, since both Nations began of themselves to re-assume their former Traffique, so long discontinued.

Anno 1659.

Hereupon the Cardinal Mazarin, accompanied by the Duke of Crequy, the Mareschals de Villeroy, de Clerem­baud, the Grand Master of the Artil­lery, the Sieur de Lyonne, and a great number of other Lords, takes the way of the Frontier, where Dom Lewis d'Haro chief Minister of Spain would meet him of France, to confer to­gether for the perfecting so great a Work.

The Truce was already prolong'd to [Page 83] further order; but before they begin the Conference, it was agreed that Monsieur de Lyonne should have Com­mission to meet and complement the Minister of Spain, and Dom Antonio Pimentel to perform the like civilities to him of France.

Monsieur de Lyonne had order to propose to the Spaniards a Marriage be­tween their Infanta and the King of France: and in regard their chief fear was, that in default of Male-Children to succeed to that Crown, that King­dom might fall to the King of France, their Queens being now with Childe caused that apprehension to vanish, and rendered them the more attentive to this Alliance. Notwithstanding procee­dings were for a time broken, by rea­son of a difficulty presented on the be­half of the Prince of Condé, whom the King of Spain would have comprised in the Treaty. Cardinal Mazarin therefore writ to the Pope, to perswade that King to wave the Prince's Interest, and not for that to defer so precious [Page 84] a benefit to both Nations. The Spa­niards, during this year, were in as bad a condition with the Portugals, and that made them the more easily incline to wave this Article. The Alliance which about this time France had con­tracted with England, and the inter­view of Madam Royale and his most Christian Majesty, had given them suf­ficient cause of jealousie: They went, therefore, seriously to work to effect the Treaty; and during the Winter, the King being returned to Paris, Pimentel follows him thither, and renews the Pro­positions of Peace and Marriage; to which Cardinal Mazarin and D. Lewis d'Haro conferred the finishing hand. These two great Ministers being arri­ved in the Isle of Phesants, upon the River Bidassoa, with a most magnificent Train, after many notable Interviews and Conferences from the one part and the other, at last signe the Treaty of Peace, and Contract of Marriage be­tween the Infanta of Spain and the King of France. Notwithstanding the [Page 85] Publication was not made immediate­ly, that being reserved to render the ensuing year more August and Fa­mous: the present, concluding with all dispositions requisite to our future hopes of an eternal happiness, and a lasting Tranquillity to both Kingdoms, which not a year ago none dared to promise or expect.

The Peace then being proclaimed, his Holiness, and all the Potentates and Soveraigns of Europe, express'd their publick joys and satisfaction, in those many feux de joye which they com­manded their people to make through all their Dominions.

Anno 1660.

The Peace was Register'd in Parlia­ment the 12th of February, the Chan­celier being present, and with univer­sal applause and acclamations.

In England, General Monke was so happy this year, as to contribute very much to the Restauration of his Ma­jesty [Page 86] Charles the second, the lawful and undoubted Heir and Successor to that Crown.

To put a compleat end to a War, which had lasted 25 Campagnes, the King resolves on a Progress, thereby al­so to compose for ever the Factions in Provence, and reduce to reason certain Pirates of Marseilles, who becoming petty-Tyrants, did much oppress that important City. The Duke of Mer­coeur entred the place, Sword in Hand, at the head of the King's Light-horse. The prudence and moderation of this Prince secured the Town from Pillage; and he observed so much order and cir­cumspection in this affair, that he soon reduced the place to great obedience. After this, the King himself was recei­ved there with Volleys of Cannon, and the joyful cries of Vive le Roy.

During this Journey, he caused to be demolished the Citadel of Orenge, which heretofore had been the cause of much mischief to the Catholicks of the three neighbouring Provinces, and [Page 87] was still suspected; and withal, charged the Prince of Orenge, that hereafter he keep a more strong and able Garrison.

To secure the Marsellois from all fears of their past miseries, the King caused to be traced out the Platform of a Citadel, and this for the future to contain the Nobless and Citizens in their duty. His Majesty being at Aix, with much joy and tenderness recei­ved the Prince of Condé at his return from the Low-Countries.

Their Majesties continuing their Progress through Languedoc, were re­ceived most magnificently at Thoulouse, and then at Bourdeaux, passing from thence to Bayonne, and so to St. John Luz, they arrived in the Isle of Phea­sants, where was appointed the Inter­view of the two Kings, and the glo­rious reception of Maria-Theresa d'Au­stria, Inheretrix presumptive to the E­states of his Catholick Majesty. The Pomp and Consummation of these so great and splendid Nuptials, was very advantageous to the two Crowns. The [Page 88] Ceremonies performed, their Majesties take the Road of Paris, and arrive happily at the Bois de Vincennes, where for some daies they rest, till the Queens most magnifique entry at Paris, the 26th of August.

And now happens that horrid Earth­quake, at the Pyrenean-Hills, which swallowing the hot Bathes there, and several other places, caused extraordi­nary terrour to the Inhabitants of all that Voisinage.

The decease of the Duke of Orleans at Blois, the 2d of February, did much abate our publick Joy and Triumphs, their Majesties and all the Court being sensible of so great a loss.

Anno 1661.

To put the Treaty of Peace in Ex­ecution, and to determine the limits of our King's Conquests, the Sieurs Courtin Master of Requests, Talon In­tendant of Artois, and Parmentier Sub­stitute to the Attorney-General, were [Page 89] commissioned to treat with the Com­missioners of Spain, Vilteingh, Colins, and Anglanzey: They had laboured much in these particulars a long while, first at St. Omers, then at Arras, and lastly they concluded happily at Metz, where they limited the Extents of Flanders, Artois, Hainault, and Lux­embourg; and having worthily acquit­ted themselves in their Employ, parted the 25th of November 1662.

The Cardinal Mazarin did not long enjoy that Peace which he had procu­red to all France, having been almost ever since indisposed. The Fire which in the beginning of February happened at the Louvre, and consumed the Gal­lery, of Pictures that look'd into the Garden, obliged his Eminence to for­sake his Bed, and retire to his own Pa­lace, where his disease continuing, he was advised to change the Air; which he did to Vincennes; but all this was not of force to prevent his death on the 9 of March following, to the great regret of the King, and all his Creatures.

[Page 90]But the following Marriages of the Duke of Orleans with the Princess of England, and the Prince of Florence with Mademoiselle d'Orleans, caused the loss of this great Minister to be al­most forgotten.

The Sieur Fouquet, too intent on the encrease of his own Fortune, was ar­rested at Nants the 5th of September, and conveyed to Vincennes, and from thence to the Bastille. He was the first cause of the erection of the Chamber of Justice, which has been so advanta­geous to those people that deal in these affairs, by the detection of the wasting of the King's Revenues, which they have applied to their own private uses, and to the great Purchases which they have made in the Kingdom.

The extraordinary profusion in the Conduct of this Minister, obliged the King to take some pains in the refor­mation of his own Estate. We may say, that hereupon he effected two won­derous things, and by which he surpri­zed the Polititians. The admirable or­der [Page 91] and Oeconomy which he esta­blish'd in his own house, and the Mili­tary Discipline in his Armies; in all which particulars he raised the Gran­deur and Dignity of the Offices, and yet made as well the high as low Of­ficers themselves exactly subject to his own Authority and Power, who all remain at present in their perfect duty and dependance. The other thing is, his having made himself so absolute a Master of all the Citadels and Fortresses of his Dominions, so that the Princes and Officers of the Crown, the Gover­nours of Provinces, and of particular places, who heretofore made them­selves of too great value and considera­tion, are now in a perfect obedience.

He suppressed the Office of Super-Intendant of the Finances, and certain *Officiers de l'E­spargue. Officers in his Exchequer, and establish'd a Council and Treasury Royal, where nothing can be proposed, nor one single Sol paid out of his Coffers, unless it hath been there first resolved and ordered. But [Page 92] that which is most admirable, is, that his Majesty does himself consider and weigh all things, as well of great, as small concern, whether far off or near, ne­cessary or superfluous. His Manufa­ctures, and Buildings at the Louvre, Tuil­leries, and other Houses Royal, have found a place in that vast Spirit, amidst the Citadels, and other important pla­ces of his Kingdom. War, and affairs of State, have not absolutely banish'd from his minde Pleasure and Magnifi­cence: But having first heard the se­rious discourses of the Mareschal de Turenne, and the Sieur Colbert, he is pleased to confer with our Illustrious Artisans, le Brun, le Nore, and all those excellent Spirits who have the very genius and perfection of their several Arts.

It seems about this time, Spain was minded to try whether his most Chri­stian Majesty's new form of Govern­ment would be maintained with force and vigour. To this purpose, the Ba­ron de Batteville past an affront on the [Page 93] Comte d'Estrade, at the entry of the Swede's Embassador Extraordinary at London. And the Spaniards being the stronger, killed some French on the 10th of October. After this, perswading the King of England that their Master had always acknowledged him, and assisted against Cromwel, they endeavoured to draw him into the quarrel of his Catho­lick Majesty. Hereupon, our King complains at Madrid, and Bruxelles, and calls home his Commissioners, who were labouring with those of Spain a­bout settling the Limits of Flanders. In fine, France came off with honour in this action; and the Marquiss de Fu­entes, Embassador extraordinary from Spain, made our King reparation, and assured him, that his Master had given order to all his Embassadors and Mini­sters, to abstain, and strive no more with those of France in all such Ceremonies and publick actions where they both happen to assist. This was performed in the presence of eight Embassadors and 22 Residents.

[Page 94]The Nativities of the Dauphin of France, and Prince of Spain, the first and ninth of November, was a new Blessing to both Nations. Oh what disputes shall these Illustrious Compe­titors hereafter manage, to maintain the Grandeur and Glory of their Prede­cessors!

The King resolving a new promotion of Knights of both his Orders, a gene­ral Chapter was held at Fontainbleau about the end of December. Here, to the admiration of all men, the Duke of Longueville demanded precedency of him of Vendôme, scïlt. the next place after the first Princes of the Blood; but in regard of those Declarations, which Henry the great granted for the Duke of Vendôme the 15th of April 1610, Registred in the Parliament of Paris the 30th of the same, the Duke of Longueville's pretensions were utter­ly defeated. The Princes of Vendôme having by their Legitimated birth, and in respect of Marriage, priority above all other Princes, and a power to suc­ceed [Page 95] to the Crown before the Dukes of Longueville; and all this is compri­sed in the said Declarations.

On the 30th of December, the Novi­ces marching before the ancient Knights, the six Ecclesiasticks were first received into the quality of Commandeurs of the Order: After them, the 66 Knights Laicks. The King began with the Princes of Bourbon and Vendôme; but his Majesty not able to comprehend the pretensions of the Comte de Soissons, and the Duke of Guise, they were not received, saying, he would have them two go together, and march with the Dukes of Mercoeur, and Beaufort, who by right of Birth, and by the Declara­tion of Henry the Great, take place af­ter the Bourbons, and ought to precede the Princes of Courtenay, and Portugal, when they are acknowledged and re­ceived into this Quality. This was adjudged authentickly, and with great and mature consideration of the Case, and executed in the presence of the most Great and August Assembly of the [Page 96] Kingdom, and in the sight of more than 100000 Witnesses, all the people that were present at this so gallant action.

Anno 1662.

The next day, being the first of Janu­ary, the grand Ceremony was continu­ed at the Augustins, the Knights wear­ing the Collers of the Orders; and the second, being apparelled in Mourning-Robes, they assist at a solemn Service for the Knights deceased; at which was a most magnificent Representation; a King at Arms placed at the Head, and four Heralds at the Corners.

And now it was that the Portugals had so well defended themselves during this first Campagne, that the Spaniards were forced to begin a new War.

On the 19th of January, the Carna­val begun with a Balet consisting of nine entries, at the Madame's; in which, to render it the more excellent, was no omission of cost, or pleasing objects. The grand Ball was danced the seventh [Page 97] of February, where the Grandeur and glory of the House of France was most lively represented, with the fifteen Alliances which she had contracted in the Imperial Family.

The Treaty with the Duke of Lo­rain, in which he released all his E­states to our King, under divers Con­ditions, reserving, however, to himself the Possession, was verified the 27th of February.

At this time the Portugals contracted a strict Alliance with England, giving their Infanta, Tangier, and other ad­vantageous Conditions to Charles the second, for his defence and assistance a­gainst the King of Spain. The Succours which they drew from thence, & France, have establish'd that Crown against all the efforts of his Catholick Majesty.

On the 27th of April, Peace, and a Renovation of the Alliance betwixt France and Holland, was concluded and signed, after a Negotiation of eighteen Moneths.

It was on the 18th of June following, [Page 98] that the famous Carrousel, or Trium­phant Combat on Horseback began. It was composed of five Squadrons or Companies. That of the King, were all apparrelled in the ancient Roman habit: That of the Duke of Orleans, represented Persians; the Prince of Condé, Turks; the Duke of Enguien, In­dians; and the Duke of Guise, the Savages. The party of the Prince of Condé gain'd the Prize, and received a Diamond from the Queen-Mothers hand.

The attempt late made at Rome, the 20th of August, on the persons of the Duke and Dutchess of Crequy, by the factions of the *The Pope's Guards. Corses and *Serjeants. Sbirres, against the Law of Nations, and the cruel and un­just persecution rais'd against the French, caused the Duke Cesarini, and the o­ther Partisans and friends of this Crown, to oblige the Embassador and his * L' Am­bassadrice, in the Origi­nal. Lady to quit the City, and retire into the Estates of Tuscany, and so return into [Page 99] France. The Church, and indeed all Europe found themselves much scanda­lized at so soul an action, much bla­ming the Fauters and adherents of this capital Crime, which made so great a noise, and in the end was determined in a Treaty.

The Marquiss Mathei, a chief Mini­ster and Plenipotentiary of his Impe­rial Majesty, was expell'd from his ser­vice, for having, unknown to him, and without his agreement, accepted the Office of Commander of his Holiness's Arms.

The Emperour and our King were at this time reconciled, by the mediation of the Marquiss de la Fuente; the Comte Fuensaldagne having laboured in that affair four years without effect. And their Majesties gave mutual testimonies of affection and sincerity, by several Letters which this Embassador exchan­ged in the moneth of September.

Great joy appeared in France and Spain, at the birth of Madame at the Louvre, the eighteenth of November. [Page 100] This Princess was *Ondoyée. Christened privately by the Cardinal Antoine, in presence of the whole Court; and the 27th of December, the publick Ceremo­ny of her Baptism was performed by his Eminence, she being named Anne-Elizabeth, by the Queen-Mother, and the Monsieur. She deceased the 30th following, and her Body was conveyed to St. Denis.

About this time a Courier arrived to inform the King of the delivery of Dun­kirk, the Fort of Mardike, and the greater and lesser Fort of Bergue, and that his Troops were entred. Present­ly upon this news, his Majesty sets out for the place, where he made his entry the second of December, and returned again the sixth, with the same diligence that at first he had taken the Voyage, accompanied with the Duke of Enguien and Duke of Beaufort; this last but lately landed from giving chase to the Pirates of Barbary.

This year was made happy in a conclusion of Marriage between the [Page 101] Duke of Savoy, and Mademoiselle de Valois.

The Ballet of the Arts, consisting of seven Entries, was danced the first time at Madame's, where was present the Prince, Eldest son to the King of Den­marke.

Anno 1663.

The Duke of Crequy's return into France, and the reduction of Benevento in the Estates Ecclesiastick, the 14th of March, into which place the Prince de la Ricca had retired, contrary to his word past to the Vice-roy of Naples, for having killed an Artisan, and de­bauched away his Wife, had much a­larmed the Court of Rome, who through a panique fear, had made seve­ral Levies, which again were disban­ded as suddainly: Which occasioned a certain Cardinal to say, *Qu'elle pos­sedoit la Sci­ence des Con­tre-temps. That they plaid at cross purposes, having raised Arms, no-body knows against who, and laid [Page 102] 'em down again, not considering where they have made Peace.

The Ceremony of the Nuptials of Mademoiselle de Valois, and the Comte de Soissons Proxie to the Duke of Sa­voy, was performed at the Louvre the fourth of March, by the Cardinal An­toine: the seventh following, the Prin­cess departed for Savoy.

About the eighth of June, Dom John, who had promised to himself the Con­quest of Portugal, was beaten in a set Battle at Evora, by the Comtes of Villa­flora, and Schomberg; recovering also at the same time, the said Town, and all the other Conquests of that Prince du­ring the last Campagne.

The Ottomans having formed a de­signe against the Empire, and being as yet in no very good condition to at­taque it, propose an Accommodation. In the mean time, the Premier-Vizier, followed by 25000 Janizaries, 30000 Spahys, and 40000 men drawn out of Asia, 15000 under the Bassa of Bosnia, 14000 under him of Silistria, 8000 [Page 103] other Janizaries, and 12000 Spahys un­der their General Ali-Bassa, 6000 un­der him of Waradin, 9000 under Mi­chel Abaffi, 12000 of Moldavia and Valachia, and 25000 who quartered neer the Grand Seignior's person at Andrinople, enters Belgrade the 18th of June, as a Conquerour; Besieges and takes Neuhasel the 27th of October; besides that the vast body of such an Army did ruine Nevutrade, Novitrade, and several other places.

This year his Majesty renewed the desires of the deceased King, and his own, for the recovery of the Comman­deries of the Order. And surely the Estates ought to be restored, after so much care and concern, which these two great Monarchs have shewed for that most lawful and just Restitution.

Marsal was invested by the Comte de Guiche, the 17th of October: this Mareschal had given order for the siege; but the King's arrival in eleven days, and the humble submission of Duke Charles, who restored the place to the [Page 104] perfect obedience of his Majesty, fill'd the Court with joy; as also the Birth of a Prince of Tuscany, the ninth of Au­gust.

The Duke of Beaufort being returned into the Mediterranean Sea, continued his usual course in performing many brave actions, and taking considerable Prizes; all which the King expected from his valour and courage.

The Conversion of the Duke of Meklebourg, occasioned the King to confer on him his Orders of Knighthood, and to do him several other publick Ho­nours, not usual to any but Soveraign Princes: He is descended of the Kings of the Vandals, and from the Herules.

The Embassadors from the Cantons of Swisserland, having been treated at Vincennes with a magnificence truly Royal, made their publick entry at Pa­ris the ninth of November, with so great a splendor, that there was found more than 1000 Coaches in their Train. The eleventh following, they had Audience of the King, who took each of them by [Page 105] the hand, and remained * Convert, but I suppose ra­ther uncover­ed. Co­vered during the Harangue of the first Embassador; to which his Majesty answered with much joy and tenderness. The Cere­mony of the Renovation of the Alli­ance was performed at Nostre-Dame, where the Cardinal Antoine approach­ing the place in which his Majesty was then seated, and having placed the Book of the Gospels before him, the King put his hand thereon with the Embassadors, while the Sieur d'Ormes­son read the Oath. After this, Te Deum was sung, and the Cannon discharged.

The Deputies of Avignon arriving to assure the King of the Fidelity and Zeal of that place, were presented by the Sieur de Lyonne, and had Audience the 24th of November, in the Grand Cabinet.

Not long after this, the Duke of En­guien espoused the Princess Palatine Anne of Bavaria. Their Majesties were pleased to grace the Marriage-feast with their presence: The Bridegroom-Duke [Page 106] Duke dined at the Princess Palatine's his Mother-in-law, who regaled the Princes and Princesses with extream ma­gnificence. At Supper, the King and Queens were entertained at a Table of sixty Dishes, and six distinct Services, all nobly furnished.

On the 14th of December, the King was pleased to declare in Parliament his pleasure to bestow the quality of Duke and Pair on fourteen persons, whom he esteemed most worthy of that Honour, as well by birth as merit; and these were, the Dukes of Vernüil, d'Estrées, de Gramont, de la Méleraye, de Maza­rin, Villeroy, Mortemar, Crequy, Saint-Aignan, Foix, Liancour, Tremes, Noail­les, and Coaslin.

The Articles of Marriage between the Emperour and the second Infanta, having been publish'd the 18th of the instant December, the Contract was signed by the Count de Pelting, Embas­sador for his Imperial Majesty.

The 27th of December, deceased at Turin Madame-Royale, much lamented [Page 107] by her people, and the Court of France.

Anno 1664.

With much displeasure did France and Italy behold the death of the Dut­chess of Savoy, which happened on the 14th of January; and not long after, that of the Arch-Duke Charles-Joseph the Emperour's Brother, to the no less sorrow of Germany and Spain.

The first Representation of the Bal­let of Loves Disguize, was performed the 13th of February, by a most delight­some contest between Pallas attended by the Virtues and Arts, and Venus by the Graces and Pleasures: to accommo­date the dispute, Mercury directs them to the King, whose Arbitration they al­so desire, and submit to. Here the Scenes were so many and compleat, the fourteen Entries so splendid, the Habits so extream rich, the Speeches and Poe­try so charming, the Dancers so grace­ful and exact, that in effect this grand [Page 108] Divertisement became most admira­ble.

And now our Troops appearing on their march in Modena, and Parma, the Marquiss Mathei findes himself obliged to visit that Frontier, and renew his Orders to his reformed Officers of those Forces which he had lately raised. This also gave occasion to revive the Con­ferences at Pisa, between the Sieur de Bourlemont Plenipotentiary for the King, and the Sieur Rasponi on the part of his Holiness, which at last were happily ended by the Treaty of Peace concluded the 12th of February, where his Majesty, the Dukes of Parma, Mo­dena, Cesarini, and the other Partisans and Friends of France, received all sa­tisfaction: It contained, among other things, that the Corses were declared incapable to serve for the future in Rome, and the Estates Ecclesiastick: And that a Pyramide should be erected directly opposite to their Corps-de-Garde, with an Inscription containing the Decree against 'em. This War first [Page 109] made known to the Court of France the persons of the Cardinals d'Este, Maldachini, and Imperiale.

The third of March, the Duke of Beaufort parted from Toulon with seven Vessels, to give chace to the Pirates of Barbary, who he had always defeated, and made Prize of, in many Encoun­ters.

The Peace of Italy obliged his Ho­liness to assist the Emperour with 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot: And it was or­dered at Ratisbone, that they march with diligence, in regard the Ottomans were incredible for number.

The 7th of May, the King celebrates a great Feast at Versaille, which lasted three days, under the Title of the Plea­sures of the Inchanted Island. It be­gan with running at the Ring; and here the Marquiss de la Valliere received the Prize. The second day was represen­ted a French Comedy, intermingled with Musick, Poetry, and Entries of a Ballet: and the third a Ballet upon the Water, and artificial Fireworks.

[Page 110]The Cardinal Chisi during this Le­gation in France, made choice of the Sieur Visconti, Auditor of the Rota, for his Datary: the Sieur Bucinocorsi, Clerk of the Chamber, for his Major-domo: the Sieur Roberti, for his Secretary; and for his Protonotary, the Sieur Colonna son to the Prince de Carbognano. He was received the 12th of May at Mar­seilles, with extraordinary magnificence; the like through all the Kingdom, till he arrived incognito at Fountainbleau, where he was received by the King at the entrance into the Queen-Mothers Cabinet des Bains. Afterwards he made his publick entry at Fountain­bleau the 18th of July, and at Paris the ninth of August: and returned to Rome with the same Pomp and magnificence that at first he arrived in France.

Germany was at this time much A­larmed at the raising the siege of Ca­nise, and at the loss of the Fort of Se­rin. The Primier Vizier had defeated the whole force of the Emperour's Army; and had it not been for the assi­stance [Page 111] of the French Forces there, commanded by the Comte de Coligny, the Consternation of that action had been extream. The Comte de la Fueillade signalized his valour on this occasion, who arriving the 15th of August, de­feated more than 10000 Turks on the Raab, where they lost 150 Colours, and sixteen pieces of Cannon, which were planted on the other side of the River; and all this notwithstanding the Gross of their Army was not far distant. This great success obliged the Turkish General to march towards Gran, there to joyn 20000 men, and thereby put himself in a condition to repair his said loss and shame, and also more effectually to secure that place, and Newhausel. He call'd back also those Troops which had already past the Vaag, to wast the Countries of Mo­ravia, and Silesia, in order to his de­signe of extending his Conquests to the very Walls of Vienna, and into the Hereditary Countries of the Emperour. But this Rout obliged a Truce between [Page 112] the two Empires, and the Enemy to decamp the 29th of September.

The Enterprize of Gigeri did not a little contribute to effect this; so also his Majesties designe to render Africa and her Kings free and Christian, and to establish in that part of the World Commerce, and the Law of Nations. This had been truly a most Heroick action, and to the great profit of the whole World. It had had no doubt a favourable success, had the generous resolution of the Admiral Duke of Beaufort been followed. For the vi­ctorious are always obliged to fight and conquer; and they never take root in a strange Country, otherwise than by continual Combats and Battles, which make 'em fear'd, and casts the people into so great a consternation, that in fine they are glad to submit to the dis­cretion of their Conquerours.

The Duke d'Ossonne continuing the War in Portugal with no better success than Dom John, the Spaniards strive now to raise a more puissant Force than [Page 113] ever, under the command of the Mar­quiss de Caracene.

About this time the English offered several acts of Hostility to the Hollan­ders, and prepare for a War. The Par­liament raise two Millions and a half of pounds sterling to manage it; they do much damage on the Coast of Gui­ny, and New-Holland; and their Fleet which scour'd the Seas, had order to see that no English were aboard any Dutch Vessel; and if they found any, or if they refuse to be search'd, to fight 'em.

The 16th of November, the Queen was delivered of the Princess Mary-Anne of France, who deceased the 26th of December.

This year the Venetians were at rest, le Marquiss Ville having visited all the places of that State, and left 'em in good order.

The Chevalier d'Hoquincourt with onely one Ship fought gloriously against 33 Turkish Gallies, sunk five, and much indamaged the rest.

[Page 114]The King desirous that Justice should be done in the most remote Provinces of his Kingdom, establish'd a Chamber of Justice in Auvergne, where the Presi­dent de Novion did well answer the choice which his Majesty had made of so learned a person to preside there on Grand days.

Anno 1665.

The Ballet of the Birth of Venus was now danced: It was the Invention of the Dutchess of Orleans, to whose con­duct his Majesty had remitted the ma­nage of this affair. It consisted of two parts, both beginning with excellent Dialogues and Speeches. The first by Neptune and Thetis, and the second by the Graces. It contained also twelve Majestick Entries; all which was aug­mented with a Masquerade of ten En­tries.

The Spanish Army now consisting of 10000 Horse and 20000 Foot, that King refuses the Mediation of the King [Page 115] of England, as to a Peace with Portu­gal; supposing the War with Holland would sufficiently employ that Prince, and prevent his assisting the said King­dom.

In the mean time, the States of Hol­land license all private persons to e­quip out what Vessels they can to cruze about, and do what mischief they can to the English, whose Regiments they also casheered, hoping thereby to repair the damage they sustain by the rup­ture of Trade.

The Admiralties on both sides strive who shall equip the most potent Navy, and prepare for a vigorous defence: The English having made Prize of 160 of their Vessels. But that which sur­prized the whole World, was, that not­withstanding this, they joyn'd their force against those of Alger.

The Bishop of Munster's taking Arms, and the Intelligence he had with many Princes of Germany, obliged the E­states of Westphalia to assemble, and the Hollanders to stand upon their [Page 116] guard. They also desire the Hanse-Towns at the same time not to furnish themselves with any English Merchan­dise; in like manner as his Majesty of Great Britain had obliged them not to receive any out of Holland. And the better to defend themselves, they ob­lige Valdee and the Brunswic Troops to secure their Frontiers.

About this time, the House of Austria laboured unsuccessfully to match one of their Princesses to the Duke of Savoy, thereby to draw him off from our Al­liance; on which condition they offer­ed to joyn Alexandrin to his Estates, and several other advantages; which the Bishop of Laon did not approve: He therefore demonstrated to this Prince, that solid Goods are of far grea­ter consideration than empty appear­ances; and that his Marriage with Made­moiselle de Nemours would settle his Estate and House, which indeed ought never to be separated from the Interests of France. He had before this taken much pains to conclude a three and [Page 117] twentieth Alliance between the Hou­ses of Savoy and France, of the Duke of Nemours and Mademoiselle de Lon­gueville. This Prince did what he could to dis-engage himself, and procu­red the said illustrious Prelate to be In­stall'd Arch-Bishop of Reims.

And now it was that the King sent into England the Duke of Verneüil, to endeavour a Reconciliation between his two neighbour-Nations, and pre­vent a cruel War. But they met the 13th of June; and Victory seemed doubtful for a while, till at last she de­clared in favour of the Duke of York; the Hollanders loosing their Admiral Opdam, and 17 ships.

At the same time the King Solemni­zed a great Feast at Versaille. After which, his Majesty did proscecute with much assiduity a former designe, to u­nite the two Seas by the Rivers of Guyenne and Languedoc.

The Battle of Villa-viciosa this year, did much abate the Ambition of the Spaniards, and no less raise the Courage of the Portugals.

[Page 118]The Treaty of the King of England with the Bishop of Munster astonish'd the Hollanders; and the Troops sent to their succours, engaged us in a War with that Crown.

The Duke of Beaufort took and car­ried off the ships in the Port of Bougie, in spite of all resistance, from their Arms, Fire, or the Artillery of five Forts that commanded the place. He burnt the Admiral of Alger, and two other Vessels, in the very mouth of the Harbour. Those of Alger sent out twenty ships to expel him out of their Road, he having onely four, two of which they perceived this Prince had taken from them. They were glad to use the advantage of the Night to fight him in: but they were reduced to the utmost Consternation, when they per­ceived they got nothing but blows. In fine, they were so terrified, that they call'd back their Fleet again into their own Port. The 24th of August, under Sarcelle, he encountered five Vessels of Alger; and the order which he gave [Page 119] for their destruction was so admirable, that in three hours he became Master of three; with the other two he continued fighting, when the Powder-room ta­king fire, the Report was heard ashore; and of this accident the Pirates made use, to fire the Saint Loüisa.

By this time the Hollanders had re­cruited, and were got to the mouth of the Thames, where they waited the mo­tion of the English Navy.

On the 17th of September arrived the last hour of Philip the 4th of Spain, whose decease was followed not long after by that of the Duke of Vandosme the 22 of October. Their Majesties and all the Court did attest their Sorrows to the Dutchess his Widow, and to the Duke of Mercoeur. To that end, the King sent the Duke de Saint Agnan, apparell'd in a Mourning-Robe born up by two Gentlemen, the Corner'd Cap, and the Coller of the Order: the Ceremony was conducted by the King at Arms, and a Herald; who having presented him with the Holy-Water, [Page 120] he cast it three times on the Sepulchre of the deceased Prince, while his Ma­jesty's Musick sing the De Profundis. The Comte de Sery performed the same Office on the part of Monseigneur the Dauphin; and the Comte du Plessis-Pras­lin, and the Marquiss de Pluvaut, for the Dukes of Orleans and Valois: which ended the Ceremony.

The first of December, the Mares­chals du Plessis, d'Aumont, and de la Fer­té-Seneterre, and the Marquiss de Mon­tausier, were received into the quality of Dukes and Pairs of France.

Anno 1666.

The decease of the Queen-Mother, which arrived the 20th of January, was most sensibly resented by their Ma­jesties and the whole Court. Not long after insued a Rupture between France and England, in pursuance of the League Defensive made by the Crown of France with the Hollanders, in the year 1662. And now his Majesty by [Page 121] his Declaration, publish'd his Intentions to relieve 'em, and joyn his Forces with theirs against the English, as well by Sea as Land.

The Queen of Portugal, who had hitherto with so much glory and gene­rosity supported that Crown, deceased the 27th of February; at whose death the Court of Spain took no small ad­vantage, by their many Intrigues and Cabals which they rais'd afresh in that Kingdom.

The Bishop of Munster, who had so far terrified the Hollanders, as to occa­sion them to invoke the aid of France for their defence, about this time hap­pily concluded a Peace: this occasio­ned the return of our Troops. Those of Holland have now, therefore, no more to do, than to prosecute their Ma­rine affairs, and minde their Wars with England.

The 29th of May, the Duke of Beau­fort parted from Toulon with his Ma­jestie's Fleet, on designe directly to meet a Squadron of the English, [Page 122] and fight 'em in assistance of the Hol­landers; and this they happily per­formed, at the same time when our Troops by Land defended them from the Insults of the Bishop of Munster.

Notwithstanding all the endeavours and Menaces of the Porte, the Vene­tians, and the Marquiss Ville, appeared this year the aggressors of a War, by Sea and by Land, in Dalmatia, and in the Isle of Candy, having besieged New-Candy, and almost blockt up Canea.

The Families of Vandosme and d'E­strée received extraordinary joy at the Birth of a Prince of Savoy; they ha­ving been at no small labour, and great expences, to prefer the Princesses of Ne­mours, and particularly the Queen of Portugal, the ornament and support of that Crown. The assistance of France, and conduct of the Bishop of Laon in this affair, hath defeated the Spanish designes in his intended Conquest of those Dominions, which have now by this important Alliance taken fast root, and re-establish'd that ancient King­dom.

[Page 123]The Fleets of England and Holland being joyn'd the 11th of June, there followed a terrible Battle, and so reso­lute, that it continued till the 14th; at which time the English Ships retiring into the Thames, and soon recruiting with fresh men, they put out to Sea again, and another great fight began the fourth of August, which concluded to the equal prejudice of both parties. Several of the English pursuing their Enemies into the Vlie, fired there a great number of Merchants-ships. They had yet another Battle neer Calais, where the English having the Wind, and the Tempest being great, they run their Enemies on the adverse Shore.

In the mean time, the Duke of Beau­fort having taken in the Squadron which had conducted the Queen to Por­tugal, sail'd with intentions to joyn the Hollanders at Calais; but understan­ding they were retired, for fear to be alone exposed to the Enemy, he gained Brest in sight of the English Fleet, they not able to prevent it; though in this [Page 124] passage some of his ships being separa­ted from the rest by a violent Tempest, the Triumph, the Mazarin, and the Ruby fell among the English, where valiantly fighting, they were much torn and shat­tered, and forc'd to retire into Havre, ex­cept the Ruby, who was so far engaged, that her Captain la Roche grapled with the Admiral of England, intending to pe­rish together, & in fine obtained quarter.

After the Alliance concluded, the 25th of October, between the Hollan­ders and the King of Denmark, the E­lector of Brandenburg, and the Princes of Brunswick, certain Propositions of Accommodation were set afoot; His Majesty of Great Britain protesting not to have made any act of Hostility a­gainst that Republick, complain'd that they had taken 200 Vessels before ever the War broke out. And in order to assure Navigation, to re-establish Com­merce, and procure a Peace, the States made known to his Majesty, that it was necessary to appoint some place neu­tral, where to treat as well with them as their Allies.

[Page 125]The affair of Breme, which had so cru­elly alarmed the Hanse and Imperial Towns, was in fine determined the 25 of Nov. the Swedes contenting themselves with the submission of the Inhabitants.

The Duke of Valois was Baptized at the Palais Royal the sixth of December, and held over the Font for the King of England, by the Duke of Enguien, who named him Philip-Charles; and by Mademoiselle for the Queen. He de­ceased the eighth ensuing.

Anno 1667.

The Queens happy delivery of a Princess, on the second of January, was a joyful Newyears-gift to all France; and welcomed with the Ballet of the Muses, adorn'd with many Entries, and Dialogues. This served for a pleasing Divertisement all the Carnival; appea­ring always different, by reason of con­tinual new Embelishments and Scenes.

The Grand Seigneur having now re­solved and disposed all things necessary [Page 126] for the important Siege of Candy, sends the Grand Vizier to make the necessary preparations for the siege, and to as­semble in the Isle 40000 men, and 15000 Pioneers; he held it in a man­ner invested round with Batteries and Attaques, in which he wrought from December, to the 27th of June, at which time it was besieged with great vigour and resolution, and extraordinarily well defended by the Marquiss Ville, and those Troops and Succours which the Venetians had sent him.

On the seventh of February, the Pope made a promotion of four Cardinals, the Duke of Vandôme, the Arch-Bi­shop of Saltsburg, the Duke of Mon­strate, and the Sieur Delphino; and names Roberti Spinola, Visconti, and Caraccioli, who were reserved in petto, since last year.

The several Musters of the King's Troops, and in particular, that of Oüil­les, the Feasts and Triumphs at Ver­sailles, and those noble Diver­tisements of running in *Courses de Quadrilles. Squa­drons, [Page 127] and such other delights, surpri­zed the Spaniards, and their Embassa­dor, who became perswaded we past a whole Campagne thus.

And now the War between England, France, and Holland, growing towards an end, Breda is chosen for the place of Treaty; at which place the several De­puties meeting, conclude a Peace the 31 of July.

On the 20th of April, the King went personally to the Palace, to cause there to be verified his new Ordinance, by which he reforms and regulates Judicial proceedings.

On the tenth of May deceased the Queen of Poland; and on the 22, Pope Alexander the 7th, to whom succeeded Clement the 9th; both which have su­stained the Grandeur and Glory of the Church with much Majesty.

The Marriage of the Duke of Guise with Mademoiselle d'Alençon, was ce­lebrated the 15th of May. The next day, the Court departed to put the Queen in possession of her Rights late [Page 128] fallen to her in the Low-Countries: the reasons of which are publick, & in Print. The march of our Armies gave the A­larm to Flanders and Holland; and ob­liged the Marquiss de Castel-Rodrigo to demolish several places that wanted suf­ficient Forces to defend 'em. We be­gun at Armentiers; and his Majesty ha­ving past as far as Charles-Roy, caused the Fortifications to be repaired.

After this, he forces Tournay to sur­render the 24th of June, and Doüay the sixth of July. On Dunkirk-side, the Mareschal D'Aumont with another Ar­my takes Bergue and Furne, and invests L'isle, where the Siege was carried on with much vigour, his Majesty being always in action, and going the Rounds continually. This Town was taken after a Siege of seventeen daies, and nine from the first opening the Trenches. The Comte de Broüay, who demanded four daies, was much surprised to finde the King answer with a denial, and within three hours after force the place to surrender.

[Page 129]This proposition from that Gover­nour obliged our Monarch to lie that night at Arlebec. He ordered the Comte of Lislebonne to march with the Lorain Forces, and joyn the Marquiss de Cre­quy, and Bellefonds, and then to meet the Enemy; which they did so happily as to defeat the Prince de Ligne, and the Comte de Marcin; which staggered all Flanders. His Majesty was ready to assist, and remained about a quarter of a League from Gand, sleeping in his Coach that night at the head of the Bridge over the River of Bruges, to back and assist his Army in case of oc­casion.

The Town and Citadel of Courtray was also taken, with Oudenarde and Alost; which being retaken by the E­nemy, was soon after recovered again by the Mareschal de Camp General, and demolish'd.

The Empress being delivered of an Arch-Duke, their Majesties sent the Marquiss de Guitry to congratulate the Court of Vienna, who notwithstan­ding [Page 130] enjoy'd not long that happiness.

The Estates and People of Portugal about this time forced their King to re­nounce the Government, which they conferred on D. Pedro his Brother; al­so Commissaries are appointed to exa­mine the complaints of the Queen, as to a Nullity of Marriage.

The Divertisements of Shrovetide began with a Masquerade, call'd the Car­naval, consisting onely of seven Entries. The first overture was performed by a Speech; but the Dialogue between Carnaval and Gallantry, with an admi­rable Consort of Musick, gave wonder­ful satisfaction to the Spectators.

Anno 1668.

On the 21th of January, Madame was Baptized at the Tuilleries, and na­med by the Dutchess Dowager of Or­leans and the Duke of Enguien, Maria-Theresa.

The same day was the Cardinal Duke of Vandôme conducted to have Au­dience [Page 131] from their Majesties, by the Sieur de Saintot Master of the Cere­monies, with a very great Train. The King having desired the Pope to be Godfather to Monseigneur the Dauphin, the news appeared most agreable to his Holiness, who therefore prefer'd this Il­lustrious Cardinal to those of his own Bloud, and Princes extreamly dear to him; conferring on him to that pur­pose, with much joy, his Power and Authority, and that of the Holy Seat; which in truth he managed and sustai­ned with great Honour; giving the King to understand that it belonged to his Holiness, represented in his person, to Name the Prince Dauphin; and to the Bishops of France to pay to the Ho­ly Seat, and to his dignity, all due re­spects and submissions. In fine, the Dauphin was named Lewis, and the Ceremony performed at St. Germains the 24th of March. The Baptismal Honours were carried by the Bourbons, and the Duke of Vandôme bore up the Train of the Prince's Mantle-Royal, [Page 132] taking place immediately after the Prin­ces of the Bloud.

The Dispensation which Monsieur the Legat granted for a second Marriage of the Queen of Portugal with that Prince, was an extraordinary piece of State, and good Fortune. France and that Crown have as much cause to praise the Conduct of that action, as the Council of Spain just occasion to ap­pear troubled, who under colour of gi­ving to that Prince a Daughter of the House of Austria, would by that means, very subtilly, have made themselves Masters of that Kingdom.

The Duke of Beaufort, and the Che­valier de Vandôme in the thirteenth year of his age, embarqued themselves with intentions to make a descent into Spain; but the ensuing Peace, and a violent Tempest concurring, put a stop to the designes of our great Admiral; who notwithstanding could not but ad­mire the assurance and courage of this young Prince.

At the same time, the Hollanders ap­prehending [Page 133] some fears from the pro­gress of the King's Arms into their neighbourhood, and forgetting all the benefits they have received from France, endeavour with too much heat and precipitation a League Defensive with all the Potentates of Europe.

The King's Voyage into the Franche-Comte, and Conquest of that Province during the Carnaval, was a great a­ction, and the most glorious Enter­prize that any Prince could possibly perform in less than 15 days.

The bare name and reputation of the Arms of this Monarch, forced Spain, formerly resolved never to acknow­ledge the King of Portugal, to conclude a Peace with him, and renounce the name and Arms of that Crown, the 25 of February.

The meeting for Peace between the two Crowns of France and Spain be­ing appointed at Aix-la-Chapelle, the Treaty was concluded and signed the second of April, though with a sensi­ble regret from the French Army and [Page 134] Nation, who desired nothing more, than a continuance of War with the Spa­niards. But it was at the request of Clement the 9th, that the King did yield to a suspention of Arms during the moneth of April and May, in which he did more consider the good of Chri­stianity, than the Grandeur and Glory of his own person and Estates. By this Treaty his Majesty kept his Conquests of the year past, leaving to Spain that of the Franche Comte. This great Mo­narch, herein, sacrifizing one of the bra­vest Conquests that ever shall be, to the repose of his Subjects; and this it was which he procured them in all his Rencounters.

The Alliances which soon after were concluded between the Dukes Maxi­milian of Bavaria Brother to the Ele­ctor, and Mademoiselle de Boüillon, and John Frederic de Brunswic-Lunebourg Married to the Princess Benedicta Pala­tine de Bavaria, were of no small glory to France and Germany.

The Estates of Portugal now press [Page 135] Dom Pedro to receive the Title of King on the Abdication of his Brother Al­phonso; but not able to perswade him to that, they extend his power equal to that of Royalty, and in such condition he treats with all the Potentates of the World.

The King seeking all occasions to oblige his Holiness and the Holy Sea, makes it his own request to demolish the Piramide heretofore erected against the Corses, by the Treaty of Pisa.

The Marquiss de Crequy, de Bellesons, and d'Humieres, were created Mares­chals of France. And on the 19th of July was performed an extraordinary magnificence at Versailles.

Great Honour was acquired by the Marquiss Ville in the defence of Candy, the Marquiss de Saint André-Montbrun sharing with him the Glory of that Action. These two gallant men have so signalized their valour in this Re­nowned Expedition, that they have rendred their names Immortal.

The Nativity of the Duke of Anjou [Page 136] on the 5th of August, occasioned much joy to the Court of France.

The ill Intelligence between the Queen of Spain and Dom John, begun soon after the Peace; the occasion, that Prince's refusal to pass into Flan­ders, he resolving to stay at Court as an obstacle to the Fortunes of Father Nitard.

The King judging the Letter circu­lary of the four Bishops, sent about to all the others to unite them in resisting the Execution of the Pope's Breve which had named several Prelates to proceed against those four, to be an ir­regular action; did, by his Arrest in Council, and by the interposition of the Bishop Duke of Laon, calm and asswage the greatest Storm which the Church of France had perhaps ever seen, rais'd through the Vertues and Merits of some rare Spirits, who with so much heat and obstinacy did oppose the Book of Jansenius; from which ap­proaching troubles this Illustrious Pre­late found the way to dis-engage them, [Page 137] with that sweetness and prudence wherewith he managed all things, im­printing in their Hearts, at the same time, profound Sentiments of respect and submission for the Holy Sea.

By vertue of the Emperour's Mandate brought by the Marquiss de Bade, the Electour Palatine, on the 14th of De­cember, caused to be publish'd a Suspen­tion of Arms, and Cessation of acts, of Hostility between him and the Duke of Lorain.

Anno 1669.

The Portugals were overjoy'd at the Birth of the Infanta of Portugal, which arrived the sixth of January. This Princess was named by the Embassa­dor of France, after her Majesty, Eli­zabeth-Maria Loüisa.

The Empress also was delivered of a Daughter the 18th following.

About the end of this moneth, the Elector Palatine, and the Duke of Lo­rain, were obliged to disband their [Page 138] Forces, to which his Majestie's Arms under the command of the Mareschal de Crequy had compell'd 'em.

And now it was that his Holiness in­vited all Christian Princes to succour Candy, and to which he applied his ut­most, as also to pacifie the Kingdom of Poland. He sent also a Breve to Lisbon in confirmation of that Queens Mar­riage to Dom Pedro.

About this time, the Council of Spain resolved, and took some pains to raise a Regiment of Guards, to be always neer the person of his Catholick Ma­jesty. This Novelty was nothing plea­sing to the Nobless and people; it was also one pretence of the discontent of Dom John.

This Shrovetide was presented the Ballet of Flora, composed of fifteen Majestick Entries. Winter made the Overture with a handsome Speech; the Sun, who expell'd him, chang'd the face of the Theater into a smiling Campagne. This Glorious Planet accompanied with the Elements made the first Entry. All [Page 139] the other parts were correspondent to this magnifique Spectacle; where the beauty of the Machines, the richness of the Habits, and the Charms of the La­dies did not a little contribute to ren­der this Piece into the number of the most glorious.

On the first of February, the Mini­sters of the Empire, Spain, England, Swede, and the States, concluded at the Hague the Treaty of triple Alli­ance; the Swedes being to receive of his Catholick Majesty nine hundred thousand Livres.

In the beginning of the Spring, the Duke of Beaufort, and the Chevalier de Vandôme departed for Toulon, there to hasten the Succours designed for Can­dy.

The Duke of Anjou was Baptized the fourth of March, and named Phi­lip, by the Duke of Orleans and Ma­dame, representing the Emperour and Queen of Spain.

The Admiral Duke of Beaufort re­ceived from the Pope a Breve, decla­ring [Page 140] him General of the Troops Ec­clesiastick, going for Candy, to com­mand in the absence of Dom Vincenzo Rospigliosi. His Holiness having sent him the Standard of the Holy Sea.

The King of Portugal demanding to go into the Isle of Terceres, he was con­voy'd thither in the beginning of May, by the Comte de Prado.

Dom John, about this time, made no unhappy Agreement. He quitted Spain to Father Nitard, reserving to himself the Title of perpetual Governour of the Low-Countries, with the Vice-Roy­alty and Vicariat-General of Arragon, Valancia, and Catalonia; with power to provide to all Offices and Benefices in the said places.

Prince Charles of Lorain, and the Duke of Newbourg, remain now the onely pretenders to the Crown of Po­land. Their Partisans take Arms, and urge that affair to so great an extremi­ty, that they open the Eyes of the Po­lonois; and the Prince Wiesnowiski be­ing proposed to their election, he was [Page 141] universally received: and thus he hap­pily ascended the Throne of his own Nation, and of his Fathers, the 19th of June.

Our Army having past from Toulon to Candy in fourteen daies, that place being now extreamly prest, and a fair occasion to charge the Enemy presen­ting it self, Monsieur de Navailles sal­lied with the Army. The Duke of Beaufort would assist with his own per­sonal valour and courage in so brave an Enterprize. The Chevalier de Vandôme shewed there his great Heart and reso­lution, and that he was an accomplisht Souldier and Captain. The Admiral having landed eighteen hundred men from Shipboard, beat the Turks out of their Trenches; and no doubt we had raised the Siege, had not a panique fear frighted our men from so promising a Victory. The Chevalier call'd to several Officers by their Names; but ineffectually. Fortune, with much happiness, and some difficulty, brought off this young Mars from the Embar­ras [Page 142] of this sad Retreat. But the Duke of Beaufort remain'd in the Field of Battle, which he had won, and which indeed he could never be made to a­bandon, being there either slain or ta­ken by the Ottomans.

Those many great Services which the Cardinal Duke of Vandôme had rendered to the King and State, con­cluded with the pains he took to ad­vance the Succours for Candy. His Death arrived the sixth of August; a loss for which the Courts of Rome, and France and all Provence were not easily comforted.

The Dutchess of Vondôme, who had been a perfect Example and Model of Vertue and Piety, and the Queen of England youngest Daughter of Hen­ry the great, deceased the 8th, and the 10th of September.

And now it was that the Prince of Tuscany finish'd his Voyage of Europe, in France; avowing that he had not seen a fairer Country than France, nor a more admirable Heros than her King.

[Page 143]To conclude the Events of this year, King Cazimir, after he had seen another King Elected into his place, quitted Poland, and arrived in France, where he was most splendidly regaled at Chantilly by Monsieur the Prince, and Monsieur the Duke.