From Naples .

I Begin with Naples , because as neere as I can I will come orderly forward with the Prouinces as they lye , and in regard the seuerall Letters beare not one date , I haue thought good to Muster the Newes , which belongs to the same place , as it were into one Armie , and so you shall receiue the occurrences all together .

From hence they write , that the Catholicke Maiestie vnderstanding of the pacification of the troubles in this Kingdome , and accustomed to performe all the duties of a noble Prince in gratifying , or at least recompencing the seruices of his worthy Captaines , Gouernours , and Souldiers , hath granted an annuall pension of sixty thousand crownes to Aadiuta de Cista Duke of Brattana , and a present disbursement of a 100000. crownes , both for money laid out for the prouision of corne in the time of famine , and disbursed to souldiers in the tumults of that Common-wealth .

Secondly , that there are certaine directions for the leuying of two thousand men at his Maiesties charge of Spaine to passe into the Valtoline .

Thirdly , that diuers souldiers were leuyed about Otronto and Brindisi in Apulta , but the Venetians would not let them passe ouer the gulph to land either in Dalmatia or Histria .

Fourthly , that the Popes Nuntio arriuing in Spaine aduercised the Conclaue of his welcome and entertainment , writing withall , that the Catholicke King had declared himselfe concerning the Valtolina , and indeed the whole countrey of the Grizons , that what he had gotten he would defend and keepe to the vttermost of his power , as minding to incorporate it to the Dutchy of Milcaine , and what was to be got he challenged , as formerly forfeited to the Duke de Osanne ; to whom the whole countrey was morgaged for 200000 crownes lent vnto them , when they first enterprised the warre against those of the religion .

Fifthly , and last of all , that the noble men of Naples are more strictly lookt vnto for going at their pleasure into the countrey , or maintaining greater guards and attendants , then the Viceroy hath limited them .

From Rome .

The Letters of Rome haue likewise seuerall dates , but after the ouerlooking , affoord vs thus much .

First , that the Pope hath created foure Cardinals , two of Spaine , one of Italie , and one of Poland , who hath commission to determine the controuersies betweene the Iesuites and the Nobilitie .

2 That the Dutchesse of Peteliano is deceased , being the Popes Neece .

3 That there is a Nuntio sent to the Emperour for the release and deliuery of the Cardinall of Steall taken at Peang and now prisoner in the Aponte , the agreement is , that the Emperor is contented with the Popes mediation , and his Holinesse will examine the cause , and so punish him , if he haue beene a delinquent in the matter accused of against his Imperiall Maiestie .

4 That there are certaine letters writ from Naples vnto his Holinesse , about the dangerous sickenesse of the Dutchesse of Montelione , who is very importunate for the prayers of the Church and the Popes blessing .

5 That by reason of the want of corne in Naples , there was a great imposition on all the Popes territories , and they that could not spare their graine , were contented to disburse their money : so that at last Arnigo Antonio Captaine of the foote did conuey much corne to Abruzza , for the releefe of that Cittie , and countrey .

6 That the solemnitie of the Exequies of the Duke of Parma were celebrated , and the Cardinall Pernese sent thither to remaine with the widow Dutchesse for the establishing of her estate ▪ who so ordered the matter , that the Nobilitie , Officers , and better sort remained in their places , but many inferiors were altered and discharged .

7 That the Bishop of Cortona in Tuscane was dead , whose reuenues was a thousand fiue hundred crownes a yeere , out of which the Pope challenged diuers arrerages , and other duties belonging to the Conclaue of Cardinals .

8 That Count Robert Sherley Embassadour for the King of Persia had particularly visited the Cardinalls , and was on the day of Saint Rouo to passe to the seuen Churches , where were shewed him the reliques and treasure ; which solemnitie finished , hee tooke his leaue and departed toward Persia .

9 That the Duke of Montileone remaining in Spaine desired to bee dismist from the Court , and that there was expected in his place Monsieur de Massimi as a new Apostolicall Nuntio .

10 That his Holinesse went in procession to the Basilica of Sancta Maria to celebrate the feast of the Ascension of the blessed Virgine , and while he remained in the Chappell , he created the Cardinall Melino with the dowry of the Chappell , and so when hee had confirmed the company of Consalone , returned home .

But the day after the festiuall of Saint Rouo great pastime was on the water , like the Regatius of Venice , with painted Boates , diuers sorts of Musicke warlike instruments , guilded Gallies , with Streamers and Penons , and , the Gentlemen well appointed .

11 Last of all , that presently followed the death of Monsieur Marcabrow , which a little rebated this iollitie .

From Venice .

Because commonly our Post lettters of Italy come from Venice , or at least those of Venice make mention of the affaires of the petty Prouinces , especially Millaine : I haue therefore thought it conuenient to put in the Items of Italian affaires into this section of Venice , and so make vp as it were one bundle in this matter .

First , that it is written from Millaine , that the Duke de Feria , Leopoldus of Austria , and the Switzers haue agreed vpon a treatie of peace , and appointed a place of meeting at Loudray , the better to accommodate the company , which must needes be very great , considering there is expectation of seuerall Embossadours from France , Venice , the Archduke Leopoldus , the the Duke of Feria , the Cantons of Switzerland , and the Grizons , who shall bee commissioned to treat of conditions betweene Millaine and them : notwithstanding the expectation of this faire weather , euery day almost hath had his interposition of clouds , & warlicke preparations : for there is nothing but killing , and intercepting of passages among the Grizons , and preparing of souldiers in Switzerland , so that they haue still an army on foote of seuen thousand , as resolued to defend their countrey against the vsurpation of strangers , whosoeuer .

Secondly , That though the Archduke Leopold bee gone himselfe to recouer his Townes in Alsatia ; yet haue his souldiers forraged the Alpes , and the Valleyes of the Grisons , as farre as Tiroll , with the taking of 500 Head of Cattell , and still and still encreaseth his Forces , as if he meant to subiugate that Countrey wholly to the vse of the Spaniard .

Thirdly , That for all this faire shew of Pacification , they write from Venice , That the Spaniard will haue no Peace , but are resolued to continue the Warre , till eyther by force they make their owne way , or by composition free the Countrey , that his Armies may passe from Millan into Germanie , without interception .

Fourthly , That whereas there was a payment of 25000 Crownes yeerely disbursed to the Valtolina , the Gouernor of Millan hath denyed the same , & stopped it in his Chamber of Accounts , by directions from Spaine ; and therefore they suppose those propositions of Peace to be in vaine , considering there is an Armie mustring in Millan .

Fifthly , That Monsieur di Sugli comming post from France with sixe Horses , and some carriages of Spaine , was surprized by the Huguenots neere vnto Molins , and all his Money and Carriages rifled , he himselfe hardly escaping ; the Countrey being euery where in an Vprore , and the people in Armes .

Sixtly , That there came from Vienna by the way of Millan , to returne into Spaine , the Count Rambuldo Collulto , and that the Master of the Campe , Giou. Tornazo Carrauich● , comming from Naples to goe to Madrid , was requested by the Duke of Feria to be ( as it were ) a Remembrancer to his Catholike Maiestie , that a new Army were sent to Millan , eyther vnder his command , or some other worthy Captaines , as his Embassadour should giue directions .

Seuenthly , That there was newly arriued from Spaine Doctor Peribelto , to goe as Commissioner into the Valtoline , well rewarded with a chayne of 1000 Crownes , and better furnished with sufficient Treasure , to defray his charges , and an annuall pension for the honor of his place .

Eightly , That the Diet , which was once appointed to bee held for the Switzers and Grisons in their owne Countrey , shall now be kept in Lindo , belonging to the French King , whither Leopoldus will come in person , and meaneth , as it should seeme , to stand vpon higher tearmes , then in former times .

Ninthly , That one of the Gentlemen of Venice , named Illustrissimo Gironimo Lando , hauing bin their Embassador , was on a Sabbath day made a Knight of Saint Marks , and admitted into the Colledge of Ten , being wel gratified with a sufficient recompence of Zecchinos .

10. That in the Church of Sancta Maria , two yong Turks were baptized , who had brought to Venice great store of Treasure , and diuers Iewels .

11. That the Letters of Bollogna assure vs , that among other prisoners , there were taken certaine vnruly persons , who had in a riotous night spoyled the Image of our Lady , and disrobed other Saints ; but after great search , they were found , and are likely to endure seuere punishment .

12. That on a Tuesday in September , in the Piazz● of S. Markes in Venice , there was a publication of the Banishment of La illustrissima Signora Bianca , sister to the illustrious Almenio Balli , for poysoning her Husband Illustrissimo Gironimo Seranço ; and whosoeuer could bring in her Head , should haue 2000 Liuers : her Goods were publikely sold , her Vecchia bandited , and a seruant of trust proscribed .

13. That in the open Market-place of S. Markes , one Antonio Strauariol did deadly wound in the head Giacomo Lauoradi , a Musician of S. Marks Church : for which hee fled , and is not yet taken .

From Vienna .

You see what Method I haue vsed , to draw the account of Europes ▪ Businesse by Items , which I am perswaded is not vnpleasing , and therefore I will continue the same : For breuities sake , and to auoide discoursing , know then , that the Letters from Vienna containe these particulars .

First , That the Emperour and Empresse are returned from the Diet of Hungarie , which was determined and ended to the applause of the Hungarians , and contentment of the Prince of Transyluania : For it was concluded , that all their Fortresses and Holds on their Confines , should be naturall Hungars , and no strangers ; and that the Emperour should presently send to the solemne Meeting at Ratisbone , where all the great Lords and Princes of Germanie haue appointed an Assembly , for the setting vpright the staggering affaires of the Commonwealth , and rectifying the disorders of the Empire .

2 That Bethlem Gabor had entertained some suspition against his Subiects , because they repined at his impositions , and had bin hurried out to vnnecessary and vnprofitable Warres , as hauing spent three yeares to no purpose . 3 That Ill Signeur Don Pietro Aldabrandino had dismissed all his foot Souldiers , but retained his Horse , with which he resolued to passe into the Valtolina against the Grizons . 4 That there was a whispering of an innouation in Transiluania , by reason Bethlem Gabors Brother had Mustred an Army of 30000. as if he meant to vsurpe some of his Prouinces from him . 5 That there is a Bashaw sent from the new Emperour Mustapha in Constantinople with 300. Horse well accompanied both to renue the League , which hath formerly kept these Princes in good order , and to affoord an accompt of the insolency of the tumultuous Ianizaries in rising against their Lord , which haue beene seuerely punished , and seeme strangely penitent , as wondring at their owne handiworke : but now all is quiet , and the Sacra Porta stands open , as in times past , yea the two young Brothers of Osman are not Imprisoned in the 7. Towers , but onely well tutored , and guarded as it becommeth such great Princes . 6 That about the 10. of September , the Empresse after her returne and Coronation in Hungary to Vienna , did solemnize a sumptuous Maske , in which her greatest Ladies were Actors , and to which the Noble Princes , Ambassadors & many Strangers were inuited . 7 That mong others , after great intercession , the Count Hollocke hath made his peace with his Imperiall Maiesty , but vpon very hard Conditions as it chanceth in all thriuing busines , where the deiected must be at the will and pleasure of the Conqueror , 8 Last of all , that the Bashawes of Buda and Belgrade , haue had an Army in readines of 40000. euer since that mischieuous attempt vpon the person of the great Turke , as suspecting some furions innouation by their owne mutinous Soldiers , or watching an opportunity to encroch further into Hungary , but of of that there is little feare , because there wanteth a sufficiet Maiesty to Commaund and controule them .

From Prague .

They write from hence . 1 That those of Clerenbergh came to Composition with his Imperiall Maiesties Army , and had promise to depart like Souldiers with their Amour and prouision , but they were no sooner out of their Trenches and fastnes , but they were taken and carried Prisoners to Prague , both the Captaine and the Company , contrary to the faith proposed , and the conditions of their Promise . 2 That the Emperours Soldiers returning from Hungary , Morauia , and Silesia , were so tatter'd , torne , and in a manner out of countenance , when they came to ciuill places , that hee was compelled to take order for their new Arming and apparelling , disbursing great summes amongst them for their further satisfaction . 3 That the Emperour had new preferred Il Signeur Sluuato to the Gouernment of Morauia , who presently aduertised his Maiesty of the resolution of Glatz , which was , to holde it out to see the vttermost , though no succour came to them at all . 4 That hither came certaine Letters out of Poland , whose originals belike were sent to his Imperiall Maiesty , containing thus much ; that by the wisedome of the Bashaw of Aleppo , a man of great yeares and greater wealth , now the principall Viceer , the Gouernment of the Turkish Empire was cast as it were in a new molde : For hauing wisely setled a generall Peace with forraigne Princes , and iudiciously confirmed the gouernment of the seuerall Bashawes , he by little and little got the vpperhand of the Ianizaries , and did so tractate with the Chawse and Spahies that in one place or other hee put 2000. Ianizaries to Death : For after he had pollitickly proclaimed them all Trators , that were consenting to the Death of Osman , and as pollitickly promised great rewards to the discouerers of these mutinous Souldiers , many were detected , and as many Executed : yea such was the mischiefe , that euen powred downe a tempest of destruction vpon their heads , that their very Wiues ( a custome newly begun amongst them to marry ) did detect them to the Magistrate , wherein sure the Iudgement of God was seene to punish such audacious impiety in any one , that durst boast they had layde violent hands on a Prince . 5 That there is newly come from Tabor 6. pieces of Ordnance , and 200. Souldiers : from Morauia 800. from Silesia 800. from Saxony 1000. with 12. pieces of Cannon more , who are presently to bee sent to the siedge and battery of Glatz , which is now the onely Towne of same , that holdeth out against this Imperiall Maiesty . 6 That in the Towne of Glatz is the Count de Thorne , and in the Fieldes abroad the Marquise Ieggensdorp , and the olde Count Thorne , who keepes as it were a running Army , whereupon the Father vnderstanding what danger his Sonne must needes bee in , if the Emperour proceeded so violently against the Towne , caused 2000. Foot and 500. Horse of Crabuts to bee put into the same , for the better defending the place , and opposing their Enemies .

7 That the said Forces as they were Marching , encountred with many of the Emperours Souldiers , who were comming to the Siedge , and not onely defeated them , but rifled their Carriages , which when the young Count Thorne vnderstood , hee presently made a Salley with 200. Horse and 1500. Foote onely , wherein hee so preuailed , that that Quarter of the Emperours Army was dispersed , and the Cannon clogged , and so they returned with some booty and a great deale of honour .

From the Palatinate .

These Letters come from Franckfort and certifie thus much , that the rumour after the taking of Heidelburgh of putting all to the Sword , is not true : For the 300. English and Scots , that were in the Towne had safe conduct to passe to Franckfort , where my Lord of Belfast was , and so by his directions either to goe into England , or disperce themselues , as they could to other places , onely they might not returne to Mainhem , nor Franckendale , for feare of further trouble or resistance , if these places were so supplyed : That since the taking of Heidelburgh , Leopoldus and Tilley haue by a Counsell of Warre , resolued to make an end of the troubles in this Prouince , by surprising or enforcing the rest of the Townes , yet for a time they desisted from the siedge of Franckendale , and set themselues downe before Mainhem , as casting vp this account , that if they could any way preuaile heere , the lesser would be more easily obtained either by surrender , or composition : When they were thus resolued , they marched forward with 12000. foot and 500. horse , which when General Vere vnderstood , & saw plainly that mischiefes now followed one another , as the waues of the Sea , seeing hee had endured so much to his eternall fame and memory , he would sure put vp the rest in the account of his Honour , and beare all with patience whatsoeuer might chance : whereupon he sends for two Companies from Frankendale , to adde some little strength to the businesse , which made vp 8. Companies of English , besides 4000. Dutch and other Strangers , with whom hee is determined to preserue the place to the last man , as long as any prouision or supply will last , vnlesse he shal receiue further directions to the contrary form England . But before Mainhem was thus affrighted , Leopoldus and Tilly put in stronger Garisons into Wormes and Spiers , for feare of new reuolts and hurliburlies : for they saw plainly , that the people bare a great good will to the Palatine , and would with all conueniency attend the restitution , and returne of their first Lord .

Bauaria on the other side was not so confident of his security , but that he fortified his owne Townes , putting certaine Cannons into Mriken , which he had taken from Amberg , and were once the Switzers , called the man and the woman , being Peeces of principall account : but when hee had salued this sore of the diffidence of his owne Countrey and people , hee sent the rest of his forces to Tilly and Leopoldus , who were now marched from Heidelberg by Spiers to take in the Castle of Magdenburg which yet held out with diuers other against them , which when they perceiued , and that they should be as much troubled with matters of lesse importance as the greater , they left that course and returned ( as you haue heard ) toward Mainhem , where they resolue to continue , vntill the affaires in the Palatinate be cast in a new molde , or the Countrey setled to quiet : but here I cannot but remember a saying of Stephens King of Poland : Kings may commanud bodies and liues , but not hearts and consciences : so may some other Prince presume on the Emperours Donation of this Prouince , but the Inhabitants will euer loue their owne Prince , and burst out ( no question ) vpon any occasion of reuolt or alteration : which the Archduke Leopoldus and Bauaria knowes too well ; and therefore , whereas report hath beene lauish , concerning Tillies descending into Brabant : beleeue it , he cannot second their expectation : For Bauaria will not spare him , nor Leopoldus consent to his dimission , considering the Countries are still grudging and repining , and they must detaine them within obedience by strong hand . Besides : the Winter approacheth , and the Germanes expect some rest after their great toyle , being euer as much encumbred with a long march , as with a furious skirmish . Therefore I conclude this point , there is no feare of Tillies comming into Brabant , or ioyning with Spinola .

From Spaine .

The Letters from Spaine haue great variety in them , and haue written into Italy concerning some things done in England ; but because I will meddle with nothing but iustifiable actions , I will also tell you of nothing , but shall be befitting for any auditory ; the perticulars then may be thus welcommed .

First , that the businesse of the Valtoline supposed to raise a warre and disturbance in Italy , is ouerpassed , from the Kings resolution to haue the Countrey at his commaund : and whereas the French King by his Ambassadour made intercession for the appeasing of the troubles , especially that it would please his Catholick Maiestie to forbeare their disturbance , and giue way , that his great Fort might be demolished according to a former treaty by his Ambassadour Monsieur Bassompier with Philip 3. it pleased his Catholick Maiestie to answer in this manner to the French Ambassadour , that he should aduertise his King by Letters to appease the troubles of his owne Kingdome , and seeke the quietting of those tumults , before he intermedled with other Princes affaires : and therefore not to take further care , but leaue the disposing of this warre to the Catholick Maiestie and his Counsell .

Secondly , they write , that Don Pietro de Lieua being dead , the Duke of Ferandina is made Generall of the Gallies of Spaine . Don Diego Pimentelli Commaunder of those of Naples and Don Octauio de Aragon , Gouernour of those of Sicila .

Thirdly , that the Duke of Ossuna hath the liberty of the prison , yet vnder guard , so that his wife , children , and friends may come and see him .

Fourthly , that the Duke of Alua is created a Counsellour of State , and shall presently depart from Italy into Spaine .

Fiftly , that the Prince of Ascoli hath an augmentation of 500. crownes a moneth , and is returning into Spaine either from Naples or Millane .

Sixthly , that in Italy diuers Bishops and Lords were newly dead , by name Monsieur Marcabrano , the Bishop of Torcona in Tuscane . Richardor Piauan the Rector of St. Nicolay : the great Master of Ruuenna Iohn Dominico Inquisitor Generall of that Citie , of 77. yeares age , and continuing in that gouernment 22. yeares .

Seuenthly : Last of all , that in the midday in Venice of late arose so great a tempest of winde with such horrible and fearefull whistlings , that many Boates were splitted and drowned , many trees ouerthrowne , many men destroyed on the water , and diuers other stupendeous mischies chanced , especially the hurrying of the Priest of St. Vidal from the Port of the Pallace to the pillar ( or very neere ) of Angelo di Angoli : so that hee was caried home to his bed all brused and battered .

From France .

The Letters of France come from diuers places , as either the warres are prosecuted , or the King in person visites the Prouinces and Cities : as they write from Lions , that the King tooke in all the Townes as he went round about Montpelier , but when he came thether , it seemed as a damme to an inundation , & so he was stopped a while , and enforced to tractate about conditions , demaunding 200000. Florins , and the raising of a Citadell for the commaunding of the Towne , which being denied , though that Madame d'Agusta came vnder hostages to capitulate the matter : the King much incensed , commanded a generall assault , wherein fayling , he returned to Lyons with great losse , and greater discontentment .

From Rochell the Letters giue vs to vnderstand , that the Count Soysons , Generall of the Kings Armie in those parts , consisting of aboue 6000. hath lost most part of the same this Summer , lying before it , without performing any great peece of service against it : whereupon the King is enforced to raise a new supply out of Poiters , Gascoine , and Angolesme , to the number of 6000. more , who are alreadie marched to maintaine the said Campe , but they haue prevailed little or nothing : For the Rochellers passe and repasse to and fro at pleasure , yea , day by day skirmish with them , killing thirtie or fortie at a time , and taking diuers prisoners .

Besides , though as yet their approaches are farre off , yet the Ordnance from the Towne , shooting at randome , kill many of them in the fields , so that they wonder , what the King meanes to doe , that he proceedeth not more orderly in the businesse , then to come onely with such a handfull of men , and they to lye so farre off , without endamaging them . As for the blocking vp their hauen , or intercepting their out-roades by Sea , true it is , that many Ships and Gallies from Burdeux , Marselles , and other places , lye before their hauen , to intercept their passages , but to so little purpose , that the Ships of the Towne haue this Summer taken aboue a hundred Barkes and Ships , loaden with Salt , Corne , and other prouision , so that Corne is better cheape in Rochel , then in any part of France or England , yea , these Ships lye in harbour for want of men to mannage them , or Marchants to buy them , that they know not what vse to put them vnto , except burning , vnlesse their troubles end , or that they may certifie the Hollanders , what good penni-worth may be had in marchandizing for them , and this they resolue to put in practise by publicke Proclamation in such Citties , as they can conueniently send vnto . Other Letters from hence assure vs , that they haue of their owne fourescore men of Warre , well prouided , and manned , who haue at the least this foure monthes giuen attendance on the Kings Armado , and Gallies , but still they take the Sea and flie from them , as belike loath to hazard themselues with resolute men , and desperate persons : but in truth , the Gallies are not for these great Seas now Winter is approaching , and therfore they are retyred to Brest in Brittaine , and there determine , either to watch for Subiss , as he commeth home out of England , or take opportunitie by her hayry foretop to set vpon the Towne , or the hauen at advantage , &c.

From Paris they write , that both the Queenes are at Lyons , whether the King meanes to come and feast with them , for which purpose many Embassadors repaire thither , and expect him daily , to whom at last , after great losse at Mompelier , he comes : yet some say , he went to Auignion , sending an Embassador to his Holines , to allow him that Towne for his retyring vnto , vntill he had either expelled the Hugonits , or Heretickes , according to the Iesuits phrase , or compounded the Warre vpon honourable conditions for his Greatnesse .

But notwithstanding these affrightings of his Country , and threatning his people , while he was in Lyons he left the Constable Desquiers with his whole Armie before Mompelier , and if need were , to goe also to Montalbon , yea , he was Commissioned , and had full power to treat with the Duke de Rohan about a Peace , or faire conditions of attonement , so it might be effected to his Maiesties honour , and the dignitie of the Common-wealth : the place appointed was named Arles in Prouence , whether it should be lawful for al the Commissioners to resort vnder safe conduct , and the royall word of the most Christian King , which concluded , he went to Auignion ; but such is the chance of Warre , and the condition of Princes themselues , to be subiect to misfortunes , that while he recided in those partes , Monsieur de Rohan , with the Garrison of Pismes , Montalbon , and other Townes of the Religion , having vnited themselues , marched a whole night , and came with such speedinesse , and courage to Mompelier , that early in the morning they assaulted the Kings Armie , and so continued fighting till noone , which when they of the Towne perceiued , they made three severall Sallies at the seuerall ports of the same , so that the Kings Armie was set vpon both behind and before , and the successe thriued so well , that a great slaughter followed , and the whole Army was routed , so that if you would haue particulars , they say , there perished foure thousand at the least , some Ordnance surprised , sixe peeces of Cannon clogged ▪ the Popes Nuncio and his letters intercepted , and in a word , the whole Armie much dissipated .

From Sedan the Letters certifie thus much , that it is true , that Mansfeild left most of his Carriages behind , and sixe Peeces of Cannon , yea , the Duke of Bulloigne did also cast downe the mount before the Towne , but with no intent , eyther to oppose his Maiestie , maintaine any rebellion , or support the Protestants themselues in any violence against their King : but meerely to stand vpon his guard , least such as durst enforme against him , might also procure his destruction by violent courses , and force of armes .

Besides , a Prince in distresse , his kinsman , and a maintainer of the Gospell of Iesus Christ was come , as it were , vnder his roofe , and therefore the Law of Hospitalitie , Religion , and honestie , tyed him to observation , and tooke him out a lesson of care and regard both to see himselfe , and defend him , if need were against his enemies .

In this manner as they will haue it , the Duke of Bulloigne iustified himselfe , and the King was contented to be pacified , and admitte of the attonement , so that like a Noble Prince indeed , this effect followed , that the Duke was receiued into fauour ; that the King of Bohemia might passe and repasse at his pleasure ; that the Duke de Nauers made a Retreat with his Armie , commanding the chiefest to retyre to their owne houses , and sending the rest to attend the King , where he should appoint .

From Provence , Delphinate , and those parts , they assure vs , that the Congregations of the Protestants mett daily with the reformed Ministers , and continued the exercises of fasting and prayer , for the good successe of their brethren , and sent one another reciprocall comforts , and gratifications , as farre as they could , or durst : yea , when they found dispersed Libells , and inuectiues , as though their ruine were threatned by Massacres , or other waies of circumventing , they sent them to the new Constable , & intreated him for preuention , that although his honour was engaged to the Kings seruice , yet his soule was in the hands of God , who would limit his actions to the sparing of blood , and destroying of innocents .

To this they added certaine points of iustification , and discoueries of the Iesuites doctrine , and cruell intents , to keepe France in an vprore , and combustion , not for the loue of Religion , which was none at all : but for political purposes , which time would bring to light . All which Lesdesquiers shewed to the King , and in such humble manner , that he tooke pleasure in his conference , so that there is some hope , he will be more tractable , and looke vpon dilacerated France , with the eyes of iudgement and compassion .

From the Low-Countries .

There are so many Letters from the seuerall parts of the Low-Countries , and so much contradiction , as men on either side fauour the cause , that I know not how to satisfie the Reader : yet considering there is but one truth , and to be honest in a plaine enarration of the same , is allowable , therefore as neere as I can , I will relate , what is most probable and worthy of your acceptation .

Know then , that the East India Company of Amsterdam haue taken a great Caricke from the Portingalls , supposed worth a million of Crownes ; for therein is much gold , and rich Commodities , but neither the honour , nor profit of this exployt doth belong to them alone : for they had the helpe of the English , with whom they seeme now better to agree , then in times past . They are also building diuers men of Warre , and almost in euery Maritime Towne of Holland , the Ship-wrights are at worke ; For the States are resolued to man and set out sundry Vessels , as well to watch Dunkirke , as defend Sluice ; but of late Sluice hath better confidence , that the enemy will not attempt her expugnation .

From Brussels the Letters certifie , that the Marquis Spinola , lying before Bergen , resolued vpon some Stratagem , as disappointed in the attempts , which he had made by force , and seuerall assaults , therefore hee gathered together diuers thousand loades of Casshes , or long Fagotts , eyther to dam vp the Riuer , or to make some Mounts , whereby he might neighbour their Trenches , and so annoy their Courts of guard , but as you shall heare , hee fayled in this likewise .

From the Hage , the last letters assure vs of a Dutch man of Warre , to encounter with a well loaden vessell of Spaine , going to Dunkirke with much prouision for the Armie , but after a long fight , shee was taken , and brought to Amsterdam , from whence by turnes , and in their seuerall watches , divers shippes tooke the narrow Seas , to attend their enemies , especially , the Dunkirkers , amongst whom some three or foure lighted vpon a great ship , called one of the twelue Apostles , and built in Dunkircke , who being now at sea , and lying at aduantage to catch the Hollanders , as they for them , was at last set vpon by them , and chased some fiue or sixe houres , euen to the Coast of England : but when she saw that her vnder-greatnesse as being fiue hundred tunne , hindred her from sayling , and that to fight it out , would returne to her dammage , and to bee taken , to her great dishonour : she first blew vp her deckes , and so thought to set her selfe on fire , which when the Hollanders perceiued , they made hast to boord her , and she made as much hast to bee deliuered from them : but such was the fortune of either , that she presently sunke before their faces , and so that fight ended : But concerning the Land-businesse ; after his Excellency was resolued to do something , he mustred his whole Army ; that is to say , his owne , Count Mansfields , and the Duke of Brunswicke , who was returned for all his wound vnto them againe . By whom , and a Councell of warre , it was thus determined ; that if they did rise at all , that they would order the busines in this maner : To diuide each Nation by themselues , and so the Germans , English , Scots , French , Dutch , and Wallons , might march with their seuerall colours , to be distinguished apart : the grosse summe , or if you will , the whole body of the Army , consisting of eighteene thousand foote , and eight thousand horse , which were also to be diuided into two parts ; fiue thousand horse , and eight thousand foote to bee left with Mansfield and Brunswicke , to remaine on the North-side of Bergen , where Spinola lay about Steen Bergen : the other three thousand horse , and ten thousand foote , he would take with himselfe , and encamped betweene Antwarp and Bergen , compassing in the Fort of Lillo with his trenches , by which diuision of his Army , he determined to intercept all succours and releefe , as well of victuall , as supply of men , which might come to Spinolas Campe on either side . Likewise , he also prouided three hundred Boates by water , with foure thousand Mariners , well armed , and of great experience : but what his designe is vnknowne ; vnlesse to watch the Scheld , a riuer comming from Antwarpe , or terrifie that towne , which is not onely affraid of a siedge , but in a manner in an vprore , euen murmuring against Spinola , for sending so many hurt Captaines , and Gentlemen , and dead bodies vnto them to be buried : and when they heard how many were buried , and vnburied in the Campe , they lamented out-right , and complained much on that disastrous enterprise . But this determination , as you shall heare , was not put in practise : For the States came to Dort , and protracted this rising of the Prince of Orenge , whereby Spinola had time to preuent the mischiefe .

Mansfield and Brunswicke yet beganne their businesse very prosperously : for , they supprised the Villages , where Spinola laid in his prouision , whereby he was much disppointed and appauled : then they came neerer and neerer to Bergen , and put him as it were out of all hope of receiuing any further supply : For although Graue Henry Vanderbergh was on foot , and come downe from Wesell with 6000. foot , and 1500. Horse , who lay about Horstrat , within tenne miles of Mansfield ; yet there was great doubt of his weaknesse to doe any good vpon him , or cleare the passage , considering now he was so well appointed . But the truth is , the Prince of Orenge had left Graue Henry of Nassau in those Quarters , to watch his proceedings , and to attend his progresse , which way soeuer hee tooke . And in this perplexity stands the whole Countrey , and these Enemies continue watching one another , as a Hawke houereth ouer her prey ; so that nothing is to be expected but blood and death , warre and confusion , vnlesse the God of mercy eyther take pitty vpon them , or will haue a punishment light vpon some offenders .

Besides all this , Count Ernestus of Nassau Gouer●or of Freesland for the States , is come downe to Emricke with 5000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , to intercept the forwardnesse of the Baron of Hanow , who is marching with 4000 Cossackes , & certaine Dutch Horse , vnder the pay and entertainment of the Bishop of Cullen . The Cossackes they will haue those which the Duke of Bauaria eyther spared or casheired in the Palatinate : but it should seeme , they dare not encounter with Ernestus , neyther in skirmish nor battaile . For as yet they only run vp and downe spoyling and forraging the Countrey without any setled resolution to assault the Enemy .

From Bergen .

THE last Letters were altogether about a Myne , or if you will , two Mynes ; the one made out of the Raueling into Spinolas Campe , which blew vp the mount , that so annoyed their Courts of guard , to which was added ( after the blow was past ) a salley from the towne , wherein many of the contrary side were slaine : the other was attempted by Spinola himselfe against the towne , wherein hee had laboured aboue fiue weekes with excessiue paines , and charges , they will haue it so great and effectuall , that if it had taken , it would not onely haue giuen him enterance into the Rauelings , but blowne vp a great part of the wall , whereby it doth appeare , that they were almost in despaire of taking the towne any other way then by a Stratagem , which is the last act of the Tragedy of warre , and doth commonly bring with it all rerror and confusion : But the God of mercy , who stayeth the rages of men , and with-holdeth the fury of bloody Souldiers , preuented this likewise ; and it proued like Perillus Bull , to the deuiser ; for they within Bergen , as cautelous , and euery way as resolute as themselues , countermined and stopped them as it were in the middest , before they had placed any powder : only they had brought certaine barrels to the mouth of the Myne , which vpon the alarum of the enemies being in the earth , were at last by the hasty comming in of the Souldiers , set on fire , so that the blow was so violent and impetuous , that in a moment it destroyed aboue 1200 persons which was both lamentable and fearfull for the time .

But see the misery of warre , and the dangers and turmoiles this occupation is accompanied with ; no sooner was this smoake as it were ouerblowne , but they of the towne made a salley , and were so glorious in their forwardnesse euen farre into the Campe , that besides the slaughter of many Souldiers , they killed 40. principall officers , and commanders , amongst whom the brother of the Duke of Ascot was shot in the cheekes , so that the bones were broken , and the bullet made his way by sliding by , not killing him out right .

In this salley many of the Earle of Argiles , and the Lord Vaux his Regiment were slaine ; but there was a commandement presently , that all should bee kept from the knowledge of the other side of the Campe , especially that they in Antwerpe tooke no notice of the same , lest the Souldiers might be altogether discoraged , and the towne distracted , who were more and more in continuall feares : yet it ended not thus neither ; for the great Generall Spinola was so incensed with this disasterous chance , that hee not onely laid the blame of the misfortune on the ignorance or hastinesse of the principall enginer , but presently commanded him to be hanged vp , notwithstanding hee had performed his endeuor , and had formerly been a well deseruer .

Now you must consider , that all this businesse and hurli-burly was done and ouerpassed before the rumor was that the Prince of Orenge raised himselfe , and brought his armies to Spinolas quarters , or if you will , by way of interception to lye beweene them and such places , as were appointed to supply the wants of the Campe .

But now that it was suspected that Mansfield was come and Brunswicke in the field , the Souldiers incensed , and euery one ready to play their part , Spinola knew not what to say , or to doe , considering the martial court dibated the particulars of the businesse in this manner :

First , that whereas they expected the comming downe of Mounseur Tilley out of the Palatinate , the Letters came to Brussels to the contrary , that considering they intended the siege of Manheim , and that many towns in the Bishoprick of Spiers and Worms , would not yeeld to Leopoldus , he could not be spared ; besides ; the Germans were loath ( winter coming on ) to take so long a iourney , after their great toyle , but cried out already for rest , and a Garrison .

Secondly , that the towne of Antwerp , from whence they had their greatest suppliment , was almost weary of the warre , and beganne to finde fault with the enterprize , either that Spinola had ouerprized himselfe in a presumptuous resolution to get the towne , or vnderualued the States , as weake and vnable to resist the forces ; or was not well informed of the strength and situation of the place .

Thirdly , that the slaughters were so great of his armies , and decay of his souldiers , that although it might be passed ouer with the chance of warre , and malignity of circumstances , yet time would consume them more and more ; and which way could the wit of man inuent how other Souldiers should come forward , as their enemies lay to affront them .

Fourthly , that the wants of the Campe were intolerable , as enduring famine , and cold , euen to the eating of horses , yea many other inconueniences which must needs be aggrauated and increased both with the time , and diuers other circumstances , wherein they saw no prevension , as the case now stood .

Last of all , that if the States armies were raysed , then would the Prince of Orenge lye on one side , and Count Mansfield on the other , who meant not to fight with them but when they list , and then vpon great aduantage , but were sure to consume them , and weary them out , or torment them with daily eruptions and encombrances , and that without any manner of preuention .

All which considered , the Councell thought it meet by one meanes or other to raise the siege , and rather saue the liues of so many braue men , who might in some other proiect , and at some other time recouer this losse , and reintegrate their fortunes ; then to endure a certaine destruction , and irrecouerable wretchednesse ; and although the Marquesse Spinola obiected , that his honour was so farre ingaged , that he had rather perish in the misfortune , then endure the indignity of being thus disappointed ; yet they answered , necessity was a commanding mistresse , and there was no withstanding of Fate and Destiny , yea there was iudgement and reason in enduring some inconueniences , rather then a mischiefe or assured destruction .

As for the honour hee enterposed , what was it more to him , then to the former Duke of Parma , who had raised his siege in the same place , after hee had layen there with 32000. men almost halfe a yeare : yea the great Turke went from Vienna and Malta , disappointed ; and diuers other Princes haue beene enforced to cast vp another accompt with the disposing of a higher power , then their owne presumptions at the beginning : whereupon when hee saw there was no remedie , hee with much adoe condiscended to their importunities , and so taking the aduantage of a darke night , raised his campe indeed very couertly , the particulars you shall now know more at large .