THE Spaniards continually pursuing the advancement of their universall Monarchy , ( the first foundation whereof were laid by Charles the fift , since which time that designe hath been still eagerly prosecuted , ) haue bin so happy in their endeavours in these last 10 or 12 yeares in diuers parts of Europe : and particularly neere to the borders of France , that there remaines very little for them to conquer ; to encompasse it on all sides , and so by little and little to make themselves Majestrates and Arbiters of Christendome .

And to begin with the last and freshest of their Conquests ; Besides the Palatine Electoriall dignity , which they haue put into the hands of one of their confidents : they haue conquered by Armes all the Palatinate , both on this side and beyond the Rhine ; and within , or neere it , many Citties and strong places , whereof divers are Imperiall free Townes , as namely Wormbs , Spire , Landaw , Haguenau , Wissembourg , Fridberg , Gailhassen , Wetzlar , and others : together with a good part of the Countrey of Hannau , and of the Countrey of Wetteraw , wherein are many Counts and Lords neighbours , and Allies to the Prince Elector Palatine : whose Brother and Cosens haue beene no more spared then the rest , though not comprehended in the Imperiall Ban , their Lords and Lordships being seized on , together with the Iointures of the innocent widdow Princesses . This notable conquest , to take it from Mentz and Haggenaw on the one side , and the countries of Trier and Lorraine one the other , and from Francfort almost close to Strasbourg , containes in length more then 50 French leagues , and in breadth Fortie . And they still continue to make some progresse about the Palatinate , vnder colour of passages or other pretents : and proceede in their secret practises vpon diuers other Imperiall Townes , especially that of Strasbourg , ( a great and strong place , and of the ancient patrimony of our first Kings : ) and likewise vpon the Towne of Besanson , to establish a Parliament there , or transferre thither that of Dole . As in the time of Phillip the second , the Admirall of Arragon presumed to aske the Vicariat of that Towne for the King his Master , but it was denied him by the Emperour Rodolph the second . And of late the Ministers of Spaine haue offered money for certaine places in the Bishopricke of Liege , for no other end but that we euen now speak of . But that which is most monstrous , is the quarrell they make with the Elector of Brandenbourg , seeking an occasion to make him likewise loose his Electorat , although that Prince hath all this time remained neutriall , and kept intelligence with the Elector of Saxony , who at one time or other will scape no better then the rest , though he hath assisted the Emperours with his Armes and Counsells , to the preiudice of his neere kindred , whom he dayly sees to be turned naked to the world .

All men know that not long before this , the Spaniards had made themselues Masters of all that Countrie which lies betweene the Riuers of the Mosell and the Rhine , from the Townes of Liege and Cullen , to Numeguen in Guelderland : and especially of the free and Imperiall Townes of Aix-la-Chappell and Wezell : notwithstanding the intercession of the King and Queene Mother then Regent , both by frequent Letters and Ambassadours sent expresly for that businesse . And they haue since taken by composition the Townes and Fortresses of Iuliers , and hold entirely the Dutches of Iuliers and Berg , together with all the Townes and places of the Grand Conte de la Marke , and the County of Rauensberg , with two thirds of the Duchie of Cleues , on this side and beyond the Rhine , and the most part of it vnder the Duke of Newbourgs name . But the Spaniards hauing their garrisons there , the good Prince can neither inioy the places nor the reuinue , but in very small proportion . And notwithstanding all his endeauours and dilligence vsed at Bruxells , for freeing himselfe from those garrisons , yet cannot he hitherto obtaine or preuaile with them in any thing , though he be a Catholike , their friend , and Allie . This conquest is not much lesse worth to the Spaniards , then that of the lower Palatinate , aswell for the approach which foote by foote they make towards Holland : as for the extent of these Countries , which one with another , from the towne of Aix-la-Chapell to Lipstat , the last place of the County De la Marke , and from thence to the Town of Cleues , amounts vnto aboue fourescore French leagues in length , and about 50 in breadth . And this without accounting the Fort of Pappe-mutz , sittuate in an Isle of the Rhine on this side Cullen , lately conquered by the Spaniards , and by them Christened with the name of Isabella . And in a word , either by association , or by the conuenience of the Electors of Mentz and Cologue : or by their proper conquests , they may call themselues Masters of the great Riuer of Rhine , from the Towne of Stratsbourg , yea euen from Brisacke and Basle , to Rees and Emericke , Townes in the Land of Cleue , not farre distant from the mouth of that River .

Furthermore , who knowes not the designes of the Spaniards vpon the Countrie of the Grisons , and how the Archduke Leopold on the one side , and the Gouernour of Millaine on the other , haue possest themselues of the greatest part of those Countries , hauing put garrisons into Coyre , Mayenfeld , Pretigau , and all other places of the one and other Engadine , euen close to the Canton of Zurich : where the Arch-duke intends to erect a Fort in a certaine place called Steig , thereby to bridle the Switzers , and keepe an entrance into the Countrey . And towards Millaine they haue seized vpon the Counties of Chiavenna and Pregaglia , and the long and fertile valley of the Val-telina , ( the two ends whereof ioyne Millaine and Tirol ) which is the subiect of the present difference betweene the King of Spaine on the on side , and the Crowne of France , the States of Venice , Sauoy , and generally all Italy , the Switzers and Grisons on the other side .

They haue also seized on the Counties of Bromio and Valmesolcina , a faire and large valley neere Bellinzons , towards the Frontiers of Italy : and now of late upon the County of Muscco , under the title of of the Count of Triuulce his pretence : the foresaid Conquests making altogether , to reckon from Mayenfield to Bormio , and from thence to the Fort Fuentes at the least , 40 French leagues in length , and more the 30 in breadth , as it may euidently appeare by Cluverius his Map of Rhaetia . And although the present Pope , being now depositary of the most parts of these Forts and places , labours with the King of Spaine for restoring all things vnto there former estate , according to the French Kings desire , yet cannot he attaine vnto it .

And for Italy , it is true that the late King of Spaine in the yeare 1611 , had made himselfe Master of the Towne of Sasello , and placed a garrison there : but vpon the complaint and request of the Republique of Genoa , restored it to the former State . Neuerthelesse in Monaco , and the Towne and Castle of Correggio , the Spaniards keepe a strong Garrison . They haue also newly erected the Fort of Sandonal , vpon the Frontier of Piedmont , towards Vercel . And concerning the States of Milan , Final , Plumbin , and other Fiefs which the King of Spaine holds of the Empire , he hath vpon the instance of his Ambassador resident at Vienna , receiued solemne investiture thereof by the Emperour 1621 ; And besides , the States of Venice and Savoy are threatned by him , aswell for the misunderstanding and differences past , as for this new dispute and quarrell touching the Valteline , wherein the greatest part of the Potentares of Italie , and the Pope himselfe are also interessed .

And to make his way by little and little amongst the leagues of the Switzers and Grizons , ( peoples formerly so obliged and affectionate to the Crowne of France , as they did in a maner reiect all other Alliances ) the Spaniard hath by money , promises and practises , divided them into Factions , thereby to weaken that body which subsists not but by their vnion , and to be able to bring them against France it selfe , and other neighbouring States . The Spaniards haue done asmuch vnder divers pretents in the Countrie of Valey , and Bishoprirke of Sion , having likewise possessed themselues of the passages of Switzerland , thereby to haue the wayes free and cleere for their Armies to passe from Italie to Flanders : which before they were constrained to beg from the Duke of Savoy , or the leagues of Switzerland .

To returne to Germany , it is very considerable that the conquests made by the Duke of Bauaria , aswell in the upper Palatinate which he hath gotten entirely into his possession , as in the lower Palatinate , tend all of them to the advantage of the House of Austria , this Prince being neere Allie , and obliged to that House , by the translation of the Electorate vpon his person , and other benefits lately received from the Emperour . So that to fauour that Duke , in hope either to bring him into suspition with the Emperour , or to draw profit from him against the haire , considering how strictly they are all linked together in interest , and affection the one to the other : and in giuing such a Councell , there must be want of integrity , or pure ignorance of the present State of the affaires of Germany . The like must be said of the Children of the Marquis Edward Fortunate , to whom the Marquisat of Baden hath beene lately adiudged by the Emperour , against and in prejudice of their Cosen the Marquis of Douelach , who is now turned out of it , which is an extent of land somewhat considerably betweene the Townes of Strasbourg and Basle , on the one side , and the Palatinate and Dutchie of Wirtemberg on the other .

They haue likewise since a few Moneths possest themselues of a good part of the Langrauiat of Hessen , vnder colour of a sentence giuen by the Emperour , in fauour of the Langraue Louis of Darmstat , against his Cosen the Langraue Maurice of Kassell , ( an ancient Allie and confident of the Crowne of France ) upon their difference touching the Towne of Marspourg , and the countrey about it . And so by little and little they proceede , getting footing in the Prouinces of Germany , and oppressing the libertie of the Princes and Citties of the Empire : thereby to make it hereditary in their House ; as they doe the Kingdomes of Hungarie and Bohemia , ( which those peoples haue euermore maintained to be meerely Electiue . ) together with the Provinces of Moravia , Silesia , and Lusatia , incorporated to the Kingdome of Bohemia , and newly reconquered by Armes and other meanes , to the great increasing of the House of Austria , and exceeding great aduantage of their designes .

We will not speake here of the Townes and Fortresses of Arache , Mamora , and others in the Kingdome of Fez , surprised or conquered by the Spaniard since a few yeares , because they are far distant , and of lesse consideration to France . But touching the Fort of Grauelines , which they still aduance , and will by snatches bring it to perfection : we must blame our selues if we suffer it . But it would be a farre worse matter , if the Spaniard should conclude the Treaty of Marriage with England , for the reasons which euery man may vnderstand ; for if the onely Negotiation touching that Alliance , hath giuen the Spaniards time and meanes to subdue the best and greatest part of all Germany : and to push their designes so forward ; what other thing can be expected from the accomplishment of the marriage , but that in the end we must receiue Law from the Conquerour , and so loose the prerogatiue of this glorious title , anciently wonne by our Kings , of Protectors of the liberty of Germany , and which is more , of Arbiters of Christendome : besides the fruit which we see lost before our eyes : of so many Millions employed since 100 , or 120 yeares , to entertaine our Allies the Switzers and Grizons , and other our friends and confederates ; And of the expence made at the siege of Iuliers , to put it into the possession of the lawfull heires of the House of Cleue , whom the Spaniards laboured to dispossesse , and to take it themselues : as they haue now done 10 yeares afterwards . For which notwithstanding , our ill-affected-Frenchmen haue professed publike ioy , although this place was formerly deliuered to the late Mareschall de la Chastre , generall of the Kings Army , being for the most part Catholicke .

It must be also taken into consideration , that the Spaniards who for 70 yeares hath by diuers writings continuall blamed our Treaties : which the Turke doth now himselfe seeke that Alliance with much instance . The last from Constantinople beare , that one Antonio Barili , a Dominican Frier , who had bin there secretly twice before , was againe returned thither , with two others in his company : and that he hath been zealously seconded and assisted in pursute of this peace , by the Emperours Ministers that were then at the Port : and now lately by one Curtz , who for this end hath carried thither a good summe of money ; of all which the Grand Vizier himselfe , gaue aduertisement to some Ambassadors resident at the Port , and opposite to the Spanish Party , iudging his designe of the Emperor and King of Spaine to be for no other end , then by this Peace a a By a Peace with the Grand Signiour of the King of Spaine , would yearely saue the charge of 20 m. men kept in Garrison , vpon the Coastes of Naples , Sicilie , Sardinia , and those Islands , and of 60 Gallies , in which are of Souldiers and Slaues well nigh 20 m. more : All which great forces , the King of Spaine is forced with a vast expence , continually to maintaine for his owne safety and defence against the Turke . And it is considerable that this proposition of Peace , is made in a time when the necessities of the Turkish affaires , in regard of the present Rebellions and disordres in their Empire , threatning ruine , or at least some notable alteration , might make the offer acceptable . And that for the said respects , it could not for the present be either dangerous , or vnsafe for the King of Spaine ; but would be of infinite aduantage to the progresse of his affaires in these parts , if so great forces as are now onely maintained for a meere defence , without attempting any thing , should be drawne forth into an actiue employment . to haue the better meanes and leasure to go through with their businesse and conquests in Europe : and by degrees make themselues strong enough to vndertake the Turke , and then carrie their Armes into the Leuant . And to this end it is their writers publish , that it is necessary there should be but one vniuersall and absolute Monarch in Christendome , and that it should be the King of Spaine , who is the mightest , and who by their report hath the best mirited of the Apostolicke Sea , and of all Christendome .

For their pretences , either vpon France in generall , drawing a discent of the Princes of the house of Austria , in a direct line from Male to Male , from Meroue , Childeric , and other Kings of France of the first race called Merouingiens : thereby inferring that the Kingdome belongs to them . Or vpon the Prouinces of Burgundy and Brittany in particular ; These falsehoods haue beene lately solidly refuted by one of our most excellent and learned Antiquaries . And touching their pretences vnto other Kingdomes , and particularly to England , the care and refutation thereof is to be left to those who haue most interest therein . The euidence of these pretences which haue been seconded by reall vnder takings and attemps , appeares sufficiently in Hereras History of Phillip the second of Spaine , in Cabrera , and in Camille Borrell , his Booke touching the prerogatiue and dignity of the Catholicke King .

Our France being therefore enuironed on all sides with the Teritories and Dominions of the Spaniard , and House of Austria , either of their ancient domaine , or new conquests , ( which hath bin made in so short a time , as it seemes a thing prodious ) this State hauing thereby lost all its outworkes and bulwarkes : that is , the best and most powerfull friends and Allies : it seemes to be more then high time to awake out of this deepe and fatall Lethargie , whereinto our France is fallen by the disastrous death of our great Henry , and seriously to looke to our conuersation , by taking it into due consideration , that if the Spaniard should now picke a quarrell with vs , and assaile vs againe : as in the time of the league , when Phillip the second would haue had this Crowne put vpon his Daughters head , in preiudice of our Salique Law : the passages by Land would on all sides be shut vp against vs , so as we could not be relieued either with men or money from Germany , Switzerland , or Italie : as was our late King in his great necessities . And on the contrary , all the Princes and people subiect to the Spaniard , and those whom he hath lately subdued vnto him , who were formerly our friends , and fauoured vs : will be constrained and bound to assist and and serue against vs , and many of them to their great griefe .

Yet is it not meant that recourse should presently be had vnto Armes , and the publique peace broken . as if so great a King in so powerfull a kingdome as this is , had no other meanes to protect the afflicted . The late King in the like case , without applying those violent remedies , hath by his wisedome sufficiently shewed the way ; as when by a serious interposition of his credit and authority , he accommodated the difference betweene the Pope and the Venetians : or when by his liberallity he succoured those who besought his helpe : or when by menaces , he gaue cause of apprehension to those that would oppresse his friends and Allies . And these are the meanes that ought to be vsed in the first place , before the way of open force be taken ; all warres how iust so euer , being both ruinous and hazardous .

True it is that the peace of this State , the vnion and concord of the people in a due obedience to our King , and the conduct of a wise Councell , that knowes how to resume the wise Councells and Maximes of Henry the great : and the former state of a good intelligence , with the most sincere friends and ancient confederats of this Crowne , are the first and principall remedies of this euill : yea , the supreame way for restoring this puissant and once flourishing Kingdome , to its ancient splendor , strength , and authoritie .