For it was the beginning of March last , and might haue bin ranked with his other actions , but that I suppose it came not within the reaches of common fingers , or dayly Corantos , and so I proceed to his last businesse and encounters , which made way to a false reports of his death . You haue many times heard that Cordua out of Crusmacke , Generall of the army , which Spinola left in the Palatinate , and Monsier Tilley from Bauaria , as he could be spared came to the assistance of the Bishop of Collen Prince Elector , and receiued certaine ouerthrowes from Christian Duke of Brunswicke , who sent his trophies of his spoyles to the King of Bohemia , as a rembrance of his seruice vnto her , whereupon euer since they haue watcht opportunity to be reuenged , and the Bishop hath mustered new forces , hauing supportation from the gouernours of Gulicke , Wessell with certaine Burgonions and Wallons , who presently vnited themselues to his owne subiects and people , and so made another strong army which by the end of March was ready to march vnder the command of the yonger brother of the house of Anholt , and here sirnamed the Prince of Anholt : all these watched the Duke of Brunswicke , and resolued by some encounter or other to reintegrate their former credite and losses , and dayly followed him in the fieldes of Munster , Westphalia , Paterborne , and other of the Bishop of Cullens Diocesse , till at the last they found him neere the towne of Warebrough , where they resolued to set vpon him : but yet they found him not so vnprouided , either as they conceiued , or wished . For by the meanes of Duke Iohn of Sonderbergh , vnckle to the king of Denmarke , a 1000. horse was newly come to him out of East-Freesland and North-Holland , vnder the command of Captain Iohn ●honson of the Hage , with certaine other souldiers , who all prepared themselues to fight with this new commer , the forenamd Prince of Anholt , who greedy of honour , and willing to rank himselfe in the Catalogue of famous Captaines , came brauely vpon that battaile , wherein the Duke of Brunswicke was fronted , nor was this rashly done , or as I may say in spleene and fury , but vpon great aduise and deliberation . For besides the Carbines that charged most violently , the Battalion was flanked with Musketeers , who powred their shot into Brunswickes battailes , and had the fortune to kill some of his men . For this was done so brauely , that his troopes were driuen to recoyle , and vpon that staggering many thought he was slaine : for his horse was shot vnder him , and in that amase the people rumoured his death .

This was a hard beginning , and put the souldiers in a shrewd feare : For a whole Cornet of horse was shiuered , and Brunswicke lay for the time vnder foot , but it lasted not long : for his youth and courage got the victory of astonishment , and vp he gets , and vp he mounts againe , first causing the Captaines to to fill vp the roome with a body of pikes , who kept the enemies horse from comming too forward : then did he charge them with fresh horse , and ere they could wheele about to bring their pistols bulleted he put them all to rowt , and so was quittance with them for their first branery : but taking another body of pikes , and finding the enemies Battalion somewhat thin of Musketeers , he set vpon them in such a manner , that he powred into them at the least three shot for one , and iust at the same time charged them to their very faces , and had a braue dispatch , had not the second time his horse beene slaine vnder him , and his second fall , made his owne companie let fall their pikes , whereby they were daunted , and detained from further prosecution , whereas questionlesse else they had made an end of that battaile , and that batttaile had sure determined this controuersie .

But vp hee gets againe , and vp hee mounts with courage and alacrity , and with that fury that hee ouerpressed his enemies , and gaue such example and encouragement to his Captaines , and souldiers , that in all the good Discipline of a skirmish ) I cannot call it a battaile , because the main battailes neuer came to fight ) they seconded one another , that the shot kild three hundred , at three vollies , and the pikes trooped , as it were , to make the more hast to rescue their braue Generall , who thus animated , set those horse on worke that were neerest and when the enemy began to shake , he pressed them so violently , that many fell vnder his sword , and by computation , this skirmish continued foure long houres , and surely had continued longer , if a braue Spanish Captaine newly come out of Gulicke , had not brought vp certaine Hargubush on horsebacke , and vnlookt for powred many shots into the pikes , which were ready to mingle with the Colonenses , and at appoynt to end the businesse , whereat the Duke of Brunswicke enraged came so audaciously , that a Bullet grazed on his shoulder , and the winde of many Bullets made him fall once againe from his horse , inso much that a Wallon Captaine ( as it was reported ) stepped vnto him , supposing to take him prisoner , but as he was lame in body , his businesse succeeded as lamely : for to preuent the mischiefe , one Remigius a Dane opposed the lame Captaine , and in the sight of the armies slue him outright , hauing thereby time to fetch vp Brunswicks horse , and comfort to see him a liue , and vnhurt .

Thus is hee mounted the third time , and perceining the skirmish continue in some equalitie though the enemy had had the greater losse hee caused certaine field peeces of aduantage to be brought vp to the side of an hill , and mounted them so neere , that they were effectuall to the vnframing of a whole body of pikes , vpon whose dis-vniting some fresh companies came in and so played their parts , that well breathed horse couragiously gaue a new assault , and being well seconded , all was as well ended : for here were slaine 5000. and 800. taken prisoners . Besides , Prince Anholt Generall of the Bauarian forces , who was also taken prisoner by the worthy Commander the Duke of Brunswicke : and the Bishop had notice of a greater slaughter , which made him somewhat sad and afflicted , till vnderstanding that Brunswicke was shot , and had lost foure hundred men , hee was then cheered againe , and a noble Prelate and Prince of Germanie , imputed all to the chance of war , and to the decider of controuersies : notwithstanding this seeming shew of vndaunted courage , he suspected least the great Citie of Collen , would animate the Souldiers to spoile , and make their approaches neerer and neerer , so hee retires himselfe to a strong Castle of his owne , vnderstanding that the Bishop of Spiers had remoued to Coplen , and resolued to secure himselfe within the strength of the Castle of Thermonsteno , as for the Bishop of Monts : it was told him he had leaue of the Duke of Loraine , or if you had rather the King of France , to keepe his Court in Mets , a strong fortified Towne and frontier Citie , which in those dayes held out against the Emperour , and is still the bulwarke and fortresse of Fraunce , and odly hold in Loraine to secure the Countrey .

This is that , which is written of the Duke of Brunswicks proceedings , but would I had time to write more : For he is a worthy Gentleman , and resolute Souldier , their lackes but some yeares to mature his iudgement , and bring these good beginnings to prosperous ends , of which there is no doubt . For commonly forwards Springs , if to bitter and hard Frosts doe not nip the buds , are not onely comforts for the time , but presagers of plentifull Haruests : and thus much for Brunswicks proceedings ; now to the rest , but especially Count Mansfield .

2 Concerning the Earle of Mansfield and his strong Army , many remarkable things are written , which as briefly as I can I will succinctly abreuiate into these heads . 1. First , that vnderstanding , that all the Catholick Bishops were fled , hee garisoned most of Army in their strong holds , and quartred them in the Villages , whereby as they say in England , they had Ministrels fare , meate , drinke , and money . 2. Secondly , that when he perceiued his Army to encrease , and now to be so strong , that the Monarchs of Europe looke vpon him with repining eyes , as wondering to what purpose he taketh such large steps ouer the Catholick Countries , he made a defence or Apologie , diuulging it in the French tongue , and deliuered the Post of England , Balam by name , one of them to carie ouer with him . 3. Thirdly , that vnderstanding of the Duke of Brunswicks conflicts , hee writ Letters of gratification , and not onely applauded his actions , but requested a certificate from his owne hands , who returned answere , how he had preuailed in many skirmishes : burnt Westerkotton , Erquetts , Amruth , one of the Gesecks , Ruden , Vberhagen , and the Diosarts house of Werdell come from Lipstat , wherein hee had like to haue beene betrayed with 25. Cornets of Horie , 6000. Foot , diuers Peeces of Ordnance , Fireworks , scaling Ladders , and many Pyoners : vpon a designe of importance out , he suddenly heard of the approach of the Bishops forces , and so was compelled to stay and augment his Army , for a more fiercer encounter : and that he had taken some prisoners , and some Friers , who were so obstinate , that they cryed out vpon nothing but treason and rebellion . 4. Fourthly , that while hee was at Germeshem , and retired to many places with his maine Armie , Sir Horace Vere writing for some supplies , hee sent to Mainhem foure Regiments of foot , some money , and munition , besides many suppliments of victuall , and other prouision , whereof the Garison there stood in great neede . For in truth thus it was with the English Generall at this time , all the forces hee had were partly secured in Mainhem , Franckendale , and Heidelberg , partly Garisoned in the Villages , and partly running vp and downe for sorraging , and other prouision : so that euery day in one place or other , hee was troubled with the Bauarians , and Monsieurs Tillyes Alarums , whose Souldiers might wel be called the Regiment Voluntes : For they neuer lay long quiet in a place , but had many imployments , as Bauaria vnderstood of the Enemies proceedings , and Emperours pleasure , whereupon suspecting what they might doe vpon aduantage , he sent to Count Mansfield , and was supplied accordingly : For without controuersie , he cast vp his accounts in this manner . That my Lord Chichester was long a comming with supply into the Palatinate , but leaue the care of that to the Maiestie of England , & that if the Spaniards and Bauarians should be remoued by way of rendition of the Palatinate , or composition for a peace , yet God knowes what might happen ere the businesse were fully established , and the peace absolutely concluded vpon : wherefore to strengthen himselfe , and to be informed of the state of all affaires , he writ to Count Mansfield as you haue heard , and had not onely supply , but Letters of comfort concerning his resolution , to continue constant to the Prince his Master .

5. Fiftly , that as he had fortified Haggenaw , hee would come and besiege Lodenburg , and so prepare if neede be against Oppenheim , all which hee meant to doe with the third part of his forces : For he was perswaded if the worst came , no further supply would enter into the Palatinate , either from the Spaniard or Emperour , considering it was vnfurnished , and that Gonzules lay quiet , as if he had had a charge to fight no more . Befides wants so encreased , that the Countrey was not able to sustaine an Army on any side . For the English were hardly driuen , and hardly releeued . Gonzales had beene put to the triall of eating his horses : Monsieur Tilley perplexed with hunger & seuerall imployment , so that he had scarce 5000. men left , and they subiect to sicknesse , and other encombrances . The Bauarians in the same predicarment vexed with sicknesse and cold , although the Emperour had hetherto sent many helpes , and renewed their decayed Souldiers : and the Townes , though the riuers brought in prouision , because the Country people were reasonably payed , yet felt the scarcity : For victuals grew deere in the Market , and the Burgers were glad to keepe good order without ryot or excesse : yea , in many places Officers were set , as superuisours , that neither the rich engrossed the Corne , Wine , nor meat , nor the poore should be starued for want of necessaries . These things considered , hee tooke the more care in comming forward , and pestring the Countrey with his forces to no purpose , but in my conscience made acquainted with the King of Bohemias retiring , he prepared to speake with him , and so to attend to bring their businesse to some perfection , as God shall giue way vnto the same .

6. Sixthly , that seeing he had visited Alsatia all this Winter , and was in a manner Master of Leopaldus his Countrey , he would sure keepe what hee had gotten , and therefore as the Spaniard had taught him , and led the way in the Palatinate , hee would fortifie the strongest places , and when all failed , put the King of Bohemia in many possession of Prouinces for his owne Palatinate , if not set the Crowne of Prague more firmely on his head , then ouer it was before .

7. Seuenthly , that seeing his endeuours had put him in a manner in possession of foure Imperiall Cities , namely , Haggenaw , Spires , Wormes , and Ments , and that hee had brought them to the disbursement of what money he listed , he saw no reason to let slip such opportunity , but either keepe them in awe by his Armies , or make vse of their seuerall Countries , to recompence the King of Bohemiahs losses , vntill a better time approach of better booty , which no doubt was now breaking out with the day to shew , that the Sunne of glory was ready to come out of his Chamber , to dispell and banish away the contagious vapours of former trouble and discomforts .

8. Eighthly , that when the Emperour , or Duke of Bauaria , for the Emperour , by the aduice of the Bishop of Collen had sent vnto him to know , by what authority or in whose name hee either raised , or kept together such an Army : hee answered plainely and resolutely , in Gods name , and the Kings , meaning the King of Bohemia : whereupon to expresse himselfe accordingly , he contriued this deuise for his Ensigne , or colours a radiant Sunne in an Azure field , dispelling a many slender and vaporous clouds into a corner : thus hee not onely iustifies his actions , and emboldneth his Souldiers , but payeth his Army , and hath an orderly Treasurer for their monethly entertainment , according to the preyes and spoiles they take : yea , to order his businesse the better , he is now coyning thousands of Rikes dollers with this deuice , an arme comming out of a cloud , holding a sword poynant vpward , with a Iesuites Cap pierc'd through : the Motto round about , Amicus dei omnibus suis inimicis inimicus . 9. Ninthly , that although many Friers and other Preachers vsed as many fearefull inuectiues against the Warre , the causes , the Authors , and effects , shewing plainly , it was a curse of God wheresoeuer it lighted : yet did he giue way vnto the Sun , as if hee were willing to confesse as much , intimating by many of his speeches , that the Emperour , though he had wrong done him first by the Proge●ses : yet tooke a wrong course to inflict the King of Bohemians children , with the losse of their inheritance for their Fathers fault : as for their Father , many a Christian heart did thinke it reuenge sufficient to haue Prague surrendred , and to see the Palatine disappointed of the Kingdome , in which hee was crowned and inuested : but still to haue his Countrey deuasted , the territories depopulated , the Cities terrified with Souldiers : the Vines spoiled , the Woods cut downe , the cattell caried away , and all things subiect to the robberies of Souldiers , was too grieuous a reuenge , and vnmeasurable inflicting : yet this was not all neither . For besides the bringing in of strange Nations , and a strange Religion to a religious Countrey , he had by way of donation , enfeoffed another with the same , not remembring , what eternall hate might grow hereafter betweene these two families , when peraduenture all the power of Austria , nor the Empire should not reconcile them , which things orderly considered with many other dangerous to be published in a triuiall or common discourse , made his actions the more iustifiable , considering the proceedings were so terrible , and although the Iesuites aymed at him in their Sermons , as the Author of those fearefull effects , and prodigious calamities , which the best Warre must procure : yet all the world knowes the Spaniards were possessours of the one side , and Bauaria was entred in the other , before euer he set footing therein , or tooke this course of the Warres diuersion , which by Gods grace and fauour , who set him on worke , hee would prosecute as long as life lasted , or the King of Bohemias businesse hung in suspence .

10. Tenthly , that seeing the Duke of Bauaria hath finished the bridge ouer the Neckar , and caused diuers Wagons to come that way already with Corne and other prouision , and that Monsieur Tilley quartereth himselfe neere Heidelberg , as though he meant to besiege the same , or at least tarry the time , till Bauarias forces be renewed , that ioyning together , they may performe their worke effectually , whereby it is so giuen out in England , and many are credulous of such an impossibility : he is resolued to shew them no fauour , wheresoeuer hee come : but as hee hath visited Laudenburg , and the strong Castle of Magdenburg , belonging to the Bishoprick of Spires , he will also come to Bessing , and the Marquesse of Danstarrats Countrey , who was euer an Enemy to the Princes of the Vnion : for feare whereof the people haue already vnfurnisht their fields of their Cattle , and caried their goods into the strongest holds , at which Count Mansfield smiles to thinke , that poore Castles & Forts should secure them , when so many Cities and wel fortified places haue submitted to his mercy , and made their attonement with him , yea the other day the Catholicks about Spiers and Wormes , seeing the good behauiour of his Souldiers , that they neither rauished women , nor murthered men , but onely tooke the pilledge of the Countrey , rifled the houses , the common custome , and fairest course of a conquering Army , condiscended , and by a generall consent agreed to allow him 3000. measures of Corne , 200. Fats of Wine , and 60000. Florines , which though he did not accept of , as a full satisfaction to his demaunds , yet did hee take in good part for the present , and knew that if necessity should occasion , they would be drawne to a further composition and disbursement .

Thus for the time he desisted from vrging them to more then they were willng to graunt , considering he had formerly drawne great summes of money out of their Treasuries : whereupon he proceeded to visite other Countries , and therein onely to take an oath of the Inhabitants of loyalty and fidelity to the King of Bohemia , and seruice and attendancie to himselfe , and so he passed to the other side of the Rhine into the Countries of Didishene and Anoth , where the people seemed to wish well vnto the King of Bohemia , and very willingly tooke their Oath : then passed hee to the Graue of Louensteins Countrey , which lyeth within the Bishopricke of Spires , and taking the same Oath of the inhabitants , he quietly receiued such prouision and money , as they would willingly spare : heere hee receiued newes that Monsieur Tilly had brought his Ordinance , or Artillery to a place called Huscharen , as if he meant to goe to Heidelbergh indeed , but he let him alone , as resoluing , that though he had power to his will , yet hee should not attempt any enterprise of worth and moment , without interception : but assured , that neither Bauaria could proceed in any such designe , nor durst he lying so neare , but let them alone , till he had further directions from him , whom he longs to speake withall ; so that in my Conscience when that oportunity shal present her hairy soretop vnto him , he will onely march through the Palatinate into Bauaria's owne Countrey , and either make him looke to a new busines , or inrich his Army with the spoyle , that hee may be the better prouided to passe into Bohemia it selfe .

11. Eleauenthly , though he heard , that Don Cordua in person was risen from the Towne of Crusnach to goe to Openhem , and fortifie the Bridge with Sconces to hinder all passengers , but such , whom the Court of Guard shall license : yet when he saw he slacked the same , hee conceiued he had some speciall charge to proceed no further against the English , till the Emperours Ambassador were returned , and they knew what to trust vnto from England : So that one way hee found the people glad , that there was any glimmering light of Peace toward , and another way feared it would be a barre vnto his Designes , if the King of Bohemia should by any meanes be ouer-ruled , or perswaded to easie Condition , and tractates of Friendship : but resolued not to be disturbed with conceit , or meditation of such busines , which yet hung in suspence , or were Coniecturall , he presently put himselfe into Action , and ouerlooked his Fortifications and places , wherein he had Garrison'd his Souldiers , and set vp his rest to attend the good houre of further prosecutions .

12. Twelthly , it was somewhat vnpleasing vnto him , that his Forces had layne so long before the Castle of M●gdenburg , and spent as hee thought so much time to his disgrace , and hindring his other designes , whereupon he went thither in person and tooke away all meanes from them of succor and reliefe , which when they perceiued , and were now debarred from former supportation , being old Soldiers and of great experience , they came to capitulate the matter , and surrendred the place vpon Condition to saue their liues , and depart with Bag and baggage , which they did without Colours displayed , or any show of a Souldier ; by which occasion Count Mansfield tooke possession of the same , and found therein more wealth , then either he had at Spiers or Wormes : Thus did he preuaile in his action , and is now Lord of many Countries & holds , attending the good houre of the King of Bohemia's comming to him , or sending for him : and so leaue him to the glory and in the fulnes of ioy , for this last good successe , which hath made him more confident & resolute to ouersway nicer exceptions , and goe forward in his pretences , though as yet he hath not fully expressed the same concerning particulars .

Hauing thus left Count Mansfield in security , full of wealth , Glory , and assurance to bring his purposes to a happy period . Let vs now come to other matters , not yet impertinent though not altogether depending vpon the former : You haue heard I am sure by many relations published long since , that Duke Leopoldus Lord of Elsas and Alsatia , was in a manner driuen out of his Countrey by the Forces of Mansfield : yet prettily salued that wound with this cure , that he went into the Valtolina , as Generall for the King of Spaine , though in his hart he repined at such an Vsurpation , which was euer belonging to the Gouernment of another Prince . For of late the House of Austria condiscended , that Spaine should haue the prerogatiue , as hee had the Forces and stronger hand to holde them close to his Mightines and preuayling . Well ? heere hee mustered Soldiers and tooke vp two Regements to supply other Armies , but in the midst of this iollity , as hee was running away with hopes of recouery or reuenge : the money which was promised him out of Spaine fayled , and he could neither goe forward in that busines , nor durst returne into his owne Countrey for feare of greater forces , or more violent opposition : But some report , that the Emperour sent him word , that hee was willing to a generall Peace and for that purpose had sent Count Siratzenburg into England as his Ambassador , and therfore there needed no such hastines to giue any cause of suspition , that hee meant not sincerely as he professed : This treaty of Peace set all humors and dispositions on worke , and the Prouinces were as it detayned between feare and gladnes , what would be the issue of the same , as for the Grizons & Swisse ? they shewed Leopoldus a face of discontent euery way , and brought out olde Records , wherein the Kings of France were authentically sworne to bee their Protectors , how euer now they slacked the same , and gaue way to anothers Greatnes , the like might be said of the Palatinate , Cleue , and other bordering Prouinces vpon the Empire , and confines of Burgundy : but times are alterers of mens purposes , and Kingdomes are eaten out with contraries ; & taught to know a lesson of Humiliation , when the Lord of all Kingdomes will admit of other Stewards , then he first placed : Thus Leopoldus must be content to see another man in possession of many of his Townes , and other Prouinces of the Bishops , aswell as the Palatinate was at the same instant vsurped by strangers , and had indeed too many Masters .

Amongst other hopes and helpes , that the King of Bohemia hath , the Marquesse of Ieggendorffe is not the least . For hee mustreth Soldiers dayly both in Silesia and Morauia , yea hath had supply out of Walachia : and at this houre is doubtfull , whether he shall entertaine the Tartars or no , who came both to him and Bethlem Gabor by thousands , and resolue to assist them , if need be against the Emperour , so that there is a great feare in Preslaw and Gratz , Citties of Silesia , what shall become of them , if any alteration happen : whereupon the Lords and States raise vp many Forces , fortifie their Citties , prouide men , money , and munition , stand at a stay for their submission , and doe neither openly warrant the Emperour their absolute Obedience , nor priuately wish ill to the King of Bohemia's proceedings , with which kinde of neutrality the Emperor is so displeased , that he imputes the fault to the Duke of Saxonies negligence , as vnderstanding that many Souldiers of Saxony , haue bin licensed to depart home , and the Duke himselfe is weary of the Warre ; notwithstanding these proceedings , and that there is a restraint of the Soldiers fury and violent customes , whereby Prague and other places , reduced vnder the Emperours gouernment , doe yet hope and looke after some order for their Religion , and profession of a good conscience : yet doth the Bishop of Prague proceede most violently and cruelly against the Protestants , and will not suffer them to professe publiquely either in Churches , or priuate houses , any thing against the Church of Rome , so that euery where the Inhabitants or discontented , and pray to God for the diuersion of these mischiefes , that haue not onely dilacerated the peace of Europe , but broken the hearts of poore soules to heare God so prophaned , and euery man in his owne particular terrified . For how euer it is reported , that in Siletia , Lusatia , and those Countries , there shall be a present assembly at Easter of the Lords and States of the Prouinces , yet hath the Bishop of Newes followed the example of the great Bishop of Prague , and locked vp the Churches from the Protestants , and will not suffer the Burgers to make open profession of their consciences ; whereupon by way of petition they haue sollicited the Duke of Saxony to consider their poore estates , and how euer , the Emperour must captiuate their bodies and goods ; yet to giue them leaue to haue their soules free to bestow vpon the God of all freedome , and saluation : to which hee not onely answered very graciously , but gaue way vnder hand to all their Protestant assemblies , and religious meetings , so that there is hope and light appearing , that either the Duke of Saxony is and will be discontented with the Emperour , whereby the vehemencie of his proceedings may be slacked , or that hee will suffer the Inhabitants to enioy their owne freedomes , and peace of conscience , to which purpose they haue procured another Mediator , euen Duke Weymar of Saxony his owne kinsman , who hath not onely professed himselfe a Protestant , but raised two thousand foot , and fiue hundred horse to ioyne with the Duke of Brunswick in his proceedings , not doubting very shortly to be partakers of his glory , as well as of his spoiles , and hardly gotten conquests .