By which this miserable prince did not only loose what he might possibly have gained, but most of the wealth he desired to save: no passions being observed so incompatible with successe, as when ambition, like that of Galba's, is found in a covetous nature; by which the souldier is not seldome tempted out of disdaine to quit his owne post, and adhere to a party he never did, till the discovery of this base humour, affect so well as that he deserts. Nor is it likely any should prosper (especially in a field expedition) against the house of Austria, that is not as prodigall of gold as bloud: it having been the late practice of this wise nation to obtain victory through the mediation of mony and policy, rather then strength, leaving nothing to fortune

which the palatine had visited, in order to look after some hoards in the bank of that city, having chosen for frugality the common packet-boat, overloaded with merchandize, the vessel was overset. The young prince clung to the rigging, but being unable to endure the rigour of the cold, was found the next morning frozen to death, and half immersed in water. See a preceding

note.

but what she must needs: which may support the validity of their opinions that think the Spaniard least impregnable at sea, where he hath neither time or opportunity to corrupt, &c.

47. Sir Richard Weston, since treasurer and Earle of Portland,' was, when they looked for an army, sent to mediate a peace By whose help, according to report, the elector and his lady found meanes, though with much difficulty, to escape to the Hague with their new assumed empty titles, having nothing else to support them

* Sir Richard Weston, created successively Baron, Earl of Portland, and Knight of the Garter, was sent ambassador to the Arch Dukes Albert and Isabella, and to the diet of the empire, to treat about the restitution of the palatinate, in which he had the usual fate of James's envoys, being totally unsuccessful, because no one believed his master serious in his threats of war, and every body lent a civil but indifferent ear to the logical arguments which he drew forth instead of troops and artillery. Weston was supposed to be a catholic, although he outwardly conformed to the church of England. He became Lord High Treasurer a few months before Buckingham's death, but rather lost than gained reputation by this advancement,

but patience and hope, the only and ordinary comfort of those deprived of all help besides. Yet I have heard from many, (for I delight to set down every probable relation,) that they thought Weston too farre ingaged to the catholicks to be author of so ungratefull a service. But this being his first imployment, no lesse then a desire in the pope to see the power of the emperour moderated, who began to incroach upon the pretended immunities of the church, he might not improbably take this advantage to render his embassy the more acceptable upon his returne to the people of England, if not to the king: Persons of their quality falling seldome under the sword, and therefore thought perhaps better thrift to maintaine them at liberty, then in restraint, or redeeme them at such a ransome as a victorious prince might impose, to the payment of which his master was ingaged in honour and nature.

48. However, I am more charitable then to conclude all papists imployd-by this

king, so dishonest as to falsify their trust: for if that followed as a necessary conse⚫ quence, God help this poore nation, that had before then, and long after, few commissioned in any affaire of importance, but such as were that way affected or wholy indifferent. It being the intent of Providence to use his help, it may be, as he did of Pharo's daughter, to preserve this virtuous lady out of danger, whose misfortunes have kindled such a fire in Germany, as not unpossibly, before it be extinguished, may lick up the choycest bloud in the Austrian family Of which this seemes to me as a signe, that, ever since they began, some one or other hath prosecuted the like attempt; amongst whom was Count Mansfield, that

• Ernest, Count of Mansfeldt, one of the best generals of his time, after having spent some years in the imperial service, embraced the reformed religion, and engaged himself in the protestant league about 1610. After the unfortunate battle of Prague, he continued by his conduct and reputation, although almost destitute of resources, to maintain a desultory war in behalf of the palatine, until, in 1626, he was totally defeated by the

had little else but his owne fortune and valour to carry him so far as he went. But, what he punctually did, or promised to do, was at too great a distance for me to perceive, more then I could learne from the eccho it made at court, which sounded diversly, according to the inclinations and hollownesse of their hearts, that made the reverberation. This I can attest upon knowledge, that Mansfield was, in appearance, well received here: But whether King James could like a man that laboured to bring in so anti-monarchicall a precedent, as to strugle for liberty with his native prince, I cannot but question; who did daily inculcate into the people, through the mediation of his divines, and by the terrour of the law, that no other refuge was

celebrated Wallenstein. So active was this adventurous general in raising troops, making forced marches, enduring, and teaching his followers to endure every hardship, that, with some encouragement from the king of England, it is difficult to say what turn his arms might have given to the affairs of the palatinate.