448 OF THE STATE OF EUROPE. 



desirous of a head and captain, will run to him that 

 is fittest to receive them. Besides, the French, de 

 sirous to shake off the civil wars, must needs attempt 

 somewhat abroad. This duke first had intelligence 

 with the Count Ludovic in King Charles s days, and 

 an enterprise to escape from the court, and in this 

 king s time joined with them of the religion and 

 malcontents ; after was carried against them ; 

 seeketh the marriage with her majesty, so mighty 

 a princess, as it were to marry might with his 

 activity. 



He hath had practice in Germany to be created 

 King of Romans, made a sudden voyage with great 

 expedition into the Low Countries, now is there 

 again with better success than so soon was looked for. 



The King of Spain, Philip, son to Charles the 

 Fifth, about sixty years of age, a prince of great un 

 derstanding, subtle and aspiring, diligent and cruel. 

 This king especially hath made his benefit of the 

 time where his last attempt on Portugal deserveth 

 exact consideration, thereby as by the woskmanship 

 to know the master. 



The first success he had was at St. Quintin, 

 where he got a notable hand of the French ; he 

 sought to reduce the Low Countries to an absolute 

 subjection. 



He hath kept France in continual broil, where 

 by his pensions and the favour of the house of Guise, 

 by means of the queen-mother in contemplation of 

 her nieces, he beareth great sway. With the pope 

 he is so linked, as he may do what him list, and dis- 



