CHAPTER XXIII

Bassompierre’s audience of the new King, Philip IV--The Procession of the Crosses--An old flame--Good Friday at Madrid--Anxiety of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting to see Bassompierre--His visit to them--He is commissioned by Louis XIII to present his condolences to Philip IV--He is informed that etiquette requires him to leave Madrid as though to return to France and then to make another formal entry--Revolution of the palace at Madrid: fall of the late King’s Ministers--The Count of Saldagna ordered by Philip IV to marry Doña Mariana de Cordoba on pain of his severe displeasure--Bassompierre offers to facilitate the escape of Saldagna to France, but the latter’s courage fails him at the last moment--Negotiations over the Valtellina--Treaty of Madrid--Bassompierre’s pretended departure for France--He visits the Escurial, returns to Madrid and makes a second ceremonious entry--The audience of condolence--State entry of Philip IV into Madrid--Termination of Bassompierre’s embassy--He returns to France.....pp. 286-298