CHAPTER XXXIX

Serious situation of affairs in Italy--Trouble with _Monsieur_--Richelieu entrusted with the command of the Army in Italy--It is decided to send Bassompierre on a special embassy to Switzerland--The marshal buys the Château of Chaillot--His departure for Switzerland--Mazarin at Lyons--Bassompierre’s reception at Fribourg--He arrives at Soleure and convenes a meeting of the Diet--His discomfiture of the Chancellor of Alsace--Success of his mission--He receives orders from Richelieu to mobilise 6,000 Swiss--The Cardinal as generalissimo--Pinerolo surrenders--Bassompierre joins the King at Lyons--Louis XIII and Mlle. de Hautefort--Successful campaign of Bassompierre in Savoy--His mortification at having to resign his command to the Maréchal de Châtillon--Increasing rancour of the Queen-Mother against Richelieu--Visit of Bassompierre to Paris--An unfortunate coincidence--Louis XIII falls dangerously ill at Lyons--Intrigues around his sick-bed--Perilous situation of Richelieu--Recovery of the King--Arrival of Bassompierre at Lyons--Suspicions of Richelieu concerning the marshal--The latter endeavours to disarm them--Question of Bassompierre’s connection with the anti-Richelieu cabal considered--His secret marriage to the Princesse de Conti.....pp. 583-596