CHAPTER XXVII

Question of the Huguenot War the principal subject of contention between the two parties--Condé and the Ministers demand its continuance--Marie de’ Medici, prompted by Richelieu, advocates peace--Secret negotiations of Louis XIII with the Huguenot leaders--Soubise’s offensive in the West obliges the King to continue the war--Louis XIII advances against the Huguenot chief, who has established himself in the Île de Rié--Condé accuses Bassompierre of “desiring to prevent him from acquiring glory”--Courage of the King--Passage of the Royal army from the Île du Perrier to the Île de Rié--Total defeat of Soubise--Siege of Royan--The King in the trenches--His remarkable coolness and intrepidity under fire--Capitulation of Royan--The Marquis de la Force created a marshal of France--Conversation between Louis XIII and Bassompierre--Diplomatic speech of the latter.....pp. 353-362