August 18, 2025 • 41 mins
Step into the world of Giulio Raimondo, better known as Cardinal Mazarin, whose tenure as Richelieus chosen successor reshaped the landscape of 17th-century France. A master diplomat, Mazarin navigated the complexities of power while maintaining a close, possibly secretive relationship with the Queen-Mother, Anne of Austria. Together, they faced the tumultuous Fronde rebellion, emerging victorious with the strategic brilliance of military commander Turenne by their side. By the time of his death in 1661, Mazarin had not only upheld Richelieus ambitious foreign policy but had also elevated the young Louis XIV to the throne, establishing him as the absolute monarch of one of Europes most formidable nations. As historian Arthur Hassall noted, Mazarins legacy was built on patience, perseverance, and sagacity. (Pamela Nagami)
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter nine of Mazarin by Arthur Hassel. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain recording by Pamelinagami, Chapter nine
Mazall's Death, character and work. Though not yet sixty years
of age, on his return to Paris in August of
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sixteen sixty, Mazarin was an old man. In spite, however,
of the gout and other infirmities, he never displayed more
energy and activity than during the last years of his life.
He carefully watched over the execution of the terms of
the peace of Westphalia. He contributed to the peace of
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the North by the treaties of Copenhagen and Olivais. He
maintained peace between France and England during a most critical period,
and he brought to a conclusion most advantageous to France
the piece of the Peers Grannies. During the autumn of
the year sixteen sixty he lived first in the Louver,
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where Moliere's plays Les Touris and the Pressiers Ridicule were
performed before him, and in November he moved to Vancennes.
In January sixteen sixty one he was again at the Louver,
where on February sixth he narrowly escaped, being the victim
of a fire which broke out through the carelessness of
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a workman, and in which many valuable pictures and tapestries
were destroyed. He then moved to his own palace in
the Ruichelieu, where he was warned by his position Gayno
that his end was near. It was at this period
that occurred the scene rendered famous by the account of
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an eye witness, the Count de Brienne, who was hid
behind the aras, determined to take a last farewell of
his treasures the use the cardinal in his fur lined
dressing gown, stole into his picture galleries and dragged himself
feebly and wearily along. At each step, his weakness forced
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him to stop, and Brienne heard him murmur, il fo
quite tousla as he went on. He repeated, as he gazed,
first on one object and then on another, Il fo
quite tussila. Monsieur Cherul throws doubt on the truth of
the above story, as Brienne's memoirs are, for the most
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part inaccurate. Such a scene, however, might well have taken place.
For Mazarin's love of his correggios, Titians and Karachis is
well known, and who desire to see his favorite pictures
was only natural. He now left the noise and bustle
of the Palais Mazarin for the quiet of Vacennes, and
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on February twenty eighth was able to sign the treaty
with the Duke of Lorraine. It was about this time
that he gave his famous last instructions to Louis the fourteenth.
He counseled the king only to choose for church preferment
men who were capable, pious, and loyal, to treat the
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nobles and magistrates well, though the latter should not be
allowed to go beyond their regular duties, and especially to
relieve the wants of the common people. Above all, he
insisted on the necessity of the king governing without the
aid of a first minister, while recommending LeTellier and Lyon
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as faithful servants. Mazaron indicated Colbert as the man most
suitable to preside over the management of the finances. The
King should preside over the council, and there should be
no first minister. On Louis the Fourteenth's refusal to accept
all his fortune, Mazarin made a will leaving it to
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his relations. Charles Armand de la Porte, son of the
Martial de la Mairae, who had married Ortensia Manchini on
February twenty eighth, sixteen sixty one, was authorized to take
the title of Duke of Mazarin and received a large
portion of the cardinal's money and property, including the palace
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in Paris, the duchies of maenn and Retrois, and, if
the king permitted, the governments of Alsace and Bruages. The
rest was divided amongst his Manchini and Martenazzinieces, and his
nephew Philip Mancini, who also received his palace at Rome
and the duchies of Naverees and Donziers. Besides his legacies
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to his relations, Mazarin left bequests to the King and
of Austria, the Young Queen, and the Duke of Anjous.
He also left donations for certain hospitals and convents. All
his papers were placed in the hands of Colbert and
have been for the most part carefully preserved. On March ninth,
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sixteen sixty one, Mazarin died and was buried first in
the chapel at Vancenne and later in accordance with his
own wish. In the chapel belonging to the College of
the Catre Nascion, the French revolutionaries, in order to show
their contempt for the glorious history of their country, scattered
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the ashes of the cardinal, whose tombs, however, preserved in
the Louver. Mazarin had certainly deserved well of France. At
the time of the Fronde, the country was torn by
civil war, invaded by the Spaniards, exploited by the nobles.
Many provinces were in revolt, and the central authority was
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practically nonexistent. While the Parliament drove Mazarin into exile, some
of its partisans were in treasonable correspondence with Spain. In
sixteen fifty three, supported by the bourgeoisie, Mazarin had succeeded
in establishing the royal authority on a firm basis. He
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then set himself to recover for France that position in
Europe which the Frond troubles had for a time destroyed.
In sixteen sixty one, France had, thanks to Mazarin's alliance
with Oliver Cromwell, triumphed over Spain, and before the Cardinal's death,
the way was prepared for the continuance of friendly relations
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with the restored English monarchy. In sixteen sixty one, France
stood fourth, the first power in Europe. Spain was rapidly declining.
Italy was divided among numerous separate states, some of which,
such as Modina, Mantua and Savoi, were allies of France.
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In sixteen sixty one two, thanks to Mazarin's care, Cosmo
de Medicis, the son of the Grand Duke of Tuscany,
married Marguerite Louis of Arleon, and France gained a valuable
Italian ally closely connected by bonds of friendship with Sweden
and the members of the League of the Rhine. France
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had nothing to fear from Germany when Mazarin's diplomacy had
reduced the Emperor's power and prestige. Holland alone was not
unnaturally accentuated by a hostile and suspicious spirit, but Mazarin's
diplomacy had left the Dutch helpless and without allies to
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await the famous onslaught of Louis the fourteenth in sixteen
seventy two. Though he had failed in one of the
principal objects of his earlier foreign policy, the annexation of
the Spanish Low countries. He had, by the marriage treaty
between Louis the fourteenth and the Spanish Infanta, prepared the
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way for future efforts in that direction. The German members
of the League of the Rhine had also bound themselves
not to permit the passage through their territories of any
troops destined for the Spanish Netherlands. Mazarin had thus done
all in his power to counteract the famous Czech which
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his diplomacy received in January of sixteen forty eight, when
Holland made her alliance with Spain. A satisfactory balance of
power had been established in central and northern Europe by
the Treaty of Westphalia, Pyrenees and Oliva, and France, triumphant
over both branches of the House of Habsburg, was regarded
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as the protector of the rights and liberties of the
German princes. In sixteen sixty one, then France held a
position of incontestable supperayeriority in Europe. This position was due
to the consummate diplomatic skill of Mazarin, supplemented by the
marvelous military talents of Turin and by the genius and
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trustworthiness of his agents, especially of Leon, Serrion and Letelliers.
The question frequently presents itself as one follows the fortunes
of Mazarin and watches the effects of his policy. What
would Richelie have done under similar circumstances, That the internal
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troubles in France would never have developed into the movement
of the First Frond under Richelia's hands may be taken
for granted, but it must be remembered that Richelie had
years of experience in official life before he was called
upon to undertake the duties of First Minister. Mazarin was
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during the early years of his ministry hampered and opposed
in every possible way, and instead of being supported, like
Richelia by a king, he had to govern the country
on behalf of a woman and a child. During the
troubles and civil wars which occupied France from sixteen forty
eight to sixteen fifty three. It is impossible not to
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admire the skill shown by the Italian cardinal and the
way in which, though twice fallen and exiled, he speedily
climbed up again with a cheerful and dauntless spirit, with
the aid of Conde. He vanquished the First or Parliamentary Frond,
and the Peace of Ruill was concluded. But the pride
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and ambition of Conde, backed up by the Pitimate, led
to fresh difficulties. Conde insulted the Queen and Mazarin and
aimed at making himself all powerful. To check Conde's designs
and to preserve the monarchy. Mazarin then allied with the
leading members of the First Frond, and Conde Conti Longueville
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were imprisoned. He then suppressed disorder in Normandy, Burgundy and Guienne,
and defeated the Spaniards in the Battle of Rotelle. These successes,
one would have expected, would have strengthened Mazarin's position. The
very reverse happened. Thinking himself able to overcome all his enemies,
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Mazarin treated the powerful Durets with contempt and took no
steps to nullify intrigues or to avert open attacks. The
union of or Leon and the members of the First
Frond with the princes who composed the second or New
Frond upset all his calculations, and he was compelled to
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leave France from Bruille. However, he directed with infinite skill
the policy of the Queen. The union of the two
fronts soon broke up between the ambition of Conde and
the indolence of Orleon. There was nothing in common. Conde,
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unconciliatory and rash to the end, refused when Louis the
fourteenth majority was declared to lay down his ambitions and
plunged into rebellion. From this moment, when the country rallied
round the king as the impersonation of the national greatness,
Mazaron's fortunes improved gradually. A complete revolution in public opinion
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was effected, and men realized the selfishness and want of
patriotism of Conde and his followers. Supported by the bourgeoisie
and by all those who preferred the interests of France
to the triumph of a faction, and always using bribery
to gain over the nobles and others, Mazaron brought about
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the ruin of both frands and enabled the monarchy to
prepare for a successful struggle against its internal foes. That
struggle was practically closed with the capitulation of Budeaux in
sixteen fifty three, and during the ensuing years, Mazaron, supported
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by the energetic young king, reduced the Parliament of Paris
to submission. The administrative system erected by Richelieu had withstood
the attacks of both nobles and parliament, and was again
set in motion. From the Conseil du Rois or Council
of the King had been formed. The Council of State,
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in which the ministers sat, wielding under the crown enormous powers.
The Council was supreme over the law courts and over
all administrative bodies. The ministers could only advise for all
power rested ultimately with the king. The Frond troubles had
shown the incapacity both of the Parliament of Paris and
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the nobles to govern the kingdom. It was better that
France should be under a monarchy than ruled by a narrow,
selfish bureaucracy or by an anarchic, feudal aristocracy. Mazeron's character
has been the subject of much adverse criticism. The fact
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that he was an Italian rendered his position as First
Minister in France always difficult and made attacks on him popular.
The language adopted toward him in the Mazarinade and by
such menace Derets, was bitter in the extreme. Later writers,
recognizing the magnitude of his statesmanlike services to France have
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awarded him fairer treatment. The Duc Domal, in his admirable
book on the Princes of the House of Conde, has
noted some of the characteristics of of Mazarin's complex character.
A great gambler, a scorner of danger, too greedy to
be a good administrator. He has views on foreign affairs,
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on diplomacy and war, the full extent of which cannot
be derived from his dispatches. He then notices Mazarin's submissive language,
his studied obscurity, his repetitions, his contradictions, extols his skill
and negotiations, and declares that an habitual craftiness led him
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too often astray in his relations with his fellow man.
Monsieur Cheruel in his Eastwards de France Pondon la mi
norite de Luis Cadors sums up in an admirable manner
the striking points in the cardinal's complex character. He draws
special attention to his knowledge of European affairs, to his
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sagacity and presence of mind when unraveling the most complicated intrigues,
to his perseverance, and to his patience and foresight. In
waiting for favorable opportunities for the execution of his plans.
His indomitable ardor for work is proved by his voluminous correspondents. Unfortunately,
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cunning duplicity and a sordid avarice were a serious drawback
to Mazaron's good qualities. Mazaron's greatness was undoubted, though few
of his contemporaries realized it. His correspondence contains ample proof
of his statesmanlike qualities and of his determination to place
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the country of his adoption at the head of European nations.
Having attained this object of his ambition and perseverance, he
is worthy to be ranked with Richelia as a great minister.
As a diplomatist, he was unequalled. Sweden and Savois were
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among his most faithful allies. When deserted by the Dutch,
he formed an alliance with England, with the happiest results
for France. By the Peace of Westphalia he prepared the
way for the League of the Rhine, and by the
Peace of the Pyrenees for the absorption by France of
a portion of the Spanish Netherlands. Never during the troubled
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years of the Frond did his indefatigable activity cease, or
his perseverance give way to despair. Contemporary writers were, however,
usually impressed by the faults of his character, by his
intrigues and underhand methods of obtaining his ends, by his
spy system and avarice. Rarely as a great minister afforded
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too hostile pamphleteers so many opportunities for attack, and the
Mazagonades showed how ably his enemies took advantage of the
defects of his character. They could not appreciate the value
to France of the peace of Westphalia. They had no
wish to praise Mazaron's prudence, sagacity, and perseverance. Though not
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fitted by nature to crush and destroy the nobles as
Richelia would have done, Mazaron's patience and flexibility proved equal
to the task left him by his predecessor. Mazarin, it
has been said, had a bold heart and weaker mind, Richedlia,
a daring mind and timid heart. Gentle and unassuming in demeanor,
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Mazarin was full of kindness and readily accessible to all comers.
Above the middle height, he was one of the handsomest
men at the court His hair was auburn, his forehead broad,
his nose large, his beard carefully curled, his hands small
and well formed. Like the Queen Regent to whom whom
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he was married, Few who came into contact with him
could resist the fascination of the good looking cardinal. His
mind was more subtle than that of Richelia, and Italian Like,
he preferred the refinements of intrigue to a more strenuous
and resolute policy. Instead of attempting to break his opponents,
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he consistently endeavored to bend them to adopt his views.
A well educated man, his interest in art and literature
was remarkable. In sixteen forty six he bought the Hotel Touboeuf,
on the site of which now stands the Bibliothec Nacional,
and built the Palais Mazarin. During the rest of his
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life he took every opportunity of enriching his palace with
works of art, tapestry, and with all materials beautiful in design.
Clarendon tells us that after the death of Charles the
First Mazarin bought rich goods and jewels of the rifled Crown,
of which he purchased the rich beds, hangings and carpets
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which furnished his palace in Paris. Though he missed the
chance of buying Raphael's cartoons, he enriched his galleries with
many valuable pictures collected from all parts of Europe. His
tapestry had a worldwide fame, and though it was temporarily
dispersed in sixteen fifty one by order of the Parliament
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of Paris, it was restored to him later. Masarent was
perhaps the best dressed man of his day, and his
wardrobe was remarkable for the number and richness of the
suits which it contained. A born virtuoso, his cabinets contained
many priceless jewels and other masterpieces of the goldsmith's art.
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The enumeration of articles in rock, crystal, amber, coral, and
other precious materials on Chase don la Jean Vermey d'urrey
filled twenty two pages of the Avaneire de toules mouble
de Cardinal Mazarin, drawn up in sixteen fifty three and
edited in sixteen sixty one by the Duc Domals. In
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the same work will be found lists of his furniture
and a catalog of his guilt and silver plate. He
was also a patron of literature and a lover of books.
The great age of French literature was dawning, and he
pensioned Balzac, Voiture, Descartes, Chaplin, Cornet, Bassuet, Pascal Mouliere, Racine Boileau,
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Madame de Sevignier, and many other writers who adorned the
golden period of French literature, and who, now that order
was re established and that patriotism had conquered, were beginning
to write. The movement in literature as in political history,
which is summed up in the term the Age of
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Louis the four thirteenth was fostered by Mazarin, who founded
the College Mazarin, which afterwards became the Astitute of France,
introduced the opera and supported the drama. Having secured in
Nodee a competent librarian, Mazarin, like his contemporary Cardinal Francesco Barberini,
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who collected a splendid library. Before the end of sixteen
forty eight, had acquired some forty thousand volumes, which he
placed in his library for the use of the learned
and for students. Noda had traversed all Europe, in his
own words, visiting Flanders, Italy, England and Germany to bring
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hither whatever is rare and excellent. By great good fortune,
this library escaped destruction in sixteen forty nine and again
in sixteen fifty one, when it fell into the power
of the Parlement. That body was willing to please the
vandalism of the populace by attacks on the Palais Mazarin
and its treasures. Though all his collections were dispersed, his
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library escaped, and the books now formed the Bibliothech Mazarin,
which is in the buildings of the Institute. Though Mazarin
amassed an enormous fortune, he seems to have been ignorant
of financial matters. Like Richlia, he did nothing to reform
the financial administration of France. Both cardinals failed as economists,
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and it was left to Colbert to carry on the
work of Soule. During Mazarin's lifetime, the privileged classes were
exempt from the oppressive direct taxes, and the indirect taxes
were assessed most unequally and unjustly. Emerie, Mazarin's first Controller General,
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was like Cologne, skillful in staving off immediate difficulties and
obtaining money for the time. The sale of offices continued
and the practice of farming the indirect taxes was confirmed.
The government thus was placed at the mercy of the financiers,
who assessed and recovered the taxes, and who made immense
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fortunes out of the taxpayers. Early in sixteen forty seven,
the state was practically bankrupt. Emeris ad dutois had been withdrawn,
and the tax desize and the ad du tariff yielded little.
Among the causes of the opposition to Mazarin, Irritation at
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the conduct of the farmers of the taxes was not
the least. From sixteen fifty two to sixteen sixty Mazaron
found Fouquet invaluable for procuring loans for the state, while
his selection of Colbert to manage his private affairs was
an act the wisdom of which cannot be overestimated. Colbert
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fully justified the cardinal's confidence in his honesty and financial ability.
The Bruache property, which belonged to Mazaron was well managed
and proved a valuable source of income, and Colbert's efforts
after economy were seconded by his master. Mazarn's correspondence with
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Colbert gives many proofs, not only of Mazarin's avaricious nature,
but also of his business like way of looking at money.
He had, it is often said, the instincts of a
trader like Walpole in the next century. Mazarin was well
aware of the value of money in politics. Throughout the
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Fraan truples, enormous sums were spent in buying important politicians,
and during his negotiations with the German princes at the
time of the Emperor Leopold's election, the bribery of the
electors and others was on a large scale. It must
always be remembered that Mazarin, at critical moments in the
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history of France, was always ready to employ his wealth
for the public good. During the German negotiations in sixteen
fifty seven, the treasury being well nigh empty, he advanced
the necessary funds, and on his deathbed he offered to
leave his riches to Louis the fourteenth. Over his avarice,
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which was great, his patriotism always triumphed. He is often
criticized for handing over the finances to the care of Fouquet,
of whose methods he was well aware, but it was
not easy to see from what other quarter. During the
later years of Mazaron's life money could have been obtained. Moreover, Colbert,
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like a watchdog, was continually on the alert while he
reorganized Mazarin's own estate with such success that Mazarin rapidly
accumulated an immense fortune. He declared war upon Fouquet. Envious,
alert and capable Colbert there never ceased from sixteen fifty
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three to observe every action of Fouquet, and to note
every suspicious circumstance. But Mazarin wisely continued till his death
to employ the magnificent Fouquet, whose credit with financiers had
been so invaluable to him during the stormy period from
which he emerged in sixteen fifty nine. Though he sought
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for no opportunity of improving the internal well being of
France to a material extent, he at any rate, bequeathed
Colbert to Louis the fourteenth. In advising Louis the fourteenth
to employ Colbert, Mazarin gave another illustration of his skill
in choosing subordinates and his preference for the bourgeois class. LeTellier,
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a hard working, prudent man, servian, and lyon able diplomatists
and Colbert, a skilled economist. Were all men belonging to
the bourgeoisie, and we were all trained in the service
of the Cardinal. In sixteen forty three, Littelier was placed
at the head of the War Department and carried out
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his duties with vigor and diligence. He aided in bringing
about the Treaty of Ruil, and during the absence of
the Court from Paris in sixteen fifty he was specially
entrusted to watch Orleon and to report to Mazarin. During
Mazarin's exile in sixteen fifty one, Lettelier, with Serveillan and Lyons,
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remained with the exception of one short period in Paris,
aiding Anne of Austria, watching or Leon and corresponding with Mazarin.
On Mazarin's second exile, LeTellier was entrusted with the management
of all the state business until the Cardinal's return. Was
practically the head of the government. And astute avaricious man,
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Littelier was admirably fitted to occupy a high place in
the state til sixteen sixty six. He remained at the
head of the War Department, which he then resigned in
favor of his son in law, Louvois Servellant, the uncle
of Lyone, had characteristics very different from those of LeTellier.
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While the latter was insinuating in his manners and preferred
the byways of intrigue in order to attain his object,
the former was straightforward and irascible. His direct methods proved
useful in the negotiations immediately preceding the conclusion of the
Peace of Westphalia, and Mazarin showed his appreciation of his
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merits by making him a Secretary of State and in
sixteen fifty two joint superintendent of the finances with Fouquet.
Always haughty and severe, Servillan was a striking contrast to
the corrupt and immoral nobles and officials by whom he
was surrounded. He had little in common with Fouquet and Mazarin,
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in sixteen teen fifty four acted wisely in dividing their functions.
He died in sixteen fifty nine, leaving France successful abroad,
and the work begun at Westphalia on the verge of completion.
Lyon is a more interesting figure than either LeTellier or Sevillane.
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During the stormy times of the Second Frond. He played
an important part as one of Mazaron's principal subordinates in Paris,
but it was as an ambassador that Lyon is most celebrated.
He was entrusted by Mazaron with the difficult task of
arranging matters with the Papacy in connection with Deretz's claim
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to the Archbishopric of Paris. He took a leading part
in organizing the League of the Rhine and in making
the Treaty of the Pyrenees. Louis the fourteenth found his
diplomatic skill of great use during the early part of
his reign. Striking as were the diplomatic qualities of Lyon,
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they were destined to prove less remarkable than the financial
skill of Colbert. But while Leon's most celebrated successes belonged
to Mazarin's ministry, Colbert's career as a reformer and an
economist did not begin till after the cardinal's death. During
the last nine years of Mazarin's life, Colbert was constantly
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at his side. Colbert, like Turen, always advocated a direct,
vigorous policy. Like Richelie, he desired the adoption of firm
measures with the Parliament and of stern methods towards all
who resisted the king's authority. Though ambitious and often over
severe and unjust in his decisions, Colbert was admirably fitted
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for the task of reorganizing the finances of France. His
jealousy of Fouquet was natural, and a struggle between the
two systems of finance, as represented by the two men
was inevitable. Aided by these able subordinates, Mazarin, after the
conclusion of the fraud troubles began the work of reorganization.
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First in importance was the re establishment of the intendants.
Richelie had made the intendants permanent officials with wide powers
which extended over the whole kingdom of justice, police and finance.
As the recognized channel of communication between the country districts
and the royal Council, they at once roused the jealousy
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of the privileged classes, and one of the principal objects
of the early Frondeurs were to procure their abolition. Though
the nobles continued to derive their revenues from the provinces
of which they were nominal governors, all real control over
the provincial administration passed into the hands of the intendants. Who,
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being middle class officials, had not the ambition of the
noble orders. Mazarin thus continued and developed Richelia's policy of
making the intendance the basis of a powerful monarchical system.
Under Louis the fourteenth these agents proved efficient. It was
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not till the following century that the evils of over
centralization became apparent. Equally effective had been Mazarin's treatment of
the Parliament of Paris. Its claim to be superior to
the States General was heard no more, its attempt to
wield political power was pushed aside. Its eminent president, Molat, had,
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till his resignation in sixteen thirty three, endeavored with some success,
to induce it to adhere to the terms of the
famous Royal Declaration of October twenty second, sixteen fifty two,
though his successor, Pompon de Belliere in sixteen fifty five,
had attempted but in vain, to regain for the Parliament
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a recognition of its possession of political power. In sixteen
fifty seven, the discontent of the Parliament had been again
allayed by a mixture of firmness and adroitness on Mazarin's part.
When he died the Cardinal had reason to expect fresh
opposition from the Parliament to the royal will, but Louis
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the fourteenth soon made it apparent that no resistant on
its part would be brooked. During the Minority of Louis
the thirteenth, the Parliament had asserted its right to be heard,
but in sixteen forty one Richelia had issued an edict
forbidding that body to take any cognizance of affairs of state.
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Its political power had thus been summarily suppressed, and it
was ordered that all edicts were to be registered at once.
Taking advantage of the irresolute rule of Anne of Austria
and of the consequent troubles of the Frond period, the
Parliament regained its former position, but its triumph was only temporary,
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and it was not till the Minority of Louis the
fifteenth that it again asserted its right to interfere in
state affairs and to represent the nation. During the years
succeeding sixteen fifty three, Mazarin showed no interest in improving
the internal organization of France or in developing the natural
wealth and resources of the country. He neglected agriculture, commerce, manufactures,
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and the colonies. If Cardinal Mazarin writes Colbert understood foreign affairs,
he was utterly ignorant of home government. Though by his
foreign policy he had raised France to a great height
of glory, he does not seem to have understood the
meaning and value of good government. During the eight years
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following the close of the Frond, attempts were indeed made
to improve the condition of French commerce. Mazarin took no
sustained interest in the prosperity of trade or of the navy.
In his later years, however, he was well served by Colbert,
who urged the importance of measures for the development of trade,
agriculture and manufactures. Years had, however, to elapse before France
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could recover from the effects of the dislocations of her
industrial life caused by her foreign wars and domestic troubles. Nevertheless,
it was during Mazarreon's ministry that Colbert made his first
efforts toward that striking colonial commercial and manufacturing expansion which
marked the first decade of Louis the fourteenth's personal rule.
(36:45):
In sixteen sixty one, Mazarin had restored order in France,
but he was well aware of the importance of leaving
the country in the hands of a firm ruler who
would continue his policy. During the years between sixteen fifty
three and sixteen sixty one, he had paid considerable attention
to the political and military education of the young king.
(37:09):
In sixteen fifty three, Louis for the first time had
accompanied Turen on a campaign. From that year too, he
was constantly with Mazarin in bibing principles of conduct, which
he afterwards drew up for the instruction of his own son.
Mazarin taught him to work hard, to learn self control,
(37:31):
to accept advice from his generals and ministers. Owing to
Mazarin's counsels, Louis, though remaining ignorant in literary matters, learned
to rule men and liked Mazarin to pursue with perseverance
the objects of his policy. It will depend entirely on yourself,
Mazarn once said to the king, to become the most
(37:54):
glorious king that has ever lived. God has given you
all the necessary qualities, and all you have to do
is to employ them. Mazarin's expectations were not disappointed, and
his constant care for louis education was amply rewarded In
sixteen fifty four, Louis was present at the siege of Stenay,
(38:17):
and in sixteen fifty five. The firmness of his character
was well exemplified in his treatment of the Parliament of Paris.
There is no doubt that Louis benefited immensely by his
experience of camp life during the later phases of the
Spanish War, and the lessons on the political state of
Europe which he constantly received from Mazarin. On his deathbed,
(38:40):
the Cardinal, in giving Louis good advice as to his
treatment of his subjects, urged him to be resolute and
not to govern through others. The fate of Fouquet shortly
after Mazarin's death was an immediate and conclusive proof that
Louis intended to carry out his late minister's final injunctions.
(39:00):
Mazarin's defects are obvious to the student of the Frond period,
but it is impossible to deny his consistent patriotism or
the immense services which he rendered to France. He carried
out the policy of Henry the Fourth and Richelie and
permanently weakened both branches of the House of Habsburg. At
(39:21):
the Peace of Westphalia. The Emperor was forced to grant
independence religious and political to the German princes, and France
gained Alsace, Brisach and Philippsburg. The Peace of the Pyrenees
signified the fall of the Spanish Habsburgs from the high
position which they had held in Europe since the days
(39:41):
of Ferdinand and Isabella, and by that piece France secured Artois,
Roussillon and a portion of Flanders. The Fronde had unmistakably
proved that monarchy was the only form of government suitable
for or possible in France. Mazarin had steadily persevered in
(40:03):
his task of curbing the parliament and of reducing the
ambition of the nobles. Having assured the triumph of the monarchy,
he spent the last eight years of his life in
strengthening its position at home and abroad. The debt of
France to Mazarin is immense. Like Disraeli, he made his
(40:23):
adopted country his first thought, and like Disraeli, he eventually
overcame the hostility caused by his foreign extraction. But while
the English minister was not only a man of genius,
but also a man of action and often delighted in
dramatic coup. Mazarin was not a man of genius, but
a diplomatist of the first order. End of Chapter nine
(40:51):
recording by Pamel and Agami in June of two thousand
and sixteen. End of Mazarin by Arthur Hassela
Chapter nine of Mazarin by Arthur Hassel. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain recording by Pamelinagami, Chapter nine
Mazall's Death, character and work. Though not yet sixty years
of age, on his return to Paris in August of
(00:21):
sixteen sixty, Mazarin was an old man. In spite, however,
of the gout and other infirmities, he never displayed more
energy and activity than during the last years of his life.
He carefully watched over the execution of the terms of
the peace of Westphalia. He contributed to the peace of
(00:43):
the North by the treaties of Copenhagen and Olivais. He
maintained peace between France and England during a most critical period,
and he brought to a conclusion most advantageous to France
the piece of the Peers Grannies. During the autumn of
the year sixteen sixty he lived first in the Louver,
(01:07):
where Moliere's plays Les Touris and the Pressiers Ridicule were
performed before him, and in November he moved to Vancennes.
In January sixteen sixty one he was again at the Louver,
where on February sixth he narrowly escaped, being the victim
of a fire which broke out through the carelessness of
(01:30):
a workman, and in which many valuable pictures and tapestries
were destroyed. He then moved to his own palace in
the Ruichelieu, where he was warned by his position Gayno
that his end was near. It was at this period
that occurred the scene rendered famous by the account of
(01:50):
an eye witness, the Count de Brienne, who was hid
behind the aras, determined to take a last farewell of
his treasures the use the cardinal in his fur lined
dressing gown, stole into his picture galleries and dragged himself
feebly and wearily along. At each step, his weakness forced
(02:13):
him to stop, and Brienne heard him murmur, il fo
quite tousla as he went on. He repeated, as he gazed,
first on one object and then on another, Il fo
quite tussila. Monsieur Cherul throws doubt on the truth of
the above story, as Brienne's memoirs are, for the most
(02:35):
part inaccurate. Such a scene, however, might well have taken place.
For Mazarin's love of his correggios, Titians and Karachis is
well known, and who desire to see his favorite pictures
was only natural. He now left the noise and bustle
of the Palais Mazarin for the quiet of Vacennes, and
(02:57):
on February twenty eighth was able to sign the treaty
with the Duke of Lorraine. It was about this time
that he gave his famous last instructions to Louis the fourteenth.
He counseled the king only to choose for church preferment
men who were capable, pious, and loyal, to treat the
(03:18):
nobles and magistrates well, though the latter should not be
allowed to go beyond their regular duties, and especially to
relieve the wants of the common people. Above all, he
insisted on the necessity of the king governing without the
aid of a first minister, while recommending LeTellier and Lyon
(03:41):
as faithful servants. Mazaron indicated Colbert as the man most
suitable to preside over the management of the finances. The
King should preside over the council, and there should be
no first minister. On Louis the Fourteenth's refusal to accept
all his fortune, Mazarin made a will leaving it to
(04:02):
his relations. Charles Armand de la Porte, son of the
Martial de la Mairae, who had married Ortensia Manchini on
February twenty eighth, sixteen sixty one, was authorized to take
the title of Duke of Mazarin and received a large
portion of the cardinal's money and property, including the palace
(04:23):
in Paris, the duchies of maenn and Retrois, and, if
the king permitted, the governments of Alsace and Bruages. The
rest was divided amongst his Manchini and Martenazzinieces, and his
nephew Philip Mancini, who also received his palace at Rome
and the duchies of Naverees and Donziers. Besides his legacies
(04:47):
to his relations, Mazarin left bequests to the King and
of Austria, the Young Queen, and the Duke of Anjous.
He also left donations for certain hospitals and convents. All
his papers were placed in the hands of Colbert and
have been for the most part carefully preserved. On March ninth,
(05:10):
sixteen sixty one, Mazarin died and was buried first in
the chapel at Vancenne and later in accordance with his
own wish. In the chapel belonging to the College of
the Catre Nascion, the French revolutionaries, in order to show
their contempt for the glorious history of their country, scattered
(05:31):
the ashes of the cardinal, whose tombs, however, preserved in
the Louver. Mazarin had certainly deserved well of France. At
the time of the Fronde, the country was torn by
civil war, invaded by the Spaniards, exploited by the nobles.
Many provinces were in revolt, and the central authority was
(05:53):
practically nonexistent. While the Parliament drove Mazarin into exile, some
of its partisans were in treasonable correspondence with Spain. In
sixteen fifty three, supported by the bourgeoisie, Mazarin had succeeded
in establishing the royal authority on a firm basis. He
(06:16):
then set himself to recover for France that position in
Europe which the Frond troubles had for a time destroyed.
In sixteen sixty one, France had, thanks to Mazarin's alliance
with Oliver Cromwell, triumphed over Spain, and before the Cardinal's death,
the way was prepared for the continuance of friendly relations
(06:38):
with the restored English monarchy. In sixteen sixty one, France
stood fourth, the first power in Europe. Spain was rapidly declining.
Italy was divided among numerous separate states, some of which,
such as Modina, Mantua and Savoi, were allies of France.
(07:01):
In sixteen sixty one two, thanks to Mazarin's care, Cosmo
de Medicis, the son of the Grand Duke of Tuscany,
married Marguerite Louis of Arleon, and France gained a valuable
Italian ally closely connected by bonds of friendship with Sweden
and the members of the League of the Rhine. France
(07:22):
had nothing to fear from Germany when Mazarin's diplomacy had
reduced the Emperor's power and prestige. Holland alone was not
unnaturally accentuated by a hostile and suspicious spirit, but Mazarin's
diplomacy had left the Dutch helpless and without allies to
(07:43):
await the famous onslaught of Louis the fourteenth in sixteen
seventy two. Though he had failed in one of the
principal objects of his earlier foreign policy, the annexation of
the Spanish Low countries. He had, by the marriage treaty
between Louis the fourteenth and the Spanish Infanta, prepared the
(08:04):
way for future efforts in that direction. The German members
of the League of the Rhine had also bound themselves
not to permit the passage through their territories of any
troops destined for the Spanish Netherlands. Mazarin had thus done
all in his power to counteract the famous Czech which
(08:26):
his diplomacy received in January of sixteen forty eight, when
Holland made her alliance with Spain. A satisfactory balance of
power had been established in central and northern Europe by
the Treaty of Westphalia, Pyrenees and Oliva, and France, triumphant
over both branches of the House of Habsburg, was regarded
(08:49):
as the protector of the rights and liberties of the
German princes. In sixteen sixty one, then France held a
position of incontestable supperayeriority in Europe. This position was due
to the consummate diplomatic skill of Mazarin, supplemented by the
marvelous military talents of Turin and by the genius and
(09:12):
trustworthiness of his agents, especially of Leon, Serrion and Letelliers.
The question frequently presents itself as one follows the fortunes
of Mazarin and watches the effects of his policy. What
would Richelie have done under similar circumstances, That the internal
(09:33):
troubles in France would never have developed into the movement
of the First Frond under Richelia's hands may be taken
for granted, but it must be remembered that Richelie had
years of experience in official life before he was called
upon to undertake the duties of First Minister. Mazarin was
(09:54):
during the early years of his ministry hampered and opposed
in every possible way, and instead of being supported, like
Richelia by a king, he had to govern the country
on behalf of a woman and a child. During the
troubles and civil wars which occupied France from sixteen forty
eight to sixteen fifty three. It is impossible not to
(10:19):
admire the skill shown by the Italian cardinal and the
way in which, though twice fallen and exiled, he speedily
climbed up again with a cheerful and dauntless spirit, with
the aid of Conde. He vanquished the First or Parliamentary Frond,
and the Peace of Ruill was concluded. But the pride
(10:41):
and ambition of Conde, backed up by the Pitimate, led
to fresh difficulties. Conde insulted the Queen and Mazarin and
aimed at making himself all powerful. To check Conde's designs
and to preserve the monarchy. Mazarin then allied with the
leading members of the First Frond, and Conde Conti Longueville
(11:05):
were imprisoned. He then suppressed disorder in Normandy, Burgundy and Guienne,
and defeated the Spaniards in the Battle of Rotelle. These successes,
one would have expected, would have strengthened Mazarin's position. The
very reverse happened. Thinking himself able to overcome all his enemies,
(11:28):
Mazarin treated the powerful Durets with contempt and took no
steps to nullify intrigues or to avert open attacks. The
union of or Leon and the members of the First
Frond with the princes who composed the second or New
Frond upset all his calculations, and he was compelled to
(11:49):
leave France from Bruille. However, he directed with infinite skill
the policy of the Queen. The union of the two
fronts soon broke up between the ambition of Conde and
the indolence of Orleon. There was nothing in common. Conde,
(12:10):
unconciliatory and rash to the end, refused when Louis the
fourteenth majority was declared to lay down his ambitions and
plunged into rebellion. From this moment, when the country rallied
round the king as the impersonation of the national greatness,
Mazaron's fortunes improved gradually. A complete revolution in public opinion
(12:35):
was effected, and men realized the selfishness and want of
patriotism of Conde and his followers. Supported by the bourgeoisie
and by all those who preferred the interests of France
to the triumph of a faction, and always using bribery
to gain over the nobles and others, Mazaron brought about
(12:59):
the ruin of both frands and enabled the monarchy to
prepare for a successful struggle against its internal foes. That
struggle was practically closed with the capitulation of Budeaux in
sixteen fifty three, and during the ensuing years, Mazaron, supported
(13:19):
by the energetic young king, reduced the Parliament of Paris
to submission. The administrative system erected by Richelieu had withstood
the attacks of both nobles and parliament, and was again
set in motion. From the Conseil du Rois or Council
of the King had been formed. The Council of State,
(13:41):
in which the ministers sat, wielding under the crown enormous powers.
The Council was supreme over the law courts and over
all administrative bodies. The ministers could only advise for all
power rested ultimately with the king. The Frond troubles had
shown the incapacity both of the Parliament of Paris and
(14:05):
the nobles to govern the kingdom. It was better that
France should be under a monarchy than ruled by a narrow,
selfish bureaucracy or by an anarchic, feudal aristocracy. Mazeron's character
has been the subject of much adverse criticism. The fact
(14:25):
that he was an Italian rendered his position as First
Minister in France always difficult and made attacks on him popular.
The language adopted toward him in the Mazarinade and by
such menace Derets, was bitter in the extreme. Later writers,
recognizing the magnitude of his statesmanlike services to France have
(14:49):
awarded him fairer treatment. The Duc Domal, in his admirable
book on the Princes of the House of Conde, has
noted some of the characteristics of of Mazarin's complex character.
A great gambler, a scorner of danger, too greedy to
be a good administrator. He has views on foreign affairs,
(15:12):
on diplomacy and war, the full extent of which cannot
be derived from his dispatches. He then notices Mazarin's submissive language,
his studied obscurity, his repetitions, his contradictions, extols his skill
and negotiations, and declares that an habitual craftiness led him
(15:34):
too often astray in his relations with his fellow man.
Monsieur Cheruel in his Eastwards de France Pondon la mi
norite de Luis Cadors sums up in an admirable manner
the striking points in the cardinal's complex character. He draws
special attention to his knowledge of European affairs, to his
(15:55):
sagacity and presence of mind when unraveling the most complicated intrigues,
to his perseverance, and to his patience and foresight. In
waiting for favorable opportunities for the execution of his plans.
His indomitable ardor for work is proved by his voluminous correspondents. Unfortunately,
(16:19):
cunning duplicity and a sordid avarice were a serious drawback
to Mazaron's good qualities. Mazaron's greatness was undoubted, though few
of his contemporaries realized it. His correspondence contains ample proof
of his statesmanlike qualities and of his determination to place
(16:40):
the country of his adoption at the head of European nations.
Having attained this object of his ambition and perseverance, he
is worthy to be ranked with Richelia as a great minister.
As a diplomatist, he was unequalled. Sweden and Savois were
(17:01):
among his most faithful allies. When deserted by the Dutch,
he formed an alliance with England, with the happiest results
for France. By the Peace of Westphalia he prepared the
way for the League of the Rhine, and by the
Peace of the Pyrenees for the absorption by France of
a portion of the Spanish Netherlands. Never during the troubled
(17:25):
years of the Frond did his indefatigable activity cease, or
his perseverance give way to despair. Contemporary writers were, however,
usually impressed by the faults of his character, by his
intrigues and underhand methods of obtaining his ends, by his
spy system and avarice. Rarely as a great minister afforded
(17:49):
too hostile pamphleteers so many opportunities for attack, and the
Mazagonades showed how ably his enemies took advantage of the
defects of his character. They could not appreciate the value
to France of the peace of Westphalia. They had no
wish to praise Mazaron's prudence, sagacity, and perseverance. Though not
(18:13):
fitted by nature to crush and destroy the nobles as
Richelia would have done, Mazaron's patience and flexibility proved equal
to the task left him by his predecessor. Mazarin, it
has been said, had a bold heart and weaker mind, Richedlia,
a daring mind and timid heart. Gentle and unassuming in demeanor,
(18:37):
Mazarin was full of kindness and readily accessible to all comers.
Above the middle height, he was one of the handsomest
men at the court His hair was auburn, his forehead broad,
his nose large, his beard carefully curled, his hands small
and well formed. Like the Queen Regent to whom whom
(19:00):
he was married, Few who came into contact with him
could resist the fascination of the good looking cardinal. His
mind was more subtle than that of Richelia, and Italian Like,
he preferred the refinements of intrigue to a more strenuous
and resolute policy. Instead of attempting to break his opponents,
(19:22):
he consistently endeavored to bend them to adopt his views.
A well educated man, his interest in art and literature
was remarkable. In sixteen forty six he bought the Hotel Touboeuf,
on the site of which now stands the Bibliothec Nacional,
and built the Palais Mazarin. During the rest of his
(19:44):
life he took every opportunity of enriching his palace with
works of art, tapestry, and with all materials beautiful in design.
Clarendon tells us that after the death of Charles the
First Mazarin bought rich goods and jewels of the rifled Crown,
of which he purchased the rich beds, hangings and carpets
(20:05):
which furnished his palace in Paris. Though he missed the
chance of buying Raphael's cartoons, he enriched his galleries with
many valuable pictures collected from all parts of Europe. His
tapestry had a worldwide fame, and though it was temporarily
dispersed in sixteen fifty one by order of the Parliament
(20:26):
of Paris, it was restored to him later. Masarent was
perhaps the best dressed man of his day, and his
wardrobe was remarkable for the number and richness of the
suits which it contained. A born virtuoso, his cabinets contained
many priceless jewels and other masterpieces of the goldsmith's art.
(20:49):
The enumeration of articles in rock, crystal, amber, coral, and
other precious materials on Chase don la Jean Vermey d'urrey
filled twenty two pages of the Avaneire de toules mouble
de Cardinal Mazarin, drawn up in sixteen fifty three and
edited in sixteen sixty one by the Duc Domals. In
(21:12):
the same work will be found lists of his furniture
and a catalog of his guilt and silver plate. He
was also a patron of literature and a lover of books.
The great age of French literature was dawning, and he
pensioned Balzac, Voiture, Descartes, Chaplin, Cornet, Bassuet, Pascal Mouliere, Racine Boileau,
(21:38):
Madame de Sevignier, and many other writers who adorned the
golden period of French literature, and who, now that order
was re established and that patriotism had conquered, were beginning
to write. The movement in literature as in political history,
which is summed up in the term the Age of
(21:59):
Louis the four thirteenth was fostered by Mazarin, who founded
the College Mazarin, which afterwards became the Astitute of France,
introduced the opera and supported the drama. Having secured in
Nodee a competent librarian, Mazarin, like his contemporary Cardinal Francesco Barberini,
(22:21):
who collected a splendid library. Before the end of sixteen
forty eight, had acquired some forty thousand volumes, which he
placed in his library for the use of the learned
and for students. Noda had traversed all Europe, in his
own words, visiting Flanders, Italy, England and Germany to bring
(22:42):
hither whatever is rare and excellent. By great good fortune,
this library escaped destruction in sixteen forty nine and again
in sixteen fifty one, when it fell into the power
of the Parlement. That body was willing to please the
vandalism of the populace by attacks on the Palais Mazarin
and its treasures. Though all his collections were dispersed, his
(23:05):
library escaped, and the books now formed the Bibliothech Mazarin,
which is in the buildings of the Institute. Though Mazarin
amassed an enormous fortune, he seems to have been ignorant
of financial matters. Like Richlia, he did nothing to reform
the financial administration of France. Both cardinals failed as economists,
(23:29):
and it was left to Colbert to carry on the
work of Soule. During Mazarin's lifetime, the privileged classes were
exempt from the oppressive direct taxes, and the indirect taxes
were assessed most unequally and unjustly. Emerie, Mazarin's first Controller General,
(23:50):
was like Cologne, skillful in staving off immediate difficulties and
obtaining money for the time. The sale of offices continued
and the practice of farming the indirect taxes was confirmed.
The government thus was placed at the mercy of the financiers,
who assessed and recovered the taxes, and who made immense
(24:13):
fortunes out of the taxpayers. Early in sixteen forty seven,
the state was practically bankrupt. Emeris ad dutois had been withdrawn,
and the tax desize and the ad du tariff yielded little.
Among the causes of the opposition to Mazarin, Irritation at
(24:34):
the conduct of the farmers of the taxes was not
the least. From sixteen fifty two to sixteen sixty Mazaron
found Fouquet invaluable for procuring loans for the state, while
his selection of Colbert to manage his private affairs was
an act the wisdom of which cannot be overestimated. Colbert
(24:56):
fully justified the cardinal's confidence in his honesty and financial ability.
The Bruache property, which belonged to Mazaron was well managed
and proved a valuable source of income, and Colbert's efforts
after economy were seconded by his master. Mazarn's correspondence with
(25:18):
Colbert gives many proofs, not only of Mazarin's avaricious nature,
but also of his business like way of looking at money.
He had, it is often said, the instincts of a
trader like Walpole in the next century. Mazarin was well
aware of the value of money in politics. Throughout the
(25:39):
Fraan truples, enormous sums were spent in buying important politicians,
and during his negotiations with the German princes at the
time of the Emperor Leopold's election, the bribery of the
electors and others was on a large scale. It must
always be remembered that Mazarin, at critical moments in the
(26:00):
history of France, was always ready to employ his wealth
for the public good. During the German negotiations in sixteen
fifty seven, the treasury being well nigh empty, he advanced
the necessary funds, and on his deathbed he offered to
leave his riches to Louis the fourteenth. Over his avarice,
(26:21):
which was great, his patriotism always triumphed. He is often
criticized for handing over the finances to the care of Fouquet,
of whose methods he was well aware, but it was
not easy to see from what other quarter. During the
later years of Mazaron's life money could have been obtained. Moreover, Colbert,
(26:42):
like a watchdog, was continually on the alert while he
reorganized Mazarin's own estate with such success that Mazarin rapidly
accumulated an immense fortune. He declared war upon Fouquet. Envious,
alert and capable Colbert there never ceased from sixteen fifty
(27:02):
three to observe every action of Fouquet, and to note
every suspicious circumstance. But Mazarin wisely continued till his death
to employ the magnificent Fouquet, whose credit with financiers had
been so invaluable to him during the stormy period from
which he emerged in sixteen fifty nine. Though he sought
(27:24):
for no opportunity of improving the internal well being of
France to a material extent, he at any rate, bequeathed
Colbert to Louis the fourteenth. In advising Louis the fourteenth
to employ Colbert, Mazarin gave another illustration of his skill
in choosing subordinates and his preference for the bourgeois class. LeTellier,
(27:48):
a hard working, prudent man, servian, and lyon able diplomatists
and Colbert, a skilled economist. Were all men belonging to
the bourgeoisie, and we were all trained in the service
of the Cardinal. In sixteen forty three, Littelier was placed
at the head of the War Department and carried out
(28:09):
his duties with vigor and diligence. He aided in bringing
about the Treaty of Ruil, and during the absence of
the Court from Paris in sixteen fifty he was specially
entrusted to watch Orleon and to report to Mazarin. During
Mazarin's exile in sixteen fifty one, Lettelier, with Serveillan and Lyons,
(28:31):
remained with the exception of one short period in Paris,
aiding Anne of Austria, watching or Leon and corresponding with Mazarin.
On Mazarin's second exile, LeTellier was entrusted with the management
of all the state business until the Cardinal's return. Was
practically the head of the government. And astute avaricious man,
(28:54):
Littelier was admirably fitted to occupy a high place in
the state til sixteen sixty six. He remained at the
head of the War Department, which he then resigned in
favor of his son in law, Louvois Servellant, the uncle
of Lyone, had characteristics very different from those of LeTellier.
(29:16):
While the latter was insinuating in his manners and preferred
the byways of intrigue in order to attain his object,
the former was straightforward and irascible. His direct methods proved
useful in the negotiations immediately preceding the conclusion of the
Peace of Westphalia, and Mazarin showed his appreciation of his
(29:36):
merits by making him a Secretary of State and in
sixteen fifty two joint superintendent of the finances with Fouquet.
Always haughty and severe, Servillan was a striking contrast to
the corrupt and immoral nobles and officials by whom he
was surrounded. He had little in common with Fouquet and Mazarin,
(29:59):
in sixteen teen fifty four acted wisely in dividing their functions.
He died in sixteen fifty nine, leaving France successful abroad,
and the work begun at Westphalia on the verge of completion.
Lyon is a more interesting figure than either LeTellier or Sevillane.
(30:20):
During the stormy times of the Second Frond. He played
an important part as one of Mazaron's principal subordinates in Paris,
but it was as an ambassador that Lyon is most celebrated.
He was entrusted by Mazaron with the difficult task of
arranging matters with the Papacy in connection with Deretz's claim
(30:41):
to the Archbishopric of Paris. He took a leading part
in organizing the League of the Rhine and in making
the Treaty of the Pyrenees. Louis the fourteenth found his
diplomatic skill of great use during the early part of
his reign. Striking as were the diplomatic qualities of Lyon,
(31:02):
they were destined to prove less remarkable than the financial
skill of Colbert. But while Leon's most celebrated successes belonged
to Mazarin's ministry, Colbert's career as a reformer and an
economist did not begin till after the cardinal's death. During
the last nine years of Mazarin's life, Colbert was constantly
(31:25):
at his side. Colbert, like Turen, always advocated a direct,
vigorous policy. Like Richelie, he desired the adoption of firm
measures with the Parliament and of stern methods towards all
who resisted the king's authority. Though ambitious and often over
severe and unjust in his decisions, Colbert was admirably fitted
(31:50):
for the task of reorganizing the finances of France. His
jealousy of Fouquet was natural, and a struggle between the
two systems of finance, as represented by the two men
was inevitable. Aided by these able subordinates, Mazarin, after the
conclusion of the fraud troubles began the work of reorganization.
(32:13):
First in importance was the re establishment of the intendants.
Richelie had made the intendants permanent officials with wide powers
which extended over the whole kingdom of justice, police and finance.
As the recognized channel of communication between the country districts
and the royal Council, they at once roused the jealousy
(32:36):
of the privileged classes, and one of the principal objects
of the early Frondeurs were to procure their abolition. Though
the nobles continued to derive their revenues from the provinces
of which they were nominal governors, all real control over
the provincial administration passed into the hands of the intendants. Who,
(32:56):
being middle class officials, had not the ambition of the
noble orders. Mazarin thus continued and developed Richelia's policy of
making the intendance the basis of a powerful monarchical system.
Under Louis the fourteenth these agents proved efficient. It was
(33:16):
not till the following century that the evils of over
centralization became apparent. Equally effective had been Mazarin's treatment of
the Parliament of Paris. Its claim to be superior to
the States General was heard no more, its attempt to
wield political power was pushed aside. Its eminent president, Molat, had,
(33:41):
till his resignation in sixteen thirty three, endeavored with some success,
to induce it to adhere to the terms of the
famous Royal Declaration of October twenty second, sixteen fifty two,
though his successor, Pompon de Belliere in sixteen fifty five,
had attempted but in vain, to regain for the Parliament
(34:02):
a recognition of its possession of political power. In sixteen
fifty seven, the discontent of the Parliament had been again
allayed by a mixture of firmness and adroitness on Mazarin's part.
When he died the Cardinal had reason to expect fresh
opposition from the Parliament to the royal will, but Louis
(34:23):
the fourteenth soon made it apparent that no resistant on
its part would be brooked. During the Minority of Louis
the thirteenth, the Parliament had asserted its right to be heard,
but in sixteen forty one Richelia had issued an edict
forbidding that body to take any cognizance of affairs of state.
(34:45):
Its political power had thus been summarily suppressed, and it
was ordered that all edicts were to be registered at once.
Taking advantage of the irresolute rule of Anne of Austria
and of the consequent troubles of the Frond period, the
Parliament regained its former position, but its triumph was only temporary,
(35:06):
and it was not till the Minority of Louis the
fifteenth that it again asserted its right to interfere in
state affairs and to represent the nation. During the years
succeeding sixteen fifty three, Mazarin showed no interest in improving
the internal organization of France or in developing the natural
wealth and resources of the country. He neglected agriculture, commerce, manufactures,
(35:32):
and the colonies. If Cardinal Mazarin writes Colbert understood foreign affairs,
he was utterly ignorant of home government. Though by his
foreign policy he had raised France to a great height
of glory, he does not seem to have understood the
meaning and value of good government. During the eight years
(35:54):
following the close of the Frond, attempts were indeed made
to improve the condition of French commerce. Mazarin took no
sustained interest in the prosperity of trade or of the navy.
In his later years, however, he was well served by Colbert,
who urged the importance of measures for the development of trade,
agriculture and manufactures. Years had, however, to elapse before France
(36:20):
could recover from the effects of the dislocations of her
industrial life caused by her foreign wars and domestic troubles. Nevertheless,
it was during Mazarreon's ministry that Colbert made his first
efforts toward that striking colonial commercial and manufacturing expansion which
marked the first decade of Louis the fourteenth's personal rule.
(36:45):
In sixteen sixty one, Mazarin had restored order in France,
but he was well aware of the importance of leaving
the country in the hands of a firm ruler who
would continue his policy. During the years between sixteen fifty
three and sixteen sixty one, he had paid considerable attention
to the political and military education of the young king.
(37:09):
In sixteen fifty three, Louis for the first time had
accompanied Turen on a campaign. From that year too, he
was constantly with Mazarin in bibing principles of conduct, which
he afterwards drew up for the instruction of his own son.
Mazarin taught him to work hard, to learn self control,
(37:31):
to accept advice from his generals and ministers. Owing to
Mazarin's counsels, Louis, though remaining ignorant in literary matters, learned
to rule men and liked Mazarin to pursue with perseverance
the objects of his policy. It will depend entirely on yourself,
Mazarn once said to the king, to become the most
(37:54):
glorious king that has ever lived. God has given you
all the necessary qualities, and all you have to do
is to employ them. Mazarin's expectations were not disappointed, and
his constant care for louis education was amply rewarded In
sixteen fifty four, Louis was present at the siege of Stenay,
(38:17):
and in sixteen fifty five. The firmness of his character
was well exemplified in his treatment of the Parliament of Paris.
There is no doubt that Louis benefited immensely by his
experience of camp life during the later phases of the
Spanish War, and the lessons on the political state of
Europe which he constantly received from Mazarin. On his deathbed,
(38:40):
the Cardinal, in giving Louis good advice as to his
treatment of his subjects, urged him to be resolute and
not to govern through others. The fate of Fouquet shortly
after Mazarin's death was an immediate and conclusive proof that
Louis intended to carry out his late minister's final injunctions.
(39:00):
Mazarin's defects are obvious to the student of the Frond period,
but it is impossible to deny his consistent patriotism or
the immense services which he rendered to France. He carried
out the policy of Henry the Fourth and Richelie and
permanently weakened both branches of the House of Habsburg. At
(39:21):
the Peace of Westphalia. The Emperor was forced to grant
independence religious and political to the German princes, and France
gained Alsace, Brisach and Philippsburg. The Peace of the Pyrenees
signified the fall of the Spanish Habsburgs from the high
position which they had held in Europe since the days
(39:41):
of Ferdinand and Isabella, and by that piece France secured Artois,
Roussillon and a portion of Flanders. The Fronde had unmistakably
proved that monarchy was the only form of government suitable
for or possible in France. Mazarin had steadily persevered in
(40:03):
his task of curbing the parliament and of reducing the
ambition of the nobles. Having assured the triumph of the monarchy,
he spent the last eight years of his life in
strengthening its position at home and abroad. The debt of
France to Mazarin is immense. Like Disraeli, he made his
(40:23):
adopted country his first thought, and like Disraeli, he eventually
overcame the hostility caused by his foreign extraction. But while
the English minister was not only a man of genius,
but also a man of action and often delighted in
dramatic coup. Mazarin was not a man of genius, but
a diplomatist of the first order. End of Chapter nine
(40:51):
recording by Pamel and Agami in June of two thousand
and sixteen. End of Mazarin by Arthur Hassela
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