Chapter V

Buckingham’s Embassy to Paris--He despatches Balthazar
Gerbier to select and purchase Pictures--Letter of the
Painter to him--The Magnificence of the French
Court--Buckingham’s Appearance at the Parisian Court--His
Aspiring to the Favour of Anne of Austria--The Manner in
which his Homage was received by Anne, as stated by Madame
de Motteville--The Freedom of Manners, termed by Anne
"L’Honnête Galanterie," permitted by the Queen--The
Dazzling Appearance of Buckingham--Anecdote of the
Jealousy of the French--Point of Etiquette between
Buckingham and the Cardinal Richelieu--Buckingham attends
Henrietta Maria to the Coast--Anne of Austria accompanies
her Sister-in-law to Amiens--Incident there in which
Buckingham betrayed his Mad Passion--He receives a Rebuff
from the Queen--His Love-Suit not checked by her
Reproof--He sheds Tears on parting from Anne--Journeys on
to Boulogne and returns to Amiens--His Interview there
with Anne--He then pursues his Journey to
England--Letters, and Affecting Conduct of his Wife--The
Meeting of Charles and Henrietta Maria--Buckingham retains
his Influence over Charles I. 203

CHAPTER VI.

Unjust Appreciation of Buckingham’s Character--His Energy in
respect to the Navy--Sir Walter Ralegh’s Works on Maritime
Affairs--Prince Henry’s Predilection for them--His
Miniature Ship--His Death--Lord Nottingham’s Neglect and
Venality--His Powers--60,000_l._ yearly allotted for the
Navy--Buckingham’s Efforts--Example set by
Richelieu--Ignorance of Ship-Building in those
Days--Buckingham draws up a Plan of Defence--Fear of the
Spanish Armada--The Duke proposes to form a Company for
the West as well as the East Indies--Plan of
Taxation--Also of Defence on Shore 243

CHAPTER VII.

Unfortunate Result of the Principles early instilled into
Charles I. by his Father--The Affair of the
Palatinate--Its Connection with the Spanish Marriage--Mad
Desire of Charles and Buckingham for a War with
Spain--Letter from the Earl of Bristol--The First
Unfortunate Expedition to Cadiz--Resentment of the
People--Charles assembles a Parliament--The Supplies
Refused--Impeachment of Bristol--Impeachment of
Buckingham--His Thirteen Answers--Rash Conduct of the
King--His Expression of Contempt for the House of
Commons--Sir John Elliot and Sir Dudley Digges sent to the
Tower--The Intolerant Spirit of the Day--Influence of
Laud--Sermon of the Vicar of Brackley--"Tuning the
Pulpits" 273