A Post overtaken in the Countrey,
And the Scrivener shall cast himself into the Water.
Which as we have said before, were concerning Nicolas L’oste, Secretary to the Lord Villeroy, chief Secretary of State. The History therefore is thus.
The French Embassador at Madrid, complained once to Henry the IV. he was so ill informed, and so late of Affairs, that the King of Spain’s Ministers knew them before him: The King was a great while troubled before he could discover the spring of that infidelity, at last it came out in this manner. Villeroy that great Oracle of France, and the most confident Secretary to the King, had among his servants one Nicolas l’Oste, born at Orleans, in whom he did confide so much the more, because his Father had been the most part of his life in his service.
The Lord Rochepot going Embassador into Spain, Oste desired to be admitted into his Family, to serve him as his secretary, that he might the better fit himself for publick employment. Villeroy’s commendation got him easily that employment, by which in a few Months he became so capable of the Spanish Tongue and manners, that no body could have distinguished him from a natural Spaniard. The Embassador having sworn in the name of the most Christian King the treaty of Peace made at Veruins, the King of Spain presented him with a rich Chain of Jewels, and with six other of Gold, valued at 150. Crowns apiece, to bestow upon as many of his own servants as he should think fit.
The pride and presumption of this young man was such as to perswade him he deserved one of them, and chiefly because one of his fellows was thought worthy of it, but his Master did not think so, and thus he was neglected.
Thus envy and jealousie were the Windows by which the Devil crept into his soul; the vanity, lying, pride, and debauchery gave him a full admittance, he had spent all his Money to buy the love of a Courtisane, and wanted means to follow that course which he had no mind to leave off. His Masters neglecting of him, had extraordinarily vexed him, but he comforted himself that he knew his secrets, and that in revealing them to the King of Spains Ministers he shot two Birds with one shot; for he should avenge himself of that contempt he had received, and should have a way to continue his amorous expences. With that intention he made himself known to Don Franchese one of the Secretaries of State, and told him what means he had to serve the King of Spain, and to shew him proofs of that service and affection he had vowed to him long before, by imparting to him all the Letters that the Embassador did both send and receive from the King his Master.
Don Franchese heard this proposition as from a young man, whose Brains were not well settled, or perhaps did abhor such infidelity, therefore told him coldly, that the Catholick King was in so good amity with the most Christian one, that he desired to know no more of his business, than what his Embassador should tell him.
L’Oste did not despond for all this, but went to Don Ydiaques another Secretary of State, who knowing how important it is for a Prince to know the secrets of his Neighbours, and that the slighting of such an offer would be prejudicial to the King his Masters Service, did hearken unto this Traitor, approved of his design, and exhorted him to persevere in the good affection he shewed to the King of Spains service, promised to acquaint the King with it, and to procure him such a reward, as he should have reason to be satisfied with.
The Councel agreed that L’Oste should be incouraged, and Don Ydiaques, presented him to the Duke of Lerma, to whom he shewed the Alphabet of Cyphers, with which his Master writ his Letters into France, and for a further proof unciphered the last Letter that the King of France had sent. The Duke exhorted him to continue his good Will, gave him 1200. Crowns for an earnest of the Bargain, with a promise of as much for a yearly pension, besides a considerable gratification he was to expect from the King.