[24] There was some talk of bringing La Vieuville to trial, on a charge of malversation, but the real motive for imprisoning him was to prevent him from revenging himself for his disgrace by disclosing the secret of the negotiations which were in progress. When there was no longer anything to fear from his indiscretion, he was allowed to escape. [25] Gregory XV had died on July 8, 1623, and was succeeded by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who had assumed the name of Urban VIII. [26] The accusation was a true one. Richelieu had proved that nothing would stay his arm when the interests of France were at stake. [27] “He [Barberini],” writes Bassompierre, “was received, lodged and entertained with all the honours that it was customary to render to Legates. But, after several conferences had been held and divers treaties proposed, not having got what he expected, he came to Fontainebleau to take leave of the King, and immediately afterwards, without waiting to receive the customary honour of being escorted and his expenses defrayed on his journey through France, he unexpectedly took his departure, having previously refused the King’s present. The King summoned the princes and officers of the Crown together with certain presidents of his Court of Parlement, and held a famous council at Fontainebleau to deliberate upon this extravagant departure, where nothing was resolved upon except to let him go.” [28] The siege of Verrua was raised on November 17, 1625, as the result of a defeat inflicted on the Spaniards before the walls of the town. Vignolles had arrived on the 9th. [29] _Ambassade du Maréchal de Bassompierre en Suisse, l’an 1625._ [Amsterdam, 1668.] [30] Raymond Phelipeaux, Seigneur d’Herbault. He was one of the Secretaries of State, and shared with Potier d’Acquerre and Loménie de la Ville-aux-Clercs the Department of Foreign Affairs. [31] Schomberg had been created a marshal of France in 1625. [32] Between Louis XIII and her son-in-law Philip IV. [33] Madame de Molteville, _Mémoires_: “The Queen did me the honour to tell me that she did everything she could to stop the marriage of _Monsieur_ ... because she believed that this marriage, which the Queen-Mother desired, was altogether contrary to her interests, being assured that, if the princess were to have children, she would no longer enjoy any consideration.” [34] “A few days afterwards there was a report that a council had been held, which was attended by nine persons ... at which it was resolved to go and kill the Cardinal at Fleury.” [35] Henri Martin. [36] _Mémoires d’un favori du duc d’Orléans. Archives curieuses de l’histoire de France. Tome III._ [37] Roger de Gramont, Comte de Louvigny, second son of Antoine, Comte de Gramont. He was killed in a duel on March 18, 1629. [38] The Comte de Candale was the younger son of d’Épernon and brother of the Marquis de la Valette.