Condé summoned by the Archdukes to Brussels--He places himself under the protection of Philip III. of Spain--Mission of the Marquis de Cœuvres to Brussels--His attempted abduction of the Princesse de Condé--Condé declared guilty of high treason--He leaves Brussels for Milan--Henri IV. and his Ministers threaten the Archdukes with war if the princess is not given up--Despatches of the Spanish Ambassador to his Court--Condé at Milan--Assassination of Henri IV.--Embarrassing position of Condé in regard to Spain--He returns to Brussels, but declines to see his wife--His return to France--He contemplates the dissolution of his marriage, but ultimately consents to a formal reconciliation with the princess--His turbulent conduct during the regency of Marie de’ Medici--His arrest and imprisonment--The princess magnanimously shares her husband’s captivity--Dangerous illness of the prince--Birth of Anne Geneviève de Bourbon--Release of the Condés. Towards the end of December, the Archdukes summoned Condé to Brussels, under the pretext that an interview with the French representative might induce him to return to France. But the real reason was that it had been suggested to them by Spinola[159] that, if the prince could be persuaded to place himself under the protection of Spain, he might be utilized as a very valuable instrument against France. On his arrival in Brussels, Condé expressed himself willing to return, if guaranteed a place of surety in his government of Guienne; but Henri IV. refused even to consider such a proposal, and insisted on an immediate and unconditional return, promising him only a free pardon. At the instance of Spinola, who had rapidly acquired considerable influence over him, Condé thereupon decided to appeal to the King of Spain for protection. The Council of State at Madrid was unanimously of opinion that the request should be acceded to; and Philip III. accordingly charged his ambassador at the French Court, Don Inigo de Cardenas, to inform Henri IV. that he had taken the Prince de Condé under his protection, “with the object of acting as a mediator in the matter and contributing everything in his power towards the repose and happiness of the Very Christian King.” The remainder of the despatch, however, leaves no doubt that his Catholic Majesty was animated by very different sentiments towards Henri IV. from those which Don Inigo was instructed to express.[160] At the same time, Philip wrote to Condé to assure him of his sympathy, and despatched one of his Council, the Count Anôvar, to Brussels, with instructions to watch over the interests of the prince, who, on his side, engaged to make no terms with Henri IV. without the consent of Spain. [Illustration: HENRY II DE BOURBON, PRINCE DE CONDÉ FROM AN ENGRAVING BY MATHONIER]