Fortunately for our studies of the great statesman’s policy, he left at his death a “Political Testament” which floods with light his steadiest aims and boldest acts.  In that Testament he wrote this message:—­

“When Your Majesty resolved to give me entrance into your councils and a great share of your confidence, I can declare with truth that the Huguenots divided the authority with Your Majesty, that the great nobles acted not at all as subjects, that the governors of provinces took on themselves the airs of sovereigns, and that the foreign alliances of France were despised.  I promised Your Majesty to use all my industry, and all the authority you gave me, to ruin the Huguenot party, to abase the pride of the high nobles, and to raise your name among foreign nations to the place where it ought to be.”

Such were the plans of Richelieu at the outset.  Let us see how he wrought out their fulfilment.

First of all, he performed daring surgery and cautery about the very heart of the Court.  In a short time he had cut out from that living centre of French power a number of unworthy ministers and favorites, and replaced them by men, on whom he could rely.

Then he began his vast work.  His policy embraced three great objects:  First, the overthrow of the Huguenot power; secondly, the subjugation of the great nobles; thirdly, the destruction of the undue might of Austria.

First, then, after some preliminary negotiations with foreign powers,—­to be studied hereafter,—­he attacked the great politico-religious party of the Huguenots.

These held, as their great centre and stronghold, the famous seaport of La Rochelle.  He who but glances at the map shall see how strong was this position:  he shall see two islands lying just off the west coast at that point, controlled by La Rochelle, yet affording to any foreign allies whom the Huguenots might admit there facilities for stinging France during centuries.  The position of the Huguenots seemed impregnable.  The city was well fortressed,—­garrisoned by the bravest of men,—­mistress of a noble harbor open at all times to supplies from foreign ports,—­and in that harbor rode a fleet, belonging to the city, greater than the navy of France.

Richelieu saw well that here was the head of the rebellion.  Here, then, he must strike it.

Strange as it may seem, his diplomacy was so skillful that he obtained ships to attack Protestants in La Rochelle from the two great Protestant powers,—­England and Holland.  With these he was successful.  He attacked the city fleet, ruined it, and cleared the harbor.

But now came a terrible check.  Richelieu had aroused the hate of that incarnation of all that was and Is offensive in English politics,—­the Duke of Buckingham.  Scandal-mongers were wont to say that both were in love with the Queen,—­and that the Cardinal, though unsuccessful in his suit, outwitted the Duke and sent him out of the kingdom,—­and that the Duke swore a great oath, that, if he could not enter France in one way, he would enter in another,—­and that he brought about a war, and came himself as a commander:  of this scandal believe what you will.  But, be the causes what they may, the English policy changed, and Charles I. sent Buckingham with ninety ships to aid La Rochelle.