Since the death of Cardinal Richelieu, the Spaniards, but recently overwhelmed at the close df 1642, had recovered courage and boldness; new counsels prevailed at the court of Philip IV., who had dismissed Olivarez; the house of Austria vigorously resumed the offensive; at the moment of Louis XIII.'s death, Don Francisco de Mello, governor of the Low Countries, had just invaded French territory by way of the Ardennes, and laid siege to Rocroi, on the 12th of May.

The French army was commanded by the young Duke of Enghien, the Prince of Conde's son, scarcely twenty-two years old; Louis XIII.

had given him as his lieutenant and director the veteran Marshal de l'Hopital; and the latter feared to give battle.

The Duke of Enghien, who "was dying with impatience to enter the enemy's country, resolved to accomplish by address what he could not carry by authority.

He opened his heart to Gassion alone.