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The duke had high and powerful friends, being supported by the

Cardinal Richelieu, the senate of Venice, and the pope. But the

first of these, absorbed at the time by the siege of Rochelle,

embarrassed in a war with England, thwarted by the party of the

queen mother, Mary de' Medici, who, for particular reasons, was

hostile to the house of Nevers, could only hold out hopes and

promises. The Venetians would not stir in the contest, until a

French army arrived in Italy; and while secretly aiding the duke,

they confined themselves, in their negotiations with the court of

Madrid, and the government of Milan, to protests, offers, or even

threats, according to circumstances. Urban VIII. recommended the

Duke of Nevers to his friends, interceded for him with his

adversaries, and made propositions of peace; but he never

afforded him any military aid.