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410 exorbitant power of Spain and Germany. She maintained an army of twenty thousand men, as well for the defence of the state, as for the annoyance of her enemies and those of her allies.

She entered on the regency at a time when the country was wearied by the wars of her husband, who died young in 1637. Those who wished to invade it, amongst whom were some of her relations and neighbours, believed they had found a proper time to put their design in execution; but they soon repented, when they found they had to encounter a woman who had the heart of a hero, and the head of a consummate politician. She drove them from her dominions, and forced them to make peace; yet, during her regency, she had no relaxation: battles and sieges continually occupied her generals, who followed her counsels and commands. She heard good news without improper exultation, and bad with decent composure. She was prompt in decision, indefatigable in business; eloquent, penetrating, and prudent; if her opinion in debate was not followed, it was inevitably that which she judged best and wisest, and herself preferred, on consideration, to her own. She was so highly esteemed in foreign courts, that extraordinary honours were paid to her envoys and ambassadors. She was loved and feared by her people; understood many languages; spoke with grace, and wrote with judgment; affable, generous, and grateful for past services; she was the protectress of literature, and the friend of the learned.

At the peace of Westphalia, she consulted the interests of Hesse Cassel so ably, that of all the princes concerned, none in proportion reaped greater advantages than her son, to whom, in 1650, she surrendered her dominions.