men which chanced in the beginning of the yeare 1394 shal burne farther and kindle a greater fire betwixt the vncle and the Nephewe foâ— the space often yeares vntill the death of Philip Duke of Bourgongne leauing this hatred hereditary to his posterity There is no meanes which the Bourguignon doth not attempt to wrong his Nephewe of Orleans Certaine Augustin Fryars vndertake to cure the King by incisions in his head wheâ—by he was in great danger of his life These counterfets were brought forth publikely in their habits and beheaded but the scarres of these wounds will remaine in Lewis his â—ace who recommended them vnto the King The women are dealers in these actions The Duchesse of Bourgongne perswades Queene Isabel that Lewis his meaning was to kill the King her husband his children These impressions are confirmed by the graue and sweet discouâ—ses of the duke her husband who by degrees setled a hatred in the Queenes minde agaiâ—st her brother in-law Thus this faction is much fortified by the authority of Queene Isabel and by her with her husbands name whom she makes to speake what she pleaseth sometimes as her will directed him but not alwaâ—â—â— Yet this weake braine is the checker of all these courâ—ly pollicâ—es by the meanes oâ— women who are continually about his bedde or his chaire to distemper his braine with variety of newes springing from their wretched passions and this poore Prince is sometimes won sometimes lost and alwaies tormented wâ—th these imporâ—unâ— discoâ—râ—es Vâ—lenâ—ine to the Duke of Orleans an Iâ—aâ—â—an and daughter to Iohn Galeaz one of the cunningest and most subtill witts of her time which subtilty some held she increased by coniuring would not yeeld to the brauadoes of these two Princesses against whom she opposed her selfe not only by her husbands degree but also by a politike courage bred in her selfe visiting the sicke king with such ciuill entertainment as her greatest enemies could not finde any honest colour to deny her the dore So as the King did not onely willingly see her but did call for her and in his greatest fits did know her onely among all the rest refusing to take any thing but from the hands of his good Sister of Orleans The more the Kings loue kindled a iealousie in these two Princesses her enemies the more it raysed vp the mind of Valentine and by hir meanes of her husband who remeÌ„bring too hatefully the degree whereunto he was borne and the wrong done him in reiecting him yet hauing neither dexterity nor meanes to win many seruants he gaue the Duke of Bourgongne all aduantages being graue cold pleasing and modest so as by his wise teÌ„per he disolued the heate of the Duke of Orleans immoderate vehemencie who tyring himself with the shew of his greatnesse makes it known by effects that all the authority was in the Duke of Bourgongne for whosoeuer had neede of any publike helpe he must pasâ—e through his hands what busines soeuer chanced either within or without the realme the true rendez-uous was at his lodging Thus the Vncle made his Nephew towalke horses as they say although he chafed and stamped beyond all measure These diuisions troubled the whole court making them to neglect the affaires of state and what can we obserue more famous in so disordered an estate Al businesses are done in the Kings name yet without the King vnlesse the parties would haue him to countenance some great passion I do purposely omit all that which passed in this raigne touching the schisme of the Church and the house of Aniou in the realmes of Naples and Arragon not to breake off the course of my intent meaning to represent in due place all that concernes this forrain history Richard King of England sends his Ambassadors to Charles to congratulate his recouery offring him a generall peace and demanding his daughter in marriage The Kings relapse delayed the conclusion for a time Richard king of England marrieth with Isabell of France but soone after by the care of the Duke of Bourgongne who had a great interest in this alliance by reasoÌ„ of his country of Flanders it was concluded in the yeare 1395. Charles had some intermissions by meanes whereof he could ride Richard repayres to Calais and Charles to Ardres whether Richard came to ratifie the peace concluded betwixt their Ambassadors and to receiue his new spouse The Kings encountred one another with loue and kindnesse making shewes of great good will but it was a short ioy for either of them For as it seemed that the quiet of these two realmes had beene setled by this generall peace sealed by this marriage and seasoned with so many reciprocall shewes of cordial affection betwixt these two great Kings behold a great combustion in England which intangles both these Kings in this common calamity Richard being of himselfe effeminate carelesse voluptuous and idle grew more delicate by this profound rest built vpon the alliance of his enimy who alone might haue quickned him He is alwayes with his yong wife imbracing her dallying with her and attiâ—ing her with such contempt of his authority abassing himselfe too much to his subiects so as he grew contemptible vnto his enimies who presâ—med to attempt against his person The ordinary warres of England against France had caused many necessary impositions without any grudging of the subiects but when as necessity ceased by this generall peace the people require to bee relieued William More makes an oration vnto the king in the name of all the English in generall Richard hauing no meanes in these infinite exactions to supply the charges of his idle voluptuous life contemned his subiects request and in the ende pressed vpon the same matter by the Duke of Glocester the Earle of Arondel in the name of them all he puts them vniustly to death The English madde with rage for the death of their deputies flie to such remedies as despaire giues to necessitie From this general discontent sprong a strange Tragedie against Richard for the English seeing themselues thus despised by their King they cast their eyes vpon Henry of Lancaster his cousine and hauing called a Parliament they put Richard into prison and crowne Henry of Lancaster in his place Richard King of England put from the Crowne Richard being forced in open assembly to resigne the Crowne and to condemne himselfe to perpetuall prison as hauing abused his royall authoritie and his subiects But this tâ—agicke change concernes the Histoâ—ie of England This may bâ—ieflie suffice for ours in the conference of our estate with theirs Charles did greatly grieue at this deiection of Richard his sonne in lawe from whom he expected great loue and quiet for his subiects But who seeth not the vanitie of this world both in great and small to feare a shower euen when the Sunne is hottest Hee sends for Isabell his daughter of twelue yeares old whom Richard had not yet toucht being content to behold her
Queene the 17. of October The Princes gouerned by their innocencie arriue the eeue of All Saints and passe from the Portereau to the Kings lodging vpon the Estappe The Princes arâ—â—ue betwixt two rankes of armed men The Cardinall of Bourbon and the Prince of Roche-sur-yon receiue them Not a Courtier nor a Bourgeios meetes them and for their first affront when as they sought to enter on horse-back according to the vsuall custome they were answered with a Brauado The great gates do not open The King attended them at the first hauing done their duties to his Maiestie and no man aduanced to bid them welcome I am said he to the Prince of Condé aduertised from diuers places that you haue made many enterprises against me and the estate of my realme and therefore I haue sent for you to know the truth â—rom your owne mouth Lewis iustifies himselfe so plainly and doth charge his enemies so directly as the King himselfe could not impute these accusations bâ—t to the wilfulnesse of his Vncles agâ—inst his owne bloud But he was possessed by them and suffered himselfe to be easiâ—â—e abused So hee commands Chauigny The Prince of Conde impriâ—oned Captaine of his gards sent by them of Guise to seize vpon the Prince Chauigny shuts him vp in a house hard by beâ—ore the which they make a fort of Brick fâ—â—nked with Canoniers and furnished with field peeces to defend the approches The Lady of Roye his mother in law was likewise carried from Anici a house of hers in Picardie prisoner to S. Germaine in Laye by Renouarâ— and Carrouges Ierosâ—â—e Groslot Bayliffe of Orleans vnder colour that his father had beene Chancellor to the deceased King of Nauarre and hee an affectionate seruant to the Princes accused also to be the Protector of the Lutherans in Orleans was likewise imprisoned two dayes after the Princes arriuall La Haye Councellor in the Court of Parliament at Paris who did solicite the Princes affaires was also in trouble Amaury Bouchart maister of Requests vnto the King and Chancellor to the Nauarrois was sent prisoner to Melun which others brought from Lions to haue proofes against the Prince whose triall they did hasten with all speed But they meant no harme to Bouchart he had already retired himselfe and blabbed by his Letters to the Cardinall of Lorraine to the preiudice of his maister Neither the informations taken at Lions by the Marshall S. André noâ— the prisoners at Melun were sufficient to make the Prince a spectacle vpon a scaffold They send for the president of Thou Commissioners to aâ—aigne the Prince Bartholmewe Faye and Iames Viole Councellors of the Parliament at Paris to examine the Prince vpon the point of high Treason and if this peece of batterie were not of force then to touch him vpon the point of religion and to condemne him for heresie The Prince propounds diuers causes of recusation and appeales from them to the King The priuie Councell reiects his appeale and decrees That vpon paine of high treason the Prince should answer before these Commissioners He answers purgeth himselfe cleerly of all crime and aduowes his religion freelie The Prince condemned By this confession iudgement was giuen against him he condemned to dye a day appointed the x. of December to countenance the beginning of the Parliament They onely note the Earle of Saâ—cerre the Chancellor and the Councellor Morâ—ier which did not pollute their soules with the approbation of this vniust sentence This sentence should in the end cause the ruine of all that were accused or suspected as well for matter of State as religion And for the execution of this desseine the forces of the realme diuided into foure marched already into diuers Prouinces vnder the command of the Duke of Aumale and the Marshals of S. André of Brissac and of Termes And with the same furie the King of Nauarre should bee confined into the Castle oâ— Loches the Constable and his children to the great Tower at Bourges the Admirall and some principalls into one at Orleans the which was afterwards called the Admirale neere to that of S. Aignan But behold there are two more violent and more brutish councellors Brissac and S. André they hold opinion that to auoide trouble in giuing the King of Nauarre any gardes they should put him to death they imploy both poison and sword but neither succeeds God had otherwise decreed reseruing these princes for a more honourable death But howsoeuer let vs confesse that the Lord hath strange meanes to punish the ambition of great men we shall scarce see any one of those which acte these furious parts vpon the theator of this Historie end his dayes by an ordinarie and naturall death The x. day of December approched and the Deputies for the Estates ariue by degrees They presently forbid them in the Kings name vpon paine of death not to moue any thing concerning religion his Maiestie hauing referred this controuersie to the Councell which the Pope being then Pius the 4. successor to Theatin lately deceased appointed to begin at Trent at Easter following Those of Languedeâ— amongst the rest came furnished with ample instructions both for the State and religion but they found meanes to stop their mouthes seizing both on their persons and instructions The ix day of the moneth they giue commandement to the King of Nauarre to be ready to go to horse-back their meaning was to carry him to Loches whilest they should present the prince his Brother vpon a mournefull Scaffold to the people of Orleans But O God we haue heard with our eares and our Fathers haue declared the worke which thou hast done in their time A miraculous deliuerie and in the old time before them Behold the King is taken during Euen-song with a great fainting continued with a paine in his head at the left eare accompanied with a Feuer The Guisâ—ens notwithstanding send forth many Commissions to leuie men and command the Marshaâ—l of Tâ—rmes to ioyne with the Spaniard who tooke the way of Bayonne to spoile the Country of Berne and then to assaile all those whome he should finde to haue fauored the King of Nauarre and the enterprise of Amboise It may be they would haue sold their liues deerely Seauen or eight hundred gentlemen go speedily to horse followed with fiue or six thousand foote resolute when the Marshall should passe Limoges to â—emme him in betwixt two riuers He hath some intelligence thereof and râ—tires to Poitiers This desseine being made frustrate the Kings sicknesse encreasing those of Guise meane to proceed with violence and to murther the King of Nauarre God raysed vp the Cardinall of Tournon who thinking to do a greater act preuents it Hee aduiseth to attend the Constables comming with his Children and Nephewes to the end sayd he that killing one we saue not the rest who afterwards may do more harme then the Princes The dispaire of the Kings helth made them of
men with all impunity would in few yeeres giue cause of new confusions So by this peace the Germaine was sent home Elizabeth Queene of England held Newhauen whereof the Prince had put her in possession as a pawne and securitie for the money wherewith she had assisted his partie To make a breach betwixt her and the Protestants the English must be chased away by them that had called them in Newhauen recouered The King goes thither in person they likewise vrge the Prince to go with most of his partie and cause them to make the point The place is strong both by nature and art but the fresh water being cut off and the plague hauing wasted about three thousand men the Earle of Warwike entred into Capitulation the 28. of Iuly and the next day yeelded the place to the King One of the cheefe motiues that induced the Prince to yeeld so easily to these conditions of peace was the Lieutenant Generall which he expected by the King of Nauarres death and the Queene mothers goodly promises But to confirme her Regencie she puts the Prince from all his hopes She causeth the King to be declared of full age being yet but fourteene yeares old carries his Maiestie to the Parliament at Rouan makes him protest That he will not hereafter endure the disobedience that hath beene vsed against him since the beginning of these troubles that his pleasure was to haue the Edict of pacification duly obserued threatning such as should oppose or make any Leagues And afterwards by an admonition made in writing by the Parliament of Paris touching the Edict of his maioritie confirming that of pacification the Queene mother causeth her sonne to name her ouerseer and President of his affaires and for an answere to the Court according to the instâ—uctions of his mother I do not meane said hee you should deale in any other thing but with the administration of good and speedie Iustice to my subiects Vnderstand hereafter that you are not confirmed in your offices by me to be my tutors nor Protectors of my realme nor Gouernours of my Cittie of Paris as hitherto you haue perswaded your selues The King being returned to Paris the Duke of Guises widow his children and kinsfolk came solemnly and demanded iustice of the murther committed on the person of the deceased taxing the Admirall as the cheefe author thereof But it was not yet time to suffer these two houses to incouâ—ter That of Guise might receiue as much or more losse then the other and Catherine pretended to make her profit of the first To auoyd this brunt she causeth the King to command them to surcease this quarrel appoints theÌ„ another time to aduise thereon In the meane time she honours them with the cheefe charges and giues them all accesse and countenance neere his person The rest of the yeare was spent in the confirmation of many Edicts touching the Eccâ—esiasticall and ciuill causes and then was the Iurisdiction of Iudges and Consuls among the marchants erected and the notaries of consignations established As these things passed in France the Prelats assembled at the Councell of Trent prouided for the support and maintenance of the Catholike religion 1564. namely in this estate The Cardinall of Lorraine a man greatly practised in the affaires of the realme A generall Councel at Trent â—â—th all he can to root out the Protestants To that end they find this expedient That the Kings of France and Spaine should make a strict League and hee of Spaine sâ—â—uld giue the French such forces as were requisite for the execution thereof The holy League and in tâ—e meane time they should seeke all meanes to abolish the Edict which alowed the exerciâ—e of the pretended reformed religion that this treatie made for the preseruation of the Catholike 1564. Apostolike and Romish religion should bee called The holy League The Cardinall promiseth to imploy all his indeuours and meaâ—es to this â—â—fect and assures the assemblie of the willingnesse and good affection of the Queene mother and the Lords of the Councell The cheefe of this League were the Pope the Kings of France and Spaine the Princes of Italie the Common weale of Veâ—ice and the Duke of Sauoy Of the Emperour and the house of Austria they speakâ— diuersly So from the beginning of February they labour to produce some effects Theâ—r Ambassadors come to Fontainbleau demanded the obseruation of the decâ—â—es of the Councel throughout al France wherof the reading should be the fiue 〈◊〉 of March at Nancy in the presence of the Ambassadors of all Cathâ—liâ—e Princeâ— asâ—eÌ„bled to make a general League against those estates that were falâ—e from the obedience of the Romish Church They require also that in fauour of the Clergie the King should cause the alienation of Ecclesiasticall goods to cease as against the law of Gâ—d and preiudiciall to his Maiestie and the Realme That the Edict of pacification should be disanulled and heretikes rooted out namely such as had beene partakers of the Duke of Guises murther Behold new firebrands to cast this monarchie into the flames of a second ciuill warre But the fires of the first did yet smoake And things not being so soone prepared to enter into new homebred combustions the King answeres That he hath graunted the Edict to free the Realme from strangers and that hee hopes henceforth to maintaine his subiects in peace according to the institution of the Church In the meane time such as were worst affected to the publike peace attempted many things contrarie to the Edict The Comissioners sent for the obseruation tâ—ereof The Edict of peace ill obserued had small credit in many places The Estates of some prouinces sayd plainely that they could no more endure two religions then two Sunnes the execution thereof had small or no effect in places where it was proclaymed the Magistrates delayed to appoint the Protestants places for their exercises and by their â—lacknes caused many to seeke their dwelling elsewhere to liue in quiet and safetie The complaints and discontents which â—ounded in the Kings eares from all parts gaue Catherine vnder colour to lead the King in progresse through the Prouinces of his Realme and by his presence to end many controuersies which euen then seemed to threaten him with some eminent confusion a goodly pretext of conference with the King of Spaine Charles begins his voyage by Champagne and through Bourgongne comes at Lions The voiage of Baâ—oâ—ne forbidding the Protestants the exercise of their religion following the Court yea euen in the Townes that were assigned them for their assemblies whilst his Maiestie should bee resident there The Protestants were here in great numbers and might well fortifie themselues againe at need To take from them all meanes they build a Câ—ttadell and the King stiâ—s not before it be in defence By the example hereof many other Townes receiued the like restraint whilest on the other side they diâ—manteled
hath knowne in many ages But we shall see in the end most of their tongues â—olde for money and others who making profession to come into the Pulpit to instruct the people shall baâ—ely controull these goodly Orators and by a contrary language suborne the peoples affections subuert their senses and as it were with little â—inkes of golde drawe them after them tyed by the nose tongue and eares The feasts maskes stately marriages sumptuous pastimes and the new impositions to maintaine them lead the first dance of rebellion The Q eene Mother Motiuâ—s of 〈…〉 against the King and those of Guise seeing the King drowned in these delights of Court did willingly entertaine him in that humor that eyther busying himselfe to number his Beads or to tread the measures of a dance they might holde the reynes of gouernment and dispose of affaires without controule But hee knew well the ambition of these men Hee was iealous of his royall authority and in the middest of his delights and pleasures their presence was suspect vnto him Hee was more pleased with the familiaritie of meane men whom hee had aduanced to exceeding greatnesse and 〈◊〉 hee set some mignion in Sentinell to watch if they should attempt any thing 〈◊〉 â—is royaâ—l dignitye Those of Guise are not idle they watch for occasions theâ— receiue such as are malecontents they practise men of their owne humours and dispositions and fitte for theâ—r desseignes and can cunningly promise cure and helpe for those vlcers and sores which the people of France shew them on all sides These first discontents of subiects oppressed with insupportable charges 1581. and the impatiencie of the Clergie who see their enemies to enioy a firme and solide peace which did newly strengthen and close vp that old wound which had lately imbrued all France made them easily to reuiue the league of Peronne and vnder two goodlee pretexts religion and the ease of the people to discouer the desseignes which they had long before conceiued All encounters made the way easie both within and without within their hearts disposed to reuolt without the Spaniards greatnesse who had now inuaded the realme of Portugall and by this vsurpation had a great meanes to disperse his Indian golde in France And the Duke of Aniou made warre for the Estates of Flanders and other vnited Prouinces which had called him to free them from the tyrannie and domination of the Spaniards But these discourses belong to the Spanish Portugall 1582. 1583. and Flemish Histories and may not enter into this volume which inuites vs to an end The last Edict had as the former accorded some Townes vnto the Protestants for hostages and sureties of his word Prolongation of Townes granted to the Protestants during the terme of sixe yeares Now the King summons them to deliuer them seeing the time prefixed was almost expired But the peace had beene so often broken as so short a time could not quench the firebrands of warre nor giue a full execution to the Edict To content them the King grants a prolongation for the reteining of these Townes for some yeares New motiues of rebellion This grant serues the Princes of the League for a new motiue of troubles and disobedience They giue it out generally That the King fauoures heretikes that hee will bring in heresie They consider not that hee could not but by force the euent whereof was doubtfull recouer the sayd places being strong and peopled with numbers of Protestants The King of Nauarre sees a farre off that the heauens are ouercast and foresees that this storme doth threaten his Estate with a horrible tempest The King of Nauarre solicited to ioyne with the league they solicite him to ioyne with this party they make him goodly offers in shew but all was but to lull him a sleepe or to cast vpon him all the causes of the future miseries and to make him more odious and detestable Hee giues the King intelligence thereof and puts him in minde of the aduertisements hee gaue him in the yeare 1576. vpon the treaties of the League in Spaine 1584. and at Rome Hee sees this mine is ready to breake and that it is now time to thinke of his affaires Hee assures himselfe of the amities of England Denmarke and Germanie The Duke of Aniou dyes But sodenly there falles a new accident which breakes vp all the bankes that restrained the ouerflowing of the League The Duke of Aniou whether his ryot in the Lowe Countries or griefe to see his desseignes ouerthrowne or the wicked practises of Salcedo drawne in peeces since by foure horses or some other secret attempt against his life had shortened his dayes hee dyes at Chasteau-Thyerry Whatsoeuer it were such as were imployed to see this man tortured and to discouer the secret intentions of his masters were afterwards vnworthily intreated and ransomed by the chiefe of the League This death aduanced the King of Nauarre one degree The King suffers the Court of Parliament to receiue the Roses in May that were presented vnto him according to the custome of the Princes and Peeres of France in qualitie of the first Prince of the bloud and first Peere of France Most part of the realme cast their eyes vpon him as the Sunne rising This on the one side doth amaze the Authors of the League and on the other side it presseth them to trie their fortunes now whilest the King remaines alone of his line without hope of issue and the King of Nauarre farre off as it were exiled and in shew excluded from euer passing the Loire They assemble the heads of their house at S. Denis and presently make the seeds of their councels to appeare in Picardie The proceedings of the league Champagne Bourgongne They make the townes to abhor the Huguenots yoake which say they the King of Nauar prepares for them They talke not of the King but with contempt they cast forth libels and shamelesse Pasquils they disgrace him in companies as a Sardanapalus and idle Chilperie drâ—â—ke with prodigâ—lities and dissoluâ—â—es and for a third Crowne his deuise shewing that he attended the last in heauen they were ready to shaue his crowne like vnto a Mâ—nke into a Cloister The people being corrupted and drawne from their obedience by the disorders of the Court suffer the poison of audacious mutinies to creepe into their hearts But let vs in few words see the conception the deliuerie and the growing of tâ—is league in Paris which shall cast forth store of branches into all the quarters of the Realme Rocheblond a Cittizen of Paris a turbulent and factious man the first Tribune of this league incouraged by some great men and supported by the chiefe ministers thereof ioynes with Preuost the Curat of S. Seuerin Bucher Curat of S Benoist and Launâ—y a Chanon of Soâ—ssons sometimes a Minister but fled from Sedan for adulterie These foure Archeleaguers hauing banded all their wittes to
Escurial which hee had built the wâ—ich is one of the richest and most sumptuous buiâ—dings in Christendome he would needs bee carried thither although the Phâ—sitâ—ans did disswade hâ—m being so full of painâ— yet hee was remooued thither in sixe dayes being aboâ—t seuen Leagues from Madâ—il Being there his gout increased his paine with a feuer so as being out of hope to recouer hee began to prepare himselfe â—or death and receiued the holy Sacrament Then he desired to haue D. Garcias of Loiola sollemnly consecrated Archbishop of Toledo by the Popes Legat Others write him 〈◊〉 by the resignation which Albert the Archduke of Austria had made vnto him Afterwards he had an Aposteme in his leg and foure more vppon his brest whereat his ordinary Physitions were muâ—h amâ—zed calling Olias a Phisition from Madril All theâ—e togâ—â—her with the aduice of Vergaias an other practitioner applyed plasters to ripen theâ—e Aâ—ostâ—mes beâ—ng ripe and broken they cast forth much filth and a great number oâ— Liâ—e so as they could â—ardly dresse him being also so weake as foure men weâ—e faine to râ—mooue â—im in a sheet to make his bed and to keepe him cleane These lice as the Physitians sayd did ingender of this putrified stâ—nking matter In the beginning of September as his feuer began to increase hee called for the Prince his Sonne and the Princesse his daughter the Archbishop of Toledo and others assisting and shewing his bodie to his sonne he sayd Behold Prince what the greatnes of this world is see this miserable bodie whereas all humaine helpe is vaine He cauâ—ed his câ—â—fin being of brasse to bee brought and a deaths head to bee set â—ppon a cubpord with a Crowne of gold by it Then hee Commaunded Don Lewis de Velâ—sco one of his Chamberlaines to fetch a little Casket in the which hee had put a precious Iewell the which he gaue vnto his daughter in the presence of the Prince saying This Iewell was your mothers keepe it in remembrance of her Hee also drew forth a written paper which he gaue vnto the Prince saying That it was an instruction how hee should gouerne his Kingdome and Countrie Then hee tooke forth a whip at the end whereof appeaâ—ed some markes of bloud saying lifting it vp That it was bloud of his bloud although it were not his owne bloud but the Emperour his fatheâ—s who was accustomed to chastiâ—e his bodie with this whippe and therefore hee had kept it and shewed it vnto them This done hee disposed particularly of the order and pompe of his fuâ—erals Then in the presence of the Popes Nuncio he recommended the holy Sea the Pope and the Catholike Apostolike and Romish religion vnto his câ—ildren desiring the Nuncio to giue him absoluâ—ion of hiâ— sinnes and to blesse his children recomâ—ending the Infanta his daughter vnto the Prince his sonne and to mainteâ—ne her Countries in peace appointing good Gouernours rewarding the good and punishing the bad Then he commanded they should set the Marquis of Monteiar at libertie vpon condition hee should come no mâ—re to Court and that tâ—e wife of Antonio Perez sometimes his Secretarie should bee freed from prison vpon condition that she should retire herselfe into some Monasterie Then he comcomanded them to leaue his Sonne alone with him to whome hee said these words My Son I desired â—ou should be present at this last act The Kingâ— last speech to his sonne to the end you should not liue in ignorance as I haue done how they giue this Sacrament of the last vnction and that you may see the end of Kings and of â—heir Crownes and Scepters Death is readie to take my Crowne from my head to set it vpon yours Herein I recommend two things vnto you the one is that you conâ—inue obedient to the Church the other is that you administer Iustice to your subiects The time will come when this Crowne shall fall from your head as it doth now from mine you are yong I haue beene so My dayes were numbred and are ended· God keepes an account of yours and they shall likewise end They say that he did with passion inioyne him to make ware against Heretikes and to retaine peace with France The Prince thinking there was no more hope of life in him and desiring to aduance the Marquis of Denia his fauorite demanded the golden key of the Cabinet from D. Christopher de Mora the which he refused desiring his Highnes to pardon him for that he might not deliuer it without the Kings expresse commaundement wherewith the Prince went away discontented D. Christopher complained hereof to the King who neither liked of the Princes demaund being made â—oo hastilie nor allowed of his refusall commaunding him to carrie the key vnto the Prince and to craue pardon The Prince returning to visit his father D. Christopher de Mora kneeling downe kissed the key and deliuered it vnto him the which the Prince tooke and gaue to the Marquis of Denia And as the Prince and the Infanta his sister stood before the Kings bed he sayd vnto them I recommend vnto you Don Christopher de Mora the best seruant I euer had with all my other seruants And â—o giuing them his last farwell and imbracing them his speech failed him continuing in that estate two dayes vntill his death The King of Spaines birth and statute He was borne in the yeare 1526. on Saint Markes day in Aprill and died the yeare 1598. the 13. of September He was but little of statute but otherwise of a pleasing aspect yet he had no beautifull countenance by reason of his great nether lippe the which is hereditarie to the house of Austria else hee was faire of complection rather resembling a Fleming then a Spaniard of such a constitution of bodie as hee was neuer sicke in all his life but of the disease whereof he died and was sometimes troubled with faintings He did neuer eate any fish He was of a constâ—nt resolution and of a high spirit His courage and Spirit apprehending presently the ends of things and foreseing them with an admiâ—able wisedome and iudgâ—ment Hee was neuer amazed for any accident At his first comming into Flanders by the grant of the Emperour Charles the 5. his father hee woon two great battailes against the French that of Saint Laurence at Saint Quintin and afterwards that of Grauelines and both by his Lieutenants being himselfe of no warlike disposition He was very deuout in his religion and had opposed himâ—elfe against all called heritikes of his time taking this occasion as many haue writâ—en to aduance his affaires in Christendome Hee was infortunate in his fiâ—st marriage with Mary Princesse of Portugal D Caâ—lo conspirâ—s agâ—inst his fâ—â—her Diuerâ— report that he was vniustly puâ— to death by the malice of the inquisitâ—on Comiâ—ted to pâ—ison by whome he had one sonne called Charles whose life was short miserable hauing a violent end vpon certaine imputations which were layd
much grieued for his death his funeralls weâ—e made in Lorraine and at our Ladyes Church in Paris the whole Court of Parliament did assist and Francis de Sala elect Bishop of Geneua made the Funerall Sermon A Complaint of the third Estate of Daulphine During the publike sports in Court the Kings Councell laboured to end the sute betwixt the Commons or third Estate and the two first Orders of Daulphine The Commons complayning that all the Charges and publike oppressions and all that might be burthensome was layd vpon them without any hope from the other Estates of the Prouince although they made not the sixt part being reasonable that all the charges being common they should bee supported equally by all the Prouince by her first condition beeing declared free from all such charges and with this freedome was giuen at the first to France Euery order pleaded for his owne liberties by the Deputies the which the King hauing heard he set downe a generall order touching the Taxes of Daulphiné as you may â—eade at large in Pierre Mathewe The King hauing pasâ—ed the feast of Easter at Fontainbleau prepared to goe to Blois to Tours and to Poitiers and farther if the good of his presence so required Many beleeued that his intent was to go an other way which agreed well with their humours who breathed nothing but warre The great leuies which were made in Italie the Warlike humor of the Count of Fuentes· the great stirring of the Duke of Sauoye who could not liue in Peace the discontent of the Spaniards for the preiudiciall â—onditions of the Treaty of Veruins and many other considerations gaue some shew of the common opinion of Warre The King also had some intelligence that the Sea Army prepared in the Realme of Naples had an enterprise vpon Prouence although the Spaniards gaue it out that it was for Algier but the cleer-sighted knewe well that without some treason among the French the Spaniards affaires were not in so good Estate as to attempt any thing against France The King was aduertised that the Duke of Biron was strayed from his dutie The Duke of Birons câ—nspiracy discouered and assured moreouer that this disposition of his did not growe in an instant that he had not entred into these bad resolutions sodenly if hee had not had conference with strangers Hee could not beleeue that a spirit so Vigilant so Actiue and so Valiant could suffer it selfe to be transported with such violent furies and it seemed a dreame vnto him that a man which had gotten so much Honour to whome his Father had left so much and who had receiued daylie what hee would from the King should resolue to that which was contrarie to his Honor and the greatnesse of his courage This good opinion made the King not to beleeue the aduice which was giuen him of his badde intentions making no shew thereof but that he would giue him the Gouernment of Guienne and two hunred thousand Crownes recompence with the Castells of Trompette and Blaye to drawe him from the Frontier which was more comodious for conference with them who were resolued to withdrawe him from France or to ruine him They had sought him after the taking of Lan The Duke of Biron refused the Gouâ—rnment of Guienne when as they descouered that hee was come to Paris in choller for that the King had refused him some thing wherewith hee gratâ—fied the Duchesse of Beaufort then they offred him two hundred thousand Crownes yearely entertaynment and to bee Generall of all the Kings of Spaines orces in France As they had found him an Achilles in battayle so they found him an Vlisses to their words stopping his eares at their Inchantments saying that choller should neuer drawe him from his dutie that although his Nature were fire and boyling in the feeling and apprehension of a wrong He refused entertainment from the Spaniards yet his heart would neuer suffer this fire to consume the Faith and Loyaltie which hee ought vnto his Prince Hee retayned nothing of the offer which they made him but onelie the remembrance of the esteeme which they made of his valour and euen then hee suffred himselfe to bee carried away with those motions which doe often transport the minde to insolency and contempt of all things when they see themselues assured of ease howesoeuer the chance fall and that they shall neuer bee vnder the seruitude of necessity He was some-times herd-say that hee would not die He sayd hee would die a Soâ—â—eraigne before he had seene his head set vpon a quarter of a Crowne that hee would rather goe to a Scaffold to loose his head then to an Hospitall to begge his bread that hee would die young or haue meanes to doe his friends good Eyther Caesar or nothing Either a free life or a glorious death but hee had neither of them His desseignes made him to vtter words of a Soueraigne and so absolute as the wise did impute it to extreame arrogancie the which hath alwaies ruined them that entertaine it It is a great happinesse for an Estate to haue great Captaines but there is nothing so hard to entertaine for when as they thinke that they haue bound their Country vnto them although all they doe bee lesse then their duties they are easily discontented and like to Pausanias and Themistocles speeke new allyances and friendship from enemies if they bee not rewarded to their owne wills and to the heigth of their Ambition The Duke of Biron had done great seruice to the King and Realme He was honored with the first charges oâ— the realme so were his recompences so great as no Nobleman of his quality in France but might enuie him For beeing not yet forty yeares olde hee had enioyed the chiefest dignities of the Realme At foureteene yeares hee was Colonell of the Suisses in Flanders Soone after Mashall of the Campe and then Marshall generall Hee was receiued Admirall of France in the Parliament at Tours and Marshall of France in that of Paris Hee acknowledged none but the King at the seege of Amiens and was his Maiesties Lieutenant Generall although there were Princes of the bloud To encrease his greatnesse hee was declared a Peere of France and his Barony erected into a Duchie And yet not content with all this hee sayd hee would not die but hee would straine higher That hee will goe no more to recouer the Townes of Picardie vnlesse the King set vppâ— his Image in brasse before the Lovure vsing still in his brauerie some very dangerous speeches and with such affection as hee was not pleased with them that did not applaude them When hee sawe after the seege of Amiens that Brittaine was reduced and the Warre ended He desires contâ—nuâ—nce of the Warre hee thought that hauing no more vse of his valour hee should haue no more credit that hee should haue no more meanes to play the petty King and to doe all that without
a list He that appreheÌ„ds death hath no desire to eate yet hee set him downe rose againe presently and according to his vsuall maner went vnto a window which looked into the Court of the Basâ—ille where hearing the cries and lamentations of a woman hee thought they were for him had this sad content to see they wept for him before his death Soone after the Chancellor goes towards him who crossing through the Court the Duke of Biron espied him cryed out that he was dead You come sayd he to pronounce my sentence I am condemned vniustly tell my kins-folkes that I die an innocent The Chancellor went on without any motion coÌ„manding that they should bring him into the Chappel The prisoner seeing him come a farre of cried out The Duke of Biâ—ons words to the Chancellor Oh my Lord Chancellor is there no pardon is there no mercy The Chancellor saluted him and puâ—ts on his hat The Duke of Biron continued bare and hauing abandoned all the powers of his Soule to greefe and passion hee tooke the aduantage to speake first and to speake all that a tounge ouer greeued might vtter reproching the Chancellor that hee had not had so great a desire to saue him as to condemne him After condemnation all discours is vaine Hee added thervnto certaine words the recording whereof is prohibited and the report punnishable But Princes regard not the rayling of subiects against their Maiesty the which returnes alwaies froÌ„ whence it came The Duke of Biron knowing not whom he should challenge most for his misfortune turned towards the Chancellor and shaking him by the arme sayd You haue iudged me God will absolue me Men condemned may speak any thing hee will lay open their Iniquities which haue shut their eyes because they would not see mine innocency you my Lord shall answere for this iniustice before him whether I do sommon you within a yeare and a day I go before by the iudgement of men but those that are the cause of my death shall come after by the iudgement of God All which was deliuered with such violence as hee cryed out and stormed both against the King and his Parliament They beare with all which proceeds from choller in a condemned man of his humor and quality But this excesse to adiorne a Chancellor to Heauen being 70. yeares old was held vnworthy the great courage of a Captaine blaspheming and brauing death and yet ignorant how they pleade in an other world He was not the first in the like extremities that haue adiourned their Iudges before the Throne of God Iohn Hus sayd in dying That those which had condemned him should answer a hundred yeares after before God and him and the Bohemians who preserued the Asshes of his bones and maintained his Doctrine coyned money with this adiournement But the Duke of Birons assignation was vaine for the Chancellor appeered not but hath bin more healthful since then before He found no means to enter into discours amidest the confusioÌ„ of so many words which were like vnto a violent streame Yet he interrupted him to tell him that he had need of Gods helpe that he should recommend himselfe vnto him He presently answered that hee had thought vpon God and implored his aide to giue him patience against their iniustice but neither he nor his Iudges had thought of it in condeÌ„ning him Passion transports the rounge Passion sayd the Chancellor makes you to speake many things without any colour and against your owne Iudgement There is not any man hath better knowne your merits then my selfe and I would to God your offences had bin as much vnknowne as they haue bin dissembled The knowledge thereofwas so great and so perfect as your Iudges haue bin more troubled howe to moderate your paine then to haue you punnished they haue more labored to iustefie you then to condemne you Whilest the Chancellor was speaking the Duke of Biron turned towards Roissy Master of Requests asked him if he had also bin one of his Iudges Roissy answered My Lord I pray God to comfort you My father loued you so intirely replied the Duke of â—iroÌ„ that although you were one of them that had coÌ„demned me I would forgiue you And so returning to his discourse he addresâ— himselfe vnto the Chancellor who was saying some-thing vnto Voisin I see well sayd he what it is I am not the most wicked but I am the most vnfortunate Those which haue done worse then I would haue done are â—auored The Kings clemency is dead for me Hee doth not immitate the examples of Caesar nor Augustus or of those great Princes who not only pardoned them that would haue done ill but euen them that did ill who were euer sparing of their bloud yea of that which was least esteemed wherin can the King shew himself greater theÌ„ in pardoning Clemency is a Kingly vertue Euery one may giue death Clemency a royall vertue but it belongs onely to Soueraigns to giue life And cruell that he is doth he not knowe well that he hath pardoned me I had a bad desseigne he granted me grace I demand it againe you may easily aduertise him a â—â—st wil soone returne The Queene of England told me that if the Earle of Essâ—x would haue humbled himselfe and sued for grace shee would haue pardoned him Hee grewe obstinate and would neuer implore her mercy taking from her all meanes to shew the effects She like a generous Princesse desiryng to pardon him euen as she would that God should pardon her He was guilty I am innocent he sued for no pardon for his offence I craue it in mine Inoceney Is it possible the King should thinke no more of the seruices I haue done him doth hee not remember the conspiracy at Mantes and the danger hee had runne if I had had intelligence with the Conspirators who found nothing that did hinder the effects of their desseigne then my loyaltie nor a more ready meanes to attayne vnto it then in causing me to be slaine The Duâ—â— oâ— Birons repâ—ochâ—s There is no veine in my bodie which hath not bled for his seruice He shewes that he neuer loued me any longer then he thought himselfe to haue neede of me Hâ—th he forgotten the â—eege of Amiens where they haue seene me so often couered with fire and bullets and to be in so many dangers eyther to giue oâ— to receiue death Hee now quentcheth the torch in my bloud after that he hath vsed it My Father exposed himselfe to a thousand dangers and purchased death to â—et the Crowne vpon his head I haue receiued fiue and thirty wounds vpon my body to preserue it for him and for my reward hee takes my Head from my Shoulders Let him beware least the Iâ—stice of God fall vpon him He shall finde what profit my death will bring him it will nothing assure his affaires but impaire the reputation of his Iustice. Hee
head of the Albigeois in the raigne of Philip Augustus fol. 165. The Popes Legat slaine by the Albigeois ibid. An Aâ—my against the Albigeois a great slaughter of them by Symâ—n oâ— Monfort ibiâ— Count Raymond and his confederats defâ—ated by Symâ—â— of Monfort 〈◊〉 167 The Councell of Latran The Eaâ—ldome of Tholouse giuen to Symon of Montfort ibid Symoâ— hated by his subiects of Languedock is slaine before Tholouse Count Raymond is receiued againe into Languedock ibid Warre in Guienne against the English fol. 168. Lewis compounds for Languedock with the Sonnes of Simon of Monfort ibid. Count Raymond submits himselfe to the Pope Desolation of the Albigeois ibid. Lewis dies ibid. Lewis the ninth called Saint Lewis the 44. King of France QVeene Blanche Regent of the King and Realme fol. 169. Afection in France for the Regencie ibid. Languedock annexed to the Crowne by marriage fol. 170. Blanch preuents the discontented princes ibid. Lewis in danger to be surprized by his rebels ibid. Prouence comes to Charles of Aniou a sonne of France fol. 171 Lewis his disposition the patterne of an excellent prince fol. 172 A happy peace in the raigne of Lewis the rest of of the Albigeois fol. 173 Estate of the Empire and of the Church ibid. The Pope seekes to driue the Emperour out of Italie ibid. The Emperour goes with an armie against the Pope and his confederats ibid. The Pope drawes the French to his succour fol. 174 The Popes pollicie to supplant the Emperours ibid. Fredericks happie successe in Asia ibid. The Popes hatred against the Emperour irrecoÌ„ciliable ibid. The Emperour enters Italie with a great armie fol. 175 Gregorie turnes enemie to Fredericke beeing chosen Pope ibid. The Emperour Fredericke excommunicated and degraded the Germaines choose another Emperour ibid. The death of Fredericke fol. 176 Conrades sonne poysoned by Manfroy his bastard brother hee vsurpes Sicilia and Naples ibid. Lewis refuseth Sicilia and Naples offered him by the Pope ibid. Charles Earle of Prouence defeates and kills Manfroy in Sicilia ibid. The Empire without an Emperour by their ciuil confusions fol. 177 Charles of Aniou vicar of the Empire and king of Naples and Sicilia ibid. Conradin seekes to recouer his realme and is defeated ibid. He is cruelly beheaded by Charles with many others ibid. Lewis resolues to goe into Asia the confused estate of the Empire there ibid. The Empire of the Greekes translated to the French ibid. Three Emperours at one instant in the East 178 Lewis goes with an army into the East ibid. The Tartars refuse the Christian religion by reason of their ill life fol. 179 Lewis takes Damiette ibid. He besieged Caire indiscreetly The plague falls into his campe ibid. Lewis is distressed taken by the Sultan of Egypt and paies his ransome ibid. The French generally lament for their King fol. 180 Lewis makes good lawes ibid. Blanch his mother dies ibid. The English rebell against their King ibid. Lewis reconciles the English to their King ibid. Diuision in Flaunders pacified by Lewis ibid. Lewis goes into Barbarie fol. 181 Makes a league with England ibid. In danger at Sea ibid. His army infected with the plague ibid. Lewis beeing sicke giues his sonne instruction 182 His death vertues raigne children and posteritie ibid. The house of Orleans called to the Crowne ibid. Philip 3. called the Hardy the 45. king of France QVeene Isabel dies fol. 183 Richard sonne to Henry king of England slain traiterously ibid. Great contention for the election of a new Pope fol. 184 Lewis eldest sonne to Philip poysoned And the Countie of Tolouse annexed to the crowne ibid. The French expelled Constantinople by the Greekes fol. 185 Philips disposition and why called Hardie ibid. Charles king of Sicilia a turbulent Prince ibid. Peter of Arragon leuies an armie to inuade Sicilia fol. 186 Sicilian Euensong where all the French are slain ibid. Peter of Arragon Charles beeing expulst enters Sicilia and is crowned king fol. 187 The Pope supports Charles against Peter fol. 188 Philip succours his vnckle Charles and the Sicilianâ— seeke to make peace with Charles but Peter politickly auoides all danger ibid. A combate appointed betwixt two kings ibid. Peter fortifies himselfe in Sicilia fol. 189 Charles the sonne called the Lame taken prisoner and Charles the fathers death ibid. Philip makes warre against Peter of Arragon is defeated and dies ibid. Philip set vpon vnawares in danger with his death and children fol. 190 Philip the 4. called the Faire the 46. King of France PHilips disposition and issue vnhappy in the mariage of his sonnes fol. 191 The Parliament of Paris erected the Palace and the colledge of Nauarre built fol. 192 Cause of warre in Flaunders and Guienne ibid. Occasions to renew the war with the English ib. A league betwixt Edward of England Guy of FlaÌ„ders the Emperour the Duke of Bar against Philip. fol. 193 Philip seizeth vpon the Earle of Flanders daughter ibid. The English affaires succeeded ill ibid. A great assembly of Princes against Philip. fol. 194 Pope Boniface enemy to Philip. ibid. The Pope makes a decree against Philip and hee prepares to defend himselfe fol. 195 Philip hauing admonished the Earle of Flanders of his dutie inuades his countrey and defeats the Flemmings seizeth vpon all Flanders the Earle beeing forsaken by his confederates ibid. Guy put into prison and Flanders annexed to the crowne of France fol. 196 The people of Flanders oppressed reuolt and ioyne with the Nobilitie and kill the French ibid. Battaile of Courteay famous for the great defeate of the French fol. 197. A notable affront done by Pope Boniface to Philip. ibid. Arrogancy of the Popes Nuntio fol. 198. Philip subdues and makes peace with the Flemmings ibid. Guy Earle of Flanders and his daughter died fol. 199. Isabell the daughter of Philip married to Edward king of England ibid. Adolph the Emperor deposed and the Pope practiseth against Philip ibid. Pope Boniface his death and disposition fol. 201 The Colledge of Cardinals apply themselues wholy to please Philip. ibid. Pope Clement the 5. crowned at Lyons and remooues his seate to Auignon ibid. Philips death and the fruites of the Easterne voyages fol. 202 The Christians loose all in the East fol. 203. The estate of Sicilia ibid. Lewis the 10. callâ—d Hutin the 47. king of France THe maners of Lewis Hutin his wiues f. 204 Enquerand of Maâ—â—gny vniustly put to death ib. Ione the daughter of Lewis Hutin pretends the realme fol. 205 The Parliament made ordinary ibid. Philip the 5. called the long the 48. king of France COntrouersie for the crown of France fol. 206 Philips coronation childreÌ„ disposition ibid. Rebels calling themselues Shepards fol. 207. Flanders pacified ibid. Charles the 4. called the faire 49. King of France CHarles crowned without opposition fol. 208 His disposition and issue ibid. Isabel complaines of her husband Edward king of England fol. 209 The second parcell of the third race of the Capets containing 13. kings
of the Gantois fed by Lewis his policie fol. 274.275 The Gantois ouerthrowne and Adolfe Duke of Guelders slaine fol. 276 Maximillian and Marie maried fol. 277 The politique liberalitie of Lewis fol. 278 The disposition of Edward King of England fol. 279. Is fed by Lewis his dilatorie hopes ibid. He neglects Marie of Burgogne ibid. Affects greatly the alliance with France ibid. A trecherous attempt at Florence against the house of Medicis fol. 280 The mutinie appeased and the murtherer hanged ibid. The battell of Guingaste where many were slain and the French left the field fol. 281 Lâ—wis seeking to reforme his Realme is hindered by infirmities yet is iealous of his authority eueÌ„ in sicknesse ibid. The death of Mary of Burgogne pleasing to Lewis fol. 282. Edward the fourth King of England dies fol. 283 Râ—â—hard murthers his two nephewes vsurpes the Crowne ibid. Lewis his disposition in his declining age fol. 284 His inuentions to make beleeue he liued still fol. 285. His death and disposition â—â—l 286 The Estate of the Church vnder Lewis â—â—l 286.287 The Estate of the Empire fol. 288.289 The Turkes ouerthrowne twice in Asia winne the third battell fol. 290 Scanderbeg his death and vertues ibid. Charles the 8. the 56. King of France A Breefe rehersall of his raigne fol. 291 His disposition and education fol. 292 Contention betweene the Duke of Orleans and the Earle of Beau-ieu for the Regency ibid. Landais gouerns the Duke of Brittaine insolentlie ibid. King Charles his coronation fol. 293 The Duke of Orleans being put from the RegeÌ„cy discontented leaues the Court. fo â—94 The Duke of Brittaine being troubled is forced to deliuer Landais who is hanged fo 295 Charles seekes to diuide the Brittons from their Duke and makes a secret treaty with the Nobility fol. 296 The Brittons reconciled to their Duke and Rieux reuoults from the French fol. 298 Ancenis Casteaubriant Vennes taken for the Brittons fol. 299 Diuision in the Brittish Army fol. 300 The Battle of St. Albin where the Duke of Orleans and the Earle of Dunois are takeÌ„ prisoners fol. 301 Diuers Townes in Brittany yeelded to the FreÌ„ch fol. 302 The Duke of Brittane after a peace made with the King dyes fol. 303 The pittifull estate of Brittaine fol 304 Anne of Brittaine succored by the English and Spanish foo 305 The Marshall of Riux and the English beseedge Brest and Conquett fol. 306 Maximillian made Arbitrator betweene king Charles and Anne of Brittaine fol. 307 Nantes and Guingam taken by the French fol. 308 A finall peace in Brittaine by Charles his mariage with Anne fol. 309 The practises of the English vpon Brittaine ibid. Arras betrayed to Maximillian fol. 310 Motiues for the voyage of Naples with the waÌ„ts for the voyage â—oâ— 31â— Lodowick Sâ—orza vsurps Milan and surpriseth the Castle fol. 312 The estate of Italy in 1490. fol. 31â— The peace of Italy ruined by Peter of Medicis â—ol 314 A league betweene the Pope the Venetians and the Duke of Milan fâ—l 3â—5 Charles his right to Naples and Scicilia ibid. He could not be diswaded by his counsell from the enterprise of Italy fol. 316 His voyage to Naples vndertaken without money fol. 31â— Lodowicks perswations to Charles with the death of Iohn Galeat Duke of Milan fâ—l 318 The â—lorentines and Peter de Medicis offer king Charles their citty withall other his demaunds â—ol 319 Peter de Medicis and his bretheren expelled â—lâ—rence fol. 32â— King Charles enters Florence ibid. The Pope perplexed hauing many enimies sends to the King fol. â—â—â— The walles of Rome and of the Castle St. Angelo fall alone at the kings entrance â—ol 322 Alphonso frighted with horrible visions for his cruelties crownes his Sonne and â—lyes fol. 323 Vpon the first entry of the French into the kingdome of Naples Capna Auerse Nola Naples yeelds fol. 324 Zemin being thrice ouerthrowne by Baiaâ—et â—lyes and is poysoned by Pope Alexander fol. 326 The Venetians discouer to the Turke an enterprise vpon Scrutaâ—y fol. 327 A league concluded against the French fol. 328 King Charles takes order for Naples and goes towards Rome and the Pope â—lyeâ— fol. 3â—9 Sauanoccllas predictions fol. 330 Milan and the whole Dutchy ready to reuolt against Lodowickâ— fol. 331 A foule reuenge by the Suisses repaired by a notable peece of seruice fol. 332 The Battle of Fornone where the King is in great danger fol. 3â—3 The Army of the league ouerthrowne fol. 334 Ferdinand defeated by Aubigny enters Naples and the most part of the kingdome reuolts from the French fol. 336 Caiette sackt by the French ibid. The Marquesse of Pescara slayne fol. â—37 The newe Castle at Naples compounds with Ferdinand ibid. Twentie thousand Suisses at Verceil for the king fol. 339 The Suisses practise to seize vpon the King ibid. The Venetians propositions to the King fol. 340 The beginning of the Poxe ibid. The treachery and couetousnesse of Entraques fol. 341 A newe French fleete in the kingdome of Naples fol. 343 Ferdinands lansquenets defeated by the French fol. 343 A truce betwixt the kings of France and Castile ibid. Charles greatly affects the enterprise of Italie but is disswaded by the Cardinall of S. Malo fol. 344 The last act of this tragedy and the French defeated fol. 345 A dishonorable coÌ„position made by the French fol. 346 The Earle of Mountpensier dies with most of his troupes ibid. King Ferdinand dies fol. 347 The Duke of Orleans refuseth to make warre against the Duke of Millan in his owne name ibid. The Duke of Millan perplexed is succoured by the Venetians fol. 348 Reasons to draw the King into Italie fol. 349 The castle of Amboyse built by Charles ibid. His death and disposition fol. 350 Lewis the 12 the 57. king of France THe happines of his raigne fol. 351 The genealogie of Lewis the 12. fol. 352 Lewis his title to the Dutchie of Millan ibid. The Pope capitulates with the King fol. 354 The Venetians and Florentines congratulate his comming to the crowne ibid. Borgia comes to court and commits a treacherous murther ibid. King Lewis associats with the Venetians fol. 355 Millan mutines against Lodowicke and hee flies shamefully fol. 356 Millan beeing yielded Lewis makes his entrie fol. 357 Vitelli besiegeth Pisa is taken and beheaded at Florence ibid. Our Ladies Bridge at Paris falls fol. 358 The estate of the East ibid. Millan and the Suisses reuolt and Sforza recouers it againe fol. 359 Lâ—dowicke Sâ—orza taken fol. 360 Millan pardoned by the King fol. 361 The potentates of Italy reconciled to the King fol. 362 The exploits of Câ—sar Borgia fol. 363 The pittifull death of the Lord of Faenza murthered by Borgia fol. 364 The warres of Naples reuiued fol. 365 The realme of Naples diuided betwixt the Kings of France and Arragon ibid. Fredericke king of Naples simplicitie fol. 366 The lamentable taking of Capua with the souldiers insolencies fol. 367 The capitulation of Fredericke who of king of Naples is
Emperor fol. 475. King Francis challengeth the Emperor to the Combat fol. 476. Henry the eight King of England defies the Emperor and puts away his Wife ibid. The seege of Naples with the discommodities there of fol. 477. Phillipin Doria gets a victory at Sea and the successe thereof fol. 478 The reuolt of Andrew Doria with the great constancy of Lautrech fol. 479. Lautrech dies and the seege of Naples is raysed fol. 480. The French Army wholy ruined with the number that dyed at the seege of Naples fol. 481. Genoa recouered from the French fol. 482. A Peace concluded at Cambray betwixt the Emperor and the French King fol. 483. The Kings childrens ransome paid the Emperor returnes into Italy fol. 484. The Prince of Auranges slaine fol. 485. Causes of the Kings discontent fol. 486. A League of the Princes of Germany against the Emperor ibid. A League and interviewe betweene the Kings of England and France fol. 487. The Duchy of Britany incorporate to the Crown of France fol. 488. The Kings of England and France complaine of the Pope ibid. The Cardinalls meanes to winne the Pope fol. 489. The first motiue of the separation of the Church of England froÌ„ the Church of Rome fol. 490 The Pope excoÌ„municats the King of EnglaÌ„d ibid An entervew betwixt the Pope King fol. 492. The estate of England in 1534. fol 493. Charles the Emperors dissimulation fol. 494. The King discontent with the Duke of Sauoye conquers his Country fol. 495 Wars begin in Piemont fol. 496. The Emperors entry into Rome fol. 497. The Emperors protestation at Rome fol. 498. The Kings preparation for Warre with the treachery of the Marquis of Salusses fol. 499. Anthony de Lâ—ua forced to flie out off his Campe. fol. 500. The Emperors conceit of his passage into France fol. 502. Francis the Daulphin poysoned ibid. The Emperors passage into Prouence and the Kings order against him fol. 503 The defeate and taking of Monteian and Boisy fol. 504. The Earle of Nassaw in Picardy takes Guise and beseeges Peronne ibid. The Imperialls defeated fol. 506. Marseilles surprized by the Emperour in imagination fol. 507. The Daulphin comes to the Campe. fol. 508. Exploits in Piedmont fol. 509. The Imperialls retreat and burne Aix ibid. The cause of Warre betwixt 〈…〉 fol. 511. Pursute against the 〈…〉 〈◊〉 512 Hedin S. Paul and 〈…〉 S. Paul beseeged by the 〈…〉 Recouered by assault and 〈…〉 fol. 515. Therovenne victualed and the 〈…〉 and beaten Francis Marquis of Salusses slaine The Imperialls attempt 〈◊〉 and are 〈◊〉 fol. 518. Piedmont being like to be lost for waâ—t â—f money first the Daulphin and afterwaâ—d the King goes thither 〈◊〉 51â— An enteruiew at Nice with a Truce for ten yeaâ—s fol. 520. The Emperors passage through France fol. 521. The Kings Ambassadors surprized and murtâ—â—red â—ol 522. Ferdinands Army defeated by the Turke ibiâ— The Emperor goes to Algier without successe ibid. The reasons that moued the King to Waâ—â—â— fol. 523. Warre in Luxenbourg and in Rossillion with 〈◊〉 causes thereof â—â—l 524. Attempt of Rossillion fruitlesse fol. 526. War in Picardy and Piedmont 〈◊〉 A gallant stratageme of Monsieur de Lâ—ngâ—y fol. 527. A new French Army in Piedmont where Monsieur de Langey dyes fol. 528 The rebellion of the Rochellois and the Kings Clemency fol. 529. Exploytes in Picardy with the taking of Landrecy and other places by the French fol. 530. The Castle of Emery taken fol. 531. The Imperialls surprised at Bains fol. 532. The Imperialls charge the French in their lodging and are repulst fol. 5â—â— The King sends to succour the Duke of Cleues he yeelds to the Emperour fol. 534. Landrecie beseeged distrest and victualled fol. 535. A braue Retreat made by the French fol. 5â—6 Nice attempted by Barbarousse and taken but not the Castle Mont-deuis yeelded and the Capitulation bâ—â—ken â—ol 5â—7 The Imperialles desseigne the French preâ—â—preparations to fight with the sonnâ— of 〈◊〉 two Armies fol. 5â—8 5â—9 The battaile of Sâ—risoles which the Duke of Anguien winnes after hee had bin in grâ—at danger with the number of the dead and prisoners fol. 540.541 Effects following the victory 〈◊〉 542. Truce in Piedmont warre in Picardy â—ol 54â— Saint Desier beseeged after a furious assault yeelded fol. 544. The King of England takes Bullen and Montrueâ—l and defeates the French fol. 546.547 The French Kings Army against England fol. 548. The French consult to take the I le of wight and to fortefie it fol. 550. Death of the Duke of Orleance fol. 551. Discription and sack of the Land of Oye fol. 552. A great plauge in the forte before Bullen fol. 553. The death of the Duke of Anguien fol. 554. Of Henry the 8. King of England Ibiâ— Of Francis the 1. King of France Ibid. Henry the 2. of that name the 59. King of France THe Constable restored fol. 555. Henry the 2. crowned sends an Army into Scotland fol. 556. Cruelties coÌ„mitted by the rebells in Bordeaux La Vergnâ— drawne with foure horses Ibid. Trobles in England fol. 557. Peace with the English and warre with Italy fol. 559. A leauge betwixt the King and the Protestants of Germany fol. 560. The Kings Army enters into the Country of Metz. fol. 561. Metz yeelded to the French and beseeged againe by the Emperor fol. 562. The Imperialls spoile Picardy recouer Hedin retire from Metz. fol. 563. Terouenne and Hedin taken and sackt and the Duke of Arscot taken fol. 564. The two Armies meete fol. 565. The Arrierband of France defeated and warre beyond the Alpes fol. 566. Sienna in Italy beseeged fol. 567. The Emperor resignes his Kingdome to his sonne fol. 568. Valence and Ostia with other places recouered by the French fol. 569. The Battaile of S. Lawrence lost by the French Ibid. The Pope reconciles himselfe vnto the Spaniards fol. 570. A great Inundation at Rome Ibid. Calais recouered froÌ„ the English Anno. 1558. fo 571. Francis the Daulphin married to Mary Queene of Scotland Ibid. Persecution for religion certaine Councelors of the Parliament Imprisoned fol. 572. The death of Henry the 2. his children and dispotition fol. 573. Francis the 2. of that name the 60. King of France Factions and alterations in Court fol. 574. Anthony King of Nauar and the chiefe Officers of the Crowne disgraced in Court fol. 575. Anne de Bourg executed and a tumult at Amboyse fol. 576.577 The Protestants petition to the King fol. 579. An Assembly of Princes and Noble-men fol. 580. The King comes to Orleans and the Prince of Condo Imprisoned fol. 581. Commissioners to arraigne the Prince and condemne him fol. 582. The death of King Franciâ— the second fol. 583. Charles the 9. of that name the 61. King of France A Parliament held at Orleance put of to Ponthoise fol. 584.585 The Kings Coronation a conference at Poisy fol. 586. A Petition and Protestation made by the Protestants fol. 587. The King of Nauar forsakes the Protestants
from Paris fol 707. The Duke of Guyse seekes to returne into fauor fol. 708. The Queene mother Imployed for a peace seauen demands of the League and the Kings answeare fol. 709 The Duke of Espernons Iustification Deputies of the Parliament with the King and his answer fol. 710.711 The defeate of the Spanish Armado in 1588. with the Duke of Medinaes excuses fol. 712. The King refuseth to go to Paris with new resolutions of the League fol. 713. The Kingâ— Couâ—cellors dissmissed the Court trobles against Espernon in Angoulesme fol. 714. Conuocation the Estates at Blois the Kings speech fol 715. The Marquisate of Salusses surprised by the Duke of Sauoy fol. 718. The Duke of Guisses dissembling fol. 719 Assembly and Petition of the Pâ—otestants ibid. Obiections against the Duke of Guise and the Kings last resolution fol. 723. The Duke of â—â—ise slaine fol. 724 Death of the Queene mother fol. 725. Nâ—ort taken by the King of Nauar. ibid. The Parâ—sians Insolencies fol. 726. The Duke of Mayennes couâ—ses the Kings letters to him fol. 727. The Estates at Blois disâ—olued with the Archbishop of Bourges others speeches fol. 728.729 A generall Councell of the vnion with their Insolencies and reuolts fol. 730. The Duke of Mayennes attempts fol. 731. Reconciliation of the the 2. Kings fol. 732. Paris beseeged fol. 733. The Death of Henry the 3. his last speech and manners fol. 736.737 The 3. parcell of the 3. race of Capets in the Royall branch of Bourbon beginning with Henry before King of Nauar and the 63. King of France THe Genealogy of the King S. Lewis fol. 740.741 The King raiseth his seege from Paris goes into Normandy and the Duke of Mayenne followes him fol. 742. Notable exploits at Arques against the League fol. 743. The King approcheth to Paris fol. 745. The seege of Dreux and disposition of the kings army fol. 748. The Battell of Yury where the Leaguers are ouer-throwne with the losse on both sides fol. 749.750 The seege of Parâ—s with their miseries fol. 752. Deputies sent to the King with his answere to them fol 753. The seege of Paris raised and the Duke of Parmas retreate fol. 754.755 Roan beseeged and succored by the Duke of Parma fol. 759. A trecherous decree of the Court Parliament of Roan fol. 760. Death of the Duke of Parma and the Marshall Biron fol. 762. A sentence of the Court Parliament against the Bull of Pope Clement the 8. fol. 765. The Kings declaration against the Leaguers fol. 767. The Kings Conuersion fol. 769. By what meanes the townes of the League returned to the Kings obedience and the Spaniards chased out fol. 771. The Kings Coronation fol. 772. The miraculous reduction of Paris to the Kings obedience fol. 773 A decrree against the League and the Duke of Mayenne fol. 775. The Duke of Guise reconciled to the King fol. 777. Processe against the Iâ—suites renewed ibid. The King hurt in the face by Iohn Chastell fol. 778. Warre proclamed against the Spaniard fol. 779. Spaniards in Pycardie great seruice done by the Constable fol. 780. Wonderfull efects of the King Armies with the wisdome and valure of the Marshall Biron fol. 782. Haâ— surprised for the King and Humieres slaine fol. 784. Cambraâ— beseeged yeelded to the Spaniard fol. 785. The Pope blesseth the King and the Dukes of Mayenne and Nemours are receiued into grace fol. 786. Calais and Ardres taken by the Spaniard and La Ferte by the King fol. 790. Amiens surprised by the Spaniard fol. 791. Beseeged againe by the King with the effects of the warre in Britanie and Champagne fol. 792. Warre in Sauoy and Maurienne taken fol. 793. The Duke of Sauoy defeated in sundry places fol. 795. Amiens yeelded and the Spaniards depart fol. 799. Crequi taken prisoner and the Fort of Saint Bartholomewe taken by L' Edigueres fol. 801. The reduction of the Duke Mercure and Britany to the King fol. 882. The most memorable things conteyned in the continuation of the generall History of France THE wisdome Iustice and piety of Pope Clemenâ— the 8. fol. 805. Three Popes in 17. monethes ibid. The Pope exhorts the two Kings to Peace ibid. Reasons that mooued the King of Spaine to a Peace fol. 806. The Prince of Spaine reiects the Councell of Peace ibid. The Infanta desirous of a Peace ibid. The Arch-duke applies his minde to Peace ibid. He sends Armes vnto the King fol. 807. The King of Spaine doubtes of a Peace ibid. A long Peace preiudiciall to a warlike nation ibid. The Kings generous resolution fol. 808. The Generall of the Friars returne in dispaire of a Peace ibid. The first negotiation of a Peace at 5. Quintiâ— fol. 809. The King of Spaine resolues to yeeld vp all places ibid. Veruins chosen for the conference ibid. The Precedence yeelded vnto the French fol. 810. An Agent from the Emperor to the states of the vnited Prouinces ibid. The Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor ibid. The Duke of Sauoy desires to be comprehended in the treaty of Peace fol. 813. A Peace concluded ibid. Ambassadors to sweare the Peace and Hostageâ— for the restitution of places fol. 814. The King of Spaine signes and sweares a Peace 〈◊〉 His Sonne signed it not till the treaty of Sauoy Anno. 1601. ibid. Deputies sent froÌ„ the King to the Arch-duke to take is oth fol. 815. Charles Gontault of Biron created Duke of Biron and Peeâ—e of France 〈◊〉 A feast made at Paris by the Duke of Bâ—ron ibid. The Arch-duke sweares the Peace 〈◊〉 816. Hee giues presents to the Duke of 〈◊〉 ibid. The King is aduertised of the Duke of Birons practises 〈◊〉 The Duke of Sauoy sweares the Peace 〈◊〉 laquiline Contesse of Antremont wifâ— to the Admiral was prisoner at lurâ—e and 〈◊〉 died fol. 817. Her Letter to Peter Mathew 〈◊〉 Complaints from the towne of Geneua 〈◊〉 The Duke of Sauois pretensions 〈◊〉 Donation of the Lowe Countries to the 〈◊〉 of Spaine fol. 818. The conditions The Prince ratefies the donation ibiâ— The Infanta sends Procuration to the Arch-duke to take possession of the Low CouÌ„tâ—ies ibid. An Assemblie at Bruxelles vpon the donation made to the Infanta fol. 819. The Arch-duke leaues his Cardinalls habit ibid. The Arch-duke writes to the vnited Prouinces ibid. Letters from the Prince of Oâ—ange to Count Maurice ibid. A Diet at Ratisbone fol. 820. Execution of the Imperiall sentence against the Towne of Aix ibid. Iauarin recouered from the Turke ibid. The loosenesse of a Ladie of Naples ibid. The life and death of the King of Spaine fol. 821. Don-Carlo conspired against his Father fol. 822. The diuers reports of his death ibiâ— The sentence of the Inquisitors against D. Carlo fol. 823. The death of the Prince of Spaine ibid. The death of the Queene of Spaine ibid. Instruction of the King of Spaine to the Prince his Sonne 〈◊〉 824 The carrying of Armes forbidden in France ibid. The Clergy of France
make a petition vnto the King fol. 827. The Kings answere vnto the Clergy ibiâ— The Iesuits seeke to be restored ibid. The Kings onely Sister fianced to the Prince of Lorraine fol. 828 Troubles for the Duchy of Ferrara 〈◊〉 Duke Câ—â—sar prepares to armes fol. 829. The Popes entry into Ferrara ibid. The Arcâ—-duke Albert meetes with Marguerite of Austria ibid. They passe through the Venetians Countrie fol. 8â—0 The Duke of Mantoua meetes them ibid. The Pope and Legats receiue them ibid. The Duke of Sessa Ambassador for Spaine attended her ibid. The Queens entry into Ferrara ibid. The King of Spaines marriage ibid. Foure of one Family of the same Name and bearing the same Armes married together fol 8â—1 The Popes nuptiall gift to the Queene of Spaine ibid The Admirall of Arragons exploytes in the Duchy of Iuilliers ibid. Prince Mauâ—ice his exploites fol. 832 The Archdukes Answer to the Ambassadors ibiâ— The Earle of Broâ—ke taken by the Spaniards in his Castle and then murthered iâ—iâ— Wezell forced to furnish Money and Come fâ—l 833. The Electors write vnto the Emperor ibid. Warre in Sueden fol. 834. The Turke beeseegeth Varadin in vaine fol. 8â—5 Bâ—da attempted in vaine by the Christians ibid An Inundation at Rome ibid The Pope creatâ— 16. Cardinalls ibid. A treaty at Boulogne fol. 836. The King sicke at Monceaux iâ—id The Deputies of the Princes and States of the Empire assemble at Collen fol. 837. The Electoâ— of Mexiâ— answer to Cardinal Andâ—ew ibid. The Admiralls Letter to the Deputies at Collen fol. 838. He excuseth the murther of the Earle of Brouk and his otheâ— outrages ibid. The Kings Sister marryed to the Duke of Barfoll fâ—l 839. She refuseth to change her Religion and why ibid. The King desires his Sister should become a Catholike fâ—l 840. The Prince of Lorraine comes vnto Paris ibid. Complaints made by them of the Religion fol. 841. Exclusion from publike charges ignominious â—â—l 842. No man is held a Cittizen if he be not partaker of the honors of the Citty ibiâ— The last Edict for Religion at Nantes ibid. Contestation touching their Synode with strangers ibid. The Court of Parliament opposeth against the edict of Religion fol. 843 The Kings speech to the Court of Parliament ibiâ— A Pâ—ince giues no reason of his Edict fol. 844. Necessity the fiâ—st and essentiall cause of an Edict ibid. The Kings sister pursues the establishment of the Edict fol. 845 The Inâ—â—ntas proâ—laâ—ation against the States of the vnâ—tâ—d Prouinces ibid An answer made by the Vnited Prouinces â—â—l 847. The Archduke comes to Genoa with the Queene of Spaine fol. 848. The magnificence at the King of Spaines mâ—rriage at Valentia ibid. Knights of the Golden-Fleece fol. 849 The life and death of Monsieur de Pinaâ— Archbishop of Lions ibid. Barricadoes at Lions against the Duke of Nâ—mours fol. 850. The Duke of Ioyeuze returnes to the Capuchins fol. 851. The seâ—ond Duke of Ioyeuze drowned fol. 852. The Earle of Bouchage left his habit of Capuchin by the Popes dispensation and is Duke of Ioyeuze ibid. His mother desires his returne to be a Capuchin and the King commends his resolution ibiâ— Iesuites incapable of Spirituall dignities fol. 853. The Marquisate of Salusses in question ibid. The Duke of Sauoy seâ—kâ—s to be reconciled vnto the Kiâ—g ibid. The Pope made Iudge of the Controuersie ibid. Brauery of the French fâ—l 854 The Aâ—biteâ—ment broken The King of Spaine repayres all fol. 855. The Duke complaines oâ— the Spaniards â—bâ—d Death of 〈…〉 Marquis of Monceaux and Duchesse of Beaufort ibid. A quaâ—â—ell betwixt D. Phillippâ—n of Sauoy and Monsieur Crequi fâ—l 856. They fought twiâ—e and at the second combate D. Philâ—â—pâ—â— was slaine fol. 857. Aâ—â—igâ—ac demands D. Philâ—ppins life fol. 858. The Estate of the Kings affayres in Suisse ibid. The petty Catholike Cantons allyed to Spaine ibid. Monsieur Sillery Ambassador in Suisse fol. 859. The King sends money to the Suisses ibid. The Duke of Lerma fauorite to the King of Spaine ibid. Asseâ—bly of the Deputies of some Princes of the Empire at Conâ—â—ance fol. 860. The Iustifications of the Vnited Prouinces ibid. Propositions of the Deputies oâ— Westphalia fol. 862. A Decree made at Conâ—â—ance ibid. The Count of Lippe Generall of the Germaine Army they beseege Rees ibid. Prince Maurice assures them of Bommell by his presence fol. 863. The Admirall takes Creuecaeur ibid. The Spanish Aâ—â—ye and that of the States retire out off the limites of the Empire ibid. The Arch-dukes passage into Flanders fol. 864 Isabelle of Valois mother to Isabelle of Austria called the Queene of Peace ibid. The entry of silkes forbidden in France ibid. The King at the Queenes request reuoaked the Edict for silke fol. 865. Martha Brossier possest with a Diuell ibid. The Bishop of Anger 's discouers her to be a CouÌ„teâ—feit ibid. A decree made by the Court against her ibid. An Attempt against the King discouered ibid. Complaint made by the King of Spaine fol. 866 The Archdukes send vnto the King fol. 867. An Army defeated at Dunkerke ibid. The death of the Chancellor Chiuerny Complaints against him ibid. Pompone de Bellâ—â—re Chancellor of France ibid. The death of the Elector of Treues fol. 868. Death of the yong Princesse of Conde ibid. The Marquis of Belle I le becomes a religious Woman ibid. Execution of the Edict of Pacification ibid. The Duke of Iuilliers marries the Daughter of the Duke of Lorraine fol. 869. The Court of Parliament perswades the King to marry ibid. Monsieur de la Guesâ—les speech vnto the King ibid The King of France neuer dies fol. 870. A Letter from Queene Marguerit vnto the King ibid. Her request vnto the Pope ibid Pope â—râ—gâ—rieâ— dispensation was after the Kings marriage fol. 871. The Kings age ibid. The Kings Letter to Queene Marguerit Her answer ibid. â—oure Knights of the Golden-Fleece made by the Archduke fol. 872. The Archdukes Army retires out off the I le of Bommell ibid. The States answer to the Emperors Deputies ibid. The Duke of Sauoy resolues to goe into France iâ—id Hee seemes to bee discontented with Spaine fol. 873. The Councell of Spaine demands the Dukes children ibid. The King of Spaine offended with the Duke ibid. The King giues order for the receiuing of the Duke of Sauoye at Lyons fol. 874. The Duke of Sauoye comes to Fontainbleau fol. 875. The Duke of Mercures voyage into Hungary fâ—l 876. The Tartares demand a Peace fol. 877. They are defeated by Paâ—fi ibid. Redeâ— and â—ebâ—sse made Knights by the Emperor fol. 878 Ambassadors from the Moscouite to the Poland ibid. The great Duke of Moscouie sends presents to the Emperor ibid. Duke Charles hangs vp the Nobles of SuedlaÌ„d that serued the King And makes seauen demandes vnto the Estates of Sueden 〈◊〉 879. The Christians enterprises in Hongaâ—y 〈◊〉 the Turke A Parle of Peace betwixt the Christians Turkâ—â— and Tartares 〈◊〉 Cardinall Andrew Battory defeated and 〈◊〉 by
any great resistance euen vnto Xaintonge the countrymen being retyred within the Townes expected the returne oâ— Charlemagne their King Aigolands army was great and proud with the remembrance of their late victory so as Charlemagne returning with his troupes from Spaine weâ—l tyred he maintained his countries more through his authority then by present force yet hee fortified the courage of his subiects with his presence and bridled the Sarazin who could not be ignorant with whom he had to deale nor wheâ—e hee was being enuironed with enemies on all sides and in an enemies country The Sarazin seeming to incline to a peace gaue Charlemaigne to vnderstand that he had first inuaded and that his passage into France was onely to draw him out of Spaine and to leaue to the Sarazins their conquered countries free and therefore the treaty of an accord was easie seeing there was no question but to yeeld euery man his owne and to suffer him to enioy it quietly the world being wide enough for them all But to the end this treaty might take effect after many messages on eyther part they resolue to parlee So vpoâ— Charlemagnes faith Aigoland comes to the Campe. Châ—rlemaâ—nâ— and 〈◊〉 part Chaâ—â—emagne either moued with zeale of religioÌ„ or making it the colour of his actions gaue the Sarazin to vnderstand that he should haue his friendship if he would leaue his Pagan superstition be baptised and make open profession of Christianitie 787 The Sarazin although hee had a goodly armie yet not willing to hazard any thing content with this reuenge of Charlemagne desired nothing more then to returne quâ—etly into Spaine â—eing now in Charlemaignes campe to maintaine his reputation he makes no shew of feare Conditions propounded by Aigoland but talking to his owne aduantage as if no force but only reason shouâ—d moue him he enters into a serious and cunning discourse with Charlemagne shewing That vnnecessary warres were the ruine of mankinde and that he was greeued to see so much bloud spilt That he had not begun but followed being vrged by necessitie to defend himselfe against the forces of Charlemagne That he was not yet so abiect nor his forces so weake as to refuse the battaile but for that it were an infinite losse to hazard so many men hee desired to make triall of the right by some troupes and he that vanqâ—ished should haue the right and true religion on his side protesting to â—eeld to that religion which should appeare the best by that triall Accepted by Charlemagâ—e The condition was accepted by Charlemagne The proofe of this priuate combate was made and the Christian troupe vanquished the Sarazin Thus Aigoland protests openly to be a Christian but in heart he had no such meaning and takes this occasion to breake the treatie He findes Charlemagne at table well accompanied with his chiefe followers for then it was the custome of our Kings not to eate alone and sees twelue poore men ill apparelled sitting by vpon the ground neere to the table of the Noble men He demanded what those poore miâ—erable creatures were which did feed apart One answered they were the messengers of God He then sayd their God was of small account seeing his messengers were so mâ—serable and contemptible and therevpon takes occasion to retire himselfe hauing lost no labour by this treaty but qualified the force of Charlemagne viewed his traine and made shew of his courage and dexteritie euen without an Ambassador Charlemagne on the other side was resolute to haue his reuenge Sarazins defeated in Spaine for so notable a losse of men and so bold an affront of the Sarrazin with all speed he raiseth an armie of an hundred and thirty thousand men A notable number for this realme and so fraught with choller and indignation he returnes into Spaine His entrie was prosperous for at the first incounter hee defeated Aigolands armie neere to Pampelune and for a seale of his victory he carried away the head of his enemy Aigoland slaine by the hand of Arnold of Belange a noble and valiant Knight but the sequele was not answerable to the beginning for notwithstanding the ouerthrow of these Sarazin troupes all the rest in Spaiâ—e were nâ—t vanquished where there were more Kings and more men of warre who had great correspondencie with Amurathe King of Babilon where was their nursery and store-house Marsille and Bellingand bretheren were the chiefe of the remainder of the Sarazin armie wherein there was a great Babilonian Giant called Ferragut of an exceeding greatnesse who was slaine by Rowland nephew to Charlemagne and this act is famous in our Histories and is sung by our Romaines with a great fabulous shew After the death of their brother they gather together the relikes of their defeated troupes they make shew of resolute men and vow to sell this victory deerly to Charlemagne being fauoured by many good Townes within the countrie Charlemagne stayes sodenly and pursues not his victory But God reserues to himselfe a soueraigne power ouer mens desseignes yea ouer the greatest and in matters of greatest consequence to the end that all may learne to aske councell and successe from him It was his will that the French forces should not possesse Spaine the which he allotted as a portion for another nation Thus Charles who should haue beene all fire after his victory tempered his heate which caused Idnabala the Sarazin A treatie of peace with the Sarazin which they accept hauing free accesse vnto his campe to make some motion of peace He was a good Secretary of his companions mindes what sheâ— soeuer he made to speake of himselfe Charlemagne considering by late experieâ—â—e that the successe of armes was variable and that this warre was to his sâ—biects losse imploying both liues and goods for the purchase of an vncertaine victory and seeing himselfe charged with infinite great affaires in his estates to the preseruation whereof reason called him 791. rather then to seeke for new he seemes not vnwilling to heaâ—ken to the motion of Idâ—abala who told him plainely that hee found the Sarazins affaires to be so desperate as they would gladly imbrace his friendship at what rate soeuer The Sarazins answer reioycing at this new accord was soone made The treaty being begun the fundamentall article of religion was propounded the which Charlemagne makes shew to maintaine with great vehemencie but the Sarazins being obstinate Charles is content to grant them peace paying some great summes of money as a token they had beene vanquished Hee sends a Noble man of his Court names Ganes The Treason of Ganelon to treat with them the people haue since called him Ganelon as an odious name who being corrupted by Marsile and Belligand promiseth them meanes to send Charlemagne into France and to make him receiue a notable disgrace They agree to make a composition being in shew very honourable for Charles to whom they promise to pay as an homage and an
nothing memorable vnder his raigne but that through his facilitie all was tollerable to his bad seruants who vnder his name laid great exactions vpon the people the which caused them to mutine in many places neither did he being great of body and therefore called Long but little of witte vse his authoritie Vnder colour of a voyage to the East two seditious men a Priest and a Monke of the order of Saint Benedict 1322. assembled a multitude of mutinous people which committed a thousand insolencies where they passed Rebels calling themselues Shepherds calling themselueâ— Shepheards but in the end they were defeated in Languedoc The Iewes expelled before were now admitted to returne for money a wretched nation giuen to all kinde of wickednesse and therefore odious to the people An artificiall plague who exclaimed against the disorders growen vp by the facilitie of Philip. This generall hatred bred such a rage in the licentious mindes of the Iewes as they brought the plague into diuers parts of the realme vsing the helpe of Lepars Many were greeuously punished by Iustice and the rest banished out of the dominions of France Flanders seemed ready to fall into new troubles but in the end they were pacified by the marriage of Marguerite the Kings second Daughter with Lewis Earle of Flanders Flanders pacified Neuers and Rethel and the paiment of certaine summes due by the sayd accord These are the most famous acts of that raigne for to what end serues it to relate that priuate Iustice was done vpon a Prouost of Paris who was hanged for that he had put to death a poore innocent for a riche man that was guiltie and condemned to dye Or that Philip would make one waight and one measure throughout his Realme but he could not maintaine his authoritie by the rule of reason These things either too common or not effected are not worthy of a Historie Thus Philip the fift died with small fame the fift yeare of his raigne in the yeare 1322. CHARLES the 4. called the Faire the 49. King of France CHARLES .4 KING OF FRANCE XLIX 1322. AS Philip the Long had succeeded Lewis Hutin his brother with some dispute Charles crowned without opposition so Charles brother to Philip the last of the Sonnes of Philip the Faire succeeded without any dâ—fficultie the question being formerly decided He was Crowned King with great solemnitie the Princes of the bloud and Noblemeâ— assisting â—n the yeare 1322. and raigned six yeares A wise and a temperate Prince His dispositioÌ„ louing Iustice and yet vnfortunate in his familie He was thrice married His first wife Blaâ—che was acâ—uâ—ed and conuicted of Adulteâ—ie duâ—ing his fathers life and was confined to Chasâ—eaâ—-gaillâ—rd by Andely vpon Seine His second Wife was Mary the Daughter of Henry of Luxenbourgh Emperor by whom he had one Sonne whiâ—h dyed as he was borne and his Mother soone after at â—â—ssoudon in Bâ—rry His third Wife was Marguerite the Daughtâ—r of Lewis Earle of Eureux by whom he had Daughters onely His issue leauing â—er with Child as shall be said But let vs make a collection of his life which is not long The facilitie of Philip the Long the furie of Lewis Hutin and the long warres of Philip the Hâ—rdie had peâ—uerted all and giuen libertie to euery man to do what he pleased especially the Nobilitie who being armed committed many insolencies by this libertie and impunitie Charles being annointed he held a great Sessions in his chiefe Citty of Paris to heare all mens complaints and causeth many Gentlemen to be punished Câ—arles punisheth disorders without respect Among the rest Iourdain of Lâ—sâ—e a Gasâ—on who vnder colour of being Nephew to Pope Iohn the 22. then resident in Auignon hauing had his pardon for eighteene crimes whereof the least deserued death continued still in his wickednesse In the end he was taken and brought to Paris The remitting of what was past made him presume of Impunitie But the Iustice of God which comes in 〈◊〉 euen when the insolent and obstinate sinner dreames not of it preuented him 1324. 〈…〉 laying all respect aside caused him to be hanged as a memorable examâ—â—â—â—â—at respâ—ct is an enemy to Iustice which must bee executed without sparing of any oâ—â—â—hat is guâ—ltie of any notable crime 〈…〉 second King of Eâ—gland stood vpon termeâ— for his homage of Guienne 〈…〉 sâ—nt his wife Isabel the Daughter of Philip the Faâ—re and Sister to the King 〈…〉 pouâ—d with him Chaâ—lâ—s brought him to reason bâ— his authoritie and as Hugh 〈◊〉 Lord of Montpesat in Agenâ—is would haue fortified his house without his permisâ—â—â—â—â—e forced him to obey razing the Casteâ—l of Montpesat whence the quarrell 〈◊〉 and made him to giue hostages for the assurance oâ— that hee had promised 〈◊〉 lâ—st these generall quarrels Isabel complaines of her husband Edward King of England there chanced a iarre betwixt Edward and his wife Isabâ—â— dâ—â—contented with her husband for that both she and her Sonne had lost their 〈◊〉 wiâ—h him by the pernicious councell of Hugh Spencer Yet was he so supported by King â—harles as he sent her back into England without any countenance commandiâ—g her to apply her selfe to her husbands humors the which she endeuored to doe bâ—ing a wiâ—e and a couragious Princes yet being assisted as it is likely vnderhand by tâ—e meaâ—es of her Nephew Charles the Faire she preuailed in her desseignes causing Hâ—gh to be apprehended and punished as the Leuaine of all their breach and hauing bâ—ougâ—t heâ— Husband vnto reason she confirmed her Sonne Edward the third a Prince who shortly shall be the cause of much trouble to this Monaâ—chie Charles likewise râ—duced Lewis Earle of Flanders to obedience although he were husband to his Aunt 〈◊〉 hauing called and condemnâ—d him by Court of Parliament at Paris he restored hâ—m to his estates the which he had forfaited by fellonie shewing in one subiect both hâ—s seueritie to punish offences and his clemencie to remit the due punishment The same Eaâ—le being fallen in some dislike with his chiefe Townes seeking to reclaime them by force Charles aduised him to winne them by mildnesse The subiectâ— infirmities must be cured by mildnesse a true remedie to reconcile subiects which are accustomed to oppose themselues against rigour and in resistâ—ng to know their owne forces the which belongs to their Princes by obedience Thâ—s he pacified these discontents betwixt the Earle and the Citties of Flanders by a common reconciliation vpon condition That the Earle should bee acknowledged in his degree and the King as Soueraigne Tâ—is is all that chanced worthy of obseruation in the raigne of Charles the Faire A Prince worthy of the French Monarchie and to bee numbred among the greatest aâ—d most famous men of State His life was veâ—y short in regard of his great sufficienciâ—â— yet with more order and authoritie then his brother Philip the Long who left noâ—e but
part the realme of Naples and the Earldome of Prouence and left one sonne named Charles who had two daughters Iane and Magdalene Iane by the death of her sister remayned sole heire of these two great Estats and was married to Andrewe the sonne of Charles King of Hongarie The subiect of our discourse will not suffer mee to speake of the other children Philip the yongest sonne of Charles the Lame had one sonne named Lewis Prince of Tarentum verie faier but of a violent and bold spirit Iane began to loath her husband and preferring the filthy loue of her Cosin before the honour of marriage Iane Queene of Naples kils her husband shee caused her husband Andrewe of Hongarie to be slaine cloaking this horrible and tragike acte with an impudent hipocrisie for she takes vpon her the habit of mourning after the death of her husband whome she her selfe had slaine and writes letters to Lewis King of Hongarie brother to Andrewe full of lamentations Lewis knowing the detestable dissembling of this mastiue The kingdom of Naplâ—s taken by Lewis king of Hongarie prepares his forces against these fayned teares and without any dissembling hee marcheth towards Italie with a mightie armie resolute to take an exemplary punishment of these wretched heads but Iane and Lewis flie into Prouence before the storme Lewis fauored by the reuenging iustice of God takes the Realme of Naples easilie with Charles Duke of Durazzo left for the gard thereof and Lewis Robert and Charles Princes of the bloud The first hee beheads the rest he sends into Hongarie to perpetuâ—ll 〈◊〉 and leauing Stephen Vayuoida gouernour of his newe conquest hee returnes 〈◊〉 to his realme In the meane time the hatred betwixt the two Princes growes violent Warre renued betwixt the two Kings both by forme of 〈◊〉 by open force Philip makes diligent search both in Normandie Picardie 〈◊〉 â—oâ— al the nobility which fauored Edwards faction He caused Oliuer of Clisson to loose his head whose sonne shal be Constable vnder Chales 6 with Bâ—con Persy and Geossroy of 〈◊〉 Knights of marke in whome he notes no other crimes but that they were Englishmen Geossroy of Harcourt was sommoned but in steed of appeering at Paris he retired 〈…〉 to London to kindle the fier in France Yet in these preparations for warre Edward gaue scope to his loues for in the beginning of this warre he instituted the order of the garter with this motto Hony soit qui maly pense in honor of the Countesse of Salisbury honoring in her the chastitie which he could neuer 〈…〉 by all his amorous practises He armes on both sides in Guienne and Normandie The Duke of Lancaster general of the army in Guienne takes Vilefranche of Agenots 〈…〉 S. Bâ—sâ—â—e with many other townes Castells In Guiennâ— to whome Philip opposeth his 〈◊〉 Iohn duke of Normandy who recouers Angoulesme Villefranche froÌ„ the English But the greatest burthen of the warre fell vpon Normandie whether Edward led the flower of all his Nobility landing in the Countrie of Cotantin with aboue a thousand saile At hâ—â— entrie he puts all to fier and sword takes the Towne of Carentan In Normandy by force kills al he 〈…〉 or disarmed spoiles burnes and razeth the Towne In the champian 〈…〉 puts all to the sword saying that he did offer those sacrifices to Bacon Persy his other seruants being vniustly massacred by Philip. The reason was for that the heads of these men stood vpon the cheefegate of Carentan Then he takes and spoiles S. Lo and after a great fight he becomes master of Caen with such a terror as Falaise Lisieux 〈◊〉 yelded vnto him without any resistance These townes being taken he marcheth into the I le of France to drawe Pâ—ilip to battaile proclaiming generally that he called him to fight in the view of all France 1346. at the great Theater of his chiefe cittie of Paris At the same time by the like practises Flanders rebelled by means of Iames of Arteuille who was more then a passionate partaker of Edwards So the disordred passion of this desperate seditious man was a trappe for his owne ruine For as he not onely laboured by all meanes to shake off the French yoake but also grew so audacious as to perswade the Flemmings to leaue their naturall obedience to their Earle and to receiue a new Lord such a one as the King of England should appoint the Flemmings much displeased with this insolent proposition of Arteuille Arteuille slaâ—n by the Flemingâ— as the bloud of a faithfull subiect can neuer denie his Prince they fall furiously vpon him in open assembly and without any further processe they kill him reuenging vpon him the mischiefes they had committed by his pernitious councels Thus in the end this Tribune receiued the guerdon due to such as abuse the furie of an inchanted multitude making them the instruments of their passions against their superiours This iust execution crossed Edwards desseins in Flanders and gaue the Earle meanes to repaire to Philip with his forces and to consecrate his life to him the which he lost in this voyage Philip slept not during these proceedings of Edwards he had gathered together one of the goodliâ—st armies that euer was seene in France consisting of French Lorraines Germaines and Geneuois he which he led towards Meulan where Edward said he attended to fight with him Edward retires vpon this alarum They imagined that he fled for feare but the issue will shew that the great God of armies had appointed his victorie in another place He retiers and Philip followes who in the end ouertakes him at a village called Arenes a remarkable name to shew that all the trust of humane forces and all the desseignes of mans pollicie are like vnto a quicksand Phâ—lips great armie hauing the aduantage of being at home presumed of an assured victorie Edward retired to get the riuer of Somme at Blanquetaque but he must fight for the passage Philip had already seized thereon by Gondemar of Fate with a thousand horse and 6000. foote the most part of them Crosbow men yet Edward resolued to passe or dye With this resolution he leapes into the water and cryes out He that loues me let him follow me At this speech they all plunge into the riuer without any stay so as presently the English recouer the banke Gondemar troubled at this gallant resolution The French defeated at â—lanque taque amazeth his men with his terrified countenance All giue way to the English who incountring our men in disorder charge the rereward but the retreat was neere at Abbeuille and S Riquiâ—r places vnder our obedience The losse was not so great as the disgrace yet was it a presage of a greater mischiefe which followed France These poore men arriue at Abbeuillâ— in a throng all distempered with the amazement of this shamefull and vnfortunate flight Philip exceedingly transported with this disgracefull
of Guienne and Daulphin of Viennois was betrothed to Katherine of Bourgongne daughter to Iohn Earle of Neuers sonne to Philip. To Iohn the Kings second sonne Duke of Touraine Iaqueline is promised the onely daughter of William of Bauiere Earle of Hainault and so his heire To Philip of Bourgongne son to the aboue named Iohn Michelle the Kings second daughter is promised for these marriages were all but future promises by reason of the yong age of the parties This was to ingage the faith to come and now present to satisfie the discontented Queene Isabel was double pleased both in her children and her race which by this meanes was transplanted into the royall bloud of France by her cousine who also carried the name of Bauiere But what as ambition cannot be tamed so in all these marriages there was more alliance then friendship and more dissembling then truth God must needes reconcile them at the last by a stronger conclusion Philip Duke of Bourgongne dies leauing his sonne Iohn the heire of his passions against Lewis Duke of Orleans in the yeare 1404. The beginning of the ciuill wars THus Philip Duke of Bourgongne raised vp with a new hope to maintaine him selfe against his enimie Lewis duke of Orleans as well by the ciment of this alliance as by the increase of power which his sonne Iohn brought him being his right arme the true Image of his great and haughty courage and a new firebrand of his ambition dies at this time when as hee dreamt least thereof for he died at Hal going to visit his Townes in Flanders and to crosse the practises of the Duke of Gueldres who was a principall support to the Duke of Orleans Marguerit his wife a companion in his ambition did not suruiue him a whole yeare who fearing to finde her husband too farre indebted renounced his moueable goods laying downe her purse and girdle vpon the place appointed according to the vsuall custome 1404. and so required an act from a publike notary Griefe for her husband did not hasten her death seeing that she feared her liuing should faile after him Pâ—ilip of Bouâ—goâ—gne his wiâ—e die Duke of Bâ—ittaine dies Iohn of Montfort Duke of Brittaine who had kept such a stir vpon the Theater died 4. yeares before him yet more wise happy in one thing hauing mortified the hatred he bare to the Constable Clisson before his death So death doth sodainly stay mens desseines which else flie most violently How wretched are we to be thus blinde in these goodly examples But let vs returne to our discourse Philip left three sonnes Iohn Anthonie and Philip but Iohn Earle of Neuers his eldest sonne succeeded him in his great Seigneuries of Bourgongne and Flanders Iohn Duke of â—ourgongne here oâ— his fathers qâ—arel and the chiefe heire of his hatred and other vices He was equall to him in ambition malice dissembling policy but herein he did surmount him That his father Philip hauing for the space of ten or eleuen yeares crossed the desseines of Lewis his Nephew yet he carried himselfe with such a cunning temper as holding the helme and making him to carry the bable he made his vnlawfull gouernement supportable by his modesty reasonable by the order which had confirmed him in this authority But Iohn continues his practises with such violent fury as within three yeares hauing giuen the Duke of Orleans a thousand crosses and plonged France in a ciuill war he murthers his cousin germaine most cruelly defiles his country and his bloud and continues his furious desseâ—ne with so great presumption as countenancing this murther with a free confession seeking to maintaine it by reason he omitted no kind of mischiefe but brought in all disordered confusions as if France had beene the Rendezuous of al villanie impiety A text the comentary wherof may be read at large in the following discourse Behold the beginning of a ciuill war among the French both long and furious bredde by the ill councell of the princes of the blood abusing their authority A historie the more worthy the noting for that it serues vs to marke the fits and accidents of diseases wherewith wee haue beene afflicted to applie the vse thereof to our owne experience Aâ—ter the death of Philip all the gouernement of publike affaires was without all controuersie deliuered into the hands of the Duke of Orleans The Duke of 〈…〉 to the gouernement The King loued his oneâ—y Brother deerely and desired to grace him what he could The Queene to please her husband made shew to reioyce thereat hauing no more a Duchesse of Bourgongne to incense her reason gaue him this preheminence and the French obeyed him willingly as the lawful gardian of the French Monarchie All things fauoured this yong prince if he had not failed himselfe but this choler hatched in his brest hauing for so long a time swallowed vp so many indignities the immoderate heat of command so much desired and the ambition and couetousnesse of his wife Valentine all these pluckt from him the fruâ—t of these fauourable occasions to settle his greatnesse and gaue his enimy meanes to ruine him These errours were accompanied with indiscretion The Duke indiscret in his gouernement which commonly shakes the miserable The Dukes of Berry and Bourbon his vncles had fauoured him much during the Bourguignons raigne and their age had greatly countenanced his authority if he could haue vsed them rightly But this yong Prince was so pleased with the sweet of command as he was loath to impart it to any the which must needes dâ—scontent them although beeing wise they dissembled it yet this dislike incouraged the Bourguignon his enemie to attempt against him The couetousnes of Valentine prepared the way to these disorders Lewis was desirous to purchase the Duchie of Luxembourg his wife vrged him thereunto hourely wishing him to deuise some meanes to make the King to paye for it Vppon this aduice Lewis propounds in councell that for the Kings important affaires there must be a taxation made There neuer wants some pretext to colour these exactions but in effect it was for this purchase Iohn duke of Bourgongne opposeth for the good of the common weale On the one side it was a goodly meanes to shew both his loue to the people and his zeale to the kings seruice and and on the other a reasonable subiect to make the Duke of Orleans odious Yet this proposition passed in councell thrâ—ugh the absolute authority of the Dâ—ke of Orleaâ—s 1405 The Bourguignon imbraceth this occasion Thâ— Duâ—e of 〈◊〉 growes 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 by reâ—â—on oâ— an imposition flatters the Parisâ—ens to ioyne their loues to oppose theÌ„ against his enemy who could not be more odâ—ous then in this cause And euen then they greâ—e into such dislike of him as they could neuer loue him This was spred throughout the Râ—alme and the Dâ—ke of Bourgongne hauing protested
challengeth the right of first fruites which giues the first yeares reuenues of all benefices to the pope and so continues vnto this day But as he gathers together this money with a wonderfull greedinesse behold he fals from his moyle and bruseth himselfe Vrban dies miserablie The worke of heauen answerable to his insolent ambition who soaring too high makes him fall lowe dying when his hatred was greatest to ruine his enemies He languished 27. dayes in his death bed dying by degrees suffring the paines which he caused his poore Cardinalls to indure not able with his death to wipe out the immortall hate of his detestable life disgraced by al writers Thus Vrban the sixt the first guidon of Schisme died in the eleuenth yeare of his Popedome In whose place Peter Thomaâ—el named Boniface the 9. is chosen Pope successor to Vrbans couetousnesse Pope Boniface exceeding couetous as his life and death doth witnesse Niem obserues a memorable act Boniface lying at the point of death some one to comfort him saide that he should do well A brutish custome as if to speake of death to a sicke body were to pronounce the sentence of a Iudge to deliuer him into the executioners hands I should do well said he if I had money and yet he had full howses hauing then but ten howres to liue So he dyed the tenth yeare of his Popedom not lamented of any but that he liued too long and by his impudent couetousnes opened the gate to all impunity of sinne Innocent the 7. succeeded in the place of Boniface no more innocent then the former verifiyng the beauty of their names by the bounty of their liues A sworne enemy to the vnion of the Church causing two Romaine Cittizens to be put to death as seditious for that they mooued him therein as Platina doth obserue Pope Innocent an enâ—mie to the vnion of the Church Pope Gregory the 12. a cunning dissembler He continued but two yeares into his place Angelo Corrier a Venecian called Gregory the 12. was aduanced a subtill and dissembling man coldly ambitious and faintly holy hauing no piety but in shewe so as for his crooked manners he was called Erroriâ—s for Gregorius that is to say a Deceiuer drawing men into error with his goodly shewe All this was done at Rome by the Italians in the meane time what doe our Popes â—ea at Auignon Clement the 7. making profession of the same authority which the Pope did at Rome was no better then the other although the history notes not so many priuate acts of his excesse In generall he was cruell in the beginning couetous during all the time of his Popedome He was exceeding ambitious and wilfull vnder colour of modestie and humilility The estate of Auignon vnder their Popes Benet 13. an ambitious dissembler He suruiued him but two years After the death of Clement the 7. they create a new Pope to oppose against him at Rome which was Peter de la Lune a Spaniard bornâ— but hauing liued long at Montpellier to study the law A man of sound iudgment learned actiue patienâ— in shew but in effect very ambitious a dissembler giuen to his owne will and tyed to his profit free from cruelty wherof he is not taxed giuing free scope to couetousnesse So great was the impudency of Marchandize in the Church sayes Niem and Platina set to the view of all Christendome that the authority of the keyes and Apostolike learning was contemptible to the whole world Truely all diseases growe by degrees through surfeits taken vnaduisedly Disorders in the Church and bad humors which creepe insensibly into the body euen so in these miseries of the Church All was set to sale all sorts of benefices especially Cardinalls hats were for them that would giue most The reuenues impropriations and all things else were sold to him that offered most Sometimes one benefice was sold to many and all their money fell into good handes that had learned to receiue and not to restore againe The composition for all sorts of crimes whole Townes were sold by the authority of the Soueraigne pastor I write but a part of that which the Popes Secretaryes haue set downe at large and tremble to report the iudgment they make of these abhominable confusions To conclude all christendome tyred with these disorders commited by such as had the authority to order complained much to their Kings and princes who wishing a redresse exhorted the Popes of both seas Gregory the 12. and Benedict the 13. to leaue their priuate quarrells for the generall good of the Church Benedict makes great shewes to desire it That if he must needes yeeld he is ready to leaue the dignity wherwith the Church had honoured him yea his owne life these are his very wordes for the peace of Gods Church Gregory speakes more coldly yet hee promised the like but when it came to performance they were but shiftes delayes and other deuises to winne time and to retaine still their authority which neither of them would leaue In the ende at the great instance of Kings and Princes A counsell at Pisa to reforme the schisme of the Church the Colledges of Rome and Auignon agree to meet at Pisa to finde some meanes to determine of this reprochfull confusion Benedict yeelds but Gregory opposeth Notwithstanding his refusall all meet at Pisa. Thus all assembled whether the Emperour the Kings of France England Spaine Scotland Portugall Hongary Denmarke Sweden Pologne and Norway send their Ambassadors and the Churches of the east their deputies hauing debated the controuersie depending betwixt Gregorie and Benedict they depose them both Two Popes deposed Alexander the 5. chosen as nourishing a schisme in the Church and refusing to obey the Counsell whereas neither they noâ— their deputies had appeared In their place they choose Alexander the 5. a Candâ—ot held to be learned and veâ—tuous but he died within the first yeare of his Popedome So as the Colledge of Cardinalls retyring to Bologne created Iohn the 23. in his place But neither Gregory nor Benedict omitted any thing of their traine scorning the decree of the Councell So as for one Pope they had three Three Popes at one time the one at Rimini the other at Bologne and the third at Auignon and the last being worse then the first shall giue a reasonable good cause of further inquiry to Christian Princes in an other â—eason the which we will attend by order of the history and will returne into France to our Charles the 7. in the ioye of his Coronation which was to him and to all his subiects a happy fore-telling of the restoring of his Râ—alme but this excellent worke was not so soone ended We must now see by what degrees Charles recouered the possession of the Townes subdued by the English and how he expelled them out of this Realme The second parcell is set downe by vs in the front of this
you haue yet done So the accord was made without comprehending of these three The Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson sweare to serue the King and yeeld vp Loches Corbeil Bois de Vincennes Sancerre Sancouins Erie Conterobert and other places which they held The Daulphin remaynes with his father who changeth all his trayne except his confessor and Cooke But all this is but counterfeit you shal soone see other broyles This phrensie of state bred in the Kings house against the King himselfe was by our Ancestors called the Pragâ—â—â—y Nine monthes of this yeare being spent in these garboiles Charles returnes to Tours to prouide for the raysing of the seege at Harfleu where the Earle of Somerset had lien long but it was in vaine for the Towne was taken in the end after a long and painfull constancie of the Inhabitants who could not be releeued in time by reason of these home-bred troubles and yet there was a second mischiefe The Lord of Gaucourt gouernor of Daulphiné a most profitable seruant of the King returning from the seege and causing some of his baggage which was scattered from the troupe to retire he was surprised by a companie of English and led prisoner to Rouen to the great griefe of Charles who loued him hauing giuen good testymones of his loyaltie in his greatest extremities But in exchange Charles takes Conches and Loâ—â—iers Townes of importance in Normandie from thence he came into Champaigne to subdue a part of these aduenturing theeues who had surprized some places in this Prouince Musse l'Euesque Montagu and others The Kings army led by the Constable takes them and razed them by the Kings commande pardoning most of these theeuish Captaines the bastard of Vergy and the Lord of Commercy A memorable execution but he caused Alexander bastard of Iohn Duke of Orleans to be drowned a notable theefe who hauing followed the discontented Princes had spoken vnworthilie of his maister This execution of Iustice is memorable vpon one of so high a birth being followed the same yeare with the exemplarie death of Gylâ—s de Raiz Marshall of France issued from a great and famous house The Marshall de Raiz burnt for sorcerie who beeing found guilty of Negromancie and Sorcerie was condemned by the Court of Parliament of Brittaine and burnt at Nantes with some of his seruants culpable of the same crymes He was honored for his valour but neither his armes nor his bloud could stay the hand of diuine Iustice meritoriously exâ—cuted by this iust decree of the magistrate Priuate actions worthie to be registred in the historie to shew that the greatest cannot flie the hand of God after they haue long abused his patience But the treaty of peace betwixt France and England being discontinued aboue a yeare was againe reuiued by the industrie of the Duchesse of Bourgongne a Portugall but much affected to the quiet of the Realme and a very sufficient woman who had great credit with her husband She followes it so wisely as in the ende two Kings sends their Ambassadors to Calais On Charles his behalfe were the Archbishops of Rheims Narbon A treatâ—e betwixt the two Kings for a peace but 〈◊〉 and the Earle of Dunois bastard of Orleans For Henry King of England the Cardinall of Yorke and the Duke of Exeter who brought with them Charles Duke of Orleans so being longe kept prisoner in England This poore Prince after the languishing of so long a prison was exceeding glad to see some meanes to returne to his house hauing felt the aire on this side the Sea and imbraced the Earle of Dunois one of the branches of his house hee who â—ad so faithfully serued him in his afflictions but hee greeued to see himselfe presently carried backe into England for that they could not agree vpon the foundamenttall points the English being resolute not to leaue one foote of that which they held in France And although the King were content they should freely inioy what they possessed so as they held it as they had done in times past of the Crowne of France by homage yet would they not yeeld in any sort being loath to relinquish their pretended souerainty But he refuseth which afterwards doth sue At this time they were inforced to retire with this resolution That without infringing any thing of the treaty begun euerie one should go home and consider of his affaires to assemble againe when neede should require The Duke of Orleans deliuered the which eyther part desired And this is al could be done for the general They proceeded farther for the duke of Orleans but as in these trafficks such as hold the possession do coÌ„monly vse policy the stronger giuing lawe to the weaker so in so precious matter as life the English must bee sued vnto making no hast to deliuer him for that they drewe great profit yearely for the pension of this great Prince Moreouer Charles had no great care of his deliuerie for that some malicious spirits had seasoned him with some bad impression against this poore Prince perswading him that his long imprisonment was not without some mistery and that it hatched some mischiefe against the King and his estate The which being miserable in so great a person gaue all men a iust cause of compassion But notwithstanding all these difficulties yet must this Prince one of the goodliest plants of this Crowne be now deliuered to leaue a successor for the realme of France The diuers aâ—flictions of the Duke of Orleans and God who would honor his race with the Crowne had prepared an admirable meanes for his deliuery by his helpe from whom in reason he might least hope euen when his owne friends had abandoned him A notable example for all men in many respects a prison of fiue and twentie years was a great affliction to a Prince borne to commande and yet captiue to an other The losse of all his goods gaue him a sufficient occasion to resolue to perpetual miserie and to leaue it for an inheritance to his posterity In the ende sclander a most cruell sting to a generous minde which hath honour for his assured Treasor had beene able to suppresse him But God who goâ—erns the rodde wisely giues him libertie goods and honour in due season in despight of this deuilish enuy which seeking to afflict the afflicted and controuling aduersitie as well as prosperity is then corrected when it seekes to correct an other but God doth neuer send helpes too late The Duke of Bourgongne vndertaks for the Duke of Orleans ransome Philip hauing resolued to do this good turne for the Duke of Orleans and to withdraw him out of prison compouÌ„ds for his ransome with the King of England for three hundred thousand Crownes He giues his word for it and payes it and so Charles Duke of Orleans being honorably conducted comes first to Calais where the mony beeing payed hee comes free to Grauelin to the Duke of Bourgongne his deliuerer
yeelds the Towne The King for his reward gaue him a chaine of twenty linkes and euery linke worth twenty Crownes in gold and a good peâ—sion for his mainteynance The taking of Hedin brought the King to Therouenne and Montreuil the which easily yeelded to his obedience Theronâ—nne Montreuil Bouâ—loâ—gâ—e beeing summoned refuseth but beeing battered it yeeldes the fift or the sixt day The Towne belonged to Bertrand de la Tour Earle of Auuergne the King finding it commodious for the State of his Realme compounded Lâ—â—is purchaseth the couÌ„â—â— of Boulogne and doth homage for 〈◊〉 giuing him a sâ—fficient recompence and as newe Lord of the Towne he did homage without sword or spurs bare headed on his knee before the virgin Mary offâ—ing as a duty to the sâ—ydimâ—ge a heart of massie gold weighing two thousand Crownes vpon condition that he and his successors Kings after him should hold the County of Boullen of the sayd virgin do homage vnto her image in the Church dedicated to her name paying at euery change of a vassal a heart of pure gold of the same weight While the King remaines at Boullen those of Arras seeing themselues enuironed on all sides Dissimulation of the Aâ—tesians write to their friends of Lisle and Douay to succour them with some numbers of men and moreouer they send to the Duchesse of Bourgongne to furnish them with some succors meaning to put themselues into her hands The Deputies beeing two or three and twenty in number make shewe to go to the King to treate with him and vnder this colour they obtaine a pasport of the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France Bâ—t being discouered vpon the way to Flanders they were taken brought to Hedin deliuered to the Prouost of Marshalls condemned and eighteene of them beheaded the rest were saued by the Kings arriuall The Deputies of Aâ—ras taken and many of them executed Amongest them that were executed there was one Oudard of Bussy borne at Paris and married at Arras The King had in former time offred him the place of a Counsellor of the Court of Parliament at Paris then voide and since he gaue him the office of maister of the accounts at Arras Hee caused his head to bee vnburied and set vpon a pole in the market place with a red hoode furred with meniuer like to the Counsellors of the Parliament A worthy punishment for so malitious an ingratitude There were some fewe horsemeÌ„ at Douay of the remainders of Nancy they arme three hundred good bad and some fewe foote and march at noone day in the sight of Arras The Lords of Lude and Fou with the company of the Marshall of Lâ—heaâ— aduertised of their approch go to meete with them they fight with them kill and take in a manner all of them The King at his arriuall caused foure score of these prisoners to be executed to terrifie those fewe men of warre that remayned in the Country Some of them enter the Towne The succors of Arras defeated but they were not able to stand out against so great forces So as after a hard battery they yeeld by composition That they should remaine vnder the Kinges obedience as their Soueraigne for want of heires male rights and duties being â—ot performed That the subsidies and tributs should be leuied by the Kings officers and deliuered by them to Mary the heire of Bourgongne vntill she had doone homage and taken her oath of fealtie to the King her Soueraigne Lord. Arras yeelded During which time the Inhabitants should reuiue no garrison from the King This was the 4 of May. These things thus concluded the King sent the Cardinall of Bourbon the Chancellor of Oriole de Cordes gouernor of the Towne and Guiot Pot Bayliffe of Vermandâ—is to take the oath of fealtie of the Inhabitants But after this oath holily and religiously receiued by the Deputies who tooke their repast in the Monastery of Saint Vast behold an insolent troupe of desperate people comes crying kill kill yet they were but terrified A mutiny at Arras and the Deputies in danger and saued themselues presently in the Citty This terror togither with the greedinesse of the Commanders was the cause the composition was but ill obserued for in the presence of Lude and Cerisay many good Ciâ—tizens and other rich meâ— were spoiled and slaine and the Citty set at threescore thousand Crownes fiâ—e of the King the which they say was afterwards restored And to keepe these mutines in awe the King transported most of the Inhabitants of Arras and planted it with a new Colony of French commanding it should be called Ville Francoise At the same time the King aduertised that the Flemings were in troupe and lodged at Blanc-fosse he sent to charge them but they dislodge at the brute thereof yet not so spedily but they leaue about two thousand men slaine at the first charge and the like number in the chase being pursued eight Leagues within the County of Flanders The French in their returne razed Mont-Cassell Fiennes and some other places The Gantois whome the seuere punishment of the Liegeois had kept in awe nowe breake They make a ward of their Duchesse force her to restore their ancient priuileges Insolency of the Ganâ—ois which Philip and Charles had taken from them and sodenly they resolue a deadly reuenge vpon such by whome they say they had beene controuled They lay hold vpon those whom they called their twenty six Lawiers whom Charles had established in the gouernement of the Citty and puts them all or the most part to death They haue saie they cut off ones head without any authority for their power ended with the death of Charles Their barbarous crueltie And moreouer they slew many good men within the Cittie that were wise and faithfull friends to Charles in his life But they proceed yet farther The happy course of Lewis his Conquests doth much amaze them wherevpon they assemble some foâ—me of a Parlement by aduice whereof they make a motion of peace to the King by an Ambassage giuing him to vnderstand that the Infanta of Bourgongne is determined to gouerne her selfe hereafter by the aduice and Counsell of the three Estates of her Countries they request the King to desist from making of warre and to appoint a daie when they may quietly pacifie all controuersies There was nothing at that time able to withstand the violence of the Kings army The lowe Countries were left naked of soldiars those which suruiued being inconstant had forsaken the Inâ—antâ—es seruice He was well acquainted with the inconstancie of this people not able to digest any man of iudgement that had bin in any authority with their deceased Prince Hee knew that their inclination was to loue the declyning of their Lord â—ed by Lewis his policie so as it were not with the preiudice of their Countrie And therefore he forecasts if he might to sow some seeds
〈◊〉 in the King if he heard thereof he caused them to be trussed vp in packes of silke with cotton These armes passing vpon moyles through Aâ—uergne The Duke of 〈◊〉 armes 〈◊〉 Doyac Gouerâ—or â—f the Country had some intelligence and aduertiseth the King thereof who dâ—clâ—reâ— them forfeited to the benefit of Doyac This buying of armes made Lewis to gâ—pe more then euer after Brittain but he defâ—r the execution to practise the Gouernors of Gand by the Lord of Cordes and treats tâ—e mâ—rrâ—age of the Daulphin his son with Marguerit the daughteâ— of Maximilian and 〈◊〉 lately deceased The late suâ—prise of Aire by de Cordes amazed the Flemings and 〈◊〉 made theÌ„ willing to seeke an agrement with the King To this end Maximiâ—â—â—n they togither send a great Ambassage to Arras managed for the Arche-duke bâ— the Lords of Bâ—rgues and Launoye â—iâ—h some Secretarâ—es and for the Comonalties bâ— the Abbots of S. Bâ—rtin and Saint Peter of Gand. â—he King appoints his Lieutenant generâ—ll in Picardie to heare theÌ„ with la Vacquâ—rie lately created first President of the 〈◊〉 of Paris and other graue peâ—sonâ—ges A peace is concluded by meanes of 〈…〉 marriage in fauor whereof they giue as a portion to the sayd Marguerit the 〈◊〉 of Arthois Bourgongne the Lands and Seigneuries of Mâ—sconois Auxerrois Châ—rolois Salins Bar Sens and Noyon to enioye them for euer A peace betwixt the King and Maximilian And in case that young 〈◊〉 Earle of Flanders should die Marguerite should succeed him in all the Lordships that belonged to her deceased mother the souerainty of Flanders remayning to the King By meanes hereof the Artesiâ—ns that haâ— beene confined returned to Arras and the Citty recouered her ancient name Thus Marguerite was conducted into France by the Lady of Rauastein the bastard dâ—â—ghter of â—hilip Duke of Bourgongne and receiued by the Duke Duchesse of Bourbon who lâ—d her to Amboise the place of the Daulphins abâ—ade where the marriage â—as solâ—emnly celebrated Eâ—ward King of England was wonderfully inceâ—sed at this maâ—riage seing himâ—elfe depriued of hâ—â— peâ—sion The Dâ—ulphins mâ—rriage with Maâ—guerite and fearing least this disgrace should bâ—eed him great contempt yea a rebellioÌ„ of his subiects seing the effects of that which he would not beleeue Moreouer he did finde the King had newly planted strong defences betwixt them two and his conquests did stretch very neere vnto him He concâ—â—â—ed so great a griefe vpon all these considerations as soone after he died partly for 〈◊〉 and partly of an Apoplexie Soonâ— after the death of Edward Lewis recâ—â—â—es letters frâ—m the Duke of Glocester Edward of England dies who by the murther of his two Nephewes tâ—e sonnes of Edward his brother had vsuâ—ped the Crowne of England and was called Richard This Richard sought the Kings friendship but Lewis abhoring so barbarous a câ—uelâ—ie would not vouchsaâ—e to answere his letters nor to heare his message But he enioyed not long this tirannous vsurpation Troubles it England Richard murthers his two Nephews vsurpes the Crowne God raised vp that Earle of Ricâ—emont whome we haue seene so long prisoner in Brittain who with some little money froÌ„ the King and 3. thousand men leuied in the Duchie of Normandy passed into Walles ioyned with his father in law the Lord Stanley with 26. thousand English with which forces he encouÌ„tred Richard fought with him and slewe him in the field then waâ— câ—owned King of England At the same time William of Marche brother to him whom tâ—ey commonly caâ—led the Boare of Ardenne to install his sonne in the Bishoprike of Lâ—ege leaues a great number of foote and horse and beseegeth Lewis brother to the Duke of Bourbon being Bishop there The Bishop craues succors froÌ„ the Arche-duke of Austria and the Prince of Orange his brother in lawe who not able to come in time anâ—â—â—est by some secret partisans of la Marche he goes forth in armes to fight with his enemy was slaine whereby la Marche entred into Leige but soone after he was surprised by the Lord of Montaigni aided with some troupes froÌ„ the Archduke sodenly beheaded 1483. Our Lewis is now well satisfied touching the affaires of Flanders there remained nothing but a reuenge of Brittaine The last act of Lewis his life But oh how doth suspition feare distrust and finally death breake off his great desseins He is now at Plessis neere Tours priuate solitarie and shewing himselfe to few He feares a decay of his estate and yet is become vnable to gouerne a great Estate The opening of a doore feares him his owne shadow amazeth him death terrifies him but the worst is his conscience troubles him Hee puts his most trustie seruants from him hee doubts his neerest kinsmen hee abhors them he suspects them suspects al the world Those whom he doubts most hee dismisseth His disposition in his declining age with a couple of his gard to guide them pensiue sad dreaming froward peeuish and cholerick euery thing displeaseth him all is vnseasonable all offends him he knowes not what is fittest for him either life or death and yet would he liue raigne He knowes that he hath many enemies and hath offended many that the greatest of the Princes loue him not that the meaner sort murmured and that the people hated him for he hath ouercharged them yea more then any of his Predecessors and hath not meanes to ease them and although he hath a will yet it is now too late Oh what a greeuous testimonie is the conscience of our misdeeds fewe enter at Plessis Consciencia mille â—â—â—tes but his houshold seruants and the Archers of his gard whereof there are fouâ—e hundred daily in gard at the gate No Nobleman lodgeth there none come there but his sonne in law Peter afterwards Duke of Bourbon by the death of Iohn his brother and few of his followers and yet he thinkes still that some one enters in to offer vâ—olence to his person or that by loue or force they will pull his scepter from him He causeth his sonne to bee straitly garded and will not suffer many to see him least hee should be made the head of a faction His daughter hath no accâ—sse to him His son in law no credit His sonne in Law returnes from the Daulphins marriage Lewis with a deuise makes the Captaine of his gard to search such as are entred with the Duke to see if they were not secretly armed He commands him to hold the Counsell then he dissolues it for in his abseÌ„ce they would make Monopoles Who did euer see a mind more distract more vnquiet and fuller of cares Hee distrusts his sonne his daughter his sonne in law and generally all those that may commaund The Castle gate is safely garded but they may leape ouer the walls they must bee planted with gadds of iron with many points and so thicke as no man might
riuer Malicorne threatens the Duchesse to bring the Cannon to force her to yeeld the Casteel and the Protestants that were in it But the generous resolution of this Duchesse and the death of the Duke of Guise stayed the execution of his threats At Aurillac Bresons according to the CoÌ„mission he had from the Duke of Guise to seise vpon the forts of high Auuergne enters into Aurillac murthers eight men spoiles the Towne that of Argentat with some Castells rauisheth wiues maydens making his 〈◊〉 to roote out all the Protestants in the Country if the Edâ—ct of pacification had not forced to surcease Montare comes to Moulins with like Commission 1562. 1563. expelled out of the Towne whom he doubted then giuing a libertie to his troupes spoiled the houses and farmes there abouts he caused six men to be hanged and fiue others to be drowned returning from Orleans with three marchants of Dauphiné At Moulins and suffred the hangman to execute those without any forme of processe whom the multitude deliuered vnto him to bee put to death Thirteene yong men of Issoudun were beaten downe in the water the 8. of May at S. Lisaine a village two leagues from the Towne and the 9. of Iuly following Sarzay seized vpon Issoudun armed the Catholike Inhabitants At Issoudun drew malefactors out of prison and filled it with Protestants who for the most part died being smothered vnder the ruines of a Tower of sixteene that escaped ten saued themselues at Bourges Vntill the Edict of Peace he spoiled both the towne and Country ransomming â—ome deliuering others to the hangman which had not means to redeeme theÌ„selues he rauished wiues mayds and to conclude exposed these poore creatures to all the insolencies of soldiars The 3. of Aprill .1562 those of Mans became masters of the towne But violence neuer continued long At Mans. and soldiars led by a Commander of small credit and little authority did neuer see their armes prosper These men are no soner armed but they imploy themselues to the beating downe of images sacking of Churches and from the towne they run to the villages nere The commons assemble kill such as they meete and res kue the bootie In the end an apple of diâ—cord diuides them of the Towne the Castle the insolencies of the Captaines and souldiars amaze the Protestants the Duke of Montpensier prepares to assaile them of three Captaines which command within the Towne two haue intelligence with him This being discouered the towne being also ill furnished La Mothe Tibergeaâ— drawes forth tumultuously eight hundred men carrying armes leading them through many difficulties into Alançon who then tooke sundrie parties some not practised in armes remained there others put themselues into the troupes of the Conte Montgomery others of the Duke of Bouillon and the other two Captaines submitted to those to whom they had giuen their words Thus the Catholikes haue their turne they were driuen out of the towne and now they reenter and full of spleene they spoile the protestants houses both within the towne and abroad eight leagues compasse without respect of kindred kill spoile and ransome men women and children Some women of state some simple people seruants chambermaides some retired to their farmes or to their friends in the country remaine at the deuotion of fiue hundred Harguebusiers leuied for the gard of the towne and country there abouts who forbeare no kind of reuenge rigour The prisons are filled they forbid by any means to sollicite for theÌ„ the accused are not admitted to except against any witnesse and for the last act of this Tragedie aboue two hundred persons of al qualities sexes purge by their mournful deathes the insolencies of these first furies The absent were executed in picture their goods confiscate that were dead carrying armes Cruelties committed in Mans. their children degraded from al offices and declared incapable to succeed In villages nere farther of aboue six scoore persons yeelded their throats to the reuenging swords of them whome the change of armes had now giuen the aduantage One Captaine Champagne to glut the pikerils in a poole which he had doth gorge them with aboue fifty persons Bois-Iardin his Lieutenant fills two trenches nere vnto his house with fiftie or threscore carcases La Ferté Bernard Sablé Maine Loire Castle Memers Belesme and Martigue had the fields there about white with the bones of the slaine whose flesh was deuoured with birds and beasts The Images ouerthrowne at Vendosme the altars beaten downe At Vendosme yea the monumeÌ„ts of the house of Vendosme too insolently broken might not these stirre vp some reuenge You beat downe say the Catholiks the images and destroy the reliks of the dead but we will beate downe as many lyuing images as shall fall into our hands The Monkes of Saint Calais second them and of many Protestants which held their Abby they massacre fiue and twentie or thirtie Some troupes which kept the fields kill the first that passe stoane them and cast them into wells The Lord of Congnee ioyning with some gentlemen comes to charge them kills the murtherers and except a feâ—e which fled betimes puts them all to the sword then hee dischargeth the rest of his fury vpon the Priests and Monkes 1562. and causeth two of the most 〈…〉 to be hanged in their Church yea where the alarum had rung to assaile the Pâ—â—â—â—stants Those of Anger 's become the stronger yet without any offence to their feâ—loâ— ciâ—izens At Anger 's and make an agreement with themselues To liue peaceablie one with an oâ—her â—nder the Kings obedience with obseruation of the Edict of Ianuary This modesty contâ—â—ued from the 5. of Aprill to the 22. Then they loose all patience ouerthrowing the images and relikes of S. Samson The Catholikes rest patient but they could well chooâ—e â—â—e time of their aduantage It chanced that the Prince of Condê required a suppâ—â— of men and money from the Protestants of Anger 's Many Gentlemen and souldiars march and by this meanes make their party weake Puygaillard a Gascon Captaine sent by the Duke of Montpensier enters the Castles the 5. of May and the next dâ—y wins a part of the Towne then to lull the Protestants asleepe and to haue them in the ende at his deuotion he graunts them feee liberty of religion But two dayes â—fter vnder colour of disarming them they enter their houses A receiuer of subsidâ—es and some others barre vp their gates They sound the alarum their houses are spoiled and the prisons filled with men and women and after the eleuenth of the said month vnto the end of the yeare aboue foure score men were executed after diuers manners Many women of all qualities were put into sacks drawne through the dirt and their bodies cast into the riuer their daughters rauished and some making strong resistance were stâ—bbed with their daggers And the Duke of
his men in safetie when as Burie and Montluc seeing him returne backe charge him behind and finding very small resistance kill fiue or six hundred of his soldiars charge home to the artillery and baggage kill fifteene hundred seruants hang some prisoners especially ministers that followed the troups But the bootie qualifying the victors heate The battaile of Ver and the sâ—cond defeat of Duras gaue leasure to the first that fled to set wings to their feete and by a sodaine flight to prolong their liues for some dayes for the most part of them which escaped were taken againe and led to Agen and there hanged on a gibet set vp expresly which they called the Consistorie Battailes are variable and he is no marchant that wins alwaies saith the Prouerb Reuenged vpon Laumoâ—niere Duras gathers togither some remainders of this shipwracke and aduertised that Laumosinere a Captain sent by Sansac to ouerthrow him quite did atteÌ„d him at Embornet with fiue hundred men he marcheth directly against his enemie surpriseth him at the breake of day cuts in peeces both the captaine his souldiars reseruing 3. only to carrie newes vnto Sansac and by this foule slaughter reuengeth the disgrace which hee had lately receiued then most of his troupes being gone some to Rochell some elswhere and hauing no man of commaund remayning but his eldest sonne Bordet Puâ—h and his brother with about fortie Carbines and eighteene hundred souldiars halfe disarmed his horsemen being gone before and ioyned with Rochefoucault he recouered Orleans and there died vpon the conclusion of the peace Through the absence of Duras the Protestants estate in Guyenne was very lamentable their bodies and goods left to the discretion of their enemies Piles a gentleman of Gasconie hearing of the outrages which Burie and Montluc committed without controule Explâ—â—â— Pilesâ— parts from Orleans he came with the troupes which Grandmont brought out of Gasconie surmounting a world of difficulties in the end he recouers his house neere vnto Bergerac and notwithstaÌ„ding the garrison which the Duke of Montpensier had left there he opens the prisons and sets all them at libertie that were committed for matter of religion and then retyres to his house This new and bold attempt puts the Country into armes all rise against Piles who forced to yeeld to violence withdrawes himselfe being followed by fifteene horse and fifteene hargubuziers on foot at Montagnac he surpriseth a Cornet of sixe score light horse commaunded by Montcassin hee kils their leader with foureteene others and puts the rest in rout and by meanes of the horse which hee recouered there of good souldiars he made profitable men at armes Riuiere Piles had left la Riuieré about Bergerac a yong gentleman who weddâ—ng the practise of armes to the studie of the lawes from which he was newly returned became as soone a braue Captaine as a resolute souldiar for his first stratageme hauing sodenly trouped togither some twentie souldiars and a good number of pesants with staues he surpriseth S. Foy vpon Dordonne by scalado cuts the corps de gard in peeces that was set in the market place and commanding in the streets many and sundry things as if he had beene followed by seuen or eight hundred men he slue Rezat one of Monlucs Captaines his Lieutenant his Prouost with foure score of his souldiars and became absolute master of the place Burie and Montluc chasing at this disgrace receiued by an apprentise in warre lodge many troupes betwixt Bergerac and S. Foy But la Riuiere hauing forced through the troupe of Captaine Sale and a squadron ofhorse made his retreat passed the riuer of Dordonne in safetie and went with his troupe to ioyne with Captaine Piles Vpon the way behold a band of souldiars incounter him being farre from his men and as hee inquired newes of Piles they ouerthrow hurt and take him But passing ouer a bridge he casts himselfe into the water recouers the contrary banke and so saues himselfe at Hymet a Towne of Agenois whereas Piles prepared for the surprise of Mucidan the which Montluc thinking to take from him about the end of Ianuary .1563 by meanes of the Seneshall of Perigord he left the vndertaker confounded in his desseine and his troupes put to flight This successe giues courage to Piles he attempts against Bergerac Bergerac 〈◊〉 and at the second charge enters it the 12. of March puting 3. gards to the sword all such as could not in time recouer the Castle The next day a Towre being mined hauing smothered them that were within it the Castle vnfurnished of munition yeelds at the victorâ—â—ncretion who puts them all to the sword A cruell and more then inciuill warre Whâ—t worse vsage could we expect of strangers and barbarous people whose inhumanitie wee willingly abhorre and doe wee not tremble at the effusion of our Countrimens bloud In the quarters of Angoulmois and Coignac the Seigneur of Martron by mary murthers Angoulmâ—iâ— ransomings and robberies rauishing of wiues and maides and other oppressions which the war doth vsually bring forth reuenged the excesse the Protestants had committed in beating downe the images at Angoulesme In Xanitonge Conte Rochefoucault maintayned their affaires but the taking of Poitiers before described Xaintonge and the defeat of Duras caused the Protestants to be spoyled at Xaintes by Captaine Mogeret and the exercise of their religion to be abolished at Rochel and the neighbour Islands Toulouse by the Duke of Montpensier But alas all these disorders and bloudie confusions doe not counteruaile the horrible furies of Tholouse and other places of the Parliament of Languedoc Tholouse is one of the greatest and best peopled Citties of the Realme and at that time the Protestants numbred aboue fiâ—e and twentie thousand persons of their religion of all qualities ages and sexes After the publication of the Edict of Ianuary matters passed with great moderation vntill Aprill A little sparkle doth soone kindle a fire of sedition and a small cause thrusts the seditious into furie especially if the Magistrate ordeyned rather to restraine the blodie minded doth countenance their insolencies The buriall of a dead bodie was the Prologue to a horrible Tragedie whereof the first act was played in the suburbs of S. Michel S. Sâ—eeuen and S. Saluador and so passed the wals and put all the Câ—ttie into a mournfull confusion The Parliament did winke at it but the Capitouls being more modest imployed their authoritie to quench these first flames which must needs put all their state in coÌ„bustion foure of the most seditious being hanged two whipt did make some satisfaction for the bloud and death of such as were wounded slaine and cast into wels This puâ—sute makes the people mad The Protestants to warrant their liues and to saue themselues by some good Capitulation seize on a gate vpon the Towne house The Parliament stormes cals in the Nobilitie aâ—â—embles the commons giues authoritie to their furious
a dangerous and as the Originall saith a detestable example he left it in prey to Tauannes and retyred to Mascon Tauannes goes thither with all speed and presents himselfe at the gates The first seege of Masâ—on hoping by kind offers to perswade the people to receiue him but he finds no admittance So he gathers togither all his forces and the third of Iune beseegeth the Towne His armie consisted for the most part of Bourguignons of the CouÌ„tie carrying openly red scarfs The beseeged countenance themâ—elues with this pretext and make their profit thereof to auoid this present storme that threatned them They giue the King to vnderstand That it was not reasonable they being his naturall subiects and desiring to liue in peace vnder the obedience of his lawes should bee forced to open their gates to Tauannes armed with strangers enemies to the Crowne who is suspected of them for many other great reasons This admonition preuailed somewhat for Tauannes straightwaies retired by the Kings commaundement but it was to prepare for a second seege Those of Lions send Entragues to defend the seege Tauannes makes his trenches wins the suburbs of Saint Laurence and the fourth of Iuly beats downe the defences The seege makes a breach and â—ews it but to their cost whom hee sent So as if some important businesse had called him into Bourgoogne hee rayseth his Campe and making his account that the beseeged would follow him hee layes a strong ambush but Entragues had no men to loose Mascon freed from this second seege behold Belleuille is assailed Saint Poinct with other gentlemen of Daulphiné came from the spoyling of some boates laden with the value of forty thousand Frankes in relikes of gold and â—iâ—uer 1563. which two Sheriffes of Mascon had sent of their owne authority to Lions to bee conuerted to their priuate vses So the robbers are often robbed This bâ—otie puts them in hope of an other The 28. of Iuly he comes with two hundred horse sixe or seuen hundred Souldiars and the common people thereabouts to belegar this littâ—e Towne but the night before two companies parting from Mascon were entred into it by whom the assailants being repulsed with losse turned their reuenge vpon theâ—r neighbours Cattell The retreat of Saint Poinct made Eutragues seeke to exteâ—d the limits of his territory Hee beseegeth the Castell of Pierrecloux forceth Monâ—osat and fiue and twenty Souldiars which hee commanded there to yeeld at discretion and causeth them to bee lead prisoners to Mascon but this was to feed the Fox who in the end shall eate the pullaine During these broyles Poncenat comes to Mascon with Suisses and French drawes forth the chiefe forces beseegeth Tournus and becomes maister thereof But what can the furie of inciuill armes forbeare Clugny forced with the same rage sees that exquisite and famous Library defaced a most precious treasure which made that Abbey to be greatly esteemed amongst others of France The third siege and taking of Mascon Tauannes aduertised that Mascon was vnfurnished and that Entrangues to please Poncenat followed his enseignes parts from Chalons with foure Cornets of horse and eight hundred foote being assured of a practise which he had within the Towne whilest that his enemies transported with their priuate affections imployed their forces elsewhere The 17. of August many waines drawne with Oxen enter by his meanes that â—ept the keyes of one gate being of the intelligence they passe the first and the second gate at the third the fiâ—st Carter ouerthrowes his waine willingly and by this policie staies the rest Twenty men coucht vpon their bellies behind a wall in a garden neere adioyning to the gate runne thether they kill some bring in their men ouerthrow a corps degarde and become maisters of the Towne the Souldiars of Pierrecloix are freed from prison and cut off heads armes and legges of the Protestants they cast many into the riuer spoile their houses and ransome the wealthiest Thus Bourgongne returnes to the Catholikes deuotion and S. Poinct had the gouernment of Mascon a violent and bloudy man who often times glutted his eyes after his meate with the mourâ—full spectacle of such as he caused to be cast into the riuer These confusions did pittifully afflict all the prouinces of this realme when on the other side the heads of 〈◊〉 parties being prisoners did solicit the conclusion of a peace The Admirall by a 〈◊〉 letters to the Queene purged himselfe of the accusation laid against him touchiâ—g the death of the Duke of Guise whereof Poltrot himselfe in the midest of his most seâ—siâ—le torments at his execution freed him And the Queene mother leauing this thorâ—e in the Admirals foote that she might raigne among these combustions of the houses of Guise and Chastillon did cunningly giue two stroakes with one stone for she made the Prince of Condé beleeue That the restraints propounded vpon the Edict of Ianuary tended only to content the Catholikes in some sort and to open the way for the Protâ—stants to haue greater liberty She pleased the young Duke of Guise with the execution of Poltrot and his aduancement to his fathers offices the Constable by the moderatioÌ„ of the edâ—ct for he had protested neuer to yeeld to the edict of Ianuary So the iudicious reader may see by the course of the history which party did first break it But that which did most import Katherine in disarming her enimes she entertained a discord betwixt two mighty families whereby she maintained her authority 1563. In the end a peace concluded the 13. of March gaue liberty of religion to Noblemen The cheefe Articles of the peace hauing al manner of Iustice for them their families subiects To other Gentlemen that had inferiour iurisdiction for them and their families with permission of the Lords of whom they held In al Bailiwikes iurisdictions depending on the ParliameÌ„t a place appointed for their assemblies at the election of the prouince besides al other places where the exercise had bin since the 7. of March The Vicounty of Paris onely excepted Euery one restored to his former possession of goods honors and offices A generall abolition of all things past for matter of armes All offences except robbing pardoned and a forbidding to iniurie one another either for war or religion This treatie did please and displease many It reioyced such as made an account that this sweet and pleaâ—ant name of peace should make an end of all their calamities and restore euery man to his former estate It greeued such as of three mightie enemies seeing two preuented by death and the third a prisoner esteemed that the gouernment of the state was lawfully fallen to the Prince of Condé who by consequence did derogate from his authoritie subscribing to so weake and easie conditions of peace foreseeing also that the secret oppositions of the Parliaments and the violences os the most mutinous who being armed slue daily some of their
the ende she goes to Blois where as the Court remayned Herevpon falls out an accident which made the aduancement of the sayd marriaged more easie The death of Pope Pius the 5. Gregorie the 13. succeeded him where vpon the King sent the Cardinall of Lorraine to Rome to assist at the new election and to Procure of his successor a necessary dispence for the accomplishing of the solemnity Letters intercepted Some letters of the Cardinall of Pelvé sometimes a scullen in the College of Montaigu and then seruant to the Cardinall of Lorraine during his studie and afterwards growne to be a Cardinall written vnto his maister beeing intercepted by the way conteyning among other things That the Court of Rome did wonder greatly at the familiarity the King vsed to the Admirall during his aboade neare his Maiestie that it was fit to vse such pollicie attending the execution of the priuie Councell the which discouered sufficiently that which was generally spoken of throughout all France This had beene concluded at Saint Cloud neere vnto Paris amongest fewe persons but it was common in many mens mouthes and Lignerolles gouernour of Bourbonois one of the Duke of Anious mignons for that hee had blabd out something which hee had learned in secret of his master hee did expiate the rashenesse of his â—iceâ—tious tongue with the price of his bloud 1572. â—ut wee shall see in our daâ—es a more stâ—ange effect of Gods iustice for that the last of our Kings of the race of Valois shall end his life miserably in the same chamber where the fatall Councell had beene heâ—d in his presence Neither could the aduice of Pelue nor any other The Admiral comes to Paâ—ts stay the Admiral from coming to Parts as soone as the Kâ—ng being solliâ—iâ—ed by his Maiestie by many and 〈◊〉 letteâ—s to conclude fully of the marriage besides they treated the marriage of the Prince of Condé with the Marquise of Lisle the yongest dâ—ughter of the houâ—e of Nâ—uersâ— and of the voyage of Flanders The Queene of Nâ—uarre to whome thiâ— long delay was very troublesome prepared all things necesâ—ary for so famous an act but â—hee falls sicke of a quotidian feuer the â—ourth of Iâ—ne The death of the Quâ—ene of Nauâ—â—â—e eâ—gâ—teene dayes after her arriâ—all and dies the fift day after her siâ—knesse growing said the Phâ—sitions of an extreordinary hardnes of the lungs with a great impostâ—me augmented by the great heat of the season and her continuall trauell in the time of her health Her vertues A Princessâ— of a notable courage inuincible in adueâ—sitie of a readâ—e wit iudicious absoâ—ute in her actions capable of Councell comprehending things with a great 〈◊〉 citie of spirite and deliuering her mind with an admirable grace either by word or by writing of a Iouiall complection and very pleasant in conuersation Bâ—t hâ—ppie chiâ—fly in this that shee hath left to vs a lawfull heire for to inherite this Crowne to redeeme it out off the hands of the stranger and to preserue it wâ—th happinesâ—e and pâ—osperitie Many are amazed at this sodaine death as an assured foretelling of some future mâ—â—â—hiefe The King the Qâ—eene mother and all the Kings house shew a wonderfull sorrow and to take away all suspition of poyson Charles commaunds the bodie to be opened and to search the causes oâ— her death The Phisitians report there is no shew of poyson but her braine was not opened Some hold opinion that an Italian the Kings peâ—fumer presented her with a paire of gloues Suspected to bee poysoned which preuented her from beholding of that pittifull and blodie Tragedie which shall bee shortly acted The continuall messages sent from Charles had likewise drawen the Princes to Court and this death did seeme to aduance the marriage for shee gaue vnto her sonne the kingdome of Nauarre and now hee began to enioy the title of King and all his mothers succession The Popes dispensation was necessarie without the which the Cardinall of Bourbon vnckle to Henry who was appointed to marrie them refused to proceed therein In the end it comes and the day of the consummation is appointed to bee kept the eightenth day of August Such were the actions of the Court whilest that Count Lodowike la Noue Sâ—ucourt and Ienlis Beginning of the warres in Flanders to whome the King had giuen cheefe Commissions for the Belgiâ—e warre had by the taking of Monts in Hainault drawne all the Duke of Albaes forces against them Flussingue had slaine their Gouernour with the most part of the Spanish garrison and repulsed those the Duke had sent to recouer the â—owne Many other Townes of the low Countries followed the like example Holland and Zelâ—nd hunted afâ—â—r their libertie Beginnings which seemed to draw after them a long continuance of great consequence and the authoritie the King gaue to the aboue named to prouide for the succour of Monts and for the continuing of other like exploits induced the Admirall to beleeue firmely that the King imbraced this businesse without dissembling According to this authority Iâ—nlis led fiue hundred horse and foure thousand foote Ienlis defeat whereof the Duke of Alba being aduertised he surprised him sodainely defeated his troupes tooke him prisoner with many others and slue many of his men The King seemed displeased with these newes Meaâ—es to retâ—ine the Admirall hee sends to Monducet his Ambassador in the lowe Countries to procure the libertie of theâ—e prisoners and suffers the Admirall to send such succours as hee could to ioyne with the armie of Reistres which the Prince of Orange had leuied he caused money to be made â—eadie for the entertainment of the foote which they esteemed foure regiments and tâ—irtie companies of men at armes The Ambassadour of Spaine was gone out of France The Queene Mother likewise playing her part seemed to bee ignorant of the Kâ—â—gs desseignes and being informed thereof she seemed ready to retire from Court These reasons did still confirme the Admirall Teligny and the rest in that beliefe That the King concurred with the Admirall in one will to send the warres farre off into the King of Spaines countries the which he had before kindled in the foure corners and in the midest of this realme pretending to entertaine it there and to maintaine himselfe with the shipwrack of this Crowne and to seize thereon in time as the attempt of his desseignes in our dayes haue testâ—fied The Marshall of Montmorency returned from his Ambassage bringing a mâ—tuall league offensiue and defensiue with and against all men not naming any one but the marriage whereof he had charge remained fruitlesse which made many beleeue that it was but a meere fiction fit for the season where they prepared a scaffâ—â—d on the which they should soone present a horrible spectacle The Maâ—shall eyther not to be a spectator nor councellor or doubting to bee ingaged in these publike and priuate furies retires himselfe to his house
requisite in a seege of such importance to attend the treaties of the one and the other He commended the first for the affection hee had shewed to preserue the realme entire hauing not done nor suffred it to bee dismembred but of some places in the great declyning of his Estate dâ—clares that he had alwaies heard that the second had no part in the troubles and diuisions of the realme by any desseine preiâ—diciall to the Estate This reunion of the Duke of Mayenne caused the yeelding of Soâ—ssoâ—s Pierrefont Chaalon vpon Saone Seurre in Bourgongne and some other places to the Kings obedience who in like sort to giâ—e order to the dâ—â—orders of Brittaine a Prouince all couered with Spaniards vnder Don Iohn d' Aghigliar sent the Marshall of Lauerdin thither after the death of the Marshall d' Aumont The hazard and burthens of rebellion ruined the Dâ—ke of Aumalâ— onely he would be more willfull then all the rest He therefore grew so incensed against him as the Court of Parliament at Paris made his processe declared him guilty of treason in the hiâ—hest degree his picture to bee drawne in peeces with foure horses all his goods forfâ—ited to the King adiudged his goodly house at Anâ—t to be razed to the ground and for more detestation of his treachery the Trees about it cut off by the waste But he sought his safety with Albert Cardinall of Austria at Bruxelles lately come to succeed the Archduke Ernest his brother Albert assures the besieged in La Fere to free them but he suffered the succours that should releeue them to bee defeated And the Earle of Fuentes hauing manned the Townes of his new conquest went to winter in Haynault and gaue the King meanes to dismisse most part of his horsâ— to be ready in the spring against the Cardinals desseignes In the meane time he assembled the Estates of Picardie Bolognois Vermandois and Thierasche in Amiens prouided for the estate of the Prouince and punished some Captaines with death whose couetousnesse had partly beene the cause of the former losses Whilest that our Henry assisted now by the Dâ—ke of Mayeâ—â—e in person 1596. bring them of La Fere to be ready to submit vnto his Maiestie behold the beginning of this new yeare sowes the seeds which shall bring â—orth most profitable fruites for the perfect restoring of this estate The Townes and whole prouinces desire a generall deliuerie and nothing stayes the effects but that some Gouernours â—ill haue the honour to see the Canon at their gates before they treate of their accord others set their places to sale A filthy traffick fitte for the confusion of this age but vnworthy of all good order vnworthy the duty of good subiects vnworthy of the libertie and honour of the French Nobilitie The King reducing them by force which will not voluntarily returne to their duties hee willingly giues eare to the mildest and shortest course Hee should spend more money to get morâ— honour but hee frames himselfe after the example and modell of Charles the seuenth whose two raignes had many conformities He desires rather to buy a place for money then to besiege it with much more charge and great losse of men The people suffer great losse and oft times the issue is doubtfull The first fruites of this new yeare are most happy in generall and most honourable for the chiefe authors thereof The Duke of Ioyâ—uze holds the first ranke The Duke of Ioyâ—uze It is hee which hath lately taken againe his profession of a Capuchin wherevnto he was vowed after the death of his wife and by the decease of the last Duke of Ioyâ—uze his brother drowned neere to Villemur had leâ—t him to succeed in the name gouernement and estate of the deceased Without attending of any force he yeeldes freely to his Maiesties seruice and the King opening his armes and heart makes him partaker of his especiall fauours honouring him with the title of Marshall of France and one of his Lieutenants generall in Languedocke in the Townes places and countries hee brings to his obedience giuing him this testimonie that the onely zeale and profession of his religion had made him take armes without any other pretension whatsoeuer By his example the officers of the Court of Parliament Tholousâ— yeelds remaining at Tholouse for the exercise of Iustâ—ce the Capitoulx and all the rest of the Cittizens together with all other people of the Prouince of Languedoc which held the contrary party vnder the authority of the sayd Duke make knowne vnto the King the desire they haue to yeeld obedience and dutye to his Maiâ—stie and their resolution to perseuer therein The Duke of Guise did second this happy beginning of the yeare and doth sweeten the sharpnesse of those losses which the Spaniard had caused vs lately to suffer Hee was still vigilant to imbrace all occasions that might settle his affaires in his gouernment of Prouence wherewith the King had newly honoured him hauing â—â—â—eady with the helpe of the Lord of Les Diguieres reduced Cisteron and Riez to 〈…〉 of this Crowne and Martegues with the Tower of Bouâ— seated at 〈…〉 of the sea the Towne and cittadell of Grasse with the helpe of the Earle of Carces and the Lord of Croze hee findes a fitte oportunitie to make knowne vnto his Maiestie that hee had quite forsaken the alliance and correspondencie which hee had with the Spaniard 1556. Lewis of Aix and Charles of Casau commanded in Marseilles with great authorâ—â—iâ— violent men and of the Spanish faction Marseiâ—les They bargained with Phillip to sell hiâ— this Towne of importance the port of all the Prouince and the key of one of the cheeâ—e entries of this realme where the Emperour Charles had often knockt yeâ— could neuer get it open and for the execution of their desseine had alreadie caused some Spanish galleyes to approch vnder the commaund of Prince Charles Doria of Genes All sucâ— as were fled out of Marseilles propounded some enterprises vppon the Towne to the Duke of Guise but all were weake and of small possibilitie yet had he purchased some reproch to faile in his seruice to the King if he had not attempted some one Peter of Liberta commanded at port Reale a man of courage valiant and full of affection to the Kings seruice He acquaints the Duke of Guise with his resolution either to kill or to shâ—t out these two Tribuns who euery morning at the opening of the gates went with their gards to walke without the Towne that laying an ambush neere vnto the gate it would be easie to seize on them to bee masters of the port and so consequently of the Towne The Duke thinkes well of this enterprise hee takes the name of the gate and of the person for a signe of good fortune The gate is called royall and the libertie which the Predecessors of the vndertaker had in old time pourchased to the towne of Calui in Corsequa
incountred by the States and beaten neere vnto Dunkerke The King aâ— Males-herbes with the Marquis of Verâ—nucil Nothing did hinder the Kings exercises and sports at Blots and Males-herbes where hee spent his time with the Marquise of Vernucil in the meane time his good seruants watched both within and without the Realme for the good of his affaires all laboured in diuers actions but with one will and to one end to make the State as flourâ—shing as it had beene and the Maiestie of the Prince to be respected as it is Sacred and Holy Out of this number of good Seruants Officers of the Crowne death tooke away Phillippe de Hurault Earle of Chiuerny and Chancellor of France The death of the Chancelloâ— Chiuerny He had beene at the first Controuler of King Henry the 3. house being Duke of Aniou and King of Poland and by him made keeper of the Seales in the life of the Cardinall of â—iraque and after his death Chancellor and by him dismissed to his house at the States of Blois when as the Seales were giuen to Montheleu Aduocate in the Court of Parliament In this change he made triall that Princes Officers are in his hands as Counters be in an Auditors who raiseth them to the greatest and highest number and sodenly brings them downe to the lowest And although it be not spoken why the King commanded him to retire yet assoone as they saw him disgraced the friends of his fortune and the seruants of his fauours abandoned him He continued a while like an old cast ship which lyes in the harbrough and serues to no vse Hee returned to his charge and serued the King stoutly in the most troublesome and dangerous time of his affaires Complaints against the Chancellor Afterwards he had many crosses There were so great complaints exhibited against him in the Assembly at Roan as he was in danger to haue lost the keeping of the Seales or not to haue a Cardinals Hat demanded of the Pope for him Hee did not affect the second and the first hee preuented considering that they could not take away any thing nor diminish his great Dignities but with Shame and Disgrace Pompone de Belieure Chancellor of France Pompone de Belieure succeeded him after his death he restored the Seales the sacred instruments of Soueraigne Iustice to their honour All corrupt practises which made friends to the preiudice of the Common-weale were banished There is no other fauour then that of Iustice no other expedition but in publike and by order Nothing is setled extraordinarily but by the Kings expresse commandement or for the good of his seruice which may not bee deferred vnto the Sealing day and that in the view of all the Officers of the Chancerie Nothing is presented which hath not beene examined and held iust by the Maisters of Requests that were present The King hauing receiued newes of the Chancellors death he commanded Villâ—roy to dispatch his Letters before he demanded the place which done he presented himselfe to take his oth betwixt his Maiesties hands kneeling vpon a Cushion of Vehâ—eti the which the Chancellor and Constable onely doe and no other Officers of the Crowne His Maiestie would not binde him but to doe what hee had alwayes done for the good of his seruice and of his Crowne To conclude hee was not preferred to this high dignitie before any one that exceeded him in ranke of seruice or in merit and experience hauing vndergone the chiefe charges within the realme and happily performed abroad important and weighty Ambassages for the King About this time Iohn de Schomberg Archbishop and Elector of Treues dyed and in his place was chosen Lothaire Death of Iohn de Schomberg of the noble family of the Meternits a man of great experience and singular learning and aboue all a great louer of peace and quietnesse a worthie vertue in Princes and Prelats Death of the yong Princesse of Conâ—é This yeare also tooke away some Princesses in France amongst others Madamoiselle the onely daughter of the Prince of Condé the which hee had by his first Wife the Princesse of Neuers and Marquis of Lisle Her obsequies were made at Saint Germain des Prez with great shew as it was fit for a Princesse of the bloud Loâ—se de Budos the Constables wife died also a little before the Duchesse of Beaufort hauing left one Sonne and one Daughter whereby the famous house of Montmorency is renued the which was like to fall to the Distaffe The Marquise of Belle-Ile widow to the Maâ—quis the eldest Son to the Duke Marshall of Raiz The Marquise of Belle Ile becomâ—s a Feuâ—llantine at Tâ—oloâ—se a yonger daughter of the house of Longueuille hauing passed fiue yeares of her widowhood brought vp her Son in al vertue and pietie departed secretly out of Brittanie not aduertising any one of her kindred and went to professe her selfe a Nunne in the Monasterie of the Feuillantines at Tholouse Her Brother and her Husbands brethren posted after to diuert her but she was already in the Couent and resolued to end her dayes there A generous resolution of a Ladie issued from that noble house of Longueuille which holds one of the first places in France It is Soueraigne of the Countie of Neufchastel in Suisse and allyed to the house of Bourbon in diuers branches Execution of the Edict of Pacification The Commissioners which were imployed for the execution of the Edict of pacification found some difficulties in those places whereas the Bishops and Pastors of the Catholike Church had neither Temple nor place of retreat yet the Masse was restored to those places where it had beene banished fifteene or twentie yeares and the Preaching appointed onely in those places that were allowed by the Edict They found in all places rough and violent Spirits very hard to be dealt withall which inuented vaine quarrels when as they wanted iust cause of complaint The Commissioners exhort either partie as well to Concord as to Pietie and alwayes to containe their wills within the bounds of Obedience and not of Rebellion and to forget the factious names of Papists and Huguenots the which haue beene no lesse fatall to France then those of Guelphes and Gibellins in Italie They aduised the Preachers to take heed that their discourses were not streames of sedition as they are sometimes of Eloquence for they that make profession to teach the word of God may do as much harme in fauouring a Sedition as they shall gather profit of his Ministerie when hee shall preach Peace The Commissioners did admonish the Magistrates and cheefe of Iustice to preuent the first motiues of sedition which getting credit with the simple is the cause of great disorders So the Edict was executed throughout the realme and the most sauage began to liue louingly togither burying the remembrance of things past Things done cannot be recalled We must grow wise hereafter by the consideration of
what is past we must haue our eyes open to distinguish the causes from the pretexts and discouer the euill which is hidden vnder a shew of good holding alwaies for an infallible Maxime 〈◊〉 there is no â—â—st occasion to arme against his Prince nor to trouble the quiet of his Countrie We haue beene so abused as we haue taken the Maske for the Face Sâ—lanâ—â—â— For Inocencie and Falshod for Truth and vnder these false impressions we haue 〈…〉 assured Peace for a doubtfull We haue beleeued those Emperiks of State who desirous to continue our languishing and to prolong our diseases haue from that Principle of Truth that Ciuill warre ruines both Estate and religion drawne this proposition Warre ruines both State and Religion That France cannot liue in peace with two Religions The which hath dost the liues of those that haue maintayned it and the ruine of others that haue beleeued it Being then reconciled for that which is past and well aduised hereafter hauing escaped shipwrake against our owne hope let vs remaine in the port of this concord where the King doth guide vs after so many stormes and tempests wee shall be there assured The Sea doth no harme to Shippes that haue good Anchors Obedience is the Anchor which doth assure our Shippe Obedience the eye and heart of an Estate against the furie of winde and waues It is that which giues life and motion to all the members of the body and there is not a more certaine signe of the life of an Estate then Obedience It is the eye of the body which liues last and dyes first it should bee the heart which liues first and dyes last This yeare the Princesse Antoinette Daughter to the Duke of Lorraine was conducted by the Earle of Vaudemont her brother to the Duke of Iâ—illiers who had married her shee was attended with a goodly traine and came to Collen where she was honourably receiued by the Senate and after some dayes she went downe the Riuer to Duisseldorp The Nuptiall ioy was great and stately The Duke of Iuillâ—ers marries the daughter of the Duke of Lorraine although it were somewhat disturbed by the insolencie of the armies aswell of the States as of the Admirall The marriage of Sibille Sister to the Duke of Iuilliers and of the Marquis of Bourgondie brother to Andrew of Austria the Cardinall caused a peace in the Countrie of Cleues and all the Spanish pretentions went to smoake When as after the death of the Duchesse of Beaufort they saw the King falling into a new shipwrack from the which hee was lately escaped and that loue mourning yet for his first Venus lead him to another you might heare the sighes of the most modest the murmuring of the most turbulent and generally presages of some approching storme This was the onely spotte of Oyle which did pierce through the glorious actions of this Prince who superiour to all other in Courage and Valour and alwayes equall to himselfe made himselâ—e subiect to this Pâ—ssion Trueth will not suffer me to suppresse that which cannot be bid It is good to conceale that which is doubtfull in his actions that hath no other Iudge but God· but to keepe secret that which is knowne and seene of all men is a basenesse It imports to know things truly which not being written shall passe to posteritie according to their passions which shall begin and continue the tradition Ancient Historieâ— as full of simple Trueth as voide of Affectation haue not concealed the loues of Princes whose vertues they haue written Of all the foâ—lies of mâ—n there is none more excusable nor of the which fewer do excuâ—e themselues then of Loue. All fight vnder this banner If then it was necessarie for the King to loue he could not loue any thing more worthy of his loue But when as Death did see that the Louer grew blind in the thing he loued and that this blindnâ—sse had brought France into confused darknesse he separated them Vpon this consideration the Court of Parliament finding that there is nothing that doth more preserue France from falling into forepassed miseries or more assure the present and continues their prosperities hereafter then the Kings issue The Court of Parliament perswades the King to maâ—â—y therefore they beseeched his Maiestie to marry and to giue to himselfe a Sonne and a Successor to his Realme there being no armie more powerfull either by Sea or Land to assure an Empire then many Children La Guesle the Kings Atturney general made the speech He represented vnto his Maiestie how much he was bound vnto God He discouered the publick diseases of his estate shewed the remedies and in the end he let him see that the enioying of all the felicities which peace purchased by his victorious armes could promise him was weakly grounded France was not assured to see it durable the which depended on the lawfull birth of a Daulphin That although by the lawe of State a sacred and immutable Law M. de la Guesles speech vnto the King and an originary and fundamentall Law of the Crowne the succession belongs to the neerest Kinsman yet France is too full of those turbulent spirits which in the calme of Peace watch carefully for occasions of warre which in the middest of rest breath after troubles and freed from the perill of armes hold still like madde man their Hearts and tâ—eir Courages armed to mooue new contentions an other day against the Lawe and order of the Realme whereof the King himselfe had made such tryall of their bad intentions as without the vertue of Heauen infused into him his Right had beene vanquished by Force That although his Maiestie by his wisedome accompanied with a singular boâ—nâ—iâ— and charitable affection to the quiet of his Subiects hath declared his successor to the Crowne yet France hath alwayes obserued that when the Crowne did leape from one branche of a Familie vnto an other and that the Sonne did not succeed the Father it was disquieted with new factions and the fields bathed with the bloud of her Cittizens and the fire of Ciuill warre so kindled as two ages was scarse able to quench 〈◊〉 That to take away these iust feares and apprehensions of these publike calamitâ—es the succession must not change the branch for where there is no change there is no stirre and the Children succeeding in the Fathers Realme it seemes that he that raigned is rather growne yong againe then changed The King of Fâ—ance neuer dâ—es there is nothing new the Crowne continues in the same houâ—e the Fathers face is noted in that of his Sonne That the shining of the SuÌ„ne is pleasing as a calme Sea or the Earth couered with his greene tapistrie But there is nothing so goodly nor so delightfull to the Eye as the sight of Children newly borne in a family that wanted this aduantage That to attaine vnto this happines they must begin by the dissolution of the
search and dâ—sguising of presumptions and circumstances Slander is the cause of false iudgment Who doubts but the complaints malicious teares of this Woman were false directions sufficieÌ„t inductions to circumuent the wisedome of the best Iudges who in the middest of the â—ight that is to say in the darknesse of hidden Crimes haue followed the ordinary formes of Iustice. It was with reason that a Grecke Author discoursing of the criminall processe of Orestes who to reuenge the death of his Father slue Clitemnestra his Mother sayd that when he was brought before the Parliament of Arriopage Minerua Goddesse of Wisedome was Precident in Iudgment The Ancients by such fictions would teach vs that in the iudgement of Criminall causes if a Celestiall power doth not assist there doth many times inconueniences happen but the fault must then be imputed to the accuser who giues the first cause by an information framed expresly to afflict and condemne an â—nnocent Appian in his History reports of Iulius Caesar that seeyng a mutiny in his Campe he coÌ„manded the authors theâ—eof to be apprehended A souldiar was brought before him as one of these mutines yet it was presently auerred that he was none Caesar caused him that brought him to be seuerly punished iudging that although hee did it not maliciously yet he deserued punishment for that he had drawne an innocent Souldiar in danger of his life We reade that Martian hauing found a dead body in the night Martian condemned vpon suspition through piety which was theÌ„ greatly recommended among Christians seeking to bury him was taken led before the Iustice condemned vpoÌ„ suspition but at the same instant when as they carrâ—ed him to exâ—cution it chanced happily that the Murtherer was taken and executed hauing confessed the fact to the great happines of Martian who was deliuered and within few yeares after chosen Emperour As also the Ecclesiasticall History doth teach vs that S. Athanasius was accused to haue slaine Arsâ—nius and was ready to bee condemned if by good happe Arsenius had not beene found beeing hidden by the enemyes of Athanasius A late Writer curious in the search of the singularities of the History of Venice reports an Aduentuâ—e somewhat like vnto this Fuscarus sonne to the Duke of Venice had a capitall quarrell with an other Venetian Gentleman called Hermolaus Donat. This Gentleman was found dead and the author of this murther not knowne Fuscarus vpon suspition of their quarrell was called in question condemned and sent into exile where he died for griefe to see himselfe banished from his Country Within three moneths after his death a theefe was executed who amongst other crimes confessed that it was he and not Fuscarus which had slaine that Venetian Gentleman In such and the like inconueniences were it reason to giue absolute impunity to him that was the Calumniator be it that malice or indiscretion hath drawne him to this slander Scipio said that a Generall of an army must be well aduised what he doth for in matters of Warre there is no meanes to erre twise the first fault being sufficient to ruine an Army Euen so in Iustice it must be very exact when there is any question of a capitall accusation for seeing that the life depends thereon there is no meanes to erre twise the first being irreparable It is an approued distinction of all those that haue treated of the punishment of false accusations whether an Informer be induced to accuse slaundrously and wickedly or by indiscretion and without mallice The one differs from the other so haue they diuers effects the one hath some excuse the other is punished seuerely The punishment of false accusations the one Ciuilly the other Criminally for where there is mallice and slander the Law of God doth punish the Calumniator with the like paine Lege Taltonis and at Rome the Calumniator in crimes that were not capital was beaten with a hot iron and branded in the forehead for a signe and perpetuall marke of his slander And the Emperour Maâ—rinus did punish those accusers which did faile in their proofes with death Plynye speaking of such men called them abhominable sacrifices which should be offred vp to the publike quiet And the good Emperour Traian did so detest Calumniators as hee caused them to be put into a ship without sayle or tackling abandoning them to the mercy of that mercilesse element which would haue no pittie of them no more then they had had of many poore innocents But as for the Slander which proceeds from indiscretion without malice the seueritie in truth should not be so great yet is it fit there should be some punishment No seuere or capitall punishment but at the least pecuniarie and ciuil of domages and fiâ—e If she were not excusable as a Mother forced to accuse by extreme greefe without malice what racke what punishment what torments were sâ—fficient to punish her which hath drawne an innocent man in question and in danger to bee broken vppon the wheele The Poets faine that the Goddesse Câ—râ—s by the supposition of Tantalus did eate Pelops shoulder This Goddesse finding her own error although vnaduisedly condeÌ„ned her selfe to make Pelops a new shoulder of Iuorie You are the cauâ—e of the cruell torments which the playntife hath suffered vpon the râ—cke but you say it was by indiscretion and without malice At the least by an award of domages and fine make some Pecuniarie recompence to releeue the miserie of this poore man and to helpe him to finish the remainder of his dayes languishing after so many torments And if this woman represents vnto you the pittie and greefe of a Mother imagine I pray you the miserable sigthes of this innocent in the midest of the cruelty of the most violent tortures hauing no other feeling but his paine and greefe In one houre a thousand deaths without dying a bodie tormented stretched halfe torne in peeces his sinewes dryed and strayned his members broken and his whole bodie in a pittifull estate being bound and miserably racâ—t And to speake truth it had bin a great happines for this poore man to haue died for what remaynes is no more a perfect body but peeces displaced and disioyned members broken lame and feeble hauing his bodie reduced to that miserable estate as hereafter he shall hardly by his labour get a liuing for himselfe his Wife and fiue Children It is the clamor and sigthes of these poore yong Infants whose crie pierceth vp to heauen and their complaints come vnto you to moue you vnto pittie He in the meane time seeing himselfe miserable in his body and his family reduced to beggerie liues and dyes altogether It is a paine which still encreaseth a Greefe which euer doubles and a Death which hath neuer end That great Painter Apelles meaning to paint Slander The picture of slander set him forth in a mourning weed hauing two Wiues one of either side Ignorance and Suspition 1599.
more constant then the loue of the Father to his child especially of Fathers that haue the instinct of Nature But mothers haue their affectioÌ„s more violent If any thing happen vnto their â—hiâ—dren it breedâ—s a great aâ—teâ—atâ—oâ— in them Witnesse the iudgement of Salomon seeking betwixt two Women to know the right Mother So yâ—u may see the passion of Dauid when he caâ—led his Sonne My Sonne Absoâ—oâ— my sonne he was much troubled But Mothers are muâ—h more feeling the same paine they suffered at their birth And that which afflicts the Defenâ—resse much more is that they CoÌ„plaâ—â—ants obiect against her that she loued not her Child That without doubt is insupportable to a Mother The latter times are miserable foretold by the Prophets Thaâ— Inhumanity Inciuility Astorgie that â—â—to say want of loâ—e in the Parents vnto their Châ—ldren and of Children vnto their Parentâ— should enter into the hearts of men What say I of Men who are no Men sâ—eing they proue Inhumane Cruell Bâ—uâ—ish and Vnnatuâ—all But can it be that two such contrary passions should iumpe in our Defendresse Could she hate her Son and not seeing him any more complaine that he was dead Could she accuse his Host Hostesse if she loued him not Iosephus in his first booke of the Iewish War reporting the accusation of Herode against his Children sayth that Saturninus would not condemne the accused sayâ—ng That it was not lawfull for him who had children to giue sentence of death against an other mans children A speech worthy of a graue Romaine but had beene better spoken by one borne in Iuâ—â—a â—or in former times the Iudges giuen by God vnto the People were chosen ouâ— of the fathers of Families who had or had had Children and who by this meanes knew best thâ—â—ust affections of Fathers loue The History addes that an old Man at armes of Herods called â—yron was so transported seeing a cruell Father as hee became almost madde going â—â—om place to place exclayming that Iustice was troden vnder foote Trueth was pâ—rishâ—d Nature confounded and all was full of iniquity with such like speeches as passion made him to vtter So strange this good old Man held this Mallice not beleeuing that such neere Kinsmen should conspire against their owne bloud And therefore it is not to be presumed that our Defenâ—resse beeing a Mother was otherwise then well affected to her Sonne and what greater proofe of her loue can bee giuen tâ—en her accusation against the Complaynants And who can represent the tender affection of Fathers and Mothers which seale the resemblance of bodies and mindes in the little admirable seale of the Infant the Mothers beeing much more affectionate to that which proceedes from them then the Fathers What then may bee sayd of the obiection made vnto the Defendresse Doubtlesse false allegations must concurre with naturall as Paulus the Lawyer sayth of Confessions and it is not lawfull for Iudges L. confessionibus D. de Iâ—â—errog act especially for such as are Fathers to beleeue that a Motheâ— would hate her Sonne to the deaâ—h especially this poore Woman who makâ—ng her complaint of the Murther did note one notable circumstance saying that her Sonne had complayned vnto her that the Demanders were froward Hosts The which shewes a wit in her complaint and the Loue which she bare to 〈…〉 Sonne remembring the first yeares of his infancy being young and the 〈◊〉 of his Mother A Sonne whom she being his Mother seeing no mâ—re 〈◊〉 out with the Mother of Lâ—muel What my Sonne what the Sonne of my 〈…〉 the Sonne of my vowes Prou. 31. This poore Motheâ— was perplexed she sought her Sonne and 〈…〉 Sonne which was but simple and might easâ—ly be wronged for he went 〈…〉 Money he 〈◊〉 it in his Chamber which was a bayte for Theeues 〈…〉 steâ—le say 〈◊〉 hand on it the suffered men to enter into his Chamberâ— me◠〈…〉 knew not What might the Mother thinke of this Had she not reasoâ—â—o 〈…〉 slayne him 〈◊〉 as iâ— was said in the booke of Wisdome That the Iustice 〈…〉 〈◊〉 deliuer them It is also written That the disloyall shal be taken for their 〈◊〉 and the wicked shall be the ransome of the iust and the disloyall for the righteous 〈…〉 then this poore Woman thinke with reason that you are not to haue any 〈…〉 the Demaunders Prou. 2â— v 21 vnder colour of their base condition seeing that for a 〈…〉 they would haue committed the deede hauing taken their Ghosts money 〈…〉 fied them These bee the reasons by the which the poore Mother may 〈…〉 her selfe that shee hath not attempted any accusation for the which 〈…〉 be charged with slander Let vs nowe come vnto the Iudges They need no excuse nor any defence 〈…〉 Decree then the authority of soueraigne Iudgements yet we may say for the 〈◊〉 which they had of the proofes if not full and cleare as the Noone day yet thâ—y 〈◊〉 such as the presumptions were vehement If the accused suffred it came 〈…〉 for they obserued not the precept which teacheth man Aboue all to 〈…〉 heart pure from whence life proceeds Prou. 4. ve 23 They haue applied their hearts to desire 〈◊〉 mans goods resembling those that erre Either through want of instruction 〈…〉 great indiscretion or hauing their hearts peerced with the Dart of couetousnesse Ibid 5. ver 23 And therfore it is no wonder if they haue not appeared in iudgement with a constant countenance Ibid. 10. v. 6. For blessings are vpon the head of the iust but extorsions sloppe the mouth of the guilty Do you not see that God was not with the accused they were confounded in that owne speeches Life and death are in the power of the tongue hee that loues it shall eate the fâ—uites thereof 〈…〉 21. They haue said too much charging the Mother which accused them oâ— hatred to her Sonne And who will not beleeue but the Iudges seeing the Proâ—esie made them pâ—ayers vnto God to open their vnderstandings The doubt which they had of the â—ircumstances of the charge hath beene fortified by examples the whiâ—â— are the 〈◊〉 â—ncounteâ—s that come vnto the minde In this Citty a Woman 〈◊〉 neere to 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 with a Hammer which two theeues had taken in a Smiths shop 〈◊〉 the Smith being condemned he was put to the Racke Afterwards the theeues weâ—e apprehended for other crimes and freede the Smith who was a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 executed Iudges in coniecturall causes erre sometimes against their wâ—â—les beâ—ng bound to follow thâ— probable for that which may happen or hath happened Sometimeâ— there are bad Hosts Treacherous and murtherers It is dangerous said Phâ—dâ—us to bâ—leeue but it is more dangerous not to beleeue There is no reason then to heare the complaints of the Accused against the Iudges Witâ—esse that which that wise King hath written whose words are like vnto deepe springs which cannot be dried and fâ—om whence we drawe proâ—â—it for
the goodliest shipps belonging to Andwerp being of the burthen of foure score Tunnes the which hee did assayle so furiously as some he cut in peeces others leaping ouer-board were drowned in the darkenesse of the night Then he tooke the Marchants shippes of Bruxelles Mecklin and fiue other ships which they call Hoyes the which did serue to conuoy victualls munition which went to Scluse and to the forts which the Spaniards hold vpon the Riuers euery ship hauing foure peeces of Ordinance all which ships with the Prisoners which he retayned he brought to Flessingue passing at the mercy of the Spaniards Canon before Ordam other forts vpon the Riuer of Escault The which did much terrifie the Towne of Andwerp it being kept shut two daies fearing some treason Don Francisco de Mendoza Admirall of Arragon being taken Prisoner at the battell of Nieuport and led into Holland remained in the Castle of Woerden could not purchase his liberty for any money but vpon condition That in exchange in steed of a Ransome all their Subiects seruants that were prisoners in Spaine Italy and else where should be set at liberty The Admirall seeing that there was no other meanes of his deliuery but that he was in danger to end his dayes there preuailed so much with the King of Spaine and Albertus the Archduke as he obtained a promise that for him all the prisoners of the vnited Prouinces or which had bin taken in their seruice beeing at that time deteyned either in the Gallies in prison or otherwise should be deliuered without ransome the which hee should present vnto the States before his full liberty By reason whereof the States did write vnto all the Townes of the said Prouinces to deliuer in writing vnto the Comissaries appointed to that end The Admirall of Arragon set at liberty in the yeare 1600. the names of such as they knew to be detained as well in Spaine by the Inquisition at the Ilands and Indies as also in the Low Countries at Scluse Dunkerke else where the which was done and the prisoners being all returned the Admirall was set at liberty This yeare the fift of August was that detestable Conspiracie of the Earle of Goury and his yonger brother Earle Gouries aâ—tempt to kill the King of Scoâ—land to murther the King of Scotland Alexander Ruthen the yonger brother perswaded the King to go vnto the Earles house where hee would shew him a hidden treasure but their intent was to murther him most inhumanely if GOD had not preserued him most miraculously beyond all expectation of man as you may read at large in the History But let vs returne to Sauoy The 7. of August the King was aduertised The Duke refuseth to siâ—ne the Articles agreed vpon by his Ambassadors that the Duke had refused the last conditions agreed vppon by his Ambassadors wherevpon he countermanded the Count Passage whom he had sent with 500. men to command in the Marquisate of Salusses and to enter the Towne and Castle of Carmagnoles which the Duke should yeeld vp the 16. of August according to the last accord And withall the eleuenth of that month he published a declaration how he was forced to take armes against the Duke of Sauoy to haue reason for the Marquisate of Salusses taken by him and vsurped vppon the Crowne of France in a time of Peace during the life of the deceassed King Henry the 3. Predecessor to his Maiesty The Kings declaration vppon the beginning of the War against the Duke of Sauoy a Benefactor to the said Dukes Father Giuing all meÌ„ to vnderstand that he was vnwillingly drawne to this remedy for the singurall desire he had to raigne in Peace and to liue in Loue friendship with all his neighbours hauing done as much to auoide it as his honour and the duty of a Prince which loues the publike quiet and the good of his Estate did require taking into his protection defence all Clergy men places which should not fauour nor serue for a retreat or assistance vnto the said Dukes armies all Inhabitants of Townes which should open their gates vnto his Maiesty and to his seruants Meaning that no actes of Hostility should be vsed but against such as should carry armes fauour the said Duke of Sauoy and his adherents Forbidding all Sacriledge Rauishing of Women and Maides and burning of Houses Places and Castles vpon paine of death Commanding al Frenchmen his subiects being in seruice with the said Duke to retire themâ—elues and returne into his Realme within fifteene dayes after this Proclamation made in his armies vpon paine to be declared and punished as guilty of heigh Treason The King finding that all the Dukes temporisings and delayes proceeded from a bad intent was forced at one and the same instant against the Precept of Warre to proclaime Warre and to prepare for meane to make it â—he Kings 〈…〉 in 〈◊〉 He gaue out Commissions for the leuying of foot in the neighbour Prouinces He sent the Duke of Guisâ— into Prouence to looke to his Gouernment hauing intelligence that the Duke practised some surprises The Marshall Biron had charge to drawe downe all his forces out off Burgundy he caused bullets to be made in Nâ—uernois Daulphiné and Burgundy and sent out Comissions for to leuy Pioners The Marquis of â—osny great Master of the Artillery was sent to Paris who returned within fifteene dayes to his Maiesty with incredible speede so as in lesse then three weeke the King had Men Money Canon and Munition He sent Monsâ—ur â— Vic his Ambassador speedily into Suiâ—â—erland with money to preuent and disapoint the Dukes practices and to assure a leuy of Suâ—sses at neede The King who knowes that in Warre nothing doth so much aduance the execution as the presence of the Head being resolute to assaile the Duke on two paâ—ts by Bresse and Sauoy he parted from Lions the same day that he proclaymed Warre and came to Greneble to go to the Enterprize of Montmelian in Sauoy and to be perfect at all occasions The Marshall Biron vndertooke the Surprize and â—aking of Bourg in Bresse the which was asâ—oone knowne as conceiued The Marquis of â—ullins the Dukes Ambassador being at Lions aduertised the Count of Mont-maior Gouernor of Bresse and Bouuens Captaine of the Cittadell of Bourg of the Enterprize and that they should stand vpon their Gards A Gentleman of Bresse which had beene among the Marshall Birons Troupes seene the Petards and numbred the Souldiars in passing the Bridge at Maicon went before to giue notice to Bouuens Captaine of the Citadell that tâ—e Marshall was within a league of him But neglecting all these aduertisements and trusting to the force of their Walles and Gates they found that the Marshall Biron wiâ—h 1200. meâ— onely and two Petards forced the first and second Port of the Towne and entred it without any Resistance or the lesse of one Souldiar The troupes
haue managed for the renuing of the League His Maiesty hath also coÌ„manded mee to assure you of the account he makes of your Faith and that he will fully obserue the promises that shal be made vnto you He doth also assure himselfe that for your parts you will bring al willingnes Freedome now that his Realme is the most florishing giuing more cause of Enuy then of Pitty He desires more earnâ—stly to renewe the ancient alliances that haue bin betwixt the Kings and Crowne of France your Comon weale thinking that the good which shall rise thereby shal be profitable vnto you the best and most assured meanes for to make you liue powerfully and happily I will conceale how highly I esteeme the honour which the King my Master hath done me in making choise of me with these Gentlemen to serue for so Good and Holy a worke and also to see my selfe with a Nation which hath bin often both in Peace and Warre cherished esteemed by my deceassed Lord and Father the Marshall Biron of my selfe For proofe of my Affection I offer you all that is in my power being desiâ—ous to assist you withall fauour aed to serue you in that which a Knight of Honour ought may The Kings alliance was accepted by the Suisses publike thanks were giuen to God the Duke with the Ambassadâ—rs solemnly feasted The alliance which before had bin coÌ„tracted but for the Kings life only was coÌ„cluded for the Daulphins also after that of the Kings as many years after as were graÌ„ted to the deceassed King The continuance of thâ— League The King receiued great content to see this Treaty so happily concluded to the honor of his Crown contrary to the intent and practises of those that sought to hinder it The Count of Fuentes greeued that things had not succeeded according to his hope cast his desseins in Italy vpon the Marquiâ—aâ—â— of Final without any pretext or offence but onely vp on the presumption of his Masters greatnes To giue some colour to his attempt he caused two diuers rumors to be spred abroad One was that the Marquis of Final was vpoÌ„ termes to exchange this Marquiâ—ate for a little Principality lying in the realme of Naples The other was that the Marquis of Final in the extremity of a sicknes had giueÌ„ it to the Kâ—ng of Spaine VpoÌ„ these two pretexts he caused Diego Pimentel his nephew Sanchio de Luna to passe with a great number of Spaniards to surprize the place The Marquâ—sate of Final surpâ—ized the Lansquâ—nets that kept it who were easily satisfied with a promise of 16 months pay that was due vnto them He placed 200. Spaniards in it vnder the command of D. Petro de Toledo and presently resolued to fortifie the Port and to put a Garrison therein The chiefe end of his Conquest was to bridle the Genâ—ueses and to make their Trafficke with Spaine so discommodious as they should reape no benefit but what it pleased the Gouernor of Finall An Army at Sea in Calabria of 60. Galleys The Lord of the place who had neuer any thought to Exchange nor to giue it filled the Popes and the Emperors eares and all the Ayre with his Complaynts but in the end finding no satisfaction he was forced to allowe of that which pleased the stronger The Spaniards made not so great an account of this purchase as they conceiued hope of a great leauy of Men of Warre made in the Realme of Naples and Sicilia and in the Duchies of Milan Mantoa Modena Vrbin and Parma whereof they ment to make an Army at Sea greater and better conducted then the last Many thought it was to repayre the fault of Alger or to oppose against the desseignes of Cigala who they said would come out off Constantinople with a hundred Sayle As the desseine was secreat so was it not knowne who shouâ—d bee the Generall Andrew Doria demanded leaue of the King of Spaine fore-seeing that they would hardly giue him the charge for that they must neuer imploy an vnfortunate Generall twise The Duke of Sauoy made shewe to accept of this command if it were offered him D. Iuan de Cordouâ— was General They had greater enterprises in Europe then in Affrick or Asia although it were sayd that the King of Fâ—z had promised to make the King of Spaine Master of Alger But the necessities of the Lowe Countries and the practises they had in France made the Spaniards to leaue all attempts against the Turkes and Moores for this yeare being so disapointed for want of money as they were forced to flie to priuate purses so as without an aduance of two hundred thousand Crownes by the Spinolas of Genoa the Troupes which past in Aprill and May had stayed vntill the end of the yeare in the Duchy of Milan These were the speeches of the King of Spaines desseignes wherevnto they added that D' Albigny was gone to Milan to the Count of Fuentes that the Marquis of Aix was in Spaine that the Duke was ready to subiect himselfe wholy to the will of the Councell of Spaine to whom he deliuered his two Sons hauing made them Knights of his Order to prepare them to the Voyage and had sent Defourny an extraordinary Ambassador to Rome to beseech the Pope to send them his blessing But the King knewe well that vnder these shewes and Pretexts there were other Negotiations to trouble his Estate whereof he made no shew yet such as did see him when hee was most free and priuate discouered that his Head was troubled and that the Toyle Weaâ—ines of his Minde was much more then that of his Body One day comming from Hunâ—ing being very pensiue before the fire with his Hat on his Eyes he drewe his Sword speaking some words vnto himselfe then he turned towards the Vidame of Chartres The King disquieâ—ed tâ—uching the Mâ—rshall Bâ—â—on who was there present asking him when la Fin his Vncle would come and that he longed to see him At the same time there were great reparations made at the Bastille rather to keepe that fast that was to be within it then to resist without which made many beleeue that the yeare should not passe without lodging of some one of marke in the place This Winter the Court was full of Iolity and Sports the Queene hauing made a very Rich and Sumptuous Maske The Queenes Maske calling fifteene Princesses and Ladies of the Court vnto her which represented sixteene Vertues whereof the Qâ—eene made the fiâ—st The Duke of Vendosme beeing attired like Cupid marched before the Queene but within fewe dayes after he changed that Habite into Mourning for the death of the Duke of Mercure his Father in lawe who dyed of a Pestilent Feauer on Twelfe day in the Citty of Nurinberg The death of Philip Emaâ—â—â—l of â—orâ—aiâ—e Duke of Merâ—uâ—â— comming into France to prepare a greater expedition against the Turkes The King was
a paine Stantem Imperatâ—rem excedere terris dâ—cet he commanded the Executioner to make an end He desired to die standing according to the aduise of Vespasian The Executioner answered him that hee must kneele that hee might doe nothing out of Order No no said the Duke of Biron if thou canst not doe it at One giue Thirtie I will not stirre They prest him to kneele and hee obeyed willing the Execâ—tioner to dispatch then he start vp sodainly againe casting his eyes vpon the Executioner and looking vpon the standers by hee asked if there no mercy It was imagined that either hee would haue layd hand vppon the Executioners sword or that hee presumed that when he should be readie to receiue the fatall stroake they would bring him his pardon and that the King would doe him no other harme then feare him as Papirius Cursor did one of his souldiars â—or breaking of his ranke The Executioner intreated him to suffer him to cut his heâ—re At that word he grew into choller againe â—e vnbanded himselfe and sware that if he toucht him hee would strangle him You may see in two persons two extreame passions Feare retyred the â—xecutioner within himselfe Choller transported the Dâ—ke of Biron beyond himselfe The one trembled for feare the other for rage Voisin sayd vnto him that he had too much care of his bodie He sweares and growes into choller which was no more his owne He turned to him in choller with an oath saying I will not haue him touch mee so long as I shall bee liuing If they put mee into choler I willl strangle halfe the company that is here and will force the rest to kill mee I will leape downe if you thru si me into dispaire His colour did rise and shewed a distemperature in his face Those that were vppon the scaffold went downe The Executioner remayned amazed fearing death more then he that was to die But this choller preuailed nothing it was like vnto Ctesiphon to kicke against the Moâ—â—es heeles Resâ—â—e horses get nothing but spurring they are neither freed from their burden nor from their iourney hee must resolue to goe this way the which he must passe at length Voisin intreated the Preachers to goe vp againe and to pacifie him fearing least he should fal into dispaire for his Soule being much troubled with the violeâ—ce of so tragicall an end entring into these furious motiues was subiect to great distempratures They goe vp againe and speake some good wordes vnto him in his eare the which doth temper his furious rage and calme the choller which the Executioners presence did thrust him into Hee had alwayes liued in Warre he could not die in Peace All men found these furious passions strange in the last act of his life the which required a great constancie of mind and a perfect Iudgement to know God and to call to him for mercy and to pray him to intreat his Soule more fauourably then Iustice had done his Bodie Hetherto they beleeued that although hee were entring into death yet hee thought not to die and that hee would seaze vppon the Executioners sword Sodenly hee resolues to free this passage and hauing receiued his absolution hee sayd My God my God my God take pittie on mee Then turning to the Executioner hee takes the binder that was in his hand trusses vp his haire behind and binds it vppon his fore-head and with his handâ—kercher hee bâ—inds his eyes and so kneeles downe The Preachers comfort him in his last râ—solâ—tion assuring him that his Soule was readie to see God and to bee partakâ—r of his glory in Heauen I sayd he Heauen is open for my Soule And this done he bends downe his head presenting it as willingly vnto the sword as Agis did his vnto the halter saying vnto the Executioner Strike Strike oh Srike This was to die in commanding and to command in dying The Executioner hauing seene him to rise and to vnblinde himselfe thrise that in turning towards him being not bound hauing the sword in his hand hee might wrest it from him thought that there was no way to execute him but by surprise and therefore hee sayd vnto him that hee must say his last prayer to recommend his Soule vnto God intreating the Preachers that were gone downe to cause him to say it At which wordes the Executioner made a signe to his man to reach him his sword with the which hee cut of his head euen as he was speaking The blow was so sodaine as few men perceiued it He cuts of 〈◊〉 head the Head leaped from the scaffold to the ground The Preachers prayed for the happie departure of the Soule from so vnhappie a Bodie the which was presently stripped into his shirt and couered with a sheete His heart panted as if in rising against the Head it had sayd as Apolodorus thought that his did when hee drempt that one did hewe it in peeces It is for thee that I suffer This Head full of the fumes of Ambâ—tion was the cause of the Hearts death The Executioner stroke him so heigh aboâ—e tâ—e Nape of the Necke as he glaunced vppon his Iawe-bones and left a great 〈…〉 hayre on his Necke Being dead hee shewed Choller in his Countenance as tâ—ey write of the Souldiars which died at the Battell of Cannas Euery one departed commending the Kings Iustice and lamenâ—â—ng the misery of so Valiant a Man beleeuâ—â—â— that of long time they should not see his equall His Kinsfolkes would thinke themselues happy if the Glory of his Life might wipe away the Infamy of this Death if the shining of his first actions were not obsured with the Darknesse of the â—â—st that for a recompence of al his Seruices which haue made him so famous they migâ—t obtaine the fauour that they would neuer speake of him But there is no Lawe of Forgetfulnesse to deface the memory of that which hath beene and of that which is About nine of the Clocke at night he was carried to S. Pauls Church and buried in the middest of the Body before the Pulpit the Celestins hauing refused to giâ—e him buriall Great Gonsalue dying had a hundred Ensignes hang ouer his graue hauing had no permission nor commandment for it He was not distinguished from others by his Funerall Pompe nor by the number of Ensignes I 〈◊〉 that Great Captaine at Granado but by the Holy watter which the Parisians did cast hourely vpon his Graue Such was the ende of the Duke of Biron There is no Caâ—me but hath a Storme one would haue said to haue seene him at the height of his prosperities That he had fixed a Nayle on Fortunes wheele that it might not turne and yet he is sodainly cast downe There past but one night betwixt his Glory and his Ruine This Flower being so sodainely blowne the first Northern winde did wither it and carry it away His Honours and Greatnesse were the meanes to ruine him like vnto Absolons
fol. 588. The massacre at vaissy fol. 589. The first ciuill trobles fol. 590. The death of the King of Nauar Roan taken the Protestants beaten in sundry place ibid. The Battaile of Dreux where both Generalls are taken fol. 591. The Duke of Guise beseegeth Orleans and is slaine by Poltroâ— fol. 592. A peace concluded at Orleans fol. 593 Sundry particular trobles at Meaux Chalons Bar S. Estienne Sens Corbigny Antraia La Charite Chastillion vpon Loyre Gyen Montargis Aurilliac Issodun Mans Vendosme Angiers Blois Mer Tours Poitiers Roan twise beseeged and taken Diepe fol. 595.596.597 598. New-hauen deliuered to the English fol. 599. Duras in Guienne twise defeated with the exploites of Piles and Riuiere fol. 600.601 Particular trobles â—n 1562. and 1563. from fol. 601. to 615. A generall Councell at Trent Anno 1564. fol. 615. The Edict of Peace ill obserued fol. 616. Murther of the Protestants at Creuan Tours ibid. Processe against the Iesuites fol. 617. A royall league fol. 618. The Turkes army at Malta ibid. The death of the Pope and Emperor ibid. A Parliament at Moulins fol. 619. The Protestants discontent resolue to Arme with the successe of their enterprise· ibid. The beginning of the second trobles fol. 620. The battaile of S. Denis the Constable hurt whereof he died fol. 621. A treaty of peace renewed but in vaine fol. 622. Charles beseeged fol. 623. A second Peace with the Catholikes discontents and the Protestants complaints fol. 624. The King makes an Army against the Protestants fol. 625. An Incounter at Iassenuille with smal slaughter fol. 626. Succors of money and â—â—â—ition from England fol. 627. The Battaile of Brissac the Prince of Conde slaine fol. 628.629 The Duke of Deux-ponts comes into France and dies there La Charite takeÌ„ by the Germains fol. 630. Incounter at Roche-abeile fol. 631. La Charite Poitiers and Chasteleraud beseeged fol. 632. The Battaile of Moncounter and victories after the Battaile fol. 634. Nismes taken by the Protestants ibid. Vezelay beseeged shamefull to Sansac fol. 635. A treaty of peace anno 1570. in February fol. 636. Warre in Poitou Guienne Xantonge and Angoulemois fol. 637. The Protestants fortified the Prince makes a voyage after the Battaile fol. 637. Incounter at Rene-le-Duc truce in the Armies warre in Guienne and the fort of Luson beseeged fol. 639. The third Edict of Peace fol. 640. King Charles marâ—ies the Emperors daughter ibid. A treaty of marriage betwit the Prince of Nauar and Marquise of Valois ibid. The Kings dissimulation with the Princes and Admirall fol. 641. Peace with the English and the Queene of Nauar comes to Court fol. 642. The Admirall comes to Paris fol. 643. The Queene of Nauar suspected to bee poisoned dies ibid. Negotiation of Poland fol. 644. The King resolues and the Duke of Guise giues order for the massacre of the Protestants with the names of the chiefe murtherers and murthered fol. 646.647 The King aduowes the murther with the Noble resolution of the yong Prince of Conde fol. 648. The Guisians deny to take the Massacre vpon them fol. 649. Warre against the Rochelois fol. 651. A decree against the Admirall fol. 652. A Comet in Nouember 1572. ibid. Sancerre beseeged and in great distresse for victualls fol. 653. Sancerre deliuered by an Admirable meanes yeelded after by composition fol. 654. The Duke of Aniou comes to campe and the Duke of Aumaule slaine fol. 655. Rochell after the enduring of nine assaultes makes a Peace fol. 656. Warre in Lanquedoc Quercy seegâ— of Sommiers fol. 657. In Gascony Viuaretz Daulphine fol. 658. The Protestants order in Languedoc with their Petitions AdmonitioÌ„s to the King fol. 659. Chaâ—les faâ—ls dangerously sick and new practises in Court fol. 660. Beginning of the fourth troubles fol. 661. The Marshall Mommorency put into the Bastile Count Montgomery taken fol. 662. The Prince of Condies retreate into Germany fol. 663. Charles his death and disposition ibid. Henry the 3. of that name 62. King of Francâ— COnfirmation of the Queenes regency fol. 665 Danuille suspected at Tholouse associates himselfe with the Protestants 〈◊〉 666. Warre in Daulphine Viuaretz Poitou Fontenay surprised ibiâ— Lusignan yeelded and Pousin beseeged fol. 668 Estate of Languedock Livron honored with a second seege fol. 669. Cardinall of Lorraine dies fol. 670. Warre betweene the Marshall Danuille and the Duke of Vsez fol. 671. The Kings Coronation and marriage ibid. Negotiation of Peace fol. 672. Sedition at Marseilles Monbrun defeates Gordâ—â— is afterwards ouerthrowne taken and vniustly put to death fol. 673. L'Edigueres chiefe in Daulphine fol. 674. The Duke of Alanson discontented ibid. The Dukes declaration fol. 675. The Queene Mother goes to the Duke of Alanson fol. 676. The Queene mothers second voyage to the Duke fol. 677. The King of Nauar escapes from Court fol. 678. The fifth Edict of Peace ibid. Breach of Peace preparatiues of new trobles fol 679. The practises desseignes of the house of Guise at Rome and in Spaine fol. 680. The first League at Peronne fol. 681. The Duke of Alanson reconciled to the King the beginning of the parliament fol. 682. The King of Nauars request to the Estates ibid. The Prince of Condes answere 〈◊〉 683. The sixt ciuill warre by the Dukes of Aniou and Mayenne ibid. The Peace of Poytiers Articles of hard Execution fol. 684. The Kings behauior during the Peace fol. 685. The Order of the Holy Ghost erected ibid. Prolongation of Townes granted to the Protestants and newe motiues of Rebellion fol. 686. The Kingâ— of Nauarre solicites to ioyne with the League and the Duke of Aniou dies ibid. The League presented to the Pope but not approued fol. 687. Duke Espernons voyage in Gascony and new motiues of the League fol. 688. The Kings the King of Nauares declaration fol. 689. The League weake and the Duke of Guise fortified by a Peace fol. 690. Warre against the Protestants fol. 691. Pope Sixtus the 5. excommunicates the King of Nauar and the Prince of Conde fol. 692. The voyage of Anger 's and the Castle taken fol. 693. The Prince of Conde in route fol. 694 The Prince of Condes second marriage fol. 695. The death of 4. Brethren of Lauall ibid. The Queene mothers conference with the King of Nauar. fol. 696. The Duke of Bouillon chiefe of the Germaine Army fol. 697. The King desires Peace the Duke will haue war which is concluded the Kings Army the Protestants army with the causes of the affliction of France fol. 698. Entrie of the strangers with the errors of their Army fol. 699. Battaile of Coutras where the Duke of Ioyeuse is slaine fol. 700. The Geâ—maine Army in Beause charged at Vimorry fol. 701. Death of the Duke of Bouillon fol. 703. Disposition of the Duke of Guise ibid. Death of the Prince of Conde fol. 704. The Duke of Guise leaues the warre of Sedan comes to Paris fol. 705. Barricadoes at Paris fol. 706. The King retires