of the Realme being very carefull to entertaine their loues Richard Duke of Normandie was one of his most confident friends whom hee had gratified mainteining him in the possession of his estate Hee receiued requitall of this good turne with interest in the person of Hugh his sonne to seate him in the royall throne as our History shall declare But all these aduantages were not onely crowned with a goodly and great offspring but also with a sonne endowed with singular graces both of body and minde Hee had sixe Sonnes and two Daughters The offspring of Hugues the great but his eldest was the chieâ—e heire of his name vertue authority credit and happinesse with such successe as he made perfect the worke his father had begun Hee was named Hugues and by surname Capet eyther for that he had a great head He was called Capitosus or that being young hee was accustomed to catch at his companions cappes as a presage of that hee should do to Kings Othâ— and Henry two other sonnes of Hugues were Dukes of Bourgongne one after another his other sonnes were aduanced to Ecclesiasticall dignities the one Archbishop of Tholouse the other of Rouan and the third dyed young One of his Daughters was married to the Duke of Normandie the other to Frederike Earle of Metz. Hee had taken his first wife from England the Daughter of King Edward and sister to Queene Ogina the wife of Charles the Simple mother to Lewis the fourth and although he had no children by her yet did he carefully preserue the friendship of this allyance and before his death he chose a wife out of this great house for Hugh Capet his eldest sonne the which was Adelais the daughter of King Edward Thus he fortified his greatnesse by all meanes the which raised his posterity to the royall throne purchasing credit both within and without the Realme by all meanes fitte to establish a great family These were the ordinary proceedings which humaine pollicie being the gift of God and a branch of his wisdome in those that he will blesse leauing the wretched plonged in their wretchednesse by their owne indiscretion doth vsually prescribe to wise and carefull men But Hugues the great had another benefit which surmounted all these his great meanes or the force of his friendships and alliances hauing a sonne capable of iudgement for great attempts fit for the time brought vp and instructed by himselfe To conclude all things were so disposed in France as they must necessarily receiue him for King Necessity the generall consent both of great and small and a meanes to preserue the Crowne from ruine the which hee alone could effect But if the French were forward in seeking to him Hugues was so much the more incouraged to imbrace so great and famous a dignity And in the execution of this generous desseigne hee carried himselfe with so great wisdome moderation and dexteritye as wee may well say that God called him as it were from heauen There remayned nothing but an orderly proceding to that which reason presented vnto them Hugues beganne with the greatest who had a speciall interest to preserue what they held Hugh Capets proceeding to attaine the Crowne He treated mildly with them for the coÌ„mon necessitie The condition was To leaue them all that by inheritance which they held of the Crowne by title of office and they to do homage and acknowledge him for their lawfull King Thus was the accord made betwixt the Nobilitie of France Hugh Capet profitable for the great meÌ„ necessarie for the people honorable for Hugues beneficial for the realme for by this meane the realme was maintained in one bodie vnder the authoritie of one absolute Commaunder Hugues was well furnished hauing a sonne capable of the realme which was hereditarie The better sort had what they could desire for them or theirs A Parlement called at Noyon â—or the election of Hugh Capet and the people remayned in quiet after so many miseries Things being thus disposed on all sides the Parliament assembles at Noyon whither they runne from all parts and both necessitie and desire to winne his fauour to whome reason should assigne the Realme brought all the citties and made such hast thither as sought to settle their priuat estates by this publike authoritie Hugh failes not likewise to call all his friendes to reape the frute so long sought for with so great paine and trauaile both by himselfe and his father and now to imploy them as in a day of battaile The assembly was great by the concurse of all the Prouinces and Citties of the Realme which repaired thither It was the more famous for that in shew the French offâ—red the Realme to Capet as if hee had not affected it As things passe in this sort Charles Duke of Lorraine well aduertised of the Frenchmens intent the desseignes of Hugh labours to preuent him and being resolued to imploy all his forces hee begins first by admonitions but so ill seasoned as it made the way more easie for Capet for hee sends his Ambassadors to the assembly of the States not to intreat them to receiue him into their fauours Charles sends his Ambassadors to the Estates and and so to the Crowne according to his hereditarie right but to summon them That if they did not speedily obey hee would reduce them to obedience by force The French alreadie incensed against Charles and hauing placed their hopes in Hugh being present and soliciting for himselfe assisted with his best friends fell into so great a rage against Charles by his rough and importune speeches as hardly could the law of nations restraine them from doing some outrage vnto his Ambassadors for their indiscretion Then the Estates inact by a sollemne decree That for as much as Charles had shewed himselfe a friend to the enemies of France I reiâ—cted from the Crowne and a sworne enemie to the French so likewise did the French renounce his friendship declaring him incapable of the benefit of the Law both for that hee gaue the first cause as also not being bound to acknowledge him for King that is an enemie to the State their oth binding them to a King which is a father iust wise mild and temperate And therefore Betweene God and their consciences without any alteration of the fundamentall law they renounce him and declare that their intention is to choose a King which should prouide for the quiet of France They deliuer this declaration to Charles his Ambassadors commanding them to auoid the Realme presently Thus Charles his reiection was the raysing of Hugh Capet for presently the generall estates assembled in one bodie and representing all the Prouinces of the Realme declare by an autentike and sollemne decree That being necessarie to choose a King for the preseruation of the Crowne of France destitute as well by the death of Lewis the fift as by the apparent treacherie of Charles Duke of Lorraine That in
Venaâ—sin and in Prouence He besiegeth Auignon and takes it from thence he passeth into Prouence where as all yeelds to his will The Counties of Viuaret and Dié yeelds without blowes and many families were made desolate Dâ—sâ—lation of the Albigeois by Lewis by the rigour of these Edicts which did forfaite both bodies and goods The house of Montlor one of the greatest of Viuaret hauing followed the Albigeois partie being cursed makes his peace by meanes of the Towne of Argentiere giuen to the Bishp of Viuiers who enioyeth it vnto this day These poore miserable people were dispersed here and there and such as remained in the Countrie were forced to acknowledge the Pope as soueraigne pastor of the Church This heat was for a while restrained but the seeds were not rooted out as we shall see in the following raignes Lewis hauing thus subdued the Albigeois gaue order to suppresse them if they should rise againe appointing the Marshall Foy of the house of Myrâ—pois to command his forces and leauing the Lord of Beauieu for Gouernor and Lieutenant generall of Languedoc he tooke his way towards France But comming to Montpensier in Auuergne hee dyed in the yeare 1225. the 27. of October leauing foure sonnes by his Wife Blanche Lewis which succeeded him Robert Earle of Arthois who dyed in Morea Alphonso Earle of Poitiers and Charles Earle of Aniou who shall be Earle of Prouence and King of Sicilia and Ierusalem Lewis dyes In this yeare the Flemings were much disquieted by meanes of an Impostor who said he was their Prince but hee receiued condigne punishment for his rashnesse and by his death this error vanished wherewith many had beene bewitched Lewis the eldest sonne of France succeeding his father goes now to sit in the royall Throne LEWIS the 9. called Saint Lewis 1227. the 44. King of France LEWIS .9 KING OF FRANCE XXXXIIII THE piety and good disposition of this Prince consecrated to the happy memory of his posterity represented vnto France goodly first fruites but his age not yet capable to gouerne the helme of this Monarchie suffred him onely to take the first and most pretious gage of his lawfull and hereditarie right for being but twelue yeares old he was crowned at Rheims but his mother Blanche a wise and couragious Princesse tooke vpon her the gouernment of his person and Realme Blanche regent of the Kâ—nâ— and realmâ— according to the the decree of Lewis the 8. who knowing her capacitie had appointed her for Regent He began to raigne in the yeare 1227. Blanche had much honour in the education and instruction of her Sonne the which purchased her the free consent of the Estates assembled at Paris to be admitted Regent but this was not pleasing to the Princes of the bâ—oud who pretended this prerogatiue to appertaine vnto them and not to a woman and a stranger borne From these discontents sprung two warres in France in the beginning of this raigne the which were suppressed not onely by the discretion of Blanche but also by the wisdome and valour of young Lewis who then played his parte with so good successe as he purchased great credit in his youth The heads of this faction were Philip Earle of Bologne A Faction in France for the Regencâ—â— Vncle to the King by the Fathers side Robert Earle of Champagne Peter of Dreux Duke of Brittanie and Robert Earle of Dreux his Brother Princes of the bloud valiant and factious men who had imbarked many of the Nobility vnder a goodly pretext That it was not reasonable a Spanish woman abusing the Kings minoritie should gouerne the Realme at her pleasuâ—e and by the Councell of Spaniards whom she aduanced reiecting the Princes keepâ—ng back the Naturall French from all preferments But that which was most to be feared in this occurrent of affaires was that Raymond Earle of Tholouse who had so great a subiect of discontent against the King being spoiled of the greatest part of his estate should ioyne with that partie and drawe his cousin the Earle of Prouence into the same quarrell Men which were neither dull witted nor goutie handed and who were nothing altered in minde although they had made a good shew yeelding to necessitie the which Blanche preuented happily winning Count Raymond who now began to rise in Languedock by the mariage of Ioane his only Daughter with Alphonso the Kings brother Languedoc annexed to the Crowne by mariage and Earle of Poitiers vpon condition that Raymond should enioy it during his life and that after his death the said Alphonso should succeed in the right of his wife and if they had no issue the Earldome with all the dependances should returne to the Crowne as to his first beginning Thus Languedock shaken at the first by Armes as we haue said was honourablie vnited to the Crowne of France by this accord as the Historie will hereafter shew in the raigne of Philip sonne to our Lewis By the like meanes she drew Robert Earle of Champagne vnto her a very factious man and did not onely thereby weaken the party of these discontented Princes thus disioyned by withdrawing the most sufficient man they had but also shee imployed him against them There remained a Triumuirate Blanch supplanâ—s the discontented Princes the which she deuided They made a good shew but Blanche did cunningly countermine them discouering their actions euen within their Cabinets where she found accesse by money In the end their practise must breake forth The Earle of Bologne fortified Calais and the Duke of Brittaine with the Earle of Dreux did purposely demand some of the Crowne lands which they knew well that Blanche would not yeeld vnto as Inalienable whereby they might pretend some colour to rebell They now go to armes and at the first seize vpon Saint Iames of Beâ—ron and of Belesme Blanche flies to the Maiestie of the King and threatens these armed Princes to proclaime them rebels and guiltie of high treason if they obey not The confederate Princes answer That they most humblie beseeche his Maiestie to giue them free accesse to complaine of his Mother who abused both his name and his authoritie Blanche admits them being well aduertised by the Earle of Champagne that their intent was vnder colour of this parley to seize vpon the Kings person Their desire was to haue this meeting at Vendosme but they had layde their ambush neerer to surprise him by the way Lewis in danger to be surprised by his rebels They had aduanced their troupes to Corbeil when as the King parted from Paris being arriued at Mont-lehery newes came that the troupes marched to surprize him The King retires to the Castell then being of some strength and Blanche giues it out that the King is in a manner besieged The Parisians aâ—me speedily and goe in great troupes to fetch their King to make the Leaguers thereby more odious and to confirme the Queenes authoritie These Princes being thus discouered
his sonne are contayned in this Empire for he died in the yeare 1â—78 Before his death hee prouided that Wenceslâ—s his sonne should succeed him in the Imperiall dignity At the first he married Blanche Countesse of Valois daughter to Charles Earle of Valois and sister to Philip of Valois King of France beeing very yong for she was but seauen yeares old when shee was betrothed vnto him hee had beene bred vp in the Court of France and learned the French humors he loued our crowne better then our Lawes A Prince wholy inclined to his owne particular making shewe to loue our Kings but vndâ—â—hand hee supported their enimies against them Thâ—s was the principall reason why his comming into France proued fruitelesse after so long a voyage and so great expences ministring a sufficient cause of iealousie to our Charles who gaue him the best entertainement he could to make him knowne that the sâ—ueraignty which he pretended to haue ouer France was but a dreame Yet hee suffered the Country of Daulphiné which they called the Empire as a member of the auncient Realme of Arles to bee wholy infranchised from that subiection to cut of all pretensions from his successors imbracing the commodity to settle his affaires euen by their meanes who he knew were not his friends This Emperour Charles the 4. did all he could both in Italy and Germany to apply vnto himselfe the â—ights of the Empire being wholy inclined to his owne profit The Emperours disposition for the which he vsed the name of Iustice good order being more learned in law then in doing right and hauing more knowledge then conscience It is he which made the Golden Bull both to rule the Election of the Emperour and the rights and dignity of the Empire The former confusions of the Empire had so dispensed all priuate gouernours of countries and citties as euery one played the Emperour in his gouernement These tyrannicall disorders were the cause of the Cantons in Suisserland Originall of the Cantons in Suisserland who since haue established a goodly commonweale consisting of thirteene Cantons who maintaine themselues with great order and force hauing the amity and alliance of the neighbour monarchs and an honourable place among the Estates of Christendome vnto this day Their particular history belongs not to our subiect it sufficeth to haue noted their beginning and the occasion of their common weale newly erected in the disorders of that age The church of Rome was in very poore estate first by the coÌ„tinual factions of the Guelphs â—helins and of it selfe by a distraction bred by an open schisme hauing two Popes Estate of the Church two chaâ—es two seas and a deadly hatred the which troubled al the Kings princes of chrisâ—endome some defending the Pope others the Antipope as his opposite We haue said that in the raigne of Philip of Valois the Pontificall Sea was translated from Rome to Auignon where it continued about 70. years Clement 6. hauing bought this citty for his successors being a pleasant and frutefull seate These quarrells continued with such violent passions had tyred mens minds like as a long processe doth weaâ—y the most obstinate pleaders The Popes beeing absent from Rome goueâ—ned the estate of Italy by three Cardinals their Legats but all went to ruine Gregorie 5. a Limosin being chosen Pope at Auignon went to Rome to redresse these confusions wherein there was small helpe Being receiued with an incredible ioy of the Romanes Diuision at Rome for the Election of a new Pope and of all Italy he returnes no more to Auignon but passeth the rest of his daies at Rome After his death the people with all vehemency require a Romane borne or an Italian for Pope but there was some difficulty in the election for the Colledge consisted for the most part of French Cardinalls who desired to haue one of their owne nation They were much diuided but the Cardinalls fearing the peoples fury armed with an intent to murther them if they did not choose one of their nation yeelded to the election of a Neapolitane named Bartholomew who was receiued and proclaymed by the name of Vâ—ban the sixt But within few dayes after the Malecontents retyred from Rome vnder colour to flie the plague to Fundy a towne in the Realme of Naples of the French faction by meanes of Queene Ioane An Antipope chosen when they did choose Clement the 7. a Limosin who retyred to Auignon and was opposite to Vrban the 6. with open deffyance one of an other which schisme continued vntill the Counsell of Coâ—stance each Pope with his faction Clement had for him the Kings of France Casâ—ile and Scotland Vrban had the Emperour the Kings of England and Hungary Clement held his seat at Auignon and Vrban at Rome In those dayes liued Bartholl Baldus Petrarch Boccatio Planudes a Greeke by nation Bonauenture and Iohn Wicliâ—e These hurliburlies touched the hearts opened the mouthes of many good men wonderfully grieued to see such diuision in the Church apparantly growne by the ambition of such as had greatest authority in the same Their writings lye open to their reasonable complaints which euery one may read without any further discourse CHARLES the sixt 53. King of France CHARLES VI. KINGE OF FRANCE .53 AS it is necessary to haue some direction to passe through a Laborinth so this crooked raigne hath need of some order to guide vs 1380. in the disorder of so many obscure confusions Necessarie obseruations for the vnderstanding of this raigne which we are to represent I will first obserue the most famous acts and worthiest personages of this raigne and then will I distinguish the subiect according to the occurrents This miserable raigne continued 42. yeares beginning in the yeare 1380. and ending in the yeare 1422. The seuerall dates Charles the 6. succeded hâ—â— father Charles the 5. at the age of 12. yeares being borne in the yeare 1368. he was crowned in the yeare 80. married in 84. dismissed his Tutors to raigne alone in 87. falles 〈◊〉 a phrensie in 93. and dyes in the yeare 1422. So being vnder age with his Tutors and of age in peâ—fect sense he raigned 13. yeares and liued in his phrensie 29. yeares Who sees noâ— then the iust calculation of 42. yeares in this raigne Châ—rles the 5. his father had three brethren Lewis Duke of Aniou Iohn Duke of Berry and Philip Duke of Bourgogne Queene Ioane daughter to Peter Duke of Bourbon The Kings Vncles wife to Câ—arles the fift and mother to Charles the sixt had one brother Iames Duke of Bourbon Thâ—se foure vncles shall plaie their parts vpon this stage in diuers occurrents but let vs adde â—he rest euery one shall haue his turne We haue said that Charles the wise left two sonnes this Charles the 6. whose raigne we now defer be and Lewis Duke of Orleance And our Charles had three sonnes Lewis Iohn and Charles and one
he would not accept of this gouernment without the good liking of the Duke of Berry so as all the punishment fell vpon Betizac his chiefe Treasurer who 〈◊〉 burnt at Beziers Betizac the Dukes treasurer burnt purging in the fire the extorsions he had committed vnder his maisterâ— authoritie At that time Charles King of Nauarre died so often blemished in the truth of this historie we haue noted how he had retired himselfe from Court into his realme of Nauarre As this retreat was vnto him a reprochfull banishment so this shamefull solitarinesse was a ciuill death But the Catastrophe of his tragicall life was a famous proofe that God doth often reuenge notable sinnes by notable punishments euen in this life He was much broken by the excesse of venery and all sorts of dissolutions the which he had exceedinglie vsed with his wonderfull tyrannie and crueltie As they did anoint him with medicines fit to warme and comfort his benummed members some say they had chafed him with Aqua-vitae The tragicall 〈◊〉 of the Nauarroâ— and wrapt him in a sheete but behold fire takes hold of this sheete with such violence as being vnable to quench it he was consumed by degrees liuing some daies as suruiuing his paine and that which encreased the horror of Gods iudgement his death made both great and small to reioyce and was receiued in France with as great content as the winning of a great and famous battaile Great robbing during the truce There was a generall truce betwixt the French and English so as the garrisons lying stâ—ll the Souldiars bred vp and nourished in armes fighting no more by order vnder their eâ—sâ—gnes sought now their prey by disorder vpon the labourer and marchant The countries of Rouergue Perigort Limosin Auuergne and La Marche had English garrisons who spoiled these countries and did runne vp into the neerest parts of Languedoc Velai Geuaudan Viuarez and Suenes where the villages are for the most part walled in to preuent these sodaine incursions There were many theeues amongst them Teste noire or Black-pate in the Castell of Ventador Amerigor Marcel at Roâ—h-Vandais who breaking the truce sought to be supported by the King of England but in the end they all fell into the hang-mans hands or perished miserably by some strange death an Image of our late confusions Libertie had bred vp these warriours with so great aboundance as the English passed the sea to make Turneys and to fight at Barriers as they vse at great Triumphes There was a Tilt set vp betwixt Calais and Saint Iaquelvuert where the Nobilitie made triall of their valour as in a Schoole of Fence To take away this troublesome aboundance they tooke occasions to make long voyages into Castille and Italie but in the end there was a very famous one offred against the miscreaâ—ts of Barbarie at the Geneuois request who suffred many discommodites in their traffick by these barbarous Affricans Charles granted them succours willingly and gaue the charge of this warre to Peter duke of Burbon assisted with the Earles of Auuergne and Foix the Lords of Coucy Guy of Tremouille A voyage into Affâ—â—â—ke by â—he Frenâ—h English together Iohn of Vienne Admirall of France Philip of Arthois Earle of Eu Philip of Bar Harcourt Antoing Linge Pyquiny and many other great men from all parts of the Realme which ranne to so famous an action vnder so worthy a commander and at so great leysure more painfull then the toyle of warre to men that desired nothing but imployment Richard King of England to imitate Charles granted succours to the Geneuois vnder the command of the Earle of Salisburie accompanied with many Noble men and Engâ—â—sh Gentlemen moued with desire like vnto the French in the enterprise of this pleasing paine The Deputies of the Kings of France and England assembled to treate of a generall peace but not able to effect it they continue a truce for foure yeares with goodly pâ—ouisions against robberies for the safetie and quiet of their Estates Charles gaue free passage to the English by the Countries of Langâ—edâ—â— and Daulphiné to passe the Alpes safelie All come to Genes to the great ioy of the Geneuois Being shipt they land within fewe dayes in Barbarie Presently they beseege the Citty of Affricke So our histore termes it as bearing the name of all the vast and barbarous counâ—ry They call the Afâ—ricanic commanders Agadinquor of Oliferne and Brahadist of Thunes But our Argonautes found them which stayed their fuâ—y The Barbarians defended themselues with an obstinate resolution But their foâ—ce did them lesse harme then the ayre and diet beeing very contrary to theiâ— complexions so as our armie decreased dayly especially of men of accompt This siege conâ—inued six weekes with much losse no hope to preuaile The 〈◊〉 noated alwaâ—es to be â—aithlâ—sse The Geneuois hauing conceiued a hope of a sodaine victorie began to grow cold and slacke in furnishing of the armie The Duke of Bourbon foreseeing the difficulties which might grow in continuing obstinaâ—e at this siege fearing the winter and not trusting the Geneuois who are famous for that they haue no faith remembring the example of the King S. Lewis resolued to returne wiâ—hout any greater losse He trusseth vp his baggage bringes backe his troupes into France coÌ„tinuing the example to al such as are capable of reasoÌ„ how difficult it is for Christâ—ans to performe these strange attempts after the experience of many ages The â—rench and the English hauing liued louingly together in this voyage returned to their houses without doing of any memorable act but to haue endeauored to doe sometâ—ing worthy of memory to auoide idlenesse during so peacefull a time â—ritâ—aine did then conceiue and afterwards bring forth more preiudiciall effects then Bâ—rbary iâ— selâ—â— and the way was made by light occasions to horrible and monstrous efâ—ects to the great preiudicâ— both of the King and Realme for a notable tesâ—imonie to posterity what Councellors Enuye and ambition be in a state we like wretches seeke for peace and when God gâ—ues it we flie from it we maligne an other mans good and depâ—â—ue our selues of our owne But alas it were a small matter for a great personage to hurâ— himselfe by his owne passions if this poison did not spred abroad to the preiudice of â—he common weale We haue said that Iohn of Montfort remained peaceably Duke of Brittaine by the death of Charles of Blois and the agreement he made with his widow Hatred betwixt the duke of Briâ—â—â—ine the Constable Clisson whose eldest sonne Iohn of Brittâ—ine Earle of Ponthieure was redeemed from prison out of England by the constable Clisson who gaue him his daughter in marriage payed his â—ansome The constable was a Briâ—ton and so a subiect to Iohn of Montfort Duke of Brittaine his ancient and capitall â—nimy and yet by this newe succession was become his Lord. Doubtlesse in this quality Clisson could not
not to deale at all in the warres which Lewis pretended against them A foule and dishonest trafficke made to the preiudice of so great personages The Duke signes and sweares this fraudulent and counterfeit peace A blowe able to amaze the Dukes of Guienne and Brittaine at the first hearing to see themselues thus abandoned of their chiefe support But he repayres it with an after blow by letters of credit writteÌ„ with his own hand giues theÌ„ aduice to continue their course that his intent was only to recouer his townes vpoÌ„ Somme Notable deâ—â—â— and 〈◊〉 which done he will beseech the King by especiall Ambassadors to desist froÌ„ making war against theÌ„ vpon his refusal he will succour theÌ„ with body goods that as the King at his pleasure had brokeÌ„ the treaties of CoÌ„â—tans Peronne so might he infringe his promise oath As for the Earles of Neuers and S. Paul Constable although he had a iust occasion to hate them 1472. yet would he remit their iniuries and suffer them to inioy their owne and beseech the King to doe the like by the Dukes of Guienne and Brittanie suffering euery one to liue in peace and safetie vnder the Articles respectiuely accorded if not he would succour his allies Craon and Oriole had likewise sworne for the King leading Simon of Quinchi a gentleman bred vp in the Dukes house to receiue the othe of his Maiestie But from a new subiect springs a new proiect Behold newes are brought that the Duke of Guienne is sick and without hope of recouerie Vpon this aduice the King delaies the oath findes â—uasions attending the course of his disease and in the meane time doth speedily seize vpon many places of Xaintonge he doth presse Rochell the which vpon these accidents of reconciliation and sicknesse inclines to a composition he withdrawes many of his brothers chiefe seruants and resolues to signe this peace as the sundrie euents of his affaires should lead him and in the meane space he protracts time with the Bourguignon during the which Charles Duke of Guienne dyes at Bourdeaux the 12. of May The Duke of Guienne dyes by the which Lewis recouers the Duchie without blowes and moreouer retaines Amiens and Saint Quintins O subtill wits both deceiuers but not of like industrie so our Lewis shall more easilie auoide the snare But oh death in generall which by the dissolution of the body and soule doest dissolue great desseings The Brittons were ready to enter building vpon great intelligences and practises within the Realme the which without doubt had much troubled the State But oh vnseasonable death in particular how fitly shalt thou serue to shadow the filthy and hatefull yet well coloured reproches of enemies and the murmurings of the most respectiue A death too much neglected but by some affectionate seruants to the deceased Duke who discouer that Iourdain Faure borne 〈…〉 Daulphiné great Almoner to the Duke and Abbot of S. Iohn d' Angely By poison assisted 〈◊〉 Henry de la Roche one of the said Dukes Kitchin had hastened his death by so violâ—nt a â—â—â—â—â—â—son that with a strange and lamentable contraction of his sinews his hayre 〈◊〉 and teeth fell out before his death The Lord of Lescut retired himselfe into Brittanie leading prisoners with him these cursed murtherers Note the murtherers of Princes where the Abbot was found one morning starke dead in his Chamber with a Thunder-clap Hauing his face swollen his body and visage black as a coale and his tongue hanging halfe a foote out of his mouth God doing that iustice in the twinckling of an eye which men delayed Let vs confesse the trueth and without passion the veritie of the Historie doth presse vs vnto it that Charles had beene an ill brother and ought more honour and obedience to him to whom that great Author of Nature had giuen the right of eldership aboue him yet should he haue beene regarded as a sonne of France Note and from his infancie receiue a portion fit for the entertainment of his estate and house Kings haue alwaies power to comptroule the insolencies of their neerest allied when they forget their duties But howsoeuer let vs obserue the order of diuine iustice who easily raiseth vp home-bred scourges but in the end he doth cast the rod into the fire Lewis must be measured with the same proportion he had measured his father and Charles must suffer for the rashnesse of his rebellions This death being little lamented makes such to speake as had but too diligently obserued Lewis his speech hearing one day of the death of the King of Castils brother He is but too happy saith he to haue lost his brother but hatred and ill will grounds their passions euen vpon a Needles point At the same instant Nicholas Marquis of Pont heire of the house of Aniou one of the aboue named riualles made sure to Anne the eldest daughter of Lewis abused with the great yet vaine promises of the Duke of Bourgongne renounced this so worthy an alliance of hâ—s Soueraigne Lord for a frustratorie hope which the vassalle gaue him to marry his daughter but he was ignorant that death the yeare following would punish this rashnesse and preuent him from the inioying either of Anne or Marie The Marquis of Pont dyes and the Earle of Eu. A season likewise famous by the death of Charles Earle of Eu a wise and vertuous Prince whose faithfull seruice to France deserues this testimonie that being sonne to Philip of Bourgongne Earle of Neuers and Rethel and grand-child to Philip the hardie a sonne of France and Duke of Burgongne and by consequence neere kinsman to Charles yet in all these combustions he had faithfully serued the King and preferred the Flower-de-Luce before the Red Crosse. Let vs likewise obserue the death of William Chartier Bishop of Paris The Bishop of Paris dyes who after his conference with the League before Paris in the Kings absence was alwaies in such disgrace with him as after his death Lewis caused his Epitaph to be changed making mention of the bad seruices he had done him during the warre of the common-weale suborning the inhabitants in fauour of the Burguignon The death of the Duke of Guienne had wonderfully afflicted Charles of Bourgongne to increase it he had intelligence that the Brittons would not arme considering that he was dead for whom they should rise In the meane time the chance was cast he had beene at great charge The Bourguignons practises against Lewis and to turne head without restitution were a shame but that which made him mad Amiens and S. Quentin were lost he must hazard all And first he writes to many townes he chargeth the King to haue consented to his brothers death and labours to draw them into armes declaring himselfe their protector but no man stirres so the small effect of his letters sets him on fire and in this choller he marcheth to Neâ—le
in the Kings name of the which Lewis Duke Orleans should be president Lewis discontented with this deuice seeks to hold his ranke hee pretends that being the chief Prince of the bloud the Regencie belonged vnto him assists at the Counsell in Parliament and in the assemblies in Towne and notwithstanding the last wiâ—l of King Lewis and the decree of the Estates yet will hee by force haue the name and effect of Regent But our Kings who may not to preiudice the elder or for want of issue their neerest kinsman being a male and legitimate dispose of their Crowne haue they not then power to comit the gard of their children being yet pupils the Regencie of the Realme to whome they please Moreouer was it reasonable that hee which was not yet fiue and twentie yeeres old who liued vnder his mothers wing who by right had yet need of a gouernor should bee declared capable for the gouernment of this Realme So want of yeares depriued his grandfather of the same dignitie during the phrenesie of Charles the 6. This discontent is nourished by a newe accident Lewis playing one day at Tenis where the Ladies were present there fell a blowe in controuersie the which Anne iudged for the aduerse part Lewis otherwise mooued casts out some word The Duke of Orleans discontented leaues the Court. The Duke of Loâ—â—aines pretension importing a lye Anne discontented herewith causeth it to bee decreed in Counsell that the Duke should bee committed prisoner hee is aduertised thereof by Iohn Louen or Louuaine a gentleman of his house and so retires to the Duke of Alançon The Duke of Lorraine was come to demand the Duchie of Barre the which Lewis the eleuenth had possessed and the Earldome of Prouence which hee pretended to be his as sonne to the daughter of René King of Sicile Duke of Aniou and Earle of Prouence and by consequence the neerest kinsman to Charles Duke of Aniou who by transaction and testament had made Lewis the eleuenth his heâ—re who was but nephewe to René and sonne to Charles of Aniou Earle of Maine his brother Bâ—rre was restored and the Loâ—raine had a hundred men at armes entertained with thirtie sixe thousand fâ—anks for foure yeares during the wâ—iâ—h tâ—ey should looke into the title of the said Earldome During this terme some well acquainted with the Estate of Prouence produce certaine testaments of Charles the first of that name brother to Saint Lewis and Earle of Prouence by his wife and of other Kiâ—gs of Sicile which had beene of the house of France by the which the house of Lorraine was not onely excluded from the succession of Prouence not lyable to the daughâ—er while there remained a sonne of the race but that also the Realme of Sicile and all other Seigneâ—ries possessed by the house of Aniou belonged to the King That King Râ—né hauing regard to the said testaments A League made by the Duke of Orleans had at his death preferred his nephew Charles before the â—aid Duke of Lorraine sonne to his daughter The Duke oâ— Orleans greeued to bee thus excluded from his pretensions and that Anne alone gouerned the King her Brother he practiseth the Dukes of Bourâ—on Alançon and Brittaine the cheefe support and refuge of the discontented French the Earle of Angoulesme â—ohn Vicount of Narbonne Francis Earle of Longueuille and maâ—y others Alain Lord of Albret hoping by the meanes of Lewis whome he found to haue great credit with the Duke of Brittaine to manie with Anne A foolish warre the eldest daughter of the said Duke hauing not duly examined the heart of Lewis enters easily into this faction Thus all things threaten a horrible and pernitious war but more in shew then effect Lewis with his allies assembles some troupes and thinking to put them into Orleance the Inhabitants giue him to vnderstand by the Lord of Ioyeuze deputed there on his behalfe that hee might wel enter with his houshold but not with his souâ—dâ—rs Boâ—sgencie was then his retiring place 1485. Anne the twelue Counsellors cause him to be besieged by Francis Earle of Vendosme Lewis his brother Earle of Roche-sur-Yon René Duke of Lorâ—aine whom the sayd Ladie had wholy woon vnto her knowing him to be resolute vehement of faction 〈◊〉 Peter of Rohan Lord of Gâ—é Marshall of France In the end this warre was pacified by this agrement That the Duke oâ— Orleans should come to Court An accord and inioy the place that belonged vnto him but Francis Earle of Dunois the Dukes right hand a busie-bodie the first author of the trouble should retire himselfe into the Countie of Ast belonging to the said Duke or to what other place he pleased without the realme Must Lewis then bring his confederats in disgrace with the king now abandon them Behold the Duke of Bourbon the Earle of Angoulesme leading .300 Lances To the preiudice of his Confederatâ— 8. thousand foote and about eighteene hundred gentlemen of Auuergne Bourbanois Forest Beauieulois and Angoulesmois Alain 8 or 9. thousand fighting men If Lewis had attended them in some place of strength how dangerously had he shaken the new Estate of Charles not well setled during his minoritie But hee had too good a mind to teare out his owne bowels in their persons whom the law in time should submit vnto him and dismember the Crowne which he should weare in his turne Anne disperâ—â— this storme causeth the Earle of Beauieu her husband to incounter their troupes force the Duke of Orleans to march in person against those that came to his seruice They were all Frenchmen as they were lightly armed so were they as lightly disarmed the Marshal of Gié and the Chamberlane of Grauille shall easiâ—y reconcile them Alain being stopt in his passage of Garonne at S. Basille by the Earles of Vendosme Roche-sur-Yon was admtted to the same accord vpon charge to furnish the King a huÌ„dred men at armes for his seruice the which he deliuered vnder the command of S. Cyr and Forcais They are all dispersed the King at Amboise Lewis at Orleans Alain in Bazadois and all the rest to their houses the Vicont of Foix and Peter his brother being Cardinal at Nantes vnder colour to visit their sister wife to the Duke of Brittaine They find their brother in law much incensed against his Nobilitie they resolue to defend theÌ„selues But as both armies were ready to ioyne Troubles in Brittaine an accord is made by some medâ—ators That considering the Dâ—kes age weakenes of iudgemeÌ„t the State should be gâ—uerned by the aduice of his neerest kinsmen and friends Landais is reiected They are reconciled to the ruine of Landays and stormes he drawes letters pattents in the Dukes name declares al those of the Dukes army that had entered into capitulation with the enimies troupes guilty of high treason forfeiting all their goods as traitors he carries
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
the authority her sonne had left her and the free accesse she had vnto his person made a way to the execution of her desseine for hauing corrupted such as had the chiefe forces at their command and wonne them with her sonnes treasure shee seized on him puts out his eyes sends him into Exile where soone after hee died for greefe and tooke possession of the Empire These vnnaturall and tragicke furies were practised in the East The tragicall death of Constantin whilest that Charlemagne by his great valour built an Empire in the West Irene in her sonnes life would haue married him with the eldest daughter of Charlemagne but this accident crossed that desseine After the death of Constantin she sent to Charlemagne to excuse herselfe of the murther disauowing it and laying the blame vpon such as had done it without her command And to winne the good liking of Charles shee caused him to be dealt withall touching marriage for at that time Festrude was dead with promise to consent that he should bee declared Emperour of the West and to resigne vnto him the power of the East But Charlemagne would not accept thereof the Nobility and people of the Greeke Empire did so hate her as hauing suffred her the space of three yeares in the end they resolued to dispossesse her In this publicke detestation of this woman the murtheresse of her owne Childe Nicephorus a great Nobleman of Grece assisted by the greatest in Court and with the consent of the people seizeth on the Empire in taking of Irene Irene banished diuision of the Empire whome he onely banished to giue her means to liue better then she had done He afterwards treates and compounds with Charlemagne that the Empire of the East contynuing vnder his command that of the West should remaine to Charlemagne By this transaction of Nicephorus and the consent of the Greekes the possession of the Empire was ratified and confirmed to Charlemagne and then beganne the diuision of the two Empires East and West That of the West beganne with Charlemagne and continued in his race whilest his vertues did protect it afterwards it was transported to the Princes of Germanie 8â—6 who likewise acknowledged the Germaine stemme of Charlemagne borne at Wormes crowned at Spire and interred at Aix all Citties of Germanie and the truth sheweth that as the Originall so the first commaund of the French was wholie in Germanie Hetherto we haue represented breefly as wee could considering the greatnes and richnes of the matter what Charles did whilest he was King of France onely now wee must relate with the like stile what hath hapened worthie of memorie vnder his Empire His deeds while he was Emperour CHARLES liued fifteene yeares after hee had vnited the Romaine Empiâ—e to the French Monarchy Grimoald Duke of Beneuent sought to disturbe Italie for the Lombard Warre in Italie but Charles preuented it in time by the meanes of Pepin his sonne a worthie and valiant Prince Grimoald was thus vanquished yet intreated with all mildnes so as being restored to his Estate he became afterwards an affectionate and obedâ—ent seruant to Charlemagne who was a wise Conqueror both in his happie valour and the wise vsing of his victorie About the same time the warre in Saxonie was renued In Saxony being alwaies prone to rebellion with the warre against the Huns Bohemians Sclauoniens and the second against the Sarrazins The which I haue breefly reported in their proper places here I note them onely to shew the course of things according to the order of times the goodly light of truth At Veniâ—e 〈…〉 the repuâ—â—e He had likewise a great and dangerous warre against the Venetians wherein he imployed his sonne Pepin Obeliers and Becur great personages were the cheefe Commaunders for the Venetians The Emperour and his Frenchmen receiued a great check by the Venetians who had this onely fruite of their victorie that among all the people of Italie subdued by Charlemagne they alone were not vanquished but had happily made head against great Charlemagne They did greatly increase their name and reputation but nothing inlarged their territories by this conquest glad to haue defenâ—ed themselues against so noble and valiant an enemie By reason of this Venetian war Charles stayed some time in Italie to assure his estate He would haue the Countrie conquered from the Lombards to be called Lombardie with a new name to moderate their seruile condition by the continuance of their name in the ruine of their Estate Seing himselfe old and broken his children great wise and obedient he resolued to giue them portions 〈…〉 to his childâ—â—n and to assigne to euery one his Estate To Pepin he gaue Italy to Charles Germanie and the neighbour Countries keping Lewis his eldest sonne neere about him whom he appointed for the Empire and Realme of France Hee sought to reduce all his Estates vnder one Law An order for 〈…〉 making choise of the Romaine both for the dignitie of the Empire and being more ciuill but the French loth to alter anything of their customarie lawes hee suffred them as they desired and those which had longer serued the Romaines and loued best the Romaine Lawes he gaue them libertie So as Gaule Narbonnoise which comprehends Daulphiné Languedoc Prouence do vse the written Law as the ancient Prouince of the Romaines and the rest of France obserue their customary Lawes Denmarke a dependance of the realme of Germanie and part of Charles his portion The Daâ—eâ—â—â—uolt as we haue said was reuolted from the obedience of the French Charles by his fathers commaund prepares to subdue them but God had otherwise decreed for herevpon he dies to the great greefe of his father and all the French who loued the louely qualities of this Prince the true heire of his fathers name and vertues Charlemagne mourned for his yongest sonne Câ—â—â—les looseâ—h twâ— oâ— his 〈…〉 when as sodainly newes came of the vntimely death of 〈◊〉 his second sonne King of Italie a Prince of admirable hope a true patterne of hâ—s â—athers greatnesse Thus man purposeth and God disposeth thus the sonnes die before the father thus the greatest cannot free themselues from the common calamity of mankinde Thus great Kings and great Kingdomes haue their periods 809. Charlemagne lost his children and the realme her best support for these two Princes carried with them the fathers valour leauing Lewis their brother with large territories and few vertues to gouerne so great an estate After the death of theâ—e two great Princes many enemies did rise against Charles seeming as it were depriued of his two armes the Sarazins in Spaine the Selauons and the Normans in the Northerne regions Rebellion against Chaâ—les but he vanquâ—shed them all and brought them to obedience old and broken as hee was Wee haue shewed how that Nâ—cephorus had beene made Emperour by the death of Irene It chanced that as hee fought against the Bulgartens
Reason and respect of the common good fights for Robert The same reason ioyned with the royall authoritie armes for Charles against these new desseigne But God who guides the least moment of our life watcheth mightily for the preseruation of mâ—ankind and disposeth of Kingdomes by his wisedome had limited this bold attempt reseruing the change to another season and yet for the same â—ace of Robert Euen so the death of him that had crowned Robert was a foretelling of his owne The armies lodge in the heart of France neere vnto the great Cittie of Paris the seazing whereof was a maine point of State but see what happens he that thought to vanquish is vanquished As the armies approch neere to Soissons striuing in the vew of Paris who should doe best they ioyne The combat is very cruell but Robert fighting in the front is slaine Robert defeated and slaine by Chaâ—leâ— leauing for that time the victorie to Charles the simple and a â—onne in his house shall reuiue his desseine in his posteritie that is Hugues 〈…〉 to Hugh Capet â—he death of Robert did not daunt his armie but it continued firme vnder the commaund of Hebert Earle of Vermandois son in law to Robert And Charles did so ill manage hiâ— victorie as it became a trappe for his owne ruine for seeing these forces to stand fiâ—me hee seekes a treatie of peace with an vnseasonable feare Hebert imbraceth this occasion beseecheth Charles to come to Saint Quentins to confer togither Charles simple indeed comes thither without hostages Câ—aâ—les taken prisoner by 〈◊〉 Hebert hauing him in his power takes him priâ—oner And hauing declared vnto him the will of the French to haue the Realme gouerned by a more sufficient man then himselfe hee resolues to assemble the pâ—iâ—cipall of the Realme to that end conueies him to Chastean-Thierry and from thence to Soissons where hee had assembled the cheefe of the Realme chosen after his owne humor where hee makes him to resigne the Crowne to Raoul his godsonne the first Prince of the bloud by his mother Hermingrade daughterto Lewis and wife of Boson King of Bourgongne So this poore Prince is led from prison to prison for the space of fiue yeares yet 〈…〉 in his raigne and after hee had renounced his right hee payed nature his due Câ—aâ—les diâ—s oppâ—essed with greefe and dying of a languishing melancholie to see himselfe so ignominiously intreated by that audacious affront done by the treacherie of his owne vassall Qâ—eene Ogina flies to England wâ—â—h her sonne Lewiâ— He had to wife Ogina the daughter of Edward King of England a wise and a couragious Princesse by her he had a son named Lewis This poore Princesse seeing her husband prisoner and foreseeing the end of this Tragedie 908 by the strange beginning takes her sonne Lewis and flies speedily into England to her brother Aldesâ—on who then raigned yeelding to the time and the violent force of her enemies Thus Raoul was seated in the place of Charles the simple a Prince of apparent vertue and so they account him RAOVL the 32. King but in effect an vsurper of the Realme RAOVLE KING OF FRANCE XXXII HE was proclaimed and crowned King of France at Sâ—issons 923. in the yeare 923. and raigned about 13. yeares Raoul an vsurper his raigne was vnfortunate during Charles his imprisonment and after his death This raigne was painfull and vnfortunate Normandie Guienne Lorraine and Italy were the cause of mâ—ch fruitlesse labour Hee sought to suppresse the Normans and to repaire the errors of Charles the Grosse and Charles the Simple who were blamed to haue suâ—â—ered them to take footing in that country to the preiudice of the Crowne but he preuailed not nor yet in Lorraine nor in Guienne whether he made voyages with much brute and small fruite From thence hee turned his forces towards Italy where the State was much troubled by the decease of Boson and boldnesse of the Commanders who held the strongest places playing the Kings in refusing to acknowledge the Empire but in name and in effect they commanded as Soueraignes imagining their gouernments to be hereditary for their children Hee performed some things worthy of commendation in suppressing Berenger Duke of Friul 925. who hauing freed himselfe from the Empire had vanquished Lewis the sonne of Boson who inioyed Italie as we haue sayd as husband to the daughter of Lewis one of the sonnes of Lewis the gentle Raoul made a quiet end with Hugues Earle of Arles who had gotten possession of that goodly Cittie as gouernour seated in a fertile Countrie and very conuenient he suffered him quietly to inioy the Cittie and territories about it holding it of the Crowne of France Thus passed the raigne of Raoul without any great profit after so much toyle and trouble vnder a colour to do better then the lawfull heire wrongfully dispossessed by him Leauing no memorie but his ambition and iniustice in a deluge of troubles and confusions wherein the Realme was plonged after his departure to the great discontent of all the French He died after all these broyles in the yeare 936. at Compiegne An age wonderfully disordred Necessarie obseruations for great estates wherein we may profitably obserue by what accidents and meanes great estates are ruined Ciuill warres bred the first Simptomes As order is the health of an estate so is disorder the ruine The seruant hauing tasted the sweetnes of commaund imagins himselfe to be master being loath to leaue the authoritie he had in hand holding it as his owne by testament In this resolution there is nothing holy all is violated for rule all respect is layd aside euery one playes the King within himselfe for one King there are many where there are many masters there are none at all The which we must well obserue to vnfold many difficulties in the History of this confused age wherein we read of many Kings Dukes and Earles although these titles were but temporarie hauing no other title but the sword and the confusion of times Confusions of thosâ— times Thus was France altered after the death of Charles the simple by the practises of Roberts League There was no gouernour of any Prouince throughout the realme which hold not proper to himselfe and his heires those which were giuen vnto them but as offices From hence sprang so many Dukedomes Earledomes Baronies and Seigneuries In France the which for the most part are returned to their first beginnings Italie giuen to an Infant of France was possessed by diuers Princes In Italâ—e and Germanie Germanie withdrawne from the Crowne was banded into diuers factions so as the Empire of the West confirmed in the person of Charlemagne continued scarse a hundred yeares in his race for Lewis the fourth the sonne of Arnoul of whome we haue spoken was the last Emperour of this bloud In his place the Germains elected Conrade Duke of East Franconia the yeare
which is decreed in heauen At this time William Duke of Normandie the sonne of Rhoâ— The Duke of Noâ—manâ—â—â— traâ—terously â—â—aine who had shewed himselfe so affectionate in the restoring of the King to his dignitie was traiterously massacred by the meanes of Arnoul Earle of Flanders his capitall enemy leauing one sonne named Richard a young man vnder gouernment This vnexpected and extraordinary death must needes breed great troubles in Normandie an estate which was but now beginning It did greatly import for the good of France to haue this Prouince in quiet Lewis was likewise particularly bound Troubles in Normanâ—ie for the good entertainment he had receiued of William in his greatest necessitie the which tyed him to his sonne These were goodly shewes to maâ—e him imbrace this cause so as hauing intelligence of this accident hee sends expresly to Richard and his Councell to assure him of his loue and succour and followes himâ—elfe presently to Rouan with a traine fiâ—te for his royall greatnesse being loth to bee the weakest after so strange an alteration where the most audacious do commonly fish in a troubled streame The colour of his comming was to comfort Richard with his councell and fauourable assistance but in effect it was to seize vpon his person and estate Hee sends for this young child to his lodging conducted by his gouernour the Knight Osmand he doth assure him with sweete words of his fatherly loue but when night came he would noâ— suffer him to depart detaining him three dayes with a carefull garde The people incensed by them that had the charge of the young Duke mutine and besiege the Kings lodging Hauing pacified this popular fury in deliuering them their Prince hee protests to haue no other intent but to preserue his estate And so in an open assembly of the Citty receiuing him to homage hauing giuen him a discharge of his lands and Seigneuries hee doth solemnly promise to reuenge the death of William against Arnoul Earle of Flanders and gets the consent of the Normans to lead their Duke with him to be instructed with his sonne Lothaire a young childe of the same age Hee brings him to Lâ—on whether Arnoul the murtherer of William repaires in shew to purge himselfe of the murther but in effect to perswade him so to seize on Richards person as he might enioy his estate Lewis being resolute in this determination a man disloyall by nature Lewis deales tâ—echeroâ—sly wâ—th the Duâ—e of Normandie and louing nothing but himselfe hee caused this poore young Prince to bee straightly garded but this Gouernour Osmond retires him cunningly out of Laon conducting him to Senlis to Hebert his fathers conâ—ident friend This is â—ee which imprisoned Charles the Simple contrary to his faith and now hee detests Lewis his Soueraigne Lord who seekes to doe the like vnto onâ— of his vassalls But we shall soone see the Iustice of God aboue all who will punish one by an other and shew himselfe an enemie and reuenger of all disloyaltie and misdemeanour both in seruant and maister and in all other as all are naturally subiâ—ct to this soueraigne lawe of integritie and faithfulnesse to all men Hugues the great Earle of Paris and Maior of the Pallace had won great credit with the Citties and men of warre but hee was more feared then loued of Lewis a treacherous and reuengefull Prince whome hee distrusted and opposed his authoritye against him Hebert was his confident friend So in this occurrent of this young Prince hee comes to Paris and winnes him to promise fauour vnto Richard or at the least to make him promise not to bee his enemie 942. The King likewise knowing how much his friendshâ—ppe did import in these 〈…〉 labours to winne him such was the strangnes of that age as the master must 〈…〉 the seruant the which hee obtayned vpon condition to giue him a good part 〈…〉 Herevpon the match was made that Hugues should accompany Lewis 〈…〉 warre of Normandy and should enter on the one side while the King came on the other promising to diuide their conquests according to their agrement But this succeeded not according to their meanings the two deceiuers were deceiued but the greatest bare the greatest burthen This complot of Lewis and Hugues could not be so secret but it came to the knowledge of Hebert who gaue intelligence to Richard and his gouernors Osmond and Bernard the Dane so as they assemble at Senlis and resolue to crosse this double dealing of Hugues with the like policy To this ende Hebert according to the familiarity he had with Hugues goes to conferre with him to put him in minde of his promise of the right of a yong Prince vniustly pursued by Lewis and of his treacherous and disloyall disposition who hauing vsed him to worke his will would in the end deceiue him beseeching him to stand firme in a good cause for his ancient and faithfull friends and not to fortifie their common enemy by the afflictions of an other but in defending the right vniustly set vpon prouide for his safety and profit Hugues who thought it best to haue two strings to his bowe distrusting Lewis in his heaâ—t more then any man lyuing doth easily grant Hebert to assist Richard against Lewis and doth confirme his promâ—se by oth Hebert hauing thus ingaged Hugues and yet distrusting him greatly whome he sees to play on both sides returnes to Senlis to Richard and his gouernors where they conclude that if Hugues ioyned with the King against Richard they would compound with the King to his cost The deceiuer is deceiued and so it happened The King goes to field with his army on the one side and Hugues on the other to inuade Normandy in diuers partes when as Bernard the Dâ—ne chiefe gouernor of the State for Richard and Osmond of his person came boldly vnto Lewis and sayd vnto him that he had no neede to attempt Normandy by force when as he might enioy it by a voluntary obedience for proofe whereof if it pleased him to come to Rouan he should be obeyed But withall he aduised him to take heed of Hugues his ancient enemy shewing him treacherously the countenance of a friend seruant least he were circumuented but rather to accept of al Normandie with Rouan the which offred it selfe vnto him to receiue peace from him yeeld him obedience as their Soueraine Lord. Lewis willingly giues eaâ—e to this aduice he comes presently to Rouan and is honorably receiued sending word to Hugues that seeing the Prouince obeyed there was no neede of further proceeding and hauing not imployed him in this voluntary conquest it was not reasonable he shoul participate in an other mans estate that the publike good and reason required him to leaue Richard as he was vnder the obedience of the Crowne without dismembring of his Estate Hugues who pretended a good part of this rich Country was greatly discontented with Lewis Hauing dismissed his
these butchers attending their misery Lewis King of France punisheth the rebells shut themselues into the great Tower of S. Donas Lewis doth first bury the body of this good Earle honourably the which had lien without sepulchre and then doth punish the murtherers and their complices rigourously But this is not all He must prouide for the Earledome remayning without a Lord by the death of Count Charles deceassed without children Pretendants for the Earledome of Flanders There wanted no pretendants William of Ypre sonne to Philip of Flanders the second sonne of Robert the Frison King Henry of England who desired greatly to ioyne this goodly Country with his Normandy Stephen of Blois Earle of Montreuill and Bologne Baldwin Earle of Hainault and William the sonne of Robert called Court-house brother to the King of England but his sworne enemy hauing vsed his father ill and kept him prisoner Lewis was soueraigne Iudge of this controuersy Flanders depending on the crowne of France He assigned all the pretendants of the Citty of Arras signifiyng that his intent was to do him iustice but in effect he inclined to fauour adiudging the Earledome of Flanders to the last that is to William of Normandy to binde him with more strict bounds against his â—â—nsman On the other side the Flemings assemble at Ypre and chose William of Loâ— Lord of Ypre The King aduanceth with his forces to Ypre to preuent this popular election where he enters the stonger and forceth William to renownce it VVilliam of Normandy made Earle of Flanders From thence he goes to all other good Citties where by his authority he causeth William of Normandy to be receiued for lawfull Earle and puts him in solemne possession by a publike act But his fauour had ill bestowed this goodly inheritance of an vnworthy man whose fury depriued him presently Lewis hauing installed him He oppresseth his newe subiects returnes into France William insteed of winning his newe subiects by equity and mildnesse begins to oppresse them after a rigorous and imperious manner by infringing of their preuileges ostentations of his authority taxes subsidies newe impositions and by all other meanes which Princes that seeke to loose their Estates hold to torment their subiects He had so far exceeded as the Citties without any wauering resolue to prouide a better Earle and to this intent they seeke a head The memorie of their good Earle makes them to cast their eyes vpon him that hath most right to this inheritance as the neerest kinsman which is Thierri son to the Duke of Alsatia and of Gertrude daughter to Robert the Frison The Flemings intreat him to come into their country The Flemings chooâ—e them a new Earle promising him all assistance to conquer the State He comes and is receiued with an extraordinary ioy by all the people All the Citties assemble to acknowledge him by order and dismisse William of Normandy who seeing a flat repulse by this people thus freed repayres to Lewis for succour in this extremity Lewis fayles him not his army marcheth with great speed hee himselfe comes in person and is receiued into Arras from thence he adiornes Thierry to come and answer before him as his soueraigne by what warrant hee carries himselfe for Earle this sommons is made vnto him at Ypre whether he had retired himselfe Hauing condemned him by default Thierrithe new Earle of Flanders defeated he approcheth his army to Ypre to vexe the inhibâ—bitants Thierri sallies forth with a notable troupe of men they ioyne the fight is fierce but the check falles vpon Thierries forces who with much a doe saues himselfe in Alost William pursues him and approcheth the towne sommoning the Inhabitants to obey and to deliuer vp Thierri as an Vsurper VVilliam of Normandy stâ—â—â—e in Flanders But he was not aduised that one with a Crossebow shot an arrow at him and pierced him through the arme Behold hee is wounded and within two dayes he dies Thierri and the Flemings send presently to Lewis to beseech him to receiue them into fauour whereby he may be assured of theyr faithfull seruice Lewis consents and confirmes him and hauing caused him to take the oath of fidelity and receiued his homage after the manner of his Ancestors 1121. he returnes into France But Flanders continued not long in quiet as we shall see hereafter To these stirres of Flanders were added some garboyles in Bourbonois and Auuergne Archibauld Earle of Bourbon was deceassed leauing one sonne of the same name Troubles in Bourbonois but a young man and a brother called Haman who abusing the time in the weake minoritie of his Nephew would make himselfe Maister of Bourbonois pretending the Earledome to appertaine vnto him by the death of his elder brother to whom hee must succeed in order as the yongest of the house The mother and friends of Archibauld opposed against Hamon the right of representation inuiolable in France in great houses which is that the sonne of the eldest brother represeâ—ts the Father and without doubt succeeds in all his rights to enioy them as if he himselfe liued for that the Father reuiues in the Sonne Hamon building his chiefe interest vpon force would not admit any reason that made for his Nephew so as the matter was brought before the King who by the aduise of his Councell declares Archibauld the lawfull heire and puts Haman from his pretensions commanding him to leaue the possession of Bourbonois free to his Nephew 1123. This Archibauld did afterwards marrie his daughter Beatrix to Robert Earle of Clermont in Beauuoisis sonne to the King S. Lewis The stâ—â—ke of the house of Bourbon and of this marriage by the royall stemme is discended the most famous race of Bourbon the which at this day doth happily enioy the Crowne and realme of France But Haman who held some places in Burbonois would not leaue the possession refusing to obey the Kings commandement relying vpon the fauour of Eustache Earle of Auuergne who sought to free himselfe There was a priuate subiect of complaint against him hauing displaced the Bishop of Clermont against the Kings will These occasions drew the King into Bourbonois where hauing besieged Haman he ended this controuersie in fauour of Archibauld The affaires of Auuergne were more difficult by reason of William Duke of Guienne who imbraced the cause for the Earle of Auuergne pretending that he was his vassall This quarrell seemed to take a long course but it was pacified by this meanes Lewis had six sonnes Philip Lewis Henry another Philip Peter Robert and one Daughter Constance He had crowned his eldest sonne Philip who dyed by a strange accident going to take the aire on horseback Philip eldest sonne to Lewis died by a strange accident a Hog passed vnder the bellie of his horse the which being feared did shake this young King so violently as he threw him downe and so brused him as within few dayes after hee
enterprises were happy but in his age very vnfortunate Robert Earle of Artois by the decease of the Father and imprisonment of the Sonne remaines Tutor to the Children of his Father in Lawe Charles the Lame and Regent of the Realme of Naples Charles King of Naples â—yes but Peter of Arragon keepes Sicilia at that time lost for the French After the death of Charles of Aniou behold Peter of Arragon is assailed with a new partie Pope Martin the fourth doubled his excommunications against him as a capitall enemie of the Church and inuested Charles the youngest Sonne of Philip King of France in his Realme hee absolues the Arragonois from their othe of obedience and Proclaimes a holy Warre as against a sworne enemie of the Church For the execution of these threats Philip imployes all his meanes to raise a goodly Armie vowing to be no more circumuented by Peter of Arragon Iames King of Maiorica and Minorica ioynes with him an enemie to Peter Philip makes warre agâ—inst Peter of Aragon who had spoiled him of his Estate so as there were foure Kings in this Armie Philip King of France and his eldest Sonne Philip King of Nauarre Charles his Sonne inuested in the Realme of Arragon by the Pope and Iames King of Maiorica The Armie was faire and the Frenchmens courage great being very resolute to reuenge the massacre of the Sicilian Euen-song the ridiculous scorne of the combate and the imprisonment of Charles The Red scarfe the marke of the holy Warre Warre in Arragon against one excommunicated and their couragious resolution to bee reuenged of a cruell enemy who had shed bloud by treason appeares in these troupes brauely armed All this promised a great victorie to Philip who commanded his armie in person But the issue will shew that being a Conquerour he lost the fruites of his victorie and in the death of three great personages shall bee seene the vanitie of this world Philip enters the Countie of Rossillâ—n with a goodly Armie all obeyes him except the Cittie of Gennes neere to Perpignan the which hee besieged and it was well defended but in the end it was taken by the French Peter was come out of Sicilia to defend his Fathers inheritance hee fortifies all hee can against Philip and the difficultie of the passages seemed to fauour him but the resolution of the French surmounted the steepenesse of the Rockes The passages are forced Peters Armie is defeated and hee saues himselfe with difficultie by these inaccessible places The Armie enters the Countie of Emporias Peter of Arragon defeated Pierre 〈…〉 in one day Girone is besieged and as Peter comes to succour it the French incounter him and ouercomes him who hardly saues himselfe in Ville-franche extreamly amazed with this happy beginning of Philip. What followed hee that was accustomed to deceiue all the world by his inuentions and pollicies He dyes could not by any meanes deceiue Death transported with griefe sorrow impatiencie and dispaire hee dyes the fifteene of August in the same yeare with his enemie Charles The brute of Peters death makes Girone to yeeld presently 1286. being a very strong Citty and promiseth Philip an assured possession not onely of the realme of Arragon but also of Sicilia where in shew they could not resist when as behold other occurrents which mans reason could not preuent Philip assuring himselfe thus of the peaceable possession of the realme of Arragon minding to free himselfe of a needlesse charge he dismisseth the Galleys of Genoa and Pisa the which hee had hired and for that the plague was crept into his Campe he had dispersed his forces about the Citties of Giâ—onne and Perpignan whether he retired himselfe very sick with an intent to pacifie the whole Countrie hauing recouered his health and taken some breath Roger Admirall of Arragon of whom we haue spoken ignorant of Peters death was parted from Sicilia with an intent to bring him succours against the French Fleete Being arriued at Genoa a newter Cittie and of free accesse for both parties he is informed both of the death of his Maister and of the estate of Perpignan and being there of this new accidentâ— he takes a new aduise In steed of returning into Sicilia hee hiers the Galleys of Genoa and â—isa dismissed by Philip and resolues to enter the Port of Perpignan where he had intelligence that Philip remained without any great garde and the Port to bee without defence He arâ—iues so happily as without any opposition he giues a signall to the people of his arriuall Philip set vpon vnawares and 〈◊〉 danger who sodenly rise and kill the French in the houses streetes Philip lay sick in his bed and the French Souldiars had no thought of Roger. The King made a vertue of necessitie he incourageth his men with a sicke and feeble voice and they behaued themselues so valiantly as they expell Roger out of Perpignan and Philip held the Citty who was so distempred with this alarum as his sicknesse encreased dayly The death of Philip. and he died the 15. day of October hauing suruiued Peter but two moneths in the same yeare 1286. and in the same moneth dyed Pope Martin the 4. to shew vnto great Princes the incertaintie of their great desseignes Thus liued thus raigned and thus dyed Phillp the 3. surnamed the Hardie hauing raigned 15. yeares and liued fortie a great vndertaker leauing no memorable acte to his posteritie but a good example not to deale in other mens affaires Of his first wife Isabel he had Philip and Charles remaining His children Charles was Earle of Vallois of Alanson and of Perche Father to Philip of Vallois who in his course shall succeed to the crowne Philip his eldest Sonne was King of France of the same marriage he had one Daughter Marie who was Duchesse of Austria By his second wife Marie he had Lewis Earle of Eureux and Marguerite Queene of England The estate of the Empire after a long confusion of diuers Emperours and the interregne had some rest the Popes being busied in the warres of Sicilia Raoul of Auspourg a good and a wise Prince was chosen Emperour after these disorders imploying himselfe carefully to cure the wounds of Germanie and held the Empire from the yeare 1273. vnto 93. The estate of the Church appeares by that which hath beene spoken in this raigne This onely is particular That a Councell was held at Lions by Gregorie the 10. where it was Decreed That to auoide the tediousnesse of the Popes election the Cardinals should assemble at the Popes death and keepe the Conclaue neither going forth not conferring with any one vntill the Pope were chosen The which is practised at this day In those dayes dyed Thomas Aquinas a very subtill disputer Bonauenture Ihon Duns called Scott and Gabriel Biel famous men in those dayes suruiued him PHILIP the fourth called the Faire the 46 King of France PHILIPPE .4 KING OF
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
hundred horse with a sufficient number of foote to keepe the place The Cittizens of Colongne with their neighbours arme sixteene thousand foote and incampe vpon the Rhin right against the Duke to cut off his victualls that came out of Gueldres and to stay the boats with their Cannon The Emperour and Princes both spirituall and temporall do arme as the King had often solicited them they send vnto him to make a triall of his intent Lewis failes not to graunt what they demanded promising twenty thousand men when as the Imperiall army should be at Colongne But he had worke at home Edward King of England discontented The English prepare for France that Lewis had supported Henry and the Earle of Warwicke against him prepares in the Bourguignons fauour fifteene hundred maisters all Gentlemen well mounted and the most part barded which made a great number of horse 14000. Archers all on horse-backe with a great number of foote The Duke of Brittaine hauing already consented to rebellion should receiue three thousand English and ioyne his army with them as appeared by letters written by the hand of Vrfé sometimes master of the Kings horse and then seruant to the Britton the one letter to the king of England the other to Hastings great Chamberlaine of the said realme the which the King did buy of a Secretary of England for three score markes of siluer In the meane time the King treats of a peace with the Duke of Bourgongne to preuent this storme Lewis seekes for a peace of the Duke of Bourgongne is refused or at the least to prolong the truce The Duke excuseth himselfe vpon his word giuen to the English who labours to drawe the Duke from Nuz exhorting him to accomplish the conuentions considering his great charge and that the season fit for warre was almost spent To this ende the Lord Scales Nephew to the Constable makes two iournies to Charles who pretends by friuolous reasons that his honour is much ingaged in this siege and that hee could not rise without great blame Lewis procures to Charles many enimies Lewis to crosse him being alwayes his crafts master in any action eyther of warre or peace procures him many and new enimies It was no matter of difficulty to draw in René the sonne of the daughter of René King of Sicile the heyre of Lorraine by reason of his grandmother after the death of Iohn Duke of Calabria and Lorraine his Vncle and of the Marquis Nicholas sonne to the said Iohn For the Duke being dead Charles of Bouâ—gongne desirous to vnite thiâ— Duchy to his country had caused him to be taken prisoner but he was deliuered in exchange for a young Germaine Prince who was taken studying at Paris and marching presently with his armye hee had easily deuoured that preie if the King following him had not forced him to passe on René Duke of Lorraine René therefore sends to defie him before Nuz and fortified by some French troupes commanded by the Lord of Craon he enters the Duchy of Luxembourg spoyles the country and razeth Pierre-forte a place of the said Duchy and neere to Nancie Sigismond of Austria Sigismond Archduke of Austria had in the yeare 1469. ingaged his country of Ferrete to the Duke of Bourgongne with all the lands he enioyed on eyther side the Rhin for threescore and ten thousand Crownes Charles had placed Peter of Hagenbach there for Gouernour a wicked man a violent extortioner and insupportable both to the nobility people who complaine to Sigismond beseeching him to succour them against the outrage concussions of Hagenbach Sigismond had beene long in dislike with the Suisses his neighbours but by the Kings meanes they were all easily reconciled So they conclude a league in the which the imperiall Citties ioyne Strausbourg Basill Colmar and Slestad and contribute to furnish the summe due by Sigismond to Charles And many Imperiall citties the which they consigne into the hands of a banker at Basill then the inhabitants of these ingaged lands signifie vnto the Duke of Bourgongne that they hold themselues freed of the oath they had made vnto him And holding themselues freed from the Bourguignons obedience they reiect his Lieutenant generals coÌ„mands To suppresse them he assembles a great troupe of Picardes Flemings Hennuiers and Lombards and on Chistmas day at night a good worke on a good day hee seekes to bring them secretly into Enshem The Cittizens beate them back kill and take many the rest flie to Brizac with Hagenbac The Brizançons arme and are the stronger they â—â—ize on the gouernor expell the soldiars and then do they speedily informe of his mildemeanors giuing intelligence to all their allies and demand Iudges to iudge of the processe They depute some from Alsatia Strasbourg Basill Songoye of the blacke forest Fribourg Berne Soleure and other places who condemne Hagenbach to dâ—e vpon foure principall crimes The Duke of Bâ—â—â—gongâ—â—â— Lieutenant executed by the Suisses for that he had caused foure men of honour to bee beheaded at â—han without any forme of Lawe to haue made and displaced officers at his pleasure contrarie to his oath to haue brought in forraine nations into places with all liberty and for that he had rauished women forced virgins and committed incest with Nunnes The Duke of Bourgongne aduertised of the death of Hagenbach resolues to be reuenged of such as had beene actors And herevpon Henry Earle of Vittemberg and Montbeliard is taken by the Dukes men Those of Basill aduertised hereof send a number of men with artillery to Montbeliard to stop the Bourguignons passage who suÌ„mons the Castell the which refusing to yeeld he sends six thousand horse vnder the commande of Stephen Hagenbach to reuenge his brothers death Open warre betwixt the Dukeof Bourgongne and the Suisses and to make war vpon the Bishop of Basill who whilest that Sigismond assembles his coÌ„federats spoiles about thirty villages killes takes carries away and ransomes men women children and cattle Behold a strong party made against Charles of Bourgongne by the Kings policy whereby the Suisses entring into Bourgongne take Blasmont beseege Hericourt defeate the Bourguignons that come to succor it and kill two thousand which done they retyre The truce nowe expired as the King had vnderhand stirred vp the Duke of Lorraine Lewis his exploits the truce being expired the Germains and the Suisses against the Duke of Bourgongne sufficiently busied before Nuz he now by open force takes from him spoiles and burnes Tronquoy Montdidier Roye Montreul and Corbye and then sends the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France Generall of this army before Arras and there abouts who spoiles and consumes with fire most of the places lying betwixt Abbeuille and Arras The Inhabitants of Arras force their men of warre to go to field vnder the commande of the Earle of Rhomont the Queenes brother But the Admirall hauing layed a strong ambush sends forth about
what did concerne him And at the same instâ—â—t hee dispatcheth Contay to the Duke his maister with letters of credit of the Kings owne hand and somewhat to satisfie the Constable he giues the English Eu and S. Vallery to lodge in during the treaty of peace In the meane time oh notable trechery behold one of the Constables ordinarie trickes hee sends his confessor to the King of England with letters of credit The Constables trechery and intâ—eats him earnestly not to trust to the Kings promises but rather to seize vpon Eu and Saint Valery and there to passe some part of the winter That within two monethes hee would lodge him better Yet he giues him no other security but much hope and an offer to lend him fiftie thousand crownes with many other goodly shewes Edward reiects the Constables counterfeit offers to drawe him from so profitable an accord Edward answers that the truce is concluded and that he will not alter any thing That if he had kept his word he would haue accepted it Thus our Constable dispaires on all sides The King foreseeing that the CoÌ„stable wold thrust Edward into iealousie resolued by his bounty to take away all cause of suspect 1465. for the effecting whereof he sends Edward three hundred carts laden with the best wine he could get Lewis his policie to preuent the Constables practises and within halfe a League within Amiens Edward lod ging within halfe a league for confirmation of the truce he causeth two long tables to be set vp at the entry of the Towne couered with exquisite meats and all kindes of prouocations to drink with men to attend all comeâ—s and goers at the table At euery table were fiue or six men of reputation fatt and big the better to incourage the Drinkers amongest others were the Lords of Craon Briquebeâ— Bresme and Villiers gentlemen of a pleasant humour and wheresoeuer the English tooke any lodging they might not spend any thing This bounty coÌ„tinued three or foure daies during the which if Lewis had ment treacherously he had good means they entâ—cing into Amiens confusedly to the number of nine thousand for of this great multitude some did sing some slept ouercome with wine and drousines But contrarywise he comitted the gard of the gate to English Archers whome Edward at Lewis his request had sent to take in and put out whome they pleased It was then concluded to appoint a place for an entervewe of these two Kings It is done with lesse confusion and hazard in a smal place Picqugny vpon Somme was held conuenient an antient prophesie which the English obserued described this very place To this effect they build vpon the bridge two pentises of wood An entervewe of the Kings the one for Lewis the other for Edward either of them capable of ten or twelue men Betwixt both was a partition with grates to put through ones armes going ouerthwart the bridge that no man might go from the one to the other Lewis made his profit of fore-passed euents he knew that if the barre at Montereau had had no more passage then this Iohn Duke of Bourgongne had not ended his dayes so lamentablie in the narrowe bounds thereof The 28. of August Lewis comes fiâ—st to the barre accompanied with Iohn Duke of Bourbon the Cardinall his brother and followed only with about eight hundred men at armes Edward comes after hauing with him the Duke of Clarence his brother the Earle of Northumberland his Chamberlain Hastings His Chancellor others and behind him all his army in battaile Either King had twelue men about him foure of the which went from one part to an other to search if there were nothing practised to the preiudice of their maisters They imbrace each other through the grate and sweare vpon the holy Bible to obserue the articles agreeed vpon The othe taken Lewis mingling his serious discours with some mirth inuites Edward to come to Paris that he would feast him with the Ladies and giue him the Cardinall of Bourbon for his Confessor a pleasant man and of free life who willingly would giue him absolution if happily he should sinne in that case Then they conferre together a while without any witnesses And vpon the Kings demand whether the Duke of Bourgongne would not accept of the truce men take an oxe by the horne and a man by his word a nd with the like policie the Duke of Bourgongne might haue bin surprised at his departure from Liege Edward answered that he might doe as he pleased I will summon him againe he saith if he will not harken to it I will referre my selfe to you two This accord being made Lewis begins to play vpon an other string makes the like demande touching the Duke of Brittain for whome he cheefely made the motion But he findes the English resolute in his protection The politike proceding of Lewis as hauing found no friend so kinde in his affliction Lewis surceaseth and with a wonderfull curtesie takes leaue of the King of England contents all his folowers with some kinde words and giues presents to some priuate Noblemen the Heralds trompets who to shew their thankfull mindes began to cry Alargesse for the most noble and mighty King of France a largesse 〈◊〉 largesse He hath alwayes made it manifest that he was exceeding suspitious and that from an antecedent he could cunningly draw a good consequence He is no sooner on his way to Amiens but he studies of Edwards facility to harken to the going to Paris that he was a very goodly Prince and of an amorous complexion and that some nice Parisien might stay him longer then his estate required 1475. or at the the least drawe him to passe the sea an other time that his Predecessors had loued Paris and Normandie but too well He therefore desires to see their backes and must by some meanes bring him from this desire wishing rather to haue him his good brother friend beyond the seas then here The necessitie which forced the King against the Burguignon serued for an excuse Moreouer the King was grieued to see the English so resolute to defend the Brittons quarrell he would gladly haue obtained that freedome to make warre in Brittaine the which hee wonderfully affected and made a second motion vnto him by Bousâ—hâ—ge S. Fierre who returned with this answere That whosouer doth attempt saith he against the Duke of Brittaine I will passe the seas in person and succour him So hee was no more importuned The reason why King Edward protects the duke of Brittanie Edward had an especial cause to entertain the loue of the Duke of Brittanie for at the defeat of Henry King of England as wee haue heard Henry Earle of Richmont and neerest kinsman to the said Henry after the death of his sonne the Prince of Wales saued himselfe with his vncle the Earle of Pembroke and hauing entred a barke in hast they
Arras Boulongne Hedin and so many other Townes and to be lodged many dayes before S. Omer In truth our Lewis had a quick conceit and very watchfull He knew well that the English in generall were wonderfully inclined to warre against this realme as well vnder colour of their ancient pretensions as for the hope of gaine inticed by many high deeds of armes wherein they haue often had the aduantage and of that long possession both in Normandie and Guienne where they had commanded three hundred and fiftie yeares vntill that Charles the 7. dispossessed them That this baite might well perswade them to crosse his desseignes These two mighty Princes neighbours cannot see without iealousie the one to growe great by new conquests and the other to be at quiet He therefore entertaines Edward with sundrie Ambassages The politike liberalitie of Lewis presents and goodly speeches causeth the pension of fiftie thousand Crownes to be duely payed at London and some sixteene thousand distributed among such as were in credit about him so as the profit they drew from the iudicious bountie of Lewis tyed their tongues and blinded their eyes Money was muck to him in regard of a man of seruice and he was pleased to vaunt that the great Chamberlaine whereof there is but one in England the Chancellor Admirall Maister of the horse and other great Officers of England were his Pensiooners So he gaue vnto Howard foure and twenty thousand Crownes in money and plate besides his pension in lesse then two yeares and to Hastings great Chamberlaine a thousand markes of siluer in plate at one time as appeares by their quittances in the chamber of accoumpts at Paris Lewis had great need to vse this policie and bountie for this yong Princesse did infinitly presse Edward who for her cause did often send to the King to demand a peace or at the least a truce and in the Court of England there wanted not some to incense Edward that seeing the terme was expired by the which Lewis should send for the Infanta of England whom they called Madame the Daulphine hee would deceiue him Yet no respect neither priuate nor publick could moue Edward he was pursie louing his delight vnable to suffer paine glorious of nine famous victories The disposition of Edward King of England and fraught with home-bred enemies and aboue all the loue of fiftie thousand Crownes so well paide in his Tower of London kept him at home Moreouer the Ambassadors that came from him returned laden with rich presents and alwayes with irresolute answers to winne time promising speedily to resolue the points of their demands to their maisters satisfactions But let vs obserue another ingenious policie Lewis neuer sent one Ambassador twise vnto Edward to the end that if the former had happily treated of any thing that tooke not effect the latter knew not what to answer and so ignorance serued him for an excuse with delay of time Moreouer he instructed his Ambassadors so well as the assurance of the marriage they gaue to the King and Queene of England the accomplishment whereof they both greatly desired made them take hope for paiment Lewis feeds Edward with dilatorie hopes Yet the King had neuer any such meaning there was too great an inequalitie of age and thus getting a moneth or two by mutuall Ambassages he kept his enemy from doing him any harme who without the baite of this marriage would neuer haue suffred the house of Bourgongne to be so oppressed An other reason disswaded Edward from imbracing of Maries quarrell The reason why Edward neglects Maâ—â— of Bourgongne She had refused to marry with the Lord Riuers brother to the Queene of England The which match was not equall hee being but a poore Baron and she the greatest heire of her time And the better to keepe Edward quiet the King inuited him to ioyne with him and consented that he should haue for his part the Prouinces of Flanders and Brabant offring him to conquer for him at his owne charge foure of the greatest Townes in Brabant to entertaine him ten thousand English men for foure moneths and to furnish him with Artillerie and carriages so as Edward would come in person and seize vpon Flanders whilest that hee imployed his forces else-where But Edward found that Flanders and Brabant were hard to conquer and painefull to keepe and also the English by reason of the commoditie of their trafficke had no will to this warre Yet said hee since it pleaseth you to make mee partaker of your victories giue mee of those places you haue conquered in Picardie Boulongne and some others then will I declare my selfe for you and assist you with men at your charge A wise and discreet demand but those places were no lesse conuenient for Lewis who was loth to beat the bush for an other to get the birds It appeares that Edward did wonderfully affect the alliance of France Edward greatly affects the alliance with France and feared to â—iue the King any occasion to infâ—inge it so as some say hee caused his brother the Duke of Clarence to be put in prison vpon colour that hee would passe the seas to succour the Dowager of Bourgongne for the which crime he was condemned to haue his head cut off and his body to be quarteâ—ed a punishment inflicted vpon traitors in England But at the entreaty of their mother Looke the Chronicles of England Edward did moderate this sentence and gaue him the choise of what death he would wherevpon he was drowned in a Pipe of Malmesey But this Duke was sonne in lawe to the Earle of Warwicke whome Edward had slaine in battaile as wee haue sayde and it seemes the greatest crime they could obiect against him was the priuate hatred which vsurpers commonly beare to those whome they doubt might but erosse their tyranicall vsurpations And as wee haue recreated our selues beyond the Seas let vs now passe the Alpes and see what is done there suffering our warriours to enioy a truce vntill the next yeare There were at that time two mighty families at Florence the one of Medâ—â—â—s the other of â—acis These were supported by Pope Sixtus the fourth Troubleâ— as Florence and by Ferâ—inand King of Naples to ouerthrowe the absolute gouernement of the Citties they attempt to murther Laurence de Medicis and all his followers and gaue for watch-word to the murtherers when as the Priest celebrating the high Masse should say Sanctus in the Church of S. Raparee where they should assist at a certaine day A treacherous attempt against the house of Medicis Laurence escaped but being maymed of many of his members he saued himselfe in the vestry Iulian his brother was slaine and some of their followers Then runne they to the Pallace to murther all those which had the gouernement of the Citty but being mounted they see that some of their men had abandoned them so as they were not aboue foure or
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
his last hope vppon Bouuens to whome hee sends the countersigne without the which he was bound not to yeeld it This token was but counterfet D' Hostel played an other part he made this his colour to haue meanes to enter into the Cittadell A Countersigne carried to Bouuens and to giue this countersigne to Bouuens for his warrant and thereby to assure him that if he had meanes to hold good a moneth hee should disclame the signing of the ratification and make a shew of disobedience and hee should bee releeued D' Hostel went into the Cittadell and found that miserie would not suffer them to vant of resistance as they had done that things were no more in the Estate that Bouuens had represented them and that their neccessities were so extreame as there was no meanes to suffer them any longer beeing prest without by the Kings Army and within by cold and hunger which made the Duke more tractable to yeeld that which hee could not hold sending the ratification in the beginning of March and at the same time the Cittadell was deliuered into the Kings power Diuers opinions of the Peace The generall censures of this Peace were diuers The King was pleased that the pofit was apparent and assured for his Estates hauing for one Marquisate more Earles and Marquises then there are Gentlemen in the Marquisate of Saluces inlarging his frontiers aboue thirty Leagues and so restrayned the Dukes Estate on this side the Mountaines as hee hath left two third partes lost eight hundred Gentlemen and a fort which hee himselfe writing vnto Bovuens esteemed more then all the Marquisate with Prouinces as fertill as any bee in France It is true that the Honour to keepe that which was the cause of the Warre remayned to the Duke and by this meanes of a Peace hee hath no more neede of Spaniards nor of the Count of Fuentes Comodiâ—ies which the Duke got by the Peace who did him alwaise some Spanish affront and is free from all feare of the French who keâ—t Piedmont in awe while they had a retreate there The Duke who neuer went out of the gates of Thurin without six Companies of Horse and entertayned Garrisons which cost him more then the reuenues of the Countries exchanged may nowe sleepe and goe and come in safety This Moneth of March Louyse of Lorraine Dowager of France Widow to Henry the 3. The death of Queene Loâ—yse King of France and of Poland died her death was better known by the losse of such a light then by the mourning of her Heires or the Honour of her Funeralls for the Duke of Merâ—ure her Brother to whom she left her goods and the execution of her will was then in Hungary The Duchesse of Mercure attended on her vntill she died and layed her Body in the Couent of Saint Claire vntill shee might bee enterred with greater pompe She desired to bee layed in one Tombe with the King whose Body attendes vntill that the piety of the lyuing may remember the condition of the dead the which giues cause of amazement that the Earth which neuer fayles for the life of Princes should now want for their interment She was Daughter to Nicholas Earle of Vandemont Death of the Princesse of Coâ—â—e A most vertuous Princesse shewing in al her actions a singular piety and modestie The same yeare also Madam Francis of Orleans Princesse of Conde Mother to the Count of Soissons died in her house of Grenelles at Paris the Funerall Pompe was celebrated in the Abbey of Saint Germain de pres The Princesse of Conty dies About the end of this yeare the Princesse of Conty died of a great and languishing sickenesse as shee went to her house at Fonnestable in Perche to change the aire by the aduice of her Phisitions but shee changed her life The Duchesse â—â— Esquilâ—on leauing one onely Daughter the which the Count of Soissons married Afterwards the Duchesse of Eguillon died being Daughter to the Duke of Neuers deceased who left great cause of mourning to the Duke of Esquillon eldest Son to the Duke of Maine and the rather for that she died in child-bed the Child also with her The King in 40. daies had conquered all Sauoy with in 40. after hee married treated of a Peace made the Qâ—eene in case to be a Mother went in post from Lions and came to Paris which bare his long absence impatiently His returne gaue the world to vnderstand how quiet constant the affaires of France were that a King which went a 100. Leagues with 12. only in his traine was well assured of his subiects and feared not his neighbours The Qâ—een followed by smal iorneyes came to Fontainbleau where she stayd not long but came to Paris abouâ— S. Germains Faier her first lodging was at Gondies house her fiâ—st Gentleman of Honour beeing in the suburbes of S. Germaine The next was at Zameâ—s superintendant of her house then she came to the Lovure The Parisiens prepared themselues besought the King to giue them leaue to make her a stately entry but his Maiesty would haue the charges of this entry reserued for a more durable worke The Queene comes to Paris All the Princesses of the bloud with the chiefe Ladies of the Court and Citty presented themselues to kisse her hands and to do their duties vnto her Maiesty She made much of all that the King fauored and resolued to loue what hee Loued framing her will in such sort vnto his as she held his will for an vnwritten Lawe This yeare the Pope granted a Iubile and pardons to all the French that should goe vâ—sit the Church of Saint Croix in Orleans doing the workes of Christian charity An infinit number of people went thither from al parts of France the King and Queene went thether with the fiâ—st and gaue meanes to helpe to build this Church which had beene ruined during the furie of the fiâ—st ciuill warres The King layed the first stone of this building An act worthie of a Christian King the true successor of the pietie of S. Lewis his Predecessor But whilst he gaines pardons his enemies watch to surprise the best places of his Realme He was disarmed vnder the assurance of the Peace The armie of strangers was still whole togither and became fearefull to all Italie All the Princes were troubled therat and althovgh they bee not well vnited togither yet when there is any question of common danger they haue good correspondency At Rome they sayd it was for Geneua and that the Marquis of Aix was gone to intreate the Pope to fauour him with his blessing and to fortifie him with his meanes An enterprisâ— vpon Maâ—seilles Many other discourses were made touching this army but time discouered that it was entertayned for Marsâ—illes There is nothing â—o holy but money will violate nor so strong but it will force The Count of Fuentes vpon promise of great
long Hayre by the which hee was hanged King Lewis then did alwayes say That Pride carried Ruine behinde him A Heart which knowes from whence the good comes which it inioyeth is alwayes an enemy to Pride So there is but a moment betwixt Glory and Ruine Great Trees are long in growing but are rooted â—p in an instant And it is true if the Duke of Biron had had a Brayne he had not lost his Head and had not brought it into the handes of his Princes Iustice whom hee had so much offended The Marshall Bâ—â—ons Virtues This Marshall had goodly parts communicable to fewe his Valour was admirable and happy in all his incounters of an inuincible Courage infatigable and neuer tired with any toyle continuing ordinâ—rily fifteeene dayes together on Horse-backe He was not inclined to Volâ—ptuousnesâ—e nor much to the loue of Women sober ynough the which began to quench that furious humour as Intemperancy greatnesse increased or that Rest did moderate his boyling passions He was extremely Vaine-glorious His Vanity Glory yea sometimes he would refuse his meate and content himselfe with little to feede his Fantasie with Glory and Vanity He was of a meane stature Blacke reasonable grosse hollow eyd and rough in speech and conuersation He was aduenturous in War Ambitious beyond all measure The excesse of his Ambition made him to braue it without iudgement He became so presumptuous as he thought that the King nor France could not subsist without him He was become ill-tounged speaking ill of all the Princes threatning the Parliaments and the Officers of Iust ce some with death and to dispossesse others of their places He was aduanced from the meanest to the highest degrees of Honours of a simple Souldiar hee became a Captaine then a Colonell afterwards Admirall and Marshall and in the ende Lieutenant of the Kings Armies and in his Heart he aspired to be Duke of Burgundy Son in Lawe to the Duke of Sauoy A comparison betwixt Silla and the Duke of Biron and Nephew to the King of Spaine If Sylla were Resolute Cruell and Bloudy he yeelded nothing to all men together If he were Valiant this man exceeded him by ten degrees and all the Romaine Princes together Their Actions and their ends were almost alike but that Sylla died after he had vanquished this before he could vanquish and in the middest of his Course did feele the Vengeance of Gods wrath His Credit and how hee was esteemed Howsoeuer he had wonne the Souldiars hearts to whom hee gaue all liberty he purchased credit with them that had neuer seene him for they that had seene and felt him wished him at the Indâ—es and made Strangers admire his valour the Constable of Castille in the Franche-County the Archduke at Amiens and the Marquis of Waranbon in Artois whom he made to pay forty thousand Crownes for his ransome with many Spaniards which he caused to be hanged sodainly for that they had called him Baron Moreouer the Kings exceeding fauours the prayses wherewith he did publikely honour him his admirable fortune his coÌ„ming to the restoring of the last ruines of the State like to an other Camillus to deliuer the Capitoll had made him not onely famous throughout all Europe fearefull to all the neighbours but necessary for France Behold a man that was happy full of content which held Fortune captiue withall her treasures he coÌ„manded the felicities of this world he had Glory Honour Riches those gifts which Fortune imparts to her darlings He was raised to the top of Fortunes wheele but he fell for he that gouerns the Helme and all her motions could no longer endure his insolency and vanity Sequitur superbos vltor a tergo Deus The causes of his ruine are infinite Shame followeâ— Pride the contempt of piety is the chieâ—e this ground taken away all vices abound and as the seruant said to King Atraeus O Prince follow the infallible way of Piety your Scepter shal be durable for wheras Faith Holines hath no place there is no happines the reason is for that without God we hold all things indifferent the Law folly Iustice frensie and Faith a fantasie we hold the words of vertue vice to be idle wheras the feare trust in God limits our passions insatiable desires so as gouerning our actions by a iust proportion we cannot erre â—e was oftentimes seen to iest at the Masse to laugh at theÌ„ of the Reformed Religion with whoÌ„ he had bin bred vp from his infancy â—or at the age of eight yeares the Lady of Brisambourg his Fathers sister being of the reformed Religion did so affect him for his actiue disposition as she demanded him of his Mother the which she granted froÌ„ that time she made him her onely heire Vntill the age of 16. yeares he was called Charles of Gontault for then he had an elder brother which died since at the Duke of Alançons voyage into Flanders bred vp at Brisambourg nere vnto S. Iean d' Angely where he was nothing giuen to his booke but wholy inclined to Armes for which consideration his Father the Marshall Biron a Martiall Man then a Catholike â—ooke him froÌ„ his Aunt led him for a while with him through the Countries of Xaintonge Aulins Angoulmois where he caused him to be instructed in the Catholike Religion but vpon false principles which he did learne of some Courtiars he did often mocke at all Religion The second cause of his ruine was the alteration of his Fortune After the death of his elder Brother his father caused him to be called Baron of Biron brought him to Court where at the first he had a quarrell with the Lord of Carency son to the Earle of la Vauguion the which was ended by a Combat of three against three Biron Loignac Ienissac of the one side slue Carency Estissac and la Bastie their quarrell grew for the heyer of Caumont which either of theÌ„ affected in mariage yet neither of theÌ„ had her The Duke of EspernoÌ„ got his pardoÌ„ the which was coÌ„firmed through the credit which his father had theÌ„ in Court Some say that being thus in troble he went disguised like a Carrier of Letters He went to a Mathematicien to know his Fortune vnto one la Brosse a great MathematiciaÌ„ whoÌ„ they â—eid to be skilful in casting of Natiuities to whom he shewed his Natiuity drawn by some other And disseÌ„bling it to be his he said it was a Gentlemans whom he serued that he desired to know what end that man should haue La Brosse hauing rectified this figure said vnto him That he was of a good house no elder then you are said he to the Baron asking him if it were his the Baron answered him I wil not tell you But tel me said he what his Life his meanes end shal be This good old man who was then in a little Garret which serued
Burgundy fol. 67 The maiâ—iâ—iâ— of K. Charles the sâ—xt Complaints against the Duke of Berry and Bâ—tzac his Treasurer burnt fol. 68 THe tragicall end of Charles King of Nauarre ibid. â—emaâ—keablâ— fâ—r â—is health fâ—â—m tâ—â— yeares 1â—88 vnto 1â—9â— Peter of Craon being disgraced in court is perswaded by the Duke of Britainâ— to murther the Constable whom he assaults but kils not fol. 71 He is condemned for his attempt foâ— 72 Charles being distempered with choller his Vncles and Phisitions dissuade him from the war in Brittaine yet hee marcheth on against the Duke ibid. The duke labors to pacifie the king who parting from Mans a strange accident befell him fol. 73 CHarles fals into a phrensie the court in a pitiful case with a generall censure of this accident fol. 74. The second season remarkable fâ—r his sicknesse from the yere 1393 vnto 1422. The second causes of his phrensie his army dissolued and care taken of his person fol. 75 An order taken for the gouernment of the realm fol. 76 The disposition â—f Philip Duke of Burgondy ibid. FActions and alterations in Court fol. 77 Philip Duke of Burgogne aduanced to the gouernment of the realme by a decree of the Estates The kings Minnions ill intreated ibid. The Constable flyes from Paris and is condemned beeing absent ibid. Charles fals into a relapse by a strange accident fol. 79 Richard king of England marrieth with Isabell of France fol. 80 Is put from his gouernment fol. 81 The French succour the Hungarians and are defeated ibid. Charles his children during his infirmitie fol. 82 Hatred betweene the house of Orleans and Burgundie fol. 83 The Duke of Brittaine and the Constable reconciled ibid. DIscentions between the Dukes of Burgundie and Orleans The beginning of the ciuile warre fol. 85.86.87.88 The duke of Orleans murthered by the Burguignon fol. 89 The sequele of this trecherous murther fol. 90.91.92 The faction of Burgundy and Orleans after some ciuile warre appeased by the Daulphin who dispossesseth the Burguignon and restores them of Orleans from the yeare 1409. to 1413. fol. 93 94.95.96.97.98 Iohn of Burgundy crost by the Daulphin and the house of Orleans stirs vp new troubles from 1412. to 1417. when as the Daulphin died but troubles ceased not The estate of the Court vnder Lewis the Daulphin fol. 100 The Daulphin takes vpon him the name of Regent fol. 101 The Duke of Burgundie disgraced and banished not admitted into Paris proclaimed guiltie of high treason the King marcheth against him and he sues for peace fol. 102.103 Henry the 5. King of England enters France with an army demands Katherine the Kings daughter and marcheth into Picardie fol. 103 The King of England forced to fight and gets the victorie at the battell at Agencourt fol. 104 The Emperour Sigismund comes into France fol. 105. The Daulphin Iohn fauours the Burguignon and his death ibid. Iohn of Burgundy ioines with Isabell the Queene who takes vpon her the regencie and makes warre against her sonne Charles the Daulphin seizeth vpon Paris kils the Constable of Armagnac Henry of Marle Chancelor of France but is slaine in the end by the Daulphin from the yeare 1415. to 1419. fol. 106 A strange confusion the Mother against the Son fol. 106. The Burguignon armes and drawes in the English fol. 107 The Daulphin encountred by three great enemies The Burguignon the English and his mother ibid. The King dislikes of the Queen and the Burguignon ioynes with her fol. 109 The Queene declares her selfe Regent of France erects new courts and officers fol. 110 Paris surprised the King taken and the Daulphin saues himselfe fol. 111 The Daulphin seekes to recouer Paris fol. 112 A horrible massacre at Paris with the number murthered and a plague ensues it fol. 113 Roan besieged and taken and all Normandie yeelds vnto the English fol. 114 The Burguignon and the Queene seeke to reconcile themselues to the Daulphin fol. 115 The Duke of Brittaine leaues the English and ioynes with the Daulphin fol. 116 The Parisians mutinie and kill the Burguignons seruants fol. 117 A peace betweene the Daulphin and Iohn of Burgundie ibid. The Daulphins proceedings reasons and resolution to kill the Duke of Burgundy fol. 118.119 The Daulphin causeth the Duke of Burgundy to be slaine fol. 120 Blood punished with blood with the Catastrophe of this miserable raigne fol. 121 During these occurrents Henry the 5. Charles the 6. dies leauing the Crowne in question betweene Charles the 7. and Henry the 6. proclaimed King of France at the funerals of Charles the 6. from the yeare 1419. to 1422. fol. 122. The exploits of the Daulphin and of Philip of Burgogne after this murther fol. 122 Queene Isabell hates her sonne deadly ibid. Henry the 5. proclaimed heire of France with his proceeding in his new royaltie fol. 123 The English defeated and the Duke of Clarence slaine fol. 124 The great exploits of Henry the 5. ibid. His sicknesse and death fol. 125 Charles the 6. dies ibid. Henry the 6. proclaimed King ibid. Charles the 7. the 54. King of France NOtable particularities of this raigne fol. 127 Charles his raigne his children manners and disposition fol. 128 The miserable estate of this Realme vnto the Coronation of Charles the 7. during 7. yeares  England Burgundy Sauoy Brittany enemies vnto Charles fol. 129 Charles aduanceth Scottishmen and makes a gard of them for his person ibid. The Dukes of Bedford and Burgogne conclude a great league against Charles fol. 130 Warre against Charles in diuers places defeated by the English and Meulan taken fol. 131 The cause of the diuision betweene the Dukes of Bedford and Burgundy fâ—l 132. The notable battell of Creuant where the French and Scottish were ouerthrowne by the Duke of Bedford â—â—l 133. 〈◊〉 11. the eldest Son of Charlâ—â— borne 〈◊〉 134 New supplies â—ome out off Scotlâ—d the French growing weary of the Englâ—sh coÌ„plot agâ—iâ—st thâ—m 〈◊〉 135 The Duke oâ— Bedford sends a challenge to the Fâ—ench Army who are in diuisâ—on 〈◊〉 136. The French defeated at the battell of Veâ—nuill f l. 137. The number taken prisonâ—â—s and slaine fol. 138. Câ—arlâ—â— hiâ— miseraâ—le â—state discâ—ntentes fol. 139. Bedforâ— and Richmont brothers in law at variance f l. 140. Câ—arlâ—â— sends an ambassage to Philip of Burgundy 〈◊〉 141 The Duke of Bâ—ittaiâ—e comes to Charles and 〈…〉 English â—ol 142 Thâ—â—â—â—ttons dâ—fâ—â—ted by their error fâ—l 14â— The Kingâ— mâ—gnoâ—s slâ—â—ne by his Councâ—l 144. 〈◊〉 Duke of â—urgondy made heyre of 〈◊〉  Hamault Hollâ—nd â—nd Zelâ—nd 〈◊〉 145. The Duke of â—edford brings newe forces out of England 〈◊〉 Montargis beseeged by the English releeued by the French and the English defeated fâ—l 146 Pontarson taken by the English fâ—l 147. The famous sâ—â—ge of Orlâ—ans from 〈◊〉 148. 〈◊〉 156. THE Coronation of Châ—rlâ—s the 7. at Rheims 156. The desseigne of the â—urguignon and Sauoyard against Daulphine and Languedoc fol. 1â—7 All Champagne yeelds to
as they be very necessary for the well vnderstanding of the History which is the Register of times so hath it much troubled me being altogether neglâ—cted by the most ancient Writers borne in the first obscure ages The learned which haue happily handled this subiect before me finding plainly this notable difficultie haue held it expedient to make litle or no accompt to obserue the dates which was iâ— my conceipt vnder correction be it spoken to cut the knot a sunder insteed of vnloosing it But it hath made me more carefully to labour in this search â—o finde out some meanes amidst these extremities And therefore I haue distinguished the most nâ—table chaâ—ges not onely from one Race to another but in the Races themselues placing the dates iâ— the â—ront of the whole discourse as a Boundston to limit the Lands Moreouer I haue faithfully collected in grosse the yeares of euery reigne and haue deuided them as I thought most likely by the continuance of publike and priuate actions It is all I could do iâ— the most ancient reignes being vnable to deuine further but in those that approach neerer to our age the Reader shall see the vniting of things from yeare to yeare by degrees whereby he may marâ—lâ—e plaâ—nly in so goodly a light without any confusioâ—â— The Diagâ—â—mmes shall supply the particuler default of times which we cannot otherwise distinguish But let vs first see the whole patterne of our Monarchie without â—â—y câ—lour or fâ—â—â—â—ish whatsoeuer A generall Diagramme WHich notes onely the names of the Kings of France according to the order and succession of three Races from Pharamond the first King vnto Henry the 4. King of France and of Nauarre now raigning in number three score and three The first Race called Merouingiens in number twenty and two Kings 1. Pharamond 2. Clodion or Cloion the hayrie 3. Merouee Who vpon the foundation laid by his Ancestors of this Monarchie made the building appeare more resplendent and beautifull 4. Chilperic the first 5. Clouis the Great the first Christian King and the first of that name 6. Childebert the first 7. Clotaire the first 8. Cherebert 9. Chilperick the second 10. Clotaire the second 11. Dagobert the first 12. Clouis the second 13. Clotaire the third 14. Childeric or Chilperic the third 15. Theodoric or Thierry the first 16. Clouis the third 17. Childebert the second 18. Dagobert the second 19. Chilperic or Childeric the fourth 20. Thierry the second 21. Chilperic or Childeric the fift 22. Charles Martel Maior of the Palace in name but King in effect hauing layde the foundation of the royall Authoritie to his posteritie and so reckoned among the Kings the two and twentie The second Race of Carlouingiens or Carlees of Charles Martell or of Charlomaigne in number 13. Kings 23. Pepin the short or the briefe sonne of Martell 24. Charlemaigne King and Emperor hauing drawne the Empire of the West into France 25. Lewis the gentle King and Emperor his sonne first of that name 26. Charles the first called the bald King and Emperor his sonne 27. Lewis the second called the lisping King and Emperor his sonne 28. Lewis the 3. and Carloman basâ—ards to Lewis receiued by the estates against the Insâ—itution of Lewis by his will who had named Eudes for Regent they gouerne the Realme togither in the first yeare of the minoritie of Charles the simple pupill and lawfull heire to Lewis and yet being crowned Kings although they were but Regents are accompted amongst the Kings and make but one In the libertie of this Nonage Lewis the do nothing or idle Sonne or Brother to Carloman takes vpon him to be King but not being acknowleged by the French as they were readie to dispossesse him hee dyed and is not reckoned for any 29. Charles the 2. called the grosse a Prince of the bloud of France and Emperour of Germanie confirmed in the Regencie by the States following the example of these bastards is Crowned King hee was degraded from the Empire and the Crowne And in his place 30. Eudes or Odo Duke of Anger 's named by the Kings testament as is sayd is called and crowned as the other Regents and for this cause accompted among the Kings in the end the Crowne comes to 31. Charles the simple the lawfull King after 22. yeares but being forced to renounce it he dyes for sorrow in prison and leaues for his lawfull successor Lewis the 4. his sonne carried into England by his Mother yeelding to the violence of the victorious league by the which 32. Ralfe or Raoâ—l Duke of Burgondie Prince of the Bloud was called to the Crowne and and so is accompted among the Kings although he were an Vsurper and he being dead 33. Lewis the 4. called Doutremer or beyond the Sea Sonne to Charles the Simple is restored and leaues the Crowne to 34. Lothaire and he to 35. Lewis the 5. his onely sonne who dyed without issue Male hee was the last of this second Race leauing the Throne empty to Hugh Capeâ— the Stocke and first King of the third Race following The third Race called the Capeuingiens or Capets in number 27. Kings 36. Hugues or Hues Capet to whom succeeded 37. Robert his sonne alone of that name and to Robert 38. Henâ—y thâ— 1. his sonne And to Henry 39. Philip the 1. his sonne And to him 40. Lewis the 6. surnamed the Grosse his Sonne And to Lewis the 6. 41. Lewis the 7. called the young his Sonne And to him 42. Philip the 2. surnamed Augustus his Sonne And to Philip the 2. 43. Lewis the 8. his Sonne father to the King St. Lewis the most ordinary marke of his name And to Lewis the eight 44. Lewis the 9. honoured by the name of Saint for his singuler pietie and vertue to whom succeeded 45. Philip the 3. his sonne surnamed the Hardy and to him 46. Philip the 4. called the Faire his Sonne who was also King of Nauarre by his wife Ioane And to him succeeded 47. Lewis the 10. called Hutin his Sonne also King of Nauarre by his Mother he had one Sonne borne after his death called Ianenterre but not numbred among the Kings for that he dyed in the Cradle so by the lawe of State 48. Philip the 5. called the Long sonne to Philip the Faire succeeded his Brother Lewis Hutin he dyed without issue Male who left the Crowne to 49. Charles the 4. called the Faire his Brother who also dying without issue Male the Crowne came by right of inheritance to 50. Philip of Valois the 6. of that name first Prince of the bloud and first King of the royall line of Valois to whom succeeded 51. Iohn his sonne onely of that name vnfortunate to him succeeded 52. Charles the 5. surnamed the Wise who preserued the State during a horrible combustion to him succeeded 53. Charles the 6. his sonne called the Welbeloued and yet too wâ—ll noted by his long and vnhappy reigne amiddest the furies of
bee vnknowne to the French What a drowsines had it beene in so wise circumspect a nation to suffer themselues to be abused by a new-come Prince and by so grosse a pollicie to drawe themselues into apparent combustion which hung ouer their heads in preferring the French before the English who had then so good a portion in France where hee possessed the goodliest and richest prouinces How vnsound is this policy to imagine that a poor Prince Count of Valois hauing to do with a rich King of England who encountred the Frenchmens minds with an intestine force by the golden vertue of his Angels could haue abused such as were kept in their obedience by the force of right and reason for the preseruation of the Crowne of France their Countrie Who sees not but it had beene the ouerthrowe of Philip of Valois cause to say that hee had forged a law at his pleasure to exclude the lawfull heire and her ofspring from her right Truely the good cause of Philip of Valois made him victorious against the forces of Edward King of England and the auncient reuerence to him 430. authorized by a continuall vse and receiued by the common consent of the French reiected gold to respect the order of right for the benefit of the lawfull heire These French lawes were called Saliques of the riuer Sal which is in Franconia Etimologie of the word Salique or East Franco it ioynes with Mein and is not yet dryed vp It is neyther new nor extraordinary for people to deriue their names from Mountaines or Riuers and to shewe an example springing from the same thing by noting the Riuers The Country where the Citty of Paris is seated not onely the chiefe of this great realme but the Theatre of the whole world if by a happy peace she may recouer her ancient beauty is called the Isle of France for the concurse of diuerse riuers which ioyne with Seine and to this end the ship the armes of our chiefe Cittie shewes the oportunity of these goodly riuers Who can with reason reiect the apparency of this likely-hood That as our ancestors remayning alongst the riuer of Sal were called Saliens so the name hath continued to posteritie the which for the like reason are called Ripuaires as made for the commodity and vse of the dwellers vpon that banck the which they likewise called Ripuaires or Ribberots Truely long time after Conrad of Franconie the Emperour was called Salique to marke his beginning in that Country by the ancient name Thus much for the word But the inuiolable Maximes and Principles of the state of France the consent of all the true ancient writers the prescription of so many ages the generall approbation of all the French nation should make vs hold this Salique lawe for certaine without seeking for new opinions not onely weake and vnprofitable but insupportable in the state where the olde prouerb must stand for an oracle Remoue not the stâ—ane well layed Thus hauing briefely set downe the principall lawes of the state of France I will returne to the course of my history Thus hee raigned thus he liued and thus died Pharamond the first King of France Death of Pharamond leauing for hereditary successor of his Realme his sonne Clodion according to the right of lawe and King in effect by consent of the French This age was the sincke of Babarous nations by whome God would iustly punish the vniust pride of the Râ—mains The greatest parte came out of Asia staying first in Germany and from thence like Caterpillers or Grassehoppers â—read themselues ouer Gaule Italie and Spaine that is to say the Goths or Getes Alans Hunnes Sueues others from the North the Bourguignons Normans and Lombards We must know the Chaunge of these nations for the vse of his history But it sufficeth to touch them briefly in their places without cloying our chiefe subiect with a cumbersome discourse 431. CLODION or CLOION the hairy 2. King of France CLODION·KING OF FRANCE .2 CLODION the sonne of Pharamond succeeded his father in the yeare 431. and raigned one and twenty yeares The first attempâ— of Clâ—dâ—oâ— He laboured to follow his fathers course and to settle himselfe in Gaule but hauing transported certaine troupes which made a happy beginning passing to the couâ—trâ—es of Cambresie and Tournay betwixt the riuers of Somme and â—scout behold a furious mulâ—itude oâ— diuers nations assembled toâ—eâ—her of â—andales Alans Sueues and Burgâ—ignons iealous to see this great and warlâ—â—e people follow their steps in the conquest of a land not onely â—et to â—ale but abandoned in the disorders of the Romaine Empire oppoâ—ed themselues against them The French not able to withstand â—o great vnited forces retyred themselues into their Country oâ— Franconia To this iealousie was added the practise of Stillico Lieutenant generall tâ— Honorius Emperour of the West who easily ingaged these Nations seeking for woâ—ke against the French laboured by all meanes to crosâ—e them and to possesse â—imselâ—e of Gaule yet the successe did not fitte his desseigne for being preuented by Honorius his maister he was slaine with his sonne Euâ—herius whom he had appointed absolute heire of that goodly portion But the prouidence of God had left it in prey to these great and victorious Nations being come from diuers parts of the world to diuide the Empire Thus confusion preuailed by his authority who had most interest in the practises of Stillico who in taking Gaule for himselfe reteined still the Romaine name being ouerthrowne by Honorius The deluge of these barbarous nations oâ—erflowed all Gaule which from yeare to yeare was replenished with new guests The Bourguignons had already seized on a great part with the title of a kingdome whereof Arles was the chiefe Citty The Goths possessed Gaule Narbonnoise 440. euen by the Emperours consent who granted what he could not take from them with promise to passe no further So this victorious nation dispersed in diuerse places in Italy Gaule and Spaine were called by sâ—ndry names Wisigoths and Ostrogoths according to the place where they were planted by their great multitudes and valour Such was the disorder of the Romaines who in their seasons had subdued the whole world by their victorious armes These tempests and stormes raigned during the Empires of the two brethren Arcadius and Honorius the one commanding in the East The estate of the Empâ—re and the other in the West of Theodosius the second sonne to Arcadius and in the beginning of Vâ—lentinian the third a vitious and vnhappy Prince The raigne of Clodion fell out in those times not greatly memorable but to obserue his resolutions and manly endeuours to settle and increase the conquests of his father but with no successe Thus great and heroicall enterprises haue often stayes and lets in the beginning or such difficult crosses as they seeme quite suppressed Aetius a Romaine borne succeeded Stillico for the Emperour in that which
Clotaire his other Vncle but by chaunce they were reconciled Theodebert impatient of rest seeking where to imploye his forces findes that the Dane a people of the North A good and a happy warre did scoure along the sea coast to the great hinderance of the French Marchants he marcheth against them being resolute to fight with them These forces were better imployed then against his brother so the successe was more happy for hee chased away the Danes hauing defeated a great number and purged the Ocean from pyrates This exployte wonne him great reputation in all places so as he is sought vnto by the Ostrogoths in Italie beeing pressed by Belisarius Lieutenant generall for the Emperour Iustinian and a very great captaine who had recouered Sicile Naples and Pouille from them and in the ende the Cittie of Rome the which he fortified As the Goths estate declined daylie in Italie Theodat their King reiected and Vitiges chosen in his place Theodebert comes into Italie puft vp with his victorie hee takes footing and makes head against Belisarius but forced with sicknesse he retires to his owne house leauing three chiefe Captaines for the guard of the places conquered In his absence the Goths are defeated and Vitiges slaine Totila succeedes him who hauing taken and sackt Rome did so restore the Gothes estate in Italie as he became fearefull to the Romaines But the chaunce turned against him his army was defeated and himselfe slaine and to increase the mischiefe those great Captaines left by Theodebert were slaine one after another so as the Gothes being chased out of Italie by Narses all Theodeberts great hopes vanished 522 yet he laboured to attempt some great enterprise against the Emperour Iustinian and drew much people to it Wâ—râ—e rashly vndertaken prouâ—s vnfortunate but hauing made this goodly shew and put himselfe and his friends to great expences he was forced to returne out of Italy without effecting of any thing leauing a goodly example to Princes not to attempt lightly an vnnecessary warre least they buy losse and shame at too high a rate In the end Theodebert who thought to haue vanquished the mightiest enemies was slaine by a wild Bull going a hunting and his great enterprises were interred with him in the same graue hauing hunted after vanity and found death at the end of his immortall desseignes Theodebert left Theobald heire of the great estates of Austrasia Bourgongne and Turinge the which hee did not long enioy dying without children Austrasia is now called Lorraine and almost without any memory that he had liued but onely that hee had by will leâ—t his Vncle Clotaire heire of all his goods whereby there sprung vp a new warre Childebert indured this testament impatiently aswell for that hee was excluded as also for that his brother was made more mighty by his nephews estate so couetousnesse and enuie giue him aduise to crosse him Clotaire had one bastard sonne called Granus a sufficient man but very wicked and audacious who for his insolencies was in disgrace with his father Childebert resolues to oppose this sonne against the father and to vse him in the execution of his malitious intent Thus abusing the absence of Clotaire who was busied in warre against the Saxons he goes to field with a great armie supposing to haue to doe but with young men and irresolute and the more to amaze them hee gaue it out that Clotaire was dead This report was coloured with such cunning and as men do often beleeue that which they feare that these young Princes seeing themselues ouercharged with great forces yeeld to a preiudiciall peace with their Vncle. This heart-burning seemed to extend further when as death surpriseth Childebert who dyes the yeare 549. without any children and leaues his enemy Clotaire for successor being vnable to cary his realme with him Clotaire returnes out of Saxonie being offended with his bastard Hee pursues him into Britanie whither hee was fled A horrible punishment of a rebellioâ—â— sonne and by a wonderfull accident guided by the Iustice of God the reuenger of the sonnes rebellion against the Father Clotaire findes his sonne with his wife in a pesants house where transported with furie he burnes them aliue yet not extinguishing the memorie of his rebellion to terrifie rebellious children by so memorable a president Thus there passed forty fiue yeares in the barbarous and vnhappy raignes of these foure soueraigne Maisters children to the great Clouis in the which there is nothing memorable but the remembrance of Gods iust iudgement against those that suffer themselues to bee transported by their passions for all these vitious raignes were vnhappy passed with much paine and ended with much misery represented to the perpetuall infamy of the vnkinde cruelties of their Kings CLOTAIRE the first the seuenth King of France CLOTAIRE KING OF FRANCE VII CLOTAIRE remained alone King of France by the death of his brethren 552. for their children were dead and Childebert the eldest dyed without issue Behold the frute of so great paines after their diuisions to build great Monarchies Clotaire raigned fiue yeares alone he had by two wiues fiue sonnes and one daughter that is Cherebert Chilperic Sigebert Gontran Gautier and Closinde not reckoning Granâ—s wâ—om he had by a Concubine His raigne was short and wretched He sought to extort the thirds of all Ecclesiasticall liuings for his priuate affaires but the Clergie opposed themselues against him so as his threats preuailed not In the beginning he subdued the Saxons subiects to the French but the Turingiens being vp in armes and he about to suppresse them the Saxons ioyne with them to withstand him with their common forces Yet these mutinous nations seeing themselues encountred by too strong a party craue pardon and promise him obedience Clotaire refusing to accept it forceth them to make defence the which they performed so desperately as they defeated the French and Clotaire with great difficulty saued himselfe It is an indiscretion for a Prince to thrust his subiects into despaire An example for Princes not to thrust their subiects into despaire but to imbrace all occasions wisely that may purchase a willing obedience and not to seeke it by extremities After this defeat he returnes into France and being at Compiegne hee desires to go a hunting Being old and decayed he heats himselfe falls into a quotidian and dies the yeare 567. He was much grieued in his sicknes for hauing liued too too ill but he protested that he hoped in the mercies of GOD. As our histories report Before that he ruled as King alone he erected the little realme of Yuetot 567 vpon this occasion On good Friday hee slewe Gawter of Yuetot his seruant in the Chappell whereas he heard seruice They report the cause diuersely The greatest part hold that the King had rauâ—shed his wife lodging in his house so as he that was beaten suffered the punishement Pope Eugenius displeased with this infamous murther
kills her son She therefore giues him a morsell mixte with a languishing poyson which caused him to consume of a bloudy flixe that as he had sâ—ilt the bloud of others so hee might die in bloud and that the same wretched counsell which had bin the sepulchre of his brother should likewise be his owne for a memorable example to posterity that God suffreth nothing vnpunished and doth often punish the wicked by themselues and by their owne practises Such was the tragicke ende of the troublesome life of Thierri But what shall become of Brunehault The Iustice of God goes slowly but he recompenceth the slownes with the grieuousnesse of the punishement Let vs then heare the continuance of our history Brunehault carries a good countenance after the death of Thierri She makes him a stately funerall like a â—ourney and of foure bastard sonnes which Thierri had left she chooseth him that pleaseth her best to install him King in his fathers place and in the meane time she continewes the gouernment of the reaâ—me and calles herselfe Regent To conclude she doth promise vnto herselfe in all her courses farre better successe then Fredegonde presuming that she exceeded her in iudgement and experience no man remayning to controule her actions but her discourses were vaine imaginations and her foolish hopes the snares of her owne ruine The Nobility of Bourgongne infinitely grieued with the horrible wickednes of this womaÌ„ resolute not to endure the new tiranny which she practâ—sed had recourse vnto Clotaire as to their true and lawful Lord. Brunehault playes the resolute she prepares to war sendes diuerse Ambassadors into Germanie the chiefe was Varnare Mayre of the Pallace of Austrasia a man of great authority both at home and with strangers Hauing sent him for succors to some Princes of Germany shee growes iealous of him without cause and sends a trustie seruant of hers named Albon to finde meanes to kill him Albon hauing read those deadly letters teares them but vnawares he lets fall the peeces of this letter the which are gathered vp and caried to Varnare who vpon this new accident takes a new aduise He resolues to crosse the practises of this murtheresse so well knowne and hatefull to all men who likewise would make away her best seruants who had beene too faithfull vnto her in the execution of her wicked desseines Varnare doth treate so politikely in Germany as hee with-drawes their hearts and forces from Brunehault and winnes them vnto Clotaire This Counterbattery thus made hee returnes into Bourgongne His returne bred an vnexpected change for she who had alwaies deceiued was deceiued in the end fell into the pittefall Varnare did not seeme to knowe what she had desseined whereby hee had meanes to countermine all Brunehaults policies with so wise a dissimulation by his great authority as he gaines all the chiefe men for Clotaire deliuers into his hands the children aforesaide pretended to be heires and by this means giues him an easie victory ouer Brunehaults troupes who yeelding vnto Clotaire deliuer vp this wicked woman the cause of all their miseryes So at length the Wolfe is taken vnawares Clotaire a victor was receiued by common consent of the Austrasiâ—ns and Bourguignons and by that meanes beeing absolute maister of that great inheritance of Clouis his grand-father beganne his reigne by a worthy act of memorable Iustice. Hauing in his power the chiefe motiue of all these mischiefes hee caused Brunehaults processe to be made by the greatest personages he could choose in all his dominions that in so notable an assembly the sentence might be irreprochable By their censures Brunehault was found culpable of infinite and horrible crimes and was condemned to die by a terrible and extraordinary punishement for she was tied to the tayle of a wild maâ—e and drawne through a stony and rough Country Brunehault put to a horrible death so as being torne into diuerse peeces she died at diuerse times most iustly as shee had cruelly caused many others to die A notable example to shewe that the greatest cannot auoid the soueraigne Iustice of God who punisheth in this world when it pleaseth him when he spareth them it is a signe that hee reserues the punishment to his last Iudgement 610 Thus died Brunehault onely commended in histories to haue built many temples giuen great reuenues for the mainteynance therof whilest that she wallowed in her pleasures Saint Gregorie hath set downe certaine letters of his to Brunehault wherein hee commends her highly for her piety and singular wisdome Clotaire seeing himselfe King of so great a monarchy after a long and horrible confusion of intestine warres imployed all his eare to pacifie the realme leauing notable examples to princes to cure the wounds of an Estate after ciuill warres by mildenes Hee doth publiquely proclaime pardon of all iniuries both generall and particular to abolish the memory to come making his example a lawe of perpetuall forgetfullnesse This moderation Mildnes a 〈◊〉 remedie to cuâ—e a decayed estate more victorious then any great and seuere chasticement wonne him the loue and obedience of his subiects and confirmed a true and no counterfiet concorde amongest the subiects themselues He gouerned them after their owne humours vsing his authority with mildenes And for that they had liued in the Court of Kings from whome they receiued aduancements and honours the which they could not do by their annuall offices as then the gouernments were hee erected perpetuall magistrates with such authority as it might well bee termed the true patterne of a royaltie The greatnes of the seruant is a blemish to the Master He then augmented the great authority of the Maires of the Palace who controlled Kings and in the end vsurped the royaltie whereas before they were but controllers of the Kings house and not of the realme A notable president for Princes in the settling of an estate not so to communicate their authority to their seruants whome they desire to gratifie as they may haue meanes to become maisters Clotaire layed the first stone in the chaunge which shall happen to his posterity He had one onely sonne whose name was Dagobert It was his greatest care to haue him well instructed committing him to Arnoul Bishop of Metz a learned man and of a good life and likewise to Sadragesille his gouernour But Dagobert discouered euen then his bad disposition intreating his gouernor Sadragesille vnworthily Wherewith Clotaire the King was wonderfully mooued against his sonne who shewed afterwards that this was but a preparatiue to that he would attempt against his owne father forceing him in his life time to giue him the realme of Austrasia for his portion This kinde of rebellion was the fruite of Clotaires too great lenity as also priuate quarells which bred great disorders in the Court. Thus wee see there is nothing absolutely perfect in this world Clotaire dies in the yeare of Chrst 631. hauing gouerned 44. yeares from
one thing in him which shewes that hee was not wholy depriued of iudgement the which happened in a time of a great dearth To releeue the poore people he suffered them to take the siluer wherewith the Temple of S. Denis had beene couered by Dagobert Doubtlesse the care of the poore is a worke worthie of a great Prince Bountie is better then sacrifice and Christian soules be the true stones of a spirituall Temple where God dwels as in his proper mansion So as to nourish and support the poore the precious members of the Church is to build a goodly Temple Sigibert King of Austrasia hauing no children nor hope of any was so sollicited by Grimoald Maior of his pallace as hee adopted his sonne Childebert and sone after hee himselfe had a sonne and died leauing him heire generall of all his realme But Grimoald vnder colour of this adoption desirous to establish his son in the possession of Sigiberts estate takes his yong sonne and sends him to be brought vp in a monasterie of Scotland In effect he had seized on all the realme if Ercembault Maior of the Palace of France had not valiantly opposed himselfe against this his cruell vsurpation hauing defeated and taken both him and his sonne and punished them both by a sollemne sentence at Paris A notable example for many considerations but especially a singular proofe that God is the Protector of Orphelines and a iudge of the vsurpers of an others right Clouis had three sonnes by Baudour Clotaire Childeric and Thierri All three shall be Kings successiuely but Childeric was presently King of Austrasia left without any lawfull heire after the death of the sonne of Sigebert Hee raigned sixteene yeares and died in the yeare 692. hauing left his Realme in great peace without any enemie 662. CLOTAIRE the third the 13. King of France CLOTAIRE .3 KING OF FRANCE XIII CLOTAIRE the eldest sonne of Clouis was King of France fiâ—st vnder the gouernment of Erich and then of Ebroin Mayre of the Pallace a wicked and cruell man who shall minister occasion to talke of his life in the succession of these latter Kings Vnder his reigne he made great exactions vpon all the people who as he said liued too plentifully and forgat themselues by the inioying of too happy a peace Clotaire raigned foure yeares and died without name and without children in the yeere 666. of whom we may say as of the rest that succeeded him That they haue left nothing memorable but that they left no memory CHILDERIC or CHILPERIC the second the foureteenth King of France CHILDERIC .2 KING OF FRANC XIIII CHILDERIC the second son of Clouis was alreadie in possession of the realme of Austrasia but a greater drawes him into France 666 where he findes important difficulties â—or Ebroin doubting if Childeric should raigne he would take from him the dignity of Maior and giue it vnto Vfoald Maior of Austrasia who was his trustie seruant perswades Thierri the yonger sonne of France to seize vpon the realme and causeth him to be Crowned King But Childeric comes with a strong army being fauored by the French who hated Ebroin and in respect of him Thierri and were well affected to the elder so as he seizeth vpon Thierri and Ebroin Hee did onely shaue Thierri put him into the Monasterie of Saint Denis and he sent Ebroin to Luson in Bourgongne To small a punishement for so foule a fact nay rather a perpetuall pryson aâ—d insupportable torments had beene more meete for his ambitious spirit Childeric then was receiued of all the French to whome soone after he made a slender recompence for he grew so proud and cruell as there appeered in all places signes of his tiranny and cruelty One amongest the rest cost him deere for hauing caused a Gentleman called Bodille to bee whipped hee gaue him a iust occasion to seeke his ruine The French wearied with his insolencies take this barbarous act very disdainfully so as Bodille had an easie meanes for reuenge vpon Childeric although hee were a King he resolues to kill him and wants no friends to accompanie him in this execution The match is made to surprise him a hunting at their best adâ—antage Childeriâ— being there he is eniuroned by Bodille and his Companions who increase still and he being ill attended by his followers 678. is slaine by Bodille who followed by his confederates A 〈◊〉 punishment goes presently to a neere Castle whereas Blitilde the Queene remained great with child being entered he slew her with her child leauing a memorable example to Princes neuer to thrust their subiects into dispaire nor to abuse their authority to the dishonour and contempt of their Nobility which is their right arme Thus died Childeric hauing reigned but two yeares Leauing an odious memory to his posterity to haue begun well and ended ill cleane contrary to Childeric the first his Predecessor who began ill and ended well THIERRI the first the 15. King of France THIERRI I. KING OF FRANCE XV. CHilderic being thus slaine the French not able to liue without a king â—nd desiring none but one of the bloud royall post to S. Denis draw forth Thierri and establish him in the Realme from the which they had deposed him for his elder brother and make Landregesil the Son of Archembault Maior of the Pallace with whom they were well pleased during his Maâ—ralty A notable example both of the peoples consent gouerned by reason and the efficacy of the Soueraigne law the which is the soule of an Estate and the ground of a lawfull Empire The Realme was very peacefull in this beginning when as Ebroin perswaded by some discontented Noblemen leaues his Cloister and raiseth an armie in the beginning but small but it so increased by the kings contempt and his Mayors as he remaines a Victor with an incredible celerity Ebroin seizeth on the Kings person intreats him with all reuerence and respect and protests to require nothing but to bee held his most faithfull seruant as he had beene in his first reigne Landregesil was then absent who seeing the King taken and all the fauour of the French turned to Ebroin being victor hee willingly giues eare vnto him â—84 and vpon his â—aith and promise of good vsage putts himselfe into his hands A trâ—acherous murther by whome he is treacherously and cruelly â—â—ame Ebroin hauing begun this course continues his cruelty to satisfie his reuenging minde vntill that he himselfe after that he had murthered many good men contrarie to his oath amongest the rest Leger Bishop of Auâ—un hauing admonished him of his dutie and Marâ—in Maior of the Palace of Austrasia to whome hee had giuen his faith with a sollemne oath in the ende he thrust himselfe vnaduisedly into the hands of Ermanfroy a French gentleman his capitall enemy who slue him when he least feared it hauing nowe an imaginatâ—on to bee mounted to the toppe of his greatnes and to tast the
sweete Liquor of his insatiable reuenge A notable obseruation for treacherous and reuenging spirits who are then vanquished when they thinke to bee Conquerors Thierri a King in shewe is a spectator of these Tragedies as of a game at tables of his diuers Maiors which play at leuell coyle vntill that Pepin gets it and enioyes it onely with the Soueraigne gouernment of the French Monarchie Pepin during the confusions of these raigns had beene in Austrasia and purchased great credit with all men so as he was held worthy of this great charge the which he gouerned with so great wisdome and valour as hauing settled France in a peacefull Estate he had purchased more credit authority among the French then the King himselfe In the ende Thierri dies in the yeare 693. hauing raigned 19. yeares leauing Clouis and Childebert his Children for a witnesse that he had liued but in effect Pepin and his for the true heires of the Realme CLOVIS the third the 16. King of France CLOVIS .3 KING OF FRANC XVI BEing the eldest sonne of Thierri he raigned foure yeares and dyes without name and without children 693 to whom succeeds his brother CHILDEBERT the second the 17. King of France CHILDEBERT .2 KING OF FRANCE XVII WHO raigned 17. yeares 700. and dies in the yeare 718. hauing left two Sonnes Dagobert and Clotaire of like humour to himselfe DAGOBERT the second the 18. King of France DAGOBERT .2 KING OF FRANCE XVIII 719. HE raigned foure yeares and left two Children Chilperiâ— and Thierri with no better memorie then the rest So there passed fortie and foure yeares during which time Pepin had good meanes to fortifie his authority the which was in effect absolute by the negligence or rather idlenesse of these Kings who made a necessary way to newe desseins by their voluntary suffrance to incroach vpon their authority Pepin well acquainted with the humour of the French naturally bent to loue their Princes did not openly despise his masters but excused their weake dispositions not capable of much paine representing the heauie burthen of a great Estate and that the honour to gouerne iâ— is a trouble which costes deere He setled an impression in the Frenchmens mindes That those onely were worthie to bee Kings that knewe howe to gouerne So without any infinuating speech the ordinarie seruices hee did to the realme mayntayning â—t in peace his great prâ—fession to loue religion Iustice and the peâ—ple whose â—ase hee was wonderfull carefull of did recommend him to all men and the good turnes he did to all persons by reason of his charge did daylie purchase him many friends and seruantâ— Doubtlesse as it is as great policie to bee a good man so is there no small dexterity in the tâ—king of Citties and Countries by the hearts of men Thus Pepin layed the foundation and his successors finished the perfect building of a newe gouernment A lesson for our Kings to haue a care howe they referre the charge of affaires to their seruants Read and iudge O yee Kings and to whome they trust and howe This example doth verifie that they were better to be more careful and take more paines then to disroabe themselues of this great authority the which makes them not only eminent aboue all men but carries as it were a tipe of the Maiestie of God in the gouernment of the world 718 whereof they must yeeld him an account and not loose that by base cowardlinesse which they should mainteine by vertue But let vs returne to Pepin â—ee made great shewe to loue religion and vpon this cause he makes warre against Râ—bod Duke of Fâ—ise a pagan whome hee conquered and forced to receiue the Christian religâ—on â—ith all â—is subiects He restored Lambert Bishop of Traict to his dignity beeâ—ng expelled by â—broin and confined into a Monastery finally he infinitly fauored all that tended to the seruice of God and one of his chiefest cares was to aduance them that had châ—â—ge ouer the Church whose loues he had so purchased by this good vsage as they soone requited him causing the people to loue him with whome such as rule their consciences haue great authority This was a point of state as much as of deuotion He also made proofe of his valour in diuers sorts reducing the people of Germany on either side the â—hin to the obedience of the French who began to mutine and so restored the beautie of the realme of Austrasia He was carefull to maintaine Iustice and imbraced the people no waies oppressing them with any new impositions In the meane time he was not carelesse of himselfe and his Children He commaunded absolutely beeing armed with the authority of his Soueraigne neither was there any appeale from him vnto the King Hee had two sonnes by Plectrude Drogon and Grimoald he gaue Champagne to Drogon and after his death hee caused his sonne to succeede him with the title oâ— a Duke In the beginning he gaue the offices of great Master and generall of the Treasure to Nordebert his deere friend but after his death he inuested his owne sonne Grimoald in those places Pepin incontinent But as the vanitie of man transports it selfe beyond the lymits of respect it chanced in the end that Pepin forgat himselfe in his prosperity for not satisfied with Plectrude his lawfull wife hee fell in loue with a gentlewoman named Alpaide by whome he had one Bastard which shal be verie famous in the course of this historie vnder the name of Charles Martel and as the mischiefe encreased hee puts away Plectrude and marries Alpaide Lambert Bishop of Traict admonished him of this fault but he suffred Alpaide to cause him to be slaine by her brother Dodon who soone after â—elt the punishment of this bloud for being strooke with a disease of wormes not able to endure his owne stench he cast himselfe headlong into the riuer of Meuze Grimoald the sonne of Pepin following his fathers example abandoned himself to strange women disdayning his wife But this adultery was decre to them both for Grimoald too familiar with one named Rangare sonne in lawe to Rabod Duke of Frisâ— was slaine with him by a iust iudgement of God hauing taught him so filthy a trade to abâ—ndon himselfe to strumpets and to reiect his wife Pepin was so perplexed for the death of his sonne as hee died for greefe and choller against Rabod the author of this murther Thus both he and his sonne reaped the fruits of their adultery Vpon his deathbed he ordayned Charles his Bastard to succeed him in the gouernment of the realme but Plectrude imbracing this occasion Charles Martel bastard to Pâ—pin vpon the death of her husband and well supported by her kinsfolkes causeth Charles to be taken and put in pryson at Cologne and aduanceth Thibauld the sonne of Drogon her owne sonne and Pepins to the gouernment although in effect she vnder his name gouerned all the affaires of state This
a people which had possessed a part of Thrace neere vnto Constantinople he was slaine in the conflict Hee had one sonne named Staurat who by reason should succeed him but Michel his brother in law seizeth on this poore young man and makes him a way and hauing corrupted the chiefe men with gifts hee vsurpes the Empire The Empire conâ—iâ—med to Charles and least that Charlemagne should crosse his desseignes he seekes to insinuate with him not onely ratifying what Nichâ—phorus had done for the diuision of the Empire but by a new contract doth acknowledge him Emperour of the West Thus the affaires of our Charles were daily confirmed but his minde toiled with these new losses and the painfull difficulties he had suffered throughout the whole course of his life required nothing but rest All his life time he held the Church in great reuerence Charles his care to â—â—le the Church had imployed his authority to beautifie it and bountifully bestowed his treasure to inrich it but this great plenty in so happy a peace made the Churchmen to liue loosely Charles well instructed in religion knowing how much it did import to haue doctrine and good manners to shine in them that should instruct others he doth call fiue Councels in diuers places of his dominions for the gouernment of the Church At Mayence at Rheims at Tours at Châ—alons and at Arles and by the aduise of these Ecclesiasticall assemblies A good instructiâ—n 〈◊〉 â—rinces to louâ— piety hee sets downe orderâ— for the reformation of the Church in a booke intituled Capitula Caroli magni which they read at this dayâ— for a venerable proofe of the piety of this great Prince A worthy president for Princes which seeke true honour by vertue whereof the care of piety is the chiefe foundation He held likewise a great Councell in the Citty of Francford â—These are the very words of the History of the Bishops of France Germanie and Italy the which hee himselfe would honour with his presence where by a generall consent The false Synode of the Greekes I 〈◊〉 the very words of the Originall vntruly called the seuenth was condemned and reiected by all the Bishops who subscribed to the condemnation 〈◊〉 there fell out a new accident which drew Charles againe to armes Adelphonse King of Nauarre surnamed the chaste by reason of his singular temperance did careâ—ulâ—y adâ—ertâ—se him New warre in Spaâ—nâ— crost by secret practises that there was now meanes vtterly to subdue the Sarazins in Spaine Charlemagne who desired infinitly to finish this worke so oft attempted without any great successe giues â—are to this aduise leuies an armie and marcheth into Spaine relying on the Spaniards fauour being Christians Adelphonse meant plainly but so did not the chiefe of his Court nor his associates who feared his forces no lesse then the Sarazins and euâ—n the most confident seruants of Adelphonse doubted to be dispossessed of their gouernmeÌ„ts by a new Maister So they crosâ—e Adelphonse in countermanding of Charles but the lots were cast his army is in field and he resolute to passe on He enters into Spaine where he finds so many difficulties as he returnes into France and so concludes all his enterprises imbraciâ—g againe the care of religion and of the Church as a subiect fit for the remainder of his dayes A happy concâ—usion of Charlemagnes life Hee was thâ—ee score and eight yeares old when he left the warres so he spent three whole yeares in his study reading the Bible and the bookes of Saint Augustin whom he loued aboue all the Doctors of the Church He resided at Paris â—o haue conference with the learned where hee had erected a goodly 〈◊〉 â—urnished â—ith learned men such as that time could afforde and enriched 〈◊〉 goodly priuileges Hee had an extraordinary care to haue the seruice of the Câ—urch suppâ—â—ed as a Nursery of the holy Ministery Thence grew so many Colledges of Chanoins with such sufficient reuenues 81â— Thus Charles spent three yeares happily in the onely care of his soule leaâ—â—ing a goodly example to Princes to moderate their greatnesse with pietie their enioying of temporall goods with the hope of eternall and to thinke of their departure out of this life in time He makes his 〈◊〉 Thus foretelling his death wherevnto he prepared himselfe by this exercise he made his will leauing Lewis his sonne sole heyre of his great Kingdoms and bequeaths to the Church great treasures as more at large is conteined in his will set downe in the Hâ—story His Testament was the messenger of his death for soone after he fell sicke He dyes and continued so but eight dayes dying happily vnto the Lord in the yeare of grace 814. of his age the 71. and of his raigne the 47. including 15. yeares of his Empire He was interred at Aix La Chapelle where hee was borne and his memory honoured with a goodly Epitaph set downe in the History The true 〈…〉 and Hee was one of the greatest Princes that euer liued His vertue is the patterne of Princes his good hap the subiect of their wishes The greatnesse of his Monarchie is admirable for he quietly enioyed all France Germanie the greatest part of Hungaâ—ie all Italy and a part of Spaine But his vertues were greater then his Monarchie his clemencie wisdome and valour his learning yea in the holy Scripture his vigilancie His vices magnanimitie and singular force be the theater of his immortall praises And yet his vertues were not without some blemish as the greatest are not commonly without some notable vice for hee was giuen to women adding Concubins to his lawfull wiues by whom hee had bastards I haue noted elsewhere the number of his wiues and children Lewis the weakest of them all remained alone the sole heire of this great Monarchie of France the Romaine Empire but not of his noble vertues We are now come to the top of this great building we shall see it decline and therein note the admirable prouidence of God who amidest the confusion of this estate hath alwayes preserued the Maiestie of this Crowne LEWIS the gentle the 25 King 815. and Emperour of the West LODOWICKE I. KING OF FRANCE XXV AS the vertues of Charlemagne had raised this estate to an admirable greatnesse so the small valour or rather the vices of his posterity caused the declining and if God had not preuented had beene the ruine thereof His intent was onely to change the race vnworthy to raigne but not the realme the which hee hath preserued vnto this day by his prouidence in the bosome of one country and in it his Church for the which he maintaines both the estates where it remaines and the whole world which cannot subsist but in regard of it Thus the French Monarchie being come to the heigth of her greatnesse The declining of this race the lawe imposed vpon all humaine things would haue it decline that of
her peeces other estates might be built Not long after the death of Charlemagne it began to decline The foolish lenity of Lewis his sonne was the beginning the which was continued by the disordred confusions of his successors who in spight one of an other hastened the ruine of their house making the way by their vices and misfortunes This is the substance of all the Kings remaining in this second race the which wee cannot represent but in noting faithfully the order of those confused times during the which this barke hath beene in a manner guided without a Pilot and without helme by the wisdome of God who hath miraculously preserued it amidest so many tempests And therefore without any tedious discourse being intricate enough of it selfe I will labour to shew as in a table both the continuance of this race and the diuers motiues of eâ—â—nts to bring Hugh Capet vpon the stage and carefully to shew the estate of his posâ—â—rity as the chiefe end of my desseigne Lewis was surnamed the meeke or gentle as well for his deuotion wherevnto he was more giuen then to gouerne his estate as also for his great facilitie which was the cause of many miseries both to himselfe and his subâ—ects He began to raigne the yeare 815. and ruled 26. yeares Emperour of the West and King of France His father had not greatly imployed him in affaires obseruing his disposition and had marryed him with Irmengrade the daughter of Ingram Duke of Anger 's an officer of the Crowne of France hauing giuen him the Dâ—chie of Guienne for his maintenance By this wife Lewis had three sonnes Lothaire Pepin and Lewis who acted strange tragedies against their father To his second wife hee married Iudâ—th the daughter of Guelphe Duke of Sueâ—e by whom he had Charles surnamed the Bald who succeeded him in the Crowne of France Bernard the sonne of Pepin was King of Italy as Charlemagne had decreed Lewis more fitte to be a Monke then a King was so giuen to deuotion and of so soft a spirit as he made his authority contemptible both within and without the realme This disposition vnfit for a great command made the nations subiect to the Crowne to fall from their obedience Base facility the Saxons Normans Danes and Brittons And although Lewis did his best to preuent it yet could hee not preuaile but made himselfe wholy contemptible in attempting that which he could not effect and after his vaine striuing compounding of great controuersies with vnreasonable conditions Bernard a young man and ambitious was perswaded by the Bishops of Orleans and Milan to attempt against his Vncle Lewis and to seize vpon the realme of France which belonged not vnto him So his ambition cost him deere and that sodenly for being in field to go into France against his Vncle with an imaginarie fauour of the French to be proclaimed King it fell out contrary for both he and all his Councellors were taken by Lewis his subiects Lewis wonderfully moued with the presumption of this springall as we often see milde natures fall into extremities of choller when they are moued hauing both his Nephew and Councellors in his power A furious 〈◊〉 he despoiles him of his realme of Italy declares him and his vnworthy confines him to perpetuall prison and puts out his eyes the like he doth to all the Bishops and Noblemen he could get and after some fewe dayes patience he chops off their heads This act was held very strange proceeding from Lewis and committed against such persons it began to breed a generall diâ—ike the which was aggrauated by a domesticall dissention all which together caused a horrible Tragedie Lewis had indiscreetly giuen portions to his children making them companions of his regall authority After the decease of Bernard hee gaue Italy to Lothaire and did associate him in the Empire Lewis his indiscâ—etion to Pepin hee gaue Aquitaine to Lewis Bauaria and would haue them all beare the name of Kings Lewis good to all was too good to his second wife Iudith an ambitious woman who hauing one sonne by him called Charles had no other care but to make this sonne great to the preiudice of the rest not foreseeing that they were of power and could not patiently endure the iealousies of a mother in lawe nor the words of an old man being too much affected to the one of his children against the rest at the suggestion of a Mother in lawe an ordinary leuaine of bitter dissention in families of the second bedde Moreouer this imperious Germaine abusing the facilitie of her good husband played the Empresse and Queene ouer all to the discontent of the greatest who had no fauour with Lewis but by the fauour of his wife they did hate and contemne him as beeing vnworthy to raigne suffering himselfe so slauishly to be gouerned by a woman This was the generall motiue of their discontent but there were many other particularities which grewe dayly vpon diuers and sundrie occasions The Bishops were most of all incensed against Lewis by reason of the death of those men of the Church whome hee had so cruelly caused to be slaine with Bernard So Lothaire Tragicall rebellion of childâ—â—n Pepin and Lewis by the aduise of these malecontents resolue to seize â—â—on their Father Mother and young Brother to dispossesse them of all authority and â—â—en to gouerne the State after their owne appetities wherein they must vse force and a publicke consent Lothaire as ring-leader of this desseigne leuies a great army and calls a Nationall Councell of the French Church at Lions 829. supposing sooner to suppresse Lewis by this meanes then by a Parliament Lewis appeerâ— he receiues all complaints against himselfe and yeelds to the Censure of the Prelate which was to retire himselfe into a Monastery there to attend his deuotion and to resigne the Empire and the realme to his Children This was put in execution Abâ—se in the Clergy Lewis was conueied to Soissons to the monastery of Saint Medard his wife and sonne were confined to other places and the whole gouernment committed to Lothaire and his brethren â—hus Lewis so much addicted to Church-men as he purchased the name of deuout was ill intreated by them receiued a poore recompence for his so humble submission The name of a Councell venerable of it selfe did at the first retayne men supposing that this ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction did not extend but to admonition but seeing this tragicall attempt of the Children against the father there was no good man but stoode amazed at this presumption and pittied their poore King beeing brought to such calamity But all power remayned in the hands of the rebellious Children and the greatest of the Church were guilty of this outrage secking to maintaine their decree Lewis impâ—iâ—â—ed by his Children Thus this poore Prince to the generall greefe of his subiects continued in prison fiue yeares for he entred in the yeare 829. and came
Caroloman but hee is not numbred among the Kings Charles the Grosse raigned nine yeares Eudes or Odon eleuen yeares Behold the 22. yeares of this minoritie The 28. raigne vnder LEWIS and CAROLOMON LEWES .3 KING OF FRANCE XXVIII CAROLOMAN KING OF FRANCE XXVIII THey talke diuersly of these Kings who in deed were no lawfull Kings but guides to a lawfull King A confused and obscure age which hath leâ—â— such famous persons in doubt But wee may say in their excuse that men being weary of these confusions haue willingly left them doubtfull to hide the infamie of their times or else no man durst set Pen to Paper to represent the shamefull courses of those miseries Lewis and Caroloman tooke either of them a part to gouerne Lewis the countrie on the other side of Loire and Caroloman that on this side They had the Normans and Boson King of Arles for common enemies Lewis defeated by the NormaÌ„s and â—yes for griefe and as continuall thornes in their sides in diuers places and vpon diuers occurrents for the ending whereof they besiege Boson in Vienne and resolue to take it but presently the Normans come to his succour Caroloman continues the siege and Lewis goes to incounter the Normans But oh the vanity of humaine conceptions the Regents are frustrate of their hopes for Lewis looseth his Armie and afterwards his life through griefe of his defeat Carolomon on the other side takes Vienne but not Boson who saues himselfe in the Mountaines of Viuarez And contrarywise hee that hoped to haue his greatest enemy in his power was surprised by death vnlooked for and extraordinarie 885. hauing ended his â—eege and become sole Regent by the death of his brother But the manner of his death is diuersly obserued some write that running in iest after a gentlewoman he was crusht vnder a gate whether his horse had violently carried him Others say that hee was slaine by a boare going a hunting or that being at the chase he fell downe and brake his necke But all this notes that the manner of his death was violent and extraordinarie Caroloma◠〈◊〉 a violent death So the Regencie of these two bastards gotten by sute against the Law was both short and vnfortunate Lewis succeeded to these two brethren Men dispute with much vncertaintie what he was to Caroloman either brother or sonne but all agree he was an idle person It is likely hee was the nearest kinsman hauing seized on the authoritie after the death of these two Regents but in effect the French had the power in their owne hands It chanced as they were readie to free themselues off this Lewis that he died and so they called Charles the grosse King of Bauiere first Prince of the bloud to this great dignitie CHARLES called the grosse or great 29. King and Emperour An Example from a tragicall change to a worthie person CHARLES THE GROSE KING OF FRANCE XXIX CHarles called the grosse began to raigne the yeare 88â— and raigned nine yeares 885. His entrance was goodly but his end tragically fowle Hee was installed in the Regencie with the same ceremonies that the other two forenamed for he was crowned King with promise to restore the Crowne to the lawfull heire and to gouerne according to the will of the States Hee was sonne to Lewis called Germanicus sonne to Lewis the gentle as wee haue said This neerenesse of bloud gaue him an interest and the Imperiall dignitie power and meanes to gouerne the Realme well So the eyes of the French were fixed on him as the man which should restore their decayed estate Great hopes oâ— Charleâ— his good gouernment after so many disorders and confusions His entrance was reasonable happie as at the first euery thing seemes goodly being respected of all his subiects He went into Italie and expelled the Sarazins which threatned Rome but being returned into France hee found a new taske for the Normans a Northerne people gathered togither not onely from Denmarke but â—lso from Sweden and other neighbour Countries as the word of Norman doth shew signifying men of North were dispersed in diuerse parts vpon the sea coast of the Realme of France and had cheefly set footing in the Countries of Arthois â—herouenne and other low Countries and in Neustria one of his greatest and neerest Prouinces taking their oportunitie by the troubles so long continued among the brethren Neustria new calleâ— Normanâ—ie Chaâ—les defeated by the Noâ—mans yâ—lds to a preiâ—diciall peace Charles marcheth with his armie against them but at the first incounter he was beaten This checke although the losse were small stroke a greater terror and in the end caused an apparent impossibilitie to recouer that Prouince from so great forces so as he was aduised to enter into treatie with them and to make them of enemies friends leaâ—ing them that which he could not take from them The which hee did absolutely of his owne authoritie being very great vnited in these two dignities without the priuitie of his Estates So Charles yeelded Neustria to the Normans vppon condition they should do homage to the Crowne of France Then gaue they their name to the Countrie which they had conquered ratified by this sollemne title and called it Normandie He likewise lost Frâ—seland and gaue Gisele in marriage being the daughter of Lothaire his Cousin to Sigefrid or Geffrâ—y one of the cheefe of the Normans thinking thereby to stoppe this storme But therby he wrought his owne ruine for this grant was found so woÌ„derfully strange that the French not only greeued that the Regent had done it without their aduice but also that in yeelding this goodly countrie to the Normans he had dismembred the inheritance of the Crowne which is inalienable by the law of State And although necessitie might inferre some consideration for Charles his excuse yet the French for this respect conceâ—â—ed so great a hatred against him Charlâ—s extreamly hated as they could not rest vntill they had degraded him And as one mischeefe neuer comes alone Charles finding himselfe thus disdayned fell sicke This corporall sicknes was accompanied wâ—â—h a distemperature of the mind farre more dangerous by an extreame iealousie hee had conceiued against his Queene Richarde daughter to the King of Scots suspectâ—ing her to haue beene too prodigall of her honour These two infirmities of bodie and mind made charles altogither vnfit for his charge which consists more in action then in contemplatiue authoritie and in a season when as occasions were ministred on all sides This difficultie and disabilitie to serue effectually in the regencie of the Realme and Empire vnited in one person of whome all men expected much and they discontent of the ill gouernment which the French and Germains depending of this Crowne pretended in quitting Normandie made both the one and the other to enter into strange alterations against Charles At the first his great authoritie kept the boldest in awe and his sicknes did excuse
of grace 920. the Empire being then very weake After Conrad was chosen Henry the â—ouler Duke of Saxony and after him his sonne Otho Princes adorned with great singular vertues fit for the time to preserue the West for the East did runne headlong to her ruine so as since Nicephorus who liued in the time of Charlemagne they did not esteeme them but held them as abiects in regard of those great Emperours which had liued before them namely Michel Curopalates Leo Armenien Michel the stamering Conâ—usion in the East the two Theophiles father son Basiâ—e the Macedonien Leo the Philosopher Alexander Constantine a Romaine all which had nothing of the Romaine but the name Thus this poore sicke bodie languished being torne in peeces by the infamies of these men either of no valour or altogither wicked attending the last blow by the hand of the Mahomeâ—ans whose power they fortified by their vitious liues vntill they had lodged them vpon their owne heads A notable spectacle of Gods iust iudgement who dishonours them that dishonour him In the Church and expells them from their houses that banish him from their hearts In these confusions of State the Pope of Romes power increased daily by the ruines of the Empire who thrust himselfe into credit among Christians by many occurrents Their desseins was to build a Monarchie in the Church by authoritie power Seigneuries ciuil Iurisdictions armes reuenues and treasor being growne to that greatnes as afterwards they sought to prescribe lawes to Emperours and Kings who refusing it and disputing vpon this primacie many dissentions grew among them and so were dispersed among the people This is the summe of all that shall be discoursed in the future ages in Christendome wherein we shall view the the sea of Rome the Empire and the kingdome I treat but of matters of State 929. wherevnto the subiect and the order of our desseine doth tie me to report by degrees so long and so obscure a discourse of those ages plonged in darkenesse Plantina the Popes Secretary reports a very notable accident happened at Rome in those times a yong maide loued by a learned man these are his words came with him to Athenes attyred like a boy In vita Ioannis octaus and there profited so well in knowledge and learning as being come to Rome there were fewe equall vnto her in the Scriptures neyther did any one exceede her in knowledge so as she had gotten so great reputation as after the death of Pope Leo she was created Pope by a generall consent was called Iohn the eight But it chanced that hauing crept too neere to one of her gromes shee grewe with child the which she did carefully conceale But as she went to the Basilique of S. Iohn de Lateran betwixt the Colises and S. Clement she fell in labour Pope Ioan deliuered of a Child in the open streete and was deliuered of this stolne birth in a sollemne procession in view of all the people And in detestation of so fowle a fact a piller was erected where this profane person died So without flattering the truth not the Empire alone went to wrack but also the realme and the Church being in those daies full of confusions in which they fell from one mischiefe to an other by the barbarous ignorance of all good things both in the State and Church as the wise and vnpassionate reader may obserue in the continuance of the history plainly described But let vs returne from the Empire and sea of Rome to France Wee haue sayd that when Charles the simple was first imprisoned the Queene Ogina his wife had carried her sonne Lewis into England to Aldestan the King her brother She had patiently suffred all during the furious raigne of Raoul the vsurper while the experience of diuers masters did ripen the French-mens discontents to make them wish for their lawfull Lord. After the death of Raoul Aldestan King of England hauing drawne vnto him Willam Duke of Normandie the sonne of Rhou sends a very honorable Ambassage to the States of France intreating them to restore his Nephewe Lewis to his lawfull and hereditary dignity The French wish it so as without any difficulty Lewis the sonne of Charles was called home by the Estates of France whether he was accompanied with a great troupe of English-men and Normans as the shewe of a goodly army which might seeme to force them to that which they willingly yeelded vnto LEWIS the 4. surnamed from beyond the seas 33. kâ—ng LEWES .4 KING OF FRANCE XXXIII 935. LEWIS returnes into France hauing remayned nine yeares or thereaboutes in England surnamed D'outremer or from beyond the seas by reason of his stay there He beganne to raigne in the yeare 935. and raigned 27. yeares A disloyall and vnfortunate Prince hauing made no vse of his afflictions 〈…〉 disloyaâ—â—â—rince vnworthy the bloud of Charlemagne And thus their ruine aduanced by the default of men the which God held back by his patience He fouÌ„d the Estate of his realme like vnto one that returnes to his houâ—e after a long and dangerous nauigation He was receiued with great ioye of all men Those which had beene most opposite vnto him made greatest shewes of faithfull and affectionate seruice to insinuate into his fauour Amongest the rest William Duke of Normandy but especially Hugâ—es the great Maior of the Pallace whome wee haue already noted as the sonne of Robert the chiefe of the said League Hee had imployed all his meanes for the calling home of Lewis into France and at his returne he spared nothing to confirme his authority This was the meanes to â—ay the foundation of a greater authority for his successors They must begin the newe gouernment of this Prince with a wife to haue lawfull issue The Emperours allyance was very needefull Otâ—o heâ—d the â—mperiall dignity being the sonne of Henry the fowler Duke of Saxony â—ewis marrieth one of the Emperors sisters 〈◊〉 â—ather to Hâ—gh Caâ—et marriâ—th an other He had two sisters Heâ—bergue and Auoye King Lewis marrieth the eldest and in signe of brotherly loue he motioned the marriage of the youngest with Hugues the great Lewis had two sonnes by Herbergue Lothaire who succeeded him to the Crowne of France and Charles who shal be Duke of Lorraine and contend for the Crowne but shall loose it Hugues the great was more happy then Lewis for of the yongest hee had Hugh Capet who shall take their place and ascend the royall throne to settle the French Monarchie 937. shaken much in the confusions of these Kings vnworthy to raigne or beare any rule And of the same marriage Hugues had Otho and Henry both Dukes of Bourgongne one after another Behold now vpon the Stage two great and wise personages the King and his Maior whom we may call a second King they striue to circumuent each other the which their actions will discouer but man cannot preuent that on earth
flies to Philip who comes himselfe with a very great army and enters Flanders The vncle supplaâ—â—â— his Nephew for the County of Flanders His meaning was to make a benefit of their common quarrell But it fell out otherwise by his prouidence who doth pull downe one raise vp an other alwaies iustly although the causes be vnknowne vnto vs. Robert defeates the King and his Nephews After this victory hee is receiued Earle of Flanders without any discontent of the King for the distressed pupills who relying no more on him fled for succor to Thierry Bishop of Liege who makes an accord That Robert the Frison should haue the Earledom of Flanders giue his Nephews some recompence After this peaceable possession of the Earledome of Flanders Philip fâ—rsâ—ks Baldwins Children at their neede In England Philip became a deere friend to Robert forgetting the good offices hee had receiued from his tutor measuring friendship by proffiâ— Such was tâ—eÌ„ the state of Flanders England had a greater change we haue sayd that Robert Duke of Normandy had instituted William his bastard sonne his heire and that hee had gotten possession of the Dâ—chie but behold a greater happinesse attends him Edward King of England hauing receiued much kindnesse from him and knowing him fit for the gouernment of the realme names him his heire by his testament by vertue whereof notwithstanding all the policy and force that Herould brother to the Queene could vse William is receiued King of England and crowned in a soâ—lemne assemble of the English homage is done vnto him as to their lawfull Lord this great dignity continued in his posterity Philip sees this new power impatiently Philip discontented at VVilliams aduancement to the crowne of England yet can he not preuent it but God hath prepared it as a rod to correct this realme by the three sonnes which William left to succeed in his Estates Robert William and Henry Ambition is the Leuaine of these warres it shewed it selfe soone after the birth of this new power growen to the Dukes of Normandy whose first breeding we haue seene in the second race by the increase of the realme of England Robert and Henry the sonnes of William come to the King at Constans vpon Oise As they play at Chesse with Lewis the sonne of King Philip there fell some contention among these yong Princes and from iniurious words they fell to blowes Lewis called Henry the sonne of a Bastard Henry struck at him with the Chesse-board and had slaine him if Robert had not staied him This blow being giuen Robert and Henry made all hast to saue themselues in Normandy The Leuaine of distention betwixt France and England where they incensed both heauen and earth with their complaints From this light beginning grew all the troubles which disquieted these two Estates during 400. yeares vpon diuers occasions Robert Henry being escaped the fathers so imbrace the quarrell for their children as they fall to armes Philip goes to field and takes Vernon depending of Normandie Robert goes out of Normandie and doth seize vpon Beauuois King William parts from England and lands in France with a great and mighty power The English enter into Guienne and inuades Xaintonge and Poitoâ— Behold the first check of a dangerous game Philip moued with these losses enters into Normandie with a great and mighty armie but he cures not one wound in making of another William on the other side runnes and spoiles all the Country euen vnto the gates of Paris where hee entred not then but his posteritie did after him Hee dies soone after but the quarrell suruiued in his children who augmented this hereditarie hatred in many sorts While they began to weaue this web Italy was in no better estate being full of horrible combustions and the cause was so much the more lamentable for that the mischiefe came from them Conâ—â—â—â—ons in Italy betwixt the Emperour and Popes from whom all good was to be expected We haue formerly spoken of the deuisions growne betwixt the Emperours and the Popes of Rome for their preheminences In all ancient times the Popes were subiect to be summoned before the Emperour who had authority to create them to depose them that were vnworthy of their charges to call Synods and to confirme all things which concerned the outward gouernment of the Church The Pope on the other side maintaines that all this authority was his The Popes vsurpation as vniuersall Bishop hauing power to bind and loose to iudge of all men and all causes as the soueraigne Iudge of the Church not to bee iudged by any man and so to dispose absolutely of all matters as well Ecclesiasticall as Ciuill as Monarch in the Church not only armed with power of excommunication to damne rebels and authority to remit sinnes but hauing also the temporall sword with soueraigne authority ouer Emperours Kings and Princes of the earth to place and diâ—place and to dispoâ—e of their estates Hereafter we shall find in euery raigne some memorable example of this soueraigne authority This raigne giues a very notable one After the death of the Emperour Conrade called Salique Henry the 3. of that name hauing happily gouerned the Empire left it to his sonne Henry the 4 yet very yong so as the Popes during this weakenesse of the Empire had meanes to fortifie themselues and so imbracing this occasion Gregory the 7. called Hildebrand did prohibite the Emperour all authority ouer the Clergie and forbad vpon paine of excommunication to haue any recourse vnto him for the collation of benefices or for any thing else that depended on the Church Henry moued with so great an affâ—ont Sâ—range confuâ—oâ—s betwixt the Emperoâ—r and the â—ope lets Gregory vnderstand that this his decree was contrarie to the ancient orders the vse of the Catholike Church Vpon this refusall he lets him know that hee will maintaine the rights of the Empire and complaines to the Clergie of Rome in an open assembly Gregorie calls an other wherein hee doth excommunicate Henry and all his adherents and sends forth his Bull into all parts wherby hee declares him excommunicate and degraded of the Empire and in his place causeth Rodolph Duke of Sueuia to be chosen Emperour Thus there growes two factions in Italy and in Germanie one for the Emperour and the other for the Pope behold two armies leuied of these factions ready to shed Christians bloud nine battailes were giuen vpon the quarrell of these preheminences In the end Rodolphe the new Emperour is taken and slaine by Godefroy of Bouillon who followed the Emperour Henry the fourth who after this victorie assembled a great Councell at Bresse where as Gregorie the seuenth is excommunicated and Clement Bishop of Râ—uenna appointed to succeed him they conduct him to Rome with an armie take the Citty after a long siege whereas the new Pope is sollemnlie installed and Henry the 4. Emperour restored
Christians affaires in Asia declined still The Pope perswaded the Kings of France and England with many reasons The Christians â—stâ—â—â— in Asiâ— very miserable and the zeale of the common interest of Christendome made them resolue They became good friends with an intent to make a voyage together to the Holy Land to the incredible content of all their subâ—ects But whilest they prepare for this voyage let vs passe into Asia to visit the afflicted Christians After the fruitlesse returne of the Emperor Conrad and of Lewis King of France things went from bad to worse hauing caused the Christian forces to loose their reputation with the Turkes being growne proud with this vaine shew of Armes Baldwin dyes after the fruitlesse attempts of these great Princes Amaulry his Brother succeeds him who toyled himselfe in Egipt against Sultan Sarracon and Saladin his successor Hee was releeued by the comming of Fredericke Barbarousse who failed not to performe what he had promised to Pope Alexander But the Christians found small comfort in his comming The forces of the Empire which were great being dispersed by the death of the Emperour Amaulry likewise dyes who leaues one Sonne named Baldwin both yong and a Lepar so as hauing voluntarily resigned the charge finding himselfe vnfit he did inuest his Nephew Baldwin the sonne of William Long-sword Marquis of Monâ—errat and of Sibell his Sister and considering the weaknesse of his age he appoints Raimond Earle of Tripoli for his Tutor 1121. Hence sprung a horrible dissention among the Christians for Sibille by whom the right came to Baldwin her sonne after the death of Marquis William was married to Guy of Lusignan who was seized of the yong Infant Hee is now his Tutor by force the child dyes and Guy of a Tutor becomes a King The Christians in Asia at Ciuill warres not without great suspition of treacherie against the Infant and in the end they fall to warre Euery one doth strengthen himselfe for this goodly realme and they are incensed with greater fury then when they ioyntly made warre against the Infidels Guy seekes for succour of Saladin Sultan of Egipt who embraceth this occasion and runnes with a great Armie to besiege Tiberiades The Christians assemble and are defeated in a set battaile The Crosse is taken by Saladin and carried in triumph Then was Tripoly deliuered into his hands The Infidels make their profit by their dissentions and the Earle Raymond found dead in his bedd when as hee should haue raigned to teach all men how to trust Infidels Saladin passeth on he beeseegeth takes and sacks Ierusalem and in this amazement Ptolomais Azot Baruth and Ascalon yeeld vnto him These victorious conquests of Saladin were accompanied with great mildnesse to the people whome he had subdued that by this wise course the Miscreant might incounter the Christians disorders by a notable example of vertue Moreouer there happened another tragicall confusion Alexis a young man of fifteene yeares The Emperor of Greecâ— murthered by his Tutor sonne to Emanuell the Emperour issued from that Alexis of whom wee haue spoken in the beginning of this Easterne warre was cruelly slaine by his Tutor Andronicus and he himselfe afterward by Isaac and the people of Constantinople who had called him to the Empire Such was the sick estate of the East when as our Kings were solicited to go and visit it in the yeare 1190. Philip calles a Parliament at Paris to settle his estate they disswade him from the voyage but zeale transported him and made him fight with impossibilities So great efficacie this resolution had to go to this warre which seemed to be the gaine of their soules health as the Historie saith King Philip Ricâ—aâ—d King of England made a voâ—age to the East great charges were imposed vpon such as went not the voyage to pay the tenth of all their reuenues both spirituall and temporall called for this occasion the Saladins Tenths Richard King of England came with manie Dukes Marquises Earles Barons great Lords and an infinite number of young Gentlemen The Kings sweare a brotherly and inuiolable League The great 〈…〉 among Kings breeds contempt and hatred but the continuall and priuate entercourse by the way bred a familiaritie and this familiarity engendred a contempt and contempt hatred as the course of the History will shew A notable lesson for Kings and Princes to teach them how farre they should conuerse familiarlie Hauing crossed the Seas with some difficulties in the end they come into Syria The losse of the Crosse made them to besiege Acon the which they take very valiantlie after great losse of their men but the Crosse would not bee found As the Originall saieth The plague fell among their troupes euery one talkes of returning Philip speakes 〈…〉 indisposition Richard made some difficultie least that Philip in his â—bâ—ence should attempt some thing in his territories of France Philip hauing assured him by othe returnes and passing by Rome comes safe into France Hauing left the greatest part of his forces in the East vnder the command of Odo Duke of Bourgongne Richard remaining alone was better obeyed of the Armie and atchiued great and memorable exploits against Saladin being already amazed by the taking of Acon Richard King of Englandhis exploits in Asia 〈…〉 Gaza and Iaffa hauing repeopled them with Christian Colonies and vainquished Saladin in battaâ—le From thence he resolued to besiege Ierusalem but as hee was kept from this enterprise by reason of the Winter so was hee forced to leaue Asia vppon this occasion and returne into England During his voyage and Philips there had passed some vnkinde speeches by reason of Alix Sister to Philip and the wife of Richard who in great disdaine said That he had neuer toucht her that she should neuer come neere him blaming her as if shee had beene prodigall of her honour by a monstrous Incest with his Father Notwithstanding all shewes at their parting yet this did sticke in Philippes stomake 1061. who at his returne found his Sister Alix at Saint Germaine in Laie whether she was retired expecting his returne who failed not to seeke all means of reuenge Richard had left his brother Iohn in England to gouerne the State in his absence Philippe solicitts him and promiseth him all his meanes with his Sister Alix being vnworthely reiected for a gage of his loue Philippe stâ—rs vp Iohn against his brother Richard King of â—ngland But Elenor the mother of these Princes kept Iohn in awe from ioyning openly with Philip against his absent brother yet could she not restraine Iohn from giuing his word to Phillip who failes not to seaze couertly seing his faith plighted and the reuerence of the cause which held Richard from his house would not suffer him to worke openly So he takes Gisors by intelligence and all the other Townes of Vexin which were in controuersie These newes gaue Richard iust cause to resolue vpon
Willam King of Sicilia Al these were preparatiues of great warre against France And could Baldwine Earle of Flanders be wel satisfied being intreated as we haue seene Richard ioynes with him They resolue to make warre against Phiâ—ip in diuers places Hauing assembled foâ—ces their Baldwine enteâ—s into Artois Richard into Vexin contries then in Controuersie wherby reasoÌ„ the warre should begin seing the processe was bred there Philip without any amazement prouids for Artois sending forces thether vnder the command of his Sonne Lewis Warres with Richard King of England He himselfe marcheth in person against Richard who beseeged Corceeile the which he releeued in despight of him Richard not able to hinder these souccors takes his way into the Contrie of Beauuoisin and spoyles it Phillip doth the like in Normandy All tends to trouble by the willfulnes of these two Princes when as the Pope some say Celestin others Innocent .3 sends his Noncio to exhort them to peace This perswasion staied it not but only made a diuersion of their armes for Richard supposing that Philip could not auoide the blow being ingaged in Nomandie he marcheth into Berry and being assisted wâ—th all his forces of Guienne beseegeth Yssoudun hauing wasted and spoyled all the country Philip beseeged Vernon although the name be diuersly coated Vernon Vernueil or Aumale he leaues the Towne and flies to Richard to draw him to fight who finding himselfe to weake retyres to his towne Philip returnes to his seege and wins the Towne not withstanding all the attempts of Richard who now takes breth to seeke his reueng but God had otherwise disposed with whome all Princes ought to accoumpt for their actions 1223. who laughes at men when they vexe themselues most During his aboade at Limoges hee was aduertised that one of his men at armes had found a great treasure in the ground This Souldiar fearing to bee ill rewarded by Richard flies to a small Towne of Limosin which the Historie called Caalac or Cailus held by the French although it were of the Prouince of Guienne then belonging to the English Richard besiegeth it but as hee approched too neere the walles hee was wounded with an Arrow in the left arme His desire to follow this siege makes him to neglect his wound which impaires not being drest He takes the Towne but the man saues himselfe hauing hidden his treasure so as Richard tooke not the treasure which hee hunted after with a desire so vnseemely for a great Prince but insteed of taking gold Richard King of England dyes death surprised him who leauing his life vpon so light an occasion leaues a notable example of the vanitie of this world in the lightnesse of humaine spirits who suffer themselues to bee transported with couetousnesse a miserable councellor both to great and small This death did somewhat temper the bitternesse of their dissentions but it did not quench it betwixt France and England Iohn had right to succeed in the Realme of England as brother suruiuing the King deceased Iohn succeeds Richard and makes peace with Philip. but Arthur Duke of Brittanie sonne to Geoffrey the other brother as wee haue said pretended the Crowne to belong vnto him as the sonne of the elder Elenor their mother being yet liuâ—ng Iohn was receiued by the English so as being in possession he had the better and stronger title Philip fauoured Arthur but hee meant to make his profit of the Brothers dâ—uision and to keepe the stakes Being sought vnto by Iohn the new King of England who had then nothing of greater import then his friendship hee concludes a peace with him vpon condition That Iohn should yeeld vp all that his Brother had taken in Berry and neuer pretend any thing of that which Philip had taken Vexin in these latter warres and that Elenor Mother to Iohn Duchesse of Guienne should doe homage to the King for that Prouince as depending of the Crowne of France This aâ—cord is ratified by a new alliance the which encreased no loue Lewis the Sonne of Augâ—stus takes to Wife Blanche the Daughter of Alphonsus King of Castill War betwixt Iohn King of England and Artâ—ur his Nephew and of Iohns Sister being his Neece In the meane time Philip fauours Arthur vnder-hand who assisted by his meanes takes the Cittie of Tours to his great content Arthur doth him homage presently for the Countries of Touraine Aniou and Maine and so passeth on and takes Mirâ—â—eau where Elenor his Gâ—and-mother was resoluing to proceed on further but the Almightie GOD stayed his course For Iohn comes besiegeth and takes Mircbeau againe and Arthur his Nephew likewise Iohn murthers his Nephew Artâ—ur Elenor extreamly afflicted with these diuisions dyes for griefe and Iohn puts his Nephew Arthur whom he held Prisoner to death to extinguish all controuersies for the title â—f the Realme although this death were cloaked as accidentally falne out for sorrâ—w The cauâ—e of a cruell warre Hence sprung a cruâ—ll Warre Constance the Mother of Arthur Duchesse of Brittanie demands Iustice of Philip as her Soueraigne Philip adiornes Iohn and for not appealing hee condemnes him as guiltie of the crime imposed Iohn declared 〈◊〉 of murtheâ— felony by 〈◊〉 and of fellonie in disâ—beying of his commandements Hee proclaimes him an enemie and doth confiscate all hee held of the Crowne This sentence is seconded by open force to make the execution thereof more easie The Brittons and Poiteuins wonderfully greeued with this cruell fact arme and come to Philip. So Iohn abandoned of all flies to Pope Innocent the third accusing Philip of the breach of his faith in making Warre against him Innocent the third declaring that the breache of faith belonged properly to his authority and so by consequence carrying himselfe for Soueraigne Iudge of the câ—ntrouersie betwâ—xt the two Kings commands both the one and the other to laye aside Armes and to suffer the Churches in peace threatning to cursse his realme that should disobey his authority Pope Innocent â—â—â—â—rposeth his authority Philip shewes that hee hath neyther broken his faith nor peace with Iohn But that hee being his vassaile had slaine his Nephew in the territories of his obedience as it appeared by good proofes so as it was not reasonable the holye authoritie of the Church should serue as a defence or support for his impunity in so detestable a crime seeing the punishments of subiects and vassals 1201. appertained to the Prince by all diuine and humane Lawes But there were new complaints to the Pope against Philip that finding himselfe oppressed with war he imposed certain tenths vpon the Clergy to ease the people who complayned of their burthens He did not exact this of the Church by his owne decree but had assembled a Nationall Councell at Soissons to that end The Pope said this was done against his authority and not onely threatned Philip by his Censure but also all the Clergy that had assisted
by meanes of his brother whom hee held prâ—soner hee resolues to take it by force and in the meane time hee beseegeth Windsor by some Noblemen of his partie Iohn sleepes not hee makes a vertue of necessitie imploying all his meanes to leuie men and to keepe what remained But behold an accident which ends both his sute and his life One of his Captaines brings him certaine troupes to releeue Winchester where hee attended the siege but they were charged by Lewis his men Iohn seeing his people to perish some by the Sword and the rest drowned flying to saue themselues oppressed in his conscience not able to endure the reuenging furies of his Nephews bloud vniustly spilt hee falles to a despairing griefe King Iohn dies for griefe and shortlye after dyes suffering the punishment of his iniustice and crueltie Leauing a notable example and president to all men neuer to hope for good by doing euill although the offender growe obdurate by the delaye of punishment This was after eighteene yeares patience during the which Iohn raigned with much trouble a slaue to his furious passions the which is a cruell and insupportable commander The English châ—nge their opinion Thus the decree of Gods iust iudgement against Iohn the parricide was put in execution in the yeare 1217. But this death of Iohn did not settle Lewis in his new royaltie as it was expected The discontent of the English dyes with Iohn and the loue of their lawfull Prince reuiues in his Sonne Henry God limits the bounds of States which mans striuing cannot exceede The Sea is a large Ditche to deuide England from France the Pyrenei Spaine and the Alpes Italy if audatious Ambition and Couetousnesse would not attempt to force Nature The English pleased with his death that made them to languish cast their eye vpon their lawfull King The Pope interposeth his authoritie for Henry against Lewis Who desirous to preserue what hee had gotten prepares his forces when as the losse of his Fleete comming from France to England makes him to change his resolution yeelding to reason and time restoring another man his right and estate to keepe his owne at home the surer and safer The Englâ—sh receiue Henry the sonne of Iohn and dismisâ—e Lewis of France Thus Henry the third the Sonne of Iohn was receiued King of England and Lewis returned into France but Iohns posteritie shall bee reuenged of the Children of Lewis with more and greater blowes then hee had giuen Lewis being returned into France findes worke at home to imploye him in Warre which hee sought beyond the Seas The occasion was to make head against the Albâ—geios of whome wee will discourse in his life and not interrupt the course of this raigne It is now time to finish this tedious relation of Philips actions and to shew the conclusion of his life Avuergne vnitâ—d to the Crowne Hee did confiscate the Earledome of Avuergne and vnited it vnto the Crowne taking it from Guy being found guiltie of Rebellion this was his last acte All the remainder of his dayes were consecrated to make good lawes for the well gouerning of the Realme At Paris hee did institute the Prouost of Marchants and the Sheriffes for the politike gouernement thereof hee caused the Cittie to bee Paued Philips actions being before verye noysome by reason of the durt and mire Hee built the Halles and the Lovure beeing beautified since by Henry the second with a goodly Pauilion and the rest of the new Lodging Wherevnto King Henry the fourth that now raâ—gnes doth adde a Gallerie of admirable beautie if the necessitie of his affaires suffer him to Crowne the restauration of his Estate by the finishing of this great building Hee walled in Bois de Vincennes and replenished it with Deare and with diuers other sortes of wilde Beasts hee finished that admirable and sumptuous building of our Ladyes Church whereof the foundation was onely layde vnknowne by whome Hee made lawes against Vsurie Players Iuglers and Dycing houses 1219. An enemie to publicke disolutions and a friend to good order and iustice Hee releeued the people ouer-charged by reason of the Warres Hee restored vnto the Clergie all the reuenues hee had taken from them during his greatest affaires And thus hee imployed this last acte of his life to gouerne the Realme Landes vniteâ— to the Crown to the which hee had vnited a good parte of that which was alienated by Hughe Capet That is all Normandie a good part of Guienne the Earldomes of Aniou Touraine Maine Vermandois Cambresis Vallois Clermont Beaumont Avuergne Pontheiu Alancon Limosin Vandosme Damartin Mortaigne and Aumale Wee shall hereafter see how the rest of the Crowne landes returned according to the diuers meanes which GOD gaue by the good gouerment of our Kings Philip imployd his peaceable olde age in this sort when as God did summon him to leaue his Realme to take possession of a better Hee was verye sicke of a quartaine Ague which kept him long languishing in his bed giuing him meanes to meditate vpon his death and to prouide for the Estate of his Reaâ—me leauing a good guide whom hee had leasure and meanes to fashion yet could hee not make him the perfect heire of his Vertues and Happinesse Although Lewis his Sonne were not vicious yet had hee nothing excellent to make him apparent among other Kings He would not Crowne him in his life time beeing taught by the late and neighbour example of the ill gouernment of England betwixt the Father and the Sonne finding his forrces to faile him by the continuance of this Feauer hee made his Will Philips testâ—ment In the which hee delt bountifully with his Seruants according to their deserts hee gaue great Legacies towards the Christians Warre in the East and to the Templets who were then held in great reputation to bee verie necessarie for the garde of Christendome Hee gaue new rents to Hospitalls and to very many Churches And so hee died in peace the yeare 1223. the first of Iulie Hâ—s death in the age of fiftie and nine yeares beloued and lamented of his subiects Hee was fifteene yeares old when hee began to raigne and gouerned forty and foure yeares hee left two Sonnes His condâ—tions Lewis and Philip and one Daughter called Marguerite Vnhappie in his house and verye happy in his raigne· His minoritie was reasonable good but his age was verie reuerend Crowned with all the contents a mortall man could desire in this mortall life hauing left many testimonies of his Vertues to make his memorie deere and respected of his posteritie His estate peaceable his heire knowne and beloued of his subiects and of age and experience to gouerne himselfe and to force obedience A Prince rightly called Augustus whom wee may number among the greatest Hee was most Religious Wise Moderate Valiant Discreete and Happy a louer of Iustice of order and of pollicie friend to the people enemie to Disorders Dissolutions
and publicke Violence Charitable Liberall and Iudicious to giue with Discretion To conclude the Patterne of a great King by whome our Kings should take example to learne how to gouerne the Helme of an estate in the tempests and stormes of manie toyles and confusions and by the managing and successe of his raigne to gather this goodly Poâ—sie or rather to take this pasport for the confirmation and greatnesse of Kings That a vertuous King is in the ende happie howsoeuer hee bee compassed in with difficulties But before wee enter into a new raigne order requires that wee obserue the estate of the Church and Empire Fredericks humilitie to the Pope Estate of thâ— Empire had somewhat calmed the violence of these factions and his voyage to the Holye Land to performe his full obedience seemed to bring a perfect peace to Christendome when as behold a newe cause of troubles Frederick going for Asia had with the consent of the Princes of the Empire The Pope opposeth agaiâ—â—â— the Emperour confirmed his eldest Sonne Henry Emperour but hee being dead and his Sonne Henrie to succede him Pope Innocent opposed an other Emperour which was this Otho of whome wee haue spoken The Emperour muâ—theâ—red by 〈◊〉 who succedâ—â— him and did excomunicate Henry in hatred of his Father Frederick Otho ambitious of commande caused Henry to bee murthered in his Chamber But it chanced that hauing committed this fact hee went to receiue that disgrace in France 1223. which was his death and Frederick the second succeeded him â—oâ—as he liued when as our Augustus left the Crowne to his Sonne Lewis Of Italy In the meane time the Guelphes maintained the Popes factions withall vehemencie and the Gibelins that of the Emperour The Cittie 's swelled with these humors which distracted their mindes into sundrie factions whereof grew those cruell contentions euen in their owne bowels The heads of Guelphs and Gibelius the which haue continued long with irreconciliable hatred At Rome the Vrsins and Sabelles against the Colonnois Frangepans Cesarins and others At Florence the Medicis Ricci Bondelons Amidees Cerchis against the Strossi Saluiati Passi Albicci and Donati At Genoa the Flisques Grimaldi Fregoses against the Spinoles Adornes Dories and so at Bolonia Milan Ferrara Mantoua Luques and other Citties which by these dissentions haue lost their liberties and are fallen into the hands of diuerse Princes Venice was wise in thâ—se deuisions preseruing her libertie against both factions whilest the rest dismembred and ruined one another The Popes had still an eye vpon France to confirme their authoritie there as they had done in Sicilia and England The Popes soueraigne authoritie ouer Christendom not ceasing vppon euery light occasion to censure it or to threaâ—en it with their censures But our Kings by the wise Councell of their Parliament at Paris restrained them not suffring them to vsurpe any thing ouer their royall prerogatiue and the libertie of the French Church But howsoeuer the Imperiall State being made subiect to the Pope the way was easie to draw all the Kings and Princes of Christendome to obedience and to aduance their throne aboue the rest Their great reuenues and the shew of their stately and sumptuous traine kept the people in obedience but the deuoute respect of religion the strictest bond to tye soules was the fundamentall support of this soueraigne authoritie the which not being limited within the bounds of mortall life without doubt struck an vnauoidable terror into mens consciences ouer which it had power So as the Pope gaue lawe to all men and whosoeuer obeyed not what they commanded he was excommunicated by this spirituall authoritie of the Keyes which they say doe open and shut Paradice binde and loose sinnes This beleefe setled in the mindes of Christians bred a great deuotion and respect in them and did minister daily new meanes to encrease it At that time sprung vp many orders of religious Friars and Monkes and out of S. Bernards Schoole very famous in those times from this streame grew two branches One was called The poore in Lions the other the humble of Italy which liued of Almes and conuersed with other men expounding the Scriptures and reprouing the abuses of the Church with the like zeale and libertie as we see at this day in the writings of S. Bernard This free and plaine reprehension displeased the Pope who suppressed these two orders with his censures and confining the desciples of S. Bernard to Cisteaux he confirmed 4. new orders of religions The Franciscans instituted by Francis an Italian the Iacobins by Dominick a Spaniard Orders of religious men Carmelites by Albert Patriarke of Ierusalem the Augustins by Innocent the third The Vniuersities of France Germanie and Italy were carefully entertained by meanes of the great reuenues of the Church to settle and augment the Popes authoritie the which was mightily encreased by the diligence and dexteritie of such as instructed the youth easie to receiue such impressions as were giuen them especially their teachers hauing great power ouer their soules Such was the estate both of the Empire and of the Church when as Lewis the 8. entred the royall throne after the decease of his father Philip Augustus Lewis the eight Father to Saint Lewis the 43. King of France LEWES .8 KING OF FRANCE XXXXIII LEWIS was thirty yeares old when he beganne to raigne 1223. in the yeare .1223 was crowned with his wife Blanch beeing then the mother of many children His raigne â—eâ—th Hee died in the yeare 1226. hauing raigned but three yeares neither noted for his vices nor coÌ„mended for his vertues only famous in that He was Sonne to an excellent father father to an excellent Sonne bearing his name not beeing famous inough of himselfe His father imployed him confidently but with small successe The manners of Lâ—wâ—â— the eight He desquieted England but reaped no benifit That which is most remarkable in his raigne Languedoc one of the goodliest and ritchest Prouinces of the French monarchy began to returne to the Crowne froÌ„ the which it was dismembred by Hugh Capet and left as â—n inheritaÌ„ce to the Earles the means was by the ruine of CouÌ„t Raimond chiefe of the Albigeois The Albigeois take their name of a diocese in Languedoc Languedock returnes to the Crowne whereof the head is Alby the 22. Bishoprike of this large Prouince but this name was common to the whole party for that a priuate impression deuided from the common beleefe of Christians which hath caused them to be held for heretikes tooke its beginning with this people of high Languedock and so was dispersed into other Prouinces In this difference of religion we may obserue diuers humors iudgements and censures Diuers opinions touching the Albigâ—ois In so great an vncertâ—nty I will report plainly what is written by the most approoued Authors not giuing any Iudgement the which belongs to the reader neither wil I
of Vallois Iohn Charles the 5. Charles the 6. Charles the 7. Lewis the 11. Charles the 8. who dying without Children the lawe calles the children of Lewis Duke of Orleans The house of Oâ—leâ—ns called to the crowne the sonne of Charles the 6. to raigne one after an other Charles Duke of Orleans and Iohn Duke of Angoulesme for Lewis the sonne of Charles raâ—gned vnder the name of Lewis the 12. who dying without issue male the lawe takes the other branche of Iohn of Angoulesme so as it sets the Crowne vpon the head of Francis the 1. his onely sonne and from Francis the 1. to Henry the 2. his sonne and so in order to Francis the 2. Charles the 9. Henry the 3. his children successiuely from brother to b other This direct line ending in Henry the 3. the last King of the house of Vallois the law calles the second sonne of S. Lewis named Robert who giues the royall branche to Bourbon Out of the which is issued Henry of Bourbon the fourth of that name King of France and of Nauarre now raigning but we will set downe his genealogie distinctly in the end of the royall race of Vallois It sufficeth to haue noted the order of the following raignes returning to the course of our Historie Thus S. Lewis the 9. liued and thus he dyed the honor of vertue in our Kings leauing Philip his eldest Sonne for his successor PHILIP the third called the Hardie the 45 King of France PHILIPPE .3 KING OF FRANCE XXXXV THE authoritie of Lewis was so great as neither his absence not his death could alter any thing in the estaâ—e of France 1270. Being dead Philip his eldest Sonne was procâ—aimed King in the Armie and as much as the time would permit was recâ—iued with a generall applause of all men as hee in whom the Fathers vertue and authoritie was yet liuing The Armie in the meane time is fortified with the Fleetes of England and of Sicilia so as the Barbarians seeing the whole Countrie in Armes and on fire they demand a truce and obtaine it vpon condition That they should suffer the Christians which were dispersed in diuers parts of Affricke to liue in peace But that which did most presse Philip was his returne into France Queene Isabel dyes So as hee gathers his troupes together the remainder of the plague and of the vnciuill vsage of that barbarous Countrie and parts from Affricke into Sicilia where his losses encrease for his Wife Isabell dyes there And his Vncle Alphonsus with his Wife the Countesse of Tholouse dye soone after at Bologne without any Children so as according to the contract of marriâ—â—e the Earledome of Tholouse should be incorporate to the Crowne Another sinister accident chanced to Richard the Sonne of Henry King of England to the end the English might likewise reckon their gaines in this voyage for being arriued at Viterbo a Ciâ—tie of the Popes walking in Saint Lawrence Church Richard sonne to Henry King of England slaine traiterouslie suspecting no enemie behold this Guy of Montford the Sonne of Simon of whom wee haue spoken kills him in the presence of all his followers and drawing his Sword hee makes his way to the Church doore where finding a Horse ready he flies into Tuscane whereat neither the Pope Philip nor Charles were any thing moued This murther thus neglected shall bleed hereafter But these were not all the occurrents which Philip had in his returne home Pope Clement the 4. borne in Langâ—edoc being dead the Cardinals loth to yeeld one vnto another disagree in the election of a new Pope and continued in this contention two yeares nine moneths and one day as Platina reporteth Great contention for the election of a new Pope Our Philip and Charles his Vncle intreate the Colledge of Cardinalls to make an end of so scandalous a discention The respect of their admonition was not frutelesse For the Cardinals resolue that not any one of the Colledge that had assisted at this tedious controuersie should be Pope Thibaud of Plaisance Archedeacon of Leege being absent in the voyage of the East was chosen and called Gregorie the tenth In the end Philip returnes into France to the great content of his Subiects Hauing interred the dead his Father Wife Vncle Ante and Cousine hee disposed of the affaires of Iustice according to the instructions and example of his Father Saint Lewis famous amongst all our Kings And then hee married with Mary the Daughter of Henry Duke of Brabant hauing three Sonnes by Isabell his first Wife Lewis eldest sonne to Philip poisoned Lewis Philip and Charles But here wee shall not finde the happinesse of our Saint Lewis for this second marriage was blemished with a sadde and foule suspect Lewis the eldest Sonne of King Philip dyed with apparent signes of poison This mischiefe encreaseth by the iealousie is had of Queene Marie his Mother in Lawe and Peter de la Broche chiefe Chamberlaine to the King and principall Intendant of his Treasure being the Queenes fauorite is accused for this fact and being prisoner he confesseth the crime and accuseth the Queene as hauing poisoned Lewis by her command Moreouer as one mischiefe commeth not alone La Broche is found guiltie of Treason by his owne Letters giuing intelligence to the King of Castile of the estate of France being then no friend to this Crowne This crime alone was sufficient for his death being hanged leauing Mary in trouble by his accusation and by the strange euent a notable example of the inconstancie of the Court and the vanitiâ— of the world Marie denies the fact by othe The King desirous to bee satisfied proceedes strangely For want of common proofe hee resolues to learne the trueth by a Sorceresse to whom hee sends a Bishop and an Abbot This Witche remained in Holland and was Subiect to the Duke of Brabant the Queenes Father The Bishop and Abbot at their returne faâ—e not to absolue the Queene by her report but they free her not from the generall iealousie of the French nor in the Kings conceit who after this accusation did neuer enioy any rest in his house These were the beginnings of the raigne of Philip whose progresse and end shall bee nothing better His Vncle Charles King of Sicilia shall crosse his life with many toyles and end it with perplexitie But let vs obserue euery thing in order As by the decease of Alphonsus and Ioane his Wife being dead without Children the Countie of Tholouse came to the Crowne The Countie of Tholouse annexed to the Crowne so Philip failed not to take possession thereof as one of the most important peeces of his Estate but hee found some alterations there through the priuate quarrels of his Subiects The Earle of Foix hauing a notable quarrell with Girard of Casebonne had taken his house from him by force Girard fled to the King for Iustice but the Earle trusting to his Fortes and the
mountaines deluded the Kings commandements who knew well how to hunt him out of his Rockes and to send him prisoner to Beaucaire with his Wife and Children there to disgest his fellonie and to teache more mightie Vassalls and Subiects what it is to dallie with their Soueraigne Hauing tamed him with a whole yeares imprisonment and drawne from him proofes of a serious confession of his fault hee grants him lâ—bertie his Earledome and his fauour making good vse of him in his affaâ—res But the quarrell of Nauarre was of greater consequence Henry King of Nauarre Earle of Champagne and Brie Troubles in Nauarre had married Isabell the Daughter of Robert Earle of Arthois brother to Saint Lewis and at that time dyed leauing one onely Daughter his heire named Iane with his Widow to whome hee had appointed the regencie of his realme After the decease of Henry which was in the yeare 1274. at Pampelune the Nobility were greeued to bee gouerned by a Woman 1274. shee flies to Philip as to her neere Kinsman The King sends Eustace of Beau-marais a Knight to assist her with his Councell the which encreased the discontent of the Nauarrois who take Armes and beseege the Mother the Daughter and this newe Councellor in the Castle of Pampelune hoping to become Maisters thereof and to settle the gouernement at their pleasures Philip hastens thether releeues the Beseeged punisheth the Rebells setleth the Gouernement furnisheth the Forts and sends Ioane the Heyre of Nauarre into France with the good liking of the Nauarrois by the assurance which Philip gaue them to make her Queene of France in marrying her to his eldest Sonne Nauarre continued thus without any alteration wholy at Philips disposition whose authority was confirmed in all those Prouinces and his Name grewe great throughout all Spaine This worke thus easily ended an other taske began which brought much misery to this raigne The French affayres succeeded not well at Constantinople we haue shewed into what extremity the successors of Baldwin Emperor of Constantinople were brought and now behold the last act of this borrowed Empire Baldwin the sonne of Robert in the life of Iohn of Breyne his Father in Law made head against his enemies so as hauing imployed all his meanes and exhausted his treasure he flies to Frederick the 2. his Brother in Law but in vaine and this was the period of his ruine for his absence gaue his enemies meanes to attempt and his fruitlesse labour was a proofe of his weakenesse at his returne Michel Paleologus a Lord of the Country great both in meanes and courage after the death of Theodore Lascaris The French expâ—â—â—ed Constantinople by the Greekes of whom we haue spoken had so managed this occasioÌ„ as Baldwin could scarse enter into Constantinople to prouide for the safety of the Citty when he was beseeged by Paleologus and so hardly prest as he saued himselfe with difficulty in the I le of Negrepont and from thence went into Italy leauing Constantinople with all this imaginary Empire threescore yeares after the taking thereof by Baldwin the first Thus the Greeks are repossessed vnder the gouernement of Michel Paleologus who in the end seized on the Empire of the East But the comming of Baldwin into Italy was the cause of a long and painefull taske wherein our Philip was so farre ingaged as he shall leaue his life there and cause much trouble to his subiects His Vncle Charles King of Sicilia shall be the motiue Philips disposition but his owne disposition shall thrust him forward Philip was a great vndertaker oftentimes of other mens affayres as the whole discourse of his life will shew wherby it seemes the Title of Hardy was giuen him Not so discreet therein as his Father Why he was called Hardâ— who carried himselfe alwayes coldly a neuter in his neighbours dissentions but when hee found meanes to reconcile them with mildnes Let vs now returne whence we parted Baldwin thus dispossessed of Constantinople flies to Charles King of Sicilia a Frenchman to a French but he had a more strict gage his Daughter Bertha whom Charles had married after the death of Beatrix Countesse of Prouence Moreouer he addressed himselfe to one whose spirit was neuer quiet but in Action A strange man hee was Earle of Prouence King of Naples and Sicilia Vicar of the Empire Senator of Rome holding Tuscane at his deuotion almost all Italy 〈…〉 baâ—enâ— Prince in as great reputation as any Prince of his time yet not satisfied Baldwin arriued presently after this shipwracke perswading him to hope for better he tryes all meanes to leuy a goodly army to go into Greece and to restore him with the rest of the French Nobility to their Estates and Seigneuries whereof Paleologus had dispossessed them not foreseeing how much more necessary it was for him to gard his newe conquests of Sicilia and Naples and to keepe his credit in Italy in well intreating his new Subiects and imbracing polletikely the Italians loue As Charles deuised the meanes to attempt so his enemies sought the meanes to preuent him They were not small nor fewe in number Pope Nicholas Peter King of Arragon and Michell Peleologus Emperor of Constantinople but there wanted a Soliciter There was one found out proued a notable instrument Iohn Prochite one of the greatest men of Sicilia being dispossessed he imployed his whole study to recouer his Estate by expelling of Charles his capitall enemy Pope Vrbain a Frenchman 1280. borne at Troyes in Champagne had called Charles to these goodly Kingdomes and contrary wise Pope Nicholas an Italian borne at Rome plotted this Tragedie to dispossesse him although his successor Martin borne at Tours did fauour him seeking to restore him againe to his possessions but it was too late Such is the ebbing and flowing of the fauour of the Sea of Rome subiect to receiue diuers persons and by consequence diuers humors Peter of Arragon had married the daughter of Manfroy whome Charles had dispossessed of Sicilia as we haue sayd and therefore had reason to attempt any thing against Charles for the recouery thereof A party made against Charles King of Sicilia holding his title better then the Popes guift Michel Paleologus sought to preuent this storme which Charles prepared against his new purchase and therefore had reason to imploy all his forces against him But that which did most preiudice Charles was his carriage and his officers towards the people of Naples and Sicilia whome hee discontented by all kindes of excesse impoâ—itions rigorous exactions of money insolencies against their wiues and daughters and outrages against their persones This vniust and vnchast libertie which exceeded in the manners of our men bred a iust choller against them in the mindes of this poore Captiue people which made them to seeke all meanes to shake off their yoake and to be reuenged But they had cheefely offended the Soueraigne Iudge of all the
Realme of Sicilia giuen him by authoritie of the holy Sea as a holy gage of the Church Peter answeares That Charles is the vniust vsurper hauing violently rauished the Lands of the Empire from Manfroy the lawfull heire That hee could not bee ignorant of his right hauing married Constance his daughter by whom hee had Sonnes to whome he could not denie the dutie of a Father without wronging of Nature Thus he opposeth the authoritie of Nature to the Popes power right to wrong and reason to passion Moreouer to this law of nature he ioynes faith the ground of humane societie being called and desired by a people vniustly wronged in their goods liues and honors Should hee then contemne their teares being bound to succour them He hath therefore done what he ought 1282. a lawfull heire against an vsurper and a tyrant for poore people oppressed resolute to continue so great a worke worthie of a Châ—istian King perswading himselfe that God who had giuen him a good beginning would send him a happy ending leauing Sicilia free and peaceable to his posteritie And thus one for an other The Pope supports Charles against Peter Hereunto Pope Martin the fourth did add his thundrings supporting Charles his cause with as great vehemencie as his Predecessor Nicholas had laboured to plot his practise against him He sends a Legat to the Sicilians to let them vnderstand that they were excommunicated and their goods confiscate The Legat deliuers his Commission freely and cites all the people to Rome with an expresse inhibition to all Preests not to communicate any Sacraments vnto them vnder great paines So all the Churches in Sicilia were shut vp by the Popes authority The same thunderboult is cast against Peter he is Excommunicated Degraded and his realme of Arragon accursed but from words they fell to blowes Charles resolute to hazard all intreats Philip his nephew to succour him with his best meanes in this his great necessitie And the better to ingage him he giues Catherin the daughter of his son Charles the lame in marriage to Charles the yongest sonne of Philip and in consideration of this marriage giues him the Duchie of Aniou Of this marriage shall issue Philip of Vallois who shall be King of France Philip succors his vncle Charles fortie three yeares after All France armes for this warre Philip imployes all his meanes Peter Earle of Alanson the Kings brother Robert Earle of Artois his nephew the Duke of Bourgongne the Earles of Bologne Dampmartin Ioygny with an infinite number of the Nobilitie repaire from all parts of the Realme Charles sending men expresly with priuate letters to all his friends to inuite them to this war And to keepe Paleologus in Constantinople hee workes with the Christians of Asia and with the Ilands of Cipres Malta Rhodes and others to make warre against him and likewise he fought to disquiet Arragon by meanes of the Nauarrois Philip remayning at Tolouse for that purpose Behold the Arragonots in great perplexitie charged on all sides both with spiritual and temporall armes but that which troubled him most the Sicilians excommunicated by the Pope and amazed at so great forces as came to Charles from all parts not not onely grew cold The Sicilians seeke to make their peâ—ce with Charles but also sought to make their peace with Charles To this end they goe to Rome to Pope Martin of whome they craue pardon with an extraordinarie humilitie for the Historie noates that their Deputies being on their knees cryed to the Pope Qui tollis peccata mundi miserere nostri A title belonging onely to Iesus Christ. This deuout respect had in a manner drawne the Sicilians to Charles his obedience wherein Doubtles he had preuailed if he would haue imbraced the occasion for Pope Martin had perswaded them to yeeld but without a French garrison Whereunto Charles would not coÌ„discend seeking to haue them at his discretion Peter was not quiet in mind amidst al these difficulties hauing the Pope in front the people readie to reuolt Philip watching ouer his Realme of Arragon and an armie in the Port of Naples redie to land Peter doth pollâ—tikly auoyd all dangers Hee findes an expedient for all these difficulties to stay all these forces to quiet this storme of Sicilia and to escape all dangers after a manner in shew worthy of commendation for the reputation valour and bountie of so great a Prince Hee giues Charles to vnderstand that hee lamented the common miserie of so much people whome he did see in danger for their priuat quarrels that it were much better to end it betwixt themselues by the sword That if hee were an honest man a souldiar and a King hee was redie to fight with him and Sicilia should remaine to the Conqueror They were both old and broken but both equall Peter had onely the aduantage in one thing he was more cunning then Charles and his intent was to circumuent him as indeed he did A Combat appointed betwixt two Kings Charles willingly accepts the combat The manner is determined by a common consent â—hat either King should take a hundred choise horse and that the conquering troupe should purchase Sicilia to his King Bourdeaux is chosen for the place of combat the day is appointed All Europe flies to this Theater to see an end of so notable a quarrel by such an extraordinary meanes Charles comes to the place at the prefixed day with his troupe chosen out of the brauest Gentlemen of the Armie Peter appeares not nor any one for him 1283. he is called he is summoned they protest against him but there is no newes of him So after all these soâ—lemne protestations euery one retires with laughter Peter fortifies himselfe in Sicilia but Peter was otherwise imployed he assured Sicilia by his wiues meanes whom he sent thether prouiding to fortifie the weaker places both of Sicilia and Naples equally threatned The heate of the French is cooled by this intermission of time by the hope of an accord and by the departure of so great a multitude disbanded to see this sight the Sicilians had taken breath and Peter stood firme to choose his best aduantage The French being out of hope to see this controuersie ended by combate returne to armes but with lesse courage To make warre in Sicilia they must approach and they must land Roger of Lore a banished man of Apulia Admirall of the Arragon Fleete had the garde of the landing Charles the Lame sonne to King Charles offers to land but his Fleete is defeated and he taken prisoner Charles wonderfully perplexed with this losse runnes from Cittie to Cittie in his Realme of Naples seeking to raise new forces when as death calls him to his rest Charles the Lame the sonne of Charles taken prisoner the which in his life time he would neuer enioy hauing giuen to many and receiued himselfe infinite troubles without any fruite In his youth his
Realme Naples continued longer in the French mens power but in the end all was lost as we shall see hereafter so as the Arragonois retained to himselfe the possession of these goodly Estates and left vs in our voluntarie losses the gages of our accustomed rashnesse and an apparent testimonie that the Popes gifts to our Kings haue not greatly enriched the poore realme as appeares by infinite examples After that of Naples Hungarie was in no better estate being giuen by the Pope to Charles Martell Sonne to Charles the Lame thâ—se two quarrels hauing drawne all Europe into a strange confusion So there was euery where vanitie for truth brute without fruite and shewes without effect The originals are my warrant for this trueth the which I ought to the honor of the Historie without dissembling LEWIS the tenth called Hutin the 47. King of France LEWIS .10 KING OF FRANCE XXXVII 1315. THIS raigne is short and of small fame as the actions of this King are not greatly commendable He began to raigne in the yeare 1315. and dyed the yeare after the 16. of Iune and so hee scarce raigned a yeare and a halfe The mâ—nâ—rs o◠〈…〉 which time was full of tâ—ouble and confusion according to his turbulent and stirring disposition whereof he bare the name for a blemish to his posteritie fo◠〈◊〉 in old French signifies Mutine A Chollerick Prince Iâ—grate 〈…〉 Outragious defacing his royall Authoritie by the insolent abuse oâ— his power couâ—ring his mortall passions with the vale of his authoritie Hee first maâ—â—â—ed wiâ—h Marguerite the Daughter of Robert Duke of Bourgongne being detected o◠〈…〉 she was confined to Chasteau gaillard vpon Seine where she dyed in hâ—r ignominâ—e Afâ—er her death he married with Clemence the Daughter of Charles brother to Robert King of Sicilia Hâ—s Wiues pretended King of Hungarie Hee made a great preparation against Robert Earle of Flanders but could not passe with his Armie for Waters He discharged his choller vpon Enguerand of Marigny Earle of Longueuille Superintendant of the treasure whome Philip had imployed long and confidently Charles Earle oâ— Valois brother to Philip the Faire accused Enguerand of extortion and robbing the Tâ—easurie making him odious to the people for that he had long manageâ— the treasuâ—e of the Realme to his maisters good liking 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 put to 〈◊〉 but Lewis and Charles had hatched thâ—s hatred against him to the losse of his life Hee had caused the Pallace to bee built and he disposed of the publike treasure during the long warres of Flanders the which had wasted much to the peoples oppression and hinderance And therefore it was a pleasing spectacle to see Enguerand of Marigny hanged by a solemne sentence vpon the gallowes which he had caused to be made at Montfalcon beating downe his image in the Pallace where the place is yet to be seene with this inscription by it Let euery one rest content with that he hath For he that hath not sufficient hath not any thing This iudgement was very famous yet afterwards it was reuoked but the bodie was not taken out of the graue although he were fâ—eed from the ignominy of so shamefull a death The Earle of Valois was soone after taken with a languishing disease which consumed him by degrees and King Lewis Hutin died so sodenly as he scarce lay sick one day These were the workes of heauen which made the foolish people change their opinion of whom it was rightly spoken What the people sayes a foole speakes for euery one tooke these extraordinarie deaths as witnesses of Gods iustice who punisheth great Princes which abuse the ordinarie power which hee hath giuen them to serue their owne passions And it is to be obserued that this iustice of God continued in the posteritie of Lewis Hutin for he left his wife Clemence with Child who was deliuered of a Sonne an imaginarie King hauing liued but eight dayes and though he were royally interred with Kings yet is he not numbred among them Moreouer hee left one Daughter by his first Wife called Iane for whom Eudes of Bourgongâ—e her Vncle by the Mother caused great Tragedies against the fundamentall Law of State Iane the Daughter of Lewiâ— Hutin pretends the realme to haue her admitted Queene of France wrongfully and vniustly for that women are excluded by the law whereon the French Monarchie was grounded as we haue sayd So this miserable raigne was begun and ended by confusion and iniustice A notable example to obserue the vanitie of the Court in good seruants vniustly afflicted of the people in their false and passionate iudgements rendring euill for good and suffring themselues to bee transported with the ebbing and flowing of their passions speaking good and euill of the same action and the same man without rule without measure and without trueth And of the vanitie of great men which thinke it to bee the chiefe fruite of their greatnesse to abuse their power insolently to the ruine of their inferiours not remembring being blinded with their passions that they haue a superiour ouer them to make them yeeld an account of their vniust proceedings forcing them to make restitution with interest The Parliament made ordiâ—â—râ—â— All that Lewis Hutin did worthy of commendation was that he made the Parliament of Paris ordinary which had but two sittings in the yeare although this commoditie of pleading hath bred many sutes to the hindrance of the publike and priuate good He was called King of France and of Nauarre and left the two realmes to his successor who disposed thereof as we shall see PHILIP the 5. called the Long 48. King of France PHILIPPE .5 KING OF FRANCE XVIII THE controuersie touching the Crowne was easily decided by the euidence of reason and also for that Iane the Daughter of Lewis Hutin 1316. remained by the Will of Philip her Vncle Controuersâ—e for the Crowne of France Queene of Nauarre and Countesse Palatine of Briâ— and Champâ—gne and yâ—t for the discontentment of some Princes of the bloud Philip crowned Philip went to Rheims with a strong Armie to bee annointed there where he was installed the doores of the Church being shutte and well garded He began to raigne in the yeare 1316. and raigned sixe yeares Hee had foure Daughters by Iane the Daughter of Othelin Earle of Bourgongne and no Sonnes By meanes of his Daughters hee made his peace with his discontented Princes His children For hee gaue the eldest to Odon Duke of Bourgongne who had supported the Daughter of Lewis against him and gaue in dowrie the Countie of Bourgongne belonging vnto her by her Mother and to Lewis Earle of Eureux his other opposite hee gaue Iane with the Kingdome of Nauarre and the Counties of Brye and Champagne whereof he afterwards carried the title His dispositioÌ„ A Prince of a very tractable disposition and by consequence easie to bee corrupted rather inclining to ill then good There is
the goodliest of the Prouince of LiÌ„guedoâ— was purchased by Philip of Iames King of Maiorcâ— to whom it belonged The obseruations of this first authority of the Kings of Maâ—orcâ— are yet remarkable in the priuileges of the commonaltie of this goodly Citty delectable for the fertil situation famoâ—â— being the goodliest Theater for Phisick in Europe Thus in the affaires of this world there is time to loose and time to win that men might season their spirits with this temperature neither to be dâ—ouned with aduersity not drunke with prosperity Queene Ieane of France dies In the flowing and ebbing of these gaines and losses one balancing an other Ioane Q. of France wife to Philip died leauing him two sonnes for gages of her loue most worthy to be noted in the marriages of our Kings Iohn Duke of Normandy and Philip Earle of Valois whereof the first already of yeares gouerned the affaires of the Realme in his fathers life and shall succed him in the Crowne and Philip shal be Duke of Orleans This issue might haue contented Philip being very old and broken yet before the yeare was ended he married Blanche the Daughter of Philip of Eureux King of Nauarre who had an other Daughter Margaret married to Gaston of Foix from whom shall spring Charles King of Nauarre the scourge of this Realme in the succeeding raignes But Philip did not long enioy this vnnecessary marriage the which was a second burthen to his yeares and toyles so as he fell extremely sicke at Nogent and hauing recommended concord and the care of his Realme to his 2. sons leauing the crowne to Iohn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hee yeelded vp his soule to God the threescore and fifte yeare of his age 1350. and of grace â—350 in the moneth of August hauing raigned .23 yeares Philip dies A Prince whose great 〈◊〉 were balanced with great vices for he was deuout quicke hardy valiant resolute in 〈◊〉 couragious in affliction louing order Iustice and the people But the presumption of his valour and his resolution often inclining to rashenesse choler and impatience His dispositioÌ„ 〈…〉 these vertues and were the causes of great miseries both to him and his subiect Trulie he could not auoide it but in taking possession of so great and enuied an inheritance and hauing so strong an aduersarie in front he must indure many crosses but those inexcusable imperfections caused him to suffer much more then he had done if he had â—etled his authoritie with iudgement and patience and incountred his aduersarie alreadie vanquished with modestie and wisdome During the forepassed raignes since the yeare .1300 Estate of the Empire and Church Neither the Empire nor the Church of Rome were in any better Estate by the strange alterations of diuers changes which happened in these two States seeking to ruine one an other vnto the ende of this raigne We haue left this discours at the Empire of Albert the x. Duke of Austria to whom Pope Boniface 8. gaue the title and the armes of France in disdaine of Philip the faire who caused him to bee inuested after an other sort by Felix of Nogaret then hee would doe the Emperour of his realme Albert liued not long after the imagination of this new royaltie for hee was slaine soone after by his Nephew Iohn Duke of Sueâ—ia whome he had spoiled of his Duchie vnder colour that being too prodigall hee could not gouerne it as was â—equisiâ—e Henry 7. Duke of Luxembourg succeeded Albert being chosen with great affection of the Germain Princes who feared least Philip the faire should seize vpon the Empire An Emperour poisoned verie strangly by the Popes fauour being then a Frenchman both by nation and disposition and resident at Auignon But hauing vexed himselfe with those 〈◊〉 dissentions of Guelphs and Gibelins in the ende he was poisoned by a Monke called Bernard a Iacobin vnder colour of giuing him the Sacrament in the Communion at Beneuent in the yeare .1313 To increase this confusion Lewis of Bauiere and Frederic of Austria the sonne of Albert Two Competitors for the Empire contend for the Empire by open force but they agreed to hold it by equall authoritie Yet this dissention was soone reuiued by the meanes of Pope Iohn 22. borne at Cahors in Quercy resident likewise at Auignon who seeking to hold a soueraine authoritie ouer both and to dispose the Empire to whome he pleased entertayned this hatred betwixt these two Princes the which burst out into open warre Dissention betwixt the Emperour Popes Frederic was taken by Lewis in the yeare .1323 who supposing to bee now absolute in the Empire sodenly falles into newe troubles by the same Pope Iohn who did excomunicate him for that he would not resigne the Imperiall dignitie into his hand to dispose soueraignely therof at his pleasure This new affront gaue Lewis of Bauiere occasion to examine the Popes authoritie by the learned and to raise a mightie army to suppresse him So hee came into Italie to oppose the force of the Empire against the Popes excomunications and to giue a Lawe to the Sea of Rome which sought to controule him Iohn fled at this alarum The Colledge of Câ—râ—inalls assemble and vpon the Emperours complaint they depose Iohn as a fugitiue and create Nicholas 4. in his place But there followes a strange alteration Iohn returnes and doth dispossesse Nicholas but in the ende death surpriseth Iohn whome Benedect 12. doth succeede a Tholousane and to Benedict Clement 6. a Limosin who begins more violently against the Emperour then his Predecessor Iohn From .1308 to .1350 for he caused Charles Marquis of Morauia to be chosen in his place being sonne to Lewis King of Bohemia and Duke of Luxembourg of whome wee haue spoken in this raigne So all the world was turmoyled with a generall confusion in this age the which drawes after it a long traine of strange calamities IOHN 51. King of France IOHN THE I KING OF FRANCE · LI 1350. THe difficulties falling in the raigne of Philip of Valois the which we haue represented are but trifles in regarde of the horrible tragicke confusions wherewith the following raignes haue beene afflicted vnder Iohn Charles the 5. Charles the 6. and Charles the 7. I will adde also vnder Lewis the 11. vnto the warre of the common-wealth it selfe the last fit of this intestine disease the which shall ceasse for that time So we will reckon a hundred and twelue yeares of the most wretched time Very considerable obseruations in this raigne that ciuill warres could breed in the bowels of this miserable State The which begins not in our time onely to doe penance eyther for the weaknesse of Kings or the folly of subiects or by the malice of such as haue abused both the one and the other to serue their execrable passions By the effects we shall obserue what a good King is in an estate and how pernitious the command of many is
him to his ouerthrow This great squadron forceth into the Vines and enters fight with the English foote but the issue of Iohns new stratagem was contrary to his expectation for in â—hâ—s first charge they finde resistance The Archers planted in the Vines with aduantage galled them in the first rankes with their arrowes whilest that others lying vnseene in the rowes adioyning aime at them at their pleasures shooting forth a dangerous storme of arrowes and vpon their flanke riseth another showre which passeth through these horsemen whereas neither Lance nor Battleaxe could preuaile Hauing made this first charge with so great losâ—e they seeke to retire and to charge the enemie in some other place Battaile of Poitiers but they fall into a greater perplexitie for the horses sinck in this mirie ground and are intangled among the sâ—ubbes stakes and trees some fall some rise againe all are in confusion they lie plunging in the ditches and trenches and the English arrowes flie from all sides This troupe hauing drawne downe the rest by degrees like to a current of water which disperseth it selfe by a chanell the more men the more disorder Our Frenchmen grow amazed at this repulse The English seeing them giue back in confusion crie victorie The French defeaâ—ed by the Enâ—â—â—sh and follow their aduantage striking on all sides as they lay wallowing one vpon another King Iohn runnes to repaire this disorder He performes the dutie both of a good Captaine in gathering together his dispersed men and of a valiant Souldiour in fighting couragiously but the blow was already giuen all was lost The Duke of Athenes Constable and Ihon of Clermont Marshall were slaine at the first charge The Standard royall appeares no more by the fall of the Earle of Charnie who carryed it in this dayes fight The greatest part of the commanders and of this braue Nobilitie who sought to be in the front are vnhorsed This rampart ouerthrowne and the rest shaken broken in peeces the Prince of Wales preuailes the more easily King Iohn is farre ingaged in the conflict The English crie to the King to the King Being charged on all sides he defends himselfe admirablie and his sonne Philip being neere him surmounted the ordinary courage of the most resolute Souldiers in shielding his father from blowes This generous valour did first purchase him the name of Hardy and the course of his life did confirme it in diuers worthy actions but in the end they are both prisoners There was some controuersie not without extreame danger to his person for hauing yeelded vnto Denis of Morbec his owne subiect borne in the countrie of Arthois banished for some fact he was halled by other souldiers who pretended an interest in this prize But the Prince of Wales vnderstanding therof sent him an honorable gard of some of his most trusty seruants whilest that he made the victory absolute The head being taken all are surprized with feare all are dispersed and the slaughter is generall without resistance Edward content to haue the head sounds a retreate and forbids them to pursue the victorie Many saue themselues in Poitiers which stands vpon her garde least the enemy should â—nterwith them that fled The victorious Prince remayning vpon the place of battell sendes a troupe of Noble men Gascons King Iohn taken prisoner Prince Edwaâ—â— recâ—iues him with great â—espect to receiue the King prisoner and to conduct him to his pauilion the which they do with great respect Edward seeing him approch meetes him with great reuerence honours him comforts him entertaines him with a louing discourse and promiseth him all the good vsage a great King could expect in his aduersity A young Prince twise a conquerour hauing vanquished his enemie both by valour and courtesie leauing an honourable trophe of his humanity and wisedome to posterity Iohn setling his countenance shewed a couragious minde in his misfortune A notable example for Princes to shewe an inuincible constancie against the most dangerous losses amongst which the losâ—e of liberty holds the most mournefull rancke and is of the biâ—terest digestion Our losse was then very great and the sâ—quele very pernitions They number seuenteene hundred Gentlemen slaine in this battell The number oâ— the dead amongst the which there were fifty two Lords The chiefest of marke were Peter of Bourbon the Duke of Athenes Constable of France Iohn of Clermont Marshall of France George of Châ—â—ny great Chamberlaine Renauld of Chameil Bishop of Chalons the Lords of Pont and Fayette and of the common sort fiue or six thousand A hundred ensignes were brought away in triumph the spoyle carried away the place of battell free the dead bodies at the conquerours mercie The King was taken the cheefest part of the victory with him was led into the same prison Philip his fourth sonne afterwards Duke of Burgogne Iames of Bourbon Earle of Ponthieu The prisoners â—aken in the battell Iohn of Arthois Earle of Eu Charles of Arthois his brother Earle of Longucuille Charles Earle of Tancaruille Iohn of Melun and his sonne Archbishop of Sens the Earles of Vendosme Salbruch Nassaw Dampmartin la Roche and many other men of accompt This ouerthrow happened in the yeare 1356. the 19. day of September continued with many confusions whereof I tremble to discourse But let vs continue the order of our history Iohn falling into his enemies hands is brought to Bourdeaux and froÌ„ thence safely conducted into England to Edward who shewed himselfe as curteous to his capitall enemie being his captiue as glad of his Sonnes victory Some say he commended him more to haue receiued Iohn with humanity then to haue conquered him by his valour A lesson for great Princes A lesson for great Princes to learne that vertue doth equall valour and that he is rightly a conqueror that can vanquish himselfe He doth lodge him honourablie in the Citty of London in the Duke of Lancasters house with his son Philip vnder a sure gard The other prisoners are dispersed into diuers places according to their qualities to drawe a reasonable ransome from them the which as they payed he sent them free to their houses with much honour and at that instant he gaue liberty vpon the kings word being captiue to all such as he would answer for In this great calamity God looked vpon France with his eye of pitty willing to chastice it but not to ruine it For he reserued during the Kings captiuity royall heads to saue this estate from shipwracke being almost ruined both by the great afflictions passed as also by the imprisonment of their soueraigne head and the death of many great personages necessary instruments for the preseruation greatnesse of the State As Charles eldest son to Iohn The admirable prouideÌ„ce of God in the preseruation of this estate Daulphin and Duke of Normandy Lewis Duke of Aniou and Iohn Duke of Berry escaped in this defeat Charles was of so wise and temperate a
King Iohn hauing long expected the time of his deliuerie parts from England with a strong garde and is conducted to Calis attending the money 〈◊〉 the first pawne of his libertie The Regent his sonne labours earnestly the 〈◊〉 of Paris did contribute willingly a hundred thousand Royals and after their example all other citties paied their portions Of such power is our head cittie both to 〈◊〉 good and euill so by this ende they made amends for all former errors The money is brought to S. Omer whether the Regent comes to see the deliuerie Edward returnes to Calis he is wonderfull kinde to Iohn The two Kings sweare a mutuâ—ll league of friendship and they sweare a league of friendship and comprehended Charles King of 〈◊〉 being absent in this peace his brother Philip vndertaking for him to the end that all quarrels might be troden vnder foote and all men liue in peace vnitie and concord So Iohn being set at libertie after a languishing imprisonment foure yeares take his 〈◊〉 of Edward with all the shewes of loue that might be betwixt brethren and 〈◊〉 friends Being parted f om Calis he findes his sonne Charles comming to meete him with a great and stately traine I cannot well expresse the ioy of this first encounter this good King imbracing his sonne as his redeemer with ioy mixt with teares and full of fatherly affection with the content of his sweete recouered libertie seeing himselfe in his 〈◊〉 armes who had giuen him so many testimonies of his faithfull loue in his necessitie 〈◊〉 in the middest of his subiects with his first authoritie depending no more vpon anothers will King Iohn receiued by his sonne with great ioy And contrariwise what ioy was it for this wise sonne to enjoy his father so precious a gage of the authoritie order and obedience of a State and a great discharge for him of this painfull burthen Thus discoursing of what had bin done during his imprisonment and of what was to be done they arriue at Heâ—in whether not onely the whole countrie repaires 〈…〉 the Deputies of Paris and of all the prouinces of the Realme to congratulate their good Kings deliuerie where he disposeth of the gouernment of his house The King of Nauarre meetes him at Compiegne hauing fiâ—st sent back his hostages to shew that he relyed onely on his word put himselfe into his power Thus passeth the world after a storme comes a calme 1361. King Iohn made his entrie into Paris with this goodly traine being receiued with an incredible ioy of all his subiects The Kings reception into Paris The Parisiens going to kisse his hands offer him their hearts with a goodly cubberd of Plate worth a thousand markes for homage of their fidelitie and obedience The Parliament had surceased aboue a whole yeare Iohn for the first fruits of his recouered authoritie would honour the opening of the court with his presence being set in the seat of Iustice in the midst of all his officers to the incredible content of all men who beheld the cheerefull countenance of this Prince like the Sunne beames after a troubled skie Such was the returne of King Iohn into his realme after his imprisonment as the catastrophe of a Comedie in the which after mourning they reioyce This happened in the beginning of the yeare 1361. Some moneths were spent in these publike ioyes but they must seeke to get againe his hostages in the effecting whereof they found many difficulties for neither the priuate Lords whose homage he had bound to the King of England nor the countries whose Soueraignties he had yeelded by this accord would obey They argue with the King in councell and demand an acte shewing Difficulties in the performance of the conditions of peace that the King cannot dispose of the soueraigntie of his realme nor alienate the reuenues of the crowne Iohn on the other side fearing least Edward should reproche this vnto him as a practise betwixt him and his subiects made them sundry commandements to obey He went to Auignon to visit Pope Innocent who dyed at this time and Vrban the sixt succeeded in his place both Limosins To hansell Iohns recouered libertie and to ease his minde afflicted with long imprisonment Vrban exhorts him to vndertake the voyage of the holy land as generall of the action Iohn promiseth the Pope to goe with an armie Iohn not remembring the examples of Kings his Predecessors Lewis the 7. 9. nor apprehending the present burthen of his great affaires nor the danger of so mighty and watchfull an enemie who had so long and with so great paine kept him prisoner accepts the charge and makes a solemne promisse and to hasten the execution thereof he returnes into England Some saye the loue of the Countesse of Salisbury whose husband had the garde of the King being a prisoner was the principall motiue of his returne The which I cannot beleeue vpon the report of the English being vnlikely that his age his aflictions his great affaires and the voyage wherevnto he prepared should suffer this Prince to follow so vnseasonable a vanitie But whatsoeuer moued him therevnto he dyed there leauing his life in England where he had so long languished as a presage of his death Thus Iohn died in England in the yeare 1364. the 8. of Aprill Iohn dies in England His dispositioÌ„ leauing Charles his eldest sonne heire to the Crowne of France A good man he was but an vnfortunate Prince wise in ordinarie things but ill aduised in great affaires iust to all men but not warie how or whom he trusted in matters of consequence temperate in priuate but too violent in publick To conclude a good Prince but not considerate more fit to obey then to command Truely these heroicke vertues are the proper Iewels of Crownes and wisdome is a companion to the most excellent vertues especially in Princes who are aduanced vpon the Theater of manslife to gouerne the rest We haue noted that Bourgogne had beene giuen to Robert the grand-child of Hugh Capet for his portion A little before the deceasse of King Iohn Bourgogne annexed vnto the Crowne it was vnited to the Crowne of France by the death of Duke Philip a young man of the age of fifteene yeare sonne to that Iohn which dyed in the battaile of Poitiers He was betrothed to the heire of Flanders but both the Duchie and the Daughter were for another Philip the sonne of Iohn to whom the father gaue this new succession in recompence of the faithfull seruice he had done him the day of his taking and had continued it in prison CHARLES the 5. called the Wise the 52. King of France CHARLES THE V. KINGE OF FRANCE .52 THis Charles during the life of his father Iohn had giuen so many testimonies of his sufficiencie to gouerne well 1364. that he was held for King before he tooke the crowne Charles his raigne the which he receiued at Rheine
the 19. of May 1364. hauing before his coronation prouided honorablie for his fathers funeralles He raigned sixteene yeares being called and knowne by the name of Wise. In his youth he did taste the bitter rootes and in his age the sweet fruites of vertue His manners beloued honoured feared and respected both of his owne subiects and of strangers A deuout Prince wise temperate chast vigilant louing Iustice order and the people indued with as great authoritie as any Prince that euer raigned ouer this Monarchie accompanied with other vertues fit for those tâ—mes to preserue a state the which had more need of councell then of force too venturously hazarded by his grand father and father He was well assisted by the Princes of his bloud and the officers of the crowne very wished worthy aduantages for a King who being the head of an estate ought to be well serued by the principall members to guide and gouerne the whole body We haue said that he had three brethren Lewis Duke of Aniou Iohn Duke of Berry Philip Earle of Tourraine to whom according to his fathers testament he resigned the Duchie of Bourgongne with a mariage of great aduancement He gaue to Lewis the Duchie of Orleans Charles augments his bretherens portions and to Iohn he gaue Auuergne Poitou and Xaintonge besides Berry for his portion and Languedoc for his gouernment He was likewise well serued for Militarie causes by Bertrand of Gueselin a Britton an excellent Captaine whom he honoured with the dignitie of Constable in the place of Maurel de Fiennes hauing deposed him for sundrie crimes and for affaires of state he had Iohn Dormans Bishop of Beauuais and Chancellor of France in the end Cardinall whom his brother succeeded in the same charge With these helpes of councell and force he soone restored the realme being dismembred by the strange confusions of the forepassed raignes In his youth during these former broâ—es he was poisoned by the practises of the Nauarrois of whom we haue so often spoken This was preuented by counterpoysons yet left it a great infirmitie in his bodie the which forced him to a quiet life more profitable both for himselfe and his whole Realme then if he had beene a man of action 1364. for he dispatched affaires in his Closset without danger and incountred his enemies with a happie successe In the beginning of his raigne Charles his marriage and his children he married with Ioane the daughter of Charles Duke of Bourbon a Princesse of excellent beautie the which he preferred before the great wealth of the heire of Flanders and the benefit of his owne realme he had three sonnes and one daughter In the former raigne there was nothing but warre desolation teares cryes lamentations despaire and generally the mournfull image of death After these long and insupportable calamities the wisdom of Charles reducing things to their first beginning by his happy dexteritie gaue France a new forme like vnto a man who hauing a long dangerous sicknesse recouers himselfe by carefull keeping But there remained an infinit number of men accustomed to liue dissolutely through the licentiousnesse of the warre the which if he had sought to reforme by any good order it had bred some tumult in the State according to the violent and head-strong or restlesse humour of the French who must be doing at home if they be not imployed abroad The Eâ—glish prouided worke for these warriers in Brittaine in Flanders in the heart of France and in Castille but the wisdome of Charles preuented all I will note what happened rather according to the subiect then the order of times for that the matters are so confused as I cannot represent the dates distinctly without repetition and tediousnesse Brittaine was the first list to trie our men of warre there might they make warre without breach of tâ—uce and the quarrell betwixt Charles of Blois and Iohn of Montfort continued more violent then before for that Iohn of Montfort had married the daughter of the King of England and Lewis Duke of Aniou the daughter of Charles of Blois who imbraced and inkindled their pâ—iuate quarrels by these new occasions Bertrand of Gueselin a Gentleman of Brittanie of whom we haue before made mention had done the King good seruice during the warre with the Nauarrois Warre in Brittaine Charles relying vpon his fidelitie and valour giues him the charge of the warre to assist Charles of Blois being old and broken who was pressed by the enemie being supported with forces from England Gueselin being arriued the Nobilitie of Brittanie which were of Charles his faction repaire vnto him to the number of 1500. lances The Historie names the houses Rohâ—n Lâ—ual Leon Dinan Rieux Chasâ—eau-Briand Tourne-mire Raiz Malestroit Quintin Auaâ—gour Loheâ—c Ancenis Pont and many others This notable occasion was ministred to imploy these forces seeing that Ioane the heire the Dutchesse of Brittanie would not end this controuersie by composition as her husband Charles of Blois desired Iohn of Montfort beâ—ieged the Castell of Aulroy well defended by the contrary faction Iohn Chandos an Englishman a wise and well experienced Captaine commanded the English troupes He had an aduersarie in front no lesse valiant then himselfe Gueselin who â—ought for his countrie and the despaire of Charles of Blois much grieued with the t0ediousnesse of so painfull a processe The French English fight in Brittanie was a new spurre to animate him to fight They ioyne with their troupes the encounter is furious well charged well defended The two commanders made great proofe of their valours Gueselin Clisson are noted to haue omitted nothing of their duties but God who holds victories in his hand gaue it to Iohn of Montfort and the English armie The ouerthrow was great The French army defeated for Charles of Blois the head of the armie with Iohn his bastard brother the Lords of Dinan Auaugour Loheac Malestroit Pont Quergourlay and many others were slaine the Lords of Rohan Leon Raiz Mauny Tonerre Rouille Frainuille Reneuall and Rochfort were taken prisoners and so were Iohn and Guy the sonnes of Charles of Blois with Bertrand of Gueselin the which did greatly preiudice our Kings reputation The place of battaile the ensignes and the dead bodies remained in the power of Iohn of Montfort who sent the body of Charles of Blois with an honorable conuoy to his widow The Castel of Aulroy the cause of this battaile yeeld to the conquerour This hapned the 29. day of September .1364 This great defeat tâ—oubled Charles as a thing beyond his expectation Iohn of Montfort sends his ambassadors beseeching him as his Soueraigne to receiue homage of him and his 〈◊〉 the Duchie of Brittanie wonne by rightfull armes by the defeat of his enemie as God adiudging vnto him this right and possession 1365. Charles imbraceth this occasion he assignes him a day for the performance thereof and to do right and iustice to both
euent answered the proiect and by an admirable meanes the which ruined Peter through his owne folly This tyrant growne proud by the wishfull successe of the English forces makes no regard to satisfie the Prince of Wales for the charges of this warre although the successe were for his good but busying himselfe to take reuenge of such as had risen against 〈◊〉 he contemned such as had succoured him yea treading all pietie vnder foote he allyed himselfe with the King of Belle-marine a Sarasin and marrying his daughter he abiured the Christian Religion holding the neighbourhood of so mighty a King Peter forsakerâ— by the English is taken prisoner to be more certaine and profitable then all the forces of England But it fell out contrary to his conceipt for Henry assisted by the constable Guesâ—lin and the French forces hauing won fiue battels against Peter in the ende he was quite defeated and taken prisoner Hauing him in his power Peter King of Castile beheaded at the Castilians suâ—e wonderfully incensed against this Tyrant he caused his head to be cut off reaping the fruites of his impiety the which made him to forsake the true religion of his vanity trusting to a rotten planke with the losse of his conscience and of his exceeding cruelty hauing murthered his wife tiranised ouer his subiects and spoyled his brother of his estate against all right An excellent lesson for all men especially for great Princes not to dally with God who punisheth haynous crimes with haynous punishments euen in this life attending the euerlasting paine in the life to come Charles King of Nauarre was much perplexed seeing himselfe betwixt two armies for desiring to be a neuter and to please both he knew not how to gouerne himselfe He seeks to intertaine both Charles and Edward although he were more ingaged to the English and could not well trust his brother in law hauing greatly offended him The King of Nauarres dissembling So hee lets the English army to passe through his dominions when it marched into Castile to succour Peter and suffered himselfe to be taken prisoner by Oliuer of Mauny a Gentleman of Britaine who led him into Castile to make the English thinke he had bin forced and the French that hee did willingly imploy himselfe for them beeing in their troupes A miserable hypocrisie which of a maister makes himselfe a slaue who might haue bin one of the chiefe of the army without this wretched dissembling The good and wise King taught by the example of his father Iohn that an Eele is lost by ouergriping it desiâ—ed onely to pacifie his brother in lawe although he were well acquainted with his bad disposition and the practises he continued with England So he gaue him a safe conduct to come vnto him and restored vnto him Mantes and Meulan and the free possession of his lands in Normandy but this prince fraught with malice could not be reclaimed neither by the Kings prosperity noâ— by his clemency for not trusting him hee retires to his realme of Nauarre where he continues his old practises with the English Th◠〈…〉 King Charles hee helps the Britton with men out of Normandie and attempted against the Kings person seeking to poyson him by Iaquet Rue and Peter of Tertre his domesticall seruants who were executed and the Nauarrois places seized on as guilty of high treason Thus Charles was forced to fight against his owne bloud and to haue the malice of his kinsmen and allies No small combate for a great Prince We haue discoursed at large of the valour and happy successe both of Edward the 3. King of England and of Edward his sonne Prince of Wales But as humane things are not durable so there chanced a great accident vpon his returne from the war of Castile which brought them both to the graue The Prince of Wales finding himselfe threatned with a dâ—opsey passed from Bourdeaux into England to take the ayre of his natiue country but hee died soone after his ariuall the 46. yeare of his age A Prince of great hope not onely lamented of his friends but coÌ„meÌ„ded of his enimies Edward the father The death of both Edwards seeing his right arme as it were cut off died for griefe leauing Richard the son of his son Edward in his place who was receiued without any questioÌ„ made by his vncles as the first by right of succession Richard not to degenerate from the example of his grandfather and father The English second passage through France being crowned King vndertakes a warre in France whether he sends a goodly army vnder the coÌ„maund of the Duke of Clarence his vncle who hauing landed at Calais passeth the Riuer of Somme at Clery neere vnto Peronne bending towards Soisson he crosseth the Riuer of Oise Ain Then marching towards Chaalons he passeth Marne and shewing himselfe before Troyes in Champagne he spoyles the country and so goeth ouer Seine betwixt Ville-neufue and Sousey and bending towards Beausse and Gastinois he crosseth into Brittaine there 〈◊〉 the war in fauour of Iohn of Montport spoyling the country with a strange desolatioÌ„ On the other side there lands an other army at Bourdeaux the which hauing entred the country fortified such places as held for the English to nourish the seeds of this new warre 1380 In the country of Geuaudan a dioces in that large Prouince of Languedoc there was a Castle neere to Mande named Randon whereas the English maintayned a strong garnison a retreat for theeues which did infinite harme in the country The country hauing sued vnto the King to free them of this incombrance he graunted them Guesâ—lin the Constable a man of great reputation but the army should be defrayed at their charges He comes into Languedoc 〈◊〉 Randon and brings them to the last extremity but as the beseeged not able to hold out were entered into composition behold the Constable sick to the death yeeldâ— vp the ghost At the same instant the place was yelded vnto the King so aâ— in signe that the honour of this prize was due to Guesâ—lin the Captaines carried the keyes of the castle vpon his herse The death of the Constable 〈◊〉 Thus died 〈◊〉 leauing an honourable testimony of his valour and loyalty and to Charles an 〈◊〉 sorrow for his death who honoured him with a notable obsequie causing his body to be interred with the Kings at S. Denis at the foot of his own tombe was that of Guesâ—lin with a burning Lampe maintained by foundation called The Lampe of Guâ—selin vnto this day King Charles had g uen all Bourgogne to his brother Philip for his portion according to the will of his father Iohn as we haue said and had married him with Margueret the rich heyre of Flanders Being in possession of Bourgogne there happened another occasion in Flanders which won him great credit with those people whom he should comand after the death of Lewis his father in law
who was yet liuing The Inhabitants of Gand a mutinous people by nature who neuer want matter to mutine Troubles in Flanders pacified by Pâ—ilip had then a great discontent both against their Earle in generall by reason of some new impositions and against them of Bruges in particular iealous to see them in so great fauour with their Prince by reason of a Chanell which they had drawne from the riuer of Lis for the commodity of their country which Riuer crossing the riuer of Gand the Gantois supposed it was all theirs in proper so as none might vse it without their liking This iealousie grew so great that this great citty as big with their wayward and contenâ—ious humors as it was populous and rich being thus moued resolues to make shewe thereof and in this fury they make a League and choose a head bearing a marke or token of their faction and from words they go to blowes One called Leon a bold practiser of popular seditions was found fit to be the Ringleader of this tumult their marke was a white cap for all the troupe These Gaâ—tois gather together they hinder the worke of this chanell and the gathering of the custome beeing the cause of this quarrell they kill Collecters and receiuers and in the ende the gouernour of the cittie called Roger who being there for the Earle laboured to teach them their duties Their fury exceeded so farre as they spoyle the Earles Pallace fire it and in their rage pull it downe to the ground They run in great troupes to other townes to draw them to their league They beseege 〈◊〉 held by the Earles men crying in al places Liberty as hauing a meaning to change their Lord and then to seize vpon Flanders This cruell disorder amazed the Earle when as behold Philip Duke of Bourgogne his sonne in law flies vnto him to quench this fire and as men admire rather the Sunne rysing then sitting and that the name of the house of France and the greatnesse of his goodly portion gaue him great authority so it chanced that he pacified this rebellion to the content both of the Earle and cittyes taking a happy possession of this great inheritance by a famous and profitable occasion But Flanders alone was not subiect to these madde mutinies for those of Montpellier newly reduced to the obedience of our King Sedition at Montpelâ—ier grew into so great a fury as they slew Iames Pontel a Knight of the order and Chancellor to Iohn Duke of Berry Gouernour of the Country Guy of Scery Senâ—shal of Rouergue Arnauld of Montelaur Gouernour of the said citty and other officers of the Kings and Dukes to the number of fower score and cast their bodies into a well As the outrage was odious so the punishment was memorable The Duke of Berry comes with forces assisted by the whole Prouince detesting so â—oule an insolency so as the Inhabitants calling to minde their audacious phrensie resolue to submit themselues to punishment and not to stand desperately against force The Consuls of the Cittie hauing halters about their necks and torne cloaths The Duke of Berry comes to Montpellier to punish the seditions the keys of the citty in one hand and a red cap the marke of their office in the other met with the Duke their gouernour being followed by the Clergy carrying a crosse all crying for mercy and weeping with a lamentable noyse In this mournefull sort the Duke enters the citty gates being without any gard he finds the streets full of poore and desolate people vpon their knees men and women olde and yong crying for mercy and redoubling their pittiful cries as witnesses of their repentance Then the Duke commands they should presently bring all their armes into one place nere vnto his lodging placing a gard at the gates and vppon the walles The next day he caused a scaffold to be made in the market place where hauing sharply rebuked the people for their rebellion he pronounced a sentence in the Kings name whereby he declares That all their priuileges were taken from them their Consulship Towne house The sentence pronounced against them of Montpellier common Arches vniuersity their Bells Saltpannes and all Iurisdictions of the cittye eyther of soueraigne courts or of the commonalty six hundred Inhabitants to be chosen at aduenture condemned to die that is two hundred to loose their heads two hundred to be hanged two hundred burnt their children declared infamous and slaues for euer their goods confiscate The commonalty should pay six score thousand franks of gold and the charges of the Dukes voyage and his armies The Consuls with certaine Councellers that were named should drawe the bodies of such as had beene massacred out of the well and bury them A Chappell should be built for their obsequies With the same Bell which did sound the alarum The gates and citty walles should be beaten downe and their armes burnt publikely This was their doome but it was moderated at the intercession of Pope Clement The sentence moderated then resident in Auignon by the meanes of Cardinall de la Lune The same was qualified the priuileges restored the gates and walles preserued but the Aurhors of this sedition were put to death that the rest of the Inhabitants might liue in safety A notable president for subiects to suppresse their fury euen when they thinke to haue a iust cause of complaint feeling themselues surcharged or otherwise grieued considering the errours are sooner committed then repaired And for commanders that it is a dangerous resolution to let loose the raines to a mad multitude which augments the mischiefe supposing to cure it Queene Ioane wife to our wise Charles daughter to Peter of Bourbon dies about this time Queene Ioane dies to the great griefe of her husband to whom she left two sonnes Charles Lewis both very yong for Charles was borne the 3. of December 1371. and was carried to the Font by Charles of Montmorency and baptised by Dourmans Bishop of Beauuois and Chancellour of France Lewis was Duke of Orleans She leâ—t him also one daughter Isabell marryed afterwards to Richard King of England Necessary obseruations for the course of our history Her children This good Prince after his wiues death was nothing healthfull so as broken with poyson the which had much weakened him with the tedious toiles of his youth more then with age he decayed dayly and he himselfe perceiued it so as feeling the ende of his life to approach remembring what troubles he had past during the mournefull imprisonment of his Father by the contempt vsed of his yong age least the like should happen to his sonne Charles vnder colour of his minority gouerned by tutors he decreed in a general assemblie of the States by a lawe and an irreuocable Edict That after the decease of the king of France his eldest sonne should succeed him presently and at the age of 14. yeares should be
declared capable to gouerne the estate alone be freed from Tutors But oh the weakenes of mans wisedom he did not foresee that his son should be ill gouerned by his Tutors in his minority that the age of 14. should not free him from Tutors and that euen his sonne coming to mans estate should giue more scope to the ambition of his owne vncles more worthily to be called murtherers then tutors then his weakest youth had done He had a Fistula in one arme by the which those ill humors were drawne away which grewe by poison and gaue him great ease when it did run It chanced this Fistula stopt and then his maladie encreased much Charles resoluing by this sharpe alarum to go the common way of all flesh calls for his three Bretheren Lewis Iohn and Philip and hauing recommended his children and subiects vnto them he giues them particular aduise for the gouernment of the Realme leaâ—ing the custody of his sonne and the Regency of the Realme vnto them He died the 16. of September .1380 in the Castle of Beauty seated vpon the Riuer of Marne He commaunded that Oliuer of Clisson should be Constable hauing commended his fidelity and sufficiency and that they should carefully preserue the amity of Germany Thus died Charles the wise wonderfully beloued and lamented of his subiects leauing his Realme in good estate Charles dies after so horrible a desolation And although the confusions passed had wonderfully impouerished the subiects and wasted the Kings Treasor neyther was his raigne free from warre yet did he leaue the Prouinces of his Realme very wealthy and an infinite tresor in his cofers although he had built the Louure S. Germaine in Laye Montargis Creill the Celestures and some other Churches Of such power is good husbandry in this realme as in riches it yeelds not to the treasors of Peru not in â—eâ—tility to any country vnder heauen to subsist amidst so many storms and to be presently restored by good husbandry An example for Princes to imitate and not to despaire in like confusions but to hope for all that may be wished for in the restoring of an estate by paâ—ience and dexteâ—ity vertues proper to our wise Charles A Prince so much the more praise worthy hauing preserued this Estate when it seemed lost His dispositioÌ„ religious wise modest patient stirring and stayed when need required able to entertaine euery man according to his humor hauing by these vertues wonne a great reputation both within and without the Realme and honourable to his posterity as he to haue saued France from shipwracke He loued leaâ—ning and learned men Nicholas Oresme was his schoolemaister whom hee honoured with great preferments He caused the bible to be translated into French imitating S. Lewis I have seene the originall in the Kings lodging at the Louure signed by King Charles and his Brother the Duke of Berry A goodly obseruation of the auntient simplicity of those royall characters I haue likewise seene a Manuscript of the translation made by the commaundement of S. Lewis He delighted in the reading of the holy Scâ—iptuâ—e Phâ—losophy hauing likewise caused the Eâ—hicâ—s and Politicks of Aristotle with many bookes of Tully to be translated into French The fauâ—ut he shewed to learned men stirred vp many good witts who began to draw the Muses from their graues both in France and Italy The History doth paâ—ticulaâ—ly note that he did often vâ—sit his Coâ—rt of Parliament and his chamber of accompts gaue audience vnto sutors read their petâ—tions and heard theâ—r complaints and reasons imploying some dayes of the weeke euen in his greatest affaires to do those fatherly and royall workes of Iustice. He tooke greaâ— delight to aduance his houshold seruants giuing them meanes secretly and without the pâ—iuity of any to instâ—uct their sonnes and to marâ—ie their daughters A testimonâ—e of a good conscience and of a wise man This bond of loyaltie could haue no better foundation then in transpoâ—ting it from the Father to the sonne nor almes be better imploied then from the maister to the seruant Royall vertues and worthy of eternall memory But alas what shal be the successe of this bounty and wisedome The raigne oâ— his sonne Charles shâ—lbe most miserable 〈◊〉 hath done the part of a good Brother of a good master a good Father and a good 〈◊〉 but God the Soueraigne of Kings had limited the euents of his cares To â—each vs 〈◊〉 a notable example That vnlesse the Lord build the house the worke men lâ—bour but â—n vaine if the Lord keepe not the citty the watchman watcâ—eth but in vaine for an eternal maxime of â—â—uernement and state ConsideratioÌ„s worthy to be obserued by Princes Whosoeuer glories let him glory in the Lord. But vertues are noâ— herâ—dâ—â—ie Iohn not very wise begat Charles a wise and happy Prince and he begets a frantâ—ke man vnhappy both in youth and age We may on the other side oppose other considerations very disputable Profit aduised him to marry the heire of Flanders not onely to pacifie that country but also to inlarge his owne dominions adding therevnto that great and rich estate of Flanders from whence so many mischiefes haue sprong to France but his delight made him preferre the fayre before the rich Moreouer the rules of State did not permit him so to aduance his brother making him in a manner equal to himselfe in power the which must needes be the cause of many inconueniences as it after happened The cause of his brother Philip Duke of Bourgongne is ordered by the same rule for who can with reason mislike that Charles giues a portion to his brother by his fathers will and that in the rich marryage of a Prince his vassall and of a neere estate whereby his realme was dayly annoyed he preferres his brother before his capitall enemy But God had reserued the honour to himselfe Bourgongne since Robert the Grandchild of Hugh Capet had beene successiuely in the power of Princes who had alwayes done faithfull seruice to the crowne and now it shal be a scouâ—ge vnto it yet in the ende it shal be vnited vnto the crowne againe and taken from such as had abused it Experience doth teach that in matters of State the ende is not alwayes answerable to the beginning nor the successe to the desseine to the ende that Princes may depend of him who is greater then themselues who hath made them and can marre them without whom they cannot do any thing Behold the life death race raigne and manners of Charles the 5. called the wise But before we enter into the troublesome raigne of Charles the 6. The Estate of the empire Let vs obserue the estate of the Empire and of the Church We haue saide that Charles the sonne of Iohn King of Bohemia had beene chosen Emperour and called Charles the 4. Hee held the Empire 32. yeares beginning in the yeare 1350. So the raignes of Iohn and Charles
daughter named Katherine all by Elizabeth of Bauiere Charles vnworthily married one of the chiefe fier brands of this Tragedie an outragious woman an vnnaturall mother and altogether vnworthy of this crowne These three sonnes were Daulphins one after another in their fathers life but Charles succeeded him notwithstanding all crosses and difficulties and Katherine his sister was married to Henry the 5. King of England a mournfull gage of a horrible confusion for this Realme But alas how many cruell acts of ambition vanitie and treacherie of such as held the helme of this estate being either royall persons or setled in the highest dignities How many changes and reuolutions of these froward humors daring any thing vnder the libertie of this raigne the King being eyther a child or sick and alwayes weake and vnable to gouerne so great a charge Strange â—uents In the first Scene of this Tragedie we shall see the Vncles of this young King in diuision one against another Lewis Duke of Aniou declared Regent as first Prince of the bloud is crossed by his bretheren the Dukes of Berry and Bourgogne and he abuseth his authoritie imperiously Lewis Duke of Aniou being dead Lewis Duke of Orleans brother to King Charles the sixt shall take his place as the first Prince and shall fall to quarrell with Philip the Hardie duke of Bourgogne his Vncle who dying shall leaue Iohn his sonne successor of his iealousie against Lewis Duke of Orleans his cousin Iohn shall exceed all humanitie and kill him but the hatred shall not dye being transplanted into Charles Duke of Orleans sonne to Lewis massacred the which shall breed infinite troubles The Daulphins shall play their parts sometimes friends and sometimes enemies one to another Iohn who had murthered Lewis of Orleans shall be slaine by Charles the Daulphin who shall be King but from Iohn shal spring another Philip of Bourgongne who shal kindle a new fire to be reuenged of his fathers death The Stranger is ingaged in these ciuill warres women augment it by their furies On the one side Valentine Dutchesse of Orleans on the other Isabel Queene of France The Constables of Clisson and Armagnac are likewise drawne in and the subiect growes licentious in these disorders Passion preuailes with such furie as the mother forgets the birth of her owne wombe and so abuseth her authoritie as she dares attempt against the fundamentall law of state to giue the realme to a Stranger who was crowned and proclaimed King in the heart of France by her boldnesse These be the contents of this wretched raigne with these two parcels distinctly to be obserued the Kings Minoritie and his Maioritie and thereby we shall diuide our whole discourse THE MINORITIE OF KING Charles the sixt From the yeare 1380. When as Charles receiued the Crowne by the decease of his Father vnto the yeare 87. that he dismissed his Vncles to rule alone with absolute authoritie THe generall estates assemble at Paris 1380. presently after the death of Charles called the Wise to prouide for the gouernment of the King and realme and to auoide all apparant iealousie betwixt the Kings Vncles they decree That according to the declaration made by their good King deceased Charles his sonne should be annoynted and crowned King and that vntill he were of competent age to gouerne so great an estate Lewis Duke of Aniou as eldest of the house of France and so the first Prince of the bloud should be Regent Lewis of Aniou Regent and haue the authoritie of Councell and royall command And likewise by vertue of King Charles his will Clisson Constable Oliuer of Clisson a braue and valiant Knight borne in Brittanie was made Constable of France Oliuer of Clisson tooke possession of his charge preparing for the Kings Coronation And the Duke of Aniou receiuing the Kings treasour which they say was eighteene hundred thousand Crownes A very great summe for those times and after so wretched a â—eason He forced Sauoisy the head Treasurer to deliuer those summes into his hands and by this excesse laide the ground of a great presumption which followed Charles is anoynted at Rheâ—ms and Crowned after the custome of France the 25. of October in the yeare 1380. in a sollemne assemblie of his Princes of the bloud A controuersie for precedence betwixt the Kings Vncleâ— at his coronation Princes allyed and Officers of this Crowne The Dukes of Aniou Beâ—ry and Bougrongne the Kings Vncles Wencelin Duke of Brabant the Dukes of Lorraine and Barre the Earles of Sauoy of Marche and Eu friends and confederates to our Kings did assist At this solemnitie there was some question for place whether should take it the Duke of Aniou as Regent of the Realme or the Duke of Bourgongne as first Peere of France and Deane of the Peeres distinguishing the degrees according to their qualâ—ties to whom the order was giuen The King to crowne his installment by some notable act tooke vpon him to decide this controuersie and decreed That for as much as at the Kings annointing the Peeres of France ought to hold the first ranke in all ceremonies the Duke of Bourgongne as the first Peere sâ—ould take place of the Duke of Aniou And so Philip was preferred before his elder brother continuing the possession of the name of Hardie the which he purchased in defending his father Iohn so stoutly at the battaile of Poitiers But he encreased this name of Hardy too much in his carriage leauing it hereditarie to his children conuerting this stoutnesse into an imperious presumption which bâ—ed a huge deluge of miseries to the great preiudice of the whole realme The day after the coronation the States beseech the Regent to prouide for the releefe of the poore people whose burthen was too heauie for the great arrerages they were to pay of debts growne in former raignes and the rather for that there was no warre which imposed the necessity of so great a charge The Regent did not yeeld therevnto Tumults in France but continued these leauies of money more and more which was the occasion of tumults in diuers Prouinces of France as if this popular humour had beene like vnto a pestilent feauer or an infectious disease Flanders likewise kindled great fiers vpon sundry occasions which were quenched with much trouble after memorable combustions Flanders shall imbarke first in this misfortune and shall come last to land not without danger by strange accidents To teach Princes how farre they should presse their subiects And for subiects with what respect they should reuerence their Superiours in seeking out remedies for their afflictions for in the ende amiddest all these tumults the victors weepe and lament in the ruine and notable losse and ouerthrow of the vanquished Flanders We haue sayd that Philip Duke of Bourgongne made a composition for the Gantois with the Earle of Flanders his father in lawe But this accord lasted not long for the Earle disdayning the
by Iohn Duke of Bourgongne and in the ende Iohn makes a counterfeit peace with the children of Lewis but it is the renuing of greater troubles IOhn of Bourgongne hauing resolued to kill Lewis of Orleans his cousin Germaine went to Paris with so good a shew as if he had no intent to breake the accord so solemnely made betwixt theÌ„ That which most troubled him was to see his enemies authority coÌ„firmed by this reconciliatioÌ„ hauing the absolute gouernement of the State respected as the kings brother and the first Prince of the bloud And to giue him greater authoritie and power the good King Charles had giuen him for a new years gift i◠〈◊〉 yeare 1407. the Duchie of Guienne for his poâ—tion whereof the Daulphin then carâ—ied the tâ—tle This newe fauour and great aduancement kindled the coale of iâ—alousie in the â—ourguignons braine being already much transporâ—ed and holding it for certaâ—ne â—hat he should neuer by any ordinary course pâ—euâ—â—le against so passionate powerfull an enimy who as his meanes did increase so would his desire augment to â—â—â—â—e him He â—hereâ—ore thinkes it conuenient to preuent him and drawes vnto him meÌ„ fâ—â—o◠〈◊〉 aâ—dâ—cious a murther Raoulet of Auâ—onuille a Norman an ancient seâ—uant of his hâ—use and discontenâ—ed with the Kings brother for that hee had taken from him the oâ—â—â—ce oâ— Geneâ—all of Normandy and a Souldiour of Guines called Wâ—lliam Corteheuze with others of the same huâ—or to the number of eighâ—eene This William had a brother called Sâ—as of Courteheuze a groome of the Kings chamber who should be the instrument to draw this poore prince into the pittfall The Queene laie then in childbed the Duke of Orleans goes to visit her after supper when as this Sâ—as of Corteheuze goes to the Queenes chamber to tell him that the King desired him to repaire presently vnto him for very important affaires The Murtheters were lodged secretly in a house by the which the Duke shold pasâ—e Being mounted vpon his moile accompanied only with 2. Squires vpon one horse and one that followed on foote his pages carrying torches both before behind him as the horse which carried the 2. Squiers came before the house where this ambuscadoe lay he began to snort to run The Murtherers issue forth instanâ—ly and charge the Duke at the first they cutte off his hand which held thereines of his horse He cries out I am the Duke of Orleans and they answer The Duke of Orleans murthered by thâ— â—ouâ—gâ—â—gnoâ— It is you wee seeke for They double their blowes with such violence as they beate him downe and cleaue his head so as the braynes lay scattered vpon the pauement The yong Squire that remained with him runs desperatly among their weapoÌ„s is presently slaine vpon his poore maister The pagâ—s had alreadie giuen the alarum at his lodging and many came running to succor their Lord whome they finde thus massacred There was nothing to bee heard but cryes and lamentations whilest the murtherers hauing fyred a house and cast Calthrops in the streets gette themselues into Bourgongnes house Thus the night passeth in miserable lamentations Valentine doubles the terror of this horrible accident with feareful outcries The Princes his Cousines runne thither to participate in this sorrow All weepe and lament all crie out in this mournful house When the day appeers they finde his hand on the one side and his braines scattered on the other The relicks of this head are gathered together with teares and all is kept for an honorable funerall O head howe many mischiefes attend the O murtherer thou shalt be murthered disloyall thou shalt be disloyally slaine I haue horror yea I tremble to shed this bloud againe by my report The very enemies of Lewis were amazed at this audacious murther foretelling the miseries that should follow The Queene wonderfully passionate causeth herselfe to be remooued to the Kings lodging and doubles the gards In the ende the King hath notice thereof and apprehends it according to the weakenesse of his braine but the Princes prouided presently for his safetie and their owne euery man fearing for himselfe in so strange an accident Such was the violent death of Lewis Duke of Orleans traiterously slaine at Paris by Iohn Duke of Bourgongne The sequele of this treacherous murther the 20. of Nouember in the yeare 1407. who thinking to kill his enemies slewe himselfe and left this bloud prodigiously shed as a mournfull Legacy to his posterity and hoping in his ouerweening spirit to vsurp France from the lawefull heires he lost Bourgongne from his posterity neyther could hee hinder his issue whome he had so trecherously murthered from the happy enioying of the whole realme for Lewis Duke of Orleans left three Sonnes by Valentine the heire of Milan Charles Philip and Iohn from Charles the eldest being Duke of Orleans is issued directly King Lewis 12. the father of the people of Iohn Earle of Angoulesme father to King Francis The iâ—â—ue of Lewâ—â— of Orleanâ— 1. the father of the muses who hath giuen fower Kings successiuely to ouâ— monarchie But of Iohn of Bourgongne we can reckon but two successors Philip and Charles Philip was his sonne who by the patience of God left Charles in his place but Charles suffered for his grandfathers errors and his owne for he died in blond hâ—s pride was interred in an vnknowne tombe and Bourgongne was pluckte from the â—ellonious hands of this murthering race and vnited to the Crowne Nowe Iohn of Bourgongne shall committe strange disorders during twelue yeares fâ—om the date of this massacre and it semes that blinde Fortune hath adorned his temples with baâ—es and triomph to guerdon these execrable crimes but hee is not freed that drawes his halter after him Hee shall soone pay both principall and interest to Gods iust iudgement which slackes not although it seeme slacke but comes in due season marching slowely to take all excuse from the obstinate and impudent sinner recompencing in the ende this apparent slacknesse of punishement by the greatnesse of eternall paine But les vs retune to this desolate house Valentine widowe to Lewis with her three sonnes and Isabell of France the Kings eldest daughter wife to Charles the eldest sonne of Lâ—wis nowe Duke of Orleans by the decease of his father come all to our poore King Charles Valâ—â—â—ine demands iustice for the death oâ— her husband being sicke to demande iustice All cast themselues at the Kings feeâ—e as much discomforted as themselues for the cruell death of his onely brother whome he had alwayes loued deerely both sound and sicke Lewis of Aniou King of Sicilâ— and Naples the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon with all the Princes of the bloud accompany them in this lamentable state wherein Charles promiseth to giue them satisfaction The Kings Councell beeing assembled they require an account of the Prouost what hee had done in search of these murtherers He answers that hauing done
hee met Lewis Bourdâ—a Knight going to Bois-de-Vincennâ—s who coÌ„ming neâ—re to thâ— King bowed himselfe on horse-backe and so passed on lightly without any other reuerence The King sends presently his Prouost of Paris after him commanding him to apprehend him and to keepe him safely The Prouost executing his charge tooke the sâ—ied Knight and brought him to Chastâ—leâ— where by the Kings command he was cruelly tortured and dâ—owned in the riuer of Seine and some fewe dayes after by the commandement of the King the Daulphin and such as then gouerned at Paris â—he Queene accompanied with her Sister in Lawe the Duchesse of Bauiere was sent to Blois and so to Tours to remaine there in meane estaâ—e William Torel The Queenâ— sent with a gard â—o 〈◊〉 Iohn Picard and Laurence Dupuis were appointed for her gard without whose consent shee durst not attempt any thing no not to write a letter These bee the wordes of the Originall Thâ—s her imprisonment was aggrauated by a newe rigour All the treasure which she had in Churches or priuate houses within Paris was seized on by the Constable of Armâ—gnac a free executioner of these proceediâ—gs This shewes a notable dislike betwixt the husband and the wife and the mother and sonne but the cause is not specified If it be lawfull to serch into this secret shall we say that Queene Isabel mother to our Daulphin louing the one better then the other as the variety of the mothers affection to her children is too common had strained all her credit to countenâ—nce Iohn after the death of Lewis being thus ingaged with the Bourguignon whome she dâ—d hate deadly by reason of the imprisonment of her brother Lewis of Bauiere but as she had fiâ—st loued and after hated him might she not in like sort receiue him againe into fauour as the diuersitie of her passions did moue her by newe occasions to loue or hate the same man The Emperour Sigâ—smonds proceeding made it very suspitious beeing the greatest instrument of the allyance betwixt Iohn and the Bourguignon And to what ende did the â—ourguignon go to him into Sauoie after all this It is likewise to be considered that the sodaine death of Iohn encreased this womans furie against her sonne Charles holding it for certaine that by the Constables councell hee had caused him to bee poysoned Ambition and choller are furious beasts not to be restrayned by respect especially in a woman in whome hatred and reuenge make deepe impressions Iealousie might likewise be a violent councellor vnto Charles As if Charles animated by the Constable of Armâ—gnac fearing least his mother had some great practise with the Bourguignon and his associats had incensed the King against her hauing mooued him with some other pretext But in effect it was wholy to restraine this womans power depriuing her both of libertie and treasure But the euent will shewe that she was not alwaies busied at her distaffe or in her deuotion The search of the motiues is necessarie in a History especially in famous actions but the doubtfull coniectures are free to euery mans iudgement This is all the certaintie of this actâ—on The â—ourguignon beeing called by Isabel leaues the siege of Corbeil lodgeth his footemen in the Townes of Beausse â—hat were most fauorable vnto him and with his horse which were aboue ten thousand hee goes into Touraine The Bourguignon ioynes with the Queenâ— when as behold the Queene beeing one morning at her deuotion in the Abbie of Marmoustier according to her custome hee arriues with his horsemen at an hower appointed He meetes the Queene receiues her and enters the Cittie with her without any difficultie hauing first cunningly seized vpon the gats Being entred he proclaimes an exemption of charges in the Queenes name and being accompanied by the people hee pâ—esents himselfe before the Castel which opens vnto the Queene being exceeding glad to see her selfe at liberty and to command freely 1418. She referres her seâ—fe wholly vnto the Bourguignons will who likewise seekes to vse her name to make his desseines more plausible Hâ—uing therefore assured Tours they march to Chartres a more conuenient Towne for their affaires lying so neere vnto Paris Being there hauing assembled all the clergie Nobility three estâ—tes and such Citties as they could of theâ—r faction she causeth Philip of Morueliers to make knowne vnto them That by reâ—son of the ill gouernement of the Realme through the great weakenesse of the king her huâ—band and according to the degree whereunto God had raised her The Queene declares her selfe Regent of Fâ—ance being Queene of France shee desired infinitely to reforme it And the rather for that Charles her sonne corrupted by thâ— ill coâ—ncell of the enemies of the state shewed her not the dutie of a child to her great griâ—fe Soâ—s to prouide good and wholesome remedies for the preseruation of the state and for the seâ—â—â—e of the king her husband by the good aduice of her cousin the Duke of Bourgoâ—gne a Prince of the bloud she declares her selfe Regent of France The which was pleasing vnto them 〈◊〉 with this title Isabell â—y the grace of God Queene of France hauing by reason of the king my Lords infirmity the gouernement and administration of the Realme by an irreuâ—câ—bâ—e graunt made vnto vs by our said Lord and his councell And for confirmation of this neâ— authority she caused a seale to bee made whereon was grauen her image standing right vp with her armes hanging downe to the earth as one wâ—thout comfort and requiring helpe on the one side were the armes of France and on the other that of France and Bauiere quartered with these words This is the seale of Causes Soueraignties and Appellations for the King There were two Soueraigne Courts of Iustice erected one at Amiens and the otâ—er at Troye in Châ—mpaigne New Courts erected new officers made with expresse charge not to go to Paris The office of Constable was giuen to the Duke of Lorraine by the depriuatâ—on of the Earle of Armagnâ—â— and the Chancellourship of France to Eustache of Basâ—re by the giuing ouer of Henry of Marle As these things begâ—n to kindle a new fire of miseries there were certaine Bishops which laboured to reconcile the Queene and Daulphin The Bourguignon accepts of the motion but the Constable of Armagnâ—c breakes off the treaty An article which shall make him more odious with the people The Bourguignon hauing retyred hiâ— armye and put his men into garrison goes into Sauoy where at that time the Emperour Sigâ—smond was who erected the Earledome of Sauoy into a Duchye and there did confeâ—â—e with him at Mommellain This was not without some great desseine In his absence Philip of Bourgongne his sonne held a Parliament to resolue vppon the meâ—nes to make warre with more aduantage Thus the Bourguignon wrought â—or his part The Daulphin seeing the fields freed and without any enemie thinkes good that the
put them all to death to teach the Bourguignon that they had no lesse authority and power ouer him then ouer the King and the Daulphin his sonne They kill the Bourguignons seruants This occasion thrusts the people into greater fury who being thus armed choose a head called Cappeluche Bourrell to finish their executions vppon some such as might receiue these impositions and publike charges They march through the cittie and enter into many houses to robbe and spoile vnder colour of apprehending of such as had assisted at these innouations The rich men feared for their own particulars but the Bourguignon more theÌ„ all knowing himself to be the Author of this disorder hauing thrust the people into armes for what successe should this disordred liberty haue but to fall vpon the Authors thereof Hauing therefore won some of the chiefe Commanders they choose out a troupe of the most wilfull mutinous to be fred off them vnder colour of sending them to the warre against the Daulphinois which had surprised the Castle of Montlehery and began to inuade euen to the gates of Paris Yet they reteyned Cappeluche Bourrell vnder colour of some speciall seruice But the Bourguignon beeing growne the stronger with the chiefe of the Citty he causeth Bourrel to bee taken and hanged with some number of his associates This multitude being aâ— Montlehery disconteÌ„ted with the Bourguignon leaues the siege and returnes to be reuenged but the gates were shut and the waâ—les well garded so as all passed without any more adoe But the Bourguignon was much perplexed beeing troubled in minde to haue put a sword into a mad-mans hand beeing afraid of an vnsure gard and a foretelling thâ—t his Empire should not continue long So the repulse hee receiued from the English the coldnesse of the Nobilitye of his party and the peoples change were the motiues which made him wishe for the Daulphins friendship who now preuented him although hee had often refused it That which mooued Charles thereunto was necessity and the hope of a greater dessâ—ine finding no better meanes to stoppe the current of the English victory and the Bourguignons treachery then to ioyne with him attending some better occasion The successe fauoured this councell of his sollowers He sends Tanneguy of Chastel to the Duke of Bourgongne to make the first proposition and after him the Lady of Giâ—â— in whome the Bourguignon had great confidence to appoint a day and place for a parle and to seeke the meanes of a good peace They meete at Pouilly the strong nere vnto Melun in the open field with their gardes The Bourguignon talked to the Daulphin on his knee and held his stirrup although Charles refused this submission Proofes to shewe with what nâ—cessity hee sought his friendship A peace betwixt Charles the Daulphin and Iohn of Bourgongne as a man that is beaten with all windes and out of breath So they conclude an inuiolate peace and to bandye themselues against the common enemy of France promises are made on eyther side with all demonstrations and protestations of a firme and inuiolable friendship The articles of their accord and contract are set downe at large in the Originall of our Historie This peace betwixt Charles the Daulphin and Iohn Duke of Bourgongne was made neere to Pouilly the strong vppon Ponchiel a league from Melun in the yeare 1419. All France â—eioyced as after a long and sharpe winter when the sun appeareth in a pleasant spring The King and all the Parliaments ratified this accord which euery man held for the gage of firme friendship betwixt these Princes and their loue for a firme piller of the Realmes quiet But the prouidence of the protector of this French monarchie had otherwise decreed These reconciliations could not serue for sufficient cautions against his iustice worthily incensed against the Bourguignon being guilty of horrible crimes and the wilfull abuse of his patience The Daulphins proceeding against the Bourguignon not commendable The couâ—se which Charles held to be rid of his enemy is not coÌ„mendable but in one and the selfe same worke we must wisely distinguish of that which is of God that which is of man to approue the good which is alwayes iustified in Gods ordinance and to blame the ill alwaies to be blamed in man that we may stoppe our mouths and open our eyes and not to reply against the iust iudgements of God but vewe the strange and extraordinary punishment of the Bourguignons strange and extraordinary crimes who during the weakenes of our poore King hath so much troubled the Realme We haue said and the course of the history will shewe it very plainely that the Daulphin Charles suffered himselfe to be gouerned by his seruants By their aduice hee had made this accord with the Bourguignon wherein they had eyther of them seuerall respects although eythers intent was to make his profit with the others losâ—es in circumuenting of his companion But he that made his accompt to deceiue hauing not yet changed his minde although the present necessity made him to change his countenance was deceiued and which is more he which built his greatest desseins vppon murther is murthered being the onely expedient the Daulphins seruants could deuise to free him from these troubles in dispatching the Bourguignon once for all The resolution was very great but to perswade this prince therevnto was of greater difficulty A yong man iust wiâ—e moderate of a very milde disposition so as they had much adoe to perswade him to so bold and violent a remedy Why my Lord say they can you beleeue that the Duke of Bourgongne is any thing amended although he stoâ—â—â— now to necessity can he bend his heart to reason Haue you forgotten what he did to your â—â—ceased vncle the Duke of Orleans when as he held the same degree that you doe nowe Reasons to induce the Daulphin to kill the 〈…〉 did hee not kill him and maintained it as well done braued the King in Paris armed himselfe against him and forced him to iustifie this execrable murther He masked himselfe with a shewe of good meaning to make his accord with your poore Cousins of Orleans but was it not with an intent to ruine them with the more facility seeking to diuide them from your deceased 〈◊〉 the Duke of Berry incensing the King and your eldest brother against them making Edicts against them as guilty of high treâ—son and pursuing them with cruell force when as your brother discâ—uering his wickednesâ—e had forsâ—ken him and that he yeelding to neceâ—ssitâ— as he 〈◊〉 now concluded a peace did he not arme himselfe by a new deuise to ruine your bloud opposing both Paris and the States of the realme vnder the name of the common weale to put to 〈◊〉 the best seruants of the King your father incensing the people â—gainst them beeing the 〈◊〉 executioners of his execrable rage And when as he found thesâ— popular furieâ— not tâ— sâ—cceed
the bridge to be fortified with three turnepikes to stoppe their free entrance into the Towne whether the Bourguignon must come by dutie vnto the Daulphin This succeeded according to his desseine but it carried the shewe of an enemie The Bourguignon sends three gentlemen of his houshold to the Daulphin Thoulongâ—â—â— Ernoy and Soubretier to aduertise him of his comming They giue him notice of the two barricadoes made vpon the Bridge and wish him not to aduenture Hauing referred it to his Counsell all beeing on horsebacke he resolues in the ende to passe onâ— he lights at the Castle where his lodging was assigned and setts his gardes at the entry of the gate towards the Towne Hereupon Tanneguy of Chastell come vnto him who after a due reuerence saluted him from the Daulphin saying that he attended him at the bridge foote at the towne gate Then Iohn of Bourgongne hauing chosen out ten of his most trusty followers Charles of Bourbon the Lords of Nouaille Fribourg S. George Montagu Vergy 〈◊〉 Pontauillier Lens Giaâ— and his Secretarie Seguinat hee approcheth to the first barre where he inco unters with som from our Charles who intreat him to enter vpon their maisters word and assure him by oath Before he enters as if his heart had foretold his harme he stayes sodainely and askes aduice of his company who incouâ—aging him to passe on he enters the second barre the which was presently lockt and then he caused some to go before him and some behind he remaining in the midest Tanneguy of Chastell comes to receiue him and the Duke laying his hand vppon 〈◊〉 shoulder very familiarly This is he saies the Duke in whom I trust I will conclude this bloudy Catastrophe with the very words of the Originall And so he approched 〈◊〉 vnto the Daulphin who stood all armed with his sword by his side leaning on a barre Before whom he kneeled with one knee on the ground to do him honour and reuerence saluting â—im most humbly Whereat the Daulphin answered nothing making him no shewe of loue 〈◊〉 charged him with breach of his promise The Daulphin causeth Iohn of Bourgongne to be slaine for that he had not caused the war to cease nor drawn his men out off garrison as he had promised Then Robert de Loire tooke him by the right armâ— and said Rise you are but too honourable The Duke hauing one knee on the ground and his sword about him which hong not to his minde somewhat too farre backe kneeling downe he laid his hand on his sword to pull it forward for his ease Robert said vnto him doe you lay your hand vppon your sword before my Lord the Daulphin At which 〈◊〉 Tanneguy of Chastell drew neere vnto him on the other side who making a signe saiâ— It is time striking the Duke with a little axe so violently on the face as he cut oâ—f his chinne and so he fell on his knees The Duke feeling himselfe thus wounded layde his hand on his sword to draw it thinking to rise and defend himselfe but hee was presently charged by Tanneguy and others and beaten dead to the ground And sodainely one named Oliuer Layet with the helpe of Peter Fortier thrusts a sword into his belly vnder his coate of Maile Whilest this was doing the Lord of Nouailles drewe his sword halfe out thinking to defend the Duke but the Vicont of Narbonne held a dagger thinking to striâ—e him Nouailles leaping forceably to the Vicount wrested the dagger from him being so sore hurt in the hinder part of the head as he fell downe dead Whilest this was acting the Daulphin leaning on the barr beholding this strange sight retyred backe as one amazed and was presently conducted to his lodging by Iohn Louuet and other his councellers All the rest were taken except Montagu who leaped ouer the turnepike and gaue the Alarum There were 〈…〉 vpon the place but Iohn Duke of Bourgongne and Nouailles S. George and a Aâ—cre were hurt The Dukes men charged home vnto the turnepike but they were eâ—sily repulsed His troupes retyring to Bray are pursued by the Daulphinois with losse and in the ende the castle is abandoned by him that had it in gaâ—d The Dukes body stript off al but his Doublet and Bootes is drawne into a Mill and the next daye buried This happened the tenth of September in the yeare 1419. Behold the ende of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne Seeing then this murther troubled the Daulphin who had caused it to be committed what stonie heart would not be amazed thereat Truly the breach of faith is vnexcusable howsoeuer it be disguised for as faith is the ground of humane society so doth it extend euen vnto enimies with whom it must be inuiolably kept This blowe shall be deere to Charles Through this hole the enimye shall enter so farre into the Realme as he shall put him in danger and in the ende he shall be forced to confesse his fault not able to excuse himselfe without accusing of his councellours But from vniust man let vs ascend to the wisedome of that great Iudge of the world who is alwaies iust The Oracle cries He that strikes with the sword shall perish with the sword and The disloyall to the disloyall They loued misery and misery found them out And wise antiquity saies God punisheth great wickednes with great paines euen in this life And Hardly can tyrants descend into the graue with a dry death that is without blood or murther Oh iustice of God alwaies iust alwaies wise and alwaies good Thy iudgements are righteous O Lord. I condemne the errour of men yet I held my peace Bloud punished with bloud because thou dâ—dest it Draw the curten Iohn of Bourgongne hath played his part vpon this Theater He had slaine the the Duke of Orleans traitorously and now he wallowes in his owne goare being treacherously slaine by the Daulphin Charles Now let vs see the care his son Philip Earle of Charolois had to be reuenged of Charles for this cruell murther but all is not yet ended The Catastrophe of this miserable raigne Philip sonne to Iohn Duke of Bourgongne stirres vp great troubles against Charles the Daulphin in reuenge of his fathers death BY whose meanes Isabell an vnkinde mother makes warre against Charles her sonne and peace with Henry the fift King of England then a capitall enemy to the state She giues him her daughter Katherine in marriage and procures King Charles the 6. her husband to declare Henry his lawfull heire and to dis-inherit his only sonne Charles the 7. from the realme of France 1420. During these occurrents Henry the 5. and Charles the 6. die leauing the Crowne of France in question betwixt Charles the 7. and Henry the 6. proclaimed King of France at the funeralles of Charles the 6. From the yeare 1419. to the yeare 1422. AFter this tragicall and strange murther of Iohn of Bourgongne Philip his sonne Duke of Bourgongne by his decease seekes
endure all vnder their wise and faithfull gouernor rather then to fall into the hands of strangers whose gripes they had formerly felt If they were fiercely beseeged by the English and Bourguignons Compiegne releâ—ued by the French so were they as well succored by the French vnder the happie commande of the Earle of Vendosme gouernor of Beauuais and the Marshall of Boussac who hauing valiantly forced the first bastions enter the Towne hauing victualled it they issue forth with great resolution so as they take all the other forts to their enemies great losse So Huntington and Luxembourg retyre with disgrace leauing not onely that Country free The Bourguignon chased from Compiegne but their victualls artillerie munition habillements of warre in their lodgings of Venete and Royaulieu sauing themselues with some difficultie at Pont l'Euâ—sque through the fauour of Noyon The Bourguignon was so amazed as hee retyred into Arthois hauing as bad successe by force as by policie Our French forces being maisters of the field they recouer all the Bourguignons conquests Choysy Gournay Bertueil Garmigny Ressons Pont Remy Pont Saint Maxence Longueil Saint Mary la Boyssiere Ireligny Verdueil and other places where hee had gathered togither all the corne and cattell of the Countrie the which was restored to the poore people to their great content The Bourguignons pride thus taken downe after so many victorious hopes was a principall part of this victorie But hee resolues to haue his reuenge of this affront Being come to Arras hee gathers togither all the forces he can and from thence hee goes to Pâ—ronne to attend the bodie of his armie His intent was to recouer what hee had lâ—st in his last warre oâ— Compiegne meaning to begin at Garmigny which did greatly anoye all that Country He â—ends a troupe of 6â—â— men before vnder the conduct of Thomas Tirâ—ell an English man Girard of Brimeâ— Goueâ—nor of Roye augments this troupe with a hundred of his men In this order they go to the seege of Garmigny as to a marriage but Pothon who had his spies in al places and had put himselfe into Garmigny at the brute of this seege slept not Hauing therfore sent to discouer the enemies countenance hee learns that these â—icards beeâ—ng neere to Bouchoire did hunt after hates whereof there are great storie in those parts and that this troupe was wholy in disorder runing vp and downe with great 〈◊〉 Pothon imbraceth this occasion sodenly and hauâ—ng drawen his men to â—ield hee surpriseth these hunters The Bourguignons deâ—eated beeing dispersed and out of breath 〈◊〉 bâ—comes a hunter o◠〈◊〉 peace hee defeats them kills them and in the ende cryes that they take the runneawayes The Comander is taken with most of their bâ—st mâ—n Anthonie of Vienne and the Lord of Hailly beeing greatly lamented by the â—ourguignon were first led to Garmigny and then to Compiegne in great tâ—iâ—mph The newes heereof did greatly trouble the â—ouâ—guignon especially when as the Earle of Veâ—â—â—sme went with the French army to braue 〈◊〉 at the gates of â—oye offring him battaile He made shewe to accept thereof but â—auing called a Councell he framed a reasonable excuse that his soldiars were not willing he should fight in the ende of the yeare Wâ—th these affâ—onts the yeare ends and with the death of a sonne which hee had by his 〈…〉 use whome hee loued deerely his spirits were so oppâ—â—â—sed with sâ—rrowe for this 〈◊〉 as this Prince being too paâ—â—ionate had speeches vnworthy the grauitie of his person and the greatnesse of his bloud euen weeping and wâ—â—shing for death Doubtlesse it often falls out that he which is too much puft vp in prosperity The Bourgâ—â—gnon daunted in aduersitie is easily daunted in aduersity A goodly lesson 〈…〉 men who 〈◊〉 learne but by great examples that their grâ—atnesse 〈…〉 from the common condâ—tion of mankind that they are men 〈…〉 O man 〈◊〉 soeuer thou beest behold good remedies 〈…〉 to be dronke with prosâ—erity nor drowned 〈…〉 haue nothing memorable but an entry to the 〈…〉 of Paris 〈◊〉 shall giue exâ—mple to all the rest of the realme 〈…〉 parties was necâ—â—sary for the making of an accord The Duke of 〈…〉 do much but 〈…〉 desseins had traâ—â—ported him beyond the cloud◠〈…〉 disgraces did 〈…〉 who expected much 〈…〉 by the effects but that 〈…〉 in their 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 â—riendship The Ducâ—eâ—â— of Bedford dies which till then was very necessarie but 〈…〉 although in this occurâ—ent theâ—r leaâ—ue was not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 weeps for his wife the other â—or his sister The beginning of this 〈◊〉 wâ—s noted 〈◊〉 the taking of Montargis from the French through the notable 〈…〉 a wâ—man 〈◊〉 taken whâ—â—aue entrance to the English and who presently 〈◊〉 the fruits 〈◊〉 treacherie But let vs attend the yeare following where wee shall see a 〈◊〉 change in this mâ—serable Towne At the same time in recompence of 〈◊〉 Chaâ—tres returnes to the Kings obedience The meanes is woâ—thâ—e obseruation 〈◊〉 â—ut in practâ—se in our times in many places A Carter 〈◊〉 at Chartâ—es 〈◊〉 brother resident in Couâ—t with a Treasoâ—er Chaâ—les â—eelds to the King The familiarity this Carter haâ— to go and come into the Towne made him both desire and to lay the plot of so 〈◊〉 an enterprise Neere vnto the gate there was an olde ruined house in the whâ—ch there was a 〈◊〉 vault halfe â—illed vp with rubbish heere they lodge a hundre◠〈◊〉 on the other side they conuay a thousand men secretly in the night into a house 〈◊〉 vnto the Towne The Carter comes at the breake of day with his Cart vnto the 〈◊〉 where he ouerthrows it of purpose faining that a wheele was slipt 1431. While the gard labours to helpe him the Ambush issues forth out of these ruines and surpriseth the Port and the rest second them with such speed as the Cittie is wonne This had beene done without any effusion of bloud if the Bishop had not animated the inhabitants to fight against their King where hee himselfe was slaine with some of the Câ—ttizens About this time René Duke of Bar brother to Lewis Duke of Aniou and King of Sicile A quarrell betwixt the Duke of â—ar and the Earle of Vaudâ—mont who shall make himselfe famous in the following raigne receiued a great check He had a notable quarrel against the Earle of Vaudemont pretending the Earldome from words they go to blowes René fortifies himselfe with the forces of France Vaudemont with those of Bourgongne René being farre stronger in shew besiegeth the Towne of Vaudemont and when as the Earle with the helpe of his friends would haue raised the siege René drawes him to fight defying him and promising to himselfe an assured victory But God the soueraigne Iudge of these factions gaue it to the Earle and René remained prisoner in the hands of the Duke of Bourgongne to whom he paied a great ransome
making a defensiue warre attending the successe of Tartas Talbot fearing least Galardon should be surprised by the French doth raze it and this was all Let vs now returne to Tholouse to conduct Charles from thence to Tartas Taâ—taâ— releeued by King Chaâ—les for there lies the waight of his affaires Assignation is giuen it must be held To conclude the King comes at the appointed time with a goodly and mighty army the condition is performed he demands his hostages and the effect of accord So young Albret is deliuered Tartas continues vnder his obedience the day honorably kept and all the Prouince in quiet Tartas thus victoriously assured Charles resolues both to husband the occasion with his forces and to proceed farther Saint Seuer was held by Thomas Rameston with a hundred men at armes and fouerteene hundred Cros bowes and fortified what might be in those dayes Charles takes it by force slewe the greatest part oâ— the English and takes the Commander prisoner Acqs hauing endured a seege of sixe weekes is yeelded by composition The Earle of Foix was with the King and imployed both his person men and meanes to do him seruice but the impatiency of the French thrust them vpon his Country where they committed many insolencies The Bearnois discontented with the French assembles his forces and chargeth them as enemies but they had their reuenge for they fell vpon this ill armed multitude and slue seuen hundred to the great griefe of Charles fearing that this escape might alter his affaires but the Earles discretion couered this excesse and Charles continued his course Agâ—n held for him from thence he summons Toneins Marmande Port Saint Marie which yâ—eâ—d him obedience Reole being obstinate was beseeged and assayled with dâ—fficultiâ— but in the ende it was taken The shaâ—pe winter hindâ—ing the course of Garonne for the vitteling of the army made the seege both long and difficult and gaue the English meanes to recouer Saint â—â—uer and Acqs not very well garded but the Earle of Foix winnes Saint Seuer againe The deaâ—h of Potâ—oâ— and la Hire and the Earle of Lomaigne Acqs. A great number of the Nobility of the Country forced to make a good shew during the English force submit themselues to the King as the Lords of Puiols Rauson Roquetaillade and Pelegrue Thus Charles hauing made the Lord of Coitiuy Seneshall of Guienne gouernor of that conquered Countrie he makes his returne into France Being at Montauban he lost those two great Captaines so famous in his raigne Pothon and la Hire more rich in vertue honor then in substance yet Pothon was maister of the Kings horse and his sonne was Marshall La Hire left for his chiefe welth the immortall memorie of his loyaltie and valour the which hee happily imployed in the greatest necessitie of this Crowne Names in truth most worthy to be consecrated to the perpetuall memorie of posterity for a president to such as manage armes and make so great profession of honour with what title were these most hâ—nored for their vertues or for their Castells A happie exchange to change perishing gold which oftentimes makes him hatefull that loues it with the pleasing smell of immortall praise An vnreprouable ambition amidest the reproches of this golden age which loueth gold more then honour So Montauban was a tombe for their bodies and the whole world the Epitaphe of their praises At that instant and in the same place Charles ended the controuersie for the Earldome of Cominge Ioane daughter to the Earle of Cominge and Boulogne married at the first to Iohn Duke of Berry soone to King Iohn was after his decease married to Mathew Earle of Castel-bon of the house of Foix. She had one daughter by this Mathew but for that there was no good agreement betwixt them she makes a will to bridle her husband that by vertue of the authority of a father he should not enioy her lyuing instituting King Charles the 7. her heire in case her daughter died without lawfull heires In disdaine of this testament Mathew much yonger then she and who had not taken her but for her Crownes kept her prisoner an aged woman of foure score yeares The Daughter of Ioane of Cominge beeing dead the Earldome belonged vnto the King as lawfull heire by the donation of Ioane the lawful heire So Charles was bound by a double bonde to defend the gray haires of this old woman against the insolencie of her cruell husband who finding himselfe supported by the fauour of the Earle of Foix and Armagnac his Cousin hauing alreadie seized vpon some Townes of Cominge and playing the pettie King during the confusion of times and the neighbourhood of the English thought all things to be lawfull The King adiournes them both to appeere at Tholouse The Parliament of Tholouse erected wheras then he established a Parliament for all the Countries of Languedoc Foix Cominge Gaure Quercy Armaignac Estrac Lomaigne Mcgnaoc Bigorre and Rouergue Mathew deliuerd Ioane his wife into the Kings hands and it was decreed by the Court of Parliament the which they noate to be the first of this sollemne assemblie that Ioane should liue in free libertie out of Mathews power and should enioye the moity of the reuenues of Cominge and the rest should go into the Kings cofers The Earle of Foix and Armaignac yeelded vp the Townes of Cominges which he had vsurped and was adiourned vnto Paris to yeeld an account of many rebellions whereof he was accused especially for that he set in his titles â—ernard by the grace of God Earle c. A marke fit for soueraintie the which appertaines not to Seigneuries subiect to this Crowne Thus Charles remembers Lawes in the heat of warre but it requires an other Comissioner to execute this decree by force of armes after the death of Ioane who being conducted to Poictiers liued not long in this libertie Charles bâ—ing returned to Poitiers about the moneth of Maâ—ch resolues to imploy his sonne Lewis both to fashion him to affaires and to drawe him from suâ—h as would seduce him He giues him the gouernment of those Countries which lies betwixt the riueâ—s of Suze and Seine For the well imploying of this newe authority there were two goodly occasions presented one vpon an other Deepe was reduced to the Kings obedience this was a great annoyance to Rouen for the freeâ—ng whereof the Duke of Yorke doth beseege it raising forts to keepe them from all releefe This seege had continued nine monethes very tedious to the beseeged The Dâ—ulpâ—ins happie exploicts when as behold the Daulphin accompanied with the Earles of Dunois and Saint Pol and the Lord of Gaucourt assailes these forts and forceth them killes three hundred English and many Normaines either by the sword or water and so frees Deepe This occasion was followed by an other which chanced in a manner at the same instant Ioane Countesse of Cominge dies at Poitiers soone after she had tasted the aire of
where Charles was resident whilest that his army afflicted these poore people He feasted conducted this Princesse as his own daughter euen with tears of ioy The King of England marrieth but this ioy was sodenly coÌ„uerted into heauines by the death of the Daulphins wife his daughter in Lawe whom he loued deerely for her vertues which made her amiable to all France She was one of the chiefest in this great solemnity from the which she went to the bed of death her death was the sepulchre of her Mother the widowe of Iames King of Scotts who was come to see her and whilest her funeralles were making her Sisters ariue from Scotland to attend on her nay rather to descend with her into the graue if the humainty of Charles had not reuiued them giuing them honest meanes to maintaine their estats in France Thus passeth the Ocean of this miserable life in the which there is more cause of mourning then of ioy The Daulphins wife dies both in great and small The marriage likewise of England wherein were so great shewes of ioy shall end with a lamentable Tragedie as we shall see hereafter The truce was so pleasing to both Realmes A truce prolonged for fiue yeares that before it was expired the Kings of France and England renue it for fiue yeares more in hope of a perfect peace promising by their seuerall writings published generally to meete togither within six monethes in some conuenient place to confirme this peace so generally desired of all their subiects 1445. 1446. 1447. 1448. And to confirme the assurance of their promises the English deliuers Mans to Charles with all thee held in the Countrie of Maine but all is put into the hands of King René his father in lawe Francis Duke of Brittain doth homage to the King for the Duchie of Brittain and the Earldome of Montfort This was at Chinon but some monethes after there chanced a tragicall desaster in that house Francis suspecting that Gyles his brother would deale treacherously with him by the too familiar correspondency he had with the Engâ—ish caused him to bee put in prison by the Councell and care of Charles who had sent him foure hundred lances vnder the comand of the Admirall Coitiuy But they dealt worse with him causing him to die in prison for hungar The history of Brittain describes this accident very plausibly The cruâ—lty of the Duke of Bâ—ittany against his brother but it is true that Gyles died beeing prisoner with his brother Peter who suruiued him not long after hauing a great remorse for this tragicke accident In the rest of this yeare and the three following there is nothing memorable but the pursuts which Charles made for the reunion of the Church But not to breake off the course of our history which is properly to treate of that which concernes our Estate we reserue it for a more conuenient place A worke in truth not onely worthy of a great Monarke but of a peaceable time that in the peace of the State we may see the peace of the Church The soldiars insolencie was nothing abated by this voiage of Germany They returne more flesht then before against the poore laborer Charles made new orders to restraine them causing them to bee duly obserued but the ouerwening violence of the English increased daylie not onely by the negligence but by the command of such as had the charge The Duke of Yorke being called home into England the duke of Somerset succeeded him a proud man who thinking to do better then the rest did absolutely ruine the English affaires in France Hee dispenced with his soldiars in all their villaines 1448 and kept them ready to breake the truce vpon any profitable occasion The English breake the truce In the meane time the Souldiers ordinarie practise was to stand in Sentinell to surprise some good house in the countrie being ill garded to robbe it spoile it and carry away the prisoners by vnknowne wayes To this end they had their spies their guides and their retreats The fields were full of robberies by men disguised in strange and fearfull habits being masked when they espied their pray and therefore they called them counterfeit faces But to draw men into danger they marched like passengers expecting the commoditie to surprize them There is heard nothing but complaints and repulses All the pursuites which were made to repaire the breaches of truce did but increase the paine and charges of the interessed But of these small disorders committed by the Souldiars there grew so great an inconuenience as in the end it filled vp the measure against the English being hated and detested of all the French for their pride and insolencie Fougeres surprized by the English during the truce Fougeres a Towne of Brittanie vpon the confines of Normandie then very riche and populous being without garde vnder the assurance of the truce was easily surprised by Francis of Surienne called the Arragonois a Knight of the order of the Garter and a great Captaine vpon the marches of France obeying the English The Towne being surprised by him being accompanied with six or seuen hundred souldiers suffered all the miseries that might be They kill spoile and sack rauish women robbe Churches take prisoners and from thence they runne into Brittanie and fill all full of feare and combustion The Britton appeales to the King and both complaine to Henry King of England and to the Duke of Somerset his Lieutenant in France they presse them to repaire so notable a breach else they would seeke a meanes of reuenge But they receiue nothing but words disauowed by mouth and aduowed in effect for Somerset causeth S. Iames of Beueron to be fortified contrary to the treatie Charles receiuing these bare answers from England sees which way the chance would fall and that the game would not passe without blowes yet he restrained his men with great modestie holding it for a maxime that he must vse no force But when as moderate remedies can take no place with men not capable of reason then to oppose force against the iniurious passion of his enemie I read with ioy in the Originall that Charles conteined himselfe and was forced to this last warre To haue God on his side and the wrong on his enemie To conclude this moderate proceeding did so iustifie the good cause of Charles as it was continued with a happy euent not onely to abate the pride of the English but to expell them out of the whole realme as the iust iudgement of God pursued their arrogancie in this attempt by the breach of publike faith the vndoubted ruine of humaine societie which hath no certaine foundation but in perfect faith Here endeth the yeare but the controuersie shall begin more hotly by iust armes accompanied with a victorious sentence the which the Iudge of the world shall pronounce against the pretender of this estate Normandie reduced to the Kings obedience THe
daughter to wife the which he did As he prepared for this voyage and a stately traine for his daughter A strange death in the midest of â—oy which might equall or surmount the Ambassage sent from Ladislaus newes comes of the death of Ladislaus a young man of twenty yeares of age and of a generous hope who was poisoned at Prague Whose death was the cause of many miseries as we shall hereafter shew Their ioy in France was changed to mourning and the wedding to a funerall to the great griefe of Charles But to put him in minde of necessary causes amidest these voluntarie afflictions It chanced that the mother of Ioane the Virgin to purge the blot of infamie in the death of her daughtâ—r being condemned as a Sorceresse by the Bishop of â—eauuais to please the English obtaines a reuocation of this sentence from the Pope and Charles confirmes it causing it to be solemnlie published to the content of all Frenchmen to whom the remembrance of this generous spirit shall be for euer pleasing In the meane time this iealousie which was grauen in the heart of Charles is fed by the dayly whisperings of his household flattereâ—s And now behold a strange accident A Captaine in whom he had great confidence assures him that they ment to poison him he beleeues it and plants this apprehension so firmely in his heart as he resolues neither to eate nor drinke The tragicall death of Chaâ—les not knowing whom to trust He continued obstinately for seauen dayes in this strange resolution the which in the end brought him to his graue for being obstinate in this humour not to eate notwithstanding all the perswasions of his Physitians and seruants the passages were so shrunke as when he would haue eaten it was then too late and feeling his forces to decay he prouided for his last will and dyed the 22. of Iuly at Meun vpon Yeure in Bâ—rry in the yeare 1461. hauing liued 59. yeares and raigned 39. leauing two sonnes Lewis and Charles the first shall raigne after his father and the second shall be the causer of new troubles in France but not such as haue raigned vnder our Charles the 7. A Prince who hath as much aduanced the French Monarchie as any King that euer commanded for finding the realme ruined he hath restored it his Predecessors had planted the English in the bowels of the Estate he expelled them bringing in a gentle peace after an intestine warre of a hundred yeares A fâ—iend to Iustice good order and the people His dispositioÌ„ resolute in great affaiâ—es capable of councell wise couragious happy in the execution of good councels and happy in seruants that haue faâ—thfully serued him to the end of the worke of restauration wherevnto God had appointed him But these great and heroike vertues were blemished by some vices which were more visible in his prosperitie His 〈◊〉 then in his aduersitie for affliction restrained him but his happy successe puft him vp and gaue scope to his humours making him suspitious and amourous to the pâ—eiudice of his affaires and dishonour of his person On the one side vngouerned lâ—ue to strange women making him to forget the lawfull loue of his wife and to loose both time and iudgment whereby he blemished his reputation both with subiects and strangeâ—s On the other side presumption of his good successe made him vnpleasing to his best seruants yea euen to his owne bloud and this froward humour causing him to discontent such as hee should haue trusted setled so wilfuâ—l and peeuish a iealousie in his heart as hauing troubled all his house in the ende it brought him to his graue after a most fearefull and tragicke manner leauing in his vertues an example to bee followed and in his vices to bee auoided with a visible proofe in his happy successe That God vseth the weake instruments to the end that he might be knowne the Author of the good worke they haue in hand that his grace seeming strong in their weakenesse the homage and honour of all good might be giuen to him for whosoeuer glories let him glory in the Lord. Charles had no sooner closed his eyes but Poasts flie to Geneppe in Brabant vnto Lewis to aduertise him of his death The originall notes it for exceeding speed that through the diligence of Charles of Aniou father in law to Charles Lewis was aduertitised of the death of his father the very same day he dyed This Poast was speedy yet slowe in regarde of the desire Lewis had to returne into France and to take possession of this goodly Crowne which attended him LEWIS the eleuenth the 55. King of France LVDOVICVS .11 KING OF FRANCE .55 · WAs it not then likely that this so happy a Catastrophe of the latter raigne of Charles should haue purchased Lewis as happy and peacefull a Crowne as his fathers had beene painfull and full of crosses But the heires of worldly possessions which we call the goods of Fortune and of the body doe not alwayes inherit the same humors and complexions of their Predecessors Charles was of a curteous disposition affable a friend to Iustice and capable of councel he leaues Lewis his eldest sonne a Pâ—ince in truth humble in words and shew wise in aduersitie painfull The disposition of Lewis the 11. a free entertainer of men of merit curious to know all men of a good capacity perfect in iudgement and very continent But these vertues were blemished with many vices ill tongued reuengefull cruell full of fraud dissemblâ—ng distrustfull variable a friend to base people and an enemie to great persons yet willing to repaire the wrongs he had done to many But let vs impute this alteration to the multitude of his forraine homebred foes who â—ad greatly altered the good seeds which nature had planted in him That which plunged him in a labyrinth of troubles afflictions during all the course of his life was that at his first comming to the Crowne he discountenanced most of the Princes Noblemen whom Charles had fauoured preferring meane men to their places changed in a manner all the ancient officers of the crowne casierd discharged the old coÌ„panies of men at armes whereby such as hated him did taxe him as an enimy to al valour vertue Lewis the Daulphin at the age of eleuen yeares was rashly ingaged by some Noblemen others of the realme in the war called the Praguery against Charles his father His wiueâ— who speedily suppressed it by his resolution as we haue seene Beeing come to the age of man he married with Marguerit daughter to the King of Scots and as hee fell rashly in loue so he reaped nothing but repentance After her death not able to beare the vnpleasing waywardnes of his father he retires into Daulphiné and takes to his second wife Charlotte daughter to the Duke of Sauoy by whoÌ„ he had Ioachim who dyed young His children Anne marryed
day of their iourney they had certaine aduice by a messenger which the Lord of Craon sent to the King Abbeuille made the way to the rest The Admirall and Argenton had sent a man before to treat with the souldiers Townes in Picardie yeeld to the king who atteÌ„ding the coÌ„ming of these noble meÌ„ there came forth to the number of foure hundred Lances Being come forth the people open the gates to the Lord of Torâ—y they spare the King those crownes pensioÌ„s which the Admirall by vertue of his warrant had promised the Captaines This was one of the Townes which Charles the 7. had deliuered by the treatie of Arras the which should for want of heires males returne to the Crowne Dourlans followes They summon Arras the King pretending this Towne to be his by confiscation for not performance of duties and in case of refusall they threaten force The Lords of the Rauastein and Cordes make answere to Maister Iohn of Vacquerie afterwardes chief President of the Parlement at Paris that the CouÌ„tie of Arthois appertayned to Mary of Bourgongne and came to her directly from Marguerite Countesse of Flanders Arthois Bourgongne Neuers and Rhetel married to Phillippe the first Duke of Bourgongne son to King Iohn yoÌ„ger brother to King Charles the 5. Beseeching him to mainteine the truce made with Duke Charles deceased So they returne without doing any thing but onely wonne some men that soone after serued the King well who resoluing to reduce such places by force as should disobey his commaund goes into Picardie In this voyage he causeth his Court of Parlement at Paris to come to Noyon with the masters of requests and some Princes of the bloud to resolue vppon the processe of Iames of Armagnae Duke of Nemours and Earle of Marche prisoner in the Bastille at Paris and taken in the yeare 75. at Caâ—lâ—t by Peter of Bourbon Earle of Beauieu at what time the Dukes wife died partly for griefe and partly by childbirth She was daughter to Charles of Aniou Eaâ—le of Maine By which Court being found guiltie of high Treason he was condemned by a sentence pronouÌ„ced by master Iohn Boulenger the chief president to loose his head vpon a scaffold at the Hales at Paris on munday the 3. of August The Duke of Nemours beheaded and was by the like grace buried at the gray friars as the Constable had been He was one of the chiefe of the warre for the common weale whome the King laboured to bring to his end all hee could Lewis is exceeding glad to haue surmounted his most malicious aduersaries the Duke of Guienne his brother the Earle of Armagnae the Constable the Duke of Nemours All the house of Aniou was dead René King of Sicile Iohn and Nicholas Dukes of Calabria and their Cousin the Earle of Maine afterwards Earle of Prouence whose successions he had gotten But the more the house of Bourgongne exceeded all the rest in greatnes and power hauing with the helpe of the English continually shaken the estate of this realme for the space of thirty two yeares vnder Charles the 7. and their subiects being alwaies readie to trouble this Crowne by warres so much the more pleasing was the death of their last Duke vnto him knowing well that being now freed of his greatest incomber he should hereafter finde greater ease Yeâ— he erred in his proceedings not taking so good a course as he had forecast in the life of Charles of Bourgongne Lewis his error after the death of Charles in case he should die for allying him selfe by the marriage of the Daulphin his sonne with the heire of Bourgongne or at the least with some of his Princes for that there was a difference of age betwixt them hee had easily drawen vnto him the subiects of these large and rich Seigniories and had preserued them from many troubles the which haue afflicted both them and vs by the same meanes and freeing them from war he had greatly fortyfied his realme recouering with small toyle that which he pretended to be his The which he might easily effect for the Bourguignons were very humble without support without forces notable to make aboue fifteene hundred horse foote which were preserued at this generall ouerthrow But these are humane discourses wherein he had done better then thus resolutly to haue sought the ouerthrow of that house and by the ruine thereof to purchase to himselfe friends in Germanie or elsewhere as he pretended but without effect Presently vppon his arriuall Han and Bohain yeelded Saint Quentin takes it selâ—e and calls in the Lord of Mouy Maister William Bische borne at Mâ—lins in Niuernois a man of base qualitie but inriched and raysed to great authoritie by Duke Charles Gouernor of Peronne yeelds the place and the Lord of Cordes inclines to the french party They fayled of their enterprise at Gand but yt succeded at Tournay The King had sent Maister Oliuer le Dain his SurgioÌ„ borne in a village neere vnto Gand not onely to carry letters of credit to Marie of Bourgongne who then was in the possessioÌ„ of the Gantois that suffered no man to speake vnto her but in the presence of witnesses perswading her to yeeld vnto the kings protection seeing that both by father mother she was issued from the bloud of France being well assured that hee should hardly obtaine her whilest that hee prouided her a husband fitt for her qualitie as also to worke some alteration in the Cittie discontented with the Priuileges which Philip Charles had taken from them the rigorous exactions they had made Oliuer hauing staied some daies at Gand is called to the Town-house to deliuer his charge The Surgions 〈◊〉 He deliuers his letter to the Infanta assisted by the Duke of Cleues the Bishop of Liege and other great personages She reads it and they call him to deliuer his message He answeres that hee hath no charge but to speake to her in priuate They reply It was not the custome especially to a young gentlewoman that was to marrie He insists that he will deliuer no thing but to her selfe They threaten him with force Hee is amazed and going from the Counsell considering the qualitie of the person they doe him some disgraces and if hee had not speedily escaped hee had been in danger to haue had the riuer for his graue Doublesse it is a great hazard when matters of importance are managed by men of meane estate and the people thinke themselues contemned if they bee treated withall by men of base qualitie This barber knewe something for to preuent this inconuenience he termed himselfe Earle of Meulan others write of Melun whereof he was Captaine But Lewis reposed great trust in two men of the same sort Being gone from Gand hee retyâ—es to Tournay the which lies vpon the frontiers of Hainault and Flanders a strong and a goodly Towne but free and at that time a neuter seated fitly to
〈◊〉 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
great persecuter of the enemies of the Clergie curteous and officious to his friends busie for the enriching of the Church a great builder And finally as hee was readie to depart from Ancona to march in person against the Turke who was then entred Italie a Cotidian ague seized on him whereof hee dyed in the yeare 1464. Of him we reade thus much as Platina and Sabellicus doe report Preests are forbidden to marrie for a great reason but yet there is a greater for the which they should bee suffered In the second booke of the Councel and moreouer Paraduenture it should not be the worse if many Preests were married for many being Priests and married should bee saued the which in their barren Caelibat are damned Hee likewise would haue abolished some Nunneries of Saint Brigit and Saint Clare caâ—sed the Nunnes to come forth to the end saith Caelius secundus that vnder the habit of religion they should not hide their adulteries Paul the second borne at Venice before named Peter Barbo Cardinal of Saint Marc succeeded His first calling was marchandiseâ—punc but seeing an vnckle of his chosen Pope he applied himselfe somewhat to learning and was first created Arch-deacon of Boullen then Bishop of Ceruio after Cardinall and finally Pope The pride and pompe of Paulus the 2. A man of a good personage but arrogant proud so as Platina obserues that he first spake these wordes That the Pope carries within the circuite of his bosome all diuine and humane laws Exceeding all his Predecessors in attyre but aboue all in his mitre the which hee enriched with pearle and stones of an inestimable price shewing himselfe proudly vpon soâ—lemne dayes â—hus sumptuously attyred followed by his Cardinalls with scarlet hatâ—es the which hee did forbid all others to weare vpon greeuous â—â—nishments and mounted vppon mulets with footeclothes of the same colour grosse and dull witted louing neither learning â—or learned meÌ„ so as he declared them Heretiks that either in sport and earnest did pronâ—uÌ„ce this word Academy or Vniueâ—sity Couetous dissolute The Popes disposition voluptuous turbuleÌ„t giuen to coÌ„iuring the whole time of his raign he troubled Italie with combustions and homebred warres Finally they report little good of him but that he had beene pittifull to the poore and needy to haue preserued Rome from famine and reformed many Monasteries reducing them to a better discipline They say that hauing one day read certaine poesies made against him and his daughter he began to greeue and to blame the rigour of the law made by his predecessors who did forbid Priests to marrie so as seeing himselfe a scorne to the people hee resolued to giue Priests liberty to marry but an Apoplexie tooke him sodeinly out of this world the 25. of Iuly 1471. leauing a rich treasure In trueth They gather goods saith the Oracle and know not who shall enioy them Some impute this sodaine death to the Author of the Magicke arte the which he practised Sixtus the 4. borne at Sauonne and named Francis of Ruere Generall of the Grey Friars and Cardinall of S. Sixte Legat of Auignon was installed by the election of the Colledge in the Pontificall chaire Liberall and charitable to his owne beyond the bounds of true zeale for in their fauour he gaue Indulgences and pardons prodigally and granted many other things against all right and reason so saieth the Historie Amongst the rest he aduanced Peter of Ruere to a Cardinalship a monstrous man in his expences who in two moneths deuoured in vanities dissolution and loosenesse aboue two hundred thousand Crownes besides the debts wherewith he charged his heires He repaired many decayed Churches and Monasteries built new and gaue them great reuenews He restored the Abreuiataires which was a Colledge of learned men and studious in diuine and humane lawes Poets Orators Historiens c. first instituted by Pius the 2. then abolished by Paul the 2. his successor Then did he institute anew the Bullistes people fitter to get money then for any other thing and nine Notaries of the Apostolick treasure appointing them certaine reuenues which offices were sold in the beginning for fiue hundred crownes and since for two or three thousand crownes so well could they sell their marchandise Sixtus made many vniust warres against Ferdinand King of Naples for that against the Popes lâ—king he had succoured his sonne in law Hercules of Este Dâ—ke of Ferrare besieged by the Venetians Against the Venetians whom he did excoÌ„municate Against the Florentins excommunicated likewise with an interdiction of fire and water But by the intercession threats of the King the succours the Venetians gaue to the Florentinâ— against the Pope who had incensed Ferdinand King of Sicile Alphonsus Duke of Calabria and Frederick Duke of Vrbin Captaine generall for the Church to make warre against them he absolued them Then being sick of a Feuer hauing newes that a peace was made betwixt the Venetians and other Potentates of Italy hee dyed sodenly There flourished vnder him Iohn of Mont le Roy a great Mathematician Ralph Agricola Pomponius Lâ—tus Ambrose Calepin learned men in humanitie Let it suffice to haue noted such Popes as haue raigned vnder our Lewis and now let vs see that which concernes the Empire â—hat great Iohn Huniades a firme and â—ound rampier for the Christians against the Turkes The estate of the Empire had left two sonnes Ladislaus Matthias They had for an hereditarie enemy Vlrike Earle of Cilie neere kinsman and a fauorite to Ladislaus King of Hongarie and Bohemia sonne to Albert of Austria borne after his fathers death Ladislaus the eldest complaining one day to Vlriâ—e of the slanders wherewith he wrongfully charged him to King Ladislaus they passed from words to blowes so as he slue Vlrick for the which the King of Hungarie caused him to bee publickely beheaded and lead Mâ—tâ—hias the yonger prisoner to Prague in Bohemia to put him to death farre from the â—iew of the Nobility of Hongarie to whom the memory of Huniades was wonderfull deeâ—e and precious But as Ladislaus prepared for his mariage at Prague to be sonne in lawe tâ— Charles the 7. behold a blacke and deadly poison sodenly choaâ—es vp the ioy which that new alliance had concâ—iued After whose death there did arise great quarrels for the succession Some Noblemen of Hungarie wished the Emperour Fredericâ— the third for their Kiâ—g the greatest part preferred Matthias both for that he was of 〈◊〉 nation as for the happy memory of his father Iohn The election being made Matthias is set at libertie by George Boiebrac the new King of Bohemia hee demands the Crowne Frederick armes himselfe with a constitution which he had receiued from Elizabeth mother to Ladislaus deceased when he sent him her â—onne to bring vp Vpon refusall they go to armes but the Germaine Princes pacified this quarrell concluding Warre for the Crowne of Hongary That Matthias should pay
for his Crowne vnto the Emperour foure score thousand crownes In the meane time there springs vp new seeds of warre in Germanie Pius the 2. making the Emperour and his deuotion to the Romaine sea his support puts Ditericke Isebourg from the Arch-bishopricke of Mayence establishing Adolph of Nassau in his place Isebourg opposed himselfe vigorouslie against the Popes exactions who spoiled as he said the Prouinces vnder a pretext of warre against the Turke and moreouer he would not tye himselfe by othe vnto the Pope who would likewise binde future Ecclesiasticall Electors not to assemble the Electors of the Empire for the election of any new Emperour or for any other cause concerning the Empire before he â—ere duely informed to the end his pleasure might bee preferred before all others An audacious and vnciuill demand Frederick the victorious Conte Palatin of 〈◊〉 then administrator of the Electorship for his Nephew Philip the sonne of Lewis his brother being a pupill stood firmely for Isebourg Lewis Duke of Bauiere surnamed the rich ioynes with Frederick The Emperour hated them both and desired much to crosse them although in his heart he had reason to fauour that party for the which they fought but hee feared the valour of Fredericke and the wealth of Lewis The Pope vrgeth him to stirre vp some great Princes of Germanie to oppose against the Protectors of Isebourg rather then against Isebourgh himselfe Adolph of Nassau was assisted by Albert Marquis of Brandebourg Lewis of Bauiere surnamed the black Charles Marquis of Bade and his brother Iohn Bishop of Mets with Vlric Earle of Wirtemberg all which enuied the prosperitie of Frederick and yet feared to trie his valour Frederick was the weaker in men but right hath a strong partie Warres in Germany They neglecting their enemies small forces charge him disorderly he resists them valiantly beats them defeats them and puts them to flight takes the Marquis of Bade the Bishop of Metz and the Earle of Wirtemberg prisoners the first of Iuly 1461. and to let them vnderstand that they had erred in the discipline of warre spoiling the corne burning tâ—e Mills he caused them to sup the first night of their imprisonment without bread The end of this warre was the beginning of an other more fatall for the Emperour The Pope deposed George Boiebrac from the crowne of Bohemia as fauouring the doctrine of Hus and appoint Matthias surnamed Coruinus but the Emperour would not graunt it depending of the Empire Matthias was much moued and the more when as after the death of George the Lords of Bohemia and the Emperour likewise leauing him made choise of Ladislaus the sonne of Cassimir King of Polland and of Elizabeth daughter to Albert of Austria In this warre the imperiall Maiestie was not only shaken but through Fredericks misfortune almost ruined and he in a maner expelled 〈◊〉 al Austria it reduced vnder the power of a strange Lord mighty and warlike When aâ— behold Albert Duke of Saxony sonne to Frederick 2. Elector of Saxony father to the Duke George and Henry Grand-father to Maurice and Augustus Electors leaâ—e a goodly armie at his own charge assailes Matthias so weakens him in many battels as he abaÌ„dons the greatest part of Austria forceth him in the end to accept a peace with such conditions as Albert would impose During these parâ—iaâ—ities in the West God raised vp some meanes to crosse the Turkes exploits if the diuisions of Christian Princes for the most part procured by the Popes whilest they setled themselues had not conuerted their owne forces against themselues Troubles in the East Three yeares after this pâ—tâ—â—full wound which the christian church receiued by the losse of Constantinople Mahumed the 2. besieged Belgrade but to his confusion A handfull of men lead by that braue Huniades in two dayes togither giue him two bloudy battailes wins them A great defeate of Turkâ— kills aâ—oâ—t fortie thousand of his men spoiles his campe takes his Artillerie with some difficultie he saued his person being wounded in the left pappe and carryed out of the fight as dead Mahomet seeing by this disgrace â—483 that the land did not fauor him he meanes to tâ—ie an other ayre hee rigges a great fleet of gallies to seize vpon the Islands of the Archipelagus But he had purchased a mighty enemy Vssumcassan of the race of Asâ—â—bei a Turke Lord of Cappadocia Armenia some other Countries adioyning who had lately slaine Molaonhre or as some write Demir of Persia and by that victorie inuaded tâ—e Realme Vssameâ—ssan hauing disapointed that desseins of Mahomet grewe so proud that to maâ—◠〈◊〉 victory the more famous he drewe rich presents out of the treasures of Persia and sent them vnto Mahomet requesting him not to attempt any thing against Trebiâ—onde nor Cappadocia a conquerors request imports an imperious commande countries which belonged vnto him by reason of the dowry of his wife the daughter of â—auid Comnene Mahomet not able to digest that a meaner then himselfe should presâ—ribâ— him a lawe The Turkes 〈…〉 twice in Asia winnâ— the third â—attayle imployes all his wit to obscure the glorie of this newe King Hee therefore sends a part of his fleete into Asia directly to Pontus and Sinope towards Trebisordâ— And he himselfe with an incredible speed crosseth Asia and campes neere to Vssamcâ—ssan Three battailes are fought Vssumcassan wins the first against Amurath Bascha a Greeke by nation neere to the riuer of Euphrates which Bascha was slaine and the second against Mahomet where he was in person These two battailes did wondeâ—fully weaken the Tuâ—kes forces In the third the Persians amazed with the vnaccustomed noyâ—e of the Turkish shot vnable to endure the terrour of the harguebusse Vssumcassan and his men oppressed with this newe army lost the honour of the two first dayes and Zemald the sonne of Vssumcassan was slaine with a shot Mahomet pursues his good fortune beseegeth and takes Sinope the capitale Cittie of the Prouince and afterwards all Paphlagonia then he campes before Trebisonde batters it by sea and land and in the end takes it spoiles the treasors of King Dauid Comnene sends him prisoner with his two sonnes and his Cousin Iohn le Beau to Constantinople to serue for a shewe the day of his triomphe causing them afterwards to be baâ—barously slaine rooting out the race of Comnenes In the same voiage he tooke Cilicia from Piramet Caraman and being returned to Constantinople hee conquered with his armie by Sea the Ilands of Lemnos and Lesbos he vnpeopled Mitilene and transported the Inhabitants of the I le into an other country With his forces at land hee assayled Dracula Prince of Valachia who with such small forces of foote and horse as the shortnesse of time would suffer him to leuie did so surprise and shut vp Mahomet as both he and his army were in a manner ruined when as behold Mahomet Bascha Lieutenant Generall in the Turkes
partly with disdaine and partly with feare seeing Vrsin by the exceeding great fauours which he receiued from Ferdinand and the Florentins to bee growne mighty in all the territories of the Church A league bâ—twixt the Pope the Veneâ—iâ—uâ— and the Duke of Milan The Venetians had yet fresh in memorie the Leagues made against them in the war of Ferrara in the which Sixtus had intangled them and yet to withdrawe them hee imployed both his spirituall and temporall power They had no more confidence in Alexander Yet the policy of Lodowike did in the ende worke this League betwixt the Pope the Senate of Venice and the Duke of Milan in the moneth of Aprill 1493. Thus Lodowike is fortified on the one side but he had an other meaning theÌ„ the Pope or Senat of Venice and foreseeing that he could not long build vpon the foundation of this newe allyance he resolues to assure himselfe by forraine forces seeing that both his owne and his friends in Italie were doubtfull vnto him He therefore conuerts his thoughts on this side the Alpes seeking to drawe the King to seize vpon the ancient inheritance of the house of Anioâ— But let vs see by what right Vrban the 4. gaue the Realmes of Naples Sicile vniustly detayned by Manfroy bastard sonne to Frederic the 2. to Charles Earle of Prouence of Aniou to hold in fee being brother to Saint Lewis â—ho obtayned this title that was giuen him by armes Charles the 2. succeeded his father â—ho left it to Robert his â—on and this man died without heires Ioane daughter to Charles Duke of Calabria deceased before his father enioyed the succession Being disâ—ayned not so much for her sexe as for the lewdnesse of her life The right oâ— France to Naples and Siâ—ile she adopts Lewis Duke of Aniou brother to King Charles the wise for her sonne and tâ—en died of a violent death Lewis passing thether with an armie died of an ague in Apâ—lia seeing himseâ—fe almost in possession of the kingdome so as the house of Aniou reaped no profit by this adoption but onely of the Earldome of Prouence which was continuaâ—ly possâ—ssâ—d by the successors of Charles the 1. NotwithstaÌ„ding Lewis of Aniou son to the first Lewis and after the grandchild of the same name thrust on by the Popeâ— as often as they had any quarrell with the Kings of Naples haue often but infortunately inuaded this Realme By the death of Ioane the Realme was transported to Charles of Durazzo issued likewise from Charles the 1. to whom Ladislaus his sonne succeeded who dying without issue left his sister Ioane the 2. for his heire an vnfortunate name in that place whose indiscretion and impudency of life made them purchase the â—ame of Wolues Lewis the 3. making warre with the helpe of Martin the 5 against Ioane leaâ—iâ—g the gouernment of the Realme to those â—home she had abandoned her body she adopted for her sonne and sole refuge Alphonso King of Arrâ—gon and of Sicâ—lâ— Afterwards hauing reuoked her adoption vpon colour of ingratitude she adopted the same Lewis who imploying his forces for her against Alphonso expelled him tâ—e realme but he died the same yeare leauing Ioane in quiet possession the remainder of her life Then dying without children she instituted René Duke of Aniou and Earle of Prouence for heire being brother to the said Lewis her adoptiue sonne This institution displeasing some Barons who said that the will was forged by them of Naples they calâ—ed backe Alphonso Hence sprong the warres and factions betwixt the Angeuins and the Arragâ—nois nourished so long by the couetousnes of Popes who according to the oportunitie of times haue oftentimes granted their inuestitures diuersly Alphonso carrying it by force and dying without lawfull heires left Ferdinand his bastard to succeed as a purchased good not belonging to the Crowne of Arragon Iohn sonne to René â—ssisted by the chiefe Barons of the Countrie came to assaile him but the happines and valour of Ferdinand giues him the repulse René suruiuing his sonne Iohn and dying without an heire male names Charles his brothers sonne for heire who dying without children resigned all his inheritance to Lewis the XI Father to Charles the eight Charles was but two and twentie yeares old little experienced in affaires couetous of glorie and thrust on with a valiant desire he often neglected the wholesome coâ—â—sell of the wisest namely of Iames of Grauille All the wisâ—st of the Kings Counsell disswade him fâ—om the enterpriâ—e of â—â—alie Admirall of France preferring the aduise of sâ—me oâ— base qualitie that possessed him corrupted by the Neapolitaines thâ—â— were retyred for reliefe by the Ambassadors of Lodowick The Nobilitie of France â—ommended the wisedome of Lewis the XI who refused to accept of the Geneucis wheÌ„ they offred themselueâ— being alwaies loath to attempt any thing vpon Italie being both painfull and fatall to the Realme They knew Ferdinand to be a wise Prince rich in money and of great fame and his sonne Alphonso to be valiant and well seene in the art of warre but these were but shewes and all their reputation turned into a ridiculous smoake That for the gouernment of warre and state the Kings counsel was but weake and their experience small that had most credit with him Hee must haue a huge masse of money and there was none in his Treasorie Moreouer they obiected the craft and policie of the Italians that Lodowike himselfe for a light pâ—ofit would breake his faith That hee would be loath to see the Kingdome of Naples in the King of France his power finally to make any conquest beyond the Alpes were to vnfurnish the Realme both of men and money All this was but to cast oyle into fire alreadie kindled Charles reiects all aduice of peace and without the priuitie of any but de Vers and Prisonnet hee agrees secreâ—â—y with Lodowikes Ambassadors That an armie passing into Italie for the conquest of Naples Articlâ—s betwixt Câ—aâ—les and Lodowâ—kâ—â— the Duke of Milan should giue him passage through his Countrie hee should acompany him with fiue hundred men at armes maintayned he should suffer him to arme what 〈◊〉 hee would at Genes and before hee should march hee should lend the King two huâ—â—red thousand Dâ—â—cats On the other part The King should defend the Duchie of Milan againâ—â— all men and should especially maintaine Lodowicâ—s authoritie and duâ—ing the warre he 〈◊〉 maintaine two hundred Lances in Ast a Cittie belonging to the Duke of Orleans to sâ—ppâ—â— all necessities in the Duchie This he signed with hiâ— owne hand and promised moreoueâ— vnto Lodowike That going to the Conquest of Naples he should giue him the principalitie of Taâ—etâ—m But dâ—d not Lodowike feare the power of so great a king lately fortified with three goodly Prouiâ—ces of Bourgondie Picardie and Brittaine the which his father Francâ—s Sfoâ—ce would haue doubted if a poore Earle of Prouence had conquered the realme
cut off by the notable treachery of his vncle Plaisance receiued him as willingly as Pauia and thither newes was brought of the death of the Duke of Milan The death of Iohn Galeas leauing a sonne and a daughter Lodowike posting thither with promise to returne vsurped the Duchie absolutely with the title Thus all Lombardy marched at the bruite of this French army some for loue and some for feare They held our men to be religious loyall and full of bountie but couetousnesse robberies and other insolencies of souldiers made them soone to alter their conceits the horror of the artillery whose thunder was yet strange vnto them amazed them The Florentine a cunning dissembler had sent twise vnto the King before he parted from France at the first came the Bishop of Rhegin and Peter Soderini of whom they onely demanded passage and a hundred men at armes mainteined at the second time Peter Caponi and others who made answer that by the commandement of King Lewis the xâ— they had renownced the alliance of Iohn of Aniou if he were associate with Charles of France in the warre of the common weale to enter into league with Ferdinando of Arragon and therefore they could not rashely leaue it But in either of these troupes there was still some enimy to Peter of Medicis who gaue the King intelligence of the peoples desire lifting vp their hands for the recouery of their liberty oppressed by Pâ—ters gouernement enâ—ied euen by his neerest kinsmen and the best families as the Coponi Soderini Nerli and others Great practises against Peter of Medicis And for a second baite Laurence and Iohn de Medicis cousins to Peter came secretly to the King at his departure from Plaisance vowing great loue in generall to the house of France and much hatred to their kinsman against whom Charles was greatly incensed for the excuse he made to his Ambassador which was sent from Ast That the chiefe Cittizens were in their houses in the country and could not so speedily returne him an answer but they should shortly let him vnderstand their resolution by speciall Ambassadors In the meane time they arme ioyntly with the Pope The King must not leaue Tuscan and the Estate of the Church behinde him as his enimies The armye passeth the Appennin at Pontreme vpon Magre the which diuides Liguria which is the Country of Genes from Tuscan and is vpon the marches of the Florentines countrye of purpose to force them to plant the Standard of France vpon their walles or else to take the weakest places to winter in The second exployte of the Kings armie was at Fiuizane a towne taken by force sackt and all mercenary soldiars with many inhabitants slaine A hard stratagem for men 1493. who as we haue said made warre rather in pompe and brauery then with blowes Serezâ—ne was sufficient to withstand yea to ruine a great power Serezanelle was more strong a fort built vpon the hill aboue the towne but the Florentines diuisions had hindred all necessary prouision but men And indeed they were loath to make warre against the house of France of whom they had of old time depended the rather for that they were forbiddeÌ„ to trafficke their men banished out of all France by the especiall aduise of Caponi The armie could not continue there the countrie is straight and barren compassed in by the sea and mountaines no victuall but what was brought from farre and great store of snow But the way must be laide open to Pisa and if they had neglected the first place that resisted The Florentines offer the King free entrie into theiâ— Citty what village but would haue held out Paul Vrsin led some horse with three hundred foote meaning to put them into Serezane who are incountred beateÌ„ in a maÌ„ner all slaine or takeÌ„ prisoners by some troupes of the foreward going to forrage beyond Magre This terror made the Florentines to protest publikely That they would no longer incurre the Kings displeasure nor the Duke of Milans Whereupon they send fifteene or sixteene Cittizens and offer the King free entrie into their Citty whose onely desseine was to expell Peter of Medicis Peter practised for his part by the meanes of Laurence Spinoli his factor in the barke at Lion the Earle of Bresse Myolans the Kings Chamberlaine Gouernor of Daulphiné They procure him a safe conduct and at the first treaty he graunts the King all his demands That the forts of Serezane Serenazelle and Pietresaincte the Keyes of the Florentine dominion of that side those of Pisa and the port of Liuorne Peter de Medicis graunts the King his demands should bee put into the Kings hand who should be bound to redeliuer them after the conquest of Naples That the King should receiue the Florentines into his alliance and protection vppon the loane of two hundred thousand ducats and the assurance of these promises should be concluded in Florence A facility which discouered a wonderfull feare and trouble of minde for the King would haue beene well satisfied with more easie conditions Lodowick was present at this Capitulation who to reape some benefit of Charles his conquests obtaines from his maiesty for thirty thousand ducats a transport for him and his heires of the possession of Genes which the King some yeares before had graunted to Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan yet discontented that Charles would not giue him Pietresaincte and Serezane in gard which places he demaunded as forceably taken away by the Florentines from the Geneuois Lodowik Sfoâ—ce discontented with the King and had serued him as a meanes to lay hold of Pisa he returned to Milan and did neuer after see the King leauing notwithstanding Galeas of S. Seuerin and the Earle of Belzoiozo nere his maiestie Thus by the consignation of these strong places the ports of Romagna are opened vnto the King he enters Luques beeing very honourablie receiued by the Cittizens crying God saue the King of Fronce Augustus From Luques he goes to Pisa Galeas of S. Seâ—erin following the instructions giuen him by Lodowike Sforce who did not foresee that the like accident would be the cause of his ruine called the chiefe Cittizens Pisa reuolâ—â— against the Florentinâ—s and aduiseth them that rebelling against the Florentines they should craue liberty from the King hoping by this meanes that he should one day draw Pisa vnder the Duke of Milans command To whoÌ„ they were subiect before the Florentines held it this was in the same yeare the Venetians conquered Padoâ—a Through this aduice the people troupe together men women and children they flocke the next day about the King going to masse crying with open throat Liberté Liberté beseeching him with hands lift vp and teares in their eyes to free them from the Florentines oppression by whoÌ„ say they they were most tyrannously intreated Rabo a Councellor of the Parliament of Daulphiné and Maister of requests said vnto the King that their
on eyther side the Venetians craue respite for two moneths to accept or not and the King transported with a great desire to see his France resolued to part the next day But aduertised that the Suisses practised eyther to assure themselues of his person or to seize vpon the cheefe in Court for three moneths pay which they sayde was due vnto them by an accorde made with Lewis the eleuenth That so often as they should go forth with their Ensignes displayed The Suisseâ— practise to seize vpon the King they should receiue that payment hee parted from Verceil into the which many Suisses were gotten and went towards Trine a Towne belonging to the Marquis of Montferrat This humour possessed them by the instigation of those to whom this peace was not pleasing From Trine the King sent the sayd Marshall of Gié the President of Gannai and Argenton to Lodowicke Sforee to moue him to an enterview But hee grounded his excuse vpon some speeches which the Earle of Ligni and the Cardinall of Saint Mâ—lâ— had vsed 1496. That they should take him when he came to the King to Pauie yet would he willingly parle with the King hauing a barre and riuer betwixt them He had heard talke of the parle betwixt Edward the CoÌ„stable of S. Paul with Lewis the eleuenth Charles taking this distrust in ill part receiued his hostages of Milan and impatient to attend the Geneuois aduancing to Quiers he sent Peron de Basche to Genes to receiue the two carrakes promised by the treaty and to arme foure others wherein hee made accoumpt to shippe three thousand Suisses to releeue the Castells of Naples knowing that the armie of Nice had beene altogither vnprofitable But it was sufficient for the Milanois to promise hee knewe well that hungar would force the wolfe out of the woode that is to say that want of victualls would shortly expell the garrisons out of those Castells Moreouer being perswaded the King would hardly repasse the Alpes he seekes the friendship of Ferdinand arming two ships for his seruice Charles did then send the Lord of Argenton to Venice to knowe if they would accept of the peace and to passe three articles To re-deliuer Monopoli which they had taken from him To draw back the Marquis of Mantoue their Lieutenant generall all others they had in the Realme of Naples for Ferdinands seruice and to declare King Ferdinand to be none of the league lately made in the which there was onely named the Pope the King of the Romains the King of Spaine and the Duke of Milan For answer they flatly refuse all the Kings demands as hauing no warre with him and that their meaning was only to succour the Duke of Milan as their Allie whome the King sought to ruine And for the making of an agreement they offer to be a meanes That Ferdinand should do homage to the King for the Realme of Naples with the Popes consent and should pay a hundred and fiftie thousand ducats yearely and a present summe of money the which they would lend for the loane whereof they should haue Bruduse Otrante Trani and some other places in Apulia in pawne That Ferdinand should giue the King some places for safety to make warre against the Turke according to the hope wherewith Charles had fed all Christendome The Venetiaâ—â— prâ—positions to the King The which if he would vndertake all Italie should contribute therevnto That the King and they should dispose of all Italie without contradiction and for their part they would serue the King with a hundred gallies at their owne charge and with fiue thousand horse by land But this Turkish warre was but a glorious cloake for euery priuate mans couetousnes And who can wonder if God did sodenly frustrate out desseignes hauing an other ground then we made shewe of Who will not iudge but this offer had beene as honorable for France as the generall losse of the sayd Realme was dishonorable Charles would willingly haue vndertaken it and the greatest part of his Counsell did allowe it But Tacitus obserues of Vitellius That his iudgement was such as hee found all harsh that was profitable and tooke nothing in good part but what was pleasing and that proued hurtfull A lesson for Princes not to trust so confidently to some particular persons for the gouernment of their affaires as not to impart it sometimes to others neyther to aduance any one so high as all the rest should bee his inferiors for making himselfe to be feared and respected aboue all as the Cardinall Briçonnet his Bretheren and kinsfolke did he commonly makes his house great at his maisters coste But it was the humor of this young King fearing sayeth the history to displease them to whome hee gaue credit and especially such as gouerned his treasure as the aboue named Our Conquerors are nowe arriued at Lion in the moneth of October not greatly carefull of those they had left at Naples without any intelligence or letters from the King but onely counterfeit and nothing but promises for assignations of pay whereof followed the generall losse of the Realme who for a signe of their conquest left them nothing but the possession of a stinking and contagious disease which afterwards spred ouer all France The beginniâ—â— oâ— the pockes the which beeing till then vnknowne in our parts and the Phisitians not acquainted with the cure thereof lodged manie in the graue leauing many deformed and lame of their limmes 1495. and subiect to continuall torments Charles hauing continued two moneths at Lion hee receiued two very troublesome and vnpleasant aduertisements One was Domesticall the death of his sonne the Daulphin deceased at three yeares of ages A goodly child saith the Originall and bold in speech who feared not those things which other children are accustomed to feare The other was forreine the yeelding of the Castels at Naples The King passed ouer his mourning lightly for being little both of bodie and vnderstanding he began to feare least the Daulphin growing in these generous dispositions which they noted in his infancie should soone blemish the fathers power and authoritie A lamentable thing that so great a Monark should feare his owne child lying in a cradle But that was certaine that Charles the seuenth his grandfather had beene iealous of Lewis the eleuenth his sonne Lewis had terrified his father and was in feare of his sonne Charles the eight and now Charles apprehends some decay in his estate by his son Iealousie is a disease which doth commoÌ„ly infect Princes houses The other accident was of greater consequence and toucht him more neerely But were not these crosses sufficient to afflict him but he must receiue a publike shame by meanes of a priuate mans couetousnesse The Florentines prest the performance of their treatie sworne at Florence confirmed at Ast and afterwards at Turin Charles writes to this effect to Entragues Captaine of the Citadell at Pisa and to the bastard
of Pisa the Venetians practises whose greatnesse Lodowick did much feare in Italy might bee crossed by the Florentins they purchasing fauour credit with the King he might imploy them to mediate some accord betwixt the King him the which he desired with all his heart Lodowick did foresee the storme and laboured to auoide it but in vaine for the time of his shipwrack was at hand 〈◊〉 comes to Court Then Caesar Borgia the new Duke of Valentinois came vnto the King with the Bull of dispensation where he was no sooner arriued but as the soâ—ne of his Father he plaid the first act of a bloudy Tragedie vpon the alliance which the King did contract with the Pope his father Caesar following the instructions of Alexander dissembled the bringing of this Bull iudging the Kings disposition to be like vnto those who desire that most which is refused to make him the more plyable to his desseignes But the Bishop of Sept hauing sent intelligence vnto his Maiestie of the truth the King thinking it sufficient to haue the Bull dispatched concluded the marriage with Anne giuing for a portion to his wife diuorced the Duchie of Berry Caesar hauing discouered the author of this aduise He commits a trâ—â—cheâ—ous murther caused the Bishop to be soone after poisoned The peace with other Princes which might somewhat disturbe the proiects of Lewis was no lesse expedient he therefore concluded with Ferdinand King of Castâ—le and thereby did associate him in the conquest of the realme of Naples Peace with the 〈◊〉 he confirmed that which his Predecessor had with the English and renewed the alliance with the Suisses granting them the pensions which Lewis and Charles were accustomed to giue Maximiâ—ian alone working vpon the old leuaine of his Ancestors shewed some bitternesse amidst these contents Troubles in Bourgongne casting the coales of diuision in Bourgongne Champâ—gne by the Lord of Vergi Comtois when as they least doubted it seeing that Lewis being taken prisoner at the battaile of S. Aubin and hauing aboue all others imploied Maximilian for an intercessor to Charles the 8. they thought that Maximilian should reioyce at this new succession more then any other Prince and that the discontent he had against Charles hauing forsaken his daughter and married with Anne of Brittaine his Spouse had beene mortified by the death of the said Prince The Emperour was thrust on by the Duke of Milan who being perswaded that the King busied at home should haue no leisure to attempt any thing in Italy or any accord being made betwixt them he should be comprehended therein This war put the realme in alarme but Lewis opposed so great a power vnder the commaÌ„d of Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbonne his brother in law as it was quenched as soone as kindled by a tirce of many moneths without any mention of Lodowike Sforce And to the end that Phillippe Arch-Duke of 〈◊〉 and Earle of Flanders sonne to Maximilian might reape the fiâ—ites of their rereâ—oâ—â—â—â—ement he did homage to the King for the places hee held of the Crowne and those of Artois were restored vnto him In the meane time they consult at Venice vpon the tearmes of confederation with the King The chiefe difference was The Kings association with the Venetians the holdâ—â—g of â—isa The Venetians offering all other conditions would not haue this string tâ—â—cht and the King being resolute to haue it restored vnto him in fauour of the Floâ—â—â—tines refused to treat vnlesse this article might be granted But the Duke of Valenâ—inoiâ— and other Agents for the Pope the Cardinall of S. Pierre Triuulce and all the 〈◊〉 who for their owne priuate interest perswaded him to warre hauing layed beâ—â—re him the losse he should receiue by the want of the Venetians ayde considering their power and meanes to annoy the Duke of Milan hee yeelded without any more â—pâ—ech That at the same time as he should inuade the Duchie of Milan they should doe the like vpon their frontiers That hauing wonne the rest of the Duchie Cremona and Guiaraâ—add should be taken by their common forces for the Venetians except the bredth of fortie fadome along the riuer of Adde That after the conquest of Milan the Venetians should bee bound to defend that for a time with a certaine number of horse and foote the King should doe the like for Cremona and other places which they possessed in Lumbardie euen vnto the marshes of Venice This conuention tooke all hope from Lodowike both of peace with the King and reconciliation with the Venetians Being thus left naked hee resolues to defend himselfe and beginnes by the fortification of Anon Nouarre and Alexandria Townes lying neerest to the French meaning to oppose against their violence Galeas of S. Seuerin with the greatest part part of his forces and the rest against the Venetians vnder the command of the Earle of Caiazzo. He commands Galeas to passe the Pau with sixteene hundred men at armes fifteene hundred light horse ten thousand Italian foote and fiue hundred Lansquenets but rather to defend his places then to keepe the field hoping that the prolonging of the warre would breed him some aduantage for that he expected an issue of the accord which he did mediate betwixt Maximilian and the Suisses the which effected he had promise of notable aide On the other side the King caused Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Ligni to march with Eâ—erard Stward Lord of Aubigni Iohn Iaques of Triuuâ—ce leading 6. thousand horse The first exploits of this voyage and twentie fiue thousand foot The Castle of Arazze vpon Tanare was the first obiect of thier armies a place kept by 500. foote assayled the tenth of August and taken within few dayes Seuen hundred men being lodged in Anon did likewise suffer it to be lost in two dayes and all those put to the sword that were retired in armes into the Castle Donat Raffagnin a Milanois Captaine of the Castle of Valence well furnished with men artilerie corrupted by the promises of Triuulce gaue entrance to the French the same day as he had by the like treacherie twentie yeares before deliuered one of the gates of Tortone to Lodowike Sforce to the preiudice of Bonne of Sauoy and of the little Duke Iohn Galeas All the souldiers were slaine or taken amongst others Octauian brother to S. Seuerin was prisoner The same deluge ouerflowed euen vpon the very brute Basignagne Voguere Chasteauneuf and Poâ—t Coronnâ—e Antonie Maria Palauoism yeelded vp Tortone not attending any assault Alexandria makes head against the armie and whilest they presse it Lodowike shuts himselfe into Milan and seeing his estate lost by peece meales he flies to those remedies which are vsuall in greatest dispaire He inroules all that could carrie armes assembles the people dischargeth them of a part of their ordinarie impositions shewes them with most vehement wordes That if happely hee had ouercharged 〈◊〉 not any desire to
of age should obscure the fame of his first exployts he returnes in the beginning of the new yeare laden with ladders and seeks to surprise it but in vaine Cooled by the seege of Faâ—nze Pollicie not succeeding he returnes to force and by the taking of Russy and other places of the countrie he makes the enterprise easie A new breach is made and new asâ—auâ—ts giuen the first without effect the second gaue hope of victorie but the violence of the Canon which battred in flanke the incouÌ„tring of a deepe large trench the death of Ferdinand Farnese with many other men of worth and the number of the wounded makes them to leaue the assault But at length he carries it The losse the Fauentines had receiued in this assault and the dispaire of succours cooled this first heate feare making theÌ„ apprehend hard conditions if force reduced them into the victors power they treated to yeeld their liues and goods saued vpon condition that Astor their Lord Facuze yeelded should with his libertie choose what retreat he pleased enioying the reuenewes of his patrimonie But poore Astor oh Burgia who soeuer shall read the detestible life and horrible death of thy father will alwaies iâ—dge thee a right and worthie sonne of such a father being yong and verie beautifull was with goodly shewes and honorable demonstrations of loue reteyned in the Valentinois Court 1501. and soone after conducted to Rome where some one sayeth the Originall The pittiful death of the Lord of Faâ—â—s murthered by Borgia naming no man but noting the vilain with his fingar hauing taken his pleasure of him and glutted his lust they caused him to be secretly murthered with his bastard brother and the Pope with the approbation of the Colledge giues to his sonne Borgia the inuesting and title of Duke of Romagnia This estate seemed to him imperfect without the adiunction of the territory of Bologne But the Kings expresse commandement not to attempt any thing against the estate of Iohn Bentiuole whome he had taken into his protection caused the Valentinois to content himselfe for that time with a transaction from Bentiuole to haue passage and victualls through his country a tribute of nine thousand ducats yeerely a certaine number of horse and foote and Castel-bologne a place vnder the iurisdiction of Bologne and so he transported his forces into Tuscane Marke here a notable example of a childe to his father One of the sonnes of the L.G. Montpensier going to Pozzuolo to visit the sepulcher of his father suffred himselfe to be so much ouerruled with passion that after he had washed all parts of the monument with his lamentable teares he fainted and fell downe dead vpon the Sepulcher of his father who had as little sence of those his latest forrowes as he had feeling of so great a fault to giue such libertie to the rage of nature The Florentins are mightely perplexed they had greatly mooued the King by their bad order in the recouery of Pisa The Florentiâ—s in gâ—eat perplexity as we haue heard before but there springs vp newe motiues of discontent The exceeding charge they had beene at and were still forced to beare for the warres of Pisa the iealousie of the Popes forces and of his Borgia made them slacke in paying the King the money which the Duke of Milan had lent them and the debt which hee pretended to bee due vnto him by reason of the pay made by his maiesty to the Suisses which he had sent against Pisa whom hee had maintayned with his owne money vpon refusall which the Florentins had made them vnder colour that they would retire into their Country before their time perfixed and the King who sought to empty their cofers to the ende he might gouerne them more absolutly demanded it very earnestly Moreouer they grewe more weake by their owne ciuill discords which troubled them in the popular gouernment wherein many of the Cittizens being suspected eyther as friends to the Medicis or desiring an other kind of gouernment matters were managed with more confusion then counsell and to increase their crosses the King did presse them for the aides and summes of money promised for the voâ—age of Naples pretending That he had performed the conâ—entions they had made togither whereto they were bound seeing that by their owne fault they had hindred the recouery therefore hee was no more bound to protect them And in truth Iulian de Medicis beseeching him in person and at the Popes perswasion The Fâ—oâ—entins freed by a fayned transaction with Borgâ—â— to restore him and his breâ—heren into their estates vpon promises of a great summe of money hee most willingly opened both eare and heart to these offers All these considerations drewe the Valentinois into Tuscane with seauen hundred men at armes fiue thousand choise foote which Bentiuole gaue him the French companies lodging apart to attend the Kings army which began to march But he knew that the King would not bee pleased with this entry in Hostile manner into the Florentins Country and that otherwise his army was both weake of men and munition to force any Towne The Florentins also knowing themselues naked both of horse and foote others then of the Country oppressed with iealousie feare and diuisions hee makes this accord with them That there should bee a confederacie betwixt the common-weale of Florence and the Duke of Valentinois with a prohibition not to aide the rebelles on eyther side and that the Florentins should entertayne him for three yeares at their charge with three hundred men at armes and six and thirty thousand Ducats yearely which men at armes hee should send to them when soeuer they had neede eyther for themselues or any other and should not oppose themselues against him for the defence of the Lord of Plombin who was in their protection But this composition was onely to disarme the Valentinois and to send him packing And hee well informed of the policie staying in the same County spoyled it in reâ—enge both by fire and sacke most like to an open enemy tyring them with demandes which partly they refused partly differred hoping that the Kings authority should free them from these bonds which necessity of the time and Borgias force had extorted from them The King indeed held the rodde but stayed his arme he was pleased the Valentinois should terrifie them but not tyranise ouer them For although hee would willingly haue seene some other forme of gouernment at Florence yet an alteration then would haue beene very preiudicial vnto him the King being loath to see the Valentinois aduanced to any other authoritie or by any other forces then his Maiesties So The warres of Naples reâ—â—ued by the commaundement of Lewis he leaues Florence and enters the territorie of Plombin taking Surgeretâ—e Scarline and the Islands of Elbe and Pianosa where leauing a sufficient garrison as well to guard the places as to molest them of Plombin
Lord God a paire of spurres of gold All these Princes were wonderfully incensed against the Venetians by reason of the vsurpations made by them in their estates A League against the Venetians They make a League for their common defence and to offend the Venetians meaning to pull from them what they had vsurped And for that the promises which Maximilian had vainely giuen to Lodowike Sforce were the cause to hasten his ruine he was a meanes the King should set him at libertie and giue him some good pension to liue withall in France But this was a short comfort for Lodowike whose turbulent spirit would haue practised some alteration This capitulation being so profitable to all these Princes the Pope being comprehended therin 1509. it was likely it should hold But there must be stronger bands to tie it that is a reciprocall loue without the which all treaties are fruitles The end of this yeare is famous by the death of Frederike Frederike of Naples dies sometimes King of Naples the which depriued him of all his vaine hopes to recouer his Realme of Naples by the accord of theâ—e two Kings and by that of Isabel Queene of Castile a vertuous Princesse noble wise and beloâ—ed of her subiects The yeare following disposed the two Kings and the Potentates of Italie to lay aside armes Ferdinand of Arragon hauing new desseins and foreseeing that by the death of his wife Philippe his sonne in law would challenge the Crowne of Castille as hauing married the inheritrix of the said Realme desired only to preserue the realme of Naples by meanes of the capitulation lately made Our Lewis was not altogither freed from doubt for that Maximilian delayed according to his vsuall tediousnesse to ratifie the peace The Pope desired innouation but his forces were too weake without the support of some mightie Prince The last League had put the Venetians in alarum hauing thereby three mightie enemies against them To pacifie the neerest they offer vnto the Pope to restore all they had vsurped except Faense Rimini and their appurtenances The Venetiâ—anâ— reconciled to the popâ— And the Pope knowing that the Emperors warre agaiâ—st the Elector Palatin would hinder his passage into Italie ioyntly with the King for that yeare accepted the obedience the Venetians offered him in regard of the said places without making them any shew of a more mild and tractable disposition The King for the accomplishment of that which had beene treated of sent the Cardinall of Amboise to Haguenau a Towne of Alsatia newly taken from the Countie Palatin where the Emperour did sollemnly sweare and proclaime the articles agreed vpon according to the which the Cardinall payed halfe the money promised for the inuesting of Milan Nâ—w troubles in Iâ—alie During this ratification there growes new seeds of dissention in Italiâ— The Cardinall Ascanius brother to Lodowike Sforce treated with the Ambassador of Venice at Rome and had also according to the common opinion some secret intelligence with Gonsaluâ— It was in shew to inuade the Dâ—chie of Milan the which they knew to be vnfurnished of French souldiars the people inclining again to thename of Sforce and that which made them the more bold the Kâ—ng being surprised with so dangerous a sicknesse as the Pihifitians dispayâ—ing of his â—ealth the Queene prepared to send all her iewels into Brittanie if the Marshall of Gié had not placed men vppon the way to stay theÌ„ for the which the king afterwards was as wel placed as the Queene by her dislike sought to bring him in disgrace Doubtles the people should oft times suffer much if their counsels were not stayed by the prouidence of God The King recouers his health Appeased by the deâ—th of Cardinall Ascanius and the Cardinal Ascanius dies sodenly of the plague at Rome interring with him the desseins of Milan The King is freed of one danger And as God by means vnknowne of men change the great â—tormes into calme sun-shines our Lewis who till then had the greatnesse of the Arch-Duke Phillippe in iealousie fearing to mâ—ke him his enemie hee finds now that the death of Isabelle of Castile doth free him of his feare for that the Arch-Duke contemning the testament of his mother in Law deuised to take the gouernment of the Realme of Castill from Ferdinand his father in lawe the which could not be done but by their common quarels and the weakning of their forces the King remaining betwixt both free from troubles should thereby fortifie him selfe with men money and munition for the aduancing of his desseins And the Aragonois on the other side â—orced to seeke a support against his sonne in lawe desiring a peace with the King hee obtaines it by the marriage of him and Germaine sister to Gaston of Foix daughter to his Maiesties sister vppon condition That the King should giue her in dowrie that part of the Realme of Naples which belonged vnto him A peace betwixt the king and Ferdinand the King of Spaine binding himselfe to pay him within tenne yeares 7. hundred thousand ducats for the charges past and to indow his new spouse with 300000. ducats Which dowrie Germaine dying in marâ—iage without children should returne to Ferdinand but if he died first it shold returne to the crowne of France 1505. A happy coÌ„clusion both of a peace and of the yeare if it could haue intertained loue betwixt these two Princes 〈◊〉 with the 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 But it shal be soone broken and alwayes our peace with the Spaniards hath beene full of discord Let vs now open the springs of new warres The Pope had without the Kings priuity giâ—en all the benefices that were fallen voyde in the Duchie of Milan by the death of Cardinal Ascanius and other Clergie men Moreouer in the â—reation of many Cardiâ—alls Motâ—â—es of nâ—w troublâ—â— he had refused to admit into the society the Bishop of Auchx Nephew to the Cardinall of Amboise and the Bishop of Baieux Nephew to the Lord of Tâ—emouille And moreouer hee had armed some galleys to be in a readinesse â—s some gaue out to free Genes froÌ„ the rule of the French in case the King died as â—ome feared and other did hope All these considerations together with the Kings disâ—ontent seemed to breed some diuision with the Pope yet his friendshiâ— was profiâ—able for the King in the warre he pretended against the Venetians against whom he knew the Pope to bee ill affected for the desire he had to recouer the Townes of Romagnâ— Hee therefore sent the Bishop of Cisteron his Nuntio into France to propound vnto him many offers and desseines for the execution of this common enterprise Moreouer the Pope seeing himselfe as it were forced at the Kings instance to prolong the Cardinall of Amboise his legation in France and for iealousie he had that this Cardinall aspired by al means to the popedome he could not resolue to ioyne in all points with the King
the fiue no otherwise but for the defence of his owne estates As for the Castells of Lugan and Lugarne strong passages and of great importance for the surety of the Duchie of Milan they desyred rather to raze them then to take three hundred thousand Ducats for the restitution thereof Let vs nowe lay out all armes aside for a certaine space and giue our warriours time to take their breath and returne againe shortly to warre by the ambitious factions of two most great and mighty Princes This yeare in Febuary was borne Francis 1â—17 Daulphin and successor to this Crowne if his end had not beene violently forced The Daâ—â—pâ—in Francis borne Laurence of Medicis did present him at the Font for the Pope â—is Vncle. A Christening celebrated with iousts skirmishes incounters besieging and taking of places and other such stately shewes as the memory of man hath not obâ—erued greater And the King to make a more stricter league with the Pope he caused the said Laurence to marry with Magdaleine daughter to Iohn Earle of Auuergne and Auraguez and of Ioane sister to Francis of Bourbon Earle of Vendosme who died at Verceil when as King Charles the eight returned from Naples Of this marriage came Katherin of Medicis whom we shall see Queene of France and Mother to the three last Kings of the name of Valois At the same time the King sent Gaston of Breze Prince of Fonquarmont brother to the great Seneshall of Normandie with two thousand French foote to succour Christierne King of Denmarke against the rebels of Sueden who after they had wonne a battaile for the King being abandoned in the end by the Danes in a combate vpon the Ice where those Northerne Nations are more expert then ours were ouerthrowne and the most part slaine such as could escape the sword returned without pay without armes and without clothes 1518. The yeare following the last of March Henry the Kings second sonne was borne who by the death of the Daulphin his brother shall succeed his father Henry King of England was his God-father and gaue him his name During this surcease of armes among Christian Princes the Pope motioned but saith the Originall rather in sâ—ew then with any good intent Estate of the East a generall warre of all Christendome against Selim Prince of the Turkes Baiazet as we haue sayd in his latter age studied to install Acomath his eldest sonne in the throne of the Turkish Empire Selim the younger brother through fauour of the Ianisaries and Souldiers of his fathers gard forced him to yeeld the gouernement vnto him Selim was no sooner in possession but as they say hee poisoned his father and murthered his bretheren Acomath and Corcut and in the end all that discended from the line of the Ottomans Then passing from one warre to an other he vanquâ—shed the Aduliâ—ns ouerthrew the Sophi of Persia in battaile tooke â—â—om him Tauris the chiefe seate oâ— his Empire and the greatest part of Persia rooted out the Sultans of Egipt and the Mammelius tooke Caire and seized vpon all Egipt and Syria So as hauing in few yeares almost doubled his Empire and taken away the hinâ—â—rance of so mightie Princes who were iealous of his Monarchie Christian Princes did not without cause feare the happy course of his victories Hongarie was weake of men and in the hands of a Pupill King gouerned by Prelates and Barons of the realme diuided amongst themselues Italie dismembred by former warres â—eared least the part alities of these Princes should cause Selim to turne his eyes towards it The â—ope and all the Couâ—t of Rome making shew to preuent this imminent danger thought it expediâ—nt to make a great prouision of money by a voluntarie contribution of Princes and a generall taxe ouer all Christendome That the Emperour accompanied with the horse of Polonia and Hongarie and an armie of Reistres and Lâ—â—squenets fit for so great an enterprise should assaile Constantinople and the King of France with the forces of his Realme the Venetians Suisses and Potentates of Itaâ—ie should inuade Greece being full of Christians and ready to rebell vpon the first approach of forâ—aine â—oâ—ces The Kings of Spaine Portugall and England should passe the straight of Gallipoli with two hundred saile and hauing taken the Castell at the enâ—rie thereof they should approach neere to Constantinople That the Pope should follow the same course with a hundred great Galleys These were goodly plottes in conceit This counteâ—feit shewe to send an armie into Turkie was but a deuice to fill the Popes coffers which was made emptie by the former warres especially by that of Vrbin To treate of these propositions Leo published in the Consistorie a generall Truce for fiue yeares amongst all Christian Princes and vpon rigorous censures to them that should breake it Appointing for Legats the Cardinall of Saint Sixte to the Emperour the Cardinall of Saint Marie in Portico to the King the Cardinall Giles to the King of Spaine and the Cardinall Laurence Campege to the King of England hee proclaymed his Bulls of pardon to all such as should contribute a certaine summe for so woâ—thie an expedition All Princes accept of this truce and shewe themselues verie willing to so honorable in action But the meanes howe in so short a time to make a firme Vnion among so many Potentats who had beene long at deadly warre Euery one studies of his priuate interest and finding the danger to concerne one more then an other they care for themselues and manage these affaires carelesly more with shewe then deuotion This negligence of the publicke state and greedinesse of priuate men was the more confirmed by the death of Selim who leauing his Empire to his sonne Soliman young of age but of a milder spirit and not so enclyned to warre A peace concluded with the English then all things seemed to incline to peace and loue betwixt so many great warriors The Kings of France and England renued their friendship by a defensiue League betwixt them vppon promise of a marriage betwixt the Daulphin King Francis eldest sonne and the onely daughter of Henry King of England both very young which contract many accidents might hinder before they came to sufficiencie And Henry yeelded Tournay for foure hundred thousand Crownes the one halfe for the charge in buâ—â—ding the Citadell and for the artillery powder and munition which the King of England should leaue in the place the other halfe for the expenses in conquering thereof and for other pensions that were due vnto him Thus often times the looser paies the shott On the other side the Kings eldest daughter being dead And with 〈◊〉 Spaniards whome they had appointed to bee wife to the King of Spaine a peace betwixt these two Kings was reconfirmed according to the first Capitulation with promise of the yonger An alliance which eyther Prince did confirme with great outward shewes of friendshippe King Francis wearing the order
in steed of making his entry into the Realme shall shamefully make him retire into Castille Manye inticements drawe him into France Wee haue had said hee almost for these twenty yeares a continuall victory against the enemy The Duchie of Miâ—an which we now possesse The Emperorâ— conceit of his pasâ—age into France is a certain testimony of our triumphs we haue reason to retaine the same resolution in this warre and the same hope which conquerors ought to haue and leaue vnto the French terror and dispaire which commonly doth accompany the vanquished We are superiors in number men of better constitution more practised in the art of warre and leauing some part of our forces on this side the mountaines we haue sufficient remaining to incounter the enemies power But that which will giue vs the victory we march against one that hath broken his faith the iudicious reader may consider which of these two Princes had most right whether the Emperour taking vpon him the protection of the Duke of Sauoye or the King seeking his right by force of armes which he could not obtaine by reason from hiâ— Vncle Doubt not but we haue God for vs he is a iust Iudge and a rigorous reuenger of the breach of faith Moreouer let vs not feare that the king of France can fortifie himselfe on this side the Alpes he wiâ—â— prepare all his forces against this armie but I haue an other ready to inuade Picardy and besides tâ—e Empresse prepares one in my kingdomes of Spaine which shall come by Laâ—guedoc to iâ—yne with mee I leuy an otâ—er to assaile Champagne and Bourgorgne in the hottest of these warres the which shall performe as much for my seruice as tâ—e rest Hauing so great pâ—eparatiues and in so maâ—y placeâ— and the king so surprised as he cannot â—n time assemble sufficient forces to encounter so many armies it is impossible but on some one side we should make a paâ—sage by force euen into the heart of his Realme Wee haue good intelligences and manage great practiâ—es This spake the Emperour But Doest thou know the decres of heauen saith the Eternall reprehending man and wilt thou dispose of the gouernment thereof vpon earth What were these great practises and secret intelligences which the Emperour vaunted to haue in France A politike Commaunder doth commonly vse this kinde of speech to giue courage to his men and breede iealousie and distrust in his enemye against his subiects Hee had some secret practiser vppon the Towne of Langres bâ—t the Inhabitants were too faithfulâ— to their King and since in these latter dayes haue giuen sufficient testimony of their obedience to the Crowne Some helâ— that the Marquis of Salusses had partakers of his treachery and William Dâ—ke of Bauiere said oâ—enly that many in France holding the same party would discouer themselues at need The death of Fâ—anciâ— the Daulâ—â—in poâ—â—oned But whatsoeuer it were that which gaue a more liuely impression Francis Daulphin of Viennois the Kings eldest sonne whom his maiâ—stie going from Lions to see his army which he ment to oppose against the Emperour had left sick at Tournon dies the fourth day of his sicknesse being about tâ—eâ—ty yeares old bred vp by his father in siâ—gular expectation of all the world to proue in â—ime a great and most excellent Pâ—ince And Sebastian Earle of Monte-câ—câ—llo found guilty of poison and for that cause was drawne in peeces with foure horâ—es within Lions had by his confession declared that the Emperour had once enquired If he knew the order and manner of the kings eating and drinking An attempt so wicked as it is scarse credible that so wretched and damnable a treason should enter into the heart of so generous a Prince Notwithstanding when Don Ferdinand of Gonzague presented the sayd Sebastian to the Emperour saying that he was ready to execute that which hee had promised vnto him and to Anthony de Leue if the desseine extended vpon any places of the French obedience why did he informe himselfe of the Kings eating and drinking Besides during these practises why did Don Lopes of Sora Ambassador fâ—r the Emperour at Venice inquire who should reigne in France and against whome the Emperour should pursue these wars in case the King and his children should die If he had not bin acquainted with some fatall practise against the said Priâ—ces Thus the Emperour resolute to passe against the opinion of the clearest sighted as he afterwards confessed vnto the King with his owne mouth who hauing till then seeâ—ed to follow Councell did now rashly follow his owne head and now by diuers and many expeditions of diuision of places offices Captaineshippes gouernments gifts of Townes and Castells deuouring by presumption the goods of the Kings subiects and seruants hee left ten thousand men to continue the seege of Turin and for the affaires of Piedmont hee diuided his armie into three bands for the greater commoditie of the passage and appointed their Rendezuous at Nice and there abouts In the first were the men at armes with the Lansquenets of the Lord of Thamise conducting the artillerie and the baggage who tooke their way by the riuer of Genes In the second Don Ferdinand of Gonsague The Emperouâ—s passage into Prouence generall of the light horse and with them some Neapolitane men at armes the Lords of Iselsthein Dietriâ— Spech Wolfe Dietric of Kuttringhem Colonells of the Reistres then the Marquis of Guast with the Spaniards and the Emperours household and at their tayle Anthonie de Leue with the Lansquenets of Marc Ebensthein after whome marched the Emperour in the midest of a troupe of Spaniards followed by the Lansquenets of Gaspar of Fronsberg taking the direct way froÌ„ Fossan to Nice In the third were the Italians which tooke their way by Cony On the other side the King made his necessarie prouisions at Lions and prouiding for all parts where the enemy might land hee sent Claude of Sauoie Earle of Tende and the Lord of Bonneuall his Lieutenants generall in that army to ioyne with William Earle of Furstemberg Colonnel of his Lansquenets other Captaines placed towards Cisteron The Kings order against the Empeour vpon the passages of Roquesparuiere Terreneuue and other approches to spoile the corne eyther standing or in the barne to drawe all that might be into strong places to beate downe all ouens and milles which might any way helpe the enemie to burne the horsemeat to beate out the heads of their wine vessells if they did not speedily retire them and to cast corne into their wells to corrupt the waters All the people both great and small were so wonderfully affected to the publike good as euery man forgets the greefe of his priuat losse The Lords of Mas Calds Carses and many others pricke them forward by their example themselues setting fire on their corne barnes and mills and causing fellowes to drinke their wine And for that the King had not yet all
Prince of Milphe the Lâ—â—ds of Barbesâ—â—â—â— Burie Viâ—lâ—ers Corneilles vndertake the worke and cast downe â—alfe a Tower pâ—ssiâ—g from the Towne to the Castell but that 〈◊〉 whicâ— ioyned to the Castell stâ—â—ding firme the place was not much weakened Tâ—e King then 〈◊〉 to attempt it by batterie and hee himselfe shewes the place where to plant the Cannon At the approches Lâ—sarches and Pont-briant 〈◊〉 experienced Commissaries of the artillery with many Caâ—â—oniers and others loose their liues The Cannon planted vpon the brinke of the â—â—ench plaies two daies togither and the third they make a breach of thirtie fadomes The Kings presence being the rewarder of vertue setts many yong gentlemen on fire being desirous of reputation and before that order be giuen â—or the assault carries them to the toppe of the breach But they find the like valout in 〈◊〉 them some are slaine vpon the place others returne â—ore wounded Charles of 〈◊〉 among others Earle of Sincerre a yong Noble man who followed the â—â—â—ppes of his 〈◊〉 vertue Aubigny Lieutenant to Sercu and Damiâ—te enseigne beâ—â—er of the sayd Company testified by their deathes the hope of their youth if the chance of armes 〈◊〉 â—ent them a longer life Haraucourt a Lorraine and his â—rother his Lieutenant sons to the Lord of Paâ—oy Lieutenant to the Duke of Guise in the gouernment of Champagne and of his companie of man at armes Fâ—leâ—eres soâ—nâ— to Mardicoque and many others returned backe lame Yet this attempt amazed thâ— beseeged and helpt the generall For when as they see the order the King had giuen to assaile them in the morning a great number of men at armes on foote with fiue or six hundred light horsemen all the rest on horse-backe the whole army readie to be put in battaile if the enemy approched some appoynted to march first others to second them and some to releeue them that went to the assault the resolution and courage of the night past made them enter into composition whereby they departed with theiâ— baggage leauing the artilleâ—ie munition victualls The King committed it to the gard of Sercu The Castell of 〈◊〉 â—â—ken giuing him a company of fifty men at armes and a thousand foote Saint Paul neere vnto Hedin might much annoy him and reduced to the Kings obedience crosse the garrisons of Betune Arras Liliers and other places there abouts Annebault did this exploit and Anthonie of Castell an Italiâ—n Ingenâ—ur vndertooke the fortification of the Towne and Castell Saint Paul and Lilâ—iers taken Lilliers abandoned by Lieuin Captaine of the Towne was by the Lord Steward and Duke of Guise visiting the Country added to the former Conquests and left vnder the commande of Martin du Bellay Captaine of two hundred light horse ioyning vnto him la Lande with a thousand foote to keepe them of Saint Venant and Maruille from annoying the forragers victuallers of the French Army The Bourguignons had fortified an Iland at Saint Venant vpon the riuer of Lis. The Lord Steward vndertakes to force it and takes with him the Earle of Fursâ—emberg with eight thousand French and Germains At the first the beseeged repulse the Lansqueâ—ets kill some and wound many And now the day began to faile when as Charles Martâ—l Lord of Bacqueuille la Lande discouering one part of the trench worse manned then the rest they crosse it with their Normands and Picards and come to handâ—e bâ—â—wes they loose some men and kill many of the enemies force the trench the â—ampar and the bastion they compell them to abandon and leaue their defeâ—ceâ— and make way for the rest of their companies and troupes to enter who châ—â—ing the enemies make a great slaughter of men to reuenge the death of their companions They presently set vpon the second fort the bridge whereof was crâ—st with great long peeces of wood ioyned one to another and betwixt manned with good shott defended with a mill of stone well perced and furnished with harguebuses of Crocke and other shot But nothing is difficult to a resolute mind and the fâ—â—st flying to the second fort strooke terrour into them they force them and put them all to the sword The number of the dead was estemed twelue or fifteene hundred on both sides the place spoyled the bootie carried away and the houses burnt There passed no day without an enterprise of one side or other courses and recourses prises and reprises of men victuals and places ill garded or not gardable The King seeing the Emperour had no armie readie able to crosse his new conquest content for that yeare to haue taken Hedin and fortified Saint Paul he caused Liliers to bee burnt reseruing the Abby of Nunns and the Churches and the walls to bee beate downe that the enemie lodging there should not annoy Therouenne and Saint Paul he gaue the gouernment of S. Paul to Iohn d'Estouteuille Lord of Villebon Prouost of Paris with his coÌ„pany of men at armes that of Moyencourt named de Hangest to Martin du Bellay with his two hundred light horse and two thousand foot coÌ„manded by the Captaines la Lale and Saint Aubin Normans Blerencourt and Yuille Picards euery one fiue hundred and in the Castle a thousand men vnder the charge of René of Palletiere He left the Earle of Furstemberg in garrison at Dourlans with his Lansquenets and a hundred men at armes vnder the guidons of the Lords of Estree and la Roche du Nâ—â—ne But these bands were so ill compleet as they made not halfe their numbers then hauing in like sort prouided for other places hee brake vp his campe and dismissed his troupes to giue order for the affaires of Piedmont where the enemie grew strong The King thus disarming the Earle of Bures armes fower and twentie thousand Lansquenets six thousand Walons and eight thousand horse and resolues to charge the Lansquenets lodged neere to Dourlans to make the seege of Saint Paul more easie which he ment to attempt By the surprise of some letters he learned that the fortificatioÌ„s of the place required yet 2 c. dayes time to make it able to repulse the enemie He changeth his opinion and truning head to Saint Paul makes his approches the tenth of Iune notwithstanding the many sallies and skirmishes of the beseeged hee recouers by meanes of a great hollow way which the sodaine arriuall of the Imperials would not suffer them to make euen the point of a great Bulwarke vpon the way to Mouchy they vndermine day night shoot sixteene or eighteene hundred canon shot make a breach of three or foure paces Saint Paul beseeged by the Imperials and by the furie of seuen or eight peeces of artillerie force Martin de Bellay Blerencourt and Yuille to abandon the breach which lookes towards Dourlans their cheefe and almost only defence hee giues an assault with fiue or sixe hundred men onely to vew the breach and by the thunder of their Canons which battered all along the
beseeged And the King relying vpon the assurance he had of the Marshall of Biez aduanced hoping that the Bulwarks and the Courtynes of the fort had beene in such defence as he might haue imployed his armie elsewhere But there are two reasons which diuert him The one priuate which was the death of the Duke of Orleans his yongest sonne who supprised with a Quotidian feuer Death of the Duke of Orleance which they held to be pestilentious died the eight of September in the Abby of Forest-montier betwixt Abbeuille and Montrueil being three and twentie yeares old leauing a second greefe to the father to haue lost two sonnes at such times as they grew capable to ease his decaying age and without doubt the the waywardnes which made this Prince melancholike and difficult will hasten the course of his life to bring him to his graue The other was publike the Prince of Melphe being sent to visit the fort hauing considered the time of the foundation and the terme it required to come to the perfection reported that winter would bee well passed before it should bee made fit for seruice without the assistance of an armie So the King seeing his hopes lost and the season spent for the effecting of his desseins he retyred towards Amiens to the Abby of Saint Fuscien Skirmishes before Boullen In the meane time the neernes of the Kings Campe at Monâ—-Lambert did inuite both nations daily to make great skirmishes One day amonst the rest the Duke of Aumale seing our men withstand a charge of the enemies but faintly and were readie to be ouerthrown making a count hee should bee seconded by his troupe hee fals vppon a company of English which went to charge our French vpon the flanke at the first approch stayes them but being stroken with a launce betwixt the nose and the eye it breaks in peeces and left the tronchion halfe a foot within his head without doubt we may admire the generositie of this yong Nobleman who for so rough a charge lost neither stirops nor vnderstanding to free himselfe from those which had compassed him in and his admirable patience in induring the paine when they came to draw forth the three square head as constantly as if they had pulled but a haire from his head Winter approched and the King considering that his enterprise vpon Guines was â—râ—strate aduertised moreouer that the English made a new leauie in Germanie of ten thousand Lansquenets and foure thousand horse with this supply to come and raise the siege at Boullen he fortified all the approches in the countrie of Tierache and aboâ—t Aubenton Veruein and Guise to stop their passage He sent the Marshall of Biez to inuade ruine and burne the land of Oye for that Calais Guines and Hames which the English held vpon the maine land had no other reliefe but out of that Countie and to dispose of the affaires as occasion should serue he marched towards la Fere vpon Oize The land of Oye containes about foure leagues in length and three in breadth a marish very fertill in pastures Description and â—ark of the land of Oye hauing on the one side the sea and at the one end towards the sea Calais at the other end Grauelin of the land of Flanders towards the land and alongst the bankes of the Marish is the Towne of Guines and the Castle of Hames and at the end towards Arthois stands Ardres For the safetie of this land the English had made great trenches towards the firme land the which were commonly full of water and fortified with Rampars and to flanke them fortes and bastions well manned to defend the entrie into the countrie The affection which euery one bare vnto the Kings seruice made them to passe the channels which flowed into the countrie directly against the fortes They assaile them force them and put all to the sword they finde Two thousand English come to their succours the French men at aâ—â—es charge and defeate them and kill the most part the rest cast themselues into the trenches where the horsemen could not follow foure score or a hundred of our horse with manie men at armes test fâ—ed by their deaths or wounds the furie of this incounter The English were strong both in high and base Boullen and in the Tower of Ordre this Tower was built by Iulius Caesar the second time he passed into England to haue a Lampe vpon the top of it to direct his ships if they should be diuided by any stoâ—me at Sea as in his first voyage and the retiring of our troupes made them to enterprise vpon our â—orte wâ—ich was made on the other side of the water right against base Boullen Seuen or eight thousand choise men come an houre before day and mount sodenly to the top of the rampar where they might easily enter in many places without any ladders Thibault â—ouhault Lord of Riou Lieutenant for the King within the fort finding his succours farâ—e off saies the originall watched in the night and rested the day If the enemy charged furiously he repels him with no lesse assâ—rance kils all them that mounted ouertâ—rowes the rest puts them in route so as by this gallant repulse he was afterwards freed from the attempts of the English We must now plant strong barres against the Lansquenets which come to succour the King of England A leuie of Lansquâ—nets â—or the English mâ—de fruitleâ—â—e They were lodged at Fleurines a great village in the countrâ—e of Liege 〈◊〉 leagues from Mezieres Mezieres was of great importance if the enemy had surprised it And the Emperor fearing that this great swarme of men finding his countries vnfurnished of souldiars would doe some harme had hindred their passage through his teâ—â—itories This refusall might haue made the Germaines to haue sought a passage by force through the realme So the King to crosse them sent Laâ—gey into Mezacres with a thousand foot and the horsmen of Bourgongne and part of Champagne he sent Longueuall his Lieutenant into Champagne to muster the Legion of the country manneâ— the pâ—ssages where he thought the enemie would attempt He sent the Duke of Angâ—ien into Guise with three hundred men at armes and a number of foote In the end the Lansquenets hauing staied 3. weekes at Fleurines doubtfull where they should make their passage the day of their pay being come and the money yet in England they turne their enseignes returne home the same way leading with them the King of Englands Treasurers for assurance of their entertainment Our Francis is now freed of a great care By the death of the Duke of Orleans the chiefe conditions of peace made with the Emperour were voide so to enter into new treaties his Maiestie sent from Folambray neere to Coussy the Admirall Annebault and the Chancellor Oliuier â—he Emperour was at Bruges and determined to send an armie against the Protestants and commonalties of Germanie who yeelded him no
such obedience as hee required of his subiects and with this desseine he went to Antwerp to receiue money by imposition and borrowing This voiage is a cloake to delay our Ambassadors 1546. But in effect he ment to know the minds of theÌ„ of Antwerp that according to the course of affaires he might be more milde or sharpe in his answers And the sayd Ambassadors discouering his ordinarie delaies and dissimulations in the end tooke their leaue returning with no other assurance but if the King began no warre against him hee was not resolued to make any A word serues to a man of Iudgement What might the King conceiue of this cold entertainement but that the Emperour sought an oportunity to begin a new war with aduantage and if he had forced them to obedience whom hee threatned in Germanie he would bring al forces both Catholiks Protestants ioyntly against the frontiers of this realme To auoide a sodaine surprise hee giues the gouernment of Languedoc to the Duke of Anguien that of Piedmont to the Prince of Melphe lately created Marshal of France he sent to fortifie the weake places of Picardie hee made a fort aboue Maubert-Fontaine seauen leagues from Veruein and fiue from Mezieres at the going out of the wood and for that the frontier of Champagne lay most open to the Germains hee fortified Meziers and Mouzon built a fort vpon Meuze on this side the riuer within the realme betwixt Stenay and Dunle Chasteau the which hee called Villefranche he fortified the Castell of Saint Menehoult Saint Desier Chaumont in Bassigny Coiffy and Ligny and made Bourg in Bresse able to make head against a mighty army Thus the King prouided for his frontiers and places subiect to the enemies inuasions But the plague had so diminished the number of soldiars that were in the fort right against Boullen as of twentie enseigns not aboue eight or nine hundred men escaped this mortalitie A great plague in the â—ort before Boullen The soldiars notwithstanding are commended for their fidelity constancie and patience in the gard thereof The raine snowe and other iniuries of the aire the moistenes of their lodgings being but hoales in the ground coueâ—ed with a pentise of strawe and when a whole household was dead the ruines serued to bury their carcases had bred these diseases But the spring time hauing tempered the season and stayed the plague the Lords of Essé and Riou being refreshed and supplied with men returned to their ordinary skirmishes to the enemies losse The fort wanted victualls Senerpont Lieutenant to the Marshall of Biez was appointed for this execution Three hundred English horse come to hinder this victualing He meetes them the day after Easter day neere to the bridge of bricke beneath mount S. Stephen the skirmish begins on eyther side the Lord of Tais and the Conte Reingraue ariue either of them with sixe or seauen score gentlemen the alarume comes to Boullen the English supplie their men with seauen hundred horse and foure hundred harguebuziers Senerpont chargeth the horsemen before they had ioyned with their shot the Reingraue is hurt at the first charge and ouerthrowen and on the other side the Marshall of Calais beeing chiefe of the enterprise is slaine with a hundred or sixescore English about two hundred horse on eyther side and threescore and fifteene English prisoners all in cassaks of vellet garnished with gold and siluer A while after the Marshall of Biez parted from his campe for the same effect accoÌ„panied with fiftie men at armes the Reingraue with his regiment of foure thousand Lansquenets and two hundred French shot he incountred the Earle of Surrcy followed by six thousand English men with an intent to take from our men the meanes to refresh the fort with victualls and necessarie munition Here the combate was long and furious in the ende the English ouerthrowen retire to a little fort where they force them Seauen or eight hundred of their men are slaine Surrey saues himselfe by flight and leaueâ— seauen or eight score prisoners Boullen was but a Church-yard for the English a wasting for their treasor The King oâ— England considering how obstinate the King was in the recouerie of his Towne that moreouer the Emperour what league soeuer they had togither had his priuate desseins and regarded nothing but his owne interest he lettes the King vnderstand That he is resolued to haue hiâ— for his friend and to ende all controuersies So the Deputies for â—heiâ— maisters meete betwixt Ardres and Guynes For the King came the Amirall Annebault and Raymond the first President of Roâ—an for the English Dudely 〈◊〉 of England and afterwards Duke of Northumberland and finally after many câ—â—â—â—â—tations a peace was made with these conditions That the King within eight daies sâ—ould pay eight hundred thousand Crownes to the King of England as well for the arreriges of his pension as for many other expences made by the sayd King in the fortification of Boâ—lleâ— of the Countrie And in regard of the said sum the King of EnglaÌ„d should deliuer vnto the King Boullen and all the Countrie belonging vnto it with the ancient places or newly 〈◊〉 by him Mont-Lambert the Tower of Ordre Ambletueil Blacquenay and others with all the artillerie victuals and munition in the said places This yeare is famous by the death of Anguien In the moneth of February the snow was very great The death of the Duke of Anguien and the Court being at Roche-guion some yong Noblemen attending the Daulphin made a challeng some to defend a house others to assaile it â—ith snow bals But this pastime ended soone with a pittifull and fatall spectacle As the Duke came out of this house a cofer full of linnen cast out of the window falls vpon his head and within few houres sends him to rest in the graue with his ancestors leauing a suspition of some great men being enuious and iealous of his vertue reputation and fauour which he had gotten with the King the people and men of warre of whome he was more then any other of his age esteemed beloued and respected The beginning is likewise remarkable by the decease of Henry the eight King of England The death of the King of England leauing for his successor his sonne Edward eight yeares of age This death bred a great alteration and change in the health of our Francis they were almost of one age conformable in coÌ„plections And our King taking this for a presage or fortelling that his turne should soone follow after grew then more melancholy and silent then before He fals sicke of a feuer for the auoyding wherof hauing passed many places fit for the pleasure of hunting la Muette S. Germain in Laye Villepreux Dampierre neere vnto Cheureuse Limours and Rochefort he came to lodge at Rambouillet and as the pleasure he tooke both in hunting and hauking stayed him there sometime his feuer increased and grew to a
troupe of others in the moneth of Aprill 1545. fired many villages neere vnto Merindol pâ—t many of the Countrimen into the gallies spoyled razed and burnt Merindoll being vnpeopled tooke Cabrieres by composition and against his faith in cold bloud hee cut in peeces fiue and twentie or thirtie men chosen at his pleasure rauished â—iues and yong virgins burnt about fortie in a barne whereof the most part were with child put aboue eight hundred to the sword and carried away many prisoners to Marsâ—â—lles Aix and Auignon This did too farre exceed a decree giuen against seuenteene persons abusing the Kings authoritie with too great violence who in his latter age toucht with a remorâ—e of conscience by reason of this horrible proceeding against his subiects whome hee had too lightly abandoned to these butchers greeued that hee could not before his death punish the authors of these murthers exemplarly lying in the bed of death he commanded Henry his sonne expresly King Francis touched in conscience not to make his memory hatefull vnto strangers nor subiect to the wrath of God in not punishing of this guilt Euen so that great King Dauid amongst other dispositions of his last will Thou knowest said hee to him that should sit on the throne after him what Ioab the sonne of Tseruia hath done vnto me and what he hath done to the two Commaunders of the armies of Israel Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Iether whom he hath slaine hauing shed bloud in time of peace Thou shalt not suffer his white haires to descend with peace into the graue But Salomon performed his fathers will more religiously Yet one at the least must suffer for many the chance fell vpon one that was least guiltie named Guerin an aduocate by proâ—ession who was hanged at Paris The Cardinall of Tournon Grignan and la Garde were in some trouble but more feared then hurt Menier escaped but hee died after being tragically possessed with a furie and a secret fire which consumed his bowels Gods iust iudgements vpoâ— murther The people of Guienne reconciled to the Kings fauour The yeare ended with the death of two famous personages Pope Paul the ninth of Nouember to whome succeeded Cardinall Iohn Maria Bishop of Mantoua and the vertuous Princesse Marguerite of Valois sister to King Francis deceased and wife to Henry of Albret King of Nauarre the fourteenth of December They say commonly that for all offences there needes but one satisfaction Seeing then that by the punishment of the cheefe authors of the sedition in Guienne the King had pardoned the commons he was not so inexorable but for a small satisfaction they were easily admitted to fauour so as in October past they of Bourdeaux had obteyned a remission binding themselues perpetually to his Maiestie To entertaine at sea for euer as wel they as their desceâ—dants two ships furnished for the warre to vittle the Castle of Trompet and du Ha and to renewe the victuals euery yeare By this meanes their Parliament was restored in Ianuarie and all things setled in their former estate By their example the three estates of Poictou Xaintonge Angoulmois Perigort Limosin and la Marche in the beginning of this yeare obteyned abolition of the custome vppon salt in Guienne paying foure hundred and fiftie thousand franks and fiue and twentie thousand for the satisfaction of the Kings officers of the said custome Then sprong there many and sundrie fiâ—ebrands of warre But before wee quarrell with the Emperour the English must yeeld vs Boullen The fort which the Lord of Chastillon had built in the yeere 1548. annoyed them much and the recouery of the forts of Selaque Blaeonnet and Bonlamberg and so many men defeated by the surprise of them gaue the Duke of Summerset and the Earle of Warwike to vnderstand that there was no thing but blowes to bee gotten in maintayning the warres of Boullen Moreouer the diuisions of England 1550. and the warre of Scotlanâ— called home their troupes So as for the summe before specified Peace with the Eâ—glish payable at two termes a peace was againe concluded with the English and Boullen restored to the King into the which his Maiesty made his entrye the 5. of May and did his homage wherevnto the Kings of France are bound by the institution of Lewis the XI as we â—aue elsewhere obserued Hereafter those small sparkles which began to appeare after the murther of Peter Lewis sonne to Pope Paul Farnese deceased slaine by his houshold seruants by the perswasion of Andrew Doria and Ferdinand Gonzague with the priuity and consent of the Emperour to seize vpon the Citty of Plaisance with the more facillity haue kindled so great fires as we shall see France Germany and Italy in combustion Paul had giuen â—arma to Octauian Farnâ—se sonne to the said Peter Lewis whereof he had institution of Iulâ—o his successor This Peter Lewis inclined much to the French party He had giuen victualls and ayde to Peter Strossy when as he came into the Countrie of Plaisance with â—ome forces for the seruice of the most Christian King and that which more inceâ—â—â—d the Imperialls he was suspected to haue assisted the Cont of â—iesque in an enterease made vpon Genes for the kings seruice the yeare 1547. in the which Ianeim Doria was slaine and Andrew Doria expelled This caused the death of Peter Lewis Faâ—nese Octauian his sonne had married the Emperours bastard daughter But they say that charity begins by it selfe The Emperour did labour him much he would gladly ioyne Parma to Plaisance that by lawfull meanes letting the Pope to vnderstand That Parma being of the patrimony of the Church the which was in his protection he ought to be preferred before Farnese seeing that Farnese could not keepe it but wiâ—h the men and money of his holmes The Pope being of a base mettall and fearing the touch tempted with the Emperours practises sends to Duke Octauian That he could no more furnish the extraordinary charges wherewith he had promised to assist him and Farnese finding that the Emperour laide this plot to dispossesse him off his inheritance he seekes a strong support in France against his father in-lawes practises The king who had not renounced the auncient pretensions of the house of Orleans to the Duchie of Milan declares himselfe but with the Popes good liking protector of the patrimony of the Church and of the Farneses The Emperour is in a rage who with his violent exclamations so terrifies the Pope as he abandons his vassall Octauian The Pope on the other side nothing well affected to the French grew bitter against the King he commands him to renownce this protection and for not obeying hee threatens to curse boâ—â— him his realme Thus Iulio the 2. not able to satisfy his greedy desire with the keies of S. Peter he vnsheaths the sword of S. Paul kindling by his madnesse these deadly diuisions throughout all Christendome as if the
and Townes drunke so much Christian bloud and slaine so many millions of men of all qualities reteining nothing but the territories of Boullen and Calais Thus the winde doth sodenly drinke vp all the toile all the trauels all the swear of many ages And the Lord saith vnto man Thou foole this night will take thy soule from thee and who shall haue the things which thou hast prepared And All men are vaine doubtlesse man labours for a shadow he troubleâ—h himselfe for nothing But must the quenching of forraine confusions kindle new fires in the middestand foure corners of the realme without doubt there needed no violent but spirituall remedies to redresse those diuisions which grew daily for a religious cause Henry was of a milde and temperate spirit but hee gaue eare too lightly to such as could not effect their desseines but by troubles The prisons were full of such as they called Lutherans Persecutions for religion and euen then many noble faâ—ilies were toucht with that cause Moreouer many officers of the Parliament wâ—shed a milder proceeding against those prisoners This diuersitie caused an assemblâ—e which they called Mercuriale to heare the opinion of Presidents Councellors vpon this controuersie the which the King was required to countenance with his presence Councellors of the Parliament impâ—â—â—oned Anne du Bourg vsed a great libertie of speech some others did second his opinion This freedome transported the King into the choller hee commands the Constâ—ble to put them in prison and vowes to see them burnt within few dayes if they persist But oh Prince The yeares of thy accoumpt are come and thou entrâ—st into a pathe from the which thou shalt no more returne The Constable deliuers them to the Court Montgomery Captaine of his Maiesties gardes who leads â—ourg to the Bastille and the rest to diuerse â—ther priâ—ons Let vs not iudge hereby but admire howsoeuer the iudgements of God in that we shall see these three personageâ— euery one in his ranke dye an extraordinarie and tragicall death The marriages of the Kings Daughters and Sister were sollemnized with all the pleasures and sports that might be deuised The Court exceeded in sâ—mptuous feasts playes maskes dances and bonfires ordinarie acclamations in such ceremonies testâ—fied the peoples publicke ioy by reason of the peace but this pleasant Comedie was conuerted by a sad catastrophe into a pittifull and mournfull Tragedie The King would the tenth of Iune 〈…〉 the â—â—â—â—â—engers at the Tilt in Saint Anthonies streete being seconded by the Duke of Guise and Ferrare and to runne his last course in fauour of the Queene his wife he sent a Lance to the Earle of Montgomery The Earle excuseth himselfe to runne against his Maiestie the day before hee could not hit any one and it may bee now he feared a second shame But hauing a second charge from the King to enter the Lists he runnes and breakes his Launce vpon the Kings cuirasse and with a splinter thereof his Beauer being somewhat open strikes him so deepe â—nto the eye 〈◊〉 the tenâ—h of Iuly his soule left his body The death of King Henry in his house of Tournelles tâ—e 42. yeare of his age He had by Katherine of Medicis his wife fiue Sonnes and fiue Daughters His children Francis his successor of the age oâ— sixteene or seuenteene yeares Lewis Duke of Orleans who liued few moneths Charles Maximiâ—lian Edward Alexander afterwards named Henrâ—e the 3. and Hercules afterwards named Francis Elisabeth married to Philip King of Spaine Claude to Charles Duke of Lorraine Marguerite to Henry of Bourbon then King of Nauarre Iane and Victoire tâ—ins who dyed soone after their birth Hee was a religious Prince goodly of a milde disposition peaceable affable His disposition not greatly subiect to passions generous loâ—ing his seruants and men of merit but voluptuous and not able to discover in due tiâ—e the ambition and couetousnesse of such as possessing him made â—ale of lawes iustice offices and spiâ—ituall liuings emptied the subiects purses and nourished the warres which we haue before obserued namely since the breach of the truce finding such sweetenesse profit and honour in the managing of the Treasure and commanding of the Kings Armies in the voyage of Italie and especially in this last Lieutenancie generall in Picardie as hereafter wee shall see a young Prince raigne like a shadow and they being seized of the gouernment both of his person and of his realme shall dispossesse the chiefe officers of the Crowne keepe backe the Princes of the bloud the true and lawfull gouernours of the State the King being in his minoritie and to plot the meanes to raise their race to the royall throne 1559 FRANCIS the second the 60. King of France FRANCES THE .2 KING OF FRANCE 60. THis raigne is short but very memorable We behold a Theater whereon is acted a horrible tragedie a King yong of yeares and of iudgement gouerned by his mother and his wiues vnckles a a new forme of Court The Princes of the bloud haue no more credit and seeme to neglect both the publike and priuat interest The Courtiers stand at a gaze and for the most part stowpe to the stronger The Clergie shield themselues vnder those that kindle these fires in France The Nobilitie wearied with former toyles do yet wipe off the dâ—st and sweat from their armes The people diuided for matter of religion and oppressed with burthen of former warres desires to breath The Constâ—ble holds his place yet is he not so surely seated but they will displace him There are two factions in Court the Constable holdeth the one those of Guise the other The first was firme and sincere the last cunning Two factions in Couâ—t and plyable The Queene mother ioynes with the last The King of Nauarre might crosse them and therefore to be the better informed of his desseins she entertaines seruants and pensioners about him The Princes of the bloud the Constable the Marshals the Admirall and many other Noblemen prepared for the funerals of the deceased King when as the Duke of Guise and the Cardinall of Lorraine leading the King Alterations in Court his brethren and the Qâ—eenes to the Louâ—re begin a strange alteration a true patterne of the inconstancie of this world The Duchesse of Valentinois had quietly gouerned the deceased King and by her practices had caused Francis Oliuer a man of a singular reputation and Chancellor of France to bee dismissed At the first entrie shee is spoyled of her precious Iewels which testified the Kings loue vnto her to adorne the Queene that raignedâ— and by her disgrace leaues the place to Catherine to rule hereafter without Companion They take the seale from Cardinall Bertrand a â—eruant to the said Duchesse and to haue a Chancellor at their deuotion they restore Oliuer They giue the Cardinall of Lorraine the gouernment of the Treasure and of the affaires of State and to the Duke of
herin more question of estate then religon yet they giue out that the Lutherans would maintaine themselues by the sword and as such men they caused many to be executed who by their examinations and impertinent answeres touching matters of conscience did witnes that they were not yet seasoned with any other doctrine then that of their fathers This alarum had put the yong King in feare but more the impression of his Vncles perswading him that they sought his person And what haue I done said hee often what haue I done that my subiects should attempt thus against mee I wil heare their complaints and doe them right And some times to those of Guise I know not what it is but I vnderstand it is you onely that they seeke I would gladly you would absent your selues for a time to see if they would attempt against you or mee Amongst all the prisoners foure are especially noted Castelnau Villemongis Champagnâ—e and le Picard for that with an admirable constancie and resolution they had blamed the Chancellor who against his conscience had signed the sentence of their deathes the which so terrified him The Chancellor dies desperatly as hee sodenly fell sicke of greefe and melancholie and soone after left this world murmuring sighing and sorrowing for the Councellor du Bourg and crying out some houres before his death O Cardinall thou hast damned vs all Michel Hospitall then Chancellor to the Duchesse of Sauoie was called from Nice and substituted in his place See here a furious storme dispersed which partly concerned the State partly religion but hereafter religon shall bee the onely marke The Protestants in the midest of these rigorous persecutions increased in multitude and in many places they could not conteine nor content themselues with secret assemblies An vndiscreet zeale transported them of Valence An indiscrâ—et zeale Montlimart and Romans to exercise their religion in ordinary Churches at noone day The Lord of Clairmont Lieutenant for the Duke of Guise in Daulphiné was of too mild an humor and Maugirâ—n more violent The Duke giues him commission to suppresse them and to vse his authoritie in the Parliament of Grenoble Maugiron enters Valence with sixteene companies of the old bands of Piedmont and some other troupes of men at armes hee makes the streets flow with bloud Cause of the troubles sacks the houses and intreats the inhabitants as in a Towne which is taken by assault Montlimart also followed the like fortune Moreouer the President Truchon and some Councellors of Grenoble imprison 60. of the chief of Romans they hang two whip one and then send him to the gallies at Valence they behead two ministers hang three chiefe men in the Towne the rest escaped some by abiuring some by whipping some by banishment and some by a fine At the same time Paulon of Richiend Lord of Mouuans one of the chiefe of the enterprise of Amboise hauing failed to surprise Aix roaded Prouence with two thousand men armed at their owne charge and a great number of gentlemen and other voluntaries But their armes were no other wise imployed but to conuert the Images reliks and ornaments of the Church into gold and siluer the which with some respect to warlike discipline and more commendably then in the following age they left in the magistrats hands of the place This was to summon the neighbour Prouinces to like reuolts but the Earle of Tande hauing stayed the furie of this flying army The Protestants petiâ—ion to the King they sheth their swords and vnsheath their pennes onely by supplications to the Kings Maiesty and to his mother protesting of their sinceritie they discouered the ground of their griefes against the Guisiens and propounded remedies to auoyde Ciuill warres Their admonitions conteyned three chiefe heads That it might be prouided for the gouernment of the realme offering the King a Councell according to the ancient constitutions of France That to pacifie controuersies touching religion a free and holy Councel should bee held That those of the religion in the meane time might quietly and with liberty of their consciences liue in their houses following that which is contayned in the confâ—ssion of their Churches The two brethren seeing themselues directly charged by the Protestants thunder out against them they write to the King of Spaine and to the Catholike Princes That the Lutherans and Caluinists are the onely authors of the troubles of France and of the tumult of Amboise And to the Protestants That such as were executed in diuers parts of the realme are onely certaine sacramentaries enemies to the confession of Ausbourg A bare shift and weake remedie to quench the fire which began to consume a part of the world Herevpon Philip aduiseth them to bring the inquisition of Spaine into France The priuie Councell yeelds to it and the Parliaments allowe thereof but the Chancellor Hospitall was too wise a politician he would not see France disguised after the Spanish manner Katherine was much troubled not knowing howe to saile in so many stormes The conuocation of the Estats might eclipse her authority the restoring of the Princes of France incompatible with a Florentin humour the restitution of the Constable whome shee hated to the death accusing him to haue sayd to King Henry That no one of his Children did resemble him but his bastard whome his Sonne Montmorency had married These things did wonderfully afflict her soule Yet would shee gouerne and rule foreseeing that shee could not better maintaine her greatnesse then by the discord of the two houses of Bourbon and Lorraine She relies vpon the last and arming them with her authoritie shee puts the King her Sonne and herselfe into the protection of the Duke of Guise and the Cardinall of Lorraine This makes them swell both in hart and speeche but there must bee a meanes found to pacifie this quarrell which concerned the estate that vnder the cloake of religion a goodly and ordinary pretext for great personages the people might forget the vnlawfull vsurpation wherewith they were charged They protest thereforeto imploy all their meanes and their friends to suppresse those that sought any alteration in religion hoping that when they had cut this sinewe from the Princes of the bloud they should bee more easily reuenged both of them and of the Constables faction But during these garboiles the principall peece of their chase slippes out of their toyles the Prince of Conde escapes The Prince of Conde escapes and retires to the King of Nauarre his brother whilest the Duke of Guise in open Counsell opposeth in shewe though in effect he omitted no meanes to seize on him against his brothers aduice concluding directly to haue the Prince apprehended They forget not to proclaime this retreat and as if hee had doubted his cause they publish throughout the Realme that hee had shewed himselfe guiltie Presently newe forces are leuied and Commiâ—sions giuen to make warre in Gascony The Protestants fearing a nere
Seine Espernay Ceant in Othe Sens Auxerre Neuers Corbigny Aurillac Moulins Issoudun Mans Vendosme Anger 's CraoÌ„ Blois Tours Bourgueil places thereabout Poitiers Rouen Valongnes Vire S. Lo Dourdeaux Agen and generally in all parts of the realme are read at large in the Originals and would augment this volume beyond the iust proportion Time and leisure may hereafter giue all this discourse specified more particularly Let vs onely obserue the most memorable exploits chanced during these first troubles from the moneth of Aprill in the yeare 1562. vnto the publication of the peace The Protestants of Meaux exceeding the Catholikes in number had vntill the end of Iune continued the exercise of their religion without any disturbance Particular troubles at Meaux then transported with an indiscreet zeale and ill aduised presumption grounded vpon their numbers they flie to the Churches beat downe images and make the Priests retire This insolencie made the Court of Parliament at Paris to censure them and to abandon them to any that could spoile or kill them without any forme of processe Therevpon Lâ—noux brother to Montluc comes to Meaux and with the consent of the Protestants restores the exercise of the Catholike religion and then giues commandement to the inhabitants to bring their armes into the Towne house Some obey others to the number of foure hundred march to ioyne with the prince Portian they charge them and kill them all but fortie which recouer Orleans with much adoe leauing their wiues to the mercie of the stronger whereof many were forced to go to the Masse with blowes many marriages solemnized anew many children but without order baptized againe The 13. of February 1563. some fugitiues tried to recouer the place but this caused a totall ruine of their companions who remained within the towne they were massacred drowned and hanged their wiues and children rauished their goods spoiled and their houses made inhabitable At Chaalons des Bordes the Lieutenant to the Duke of Neuers gouernor of Champagne slue many men and women imprisoned handicrafts men spoiled their houses At Chaalons caused marriages to be resolemnized and children to be rebaptized At Bar. Those of Bar vpon Seine became the stronger but rashly in a place easie to be forced Some Cannons planted onely against the Castell scattered all within it like vnto partriges So the beseegers entring finding fewe men to execute their reuenge on they fall vpon the women maydens and Children open some of their stomakes pull out their hearts and with a furie vnworthy doubtlesse of one created after the same image and likenesse teare them with their teeth Ralet a yong Aduocate sonne to the Kings Proctor was a prodigious thing hanged by his fathers procurement In the moneth of Ianuary following some fiftie horse of the garrison of Antrain surprised the towne at the breake of day and at the first tied this Ralet to the top of his house then with their pistolls caused him to expiate the death of his sonne The other murtherers were murthered and their spoile spoiled by other spoilers So the Lord requires the bloud of man by the hand of man himselfe 1562. Saint Estienne being returned from Orleans with two of his bretheren and 〈◊〉 â—thers to refresh himselfe Saint Estienne in a house of his neere vnto Reims was besett beâ—eegeâ—â— battered with the Cannon by a troupe of fifteene or sixteene hundred men who 〈◊〉 forth vpon their word to speak with the Duke of Neuers who they sayd 〈…〉 him was murthered by his owne Cousin germaine the Baron of Cerny and 〈…〉 bretheren with sixteene others stabde At Sens. A hundred persons of all qualities were miserably slaine at Sens their bodiâ—s 〈◊〉 naked into Seine their houses spoiled and as if it had beene no sufficient reuenge their vignes were pulled vp At Neuers The eleuenth of May 1562. the Catholikes of Neuers 〈◊〉 in many gentlemen of the Countrie seized vpon the gates and three daies after fell vpon the Protestants Fayete arriues ransackes their houses rebaptizeth the Câ—â—â—dren expells whome hee pleased and so laden with bootie worth fiftie â—hou â—â—d Crownes At Corbigny he retires to his house in Auuergne Noisat Marshall of the companie of Fayete intreated them of Corbigny in the like sort Captaine Blany surprised the 〈◊〉 fewe dayes after and restoâ—ed the Protestants to the publike exercise of theiâ— religion At Antrain Captaine Blosse surprising the Towne of Antrain stayed the Catholikes from committing the like excesse as they had done at Auxerre Steuen Blondelet a preest and an other called the Dangerous were hanged and shot Issertieux called in by the Protestants of la Charité to take the charge of the Towne was set vpon by Cheuenon At la Charite Achon and other troupes and finally beeing beseeged by Fayete hee yeelded vp the Towne vpon an honest composition for his partie This was the x. of Iune but the Grand Prior entring he pulled the Capitulation being signed out of Issertieux hand and afterwards la Fayete abandons these poore protestants to spoile and ransome like to them of Neuers The 3. of March following the Captains du Bois Blosset and Blany reenter by Scaladoe Leauing it afterwards in gard to du Boise who defended it with threescore and seauen soldiars and some Inhabitants against an armie of foure thousand foote and horse slue aboue foure score of them and forced them to raâ—â—e the seege Chastillon vpon Loire Those of Chastillon vpon Loire standing amidest many difficulties and in the ende spoiled of all their commodities fortified their little Towne and the 5. of Ianuary endure an assault against the Lord of Prie kill seauen or eight of his men and hurt many others the men defending themselues with stoanes and the women powring boyling water vpon the assaylants In the end Monterud gouernour of Berry beseeged it battered it and tooke it by force killed men and women young and olde spoiled the Towne euen to the hingells of doores glasse and barres of windowes At Gyen Gyen maintaynes it selfe long the Protestants weâ—e the stronger but the insolencie of Captaines and soldiars whome the Prince of Condé sent thether from Orleans to refresh themselues one after an other forced manie of the Inhabitants to retire to Orleans So the Towne remayning at the deuotion of the kings army who camped before it it was subiect to the violence of the stronger where the Italians among other â—nâ—olencies cut a yong childe being aliue in two peeces and with a horrible furie eate his liuer At Montargis Montargis was the Sanctuary of many Protestant families vnder the countenance of Renèe of France daughter to King Lewis the XII and Duchesse dowager of Ferrara The Duke of Guise sonne in lawe sends Malicorne thether with foure companies of men at armes but the prey hee sought was safe within the Castell his furie fell vpon an olde man met by chance who was slaine and cast into the
great confusion which the following ages did bring forth the like â—ssistance according to his power but both doe promise ioyntly â—o maintaine by all meanes the dignitie of the Catholike religion to cut off as much as in them lay all lets and speedily to seeke all occasions profitable for this desseigne beginning first with the heads This businesse was not so secretly managed but the Prince of Condé the Admirall and other Noblemen of that partie had intelligence They stand vpon their gardes aduertise their men and for this time preuent surprises The end of the yeare brought the King home much satisfied with the ioyfull entertainment his subiects had made him plunging himselfe with his yong brethren in maskes delights whilest the Queene his Mother with her Councellors gouerned France at their pleasure and layde plottes which shall soone breed as dangerous stormes as the former Whilest our Christian Princes studie by their enterview and League to kindle horrible combustions in their estates The Turkes army at Malâ—a they giue the Turkish Armie the better meanes to land in the Isle of Malta to besiege and take the Forte of Saint Elme latelye built by the Pryor of Capoua and by this victorye to make the siege of Malta more easie Let vs obserue three notable things before we conclude the yeare The first was that braue attempt of Peirot the eldest sonne of Montluc who weary to liue idâ—e rigged out some shippes with a good number of Gentlemen Souldiars and Marriners The death of the Pope and Emperour to make a voyage into Affricke hee tooke and sackt the Isle of Madera but with the losse of his life leauing his troupe excluded from all returne into France by the pursute the King of Portugall made demanding satisfaction of the outrages done to his subiects The Earle of Sanzay was sent to pacifie him and â—uen then was treated but without any effect the marriage of Marguerite Sâ—ster to Charles with the sayd King The second was the death of Ferdinand the Emperour and King of Hongarie deceased in September leauing his Sonne Maximiâ—ian for his successor The third was that of Pius the 4. in whose place was chosen to the Pontificall Chaire Michel Giseleo a Iacobin Cardinall of Alexandria and tooke vpon him the name of Pius the 5. The first fruites of this yeare were very commendable and if they had giuen hope of the like proceeding the haruest had beene very happy but such as trust â—ot but vpon good cautions take not all kindes of money for payment growing very suspitions by reason of the conclusions taken in this voiage 1566. To make it more gloâ—ious and lesse suspect the King calls an assemblie at Moulins of the greatest peâ—sonages of his Realme as well for the gouernment of Iustice as for other causes concerning the good and quiet of the state wherof followed that great volume of statutes of the which they rightly say That they were as iust and holy as ill obserued A 〈…〉 Those of the houses of Guise and Chastillon were called The quarell of Paris inuited the Marshall of Montmorency And the Admirall hauing purged himselfe by oath of the crime wherof they pretended him to bee principall motiue the King hâ—d already pronounced him innocent by his letters pattents the King the Qâ—eene Mother the Duke of 〈◊〉 brother to the King the Cardinalls of Bourbon Lorraine and Guise the Constable â—he Marâ—shall of Bourdillon and Vielle-uille the Bishops of Valence Orleans Limoges Ihou and Seguier first and second Presidents of Paris Dasis the first of Tolouse Lagebaston of Bourdeaux Truchon of Grenoble le Feurs of Dâ—â—on Fourneau the second President of Prouence and many other Noblemen assembled to that effect besides the aboue named Statutes made a reconciliation betwixt the two houses whereof followed imbracings protestations promises not to attempt any thing whatsoeuer against an other But the issue will verifie the saying That there is no trust in a reconciled enemie In the meane time the resolutions of Bâ—yonne appeared manifestly the moderations they made of the Edict the insolencies they committed in many places with all impunity the threats they gaue the protestants amazed them on al sides The Prince and Admirall were vigilant obseruing the countenances of their enemies The preparations of Spaine against the Lowe Countries made them to foresee that this enterprise wold in like sort preiudice their partisaÌ„s in France The Prince of Roche sur-Yon had before his death discouered many particularities they coÌ„plained that aboue three thousand persons had perished of violent deaths sence the Edict without any Iustice and theiâ— complaints had no other satisfaction but goodly words and gratious letters To conclude the winds saied they which did blow at Bayonne must needes cause a strange tempest So the causes of their discontent were manifest and secret and consisted in the dismanteling of some townes to take from them the meanes in the building of Cittadells in some places of their exercise in the ordinary murthering of their men Causes of the Protestanâ—s discontents in the massacring of men of accouÌ„t without punishement in the ordinary threats That shortly they should not lift their heads so high but especially in the leauie of six thousand Suisses made vnder a fained pretence so gard the frontier against the coming of Don Fernand Aluares of Toledo Duke of Alba who marched against the Protestants of the loâ—e Country with a mightie army whom notwithstanding they caused to enter â—â—r within the realme by some letters intercepted being sent from Rone and Spaine they had discouered many practises made for their destruction And the intelligences they had from one in Court well affected yet secretly to their party The 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 That it was decreed in a secret Councell to seize vpon the Prince Admirall to put the one to death and keepe the other prisoner at the same instant to bring two thousand Suisses into Paris two thousand into Orleans the rest into Poitiers then by the abolishing of the last Edict to establish one quite contrary All these coÌ„siderations made the chiefe heads resolue to stand vpoÌ„ their defence to obserue fourethings in this new taking of armes To seize on â—ew townes but of importance To bring a gallaÌ„t army to field To cut the Suisses in peeces by whose fauor the Catholikes should be alwaies masters of the field to chase the Cardinal of Lorraine from Court if they might as the chiefe fire-brand of tâ—e confusions which would consume the whole estate Man purposeth and God disposeth and of many resolutions fewe haue their desired ende The pleasure of God doth often disapoint the desseins of them which are most practised in knowledge valouâ— discours wisdome some enterprises little or not at al premedâ—taâ—ed do oâ—ten fall out veâ—y succesfully For the execution of the first point diuers considerations had made them to name three townes Lions Tolouse and Troyes
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
some running into Piedmont had charged the Kings baggage returning from Poland To reuenge these insolencies the king sends the Prince Daulphin to beseege Poussin eighteene thousaÌ„d men beseege it on either side of the riuer of Rhone Pâ—ustâ— beseeged in the beginning of October foureteene great Cannons batter it and make a breach Rochegude and Pierregourde defend it with a wonderfull slaughter of the enemie and so terrefied the rest of the army as all were 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 vp their baggage but â—odenly the wall shaken with tâ—e 〈◊〉 and oâ—ercharged with earth cast vp for the trenches within the Towne falles downe to the 〈◊〉 So the Towne lying open and the ruines noâ— to be repayred during the seege the place being too straight Saint Romain after many inroadâ— and sharpe skirmishes 〈◊〉 into it and iudging that in the ende it would be forced hee drewe out off it men women and children and puttâ—ng them into Priuas in safety hee abandoned and left 〈◊〉 to the beseegers mercie who entring by heapes spoile sacke burne and make the place desolate and by the taking thereof they recouer a part of Viuarais Grane â—oziol and Roinac beeing vnable to endure the Cannon made easie the approches of Lâ—ron But let vs vewe the estate of Languedoc The Qâ—eene Mother and those of Guise 〈◊〉 of Languâ—doc desired infinitly to dispossesse the Marshall dâ— Anâ—ilâ—e of his gouernment for hee crossed their aduancement with all his power and stayed them from proceeding as gladly they would against his elder brother being a prisoner But yet if hee â—ad not fortified his estate with the Protestants partie wâ—o were then strong in Languedoc hardly could hee subsist amongest so many and so mightie enemies He therefore in open assemblie of the estates at Montpelier ioynes himselfe with them according to the declarations lately published by the Prince of Condé and the people of Languedoc hee sets downe the causes of this his newe and forced taking of armes The Vicont of Turene his sisters sonne doth likewise publish his of the same substance Thoré and Meru bretheren and the Earle of Ventadour brother in Lawe to the sayd Marshall ioyne with him The Duke of Alenson seemes to sauour it but the euent will shewe whether it were fraudulent or with a sincere inteâ—â— This reuolte amazed the Court and to stoppe the course thereof the Queene mother doth presently by gratious letters inuite the Marshall to some agreement But giâ—ing the Protestants but a simple libertie of conscience shee debarres them of the publike exercise of their religion The Marshall protests of his affection to the common good of this Realme and assures the like desire to bee in his associats but with all hee shewes that the Councellors who by that horrible and infamous massacre the 24. of August had caused the deceased King to breake the last Edict of pacification gouerning at this day the helme of the affaires it was very difficult to establish a firme peace the which may no way subsist vnlesse the exercise of both religions may be indifferently allowed within the realme So this treatie of peace remayning fruitelesse the Qâ—eene mother changeth â—er countenance and labors by diuers practises but in vaine the alliance being yet too fâ—esh to sowe diuision betwixt the Marshall and his associats and yet by sundrie massacres continues this pretended parle of a generall peace in France But it could not be concluded with such conditions as the King required That all his Townes should fiâ—st bee yeelded vnto him without exceptions and then would he graunt his subiects peace The Prince Daulphin hauing leâ—t the commande of the Kings armie to the Marshall of Belâ—egarde Liuron honored with a second seege hee comes in the midest of December to campe before Liuron Roesses a gentleman of Daulphiné commanded there with about foure hundâ—ed men but full of resolution and great valour in a hillie place strong of situation but then of no fame amongest the other Townes of Daulphiné Foureteene companies of the Kings gards eleauen Enseignes of Suisses twelue Ensâ—ignes of Harguebuziers and Daulphinois nine Enseignes of Piedmont three hundred men of the olde bandes foure companies of men at armes and eight Corners oâ— Reistres beseege it on all parts Two and twenty great peeces of batterie planted in tâ—ree parts do batter it and aâ—ter eleauen hundred Cannon shot make a breach of sixe hâ—ndred paces The Marshall was not satisfied with this ruine hee will haue all battered downe and with a generall ouâ—rthrowe fiâ—l vp the trench They make a greater breach with a newe battery of foureteene hundred Canon shot He recouers the trench and maâ—â— defences for his men All this doth nothing amaze the beseeged but contrariwise to shewe that they haue force to defend themselues and that they mâ—st haue great dexterity and resolution to take them they tie to the ende of a Pike a horse shooe a paire of mittens and a cat they lift vp the pike as if they would say Marshal this cat is not taken without mittens Such was the estate of Liuron when as the King so iourning at Auignon beeing in penury for money to supplie his excessiue charge and prodigallity Charles Cardinall of Lorraine labouring the marriage of Henry with Lowyse of Lorraine daughter to the Earle of Vaudemont his kinswoman Cardinall of Lorraine dies and to furnish this excessiue and stâ—tely pompe aduising the King to sell for a hundred thousand crownes in benefices waâ— surprised with a feuer and falling from a feuer into a frensie he died the 23. of December in the midest of a cruell tempest and violent whirlewind which vncouered the houses and loosened the barres of iron in the Carthusiens Couent in the suburbes of Auignon Some impute this death to the smelling of a certaine precious purse which was giuen him full of rare peeces of gold with the Queene Mothers priuity whom the foresayd treaty of marriage which the Cardinall did practise made remember the crosses she had suffered after the marriage of Francis the â— her eldest sonne foreseeing that this newe alliance tended but to restore the house of Guise to the same authority they had enioyed vnder the raigne of the said Francis Others did attribute it to the blowes the Cardinall had giuen himselfe vnder colour of deuotion in the company of them 〈◊〉 beat themselues in the sharpest time of winter Others applied â—t to â—â—e iust iudgement of God vpon this Prelate who drawing all his greatnesse and all 〈◊〉 meanes from the Clergy of France would yet perswade the King to so 〈…〉 alienation of goods appointed for the vse of the Church whatsoeuer it were Nâ—twithstanding the strict familiarity which the Queene mother had with the 〈◊〉 yet did she giue this testimony of him after his death That the 23. of 〈◊〉 most wicked man was dead And the people both farre and neere said 〈…〉 storme in the ayre noted that this man hauing by cuâ—sed 〈…〉 his house
speedily repayred to their Cornets whilest the Dukes men were busie at the spoile The Duke of Mayenne receiued two pistol shot on his caske by the Baron and in exchange the Duke gaue the Baron a wipe on the forehead with his coâ—rtelas but with small hurt This losse of horses and baggage makes the Reistres to mutine againe growing impatient neither seeing their pay nor the King of Nauarre for a bayte they force Châ—steaulandon and spoile it The Prince of Contys arriuall neere vnto Chartres The Prince of Conty arriues at the army where the Duke of Bouillon resigned him the charge and the white cornet pacified this mutinie Then the Suisses treated with the King by the Duke of Neuers means his Maiesty hauing now coniured them by their alliance with this crowne to serue him or to retire themselues Defection of the Suiâ—ses some of the Captaines followe the Kings party others receâ—â—ing foure hundred thousand crownes returne to their country but some of them at their arriuall lost their heads By this defection the army is halfe decreased the toiles of the warre tire them the discommodities proue at length insupportable many of the troupes disbande they foresee an apparent danger if they giue battell They take Councell the 24. of Nouember to turne head and to draw this languishing army vp to the springs of Loire But the Duke of Guise had well obserued from the beginning that striking the shepheard he shall disperse the flocke The Baron lodged at Auneau neere to Chartres with seuen Cornets of Reistres but he trusted too indiscreetly to a promise made by the garrison of the said Castle not to commit any acte of hostility and to furnish him with victualls for his money The Duke manned it with good store of harguebusiers and and at the fiâ—st sound of the Trompet to horse he enters the Towne with all his forces euen as their Carts stopt vp the streets and gates in the morning Being thus surprised Râ—istres defeated at Auneau and hauing no meanes to recouer the fields they are forced to returne into their lodgings and to remaine at the Conquerors mercy either slaine or taken The spoyle was great eight hundred Wagons great store of armes Iewells and chaynes of gold Two thousand horse of combate and of carriage So as in one night all the Dukes footemen were in a manner horsed rich in spoiles and rich in prisoners The Baron with some fewe other leaped ouer the walles and saued themselues through the fauour of the night and in a marishe He makes a stande halfe a league from Anneau and rallies them together that escape The Suisses that remained come vnto him all determine to breake The Prince of Conty the Duke of Bouillon Chastillon Cleruaut and the rest become answerable for what is due so as they will marche on They might easily haue forced through the Duke of Guises army but they were surprised with feare a passion which doth easily vanquish the quicknesse of mans iudgement The army hath now but one wing to flie withall it is a body without armes or legges yet the hope of paiment makes them continue their course vp against the riuer But the disorder was great feare accompanies them many Gentlemen slipt away dayly to their houses and most of them which remained could not easiâ—y resolue to fight They must make long marches to auoide the enemie they had no guides no smiths for their horses who were spoiled for want of shooes no bread for the souldiars no forrage for their horses their troupes wasted most of them were without pouder without bullets and without meanes to recouer any the Lansquenets are reduced to two thousand and most vnarmed and the Suisses haue changed party The Reistres thinke of nothing but of their returne into Germany the French slippe away hourely The Duke of Espernon coasts them with the Kings armie and â—isheth they would accept of a capitulation to disapoint the Duke of Guise of an absolute victory which he did expect The Duke of Guise pursues them yet is it not fit for the Kings estate he should wholy vanquish these maimed troupes the seruant would then presently attempt against the maister Moreouer this army still holding the field the Realme should be much impouerished and ioyned with the King of Nauarre they might effect great matters The King offers them a safe conduct to returne vppon condition that the French should deliuer vp their colours Capitulation giuen to the Reiâ—â—â—es that the Reistres trusse vp their Cornets and that all sweare not to beare armes in France without the Kings expresse command The eight of December they accept of this capitulation at Lency in Masconois and so disband The Lord of Chastillon protests neuer to deliuer vp his Ensignes but to the King of Nauarre Câ—aâ—â—illons retreat He vnderstands the Reistres threaten to carry him away as a pledge but hee frees himfelfe from theyr mutiny like a gallant Gentleman hee assembles a troupe of a hundred horse and some shot on horsebacke and takes the â—ay of Râ—uanne towards the head of Loire Mandelot Gouernour of Lionois Cheurieres the Earle of Tournon and others seâ—ke to stoppe his passage hee is beset on all sides by his enemies hee makes his way with his sword and passeth through them like a lâ—ghtning and forcing his enemies to flie he causeth the children of that Country to call it the battaile of Turne-taile The Strangers thinke to refresh themselues at Geneua but the most part were not able to get thether and many of the Câ—mmanders eyther with languishing and griefe or as the common saying was â—iâ—h the sweete Wines they drunke with the Duke of Espernon gaue vp the ghost The Duke of Bouillon dyed the xi of Ianuary in the 25. yeare of his age Death of the Duke of Bouillon leauing Charlotte his sister for his heire marryed since to the Vicount of Turenne now Duke 〈◊〉 Bouillon and Marshall of France An other troupe of Reistres marched towards the French Conté the Marquis of â—oâ—t eldest sonne to the Duke of Lorraine and the Duke of Guise pursuing them agaâ—â—st the pâ—blike faith vnto the Mountaines of Saint Claude enter the territories of Montbeliard and Hericourt where by a lamentable reuenge vpon a poore innocent people by the burning of two hundred Villages by the forcing of many wines and maideâ— and by the muâ—ther of a great number of all ages all sexes and all qualities they leaue the markes of the inhumanitie and the brutish fury of the League and carâ—y the â—poiles of their triumph into Lorraine All the chiefe of the League assemble at Nancy where they resolue to make the last triall of their ambition The season inuites them mens humours are well affected The Catholikes consciences freed from the furie of strangers confesse themselues wonderfully bound to the Duke of Guise the people extoll the victory of Auneau and the dispersing of this great armie the Nobility of the League
vnto him to haue had intelligence with Chastillon Admirall of France and with William of Nassau Prince of Orange touching the Low Countries This as some say was discouered by Don Iohn his vncle bastard brother vnto the King who being inexorable against them that had offended came vnto the Princes chamber in the night whereas hee found two pistols behind his beds head and some papers which did auerre the intelligences he had with his enemies The King first gaue him a gard afterwards he put him in prison and in the end to death But first he propounded to his Councell of conscience what punishment a Kings sonne deserued that had entred into League against his Estates and had conspired against his fathers life and whether hee might call him in question His Councell layed before him two remedies both iust possible the one of Grace and Pardon the other of Iustice and punâ—shment and the difference betwixt the mercie of a father and the seueritie of a King saying that if by his clemencie he did pardon them which loued him not hee could not but pardon that creature which he should most affect They desired him to imitate the Emperour Charlemagne who imputed the fiâ—st conspiracie of his sonne Pepin against him to lightnes of youth and for the second hee confiâ—ed him iâ—to a Monasterie protesting that hee was a father not a King nor a Iudge against his Soâ—ne The King answered that by the law of Nature he loued his sonne more then him elfe but by the law of God the good and safetie of his subiects went before it Moreouer he demaunded of them if knowing the miseries which the impunitie or dissimulation of his sonnes offences would breed he might with safetie of conscience pardon him and not bee guiltie of those miseries Hereat his Diuines shronke in their shoulders and with teares in their eyes sayd that the health of his people ought to bee deerer vnto him then that of his Sonne and that hee ought to pardon offences but such crimes as abhominable monsters must be supprest Hereupon the King committed his Son to the Censure of the Inquisitors commaunding them not to respect his authoritie no more then the meanest within his Kingdome and to regard the qualitie of his son as if he were a King borne making no distinction therof froÌ„ the partie accused vntil they found that the excesse of his offence would no more admit of this consideration remembring that they carried in their soules a liuely Image of the King which had iudged Angels and should without distinction iudge Kings and the Sonnes of Kings like vnto other men referring all vnto their consciences and discharging his owne The Inquisitors for the practises which hee had with the enemies of his religion The Iudgâ—menâ— oâ— the Inquisitors declared him an Heretike and for that he had conspired against his fathers life condemned him to die The King was his accuser and the Inquisitors his Iudges but the Iudgement was signed by the King which done they presented many kinds of death in picture vnto the Prince to make choise of the easiest In the end hee demaunded if there were no pittie in his father to pardon him no fauour in his Councell for a Prince of Spanie nor no wisedome to excuse the follies of his youth when as they told him that his death was determined and might not be reuoked and that all the fauour was in the choise of the mildest death He sayd that they might put him to what death they pleased tâ—hat there was no choise of any death seeing they could not giue him that which Caesar held to be the best These last words A vnloked foâ— death best deliuered with passion were followed with a thousand curses against his Fortune against the inhumanitie of his Faâ—her and the crueltie of the Inqusition repeating verie often these wordes O miserable sonne of a more miserable father Hee had some dayes of respit giuen him to prepare himselfe for death One morning foure slaues entred into his chamber who awaking him put him in mind of his last houre and gaue him small time to prepare vnto God Hee start vp sodainly and fled to the bed post but two of them held his armes and one his feet The deaâ—h of the Prince of Spaine Death of the Queene of Spaine and the fourth strangled him with a cord of silke Many hold that hee died of letting bloud his feete being in warme water The death of the Queene of Spaine foure moneths after made the world to suspect other causes of his death The King was also vnfortunate in his enterprises against Flanders and England hauing prepared a great fleet which perished in the narrow Seas almosâ— without any fight Hee is blamed for his crueltie against the Indians whome hee abandoned to the slaughter like vnto brute beasts Hee had foure wiues aâ—ter that of Portugal He married with Marie Queene of England by whome hee had no children His third was Elizabeth of France surnamed by the Spaniards the Queene of Peace by whome hee had two daughters the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia now Archduchesse and the Infanta Catherina Michelle who was Duchesse of Sauoy The fourth was Anna of Austria daughter to the Emperour Maximilian and his owne proper Neece by whome hee had three Sonnes and one daughter of the which there now remaines the Prince Charles Laurence surnamed at his comming to the Crowne Philip the third Hee affected the Empire as much as might be and not able to attaine vnto it hee sought the title of Emperour of Spaine The King of Spaines ambition yea hee was resolued to go to the Indies to take vpon him the title of Emperour of Amerâ—â—a After all his ambitious proiects vppon Affricke his attempts against Ireland and his intelligences with the Turkes Barbarians and Persians whome he hath sought to diuide and to make vse of euen against Christian Princes but chiefly and especially against France yet in the end hee was forced to confesâ—e That all the power and pompe of this world was meere vanitie He raigned aboue fortie yeares and was buried with his Ancestors as he had ordayned We haue said that hee drew a writing out of a little Cabinet and deliuered it vnto his sonne Some writers say that it was a translation into Spanish of the Instruction which the King S. Lewis gaue vnto his Sonne Philip the hardie Others say it was the Instruction which followes Instruction oâ— the King of Spâ—inâ— to the Prince his Sonne My sonne I haue beene alwaies sollicitous and carefull to leaue you your Estates peacefull and quiet but neither the many yeares which I haue liued nor the assistance of Princes my Allyes could euer purchase it I confesse I haue spent in lesse then 33. yeares fiue hundred nintie and foure millions of ducats all which haue bred mee nothing but cares and troubles It is true I haue conquered Portugal but as France did hardly escape me so may
thereof for the obtayning wherof he had vsed the intercession of the most Christian King of France of the Duke and Seigneury of Venise of the Duke of Florence and other great Princes as well Italians as Germains and euen of the Emperour himselfe but he could neuer obtaine this fauour although hee offred great summes of money equalling in a manner the value of the said Duchie wherewith he grew so discontented as dying he aduised his nephew the Bastard to seeke by al meanes to maintaine himselfe in the said Duchie by aâ—mes procuring him the fauour of Princes his Allyes Confederats Neighbours and Friends There was much expected from the Dukes of Guise and Mayenne of the house of Lorraine by reason of the famous Princesse their mother who was daughter to the Duke of Ferrara and to Madam Renée daughter to Lewis the 12. King of France but the pietie of the most Christian King and the modestie of thoâ—e Princes would not suffer them to attempt any thing against the Church Caesâ—r prepareâ— to armes Yet Caesar although hee were base takes vppon him the title of Duke hee fortifies himselfe leuies men and prepares for a braue defence Hereupon Pope Clement the eight holds a Conclaue and resolues with his Cardinals that the said Caesar should bee called to Rome to yeeld his obedience and in the meane time nothing should bee attempted but all should remaine in peace Caesar refuseth to obey and seekes the fauour of his vnckles friends So as many inclined in the beginning to giue him succours and there were great controuersies among the Doctors vpon this point of Law Qui filij sint legitimi Some affirming that bastards may succeed being once aduowed to be of the bloud Others sayd that they could in no sort inherit although they were aduowed In the end all inclyned to the Holy Sea considering the coÌ„ditions of the institution made to the fiâ—st of the familie by the Church Yet Caesar fainted not but scornes all that was â—â—tempted against him The Pope excommunicates him and all his adherents Neither doth that dismay him but he giues them battaile neere to Boulognia where many were â—â—aine but more of the Popes side then of his He seekes by offer of monâ—y to pacifie the Pope and Cardinalls but he preuailes nothing His friends by little and little grew cold and dealt no more but by secret Intelligences He sees the danger whereinto hee was readie to fall not onely to loose what hee demaunded but also his fathers inheritance which was not called into question So as in the end hee resolues to submit himselfe and to obteine as profitable a Peace as he could After much consultation in the end a conclusion was made at Faenza conteining sundrie articles Thus ended the warre of Ferrara whereuppon his Holines resolued to go thither After hee had visited the holy places of Rome hee departs accompanied with seuen and twentie Cardinals foure and thirtie Bishopps and fiue â—undred Knights and gentlemen hee fell sicke at Camerate whereuppon processions were made in Rome and the prisons set open Hee past by Lauretto and visited our Ladies Chappell The Duke of Vrbin receiued and conducted him through his Countrie where the Dukes Caesar and Alexander d' Esté with the Earle of Mirande came to kisse his feete The Popâ—s Entry into Ferrara After that the Cardinall Aldobrandin his nephew had â—eceiued the homage of the Cittie and Duchie of Ferrara his Holines made his entrie with great solemnitie whereas he continued all that Summer The King of Spaine before his death had concluded a marriage betwixt his Sonne and Margaret daughter to the Archduke of Austria of Gratze yongest sister to Marie who being promised him to wife died before the espousals Albert the Archduke had commaundement to go and receiue the said Margaret at Gratze to conduct her into Spaine but being readie to depart and hauing sent the Admirall of Arragon Captaine Generall of his armie into the Countrie of the Duke of Iuilliers and Cleues hee receiued newes of the death of the King of Spaine Notwithstanding hee went on his iourney The Archduke Alâ—ert meets with Margaret of Austria and met with the Princesse Margaret of Austria not farre from the same place whereas the Emperour Charles the fift and Ferdinand his brother would haue a memoriall left of their happie enteruiewe comming from diuers parts the which is represented in a table This Princesse was accompanied by her mother being of the house of Bauiere and fiue hundred gentâ—â—men of high Hungarie where the Archduke her father hath most commonly his cheeâ—e aboade The nine and twentith of October they came to Trent and so entring the territories of the Venetians two Senators were sent by the Seigneurie to receiue the sayd future Queene with great honour They pâ—sse throuâ—h the Veâ—etiâ—nâ— Countâ—y in a Village named Delce situated vpon the banke of the riuer of Athesis called by the Italians L' Adice whereas they passed by an artificial bridge newly made by commaundement of the Seigneurie There were in the future Queenes and the Archdukes traynes about 2000. horse and three thousand fiue hundred men all which were defrayed ten dayes togither by the State of Venice Being past Verona they entred into the Duke of Mantouas Countrie There is a small â—owne câ—llâ—d Ostia The Duke of Mantoua vppon the bankes of Po thither Vincentio Gonzague Dâ—ke of Mantoua came in post with ten Noblemen to salute the Qâ—eene There were boates prepared to passe the riuer being all very richly appointed among the rest there was one Nuptial barke into the which the future Queene with her mother the Archduke the Noblemen and Ladies entred it was diuided into Parlours Chambers and Cabinets hanged with cloth of siâ—uer Being entred the Qâ—eene found the table layd and furnished with all exquisite seruices of meate from thence they were carried doâ—ne the riuer to Ferrara where the Pope had remayned since the composition made at Faence with Caesar Duke of Estè The Pope and the Lâ—gats The Pope being assured of the sayd Queenes arriuall he presently sent the Cardinalls Aldobrandin and Saiâ—t Clement his Legats with a great number of Prelâ—ts and gentlemen to meet her They mâ—t the Qâ—eene three miles off euen as shee landed and receiâ—ed her very honorably in the name of the Holy Apostolike Sea and of the Holy â—ather presenting her a very rich Carrosâ—e the iâ—oÌ„ worke being al guilt drawne by â— white horses in the which she entred Ferrara with her Mother the Archduke Without the Cittie gate the Duke of Sessa Ambassador for the Catholike King attended her and presented vnto her in the name of the sayd King a litter couered with cloth of siluer guilt with two white Moyles with rich harnesses and the Muâ—etiers in the same liuerie The Duke of 〈◊〉 Ambassaâ—or oâ— Spâ—iâ—e and withall a Carrosse with sixe pied horses and two Coachmen in cloth of gold At
rare about Paris the King would shew him his Court of Parliament for al that he had seene was nothing in respect of the admirable greatnes of that reuerent Court whereof in former times many Emperours Kings and Princes comming to Paris had more admited the Iustice that was administred there 1600. then any thing else that they had seene The King aduertised the chiefe President Achilles de Harley that he would go see and heere them They prepared the lodging of the Golden Chamber whereas the King and Duke might see and not be seene There was a most tragicall cause pleaded whereof the first President made choyse The subiect was of one Iohn Prost a Practitioner of the Law who had beene murthered at Paris and the authors could not bee discouered His Mother accused a Baker where he was lodged vpon some apparant presumptions of certaine money which she had sent vnto him Wherevpon the Baker was condemned to bee rackt with all extremity after the which hee was inlarged for a time putting in Caution for his appearance againe in Court It happened afterwards that three Gascons were taken for robbing of a house and condemned the next day to bee hanged At their execution the last of the three sayd that the Baker was innocent for that which he had bin accused of for the murther of Iohn Prost and that it was he with his companion la Sale that had slaine him thinking that he had money and that after they had slaine him they did cast him into the priuy whereas he was yet The which was found true Wherevpon the Baker being declared innocent he presents his petition vnto the Court and demands reparation of honor with his Charges Domage and Interest against the Mother The Mother defends her selfe and saith that her accusations were not calumnious Maister Anne Robert pleaded for the Baker and for theMother Maister Anthony Arnaulâ— and for the Kings interest Maister Seruin his Maiesties Aduocate Generall Anne Robert Aduocate in the Court pleading for the Baker being Plaintife-said thus MAY IT PLEASE YEE THe ancient Poets taking pleasure to discourse of many Combats happened at the battell of Troy report that Telephus the sonne of Hercules receiued in an incounter a sore wound with a Lance by Achilles who seeing his paine to encrease dayly fled to Apolloes Oracle for Councell who answered That nothing could giue him ease or cure but the same Lance wherewith hee had beeene wounded A Lance called Pelias of Mount Pelion in the toppe whereof Chiron gathered it to present to Achilles so as in Telephus accident the Remedy the Cure came from the same Lance which gaue the wound and did the harme The Plaintife with some like consideration hath reason to say that hauing beene by the authority of a sentence miserably tormented A wound giuen by sentence cannot bee be cured but by sentence and exposed to the rigour of the rack and tortuâ—e by the wilfull slander and importune rashnes of a Woman he hath recourse vnto the same Lance of Achilles which did wound him seeing that hee doth now appeale vnto the Authority Iustice of the same Court which hath heretofore giuen the first sentence of condemnation against him hoping that by the examplary punishment of the rashnes and slander of this Woman Alluding to the name of the Iudge which was Achilles D' Hâ—rlâ—y the soueraigne Iustice of this ParliameÌ„t guided by the conduct of an Achilles which doth preside hold the chiefe place shall giue cure to his wounds and bring consolation to his griefes The estate of the cause that is now in question and to be iudged is not whether the Plaintife were falsely and slanderously accused or no for the accident of two murtherers hath auerred and discouered the slander without any doubt But the question is if this Defendresse after so false and calumnious an accusation shall passe vnpunished and whether her pretended excuses shal be receiued and countenanced by Iustice. For one of the chiefe points which she pleads for her excuse is that the Criminall Processe hauing past through the hands of the most famous Iudges of Europe if they haue bin deceiued saith this woman if by presumptions and probable coniectures they haue found cause to condemne this Man vnto the rack if so many worthy Iudges haue bin surprised will you not excuse the simplicity of a Woman and the extreme sorrow of an afflicted Mother for the death of her son hauing had no hatred nor malice in this accusation It is a great abuse to measure the actions of Iudges with the actions of Parties the pursute and proceeding of parties is meerely voluntary no man is forced to plead or accuse the Plaintife should be well aduised before he begin not to drawe any man into the danger of a capitall condemnation if he be not first assured that hee who he calls into question hath done the deed and is author of the crime but the charge of a Iudge is tied to a necessary duty bound to certaine Maximes and subiect to rules established by the Lawes to condemne necessarily vppon presumptions and proofes and vpon the testimony of witnesses examined at the instance of the party Antiquity doth teach vs that Tiresias that great Southsaâ—er foretold things to come by the flying of Birds not that he did see the birds for he was blinde but say the Poets he had alwaies his daughter Manto nere vnto him who told him in what maner the Bâ—rds did fly thereby he diuined Iustice may rightly be compared to this excellent blinde man the comparison cannot seeme bad seeing that the Egiptians thought good to paynt their Iudges with their eyes blindfold Iustice doth iudge of thaâ— which appears For Iudges cannot rightly see nor knowe what doth passe Iustice decrees nothing but according to the reporte and testimony of parties witnesses If any inconuenience happen in the condemnation the mischiefe is to be imputed to the parties and not to the Iudges or Iustice. They report that the Greekes hauing put Palamedes to death his Father Nauplius to be reuenged obserued the time when as the Greekes after the sack of Troy returned by sea in a great tempest Nauplius beeing vpon a Rock in full sea held a burning Torch in his hand as if that place had beene a safe port for the descent of Ships the Greekes abused with this light ran against the Rock and suffered â—hipwracke In this misfortune if there were cause to complayne it was against the malicious inuention of Nauplius but as for the Pilots and such as gouerned the Shipps they were not to be blamed in following the direction of a Lanthorne in a darke night beeing vsually set at safe Ports So in accidents like vnto this in question all the harme all the coÌ„plaints and all the wrong is to be imputed to the accused which kindles the fire of slander and from whom proceeds the practises and subornation of witnesses and the
what reason were there to take for payment an auaylable satisfaction the indiscretion of the Defendresse and the excuse of Ignorance an ordinary companion to Slander and to pardon so notable a fault vnder pretext of an afflicted Mothers greefe for the death of her sonne and hereafter when any Murther is committed shall it bee lawfull for a â—ather a Brother or a neere Kinsman with all Impunitie vnder a pretext of Iustice to aâ—cuse whome he pleaseth and to bring him in question of his life or of some cruel torments and in the end to be quitt excusing himselfe vpon his Greefe or Ignorance The rules of Iustice and Law doe not allow it Titus Liuius sayd excellently that the Law was Inexorable Deafe without Pittie and without Passion The Lawe inâ—xorable Why doth that worthie Author say that the Law is deafe but for that it doth neuer giue eare vnto the vaine discourse of Pittie and Commiseration The propertie of Iustice is to bee strict and seuere The Surgion that is pittifull and doth not laâ—ch deepe makes the wound incurable An Indulgent ouer-milde Father makes the Child incorigible So a mercifull Iudge doth norish and increase vice and betrayes the Lawes and Maiestie of Iustice. This cause doth therefore import the Publike for examples sake for although the Plaintiâ—e hath no other quality but of a simple Bourges and handy-crafts man yet to obtaine reason in Iustice and to hope for reparation of the wrong which hath beene done him he thinkes himselfe great inough seeing he hath the happinesse to liue vnder the peacefull gouernment of the best King in the world who hauing heaped all happinesse vpon France mainteynes equally in his protection and vnder the safegard of his Maiesty the life and health of all his subiects Poore and Rich Great and Small The Ancients held that Themis which is the Goddesse of Iustice was the daughter of the Sunne and as the Sunne may be seene in a Glasse by them which cannot behold his beames So the Maiesty of our great King the true and comfortable Sun of this monarchy the eye and heart of France would giue authority to this famous Parlament as the true seate of his greatnesse to the ende that therein as in a Looking-glasse we might admire the Beauty Light and Beames of his Iustice. An Historian sayth that the Emperour Augustus had firy eyes Igâ—eos oculos inferring thereby that he had such glistering eyes and such a piercing sight as it was impossible or very hard to looke stedfastly on him And we in like sort must content our selues that it is lawfull for vs to admire the beauty of this soueraigne Court and to beleeue that our weake sight is not strong inough to inioy fully the presence of our great Prince sitting in his seat of Iustice nor to indure the glistering beames of the Maiesty of our great French Augustus whom God hauing led through so many dangers as it were by the hand to the height of all greatnesse and hauing endued him with the Valour of Caesar the Fortune of Alexander the Bounty of Traian we can wish no more vnto him but the happines the many yeares and the continuall prosperity of Augustus to the end that all we his subiects may liue happy and content vnder the raigne of so great a King and the assured Iustice of this famous Parlament So the Plaintife hauing recourse to this soueraigne Iustice as to the last Port of health beseecheth the Court to allow of his Request and that he may be absolued of the slanderous accusation layde against him that the inrolement of his imprisonment may bee razed and hee discharged of all condemnations which heretofore haue beene giuen and moreouer that the Defendresse may be condemned to a pecuniary reparation such as it shall please the Court to decree and to all Charges Domages and Interest 1600. ANTHONIE Arnaud for the Defendres sayd MAY IT PLEASE YEE Afflictions speake of themselues YOV shal vnderstand in this cause how true it is That ordynarie afflictions speake with iudgement and that extreme calamities do quench or confound the spirit The Pâ—â—â—â—tife hath represented his greefes vnto you in an elloquent discourse full of Arte tâ—e force of eloquence And contrariwise of our part you shall heare nothing but the Sobbs and Sightes of a Mother transported with greefe and reduced to all sorts of dispaire I would to God the torments whereof you speake and all the cruelties that may be imagined had beene executed vpon me poore Mother who haue one foote already in the graue And that the death of my Sonne and the Kinde of death more miserable then the death it selfe had not ministred the mournfull subiect of this miserable cause so as on what side soeuer you turne there is nothing to be seene but Teares Desolalation But there is this great difference that the greefe of the aduerse party if there yet remaines any may be mollefied in time by a thousand remedies which excellent wits haue inuented during many ages to ease the discomodities of the body But contrarywise the extreame affliction which findes no words of force to represent it for the losse of a Sonne of an onely Sonne the onely support and comfort of the trembling age of an olde Mother hath neuer found consolation in all the most excellent discourses in the world beeing the onely phisicke of the minde The Greefe is so violent as it exceeds all Remedy and bleeds a fresh euery day The older it growes the more greuous it is It doth hourely master the resistance which it found in the beginning and doth contin ually vanquish the forces of the Body wih them of the Minde It is a strange thing that my poore Sonne hauing beene thus cruelly massacred you who see him returne no more into your house insteed of aduertising me thereof went into his Chamber to take his money you transported it out of your owne house and hid it in your Brother in Lawes And which is worse being examined by the Iustice you denied it constantly and often vntill that your Sonne to young to conceale the truth discouered the place where you had layed it All this is iustified by the Processe the which remaines in the hands of the Kings Councell So as it was not in you that these Murtherers were not vnpunished but the peercing eye of Diuine Iustice which neuer sleepes for a robbery committed two months after hath brought them to the execution It appeeres by the informations that the very day of the Murther these two Murtherers went into your lodging and brake open my Sonnes coâ—er if you had fled vnto Iustice they might haue beene instantly apprehended Aâ—as peraduenture my poore Childe was not then fully dead Howe many are left for dead which are not so Howe many haue beene taken out of the Cofin yea out of the Graue which haue suruiued their Funeralls fiftie yeares At the least you cannot denie but you were the cause
to moderate their punishment what know I what they would haue sayd vpon the wheele you neuer attempted any thing against mee but when as they which slue my Sonne could no more accuse you What did then hinder you why you did not speedely aduertise the Iustices At the least it was feare to restore the money which you had taken in committing a Domesticall theft the which was alwaies punished with death and wherein the Lawes of Hospitality the which are Holy among all Nations were also violated Whome should I sooner challendge for the death of my Sonne then him who had his spoiles Nature hath hidden in the earth both gold siluer and iron but the malice of Man hath drawne them all forth that it might want no instruments for Murthers nor reward for Murtherers Desire and couâ—â—ousnesse thâ— cause of murâ—â—hers No man shâ—ddes bloud to die his hands therein there must be some other violent passion to thrust him on Couetousnesse is the most ordinary All coniectures all presumptions were and are found true that my Son had bin slaine by some one that desired his money whom then might I better call in question then him who was found seized thereon If treading vnder foote the Murther of my Sonne as some Mothers do I had onely demanded his goods of you you could not haue aâ—oyded 〈…〉 and rigorous condemnation But for that I haue sougâ—t reuenge of the Murther â— am thiâ— day in danger to bee condemned what recoâ—â—ence Caâ—us Antonius waâ—â—ccused for the Conspiracy of Catelin whereof he was 〈…〉 intermixt with other thefts which he had in formeâ—-times committed in Macedoniâ— for the which he was condemned And yet the one of his 〈…〉 common with the other In this câ—â—se Mâ—rther and Thefâ— haâ—e great 〈…〉 many bee there in this great Citty which beeing murthered lâ—â—e to this poore â—ong-man should â—emaine three monthes vnknowne if their Hoste waâ—ting them did not presently adueâ—â—iâ—e the Iustice. Sâ—ffer them to take their money without punishment that is 〈…〉 declare him innocent that hath hidden it and you shall hâ—pe to â—â—de the Murtherers It is a strange thing that in the head Citty of this Realme and in the 〈◊〉 of the Parliament there should be such furious Tigers found to 〈…〉 in the most â—ideous forest in the world Tâ—e mâ—re these 〈…〉 to coÌ„temne the Lawes the more must you endeauor to 〈…〉 All that may â—erue to punish such detestaâ—le crime must be 〈…〉 can so much aduance it as to 〈…〉 spirits are terrefied and amazed If all be â—â—ke vnto the 〈…〉 bee rotten before they know he is dead There be some that are incident to the suâ—pition of a crime 〈…〉 be very innocent as he that is found neere vnto a man that is newly Mâ—â—â—â—erâ—d 〈◊〉 happily be put to the Racke this is a meere mischance or rather 〈…〉 obserued in this case by the Heatheâ— Lawiers let vs say with the Dâ—ctors of the Church that it is a secâ—et iudgement of God the which we must aâ—mire and not curiously serch into The Thunder is Worshiped euen by them that are stroken with it Puâ—ishmeâ—ts ordayned by Iustice are the chastâ—sements of Gods hand whose Poâ—re is represented here belowe by the Prince and His by his Magistrates The Philosopher Crator sayd that hee which suffers 〈◊〉 wiâ—hout desert is much eased in this accident of fortune but in this fact which is now in question the Plaintiâ—s theft and not his mi â—ortâ—ne hâ—tâ— with great reason made this suspition to fall vpon him Do you not consider that the paine which you haue suffâ—ed is the cauâ—e you shal be tâ—is day abâ—olued Without it your theft could not remaine vnpunished your demand of domage and interest belongs onely to them that are meerely innocent if you bee accâ—sed of two faults and are found guilty of one you must iâ—pâ—ore the mercy of the Iudge and not his rigour It was then imp ssible to free you from the Racke by all the Mâ—ximes of Lâ—â—iers and their Interpreters followed by a Decree which nâ—edes no other dâ—â—ence then Reason And not to straie from this cause shall I let you plainly see that you neede not bâ—â— so fearefull to come to the Racke If these Mâ—rtherers â—ad not beâ—ne tortured for the robbery for the which they were executed they could not haue beene condemned for want of proofe The one of them conâ—est it vpon the Racke As the Racke tormented you so the Racke releeued you hauing discouered your innocency in regard of the Murtâ—er And in easing you it hath brought before iâ—â—â—e eyes my Murthered Sonne who presents himselfe euery night vnto mee with stretched out armes whilest the Mâ—rtherers kill him So as one and the selfe same tâ—ing hath filled me 〈◊〉 Heauâ—nesse and you with Ioy. Coâ—â—ent your selfe then with your good Fortune and insult no moreouer my misery do you not fâ—â—re that they will lesse pitty you and the paine you haue endured when they shall see you haue none of 〈◊〉 nor of my distresse I will not say vnto my Masters that it is cruell and barbarous to add afflictions to the afflicted why should I 〈…〉 seeing that all the condemnations which my aduerse partie demands against mee 〈…〉 no more to my calamitie A mothers passions excusable then small brookes doe vnto the Sea It is the onely comfort which remaynes in my miserie that it can haue no increase I will not therefore spend any time to cyte the texts of Lawiers which hold the violent passions of 〈◊〉 miserable a Mother excusable They be Lawes which are borne with vs whereof 〈◊〉 man can be ignorant seeing we haue suckt it with our Mothers milke and which â—ee cannot abrogate but in spoyling our Humanitie I will not striue to represent vnto you that affection to the Children or to the Parents euen as the loue of good Subiects to their Prince consists not in any mediocritie or temper but in excesse that excesâ—e which in otâ—er motiues of the mynd is vicious is herein the full of all perfection Why should I come to these excuses seeing that if I were to begin my Accusation I would doe no lesse then I haue done I had rather bee condemned to all sorts of Dâ—magâ—â— Interests and Reparations then to repent mee of the pursute I haue made for the death of my Sâ—nne A goodly pretext for those Mothers which doe euery day sell the deare bloâ—d of their Children when they shal heare that I haue bin condemned shall they not then haue reason to say that they feare Domage and Interest if they open their mouthes Dion obserues that they were reduced to that point at Rome hauing so much discountenanced accusations as they were forced to promise Impunity to him that should conuict an other of a greater crime then his own Calumniators and false accusers are to be feared vnder bad Princes which inrich themselues with the confiscations of their Subiects and not vnder the iust and flourishing
Accuser That he whih slandereth his neighbour is like vnto a false witnesse which is as a hammer Pro. 2. Veâ— 1â— a sword asharpe arrowe Although he be borne poore and miserable yet is he of a pure innocent life That his Soule and that of his Wiues are no lesse precious before God then the richest that they haue not wronged any man that they haue liued content in their pouerty Pouerty which is a singular guilt of God and vnknowe of men yet they being poore and innocent haue beene afflicted a thousand feares haue seized on them and the life both of the Husband and Wife haue beene in danger The Sonne hath beene heard against the Father all the famylie defamed fearing to loose their credit and to see no more good daies to haue no meanes to get their liuing nor to shewe themselues The troublesome greefe of a mournfull prison depriued of light and cast into an obscure dongeon fit for Murtherers To liue often-times to die as often The Rack giuen vnto the Husband presented to the Wife all danger all greefe their eyes dried vp their mindes oppressed apprehension of Nakednes Hungar and Death yea and of an ignominious death They demand this Day that which the Men vniustly tormented in the Iustice of Athenes demanded that the Altar of mercy might bee adorned with a monument carrying a declaration of their innocency They do moreouer pretend reparation against the Accuser and this demand is not newe noâ— strange there are many Presidents of the like among the which there is one very famous in the Declamations of Marcus Seneca the Rethorician A Father hauing two Sonnes goes into a farre Countrie with one of them the sonne returnes alone his Brother accuseth him of Parricide he is condemned but by reason of some festiuall daies the execution is deferred the Father returnes the Brother condemned accuseth his Brother of false witnesse obtaines Iudgement causeth him to be bound and deteines him according vnto the Lawe which sayd that a false witnesse should be prisoner to him whom hee had falsly accused The inocent Brother sayd that the Accuser was the cause of Parricide in the person of his Father and had committed one in that of his Brother the Minister of Iustice had giuen notice vnto the condemned Brother of the comming of his Father the expected punishment was more greeuous then death It was more troublesome for the condemned Man to apprehend it then to endure it he layd before his eyes all kinds of Death And what can I lesse doe saied this innocent then keepe him in my bonds that might haue taken away my life In an other famous example we see an other controuersie in the same Author A Father hauing two Sonnes deliuers the one into the others hands vpon suspition of Parricide whereof his Mother in Lawe accused him The accused Brother is cast into an vnrig'd Shippe God preserues him from danger he falls into the hands of Pirats and is made their Captaine The Father makes a voiage by sea he is taken by the Sonne whom he had so ill intreated and the Sonne sends him home into his Country Cestius Pius an eloquent man sayeth for the innocent Brother That innocency is a strong fort and a faithfull safegard in danger The Sea compassed in the Shippe the waues tost it the Tempest draue it yet innocency did assure him O Sea more iust then their Iudgement O Waues more mild then the Father what a soule haue you cast into the Port and you haue not onely saued the Sonne but you haue deliuered him into the hands of Pirats it was diuinly decreed that the Father should vndertake a voiage that the Iudge should bee taken to repent him of his Iudgement A Mother in Lawe might accuse yea and cause her Husbands Sonne to bee condemned of Parricide but she could not make him a Parricide no not in condemning him The Sonne herevpon saied vnto the Father Behold my innocency O father in the sea which you would not knowe in your house and then turning vnto the Iudges hee saied I had rather haue mine innocency iustified vnto you then vnto my father Herevpon Aristotle sayeth that by the Lawe of Greece they gaue the right side to the accused And by the Romaine Lawes Iudges are taught to be more inclined to absolue then to Condemne If this bee requisite in Ciuill causes howe much more in Cryminall And the Mother which was the Accuser whome the Demanders say was ill affected to her Sonne when hee liued could she without feare of punishment slander the Complaynants charging them with the vncertaine suspition of a murther committed vpon the person of her Sonne so much hated or at the least not much beloued of her That if the Demanders be not exempt from faults wherevnto all men are subiect yet they may iustefie themselues free from the Crime imposed vpon them by the Accuser beeing this day purged by a testymonie which God hath caused to bee giuen by a Man the which is so much the more credible for that hee Deposed it neere vnto his death not speaking to discharge himselfe but accusing himselfe and confessing the Murther These in some bee the griefes which the Demaunders can propound It being hard yea impossible in such cases to speake words that may equall the sorrowe Contrariewise the Defendresse a poore Mother saieth or cries out in that sort as it is not well possible to represent her passion but we must paint it out as Timanthes did counterfit Iphigenia With her face couered a Lowe voice and a Languishing speech who cannot make you vnderstand what shee hath suffred and doth yet suffer Shee hath lamented her absent Sonne euen when as shee accused the Complaynants shee thought him to bee dead her feare was grounded vpon presumptions the which not onely the first but the last Iudges haue held to be repugnant A voyce was heard from on high the Mâ—ther weeping for her Sonne would not bee comforted Doubtlesse no kinde of affection or commiseration is like vnto that of a Woman but amongst Women none â—o great as that of a Mother So as GOD hath compared the remembrance which he hath of Man to that of a Mother And in trueth Mothers haue more then a Fatherly remembrance Our defendresse in this case is 〈◊〉 by the sufâ—â—â—ges of Nature shee sighes vpon Earth and fills Heauen with her complaynts her lamentable cries and her aboundance of teares are her only defences the which are so much the better for that they are naturall A Mother who knowes not whether to go who findes no place to rest in who seekes her Child as if he were yet liuing who would haue endured his wounds and dâ—es twise 〈◊〉 that she died not before her Sonne she implores Heauen in lamenting her misery and desires her end her sighes moue all men to compassion Griâ—â—e haâ—â— seized vpon her soule and her vnderstanding is nothing else but Sorrow Nothing is
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
Iulliers after the decease of the Countesse of Valpurg He sommoned the Gouernor to yeeld who finding himselfe to weake abandoned the place The Gouernor complayned to his Master the Duke of Iulliers but the controuersies betwixt him Prince Maurice and the States were reserued to be determined by the Imperiall Chamber The Arch-duke beseeged Ostend Oâ—tâ—nd beseeged the which continued three yeares and eleauenth weekes it was noted for the most memorable seege that euer was in Europe whereas so many thousands of men ended their daies and which endured so many hundred thousand Cannon shot before it yeelded Ostend which hath beene the place whereas all the brauest subiects of Spaine for the Arch-dukes And al the valiant English and Hollanders for Prince Maurice and the States haue in emulation one of an other shewed their corrages and whereas many French according to their diuers affections haue â—ought Honour This Ostend is a Sea Towne in the CouÌ„ty of Flanders two Leagues from Oudenbourg three from Nieuport and foure from Bruges vpon the riuer of Iperle the which runnes into the Sea making it a good port for shipping It was walled about but in the yeare 1572. and in the yeare 1587. It was better fortefied by the States of the vnited Prouinces The particularities of this seege I omit because they are written at large and published by others Ferdinand the Archduke being at the seege of Canisia demanded succors from the Pope and the Princes of Italy The Duke of Mantoa was Lieutenant Generall The Pope sent him his Nephew Iohn Francis Aldobrandino hauing deliuered into his hands the blessed Standard with Ceremonyes The King of Spaine sent him sixe thousand Germaines and the Great Duke of Tuscany two thousand foote the time was spent in contending for command betwixt the Duke of Mantoa and Aldobrandino who beeing Marshall of the Campe would receiue no direction from the Archduke Great men for the iealousie of command loose great occasions but death ended this quarrell Aldobrandino dying three moneths after of a Qâ—otidian feauer the Troupes which he conducted continued still at the seege The Pope disposed of his Estates to Siluester Aldobrandino his Sonne his obsequies were made at Rome with great pompe Rochepot beeing Ambassador in Spaine 〈…〉 Ambaâ—â—aâ—or 〈◊〉 Spaine certaine French Gentlemen among the which his Nephew was had a quarrell with some Spaniards who did iniury them and cast their Clothes into the Water they being a swimming The Spaniards had the worst and some were hurt and slaine Their Kinsmen demanded Iustice of the King who commanded his Officers to doe it but the Ambassadors lodging was forced and the Gentlemen drawne forth to prison notwithstanding any thing that he could say or doe to maintaine the liberty of his place the which is inuiolable euen among enemies The King was so offended with this iniury as hee commanded his Ambassador to returne giuing the King of Spaine to vnderstand that hee assured himselfe that he would do him reason when hee had well considered what cause he had to complaine Wherevpon all Trafficke was forbidden betwixt these two Realmes The Pope fearing that this violence done vnto the Ambassador of France could not passe without some feeling and that this Coale might kindle the fire of Warre betwixt these two great Kings hee sent into Spaine to haue the prisoners the which were sent vnto him and the Pope deliuered them presently vnto the Lord of Betunes the Kings Ambassador at Rome and so the Peace was continued The Ambassadors of Venice were better intreated in France That great and wise Senate holding themselues bonnd by the Lawes of friendship An Ambassâ—ge from Venice to deplore the misfortune and to reioyce at the prosperity of their friends hauing beene long troubled for the afflictions of France they send a great and solemne Ambassâ—ge to congratulate the fruit of the Kings victories and the beginning of his Marriage The Ambassadors were chosen out of the Procurators of Saint Marck and of the cheife men of the State They came to Paris Donâ—t Dâ—lphin Procureurs of S. Marck Ambassadors Donat was in election to be Duke the King sent the Marquis of Rhosny to conduct them to Fontainbleau and to intreat them to bee contented with their Reception in that place whereas the Queene was seeing their Ambassage was common to both and that for the indisposition of her greatnesse it could not bee at Paris which occasion did renue the ioyes of the Court the which was in so great Tranquilitye as it seemed neuer to haue beene in trouble The Great Turke sent Bartholomew de Cueur his Physition vnto the King Bartlemew de Cueur of Marseilles a Christian Renegado sent to the King by the Turke to acquaint him with the Estate of his affayres and to intreat him to mediate a Truce in Hungary When as this man spake of the Turkes power hee did so extoll it as if hee had beene able to vanquishe all the Princes of Christendome not expecting Pope nor Emperor so as the King of France did not meddle in it Hee presented a Dagger and a Cymiter vnto the Kings Maiesty whereof the Hilts and Scabberds were of Gold garnished with Rubies and a Plume of Herons feathers The King related vnto him what hee had done in Sauoy and complayned that to the preiudice of ancient Capitulations not onely the English were distracted from the Banner of France vnder whose guide and protection they were bound to trafficke but also the Flemings Hollanders and Zelanders were comprehended vnder the Banner of England To this complaint hee added an other against the courses and violencies of the Pirats of Algier and the Coast of Barbary saying that if the Iustice of the great Turke did not cause these Pirracies to ceaâ—se he should haue no reason to beleeue his friendship It was at such a time as the Great Turkes affayres were very confused and troubled in Asia The Seriuano reuolted in Asia by the reuolt of the Seriuano and almâ—st desperate in high Hungary The King of Persia had sent Ambassadors to the Christian Princes to animate them to make War against him promising to contribute an Army of a hundred and fifty thousand horse The King of Persia sent his Ambassador to the Pope Emperor King of Spaine and threescore thousand foote offering vnto the Christians liberty of Religion and free Trafficke in his Kingdomes His Spays and Iannissaries murmured against him and the bad carriage of the Empresse his Mother who during his Delights and Dissolutions held the reyns of Gouernment did alwayes through the mallice and frailty of her Sexe support the worst Councells and Resolutions They complayned dayly of the Mother and the Sonne speaking of her as the Romaines did of Agrippina crying out that they should intreat her worse then by a simple banishment and of him as the Souldiars spake of Gallienus whom they esteemed not to be borne but for the pleasures which are in and vnder the belly
succesfull within these few yeares as the onely reuenue of silke doth now bring more money to these Prouinces then the Corne Oyle and Woade although they haue great abundance It doth also begin very happily at Lions and if it continues this Cittie wil be as famous for silke as Tire and Bulis were for Scarlett The beginning of this yeare was remarkable by a great and tragicall Mutine in the great Turkes Court. In Turkie all the mischeefs which fall out in the publike gouernment the Spahis and Iannissaries impute vnto the Baschas and if they do not their duties they blame him from whome they haue their authoritie The Seriuano who commanded in Asia being reuolted against the great Turke Rebell on in Asia against the Turke had found such weake resistaÌ„ce as he thought nothing could faile him in his enterprise so as resolution which is tryed in war more then in any other action did not faile him He was so hardie as he came in armes within 3. or 4. dayes iourney of Constantinople wherewith the Spahis and Iannissaries were so moued as they thought this boldnes proceeded for that hee had too much of that whereof their Emperour had too little and from the treacherie of his Ministers They conceiued so great a dispight as they assembled to the number of thirtie fiue thousand with the people and presented themselues before the Diuan or Tribunall of Iustice the which is held in the great Turkes Pallace the foure first dayes of the weeke Hauing set gards at the gates that they might execute their reâ—olution more safely they named tenne Spahis and tenne Iannissaries to deliuer the reasons of this mutinie and what they desired As soone as they were entred before the Baschas whereof the most couragious was not without feare thinking that the greatest courtesie they could expect from these Barbarians was that which Vlisses attended of Poliphemus to be deuoured last They first demanded to haue Assâ—n Bascha deliuered vnto them who thinking his head should serue for a sacrifice to pacifie this furie went all amazed through this mutinous multitude protesting of his Innocency and calling vpon his Prophet to discouer the truth Hauing heaped iniuries and reproches on him they asked him rudely whence it proceeded that whilest the cheefe forces of the Empire were in Hungarie to recouer Alba Regalis they had altogither neglected to stay and ruine the proceedings of the Rebells in Asia Hee answered that hee had done his dutie whilest that he had the charge of the armie in Asia but seeing himselfe readie to die he desired that his death might profit the publike and that in discharging his Conscience hee might declare the causes of these ruines Hee sayd that it proceeded onely from the bad gouernment of the Emperours Mother and of his Cipiaga At these words they demanded to speake with the Emperour who presented himselfe in the Imperiall seat with the high Priest of the Lawe 〈◊〉 Mophty the Emperour hauing commanded the Mophty Presidents the cheefe of the Iustice and the Doctors of the Law to sit downe so great the respect is to men of that sort in a Nation of so small respect the Baschas standing vp the cheefe of the seditious presenting himselfe demanded leaue to speake which being granted hee sayd thus Great Mighty and most Happie Emperour the Spahis and Iannissaries your obedient slaues full of greeâ—e and compassion to see your Highnes Estate in danger to be lost desire to know the cause why your greatnes doth not remedie it and imploy the meanes which God hath giuen you They suppose that the Rebells courses in Asia are vnknowne vnto you seeing they haue beene so hardie as to come in armes so neere vnto your Imperiall aboad without leâ—t or resistance They desire to know if all hath beene made knowne vnto him and if hee will take vpon him the care of the gouernment of this Monarchie the which by his negligence is like vnto great members well proportioned but haue little or no vigour or if hee be contented that all be dismembred and euery one to take what share he can The Iannissaries power in Turkie The Iannissaries are they which may speake boldest in Turkie they are the reynes of the Empire the Princes children acknowledge no other Father nay rather the great Turke is their Creature for they rayse them vp vnto the Empire and are bound vnto them as a Cup of gold is vnto the file the sizers and the hammer that workes it If Mahomet had done as one of his Predecessors aduised in the like mutinie if hee had opposed vertue and courage to this furious multitude it had dispersed of it selfe Hee carried himselfe too couldly and framed his countenance with a Maiestie full of mildnes smoothing the choller hee had in his heart with the best words his tongue could deliuer imputing the disorder of his affaires to the Infidelitie of his Ministers and the disguising of the truth That before their complaint hee had resolued to redresse it and to take from them all occasion of complaint or to vse any such speech which was not befitting them whose example of obedience and respect should profit the rest of his Subiects Then they demanded of Assan Bascha why he had not giuen an account of the Rebels proceedings vnto his Highnes Hee answered that he had neuer fayled of his dutie but that the Cipiaga had alwayes hindred him from doing it saying that it was not needfull to giue him that distaste but to repaire the disorders as well as they could That the cause of all the disorder proceeded from the Empresse his Mother and from his Câ—piaga Then the mutiners sayd that they were there assembled to require their heads being resolued to take a course if he refused it meaning thereby to make an other Emperour The great Turâ—e answered that hee would not for their humors put such as they demanded innocently to death but they should rest contented to haue it examined by Iustice if they deserued death and then he would giue them his owne Sonne if he were culpable The Mutyners replyed that hee had not put his Brethren to death by Iustice but for the preseruation of the State that those which they demanded were soe guiltie as the deserued not to haue their Processe made that the Lawes how iust soeuer should bee vnprofitable and Iustice iniurie if they did not punish them and therefore it must be so else they would prouide for it themselues As for the Emprese his Mother they were contented she should bee confined to some place a farre of It is a strange thing to see a Prince forced by the sedition and mutiny of his subiects A Prince forced to please a sâ—ditioâ—s multitude to deliuer an Officer at their discretions It had beene more Honourable and iust to haue suffred them to take him by force or to haue giuen him meanes to escape The violent resolution of these mutiners made the Emperour wisely to yeeld to what
and Champagne with the Commanders and Knights at the Temple and the King went to dine with Zamet This order hath alwaies affected two kinds of Knights some for seruice and others for honor The Order of Malta hath of the cheeâ—e houses of Chrâ—sâ—endom and both for the greatnes defence and support of the Order There haue beene children of the greatest and mightiest houses of Christendome who although they doe no seruice in effect being diâ—pensed withall yet they profit their profession much by the entertaynment and communication of friendships and respects of their houses to the common good of the Order Others that are issued from the noblest families of all the Nations of the world are bound vnto actuall seruice in the Iland they haue all the Mediteranian Sea for the Carire of their exercise and all the world for witnesses of their glorie After that they haue done the seruice which they owe vnto the Order they cannot grow old in pouertie and in this assurance they goe more willingly to all occasions that demand a proofe of their valour being reasonable to hazard themselues in great enterprises to merit great recompences The Knights neuer growe old poore â—he season is fayre vnder the newe raigne of the Emperor of the Turkes who although hee were a childe and entring into the foureteenth yeare of his age yet he gaue generous proofes of his disposition to War The Turkes â—hâ—nâ—â— their Emperor will proue an other Soliman and the Turkes thinke to see â—pring vp in him the Hatred and Fury of Sultan Soliman against the Christians and that hee should begin his raigne by the Conquest of Maltha as the other did by Rhodes Although â—he desire of these Barbarians to subdue the Christians be insatiable yet if they could gette Maltha they would hold themâ—elues content There is none but this Morcelâ— that can satisfie them the Wolfe would be no more a Wolfe if hee were full La Valette great Maâ—â—er forced Seliâ— to 〈◊〉 the seege in the yeare 1565. but Selim thinking to swallow it once had like to haue choked and so may all they doe that do attempt it Amet then the newe Emperor of the Turkes presently after the death of Mahomet his Father who ended his life with the ende of the last yeare went to the Mosquee neere vnto Constantinople to put on the Sword of his Fore-fathers By their example hee should haue put his brother to death Amet Emperor of the Turkes but he reserued him vntill he was of age to haue children so as the byrth of the first child of this Prince shall bee the ineuitable death of the brother He let them presently see that his youth should not be incapable of affayres as they thought He seizeth vpon his Grandmothers Treasure Hee caused his Grand-mother to bee sequestred who would rule as she had done in the life of Mahamet her Sonne beeing Ambitious Proud and Imperious in her passions hauing great authority and great Treasure to maintaine it and to get more being supported in her desseignes by the worst and most factious of the Eâ—pire He said that he would go to the Wars of Hungary in person he made many goodly Orders to reforme the Discipline and to ease the people He fell sicke of the small poâ—kes and kept his Chamber for some dayes After his recouery he shewed himselfe often vnto his people The present hee gaue vnto his Souldiars as the newe Emperors doe was of two Millions and a halfe The Saphis which are the Horsemen had ten Crownes a man and fiue Aspres a day more to increase their pay the Ianissaries had thirty Crownes and one Aspre more of pay The cheefe Officers of the Court did also taste of this liberality His Father had caused his first Visier to bee strangled Aly Bascha Gouernor of great Caire entred into this charge the Fall and Ruine of the one was the rising and settiâ—g vp of the other There is no place so great among the Turkes as the dignity of the first Visier Hee alone holds the Reynes and Helme of the Empire He is the first of the Baschas whose name is a Diminitiue of Padachaas that is to say Great Emperor Cygale represented vnto this young Prince the quality of his deserts to merite this charge but hee was answered That it was reserued for Aly Bascha and that hee should content himselfe with the Admiralty of the Seas That which did much helpe to raise Aly Baschas fortune was the treasure which he brought out of Egypt and the great reputation of Iustice and Wisedome that he had gotten in that Prouince the gouernement wherof is no lesse affected among the Turkes then it was in former times among the Romaines In his way he had caused a Rebel of some countenance and authority to bee strangled who had presented himselfe vnto him to haue a pardon He entred into this charge setled the affayres with great order in the conduct whereof hee left great proofes of his Wisedome and Iustice. But he presently left the place vnto another The death of Mahomet was not published in the Army of Hungary by any other then by the Generall Great accidents may not be sodainly deliuered vnto the people nor without good consideration for the Inconueniences which the sodaine amazement doth cause This death did not breake of nor any thing alter the Treaty of a Truce or of a Peace in Hungary The negotiation was coÌ„tinued in an Iland aboue Buda and Pesâ—e but with small effect The Emperor distrusting the King of France who onely had the meanes to ende it happily and profitably But it were to Treat of impossibilities to make the Princes of the house of Austria trust vnto the Councels of the French and it is an act of great indiscretion in Christians to trust vnto these Barbarians who haue neither Faith nor Truth The first enemy that shewed himselfe against Ameth was the King of Persia The King of Peâ—sia in armes who came neere vnto Babilon giuing the Souldiars to vnderstand that were within it that it was onely to deliuer theÌ„ from the yoake and oppression of the Turkes to change their condition into a better and their seruitude into Liberty This made the people of Asia to conceiue some hope of better vsage vnder the raigne of this young Prince But euery one desired to change his Maister vppon a conceit that this change should be profitable notwithstanding that any alteration in an Estate is mortall He tooke Tauris the cheefe Citty of Persia and Anziron a strong place in the Mountaynes of the Georgians and others which remayned to the Turkes by the Treaty of Peace This yeare died the Archbishop of Mentz Whervpon the Chapter tooke vpon theÌ„ the Administration of the Archbishopricke The Archbishop of Mentz dies according to the antient rights and gaue a day to assemble for the election Many Noblemen were there present the Bishop of Wirtzbourg came not vpon an
diuers Prouinces and many men â—ol 2â— His cruell pracâ—ises to become great ibid. Horrible murther committed by Clouis ibid. The death of Clouis fol. â—1 His vertues and his vice ibid. The Estate of the Churâ—h ibid. The 6. raigne vnder the â—oure sonnes of Clouis Childebert Clodamir Clotaire Thierry Who raigned together 42. yeares as Kings of France but with particular titles vnder this generall but the eldest beares the name Childebert the 6. King of France HOrrible confusion among brethren fol. 23 Clodamir takes and is taken Crueltie of brethren ibid. Warre betwixt brethren fol. 24 A happie reconâ—ilement ibid. A good and happie warre ibid. Warre rashly vndertaken prooues vnfortunate fol. 25. Austrasia now called Lorraine ibid. A horrible punishment of a rebellious Sonne ibid. Clotaire 1. the 7. King of France PRinces ought not to thrust their subiects into despaire fol. 26 Cherebert 8. King of France DIuision of portions breâ—ds a diuision of harts fol. 28. Horrible confusions betwixt brethren and by their wiues One makes warre against another ibid. Sigâ—bert â—laine fol. 29 Chilperic 1. the 9. King of France THe father kils his sonne through the practises of a woman fol. 30 The husband puts away one wife and kils another ibid. He oppresseth his subiects and the punishment of his crimes ibid. Impietie the spring of all euill fol. 31 Clotaire 2. the 10. King of France THe efficacie of the law of State fol. 31 Notable subtiltie of a woman fol. 32 An imaginarie King ibid. A King in his cradle a Conqueror fol. 33 Tragicall practises of two women ibid. â—redâ—gonde dies with her victorie ibid. Brunâ—hault incenseth one brother against another â—ol 34. The husband against the wife ibid. The brother kils the brother ibid. Brunâ—hault murthers her sonne fol. 35 She is put to a horrible death ibid. Mildnesse fit to repaire a decayed estate fol. 36 The greatnesse of the seruant is a blemish to the master ibid. Too great facilitie hurtfull to an estate ibid. Dagobert 1. the 11. King of France HE forceth his subiects to obedience fol. 37 The Iewes banished France ibid. He was blamed for his adulterie ibid. Hee did great exploits of armes vnder the conduct of Pepin fol. 38 He preferred his younger sonne before the elder ibid. Clouis 2. the 12. King of France THe manners of the idle King fol. 38 The Maior of the Pallace gouernes the whole State â—ol 39 The brethrens portions and their good agreement ibid. The â—eligious life of Queene Baudour ibid. Clouis carefull to releeue the poore ibid. Clotaire 3. the 13. King of France CLotaire a cruell and a wicked King oppressed his subiects fol. 40 Childeric or Chilperic 2. the 14. King of France HE takes his brother and makes him a Monk fol. 41. He growes prowd and cruell The French hate him ibid. He is murthered by his subiects his Queene being with child fol. 42 Thierry 1. the 15. King of France OF a Monke he is made a King fol 42 He is taken prisoner by his subiect iâ—â—d A trecherous murther fâ—l 43 Ebroin Maior of the Pallace growes cruell and â—euengefull hee is murthered by a French Gâ—â—tleman ibâ—d Pepin Maior of the Pallace gouernes with gâ—eaâ— credit ibid. Clouis 3. the 16. King of France HE raigned foure yeares and died without memorie fol. 44 Childebert 2. the 17. King of France HE raigned 17. yeares and did nothing worthy to be spoken of fol. 45 Dagobert 2. the 18. King of France PEpin commanded in a manner absolutely 44. yeares â—ol 46 Princes must looke to whom they commit the charge of affaires ibid. Pepins behauiour during his Maioraltie fol. 47 He was incontinent Charles Martell his bastard ibid. Charles Martell chosen Mayor of the Pallace fol. 48. A second victorie to vse it well ibid. Chilperic 3. the 19. King of France A Prince of no valour simple and voluptuous fol. 49. Thierry 2. the 20. King of France CHarles Martâ—ll chosen Prince of the French â—ol 50. Multiplicitie of Masters a ruine to an Estate ibid. The Sarazens inuade France with 400000. men fol. 50. Martel encounters them and encourageth his men ibid. A memorable defeat of Abdâ—rame the Sarazen and his death fol. 52 The fidelitie of the Viennois to the Fâ—ench fol. 53. The courage of a Bishop ibid. New attempts of the League ibid. A new armie of Sarazens in France ibid. Languedoc seuerely punished by Martell fol. 54 Martel forceth the â—risons to be christened ibid. Childeric 5. the 21 King of France the last of that race THe disposition children and death of Martel fâ—â— 55 Pepin armes against the Sarazens and prescribes them a Law â—â—l 56 He repaires the ruines of the Sarazens ibid. The estate of the Church ibid. Pepin meanes to make himselfe King ibid. The Pope dispenced the French from their oath of obedience to Childeric fol. 57 Pepin the short the 23. King of France and the fiâ—st of the second race PEpin chosen King by the Parliament and Childeric reiected â—ol 60 Soueraigne causes of this change fol. 61 The estate of this second race ibid. Instruction for great men ibid. Pepin striues to win the French by good deeds ib. The Saxons rebell and are subdued ibid. Pepin prouides for the affaires of Italy â—oâ— 62 His wiâ—dome in vndertaking a warre ibid. Astolpho breaks his faith and besiegeth Rome ibid. Pepin confirmes his authoritie by a Parliament fol. 63 He makes a forraine warre to auoide a ciuill ibid. Ieffâ—râ—y of Guienne slaine by his seruant fol. 64 Pepin resignes the crowne to Charles ibid. His children his death and his Manners ibid. The estate of the Empire ibid. Italie made desolate by the Gothes and by the Lombards fâ—l 65 They are expelled by the French ibid. The beginning of Mahomets sect in the East ibid. The estate of the Church at Rome â—ol 66 Contention for Primacie A worthy speech of S. Gregory Dispute for Images At the first but a politicke inuention ibid. Estate of the ancient church Insolencie of Popes at this day â—ol 67 Charles the Great or Charlemaigne the 24. King of France PEpins children diuide the Realme fol. 68 Charles the patterne of a great King ibid. His manners his studies and his armes ibid. The successe of his raigne fol. 69 Carolomans iealousie against his brother ibid. Troubles at Rome 〈◊〉 deeds in 〈◊〉 of his 〈…〉 fol. 70 The Lâ—mbards dissimulation and his presumption in hanging of the Popes Secretaries ibid. Rebellion in Guienne by Hurault ibid. Instruction for Princes fol. 71 Caroloman dies ibid. Charlemagnes wiues and his children ibid. Carolomans widowe ioynes with the Lombards against him 〈◊〉 deeds 〈…〉 â—ntill he 〈◊〉 Empeâ—â—â— ibid. Didier king of the Lombards makes warre against the Pope fol. 72 Charles opposeth himselfe against the Lombard ibid. Charles makes warre with the aduice of his estates and deâ—eates the Lombard twise ibid. He takes Verona and is entertained at Rome fol. 73 Pauia taken and Didier in it ibid. A memorable warre in Germanie and
King Charles fol. 159 The â—state of the Empire and â—hurch A horrible Schisme with the cause thereof fâ—l 160.161.162.163.164.165 The English seâ—ke to crosse Charles in his affairs fol. 166. Iâ—are 〈…〉 the Pucelle disswades 〈◊〉 from fighting is sore wounded and her meâ— dâ—fâ—atâ—d fol. 167. The Institution of the order of the Golden-fleece by the Duke oâ— Buâ—gundy ibid. I 〈…〉 the Virgin called the Pucelle taken at CoÌ„piegâ—e sent to Roan condemned for a Wâ—ch and buâ—â—t fol. 168 Compeigne releeued by the French the 〈…〉 fol. 169. The Duchesse 〈◊〉 Bedforâ— dies fol. 170. 〈…〉 by the English and Chartres by the 〈◊〉 ibid. Henry King of England â—rowned at Paris ibid. A Treat◠〈◊〉 the French and English fol. 172 A quarâ—ell betweene the Dukes of Bourbon Bourgoâ—nge and Bedford ibid. King 〈◊〉 goes into Daulphine and 〈…〉 takes armes against the English fol. 173. The English defeated and the Earle of Aâ—undell slaine 〈◊〉 174 The Accord of Philip Duke of Bourgoing with King 〈◊〉 the 7 ibid. Waâ— very violent against the English fol. 176. Queene Isabell and the Duke of Bedford dies 〈◊〉 The Citty of Paris yeâ—ldes to the King and expells the English 〈◊〉 177. The Constable râ—câ—iuâ—d into Paâ—is 〈◊〉 178. The Daulphin 〈◊〉 marâ—ied to a Daughter of Scotland 〈◊〉 179 The Duke of Sauoye becomes a Monke 〈◊〉 180. 〈◊〉 Son of 〈◊〉 of Bouâ—gongne 〈…〉 of France 〈◊〉 182. 〈◊〉 calles a Parliament at Orleance to treat of a gâ—nâ—rall Peace fol. 181. The Pâ—â—nces of the blâ—ud makâ— a League to aduâ—â—ce thâ— Daulphin 〈◊〉 183. King 〈◊〉 goes with an Army against the Duke of Bouâ—bon and the Daulphin flies into Burgundy 〈◊〉 184 The 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 Sorcery 〈◊〉 185 A Tâ—â—aty 〈◊〉 the 2. Kiâ—gs for a Pâ—aâ—e but fruâ—tâ—â—sse ibid. Aâ—â—er the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of the Duke of O lâ—aâ—câ— the Duke of Bouâ—gâ—nge and he becomeâ— greâ—t fâ—iends 〈◊〉 186 The mâ—morable seege of Penthoâ—â—e fâ—l 187. The Parliament of Tholouse erected 〈◊〉 192. A generall Tâ—uce and the French and English make Warre in Suisseâ—land with the causes thereof 〈◊〉 193. The Sâ—isses â—ight valiantly but are defeated fâ—l 194. The English breake the truce and suâ—prize Fougers fol. 195. 〈◊〉 and the Duke of Brittaine combine against the English and take townes in Guienne and Normandy fol. 196. Charl sends his Army to Roan 〈◊〉 197. Takes it and bâ—seegeth the English in their Forts fol. 198. The Earle of Sommerset and Talbot yeeld and come to King Câ—â—arles ibid. King Câ—arlâ—â— deales honourably with Talbot fol. 199. The English defeated at 〈◊〉 fol. 200. All Normandy yeelds to Câ—arles ibid Guiâ—â—ne returnes to the Crowne of France fol. 201. THE French Army in Guienne takes Blay Bourg Liborne Fronsack Boudâ—aux and Baionne fol. 202.203 Talbot enters with newe English troupes and takes Bourdeaux and all the Townes againe fol. 204. The English defeated and Talbot slayne fol. 205. Troubles in England fol. 206. The Councell of Basill with the miserable Estate of the Church fol. 208.209 Constantinople taken by the Turke and Constantine the Emperor smoothered fol. 210. Printing inuented fol. 221 King Charles and the Dolphin discontented one with another ibid. The king sends an armie against his sonne fol. 212. Lewis the Dolphin marries againe to the great dislike of his father fol. 213 Charles his waiwardnes his loues fol. 214 An enterprise vpon England and Sandwitch taken fol. 215. The tragicall death of Charles fol. 216 Lewis the 11. the 55. King of France HIs wiues and children fol. 218 He purchaseth the Countie of Rousillon fol. 219. The Common-weale makes a league against him which he discouers fol. 220.221 The warres of the Common-weale fol. 222. The battel of Montlehry fol. 223. Famous for running away fol. 224 Paris beleagred fol. 225 The confedâ—rates and Lewis after much trouble make a peace at Coâ—â—ans 226.227 Difference betweene the Duke of Britany and Charles Duke of Normandy fol. 228 Lewis discontent with the duke of Britanie fol. 229 He makes a league with the Liegeois ibid. A horrible outrage committed by them of Dinan fol. 230. He supports the rebellious Liegeois against their Duke fol. 231. He makes a peace with the Duke of Bourgogne fol. 233. Duke Charles besieges takes and ruines the rebellious citie of Leige fol. 234.235 Edward king of England and the Earle of Warwicke diuided fol. 236. Warwicke flies into France fol. 237. Is slaine and his whole army defeated by Edward ibid. Charles the 8. borne at Amboise ibid. S. Quintin taken by the duke of Bourgogne and by and by the king fol. 238. Charles of Bourgogne abandoned by his friends ibid. Submits himselfe and obtaines a truce fol. 239. A new league against Lewis fol. 240 The Duke of Guienne dyes by poison fol. 241 The Bourguigons practises against Lewis fol. 242 Perpignan deliuered by treason to the king of Arragon fol. 243. The Duke of Alonson condemned but pardoned by king fol. 244 The king and the Burguignon conspire the Constables death fol. 245 The Burguignon seekes to poison the king ibid. He marrieth his two daughters fol. 246 Adolfe the sonne of the Duke of Gueldres an vnkinde sonne fol. 247 The English prepare for France fol. 24â— The Duke of Burgogns Lieutenant executed by the Suisses fol. 249 Open warre betweene the Duke of Bourgogâ—â— and the Suisses ibid. Mournefull presages to the Constable fol. 25â— Lewis sends an ambassador to the Emperor fol. 251 Charles in great perplexity leaues the siege of Nuz ibid. Edward King of England defies Lewis fâ—l â—52 Lewis sends a counterfait Herald to King Edwâ—â—d fol. 253. Ambassadors sent from both Kings with â—he Articles of agreement between them 〈◊〉 254 The Duke of Burgogne reprocheth King Edward for making a Truce ibid. Edward King of England discouering the Constables disseins reiects him fâ—l 255. An enterview of the kings at Picqugny with Lewis his politike proceedings fâ—l 256 King Edward protects the Duke of Brittaine and returnes home into England â—ol 257 King Edward being discontent with the Burguignon offers Lewis aide against him â—ol 258 The last act of the Constables tragedie with his pitifull and desperate estate fol. 259 The Constable yeeldes to the Burguignon is deliuered to the king and beheaded fol. 260 Campo-bachio a traitor to Charles of Burgogne offers Lewis to kill him which Lewis discouers to Charles fol. 262 Charles Duke of Burgogne makes warre against the Suisses ibid. Is ouerthrown at Granssen and looses al his baggage esteemed at 3. millions fol. 263. The Suisses reuenge the crueltie of Charles at Granssen fol. 264. Charles armes again besiegeth Morat and is ouerthrowne fol. 265. The battell of Nancy where Charles is ouerthrowne and slaine fol. 267. Lewis discouers the Duke of Brittanes practises with his Chancelor fol. 269. Townes in Pycardie yeeld to the king fol. 270 The Duke of Nemours beheaded fol. 271 Lewis his health decaies fol. 272 Arras Hedin Therouenne and Montreuill yeeld to Lewis fol. 273 The insolencie and barbarous crueltie
made Duke of Amou ibid. A treatie betwixt the Emperour and Lewis fol. 368 The beginning of diuision betwixt Lewis and Ferdinand fol. 369 Gonsaâ—ue the great captaines vertues ibid. New broyles in Italie fol. 370 The Duke of Valentinois cruelty ibid. The exploits of the French in the kingdome of Naples fol. 371 The Valentinois fearefull to the potentates of Italie ibid. The Venetians oppose against him fol. 372 The King discontented with the Pope and his sonne fol. 373 A counterfeit peace with the Spaniard but not ratified fol. 374 The Duke of Atri defeated by the Spaniard fol. 375 A generall ouerthrowe of the French and the Duke of Nemours slaine fol. 376 The kings new armie for Naples fol. 377 The estate of the church and the death of Pope Alexander the 6. fol. 378 The Vrsins and Colonnois reconciled bandy against the Valentinois fol. 379 Iulius the 2. chosen Pope ibid. Borgia the Valentinois a prisoner fol. 380 A truce betweene France and Spaine the wars of Naples reuiued ibid. The Marquis of Mantoua general of the French giues ouer his charge of the army fol. 381 The realme of Naples wholly lost by the French fol. 382 Lewis makes peace with the Spaniard and Emperour against the Venetian fol. 383 The death of Fredericke of Naples fol. 384 Lewis seekes by all meanes to crosse the Emperor and his sonne Philip. fol. 385 Bâ—ntiuoll deliuers Bolonia to the Pope fol. 386 The death of Philip Archduke of Austria ibid. The death of Borgia duke of Valentinois ibid. An enteruiewe of the Kings of France and Arragon fol. 387 The Suisses forsake the Emperour and Maximilian is defeated fol. 388 King Lewis goes into Italie fol. 389 The Venetians excommunicated by the Pope and ouerthrowne at Agnadell by the French fol. 390.391 The Venetians begin to recouer their losses take Padua and surprize the Marquis of Mantoa fol. 392 Padua besieged againe by the Emperour fol. 393 The Venetians make warre against the Duke of Ferrara fol. 394 The Suisses forsake the alliaÌ„ce of the FreÌ„ch and ioyne with the pope fol 395 A French armie enters Italie and the pope seekes to expell them fol. 396 397 The Suisses retire and the Venetians make an attempt against Genoa fol. 398.399 Eight conclusions made by the French Church against the pope fol. 400 The siege of Bolonia fol. 401 The death of Charles of Amboyse Lord of Chaumont fol. 402 A Councel begins at Pisa and is transported to Millan fol. 403 Bolonia beseeged by the Spaniards where there happened a miracle fol. 404. Brâ—â—â—e taken by the Venetians and recouered by the French fol 405. The French Army in Italy getts the battaile of Rauenna where 〈◊〉 of Foâ—x is slaine fol. 406.407 Rauenna taken and sackt fol. 408. The French Army disordered they loose Milan fol. 409. Lodowick Sforze restored to the Duchy of Milan fol. 410. Nauar vsurped by the Arragonois fol. 411. A royall Army in the Duchy of Milan and Genoa taken fol. 413. The memorable valour of Robert de la Marke fol. 414. Terouenne and Tournay taken by the English fol. 415. Charles the Emperor affects to be Pope fol. 416. Queene Annâ— of France dies and Lâ—wis marries Mary of England fol. 417. The death of Lewis the 12. and his vertues fol. 418.419 Francis the fiâ—st of that name the â—8 King of France HEE goes with a Royall Army into the Duchie of Milan and takes Genoa fol. 421. His first passage ouer the Alpes fol. 422. The inconstant treachery of the Suisses with the battell of Marignan â—ol 423. Milan yeelds to the French fol. 424. A League against the King broken by the death of Ferdinand fol. 425. Brescia and Verona taken by the French and deliuered to the Venetians fol 426. Francis Maria chased from Vrbin and Laurence of Medicis inuested in the Duchy fol. 427. Franâ—â— the Daulphin borne fol. 428. A peace concluded with the English and Spaniards fol. 429. Charles the 5. elected Emperor 1520. fâ—l 430. The beginning of Lutâ—ers doctrine fol. 431. Troubles in Spaine fâ—l 432. The Pope capitulates with the Emperour fol. 433. The King and the Emperor at open warre Tournay Meziers beseeged and Mouson taken fol 4â—4 4â—5 Mouson recouered Fontarabâ—e taken fâ—l 4â—6 The Emperor retreating dishonourably Hedin and Turney are recouered by the French fol. 4â—7 The Pope declares himselfe against France fol. 4â—9 An ominous signe to the French at Milan Ibid. Errors of the French Army fol 440. Lautrâ—ch odious to his Army fol. 441. Milan taken and sackt iâ—id Pope Leo his death with the altâ—râ—tions afterwards fol. 442 Adâ—ian the 6 created Pope and the war reuiued fol. 443. Milan and Pauia beseeged by the French and Nouarre taken fol. 444. Lâ—utrech forced to fight by the Suisses and is ouerthrowne fâ—l 445. Laude and Cremona taken from the French fol. 446. The Venâ—tians foâ—sake the French Genoa is taken by the Spaniards fol. 447. Fontarabie beeseeged by the Spaniard and â—eleeued by the French ibid. Wars in Picardy Douilans beseeged Teâ—igny slaine fol. 448. The English land in France take Hedin and returne fâ—l 449. Rhodes taken by the Turke ibid. The Castle of Milan yeelded fol. 450. A League betweene the Emperor and the Venetians fol. 451. The Duke of Bourbon reuolts and flies disguised fol. 452.453 The Milannois fâ—aude with the seege of their Towne fol. 454. The Castle of Cremona releeued Baionne beseeged ibid. Fontarabie taken from the French fol. 455. The valour of 〈◊〉 with the taking of Roy and Mont-didier by the English fol. 456. Pope Aâ—riaâ— diâ—s and Pope Clement the 7. chosen in his place ibid. Iohn de Medicis stratagems with the death of Prosâ—er Colonâ—â— fol. 457. The French charged and ouerthrowne by the Imperialls fol. 458. Briares taken by the Milannois and the Admirall defeated fol. 459. Marseilles beseeged by the Imperials froÌ„ whence they retreate in disorder fol. 460. King â—rancis goes into Italy and takes Milan ibiâ— The Esâ—ate of the Imperialls fol. 461. The Pope makes a League with the King who sends an Army into Naples fol. 462. A notable victory gotten by the Marquis of Salusses ibid. The death and worthy exploytes of Pontdormy fol. 463. The Imperiall and French Army approch ibid. Sadde fore-runners of an ouerthrow fol. 464. Battell of Pauia where the French King is taken prisoner fol. 465. The King of England offers all loue to the French King beeing a prisoner fol. 466. The Emperors vnreasonable demands with the Kings resonable offers fol. 467. King Francis carried prisoner into Castile ibid. King Francis released fol. 468. The Marquis of Pescara dies fol. 469. The miserable estate of Milan and Cremona taken by the Confederates fol. 470. Rome surprized and sackt by the Imperialls where the Duke of Bourbon is slaine fol. 471.472 A newe League against the Emperor fol. 473. Genoa Alexandria and Pauia taken by thâ— King and the Pope deliuered fol. 474. The King of England and France proclaime war against the
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
948 Troubles at Constantinople ibid. The Valachian committed to prison fol. 949. Alba Regalis taken by Duke Mercure ibid. The seege of Canisia raysed fol. 950. The Duke of Biron returnes out off England to Court ibid. The Daulphins first entry into Paris ibid. A Conference to instruct the Kings sister ibid. A Chamber royall erected fol. 951. Sebastian King of Portugalls speech to the Seignâ—ury of Venice fol 953. D. Sebastian deliuered after two yeares imprisoÌ„ment ibid He was stayed by the Duke of Florence sent prisoner to Naples where he was condemned to the Galleys fol. 954. His speech to the Duke of Medina Sidonia fol. 955. The Duke of Biron sent to the Cantons to confirme the Treaty His speech to the Suisses fol. 957. The Marquisate of Finall surprized ibid. An Army at Sea in Calabria fol. 958. The King disquieted touching the Duke of Biron ibid. The death of the Duke of Mercure ibid. The Duke of Birons conspiracy discouered fol. 959. He contemnes the Kings aduice fol. 961. The Duke of Biron craues pardon of the King fol. 962. Instâ—uctions giueÌ„ by the Duke of Biron to la Fin. fol 963. The King expects repentance onely of the Duke of Biron ibid. An Army at Sea for the King of Spaine fol. 964 The President Ianin sent to the Duke fol. 966 Diuers aduices giuen to the Duke of Biron not to come to Court Badde signes of his voyage ibid. The Duke of Biron comes to Fontainbleau ibâ—d He excuseth his stay The Kings fauour to him growne cold He is not respected He seekes to iustifie himselfe fol. 967. The Duke of Biron praysed the King of Spaine  He playes at Primiero with the Queene fol. 968 He will not submit himselfe to the Kings clemeÌ„cy He is seized on at the Kings ChaÌ„ber dore fol. 969. False brutes of the causes of the Dukes imprisâ—ment fol. 970. The King comes to Paris fol. 971. The Dukes words in prison fol. 972. The Duke is amazed to see Renazé fol. 973. His Processe reported fol. 974. The Duke pleades for himselfe in the Golden Chamber ibid. Accusations of the Duke of Biron fol. 975. The Dukes answer ibid. Proofe by writing of the continuance of his practises fol. 977. The King did giue him his word without demanding it fol. 978. The iudgement of the Processe fol. 979. In Treason intents are punishable fol. 980. Euill vnpunished is suffered fol. 981. They that reueale conspiracies are to be rewarded fol. 983 The Chancellour pronounceth the sentence of death ibid. The Duke of Biron desires to see Monsieur de Rhosâ—y ibid. The Chancellor comes to the Bastille The Dukes words vnto him ibid. The Duke of Biron deliuers vp the Kings Order fol. 986. He falles into choller at the reading of his sentence fol. 987. He resolues to dye fol. 988. He sends commendations to the Count of Auvergne fol. 989. The Duke of Biron in chollor when hee sees the Executioner ibid His Head cut off fol 991. Honors done to great Gonsalue at his death fâ—l 992. The Duke of Birons Vertues his Vanitie and his Glory and compared with Sâ—â—la ibid. He went to a MathematitiaÌ„ to know his Fortune fol. 993. The Marshal Birons words vnto his sonne being but Barron fol. 994. The Duke of Sauoy leuyes Forces for Geneua fol. 995. The Duke of Birons Secretary rackt and Fontanells broken vpon the wheele ibid. The Duke of Bouillon refuseth to come vnto the King his Letter vnto his Maiesty fol. 996. The Prince of Ginuille committed fol. 997. Deputies sent out of Daulphine to the Daulphin of France A Present giuen vnto the Daulphin fol. 998. Alba Regalis yeelded to the Turke fol. 999 Cigale goes forth of Constantinople fol. 1000. The Galleis of Spaine commanded by Spâ—â—cla fol. 1001. Mines of Gold discouered ibid. An Edict for the ordring of those Mines ibid. Deputies from the Suisses to sweare the new alliance ibid. The towne of Mahomet taken by the knights of Malta 〈◊〉 1003. Muâ—thers committed this yeare for Adultery fol. 1005. A Pardon promised to all of the Duke of Birons conspiracy 〈◊〉 1006. The Duke of Sauoys enterprise vpon Geneua ibid. The Dukes pretensions and the Geneuois defence 〈◊〉 1007. The first discouery of the surprise of Genâ—ua fol. 1008. The Dukes forces repulsed and some of his men are slaine and some taken fol. 1009. Letters from the Seigneury of Geneua to the Gouernor of Lions fol. 1010. Monsiâ—ur de Viâ— sent to Geneua fol. 1011. Geneua resolues to a Peace the which is concluded betwixt the Duke and them fol. 1012 The Inuention to make silke and the profit thereof fol. 1013. Rebellion in Asia against the Turke ibid. The Ianissaries power in Turky fol. 1014 A woman sent in Ambassage fol. 1015. The two Castels of Lepanthe taken by the Knights of Malta fol. 1016. The Kings voiage to Metz. ibid. Sobole deliuers vppe the Cittadell of Metz. fol. 1017. Foure Iesuits come to Metz for their restablishment ibid. A Controuersie for the Bisho-prike of Strausbourg ibid. The King returnes to Paris fol. 1018. The Princes of Sauoy go into Spaine ibid. Brute of the Kings sicknes fol. 1019. A League concluded betwixt the Venetians and the Grisons fol. 1020. The nauigation of the French to newe France or Canada ibid. A quarrell betwixt the Count Soisons and the Marquis of Rohsny fol. 1023. A Synod held at Gap by them of the refomed Religion fol. 1024 The Constable of Castile passeth through France fol. 1026. Alexander Monsieur made Knight of Malta fol. 1028. The death of the Dutchesse of Bar the Kings Sister fol. 10â—0 The Kings sorrowe for the death of his Sister fâ—l 1031. The burning of the Turkes Gallies at Algier ibid. An other enterprise of the great Dukes in Nâ—grepont fol. 1032. Tâ—eason discouered and L osâ—â— the Traitoâ— râ—turnes into France and serâ—es 〈…〉 fol. 1033. The Traitor â—â—oste drownes himselâ—e fol. 1034. Creation of new Cardinalls fol. 10â—5 The great promises of the Count Fuentes to the Gâ—â—sons fol. 1037. Halfe a Sedition at Rome fol. 1039. Pâ—sta abandoned by the Christians fol. 1040. The Iesuites restored in France and a newe colledge built for them at La Flesche in Aniou fol. 1041. A channell from the riuer of Seine to Loyre ibiâ— New Inuentions of workes brought into France fol. 1042. The Coâ—stable of Castille comes to the King is receiued with all Honour and the King sups with him fol. 1043. Sluse lost by the vanity of 〈…〉 the Gouernor fol. 1044. Ostend yeelded by composition the 15. of September ibid. Aduantages of the vnited Prouinces for the warre fol. 1045. The Marquis Rohsny goes into Poitou ibid. The Daulphins second voyage to Fontainbleau ibid. Enteruiew of the Dukes of Sauoy and Mantoa ibid. The King sends for the Count of Auvergne to Ciermont who refuseth to come but with conditions He is taken and brought prisoner to the Bastille at Paris from fol. 1045. to 1050. A happy discouery of a Conspiracy the Conspirators amazed fol. 1050. Monsieur D' Antragues Gouernor of Orleans coÌ„mitted to prison and the Marquise of Vernuill restrained fol. 1051. The Kings Letter to La Guiche from Fontaiâ—bleau the 15. of Nouember Anno 1604. ibid. The Duke of Bouillon in danger to be surprised ibid. The death of the Duke of Tremouille ibid. FINIS
Countrie finding more safetie at Rome then in other citties of Italie retyred themselues thither and peopled the Cittie So by this occasion newe Rome the seat of the Popes iurisdiction succeeding the Emperours hath beene built within old Rome amidst the Pallaces walkes Basiliques Coliâ—ees Amphytheatres and other ancient buildings But aboue all the credit and authoritie of the Bishop of Rome by these new occurrents crept in by degrees vntil he aduanced hiâ—selfe aboue the Emperours Kings Princes of Christendome yet he of Constantinople held himselfe the Superior being in the proper seat of the Empire and in the light of the Imperiall Court Thus they fall to debate Contention for the Priemacie and the cause of their dissentions was the preheminence of their seas and the authoritie of the vniuesall Bishop This contention bred infinite confusions in the Church and in an vnseasonable time which inuited men to sacke and spoyle So as S. Gregorie Bishop of Rome a man of singular pâ—etâ—e learning hauing couragiously opposed himselfe against Iohn Bishop of Constantinople who affected this title of vniueâ—sall Bishop and detesting so vnreasonable and vnseasonable an ambition cries out Oh times oh manners the whole world is set on fire with warre Christians are euerie where massacred by Idolaters A worthie speech 〈◊〉 S. Gregorie Citties and Temples razedby Barbarians and yet the pastors of the Church as it were treading vnder foot the common calamitie of Gods people dare vsurpe names of vanitie and braue it with thâ—se prophane titles The reader curious to vnderstand the Estates of those times and to note the degrees and authoritie of this vniuersall Bâ—shop established in the Church may read the epistles of this good father great in name and in effect without troubling my selfe to â—et them downe in particular whose intention was to shew That who so taketh vpon him the authoritie and title of vniuersall Bishop in the Church and to haue any Soueraigne preheminence presumes aboue Iesus Christ the onely head of the sacred bodie of the Church Hee that takes on him the title 〈◊〉 vniuâ—rsâ—ll 〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉 oâ— Antichrist and by consequence he doth affirme that he is the foâ—erâ—nner of Antichrist And yet after these graue and serious admonitions of Saint Gregorie the great within tenne yeares after Boniface the third obteined from Phocas the Emperour the title of vniuersall Bishop with authoritie ouer the vniuersall Church as Platina the Popeâ— Secretary doth reâ—ort To this quarrell for the Supremacie was added the controuersie for images which caused infinite confusions Dispute for Images the â—mperours and Bishops were banded one against another and by their dissentions the people were stirred vp to seditious reuolts the which aâ—ter many Tragicall euents were a meane to ruine the Empire of the East It was a popular custome to erect Images to those whome they would honour as hauing deserued well of the Common weale Christians desiring to honour the memorie of holy men began to set vp images euen for them also following this ciuill custome and did erect them in Temples as places consecrated to deuotion Some Bishops â—auored this new deuice in the Church and others did impugne it Epiphanius did teare a picture in peeces Images at the 〈◊〉 a politike 〈◊〉 and Serenus did beat downe an image the one in the Eâ—st the other in the West The Christians borne and bred in this ancient doctrine of the Apostles My children beware of Images maintainâ—d in the Catholike Church by succession from father to sonne could not digest this innouation no more could the Emperours Hence grew the dissention the greatest part of the Bishops holding the contrarie That it was a part of the seruice of God and a bond to retayne mens soules in deuotion with reuerence This contention grew in the time of the Emperour Philippicus called Bardanes who by an Edict caused them to be throwne downe in the yeare of grace 713. the which continued to 782. vnder Constantin the second called Copronimus an enemie to images who commaunded them to bee cast downe contraâ—y to the liking of his mother Irene who not onely maintained them with violence but also caused them to be confirmed by a Councel held at Nicee a Cittie in Bithinia seeing 〈◊〉 at Constantinople where shâ— had made the conuocation of this Ecclesiasticall Assembly the people were resolute to withstand them Hence grew an execrable Tragedie in the Imperiall Court Irene seing her sonne resolute against her deâ—ence oâ— Iâ—ages was so transported as hauing seized on him in his chamber she caused his eyes to be put out so as dying with greefe she vsurps the Empire Through this bad gouernment Tragicall crueltie of a mother against her soâ—ne confusion so increased in the East as in the end necessitie made the way for Charlemagne to take vpon him the dignitie and title of the Emperour of the West and to preserue prouinces in those parts from the disorders of the Grâ—â— Emperours as wee may see in the continuance of tâ—is Historie I am bound to obserue these so notable occurrents in those times as belonging to the subiect of my Historie to represent truely both the Estate of the Empire and of the Church when as Charlemagne vndertooke the gouernement of the Empire and vnited it happily to the French Monarchie The wise reader may verifie more plainly in the Originalls from whence I haue drawne this Inuentorie what I haue briefly set downe here touching the occurents of those ages wherein the Oracle of holy antiquitie was verified by the end of these straÌ„ge Tragedies The truth is lost by contending The first simplicitie of the Catholike Church being rich in her pouertie by the abundance of truth conteined since the golden age of the Apostles and their Dâ—sciples was changed into rich and stately pompe the Crownes of martirdome wherewith the fiâ—st Bishops of Rome had beene honoured into a triple Crowne Estate of the ancieÌ„t church which not onely hath and doth giue Lawes to the Emperours Kings and Princes of the earth but doth tread them vnder foot dispossesse them of their estates Insolencie of Popâ—s at this day and declares them incapable of rule when they obey him not and for a marke of this soueraigne authoritie hee makes them to kisse his feet in token of the homage of deuotion and spirituall reuerence as hauing power ouer soules to iudge of all men and all things soueraignly and not to bee iudged by any as the circumstances of our historie wil shew in diuerse places This was the Estate both of the Empire and of the Church vnto the death of Pepin the short the first King of the second race in the yeare 750. or thereabouts CHARLES the Great or CHARLEMAGNE the 24. King of France From the yeare 768. vnto the yeare 814. CHARLES THE GREAT KING OF FRANCE XXIIII 768. THE Estates of France assemble after the death of Pepin and by their consents and aduice
Peâ—ine childreÌ„ diuide the realme Charles and Carolomon his sonnes diuide the realme betwixt them by equall portions Châ—rles was crowned at Wormes Carolâ—man at Soissons writers agree not in the declaration of their portions for that by the death of Caraloman the whole realme came to Charles three yeares after the death of their Father Brothers of diuers humors who in the end had ruined each other by this equalitie of power which proues often an vniust and a dangerous ballance in an estate But Gods will was to preserue so great a Monarchie in Europe to be a harbour for his Church by chosing a great Prince to vnite in him alone the power which is dismembred by the command of many Maisters Charles was endued with singular gifts both of body and minde wherevnto by the wiâ—e care of his father Pepin was added as a seale the instructions of a vertuous conuersation Charles the patterne of a great King His manners learning and armes For the ground of all vertues he was carefully instructed in religion the which hee loued and honoured with great reuerence all his life time and likewise the Churches and Pastors Charitie temperance equitie care of Iustice and of order to releeue the people to keepe his faith both to friend and foe and to vse a victory modestly were the noâ—able effects of this excellent knowledge as remarkeable in him His studies as in any Prince that euer liued Hee loued learning by 〈◊〉 and learned men Paul of Pisa instructed him in the Greeke and Latin tongues anâ— â—â—mon in Philosophie and the Mathematikes Hee called these humaine sciences his pastimes and the companions of his Sword and sometimes did recreate himselfe therein Hee tooke a delight in poetry as some of his writings do witnes but especially in Histories wherein he was exceeding well red The vniuersities of Paris and Pisa built or enriched by him witnesse the loue and honour hee bare to learning In armes hee had his father Pepin for hâ—s chiefe schoolemaster and experience doth testifie how much he profited Before his father left him he had great commands and discharged them with such reputation His armes as the continuance of his armes when he was King shewe plainely that there was neuer soldiar that carried sword with more valour nor great Captaine that commaunded with more obedience nor performed any thing with greater fortune nor vsed his victories with more mildnesse iudgement neyther did euer King or Prince raigne with more authority nor was more reuerently obeyed then our Charlemagne well deseruing the name of great for his vertues He was of a liuely disposition quicke actiue and vehement but modestie and wisdome did season this viuacity and vehemency with so good a grace as iâ— the one could not bee without the other and this moderation of diuers humors made him as admirable in his wit as venerable in his countenance and person There appeared in him a graue sweete Maiesty in a goodly personage great strong and patient of labour A quicke spirit cleere sownd both in apprehension memory and iudgement resolution neuer failed him in difficulties no replie in discours terrible to some amiable to others according to the cause persons and occurrents Vertues which purchased him so great credit as he was beloued respected and feared of all men with such obedience as the effects of his raigne do shewe for hauing receiued a great Kingdome from his father he enlarged it with a wonderfull successe God hauing raised vp these three great Princes one after an other Charles Martel Pepin this great Charles to preserue the Christian name in a great Monarchy The successâ— of his raignâ— amidest the deluge of barbarous nations and the ruine of the Empire I haue coated these his singular vertues in the beginning to giue a tast to the obseruation of his great and admirable actions where there wants nothing but order to relate them fitly in so great a diuersity the which hath ministred occasion to the obscure writers of those times to be too breefe or too tedious ofte-times to report matters very vnlikely for the greatnesse of thingâ— which they haue handled in a fabulous manner and in deed the euents are almost incredible and more miraculous then ordinary Doubtlesse I could gather out of the most confident authors and that according to the order of times as euery thing hath changed and answerable to the greatnes of the subiect that which cannot well be represented without some direction All the deedes of Charlemagne must bee referred to that which he hath done either whilest hee was King alone of France or when he was Emperour and had vnited the Empire to his royaltie And in those times there is first to be obserued what he did in the life of Caroloman in Guienne and after his death in Italy Spaine and Saxonie where he had great matters to decide This is the desseine of our relation The deedes of Charlemagne in the life of his brother Caroloman CAroloman was infinitly iealous of his brothers greatnes whome with greeâ—e he did see be loued honored and obeyed of all the French for his singular vertues both of body and minde This iealousie too ordinary a Counsellor to Princes made him to seeke all meanes to counteâ—mine and ouerthrowe the affaires of Charlemagne who had his eyes fixed vpon Italie as the goodly and most beautifull theatre oâ—â—is vaâ—our the tâ—ue subiect to maintaine his authority and power among Christians and Carolomâ—â— did all hee coulâ— to crosse 〈◊〉 desseins And this was the estate of Rome and Italie 771 Presently after the decease of Pepin the Church of Rome fell into great confusions by the practises of Didier King of Lombardie a sworne and capital enemy hauing corrupted some of the Clergie hee caused Constantin brother to Toton Duke of Nepezo his vassall and trustie to bee chosen Pope with such violence as hee made Philippicus being already Canonically chosen to be degraded Troubles at Rome This better party seeing themselues contemned by the Lombard assemble togither and by one common consent choose Stephen the third a Sicilien for Pope who resolues to call in the King of France and to oppose him against his enemies desseins Charles sollicited by the Pope sends twelue Prelates speedily to Rome to fortifie their party against the other meaning at greater neede to apply a greater remedy The matter succeeded according to their desire that had intreated him for the Counsell beeing assembled at Latran they confirme Stephen lawfully chosen and depose Constantin raised by disorder and violence The Lombardâ— dissimulation But Didier would not be controuled with this repulse and seeing that force had not succeeded he resolues to trie policy and to vnder-mine Stephen witâ— a good shew He sends to congratulate his election purgeth himselfe of the Antipope Constantin degraded accuseth both him and his brother of ambition protesting to liue with him in amity and for proofe of this his
libertie and the good cheere which Charles made her Vpon the report of her death Bernard Earle of Armaignac seizeth vpon the Townes of Cominges Duret Lile in Dodon Samathan and Lombres The Earle of Armaignac seizeth vpon the County of Commings and preparing to warre he leuies troupes in Arragon by Sâ—lezard a Captaine of that Countrie causing Iohn of Lescun a bastard of Armaignac to inuade the Kings teâ—ritories This excesse might haue proued verie preiudiciall when as Charles sends Lewis his sonne into Languedoc with a thousand horse to quench this mischiefe in the breeding Being arriued at Rouuergue all yeelds vnto him Euerie thing is opposite to the Earle of Armaignac The Earles of Perdriac and la Marche the chiefe supporters of his insolence leaue him in the plaine field Salezard doth likewise abandon him of such force is a royall maister against a bad cause The Earle of Amargnac seeing himselfe thus abandoned shuts himselfe into Lisle-Iordan 1443. to dispute his pretensions with more aduantage The Earle of Armaignac taken by the Daulphin but he thrust him selfe into the toyle for he was taken by Lewis and led prisoner to Carcassone These happy exploytes did greatly recommend the Daulphins iudgement and valour whom all men held worthy of a great commande Charles hauing commended him for so well doing would haue sent him backe against the Earle of Somerset who had raised a great armie on the frontiers of Normandy Brittain the which was like vnto a fire of straw for hauing taken la Guierche by force he left it as soone for money so retired with his army without any other exploit The heate of the English grewe more temperate touching the chiefe points of their affaires They stood vpon tearmes in the two first fruitlesse asseÌ„blies made for peace but nowe they seeke the King The Earle of Suffolke writes vnto him that he hath commandement from the King his Master not onely to renue the treaty of peace discontinued but also to finde meanes to marry him in France hee receiues a fauourable answer from Charles and vnder his safe conduct comes to him to Tours Charles continued still in an humor to loue peace and to seeke it but the Earle of Suffolke the Lord Rosse had no charge but to treat of a generall truce A generall truce the which they concluded for a yeere a halfe but this shall be a goodly occasion to send home the English After a shower comes a sun-shine and euen experience teacheth that after a great raine comes a long drought Now we shall see nothing but truces one after an other marriages and aliances during fower yeares which is a preparatiue to a ciuill peace for aboue a hundred yeares This truce being made they must now seeke warres else where so fruitefull is our vanity of change so as we cannot liue without suffering or doing harme to others The French impatient of rest when as they treated of this truce it was demaunded by the Ambassadors of both Kings what their men of warre should do This truce say they will be more chargeable vnto vs then warre for they must liue They haue not beene accustomed to work and yet they will make good cheere neither can the poore people endure any more Moreouer if they haue no worke they will fight with themselues we must therefore calme this storme and send them to such as loue vs not The French English sent to warre in Suizerland This was the cause of the war in Suizerland whereof Lewis was Generall leading both French and English vnder the same Ensignes Matago was Collonell of the English forces for the King of England vnder the Daulphins command He entred with his armie into the territory of Basill the country of Elsas betwxit Basill and Strasbourg one of the goodliest and most fertill prouinces of Germany they terrified Metz tooke Montbeliard filled all those countries with feare and combustion The motiues of this extraordinary enterprise may well be obserued by that which I haue said but these causes were farre fetcht and not to be imbraced by two Kings who but euen now tormented one an other especially by Charles who hauing suffred so many crosses should haue horror to cause others to feele the like without constraint yet he found a pin for all these holes Charles would haue his sonne take Montbeliard to be reuenged of the Gouernour for the wrong hee had done him spoiling his country as farre as Langres in his greatest necessity The motiues of this war in Suizerland He assayled the Suisses and namely them of Basill being fauourers of Eugenius against Felix his compettitor that is to say against that Amedee Duke of Sauoy who had so crossed him in his affaires whom he could neuer loue what shewe soeuer he made in pollicy And for that Germany that quarter nere vnto Suisserland supported Felix against Eugenius he therfore hated theÌ„ And to gratifie René King of Sicile who had a priuate quarrell against the citty of Metz he turned his forces against it But what meaning soeuer Charles had herein he imbraced this voluntary warre with an incredible affection as if it had bin to defend the hart of his Realme He himselfe came to Espinall hauing sent his army before to Metz he continued the siege fiue moneths vntill the Cittizens had paide two hundred thousand crownes for the charges of the warre and acquitted king René of a hundred thousand florins of gold which they had lent him in his necessity Lewis the Daulphin parting from Montbeliard ruines Portentru in disdaine of the Bishop a great sollicitor against Eugenius from thence he enters into the territories of Basill with this goodly and florishing army 1444. tyed togither with so many strings hee incountred foure thousand Suisses being resolute to defend their Countrie The greatest part of them were cut in peeces but they sold their liues deere for the Germain histories report that we lost aboue fiue thousand men although wee had the victorie The Emperour Frederic the 3. a Prince which otherwise loued peace vpon the complaints of the Citties lying alongest the Rhin The Suisses fight valiantly and are defeated caused them to arme so as Lewis returned into Lorraine fearing to be too far ingaged in an enemies Country whome he had incensed against reason yet Frederic sent his Ambassadors to Charles to renue their ancient allyances So this cloude of people-eaters passed falling vpon diuers quarters like a shower of haile in a field of ripe corne leauing nothing memorable but a notable example of rashenesse making a warre which was neither necessarie nor iust afflicting quiet peaceable people without any occasion Whilest that France EnglaÌ„d made Suiserland to weepe Henry the 6. King of England married with Marguerite of Aniou daughter to René Duke of Aniou and of Lorraine and King of Sicile and Naples The Earle of Suffollk fetched her froÌ„ Nancy