France did belong vnto him The Earle of Foyx sent his Ambassadors and Deputies to the King being at Bordeaux to conclude the treaty p The cheife condition of the Marriage was that the children which should be borne without distinction of malâ— or female should succeed in the counties of Foix and Bygorre He past to Bayonne to end a controuersie betweene the 2. Kinges of Nauarre and Aragon 1462. and Henry King of Castile his Nephew A controuersie begun with great spleene and was continued with the like and had not ended without excesse if he had not dealt in it for the parties flattered themselues in their pretentions were blind in their interests and found that the obscurenes proceeded rather from the thing then their owne blindnes But behold the causes and the effects After the death of Charles the third q Charles the third King of Nauarre taking delight to build at Olîta died suddenly in September 1425. the threescore and foure yeare of his age and the thirty nine of his raigne he was buryed at Pampeluna King of Nauarre the Crowne past from the house of France and Eureaux into that of Castile and Aragon not without trouble and discord Iohn second sonne to Ferdinand of Aragon married Blanch Infanta of Nauarre presumptiue heire of the Realme of Nauarre and widdow to Martin King of Sicilie and it was agreed by a treaty of marriage that in case she should die before her husband hee should raigne the rest of his life in Nauarre after king Charles the third his father in law Of this marriage was borne at Pegna Charles Prince of Viana born Charles Prince of Vianna a title belonging to the eldest Sonne of the King of Nauarre r Charles the the third King of Nauarre ereected Viana into a principalitie and did affect it to the eldest son of Nauarre in the yeere 1421. as Dauphin to that of France The Asturiez in Castille and Wales in England Charles the third his grandfather made him to bee sworne heyre of the Realme by the Estates after the death of Iohn his Father Charles being dead Iohn was declared King of Nauarre by some and Blanch his wife was acknowledged Queene by others yet both were crowned at Pampeluna Iohn had great warres with his brother the King of Castille Marriage betwiâ—t the Prince of the Asturies and Blanch of Nauarre who did confiscate the lands which he held in Castille Iohn Earle of Foyx reconciled them by a marriage betwixt Henry Prince of the Asturies sonne to Iohn King of Castille and Blanch Daughter to Iohn king of Nauarre s By the constitution of the marriage of this Princesse which was of 42112. Florens of gold wee may iudge in what estate K. Charles the third had left the Realme of Nauarre The marriage was celebrated with great pompe and solemnitie but the Prince was vnable to consummate it The which the Princesse did long dissemble Shee had great cause to complaine of this want and to wish her selfe to be a widdow or her husband vnmarried t The dissembling of couiuâ—all imperfections is very seemly especially in a woman Tullia a great Romane Lady is blamed for her ordinarie complaints murmùring at her husbands disabilitie De viro ad fratrem de sorore ad viruÌ„ se rectius viduam illuÌ„ caelibem futurum Tit. Liu. but like an other Eusebia shee did long suffer for the disabilitie of Constans desiring rather to wrong her youth and beautie then her modestie A while after Blanch Queene of Nauarre died and king Iohn married againe with Ione Henriques Charles Prince of Viana fearing that his alliance would keep him back from the hope of raigning and from the inheritance of the Queene his Mother did not dissemble his discontent u A desire to raigne makes the father iealous of the sonne Plutarc saith in the life of Demetrius that the greatest and most ancient of all Alexanders successors did glorie that he feared not his sonne but suffered him to approch neere his person holding a Iauelin in his band pretending that by the lawes of the Realme his Father by marrying againe had lost the fruit of the Crowne Behold all naturall affection is altered betwixt the Father and the Sonne The desire of rule makes them enemies the Father growes iealous and would not suffer his Sonne to come neere him armed On the other side this second wife seeing her selfe mother to Ferdinand did what she could to show that she was mother in law to Charles x What will not an ambitious mother doe and vndoe for her children D. Ioane lying in the bed of death by reason of a Cankar which did consume her remembring what she had done to assure the Realme vnto her Sonne spake often these words with sighes which are reported in the 21. booke of the history of Spaine O my Son thou hast cost me deare For him she had caused Don Charles to bee poysoned and neuer ceast vntill this young plant were quâ—â—â—ht by the nipping cold of her bad intentions seeking to haue a share in the regencie of the Realme in the absence of the king who had reuiued the warre in Castille Hence sprung those two great factions Factions of Beaumont and Grandmont that of Beaumont which followed the intent of of the Prince against the King and that of Grandmont which was for the father against the sonne so as presently the Realme was diuided into two kings two constables Lewis of Beaumont Earle of Lerin was Constable to the Prince and Peter of Perault was Constable to the king The kings cause as the better and more iust remained victorious the Prince beeing twice ouerthrowne is forced to flye to Alfonso king of Arragon Valencia Sardinia Maiorca Minorca and Sicile hee had recourse vnto his clemencie and besought him to pardon him The king who could not forget the loue of a Father vnto him who shewed the dutie of a Sonne receiues him but hee had new aduertisments that hee made secret practises to trouble him wherefore he sent him prisoner vnto the Alferie of Saragossa from whence hee was drawne by the Cattallans who tooke armes for his libertie Charles of Nâ—uarre poisoned by his mother in law but he went out of the prison to enter into a graue y Charles Prince of Viana died being forty yeares old a valiant Prince a great Historian a subtill Philosopher and a good Poet hee translated Aristotles Ethicks into the Castilain tongue and hee wrote the History of Nauarre vnto the time of King Charles his Grandfather For the very day of his deliuerie he was poisoned and dyed with much repentance for that hee had rebelled against the king his father The Infant Don Ferdinand was acknowledged heyre of the crowne of Arragon They of Cattellonia tooke armes to reuenge the death of Prince Charles The seditious who blow the cole of this desection said that his soule walked in the
many in their obedience and dutie who suffering themselues to be carried away with this torrent of the league Sedition must be bee smothered in the beginning had become fooles for company and by infection For the people is a sea which moues with the winde yet neuer followes if some one goes not before b This beast the people have so many beads that although it hath great terrible forces yet it is base cowardly if it bee not stirred vp and led vultus sine rectore praeceps pauidum socors Tacit. but the number seemed but too great and it had multiplied speedily if the Kings wisedome had not foreseene it Conspiracie in the beginning is like vnto raine which enters into a small cranny on the top of the house and beeing neglected in the end expels the master thereof The King did consider hereof for being aduertised of his brothers retreat he knew well that the partie was made against him if hee did not oppose himselfe That what appeared not might be greater then what was in show and that besides the Princes of his bloud many Catylines had drunke in the same cup the wine and bloud of this conspiracie c Euery conspiracie hath crueltie and bloud hath been taken for the seale oath that bind the conspirators Salust saith that Catylâ—n mingled wine with bloud in a cup and presented it to his associates Iâ—de 〈◊〉 post execrationem omnes degustauissent sieuti in solemnibus sacris fieri consueuit aperuit consiliuâ—â—â—â— His first resolution was to diuide that which hee could not breake Hee sent to the Duke of Bourbon to come vnto him Who for that hee would vse no dissembling a great and powerfull vertue in these corrupted ages would not disguise his intentions nor represent them otherwise in words then they were in his heart He was the first mouer of all these spheares he had first giuen his voice and vowes to this generall reuolt of France he had offered to hang a bell at the Cats necke d In great resolutions there is danger to giue the first voice and hazard to execute that wâ—ich is resolued It is more safe to follow then to leade Insiita mortalibus natura propere sequi quae piget inchoare Tacit. And if they bee reduced to the conduct of an other it must be wâ—th the restraint of his owne wisdome Ne consilâ—is alterius regi recuses Est illius atque esto tuus tuumque serua In poste tuo velle modum in velle alieno when as euery man expected who should dare to doe it and had more desire to end then to begin If hee had made any show of repentance or feare in this beginning the rest which had martcht in his steps would soone haue turned their backes He answered that he had the same designe with the other Princes for the good and profit of the publike weale intreating the King to excuse him if hee came not to Court and for a greater declaration of his will he ceazed vppon the reuenues of Bourbonois and stayed Iuuenall des Vrsines Lord of Traynill Peter of Oriola and the Lord of Crussoll prisoners making it knowne that Ambition hath no other Law then the fancie of the Ambitious and takes away the maske from all respect When the King saw that there was no meanes to reclaime these Princes and that the Duke of Bourgundy was in armes he aduertised all the chiefe noble men of his Realme and wrote vnto the Clergie to the gouernours of Prouinces Letters froÌ„ the K. to the gouernors of the Prouinces and townes to the Magistrates and townes who faint and lose their courage for a little e As a little feare makes the people to faint so a weake hope makes them returne by nature they are fearefull and do not think what they shall doe to indure but to flye the danger that they should not suffer themselues to bee carried away with the false showes of the enemies of the estate who had suborned his brother to ingage France in those desolations from the which it was but newly freed That if they which had suffered themselues to bee abused in this reuolt did not bethinke themselues there wilfulnes would make them vnworthy the clemencie which he offered them That with the grace of God and the fidelitie of his good subiects hee assured himselfe to abate and disperse these bad designes Then considering that this league did consist of those who had sometimes called the English into France f He that hath two enemies must agree with the one the better to preuaile ouer the other The RomaÌ„ns did neuer fight against two Hercules could not do it After the Parthian warre they began that of the Marcomanians They would not breake with Antlochus who had wronged them before they had ended â—ith Philip. to haue a share of the shipwracke The King seeks to the King of England that the old enemies fauouring the new he might fall betwixt the Anuile and the hammer hee sent to the King of England dissembling cunningly the wrong which hee had done him when as in demanding Bonnâ— of Sauoy k Richard Earle of Warwick was sent into France in the yeere 1464. to demand Bonna of Sauoy in mariage of King Lewis the eleuenth for K. Edward The King granted it but during this negotiatiâ—n the King of England fell in loue with a meane gentlewoman widdow to one Grey a Knight Daughter to Richard Riuers and â—aqueline eldest Daughter to Peter of Luxemburgh Earle of S t. Paul the Queenes sister for his wife he had married an other He intreates and coniures him not to assist this new rebellion the which like to a puffe of smoke would vanish as soone as it should begin to rise Edward beeing already engaged to the Duke of Bourgundy let the King vnderstand that he was a sharer with him Edward the fourth declares himselfe for the Burgundian Hee sent the same letters which the King had written vnto him to the Duke of Bourgundy promising to assist him as constantly as his forefathers l Edward the third King of England wâ—nne the battell of Cressy the 26. of August 1346. France lost 1500. Gentlemen all were not slaine but all were defeated The Prince of Wales his Sonne wonne the battell at Pâ—icters ten yeeres after the 9. of September 1356. had done This young Prince felt a boyling desire in his heart to performe that in France which other Kings of his name had done He was glad to finde without the Iland an exercise for turbulent spirits to entertaine and quench that furious heate of fighting m He that commands a warlike Nation must finde exeâ—cise for his soldiers abroad if hee will not suffer them to take it at home There is not saith Tit. Liu. in â—is thirteenth booke anâ— great and mighty Potentate that caâ— leâ—g continue in peace for if â—ee hath not sâ—me enemie abroad hee shall finde
month a Porter a Pastry man a Baker two Carters to either of them sixe pounds a yeare To a Groome of the Stable and two to assist him eight and forty shillings a month A Farrier twelue pounds The Maister of the Chamber of the Kings Treasor had sixe score pounds and the Comptrouler fifty i King Lewis the 11. gaue thirty pounds of increase to Martin Barthelot Maister of the Chamber of his Treasure but the chamber of Accompts would not allow of it without a speciall command the which was dispatched at Paray le Moinat the sixt of Aprill 1481. They gaue but fiue shillings for the Groomes Liuery and foure and twenty shillings for Cloakes for the Clarkes Notaries and Secretaries of the house and Crowne of France His expence was not all in one place many did profite by it and did draw their commodities out of the liuely Springs of the Princes Magnificence Lewis remained little at Paris but most at Plessis I haue obserued in the Accomps of the Chamber of the Treasure k By the Accompts of the Kings house which were made monthly we find that in twelue yeares they were made but twice at Paris the one in the Kings house and the other in that of Maister Iohn of Popin court that there past not any yeare but hee made many voiages and that Paris saw him but seldome In the meane time he kept not his Chamber to liue at his ease neither did hee imitate the first Kings who did not shew themselues vnto their subiects but like the Images of the Gods which they drew once a yeare out of their gilded boxes He did visite his Prouinces hee spent not the twelue monthes in one sole lodging of the Zodiake Neither did hee send his affaires to the Maior of the Pallace l Clouis the 2. the 12. King of France beganne to giue to his successours vntill Charlemaigne the name of idle They were seene but once a yeare Magnificence doth not alwaies consist in the priuate expences of a Princes house Magnificence how farre it extends in numbers of Horses and Dogs nor in the shew of Lyons Tygers Leopards or Elephants it should appeare in Receiuing Lodging Feasting and defraying forraine Princes and their Embassadours This Prince in such occasions made it knowne that Magnificence doth not dwell but in Kings houses and that Frances was the Theater Hee receiued in this manner the King of Portugall the Queene of England and the Prince of Wales her sonne René of Aniou King of Sicile the Duke of Sauoy and the Princesses of Sauoy Anne Louyse and Mary m The expence of these three Princesses came to forty two pounds eleuen shillings and a peny from the 28 of October to the 24 of Nouember By the same respects of Magnificence which will that a Prince labour to content the eyes and minds of others as himselfe n A Prince doth many things wherewith hee might dispence if hee had none to content but his owne s◠lf Magnum est personam in Repubtueri principis qui non animis solum sed occulis ciuiū seruire debet It is a great matter to maintaine the person of Prince in a state who is not onely bound to serue the Cittizens minds but also their eyes Cic. hee made many other expences which were esteemed and commended both by his Subiects and Strangers He did often and for many daies feast and defray the Embassadours of England Hungary Arragon and Naples In the yeare 1477. in March the king of England sent the Lord Howard to visite him being followed by three score and tenne persons whom he defrayed all the time of his abode in France The good cheere hee made vnto the English at Amiens after the Treaty of Pyquigny and the twelue pipes of wine of the growth of Fay Monjan which hee caused to be conueyed to Deipe to giue to Edward King of England bound the English to those cries of ioy which were heard in their Army and at their departure A largesse for the Noble King of France But as there is one kind of Magnificence which is all in shew and doth purchase great applause among the people so there is another which is not so glorious and hath much fruite It is that which giues pensions to strangers and doth bind them to serue the Prince o He doth gratefie his memory in binding learned men vnto him who haue credit with posterity Senec. which doth nourish aduance and recompence good wits entertaines excellent Artists fauours good inuentions and all those that haue any credite with posterity There is also an other which is Religious Religious Magnificence and which hath not beene knowne but by the most Christian Kings who without wronging the greatnesse of their Maiesty made their houses a refuge for the miserable Robert sonne to Hugh Capet had commonly a thousand poore men in his traine hee gaue them horses to follow him and to pray for him p Lewis the 9. was founder of 28. Colledges in France who dying commanded his sonne to bee deuout to God and charitable to the poore Lewis the eleuenth had ordinarily sixe score and in Lent two hundred and forty whom he fed with meate from his Table And yet this is not the whole extent of Magnificence it goes farther and will be seene in Plaies Shewes and Iousts and in things which are rare and not common q In publicke calamities the Greeks and the Romans did vow Hecatombs they did sacrifice a hundred beastes vpon so many piles of wood Si verò Imperatorum votum esset centū Leones centumque Aquilae vnà mactabantur If it were the Emperours vow then were there a hundred Lyons and a hundred Eagles slaine together when as the people did vow Hecatombes of hundred Oxen and a hundred Sheepe the Emperours did offer a hundred Eagles and a hundred Lions But the expence which is wholy employed for sight entertaines the people but till they thinke of the belly A remembrance which dispenceth with all other things and hath no share in publicke cares but that which doth prouide meanes to content it r The multitude cares not for the conduct and good successe of affaires so they find corne at Market Vulgo vna ex republica Annonae curae The common people haue no care of the Common-weale but for Corne. when it endures any want all Sights all Plaies all Sports are tedious and makes them say that the Feast is made at their charge The Princes Magnificence must therefore shew her effects in things whereas the pleasure incounters with profite and which passe not with the contentment which the spirit takes in admiring them like vnto the daughter of Maruell which inamels her halfe circle vnprofitably in the Aire The Prince must not imitate the pride of the Pharaohs of Egypt who employed the sweate of their Subiects and the treasure of their Cofers in workes of Ostentation s They say that
Charles the seauenth armes against his sonne the Dauphin and takes S. Maixaint and Niort 9. Estates asseÌ„bled at Clermont euery man seeks to recouer the kings fauour 10 Repentance of the Dauphin and the Princes of his party 11. King Charles the seauenth pardons his sonne and refuseth to pardon them thut had corrupted him 12 A new order in the Dauphins house 13. Instructions which King Charles giues him 14. Seige of Pontoise the Academies of military exercises The taking of Tartas 15. The taking of Diepe The Kings armie in Languedoc 16. Montbeliard taken Basil besieged 17. Suisses defeated at the Hospitall of St. Iames of Basil. 18. Truce betwixt France and England 19. Death of Margret Steward wife to Lewis the eleuenth 20. Life of King Charles the seauenth The idlenes of peace 21 Lewis the eleuenth retires into Dauphiné Refuseth to returne at the Kings command 22 He passeth into Flanders to Duke Philip who lodgeth him at Gueneppe 23. Practises of Lewis the eleuenth 24. Hatred and contrariety of humors betwixt Lewis and the Earle of Charolois 25. Birth of Ioachim of Valois first sonne to Lewis the eleuenth 26. Army of Charles the seauenth The Duke of Bourgondy in alarum 27. Distrustfull and suspicious nature of Charles the seauenth 28. His death with a collection of his principall actions THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE HISTORY of LEWIS the XI ISabel of Bauaria Disinheriting of Charles the Dauphin an ambitious Princesse and a cunning woman but a cruell mother a Humane wisdome 〈◊〉 deceiued in matters which it thinkes iâ— hath foreseenâ— Charles the 5. had desired to seeke an alliance in Germany for his sonne to fortifie hâ—m against the English Hâ— married Isabell daughter to Stâ—phen Dâ—â—e or Bauaria 〈…〉 nature â—anded against Charles her sonne to transport he Câ—owne to strangers had so great power ouer the will and weaknes of Charles the sixt her husband as he disinherited the Dauphin his sonne and gaue the Crowne of France to Henry the fift king of England his son in lawe by a treaty made at Troie the xxi of May 1420. This declaration published at the Marble table was followed by another of the Kings Councell which promised to vse all the seuerities of Iustice against the Dauphin to punish him for the murder of Duke Iohn slaine at Monstereau A murther which making an altar vnto Mars of all France gaue him for offerings not prodigious showes of vices but an infinite number of braue men worthy of a more happy age and a better end He that knowes not the History cannot vnderstand that of the warres which it hath caused betwixt the kings of Fraunce and the house of Burgundy nor of those tragicall effects of malice and hatred which continued all the raigne of Lewis the xi But behold a true Table Charles the vi b Charles the 6. going from Mans in Iuly in the extreaâ—most heat of the day his head being couered with a great hood of scarlet he meâ— with a man 〈◊〉 â—eaded and bare-legged 〈◊〉 in white rugge at the enâ—ry of the forest who staying his horse by the reyacâ— said vnto him King ride no farther for thou art betraid These wordes to a spirit weakened with care watching distemperature and distrust turned his braine and made him mad O what misery did this poore head bring to the whole body of France for the infirmity and weaknes of his spirit Distraction of Charles â—he 6. suffered himselfe to be gouerned by Lewis Duke of Orleance his brother whom he loued dearely Philip Duke of Burgundy Vncle to the king by the father grew first iealous then an enemy to this great authority and his hatred tooke such deepe roote as it died not with him for Iohn his sonne was his heire and sware the ruine of the house of Orleance The two factions are framed Faction of Orleanois and Burgonians and the heads discouer their hearts by their deuises the motto of that of the Duke of Orleance was Ie l'enuie hauing a knotted staffe that of the duke of Burgundy was a Ioyners plan with this motto Ie le tiens th' one shewing how he would maintaine his authority and the other how he would ouerthrow it The Duke of Burgundies designes succeeded both to the ruine of himselfe and his house He grounded himselfe vpon the practice of the Townes and especially of Paris supplanting the Duke of Orleance of all c The credit and confidence which they haue in a man of commandement is the cheife support of his authority for from thence proceeds the loue of the people which is a buckler vnto the 〈◊〉 and a stâ—ong ramâ—iâ—e against 〈…〉 and wicked credit and loue and seeking to make him hatefull in the speeches but worse in the affections of the people who were otherwise incensed against him for some new subsidies which he had raised The first effect of this cruell hatred was that after many combustions both within and without Paris Death of Charles D. of Orleans and euen then when as they thought their minds were least inflamed the Duke of Orleance returning from the Queenes Palace where she then lay in and hauing past most part of the night by her on the 20. of Nouember 1407. fell into the hands of xviij murtherers which slew him It was a spectacle full of pitty the next day to see about this poore sicke King the widow d Valentine of Milan widdow to the Duke of Orleance Charles Philip and Iohn her sons Isabâ—l of Fâ—ance the Kings daughter married to Charles eldâ—st sonne to the Duke of Orleance the Kings of Sicile and Nauarre with the Dukes of Berry Bourbon demaund iustice of the murther and her three sonnes assisted by the three Princes of the bloud imploring iustice They seek out the crime but they finde not the offenders The Duke of Burgundies hatred is a great presumption that these were the fruites of his reuenge The Duke of Burgundy flies into Flanders all mens eyes were cast vpon his which his conscience made him to hould downe He drawes the King of Sicile and the Duke of Berry apart and aduowes the fact he leaues Paris with fiue more in his company and recouers his country of Flanders in great hast so as the suspition was changed into apparant proofe Sone after he e The Duke of Bourgondy returning into France with a great army carried in a table two lances in saltire the one hauing a sâ—arpe head for the warre the other a burrhead for the tourney giuing the choyce of war or peace returnes with a mighty army they that would haue condemned him He returnes to Paris are now forced to seek his friendship Paris receiues him as the Demon Gardian of her wals he maintaines puqlikely that he had caused the Duke of Orleans to be slaine to free the estate from oppressions A Doctor of the Sorbonne vndertooke to iustifie him before the Kings Counsell with so great impudence and flatterie
preuailed in Normandy and Guyenne Peace treated at Pouilly and then a peace was treated betweene the Dauphin and the Duke of Burgundy vnder the assurance whereof the Duke came vnto the Dauphin being at Montereau Faut Yonne m The Dauphin sent Charles of Poitiers Bishoppe of Valence to the Duke of Burgundy to draw him to Monsteâ—cau in Gasteacis for that he had refused to come by Tanneguy du Chastel saying that it were better for the Dauphin to com to Troye The 10. of Nouember 1419. he came was slaine vpon the bridge which was fortified with 3. barres The Duke hauing past the first entred into some apprehension of his fortune and meeting Tanreguy du Chastel he laid his hand vpon his shoulder saying Behold hâ—m in whom I trust and presenting himselfe vpon his knee Robert de Loire taking him by the arme sayd vnto him rise you are but too honourable who rising laid his hand vpon his sword to drawe it forward for that it hung too much back then said de Loire vnto him Doe you lay your hand vpon your sword before my Lord the Dauphin whereupon Tanneguy du Chastell stroke him so forceably vpon the face with a battell-axe as he made him to fall vpon his knee and cut off his chin another thrust his sword into his belly The body being stript was drawne into a mill and buryed the next day This death reuenged the house of Orleans but it gaue so great a share of the Realme to strangers as there remained very little for Charles who presently after the death of the Duke of Burgundy was declared by the king his father at the perswasion of his mother vnworthy to succeede vnto the crowne of France Hee might iustly haue appealed from these declarations to the Kings good sence but seeing him decay daily and that hee was still vnder the gouernment of this Medea he chose rather to appeale to God n Priuate persons haue many Iudges kings haue none but God saies M. Anthony Dion Niceâ—s the Iudge of Kings and to his sword lamenting with teares drawne from the bottome of his heart his owne miserie and that of France This disorder Death of K. Henry the fifth Charles the sixth contrary to the reason of nature the lawes of the realme was followed with strange changes Henry the fifth dies and 50. daies after Charles the sixth king of France Henry the sixth king of England is crowned at Paris Charles the seauenth at Poictiers there were two kings in one Realm two parties two armies but the English holde Paris and the first o In all factions the authority of the Senate is of great force Otho to shew the difference of his partie that of Vitellius said Nationes aliquas occupauit Vitellius imaginem quandam exercitus habet Senatus nobis cum est Sic fit vt hâ—c Resp. inde hostes Reip. constiterint Tacitus Hist. lib. 1. Senate who thought that all authoritie and soueraigne command was in effect on their side that the king had but the image some calling him for pitty sake Dauphin of Viennois and others in mocking King of Bourges or Earle of Ponthieu there remaining nothing to make him knowne to be the fourth sonne of Charles p Charles the 6. had 5. sonnes Charles who died of a â—â—â—sumption at 9. yeeres Lewis D. of Guyenne who died at 19. Iohn Duke of Touraine married to Iacquet of Bauaria in the yeaâ—e 1404. Charles the seuenth borne in the yeer 1402. the fiâ—th was he of whom the Queene was brought to bed when the Duke of Orleans was slaine the sixth but a peece of the crowne He goes to field weake of all things of armes friends men and mony but strong in right and courage to maintaine the quality of his birth which the enuy of fortune and the conspiracie of his enemies could not take from him for his mother had brought him into the world vnder purple q The Emperors of Constantinople ordained that their wiues should bee brought in bed vnder purple 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nicetas lib. 5. and the flower deluce There is nothing so powerfull as a good cause maintained with a good sword nothing doth so much comfort the soule in aduersity nor moderate it in prosperitie as the iudgement of conscience when as she feares not to haue her intentions knowne to God and men But seeing himselfe forced to vanquish before he raigne that victories depend of the force of Armes and that the triumphant Chariot of Mars is not moued but by the force of gold and iron r Fower things do perpetually follow warre men iron siluer and bread but of these 4. the two first are the most necessary for that mâ—n and iron cannot furnish siluer bread but bread and siluer may find men and Ironâ— that the springs of his treasure are drawne dry and the royall reuenues held by his enemies he procures his subiects to assist him with taxes Taxes ordained The French who haue alwaies excelled other nations in fidelitie and deuotion towards their Kings not knowing what it is to haue good when they want did contribute freely cheerefully to the necessities of Charles who like a good Shepheard was content to fleece his 〈◊〉 and not to flea them France which had beene besieged 70. yeares Miseries of France last 70. yeares with the miserie and calamitie of warre might well haue beene without this cruell diuision which was no other thing then a conspiracie of the Children s Ciuill warre is a mortall seuer in an estate This ardent desire in the Graecians to make warre in Greece is called by Plutarch a conspiracy against themselues by the which they staid with their own armes the fortune which led them to the height of felicity and turned their weapons against their owne bowels to turne the points of their swords against their owne bowels to inuite their Ancient enemies to the funerals of her liberty and to bring back those cruell and bloudy dayes for the which England hath giuen to the two Edwards the proud titles of Lightening Edward the third and the Prince of Wales and Eagle There was nothing in generall but miseries confusions amasements and desolation The pesant being stript both of flesh and fat had nothing left but bones and they were bruised The Historie admires that euen the cattell hearing the bell a signe of the enemies approch fledde of themselues to recouer their retreates She had so lost her first excellence as she seemed a building of whose beauty no man could iudge but by the peeces that remained of her ruines Vertue and Fortune t For the greatnes and continuance of an Empire fortune or to speak better prouidence and destiny must agree with vertue Roma vt ageretur sublimibus incrementis faedere pacis aeternae virtus conuenit atque forâ—una quarum si altera defuisset ad perfectam non venerat summitatem Ammianus which in the beginning
to submit himselfe to the mildest yoake seeing that hee could not remaine free o The miseries of ciuill diuision reduced Rome to that estate as hauing no hope euer to recouer her liberty she sought for nothing but for the mildest serâ—itude Hee left vnto Henry the name of King onely for all the authoritie was in his hands he gaue to the Earle of Salisbury the Office of Lord Chancellor of England and to Richard Neuell his Sonne the gouernment of Callis He disposed of publike charges as he pleased still giuing them vnto those of his faction In the end the king discouers the Duke of Yorkes designe Queene Margaret his wife who had been aduertised thereof le ts him vnderstand that he did temporise but vntill the partie were made to ceaze both of the king and Realme and among his partisans the king was held but for a Tyrant As if his Raigne had been by vsurpation or constraint p Among many differences betwixt a King and a Tyrant they put this that a King raigns with the loue anâ— consent of the people and a Tyrant rules by constraint The king imparted this to his principall seruants D. of Yorke retires from the Court of England who were of aduise to restraine this great authoritie which the Duke of Yorke had within the Realme The Duke beeing suddenly aduertised thereof retired secretly to Wigmore in Wales Richard Neuell to his Castle of Midleham in the North Countie and Richard Earle of Warwicke to Callis so as the cruell seditions in England grew more violent then before during the which the French spoiled the coasts of Kent and Iames king of Scotland inuited by the same occasion entred by Roxborge The same cause which made this warre ended it q The shaâ—pest Ciuill wars are pacified when as strangers meddle to gaine by them The two parties agree against the third and although the Prince be offended yet it is better to remit the punishment The king of England let the Duke of Yorke vnderstand that the ciuill discord and the bad intelligence which was betwixt them had opened a gate to the enemies to inuade England that the common danger did binde them to vnite their forces to defend it and that hee was contented to forget all matters past vpon hope of a better conduct hereafter English cease their ciuill discords to war against the French excusing himselfe that matters had not alwaies gone directly being impossible for a Prince to obserue all the kinds of Iustice and equitie r Many things vniust of themselues are made iust when they are countenanced by necessitie or profit wherfore Plutark obserues That if there were question to accomplish al the kindes of iustice Iupiter himself might not in that case bee a Prince The Kings intention was allowed by all men the Duke of Yorke being loth to be the author of the ruines of the Realme declared that all his affections tended to his greatnes and quiet and to take away all occasions of doubt He came vnto the King to London with the chiefe of his faction The feare of a forraine warre quenched the ciuill s There is no such indiscretion as to hazard ones own to get another mans and to draw forth the bloud which is needfull for the life of the bodie It is more glorie for a Prince to maintaine himselfe them to grow great Preseruation safety is the essence of an estate profit it but an accessary Mens mindes altered with things past grew milder and all their wills were vnited in one accord for the defence of the Realme detesting the discord which had drawne them into a warre which was not necessarie nor could bee happie and made them a prey and triumph to their auncient enemie But as the fire of sedition is neuer so well quenched but there remaines some sparks in the ashes Troubles renewed in England which kindle again if they be a little blowne that there be alwaies some which delights in troubles for that it is their rest t Seditions commonly are fed supported by three sorts of men First the heads of factions Secondly they that cannot liue in safety in the time of peace Thirdly they which are out of the presse find themselues free from dangers and in danger for that they come not neere them being like vnto those riuers which enter into the sea and doe not mingle their streames the Duke of Yorke and the Earle of Salisburie being retired to their houses after this accord were presently forced to leaue them to reuenge an affront done to the Earle of Warwick at VVestminster where he had been set vpon by the kings guard and forced to saue himselfe by the Riuer of Thames with the hazard of his life They said that Queene Margret was the author thereof being very desirous to ruine the Nobility of England and to ouerthrow the cheefe howses u A King should maintaine great families neither can hee suffer theÌ„ to be wâ—onged but hee shal weaken the greatnes of his maiesty wherof the Nobility is the cheese piller In all estates the Nobles haue beene respected and distinguished from others euen amongst the Thracians the genlâ—emen went only vppon horseback and at Rome Noblemens wiues went in Littors who were the pillers of the Realme The warre began as soone as it was declared The three Richards are in field King Henry hauing leuied great forces comes to York Andrew Trollop who was come from Calleis with the Earle of Warwick thinking to serue the King when as he saw their armes turned against him left the Earle of Warwick to follow the King who in moment scattered his enemies and forced the Duke of York to passe into Holland there to attend vntill his Partisans had raised the ruines of that party Battaile before London whereas K. Henry was defeated Presently after the three heads of the faction returne into England with an intent to vanquish or to dye they present themselues at the gates of London they giue and winne a great Battell whereas the Victors saw tenne thousand men slaine and as many prisoners King Henry who seemed to haue beene raised vp to show the inconstancy of Fortune and the misery and vanity of man remained at the Victors discretion The English remembring that his grandfather had caused King Richard to dye in prison began to acknowledge the iudgements of Gods iustice who punisheth the Children for the offences of their fathers x Henry Earle of Harford and Duke of Lancastre tooke armes against Richard the 2. seazed on him puts him into the Tower of London and caused himselfe to bee crowned King and after that he had forced him to resigne the Crowne hee sent him to Langleâ— where hee was murthered In this great prosperity the make falls from the Dukes face He speakes plainely Duke of York declared Regent that whatsoeuer he had done was grounded vppon the rightes of the house of Yorke the
night through the streetes of Barcellona complaining that the Queene his mother in law had separated it from his bodie by the violence of poison The Queene who was come to Girona saw her selfe besieged with Prince Ferdinand her Sonne and the Tower wherein she was retyred furiously battered The king seeing this great reuolt of his subiects entreates Lewis the eleuenth to succour him with men and money hee ingageth the Counties of Rousillion and Sardaigne vnto him for three hundred thousand crownes King of Nauarre demaunds succors froÌ„ the French King The king sent vnto him Gaston Earle of Foix Prince of Berne z Gaston Earl of Foâ—x married the second Daughter of Iohn King of Nauarre and of Queen Blanch his first wife and sonne in law to the king of Nauarre who freed the Queene and raised the siege of Gironna The Cattellanes nothing tractable to endure the humors of their Prince made a proclamation against the king declaring him falne from all the authoritie which he might haue ouer them and a murtherer of his owne sonne and violating the lawes of the country a They of Cattellonia declaâ—ed the K. an enemy vnto the countrey by diuers informations proceedings against his actions and the murther of his son the which they sent to Pope Pius the second They sent to Henry King of Castile to embrace their defence and protection submitting themselues vnder his obedience and offering him the crowne of Arragon beseeching him to adde vnto the iust title which their election gaue him vnto the Realme the right of Armes they alone doe purchase Empires b There are fiue kindes of Titles to Realmes the first by Armes so Cyrus Alexander anâ— Caesar made themselues Monarches secondly by the grace of God and in this manner raigned Moses Dauid thirdly by succession fourthly by election and the fist by the nomination of the Prince Marc. Anthony named Lucius Verus for his successor Dioclesian Maximinian and Gratian Theodosius and being gotten defend and preserue them He gaue them for succors two thousand and fiue hundred horse vnder the command of Iohn of Beaumont Prior of S t. Iohn of Nauarre The K. of Castill aides the Cattellans when the French and the Castillians met neere vnto Ixar they would not fight c No man can dispose as hee pleaseth of Auxiliary troupes they haue respects coÌ„trary to the designe of such as imploy them and the French intreated the king of Nauarre to take it in good part if they sought rather to end then entertaine their quarrels The Earle of Foix who was brother in law to the king of Castill and sonne in law to the king of Nauarre disposed the two Princes to referre themselues to the iudgement of the French king They yeelded sending their embassadors to Baiona where the French king was an honor pleasing to the humor of Lewis who would be interessed in all things and very deere to the reputation of France which was in possession not onely to iudge of the controuersies of forraine crownes but also to giue kings vnto those which had not any d The realmes of Christendome haue taken Princes out of the house of France to raign ouer them Alphonso son to the Earle of Tollousaraigned in Spaine the house of Eureux in Nauarre the Dukes of Normandy in England they of Aniou at Naples and Sicilie The Empire of Constantinople was held three yeres by the French They haue raigned a hundred yeares in Sora Cipres Palestina Charlemain Lewis the gentle haue added vnto the Empire of the Gaules all Italy Bohemia Hungarie and Germany In a word the seat of Popes haue beene in France The king of Nauarre went not from Saragossa Lewis the French K. made arbitrator betwixt the Kings of Castill and Arragon nor king Henry from S t. Sebastians in the prouince of Guipuscoa relying vppon that which their Embassadors treated The king hauing conferred of the controuersie betwixt them and of the causes which had moued the Cattellans to reuolt did iudge in such sort as to reconcile the parties it was necessarie they should meete and speake together vpon the frontier The enterview was at Endaia whereas the sentence giuen at Bayona was read by Aluaro Gomes The Cattellans were not content with this Iudgement saying that as the king of Castille had abandoned them so his Embassadors had betrayed them The king of Nauarre being offended for that hee was condemned to yeeld the towne of Estella to the king of Castille Enteruiew of the Kings of France and Castill to the preiudice of the reuenues of the crowne of Nauarre made the estates of Nauarre protest of nullity King Lewis reaped the greatest profit of this action for he practised and drew vnto his seruice some Ministers of these two kings and made them his pensioners e The King of Castille suffered himselfe to be gouerned by the great master of Castille and the Archbishop of Tolledo King Lewis made much of them to be informed of the state of Castille or at the least to drew them to his deuotion It is the least a Prince can attend of one that comes to see him This assembly did not confirme the affections which the crownes of France Castill had had together f The friendship and alliance betwixt the French and the Castâ—llans haue continued long Vpon which assurance K. Charles the sixt sent his Embassadors to Iohn King of Castill in the yeare 1418. to 〈◊〉 succors against the English The Castillians who could not lodge at Bayona with the French without quarrelling did not forbe are to scoffe at them at this enteruiew vpon the Riuer of Vidasa g The riuer of Vidâ—so diâ—ides the two realmes the Spaniards hold it is all theirs The King of Castill past the Riuer and came vnto the king The Castillians seeing him attired in cloth and very short with a hat differing from the rest and for a Iewell an image of lead imputed it to miserablenes h Apparell doth often minister cause of laughter The Siciliens did not esteeme of Gilippus their generall seeing him simply apparelled in a poore cloake wearing long bayre yet Syâ—â—â—â—s saith that the ancient Kings were knowne and distinguished rather by the minde then the pompe and 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Syn Orat 〈◊〉 regno There are Nations whereas they contemne the Prince if hee bee not so gorgeously attired as if he should show himselfe vpon a theater It is impossible to abstaine from laughter looking vpon the portraites of the Emperors of Greece which are so couered with Pearle and precious stones as they can not bee knowne but by their beards The French finding also the habites of the Castillians vnpleasing their king very hard fauoured and their manners insolent and full of African pride Of all this there could grow no great Alliance for such enteruiewes are alwaies noted more by the alienation of mindes then by alliances of estates
to the toombe of his Father at the Celestins at Paris the 21. of February 1504. by the commandement of king Lewis the twelfth his sonne After the battell of Azincourt he remained fiue and twenty yeares prisoner in England The English would not deliuer this Flower-deluce without ransome and to redeeme him the D. of Bourgundy payed three hundred thouthousand crownes What a change Iohn Duke of Bourgundy depriues Lewis of Orleans of his life Philip Duke of Bourgundy his sonne giues libertie to Charles of Orleans and to make the bond perfect he giues him the golden fleece and marries him to his Neece Mary of Cleues shee was the third wife hauing before his imprisonment married Isâ—bel of France widdow to Richard King of England and Bonna of Armagnac x The afronts which are receiued from great persons must not onely be disgested patienâ—ly but also after a constant manner murmuring auailes nothing Many haue made of scratchings incurable wounds oftentimes the iniury is doubled and renewes when as they make it knowne that it is receiued according to the designe of him that doth it x By Mary of Cleues hee had Lewis the twelfth his onely sonne and two Daughters Mary was promised to Peter of Bourbon and afterwards married to Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbonne father to that Achilles of France GastoÌ„ of Foix Duke of Nemours of Germaine Queene of Arragon Anne of Orleans was Abbess of Fonteueâ—aud The Duke of Bourbon hauing opened the passage to this designe of the warre of the common-weale The Duke of Berry retires into Brittany they attended no more but to see the head Charles of France the Kings brother beeing at Poictiers and making show to goe a hunting whiles the king was in his deuotions steales away and goes vnto the Embassadors of Brittaine Iohn of Rommille vice chancellor of Brittaine and Tanequy of Chastell who were come to haue a Prolongation for other three monthes to make answere to the kings demands carried him away speedily by the meanes of the Lord of Lescon a Gascoine and led him into Brittanie y The King being gone in deuotion to our Lady of Pont in Limosin the Duke of Berry retires into Brittaine He was but eighteene yeares old hee held life so short and that of Princes which liue in subiection so troublesome as if he did not speedily know what it was to bee a master the knowledge would euer come to late He was welcome for this was the firebrand which they must cast to set France on fire The Duke of Brittanie promised him the seruice of his person and all the succors of his forces Hee declared the cause of his departure by letters which hee wrote to the Duke of Bourgundy and to the other Princes of their intelligence The most apparent was drawne from the bad gouernment of the affaires whereof the Princes of the bloud z It concernes the Princes of the bloud to look into the disorders of the estate and to assist the King faithfully to rearesse theÌ„ whiles there is heat in tâ—is bloud wee may hope for the life and continuance of the body which haue the chiefe interest and care of the whole bodie should apprehend the dangerous euents and had subiect to complaine to see vnworthy men without honor or merit to deale in that which should passe by their hands and to leap ouer their heads to great offices That his armes and his desires had no other obiect but to restore order vnto the Realme and there withall to ease the people of their oppressions the which he could not otherwise hope for but in making the King know in the beginning of his raigne a At the Câ—mming of new Pâ—aces they make demands and pursuits for that which they dâ—sire the rest of the Raigne for when they are well settled they will no more beare speake That 〈◊〉 Petcennius hauing prepared his companions to mutine hee said Quando ausuros exposcere remedia nisi noâ—â—m et nutantem adhuc Principem vel armis adirent Tacitus lib. 1. Annal. the extreame necessity whereinto it was brought His will was manifested more amply by his letters to the Duke of Bourgundy which Monstrellet setts downe in these termes Most deere and welbeloued Vncle I recommend me vnto you I let you vnderstand that of late I haue often heard the clamors of the Princes of the blood my kinsmen and other Noblemen of this Realme in all estates of the disorder and pittifull gouernment which now doth raigne by the councell of men being about my Lord full of all lewdnes and iniquity who for their owne profit and priuate disordered affections haue drawne my Lord into iealousie and hatred against you me and all the Noblemen of the said Realme yea against the Kinges of Castile and Scotland so long allyed vnto the Crowne b The most ancient alliances of the French haue beene with the Scots and then with the Castilians The Crowne of France hath had pretentions vpon Castille at the inheritance of the Lady Blanch of Castile mother to St. Lewis as euery man knowes In regard how the authority of the Church hath beene kept Iustice done and administred the Noblemen maintained in their rights and priuiledges and the poore people supported and freed from oppression I write no more vnto you for I know you are sufficiently informed and I am greeued at the said thinges as I ought to be as he whom it doth so neere concerne as euery man doth know c The Children of one family are interessed in the 〈…〉 and the Princes of the bloud in the gouernment of the estate and desire to prouide for it by the Counsell of you of the said Princes and kinsmen and other Noblemen who haue all promised to aid and serue me not sparing body or goods for the quiet of the Realme and the publick weale thereof and also to saue my person which I found to be in danger For incessantly and openly my said Lord and they about him spake such wordes of me d The words of such as are neerest vnto a Prince make men iudge of his intentions The Duke of Berry hearing that the seruants of the K. his brother spake freely against him thought that their discourses were framed vpoÌ„ his Good words entertaine friendship and bad dissolues theÌ„ as I might with Reason haue cause to doubt I therefore left my said Lord and am come vnto my good Cosin of Brittaine who hath giuen me so good and commendable reception as I cannot sufficiently commend it and is resolued to serue me with body goods and all his power to the good of the said Realme and publicke weale And therefore my most deere and welbeloued vncle my intention and desire is to imploy my selfe with you and the said noblemen my kinsmen whose counsell I will vse and not otherwise to restore and redresse the said desolate Realme knowing that you are one of the greatest of the Realme whom
that any other should deale in it Hee represented vnto him the greatnes and commoditie of the Estates which this marriage would bring him after the death of his brother and father in law makes him to apprehend it in such sort as this yong Prince who filled not his fantasie with small imaginations continued his first poursuite of an alliance with duke Charles assuring him that it would produce great effects for their common fortunes and profit o An apparent and important profit is a great motioÌ„ to diuert the effect of a promise The Duke of Brittanie promised vnto himselfe the honour of the mediation for a matter which did profit few men and offended many The King had no desire his brother should be so great p Tâ—e Kings of France haue in former times repented themselues for that they had made their brethreâ— so great Charles the â—ifu gaue to Philip the hardie the Duchie of Bourgundy which K. Iohn had vnited vnto the Crowne maâ—ied â—im to the heyre of â—landeâ—s The house of Bourgundy grew so mighty as it would equall it selfe with that of France The King of England sent often to the Duke of Bourgundy to diswade him from this alliance entreating him to consider that the Duke of Guienne Designe of the King of England succeeding the King who had no children and holding the countries belonging to the house of Bourgundy England did foresee her ruine and destruction The Duke of Bourgundy would haue no such sonne in Lawe he gaue a desire and appetite to all men with one hand and tooke all hope from them with the other he promised her to all gaue her not to any he made vse of his daughter to entertaine the loue of Princes and to passe ouer his affaires with more successe to repaire by pollicy the defects he found in his owne strength thinking that his weaknes did dispence him of his word and that fraud was glorious against his enemies q Deceit which makes an enemy receiue an affront is as commendable as it is to bee blamed when it deceiueth him that is not so declared whereas they say that fraud is glorious in warre it is not to be vnderstood in breaking words and promises but of politick fained and artificiall stratagems But he had no desire to marry her propounding vnto himselfe in this marriage more the aduancement of his owne designe then the contentment of his daughter hee promised her to Maximilian sonne to the Emperour Frederic Princes pretending to marry the Daughter of Bourgundy and inclined much to that party to doe his busines in Germany where he desired to purchase some credit for at the same time Sigismond ArchDuke of Austria had ingaged vnto him for fourescore thousand florins the Country of Alsatia and Brisgaeu with the County of Ferette r The Country of Alsatia Brisgâ—â— the black Forrest the Contie of 〈◊〉 or Forrest Were ingaged by Sygismond Arch-duke of Austria for 80000. floriâ—â— vpon condiâ—ion that the D. of Bourgundy should not alter any thing of the Lawes and Customes of the Country in the yeare 1496 Hee promised her in like manner to Nicholas sonne to the Duke of Calabria to draw him from the Kings allyance who had promised him his eldest daughter To the Duke of Guienne to trouble the Kings of France and England and to Phillip Duke of Sauoy for an other designe Yet the practise was so followed by the Duke of Brittaine and the Constable who promised in regard of that marriage to draw him into Amiens and S. Quintin as he gaue his word to consent vnto it and at the same instant hee assured the King of England that hee would not doe it his words vppon this subiect were neuer of one tune s It was a witty comparison of him that said that mens actions were like notes of musick sometimes in spaces sometimes in lines sometimes aboue and sometimes beneath and neuer or seldom straight for any long coÌ„tinuance and did not accord with his heart The Dukes of Guienne and Brittanie being well aduertised that their hopes were crost by the King of England gaue the Duke of Bourgundy to vnderstand by their Ministers that without the assistance of the English they were strong inough and had sufficient intelligence to force the King to doe him right and that the principal end of their Armes being for the publike good of the realme they could not haue that successe which they expected imploying their ancient enemies and that so long as they had forces and meanes in France it was not needfull to seek them in England t Wâ—ilest that wee may passe without succors we should not seek them Plato in his Lawes forbids to dig for water in a neighbors house before that hee had sought it in his owne These words were deliuered vnto him by Vrfe in the behalfe of Monsieur Wherevpon the Duke said to Philip de Commines Behold the Lord of Vrfe presseth me to make mine armies as great as I can and tels me that we shall doe great good vnto the Realme doe you thinke if I enter with the company that I shall lead that I shall doe any good Philip de Commines answered smiling In my opinion no Then the Duke said I loue the good of France better then my Lord of Vrfe thinkes for whereas there is but one King I would there were six He would gladly haue had the whole peece u Ambition striues to diuide and teare in peeces that which shee can not breake nor carry wholly away but knowing the impossibilitie that the ascent was too steepe and the top too slipperie hee had no care but to breake that which he could not wholly enioy x There is not any one of so great a courage but thinking to make himselfe a King he trembles the ascent vnto a royaltie is slipperie the top shaking and the precipise fall fearefull He prepared great forces and the King sent his into Guienne being incensed that his Brother had restored the Earle of Armagnac to his lands which had been confiscate and hee spoyles both the one and the other He wins his cheife seruants the more easely to chase him out of Guienne The Duke of Guienne prest the Duke of Bourgondy to succor him the Duke sent vnto the King to intreat him to suffer Monsieur to liue in peace The King answered that hee had no intent to alter any thing of his brothers portion but to keepe him from attempting beyond his bounds And behold a remarkable poynt of wisedome in this Prince whilest the Duke prepared his army he sent Peter D'oriole Chancellor of France vnto him and the Lord of Craon to make an ouerture of an accord A Peace treated and a promise made to restore Amiens A peace was treated and the King promised to restore Amiens and Saint Quentin the duke was so much greeued for the losse of these two townes and had so great
noe portion of the inheritance come vnto the woman but let all the inheritance of the land descend vnto the Male. The English from a Generall demand come vnto a particular and restraine it to the Dutchies of Normandy and Guienne It was answered that as Edward had no interest to the whole so his felony had depriued him of the parts m Edward the third did homage to Philip of Valois for the Dutchies of Guienne and Normandy calling him his deere Lord and Cousin in the Cathedrall Church of Amiens the 6. of Iune 1333. As the King was resolued not to giue them any land so would he not refuse whatsoeuer they reasonably demanded in money when there is no question but of money a Prince should not bee sparing nor difficult The safety and felicity of an estate is not measured by a certaine price n A Prince should not respect money to send away an enemy and rather then to giue him any part of his estate with the which hee may liue in feare to loose all he should hazard any thing Hee winkt at all that as well as at sundry other formalities which the maiesty of the Crown of France would not haue suffered to passe in another season for in all this negotiation Edward gaue him noe other stile but his Cousin Lewis of France Hee offers them threescore and fifteene thousand Crownes for the charges of the Army Articles of a peace betwixt FraÌ„ce and England the Crowne being 33. solz a peece the marriage of his Sonne the Dauphin with the Princesse of England and a Pension of fifty thousand Crownes yearely vntill the marriage be consummated These offers were accepted a Truce was concluded for nine yeares and Hostages giuen by the King of England for the retreat of his army There was also a Compromise vppon a penalty of three millions of Crownes to determine and compound their Controuersies within three yeares by the iudgement of foure Arbitrators Charles the seauenth had expelled the English out of France by the sword and Lewis hath sent them away with his penne o Wee come to one end by contrary meanes Charles the seuenth expelled the English by force and Lewis with store of crownes Hanniball by crueltie ruled Italy and Scipio by mildnes Spaine The Constable thought that these mists The Constable sends vnto the King entertained by the vapors of his pollicies would haue lasted longer and he was much greeued that the Sun-shine of peace had disperst them Hee sent Lewis Creâ—ille a Gentleman of his traine and Iohn Richer his Secretary vnto the King to let him vnderstand that he neuer had any designe but to serue him faithfully that the proofe or his seruice was the refusall he had made vnto his enemies of the entry into S t. Quentin The King descouers the Constables double dealing to the duke of Bourgondy but he was of opinion that they should find some meanes to send back this storme beyond the Seas The King who desired to haue the deceiuer deceiued p Deceiuers are alwaies deceiued They whom they deceiue watch to requite it and their owne deceit ruines them Hanniball after the death of Marcellus wrote to the Salapiens vnder Macellus name whose seale he had gotten that he would come vnto their Towne The next night Crispin Lieutenant to Marcellus who knew the deceits of Hanniball gaue notice of his death Hanniball came to the gates of Salapia the first ranks who could speake the Roman tongue demand entrance The gard being aduertised and making a good shew suffered six hundred to enter then letting downe the Port-cullis they cut them in peeces Plut. and that the Duke of Bourgondy should vnderstand how this man cosoned him with his double dealing he caused the Siegneur of Contay to be set behind a portall The Kin discouers the Constables double dealing to the Duke of Bourgondy he was an affectionate seruant to the Duke and then the Kings prisoner And with him stood Phillip de Commines to heare Creuilles charge which was nothing else but to yeeld him an accompt of the voyage which he had made vnto the Duke to withdraw him from the amity of the English and that he had so disposed him therevnto as hee was in a manner ready to charge them Creuille supposing by the Kings countenance and attention that he tooke delight in this discourse counterfeited the speech and gesture and reported the Dukes oath he stampt with his foot against the ground and sware by St. George calling Edward one-eyed white-liuer and the Sonne of an Archer who cairied that name If Contay had not seene and heard Creuille he would not haue beleeued that a man of any sence would haue spoke so vnworthily of his maister the King faining to be thick of hearing took delight in the repetition of the cheefe wordes of this tale and his heart seeming full of ioy gaue courage to Creuille to amplifie this discourse to the end that Contay might vnderstand it better Constables opinion to buy a truce and know that the Constable mockt his maister q Florence hath seene the like pollicy Peter de Medicis to make it knowne that Lewis Sforza Duke of Milan in counselling King Charles to passe the Alpes did not wish him any good successe He caused the Ambassador of France to stand behind a haâ—ging and saigning himself ill he sent for the Ambassador of Milan who entring into discourse of the designes of Lewis Sforza his Maister he told all â—e could to make it knâ—wâ— that the intentions of the French did not concurre with his maisters Guicciardin To conclude the Constable as Creuille said thought it fit they should purchase a truce of the English and that they should giue them some towne as Eu and St. Valery The King being content with that which hee had heard tould Creuille that the Constable should heare from him He set Contay at liberty to go and report vnto the Duke of Bourgondy what hee had heard behind the Portall of the Constables dissimulations who sent his Confessor vnto the King of England to aduise him not to trust vnto the Kings words nor to attend vntil he did willingly giue him Eu and St. Valery The Constable perswades K. Edward not to trust K. Lewis but to seaze thereon by force to winter his troopes in hope to lodge them better and more at large and hee offered fifty thousand Crownes to aid him to make warre Tell your Maister answered the King of England that he is a deceiuer that I repent me not of a peace seeing he hath repented him of that which he had promised me The King notwithstanding to let the Constable vnderstand that he did esteeme his Councells r There are some thinges wherein it is better to bee deceiued then to distrust The King was well informed of the Constables infidelities yet to entertaine him in good humor and not to giue him occasion to doe worse hee
the imbecillitie and weaknes of his Nature for whereas hee should haue opposed himselfe against those mutinies he suffred them to get such credit and authoritie as the Archbishop of Toledo being sent for to come vnto him to the end hee might pacifie those troubles he said vnto him that brought him this charge Tell your King that I am weary of him his affaires and that he shall shortly see who is the true King of Castille The Grandos of the Realme assembled in a great plaine neere vnto Auila to degrade the King from the royall dignity That which they could not doe vnto his person Alfonso proclained K. of Castille they did vnto his statue d When as King Henry vnderstood of this degradation which was in Iune 1â—65 he said I haue bred vp children and they haue contemned me I came naked from my mothers wombe and the earth atâ—ends me naked No man can liue so poorely as hee is borne and it God expels mee now for my fins he wil comfort and preserue mee afterwards for his infinite power is that which kils and restores to life which wouÌ„ds and cures that which giues Siegneuries takes them away which raiseth vp Kings puls them downe when he pleaseth which they presented vpon a scaffold when as the Herad said that D. Henry was degraded from the royall dignity the Archbishop of Toledo tooke the Crowne from his image the Earle of Plaisance the sword and the Earle of Beneuent the Scepter this done Diego Lopes cast it out of the royall seat Alfonsos standard was aduanced and poore Henry shouted at and contemned They would end the quarrell by a battell before Olivedo e The Battell of Oluiedo was in the yeare 1467. They doe not agree who had the victory D. Alfonso was seen armed aâ— all peeces incouraging his men D. Henry appeared not in the fight but entered triumphing towards night into Medina del Campo The two Armies fought by order one squadron against another The Archbishop of Toledo led his army hauing a white stole vpon his armes The combat continewed three houres and ended with so great disorder of either side as both parties made bonfiers for the victory The Pope sent his Legat f Anthony de Veneris Bishop of Lyon the Popes Legate being in Spain coÌ„manded them to lay downe Armes vpon paine of excommunication the great men of Spaine opposed themselues said that they appealed to a Councill The Licentiat Iohn D. Alcacer and Doctor Alphonso of Madrigall were committed for this appeale to pacefie these troubles during the which King D. Alfonso hauing raigned three yeares died of the plague at Cardegnosa Death of Alfonso King of Castille The League would haue declared Isabella heire of the Realme the which she would not accept the King her brother lyuing wherevpon a peace was made by which she was declared Princesse of Castille the nineteenth of September 1468. vpon condition that she should not marry without the consent of the King hir brother They would haue married her to Alfonso of Portugall who was a widower and D. Ioane to Iohn the eldest Sonne of Portugall vpon condition that if there came no children of the marriage of the Pincesse Isabell g D. Isabella was sought for in marriage by the brother of King Lewis by the King of Englands brother She made choise of D. Ferdinand Prince of Arragon He came to see her vnknown D. Guttiere of Cardona who coÌ„ducted him shewed him her saiing in Spanish Esse es It is he To whome the Princesse answerered sodenly and S. Shal be thine armes vpon this cause the family of this knight doth at this day carry an S in tâ—eir armes and deuice those which issued from the marriage of D. Ioane should succeed to the realme Castille But D. Isabella had other thoughts she loued Ferdinand sonne to Iohn King of Navarre and Arragon whome shee caused to come to Vaillidolet in a disguized habit and marryed him the eighteenth of October 1469. Isabella of Castille marries Ferdinand of Arragon King Henry was so incensed at this marriage as hee declared his Sister fallen from all the rights which shee might pretend to the crowne of Castille and caused Ioane his daughter to be proclaymed his true heire who was married to Charles Duke of Guienne as hath beene formerly said This treaty of marriage was broken by the death of the Dukd of Guienne King Henry died also h The death of Henry the 4. King of Castille was in the yere 1474. the one and forty yeare of his age and the on twenteth of his raign Hee was interred in the great Chappell of the Monastery of Guadalupe He appointed 52. lampes of siluer to burne day night vpon his tombe And notwithstanding that the Crowne were assured to Ferdinand and Isabel yet Ioane continued the title of Queene of Castille Troupes sent out of France into Castille and in this quality she married with Alfonso King of Portugall which was an occasion of great warres The French King being discontented with the house of Arragon and the warre of Pergignan sent troupes to the King of Portugal vnder the command of Aman of Albret i Ambassadors haue oste ingaged their Maisters in very ruin ous voiages Philip de CoÌ„mines who had treated with them of the K. of Portugall saith that if they had beene well aduised they would haue informed themselues better of matters here before they had councelled their Maister to this voiage wâ—ich was very preiudiciall vnto him But the King of Portugal hauing lost his enterprises and his Partisans was forced to retyer himselfe into Portugall carring away no other triumph of the warre of Castille but the Princesse D. Ioane his wife whome notwithstanding hee would not mary before hee were assured of the Realme of Castille and therefore he went into France to implore ayde from King Lewis with whome he had treated an alliance by his Ambassadors who vnder the good chere which was made them and the good words which were giuen them during the treaty without any other intent perswaded their Maister to come into France assuring him that he should doe more by his presence for the succors which he demanded then by the mediation of his servants and that there might bee a marriage made betwixt the Dauphin and D. Ioane his Neece He landed at Marseille Alfonsâ— K of Portugall comes to Tours came to Lyons and so went downe the riuer of Loire to Tours where he acquainted the King with the cause of his voyage k Necessity â—orceth Princes euen to things vnworthy of their quality They write that this Prince besought the King to succor him with such vehemency and humanity as hee fell on his knees at his heete It had not beene secret though he had beene silent Kings come neuer to the gates of other Kings to offer or to giue but to demand and entreat He carried a Lampe in
waxt by which hole we did looke into the Castle-yard Hee saith also that Margaret of Clisson Mother to the Earle of Ponthieure came scoft at him vsing these words Deposuit potentes de sede He hath put the Mighty from their seate Hist. of Brit. Lib. 11. it had felt the ruines and desolations which the Iustice of God brings vpon Principalities for the sinnes of the Princes and People The diuision betwixt the Houses of Montfort and Blois had brought it to the last extremity and it had seene an Act of wonderfull presumption of a vassaile against his Lord Duke Iohn hauing beene prisoner to Oliuer of Blois with such vnworthy vsage as hee was in a manner depriued of the aire which all the powers of the world cannot take from Man there beeing nothing but death that can depriue him of breath This poore Prince had no Aire at all but was in darkenesse p When as God saith Epictetes takes from thee necessary things as food raiment and thy sences he sounds a retreat hee opens the doore and commands thee to come and in a little Chamber where hee could not see but by a hoale made with a Pinne the Sunne for the which many haue beleeued they were in the world Anaxagoras said that hee was in the world to admire the Sunne A more tedious kinde of life then death it selfe and hee that is reduced vnto it hath a strong resolution if he doth not murmure that God suffers him to liue so long One of the wise Stoickes thought that hee gaue man leaue to depart this life when as he gaue him no meanes to liue But let vs returne vnto the King Townes vpon the riuer of Somme recouered by the king Before the newes of Duke Charles his death was assured hee brake the Truce which should haue continued seuen yeares longer and seized vpon Abbeuille Dourlans Monstreuil Montdidier Peronne Han Bohain Saint Quintin and the Townes vpon the Riuer of Somme which by the death of Charles the last Male of the House of Bourgondy returned vnto the King Hee wisht hee might haue done as much to all the Low Countreyes and by some iuster meanes then by Armes in marrying his sonne to the heire of Bourgondy Lewis desires to marry his sonne to the heire of Brittain But beside the great inequality of their ages hee had promised him to the Princesse of England and he desired to giue him the heire of Brittaine for she was more sutable to his sonnes age and this Princesse was a Rampart against the fury of the English who being seconded by the Dukes of Brittaine haue entred that way and come into the heart of the Realme He perswaded himselfe to preuaile by other meanes he had good seruants at Gand who had made shew that this kinde of gouernement was against their mindes and that they affected new Maisters q The day after that the Ganto is receiued newes of the Dukes death they put to death 25 men of their Lawe The pretex was for that they had executed a man before they were confirmed in their charge He thought that in taking some of the chiefe Townes of the Countrey the rest in this confusion of Councels and weakenesse of forces would yeeld of themselues and as if there had beene no other difficulty he disposed already of places and gouernments of Prouinces His humor was to imploy meane men in great affaires and to handle great works with small engines He sent Robinet of Odenfort to S. Omer and Oliuer le Dain his Barber to Gand who was of such power and authority euen with the King as the French going out of the Realme they demaunded of them in mockery among other newes of Court Presumption of Oliuer le Daine if Lewis were in good tearmes with Oliuer r StraÌ„gers mock at princes which depend vpon 〈◊〉 companions and giue themseles as it were in a prey to their conduct This man for that hee was borne in a village neere vnto Gand was so presumptuous as hee thought he could make this Towne subiect to the Kings will and tooke this charge vpon him to goe thither vnder colour to carry some message to the Princesse who had called an Assembly of the Estates at Gand s Estates in the Law Countries held at Gand. The Oath of fidelity was renued to the Princesse for it had in already taken by Guy of Roâ—â—fort Lord of PluvaÌ„t her Chamberlain by Guy Perrot her Secretary of state and vnder hand practised men to what he had intended he stiled himselfe Earle of Melun This purple-hue did nothing at all beautifie the Ape but made him more ridiculous to them that knew the basenesse of his breeding t Basenesse of birth is a reproach which is giuen to them that gloriously forget theÌ„selues Iphicrates Tully and Marius endured it Yet the King perswaded himselfe that hee would doe wonders in this Citty telling the chiefe Noble-men of his Court that they whom he had sent to Gand and Saint Omer were able to get the keyes of the Towne and to draw in his Troopes He made account of the one as Augustus did of Mecenas u Augustus Caesar loued 2. men aboue all others Agrâ—ppa for his patience and Mecenas for his secresie and discretion Being in Councell with them after the war of Actium how hee should gouerne himselfe Agrippa aduised him to liue a priuate life but Mecenas wisht him to think of a monarchy Dion Plut. Suet. and of the other as Agrippa Oliuer hauing demanded audience of the Princesse Affront done to Oliuer at his audience with the Princesse and refusing to speake vnto her but in priuate hee caused himselfe to bee scorned and this disgrace concerned him that had sent him who had not considered that such Commissions did properly belong to men of birth or of great merit and that it seemes they contemne the Prince to whom they send Embassadours of base condition x They that carry the Title of Embassadours should be men of credit reputation Caesar said that the Suisses sent Embassadors vnto him the chiefe wherof was Deuico he who in the Cassian warre had bin their Generall The Gantois hauing discouered Negotiation of Oliuer le Dain at Gand and taking of Tournay that hee had some secret practises in their Towne hee was in danger to haue beene cast into the Riuer whereupon hee retired to Tournay and practised thirty or forty men by whose meanes hee brought in Mony with his Company which hee had at Saint Quintin and seized of the Towne sending seuen or eight of the Gouernors to Paris The Princesse Councell seeing that her subiects fidelity was shaken and the Townes of Picardy deliuered vnto the King that she had to deale with a Cyrus Embassage sent from the Princesse of Bourgundy to the King and that she was no Tomyris y Cyrus hauing attempted against the Massagets a people of Scythia Tomyris their
dispose thereof by Testament h When as they say that women are incapable of dignities it is to be vnderstood of charges which consist in Functions and Offices A Woman cannot be a Consull a President or a Chancellour but when the dignity is patrimoniall and annexed to the Fee such a dignity may belong vnto a woman as wel as the iurisdiction The King caused a Consultation to be made of all the learned Lawyers of his Realme to know what his Neeces right was They found that it depended vpon this Maxime That the Nephew or Grand-childe represents his Father and Grand-father in the right of Primogeniture or first borne That this right is transferred to the children of the elder although hee die before the Father and holds the place of lawfull heire They did also consider the custome and common obseruation of this Realme where the eldest sonne dying and leauing a sonne hee succeedes the Grand-father as his Father should haue done The Grand-fathers second-sonne being excluded from all pretention for the Nephew excludes the Vncle and representation hath place in this Realme in Fees which are not diuisible In the time of King Charles the fifth his Maiesty sitting with the Peeres of France in his Court of Parliament Ioane of Brittany married to Charles of Blois i Charles of Blois and the Lady Ioane of Brittaine his wife did enioy this Dutchy fiue twenty years or thereabouts vntil that Iohn of Montford being succoured by the Forces of England slewe Charles of Blois in battle and expelled his wife out of the Dutchy was declared heire to the Dutchy of Brittany as representing her Father against Iohn Earle of Montfort her Vncle. She was daughter to the Duke of Brittanies second brother and the Earle of Montfort was the third brother Allain Lord of Albret as sonne vnto the eldest Vicount of Tartas who was deceased succeeded his Grand-father in the Landes of Albret and excluded from the succession the Lord of Sancte Bazille his vncle and the Lord of Oruall his Grand-fathers yonger brother k In the house of Albret there are many Earledomes The Earledome of Gaure the Earledome of Dreux the Earldome of Peyragore and many Vicounties and Baronies They held that house in the time of King Lewis the eleuenth to haue sixe thousand pound sterling of yearely rent King Philip in the yeare 1314. did iudge the suite betwixt Maud daughter to the Earle of Artois and Robert of Artois her Vncle and by his iudgement it was decreed that the daughter should succeed as the neerest vnto her father Lewis Earle of Flanders had but one daughter the richest heire of Chrstendome the which succeded her father in the Earledome of Flanders excluding the Duke of Brabant her Vncle and was married to Philip of France sonne to King Iohn and first Duke of Bourgondy l The Treaty of Marriage betwixt the Duke of Bourgondy and Margaret Princesse of Flanders was made the twelfth of Aprill one thousand three hundred sixtie nine the Dutchy of Guienne which comprehends all Gasconie as well that which is of the iurisdiction of Tolouse as of Bourdeaux and more was carried to the Crowne of England by the marriage of the daughter of William Duke of Guienne with Henry King of England m Elenor the onely daughter to William Duke of Guienne and Earle of Poitiers was married to Lewis King of France and beeing put away by him shee married againe to HENRY sonne to the King of England and Duke of Normandy Henry King of Nauare Earle of Champagne left one daughter who was married to K. Philip the Faire and succeded her Father in the Earledome of Champagne The last Earle of Poictou n The County of Poictou and the Towne of Poitiers were vnited to the Crowne by King Charles the seuenth in the yeare 1436. had one daughter named Margaret who was married to the eldest sonne of France and succeeded her Father notwithstanding that the Earle of Saint Valier her Vncle was then liuing Raymond the fifteenth and last Earle of Tolousa dying without Issue Male Ioane his onely daughter succeeded him and was married to Alphonso of France brother to the King Saint Lewis o The marriage of Alphonso of France and Ioane Coumtesse of Toâ—ouse was treated in the yeare 1228. Matthew Earle of Foix dying without children in the yeare 1398. his sister surnamed Isabel succeeded him and was married to Archambaut of Grailly Lewis of Luxemburge Earle of S t. Paul had many children but his eldest sonnes daughter who was married to to the Earle of Vandosme was sole heire of all his lands as representing her Father who was the eldest p They hold that the Countesse of Vendosme did not succeede in the Earledome of Saint Paul by right of succession but by a Treaty of peace and that her Vncles were all incapable of this sucession for that the Landes of Lewis of Luxemburg her father had been confiscate The Earle of Lauragais left but one daughter who succeeded in the Earledome whereof she made donation to the French King The Earle of Castres had one daughter who was married to a yonger sonne of the house of Bourbon Earle of Marche who after her fathers decease succeeded in the Earledomes of Castres and Vandosme and excluded them of Montfort who were her Vncles from the succession Of this marriage were borne two sonnes Iames of Bourbon the elder who was Earle of Marche and of Castres and the yonger who was Earle of Vandosme Iames of Bourbon married Beatrix of Nauarre q Iames of Bourbon Earle of Marche married with Beatrix daughter to Charles the second King of Nâ—uarre the fifteenth of August one thousand foure hundred and fiue Elenor their onely daughter was married to Bernard Earle of Armaignac and Perdiac who after her fathers death succeeded as well in the Earledome of Marche as of Castres and excluded the Earle of Vandosme from the succession True it is that these Earledomes haue remained in the house of Bourbon by transaction r The King made Donation of the Earledome of March to Monsieur de Bourbon and his wife The Duke of Nemours children beeing restored to their Landes there was a sute to ouerthrow this Donation and then an Accord was made by the which the Earledome of Marche remained to the house of Vendosme and Bourbon the Duke of Nemours children being otherwise recompensed William Vicount and Lord of Mountpellier although hee had many kinsmen of his name had no other heire but his daughter Mary wife to Peter King of Arragon Peronelle s Du Tillet saith that this Peronella of Bigorre had fiue husbands 1. Gaston of Bearne 2. Ninion Sance Earle of Sardaine 3. Guy of Montford 4. Raoâ—l Tescu 5. Boson of Mathas daughter to the Earle of Bigorre succeeded her father in the Earledome of Bigorre in the yeare one thousand two hundred sixty foure and was married to Boson of Mathas Vicount of Marsan and
Angiers with an army of 50000. men came vnto him to demand a peace The King of Sicily was disposâ—est of his country of Anjou beeing forced to retire into Prouence with griefe to suruiue his Son Iohn D. of Calabria Lorraine Nicholas Marques of Ponte his grand-child Hee doth represent the estate of his age house in the deuice which he carried of an old stock which had no greene sprout to make it liue it was Rene D. of Lorraine Son to Yoland of Anjou his daughter The Constable who would diuide his heart in two to nourish entertaine the warre thrust the duke of Burgundy into fury the King into distrust of him hauing left the path of moderation wisedome he came vnto the king by that of pride distrust refusing to represent himselfe vnto his maiesty but armed nor to speake vnto him but by a barre vpon a causey well garded with soldiers The D. of Burgondy not able to liue idly during this Truce seekes for worke in Germany passeth to Treues propounds to change his dukes Crowne for a Kings is offended with the Emperor for refusing it He besiegeth Nuze and seeing that the crosses which he had in his affaires proceeded onely from the King he perswades the K. of England to passe the seas to renew the pretensions of his predecessors and to make a fatall combustion of all France But Lewis diuerts this storme and makes a bridge of gold for this King to repasse the sea sending him home as wel content with peace as he was come resolute to war The King reapt both honor profit and by his foresight disappointed the great designes which were laid vnder fauor of this army and although it had diuers pretexts as diuers branches of the same stock of sedition and ambition they were all dangerous all the kinds of this poison were mortall The Duke of Bourgundy was forced to accept a peace of the king against whom he had proclaimed warre The coale which entertained the fire of discord was quenched and this head that made the windes to blow which caused the quiet of France to tremble was cut off at the Greue The Duke of Bourgundy to reuenge a light iniury done vnto the Earle of Romond vndertakes a great warre against the Suiâ—les which by the vnfortunate euent of three battels made him to loose his baggage at Granson his reputation his forces and his hopes at Morat and at Nancy his life with a part of his estate The King reapt the fruit of this warre hauing fauoured and supported the Duke of Lorraine against the great designes of this Conqueror Hee seased vpon both Burgundies and vpon a part of Artois and had forced the Archduke Maximilian to leaue the low countries and to leade the Princesse his wife into Germany with repentance of his mariage if the battell of Guinegaste had not troubled the face of his affaires and changed the designes of warre into resolutions of peace which was confirmed by the marriage of Charles Dauphin of France with Margaret of Austria Age which neuer comes alone suffers not the King to vndertake any long and difficult conqueâ—s and binds him to thinke vpon the meanes to leaue his crowne peaceably vnto his Sonne as it was rich mighty and more assured then hee had receiued it from his father hauing beautified it with many goodly flowers as Burgundy Anjou Barre Prouence and the recouerie of the Townes in Picardy and of some in Artois Being prest with troubles of mind as much as with the languishing of the body and reduced to an estate more lamentable then lamented in the which he could not liue would not dye he straue foure whole yeares against the force of an incurable disease and repulst by strange meanes the approches of death to retaine life which was but too long for his miseries and infirmities as it had beene too short for his designes and hopes He was forced to yeeld himselfe to discretion the 30 th day of August 1483. the 22 th yeare of his raigne and of his age the sixtith He carried nothing from the place which hee left but the proud title to haue freed the Kings of France from subiection or wardship capable to command not a Realme only but the whole world He was interred at our Lady of Clery hauing obtained from Pope Sixtus the fourth an excommunication against all such as would lay his body in any other tombe then in that which hee had built for himselfe and Charlotte of Sauoy his wife He did often visit this last abode and did lye in it soÌ„metimes that by the meditation of death he might descend liuing into the graue The triumphant Chariot of the prosperities of his life was drawn by Wisdome Iustice Liberality and Reputation wisdome made him victorious ouer his enemies Iudge of the controuersie betwixt the Crownes of Castile and Nauarre Protector of the liberty of the Common-weales of Italy Arbitrator of the peace betwixt Rome and Florence and then betwixt Rome and Venice He added the county of Prouence to the Crowne Hee vndertooke strange impossible designes Iustice alwayes in heat by his extreame seuerity did more often put the sword of execution into his hand then the ballance of due consideration hee caused many great men to feele his rigour whose processe he began by the execution Liberality opened him the hearts and gates of townes which hee battered with his money caused many which were distracted from him to come like Bees at the sound of a bason hee vsed it to bind the English to his friendship the Suisses to his succors and the Brittaines to his seruice Reputation hath held all the powers of Europe in admiration of him and hath made him to bee redoubted of strangers and feared of his Subiects Yet the differences betwixt the priuate and publike fortunes of this Prince were great his fortunes were of long Time in fauour amidst his prosperities In his raigne he was a wise happy King a good and a bountifull maister a distrustfull friend a cruell enemy and a terrible neighbour in his house a bad son a bad father a bad husband he had no children by Margret Steward his first wife and by Charlotte of Sauoy his second hee had Ioachim Charles Francis Anne and Ioane The Contents of the first Booke of the History of Lewis the XI 1 Charles the 7. disinherited by King Charles the sixth his father by the perswasion of Isabel of Bauaria his wife A Table of the miseries of France by the diuisions of the houses or Orleans and Bourgondy 2. The birth of Lewis Dauphin of France sonne to Charles the seauenth His breeding and marriage with the Princesse of Scotland 3 Treaty of Arras betwixt King Charles the 7. and Phillip of BourgoÌ„dy 4 Reduction of the Citty of Paris 5 First Armes of Lewis the xi 6. He is carried from Loches Trouble of the Praguerie 7. The Duke of Bourgondy approues not this mutiny 8 King
as it seemed he would canonize him before his f Flattery giues honors to mortall men which belong not vnto them Tertullian reprocheth the Pagans of lying and flattery which made them declare men Gods and Tacitus saith Deum honor Principi non ante habetur quam agere inter homines desierit Tac. An. lib. 15. The honor of the Gods is not to bee giuen vnto the Prince vntil hee hath left to liue among men death after this followed an accord by the which the Duke of Burgundy should for a reparation aske pardon of the King vpon his knee The Queene the Dauphin the Kinges of Sicile and Nauarre the Duke of Berry making the like request for him in the presence of the Children of the Duke of Orleans melting with teares and weeping with sobs to see the bloud of their Father put to compromise and themselues forced to forget so sencible an Iniurie France was presently deuided into two factions of Orleanois and Burgundians A league of Armagnacs Th' one taking his fauour and authority from the ruines disgrace of the other The Duke of Burgundy hath the soueraigne gouernment of affaires and forceth them of the howse of Orleans to make an offensiue and defensiue league against that of Burgundy g League of Orleanois at Gâ—en the tenth of March 1410. the heads were Charles Duke of Orleance and his brethren Iohn Duke of Berry Lewis Duke of Bourbon Iohn Earle of Alanson Francis Earle of Clermont Bernard Lord of Armagnac and Charles of Albert Constable of France The heads of the Bourgundy faction were Iohn Duke of Bourgundy his brethren Charles King of Nauarre son to Charles the bad the Dukes of Lorraine Brabant Brittaine the Marques of Pont the Earles of Neuers Vaudemont St. Paul Ponthure The name was of Armanacks the marke a white scarfe the cause the Kinges liberty who was in captiuity vnder the law and will of the Duke of Burgundy Challenge sent to the Du. of Burgundy and to the end the quarel might be ended with lesse danger losse of men and time Charles Duke of Orleans sent a challenge to the Duke of Burgundy to fight a combate with him and to be reuenged of his fathers death The Duke of Burgundy who had drawn the Queene vnto his party had noe great dificultie to perswade the King that the designe of the howse of Orleans was nothing but ambition and rebellion in denying him to demaund succors from Henry the fourth king of England The Dolphin being of yeares able to iudge of the intentions of the one and the other The sonne in lawe against the father in lawe found that the interest of the house of Orleans was that of the Crowne and that the ambition of the Duke of Bourgondy his father in law h Queene Isabel being banded against her nephewes of Orleans adhered to the Duke of Burgundy made the marriage of his daughter Catherinâ— with the Dauphin Lewis was the cheefe motiue of those troubles wherefore he vndertooke to crosse his designes and to make a peace this soule was seasond with good thoughts at the siege of Burges for when they told him that in a salley which the besieged had made some of his seruants were slaine and that the souldiers dyed of poisoned waters he said vnto the King his Father and the Duke of Burgundy That this warre lasted too long and that he would make an end of it Iohn of France Duke of Berry and i Enguerand of Monstrelet notes in what manner the Duke of Berry came to this treaty in his armes notwithstanding that hee was 70. yeares old for he llued aboue 80 hauing vpon theÌ„ a Cassocke of purple with a band poudred with marigolds and so he is painted in the gallery of the â—oâ—ure Philebert of Lignac great master of Rhodes employed themselues vertuously to reconcile the nephewes and the vnckle The conditions of this peace were concluded at Burges Peace of Burges sworn in a great assembly at Auxerre the names of that fatall faction of Armagnac and Burgundian were comprehended in the forgetfulnes of things past and Philip Earle of Vertus was married to the Duke of Burgundies daughter But all the parts of France recouer not their former health The warre renues againe and the Dauphin is no more for the Burgundian whose principall force consists in the sedition of Paris and the succours of the English who making their profit of ciuill diuisions win the battell of Azingcourt which was called the vnfortunate day of the 25. of October 1415. The battle of Azing-Court The Duke of Orleans armed to reuenge his fathers death and the libertie of his country was led prisoner into England and if religion had not comforted him he had no lesse reason then Pompey k The Mitcleniens came to salute Pompey after the battel intreating him to land which he refused and aduised them to obey the victor and not to feare any thing for that Caesar was a iust man and of a mild nature and then turning to the Philosopher Cratippus who was also come to see him he complained and disputed a little with him touching the diuine prouidence wherein Cratippus yeilded mildly vnto him putting him still in better hope to be amazed at the prouidence of God which seemeth to fauour the most vniust party tyranny against libertie and couetousnes against freedome Death of the Dolphin and Duke of Turraine This losse was followed by the death of Lewis the Dauphin and of Iohn Duke of Touraine the Kings second sonne By the death of these two Charles Earle of Ponthieu saw himselfe in the first degree of the Princes of the bloud and presently made show that he had been bred vp to apprehend the iniury which the Duke of Burgundy had done vnto his vncle All the Princes and Noble men which had followed the house of Orleans came vnto him and among others the Constable of Armagnac but his greatest affliction was for the vnnaturall hatred which the Queene his mother bare him who declared her selfe against him Regent of the Realme was maintained in that quarrel by the Duke of Burgundy vnder her was that cruell massacre committed the 12. of Iune 1418 whereas the l Amassacre at Paris vpon the Armagnacks from 4 of the clock in the morning the 12 of Iune vntil the next day 10. of the clock To note the Constable by the scarse which he carried they flead a bend of his skin and tyed it crosse his body his office was confirmed to the Duke of Lorraine and the Chancellors to Eustace de Lastre Constable of Armagnac and the Chancellor de Marle were slaine and the Dauphin ranne a daungerous fortune if Tanneguy du Chastel Prouost of Paris and his faithfull seruant had not saued him in the Bastille Paris saw it selfe reduc'd to that miserable estate as it seemed a retrait for Beares and Tigers During this fatall diuision the English
had agreed to settle and maitaine her Empire held no more accompt of her and conspired with her enemies to ruine her And as too much greefe makes men to loose all feeling the excesse of her miseries which had no ease but custome u Custome is the onely case of ineuitable miseries and those calamities which are growen into a custome giue some contents vnto miserable men made the French so accustomed to the darknes of seruitude as they grew ignorant of the light of libertie and they which were borne vnder the yoke did lay a foundation of this forraine domination by the length of their sufferance In this terrible ebbing and flowing of calamities capable to make the strongest men faint and effeminate x Great courages grow resolwe against misfortunes take aduersiâ—â—â—s for exercises of their vertue others are presently deiected Tacit. Ann. l. 4 Charles continued still constant in his resolution and God did comfort him by the birth of the Dauphin at Bourges the sixt of Iuly 1423. the twentieth yeare of his age the first of his raigne the nineteenth of his marriage with Mary Daughter to Lewis Duke of Anjou and King of Sicile The ioy was great the Historie sayes they generally cryed Christmas an ordinarie cry at publicke ioyes in those daies It is a great proofe of the peoples loue when as they reioice at their Princes issue and hold the want of it a misfortune y It is a great testimonie of the bounty of a Prince wâ—en as they reioyce at the birth of his children or when as the want of them is accounted amongst the miseries of the coÌ„mon wealth They went not to seeke godfathers in the soueraigne houses of Europe Iohn of Alancon godfather to Lewis the eleuenth the ioy past with lesse brute Iohn Duke of Alençon first Prince of the bloud carried the new Prince to be baptised and gaue him the name of Lewis If they made some scruple to giue him his fathers or his godfathers name as it was an old pagan error that there was some fatallity in names z The ancients had great respect to names They had certaine dares for the impesition and profession of names feasts which they called Nominales holding for a good signe the encounter and choise of a goodly name as Valerius Saluius Statorius and in the leuie of men of warre the Consul had a care vt primus miles esset bono nomine That the for most souldiour should haue a good name and was then in credit it may bee they remembred the captiuitie of King Iohn in England and the stormes wherewith his descendants called Charles had beene shaken Ignorance was so bould and generall in those dayes as all they that haue dealt in the historie beeing neither curious nor diligent haue not left any mention of the education of the Princes of France whereon notwithstanding is grounded the hopes of the rest of their liues For such as they haue shewed themselues in their first inclinations such are they knowne to bee afterwards Seldome do they hate that in the end of their daies which they haue loued in the beginning The care of such deere and Important persons hath alwaies beene very great in the house of France they suffer nothing that is pestilent or infectious to approche a The Egyptians did not suffer any about the Kings children but such as were well bred and of a generous disposition they were alwaies serued and followed by their Priests Children attired in habites fit for their profession of great modestie and aboue twentie yeares ould to the end that beeing alwayes guiled by the Ministers of their gods they might bee retained within the bounds of maiestie and vertue HERODOT This spring must water the whole State and it is hard for them to erre and faile among so many examples of vertue valor and courage which are like whetstones to giue an edge to generous natures He gaue such timely proofes as he made it knowne that Iudgement reason appeared sooner in Kings children b Great natures discouer themselues soone So Plutarch said that Pompey did in the flower of his youth show a venerable greatnes of reall maiestie in his actions and manners then in others that lyllies put forth sooner then common flowers at the breake of his morning they saw that which they should expect of him all the rest of the day Marriage of Lewis the eleuenth His Father married him at thirteene yeares to the Lady Margaret Steward daughter to Iames the first King of Scotland as King Charles the sixt had married him at eleuen yeares The Ambassadors being sent into Scotland to bring this Princesse were crossed by the English being iealous and offended at this alliance which renewed and confirmed those which since Charlemaine c Charles the great Emperor and King of France hauing bene assisted by Achaius king of Scotland in Spaine against the Sâ—rasâ—ns and in Germanie against the Saxons made an offensiue defensiue league with him and gaue him his daughter to wife in the yeare 777. had been betwixt these two Crownes and put them into a great apprehension that whilest they should be busie in France wheras their affayres began to decline the Scots might trouble them in England They offered to yeeld him Barwick and Rosbourg with all other places which were in question if he would dissolue the promise of this marriage The estates of Scotland assembled vpon this proposition Parlement in Scotland The Clergie was diuided most part saying that it was iust and profitable that the refusal would be pernicious and that to attaine vnto a good peace with their neighbours they must not so much regard things past as the future and the incertainty of euents The Nobilitie did couragiously resist the designe of the English crying out that their enemies counsell was poison presented in a cup of gold a goodly pretext to ruine them a practise to diuide Scotland from their ancient friends and then subiect them more easily to their enemies d We must not onely consider matter which are past but those which are also to come And in truth they to whom fortune hath neuer turned her backedâ—e not without cause feare the doubtfulnes of variable euens so as a certaine peace were alwaies to be preferred before a doubtfull victory for that the first is in our will and disposition and the last in the hand power of the immortall god The words of Hannibal to Scipio Tit. Liâ— The English being refused of their request they fall to threates and declare that they had shipps at sea to stop the Princesse passage Mary Steward sent into France This made the King resolue to send her soner then he had intended the estates beseching him not to deferre to trust his Daughter to his Sonne who trusted them with the guard e St. Lewis being at the holy land escapt a conspiracy made against his person by the King
of the Arsacides it was discouered and preuented by the Scotchmen of whom afterward he made his guard of his royall person She past notwithstanding the ambushes of the English more by the prouidence of God then the foresight of men for whiles the English were busie in fighting with a ship which was lade with wine for Flaunders the Scotts vessell past freely and landed the Princesse at Rochell f Reuenge runnes alwaies against the enemie that hath most offended and in the contention of three Nations there is alwaies one that saues himselfe and does his busines She was conducted to Tours whereas the marriage was solemnized the 24. of Iune Murther of Iames King of Scotland But this ioy lasted not long in her fulnes newes comming of the death of the king of Scotland being miserably murthered with sixe and twenty wounds by his Vncle and Cousin in the sight of the Queene his wife who presenting herselfe vnto the murtherers and making a buckler of her body to defend her husbands receiued two wounds The thoughts of Lewis were in those dayes more inclined to Armes then to Ladyes Nature did dispence them from their seruitude and his breeding had diuerted him from all intemperance which makes men inferior to beasts and bound him to the exercise of vertue which makes Princes superior to Men. He had learned by the infancie of King Charles the 6. g Charles the fift meaning to try the generous disposition of his sonne did set a crowne of gold a scepter vpon a veluet cushion and on another an helmet and a sword Charles made choice of the sword and the helmet his Grand-father to lay hould of a sworde as soone as of a Crowne They did gird him with it sooner for necessity then to grace him more to defend himselfe then to adorne him So it is fit that a Prince should carry an honorable marke h In places whereas armes are in a degree of excellencie and necessitie the Prince and they of his bloud should make great esteeme of them which make profession of the most excellent and necessary profession of his estate He could no more draw it but against the English the French and the Burgundians were in the way of an accord The Dutchesse of Burgundy Duches of Bourgundy drawes her husband to the treatie of Arras Infanta of Portugall a good Frenchwoman was the cheef instrument She tould the Duke that he should be generally blamed if he refused a peace offered with honor and profit that indiscretion would not excuse the repentance of so preiudiciall a refusall She drew the heart of this Prince to her intention making it knowne that burning iron is not soner quencht in water then the heat of coller and reuenge is lost by the perswasion of a milde and moderate spirit and that nothing is vnpossible to Princesses of courage when as their vnderstanding hath power ouer their husbands i The effects are 〈…〉 they 〈◊〉 good to good and bad to bad Tamerlâ—nes wife flaid him long fâ—â—m making warre against Buazet but being incensed by an iniurious wish which hee had made shee did animate her husband by an extreame fury against him Chalcondylas By her perswasions the Duke yeelded vnto the Kings youth the blowe which he had caused to be giuen being Dauphin and the excesse of his offence to the greatnes and maiesty of the King considering that forgetfulnes is an Antidote against the deadly poyson of Iniuries which may ruine the soule when it doth too egerly seeke reuenge and that it is a great folly to continue immortall hatred amongst mortall men k Reuenge continues iniuries makes them hereditarie A strange distemperature of men Quid iuuat tanquam in aeternam genitos it is indicere breuisfimam aetatem dissipare Sen. libr. 3. De ira What doth it auaile to make hatred eternal and to leade a short life The Counsell of Basil imployed it selfe seeing that whiles France was not in peace Christendome should be still in trouble They sent two Cardinals to mediate this peace to exhort the Kings of France and England and the Duke of Burgundy to cause their discords to cease to accord their wils for the defence of the Church To strayne their courages and tackle against the force of the winds that did shake that vessell that they should haue pitty of themselues and of their subiects The English growing obstinate not to leaue any thing had no part of this peace There is nothing so difficult in a Prince as restitution they left the Dutchies of Guienne and Normandy l King Charles the seuenth offered to the K. of England the Dutchies of Normandy and Guienne to hold them by homage of the Kings of FraÌ„ce as soueraignes and vpon such conditions as the Kings of England his Aneectors had enioyed them in the beginning to the King of England to quite the rest but the prosperity of his affaires doth preiudice him of the possession and the desire to continue a reueng trouble the soules of so many persons as reason had no more commaund Wilfulnes of the English opinion held the scepter A Royalty endures no equall The great God of peace who is all spirit all light all eye all seeing all hearing all m Treaties of peace are concluded when as men hold them broken and impossible they bee the effects of the eternall prouidence of that great God whom Clement Alexandrious cals 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 totus mens totus luâ— totus oculus all minde all light all eye knowing inspir'd the hearts of these two Princes with the holy resolution of Concord and a ful forgetfulnes of iniuries so as the Duke seeing the King of England too difficult made his treaty apart They contented in euery degree the interests both of dead and liuing The Kinge transported to the Duke of Burgundy the Townes vpon the riuer of Somme whereof mention shall be often made st Quintin Corbie Amiens Abbeuille and others vpon condition to redeeme them for the summe of foure hundreth thousand old Crownes of gould The marriage of the Earle of Charolois and of Catharin the Kings Daughter was the seale of this treaty n The marriage of the Earle of Charolois with the Kings Daughter was the seale of this treaty hee was then but two yeares old and when he come to age he married isabel of Bourbon The Lady Catherine who was promised dyed at eighteene yeares of age the 28. of Iuly and was interred at Brusseis in S. Gould Charles Duke of Bourbon and Arthur Duke of Brittany with the Earle of Richmond Constable of France craued pardon of the Duke of Burgundy for the death of his father in the name of King Charles the vij It is a cruel thing when he must take a Law from his inferior but the good of a peace and the necessity of the Kings affaires forced him from all these formalities without this satisfaction a peace had not
bene made and it was reason that he which had done the harme should shew some repentance and serue as a table in the history of France that a Prince which wants piety towards God and Iustice towards men falls alwayes into o He that hath pietie iustice for the guide of his actions frees himselfe happily from confusion in all sorts of affaires These bee the glorious titles which Demetrius purchased 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 religious to the gods and Iust to men confusion The Duke said that he pardoned him for the loue of God promising him to be his friend enemy to his enemies and to renounce the aliance of England and the deputies of the Councell dispenst him of the oath which he had made not to treat without the King of England This happie and memorable peace Peace of Arras sworne the 24. of Nouember 1435. was followed with great blessings for the French and great ruines for the English This was the Comet which threatned their ruine in France and which brought the Duke of Bedford vnto his graue Death of the Duke of Bedford Regent in France for the English With the like griefe six dayes after the treaty p Isabel of Bauaria contemned of the English and Bourgundian for whom shee had â—anded her selfe against her sonne dyed at S. Paul house the last of September 1435. she was carried by the Riuer of Seine to S. Dennis and buried without pomp Her tombe was built in the same place where her husbands was and her portrait is yet to bee sâ—ene in the window of that Chappell dyed that old malicious woman the Queene mother stepmother to the king and Realme She wanted meanes to liue before her death for being no more assisted by the Duke of Bourgundy the Duke of Bedford caused her to fast vpon dayes which were not commanded to be fasted lying in Saint Paule house She had alwaies liued full of honors and affayres and now she dyes plunged in miseries and contempts The reduction of Paris was the fruit of the peace she opened her gates vnto the King Reduction of Paris which shee had shut against him for the loue of the Duke of Bourgundy for she hath dealt with friendships as with flowers the new haue alwaies beene most pleasing vnto her The King was at Montpelier when Paris was reduc'd The q The English were chased out of Paris the 27. of February 1436. where they had entred in the yeere 1420. English depart the Lillies flourish and the Kings will with the lawes of the Realme are honored there The King made his entry and was receiued as victorious of his enemies by his valor and of himselfe by his clemencie forgetting so many iniuries whereby the people had incensed him Here I seeke the Dauphin and the Historie doth not showe me him 1437. although it be credible that the father did not forget to haue him seene in this great occasion in his capitall Citie no more then at the assembly of the estates which he called at Orleans But I finde him on horsebacke at the age of fourteene yeares and commanding the Kings armie before Monstreau Faut-Yonne Hee tooke the towne by assault and the Castle by composition and made so good warre with the English that were within it as they gaue him thankes in the Kings presence confessing that hee had giuen them cause in admiring his valor to commend his bounty to the which they were bound for their liues r A Prince which saues his life whom he may kil cannot do any thing that brings him sooner to the height of glory and reputation nec vlla re propius homines ad deum accedunt quam salute hominibus danda Cic. Neither is there any thing which makes meÌ„ liker vnto Gods then by giuing life vnto men This first beginning applauded by some old Knights flattering this yong Alexander who beganne to bee discontented for that his father left him no worke to doe made him to conceiue better of himselfe then hee ought For such flattering opinions s Flattery doth so transport young Princes with a good opinion of what they are or should be as it is easily conuerted into presumption and admits no counsell nor conduct are fruitlesse sproutes and vnprofitable leaues which grow too fast in these yong plants and in the end kils them The Father who had made him Captaine so soon repented as suddainely for he beganne to make showe that hee was not borne to follow but to goe before Martin Gouge Bishop of Cleremont Christopher of Harcourt and the Lord of Chaumont make him beleeue that his valor and courage would not suffer him to stay there that the more he should eleuate his trumpet of fame the farther it should bee heard that he could not beginne any exercise of glorie and reputation to t Alexander at 16. yeares of age defeated the Megariens and was at the battell of Cheronea wherefore Demosthenes called him child Hannibal was but eleuen yeares old when hee made open professioÌ„ of armes Wee must obserue saith Phil. de Commines That all men which haue don gret matters haue begunne very yong Warre is a science which is not learned by discourse It is a troublesome practise for him that hath not accustomed it from his youth Paul Emil. soone and that he should not attend vntill that fortune tooke him by the hand to lead him to the Empire of men but he should goe and meete her These Councellers were spirits that were not capable to command nor to be commanded and which could not liue vnder that great rigor of the Kings authoritie Bad counsell giuen to Lewis who knowing his humors allowed him not what he desired and made him giue eare to such as found no other course for their greatnes and who assured him that there was no other way for his rising then to absent himselfe from the presence of his father An aduise which could not bee commended but by such to whom all wickednes is commendable For of badde counsels such as was neuer giuen by men that were u Integrity or fidelitie sufficiencie or wisedome are the two principall qualities of good counsellors they add a third which depends of the precedent to haue his heart free from passion and priuate interest wise discreete and without any priuate interest three rare qualities but necessarie for him that takes vpon him to counsel another the worst and most pernicious is that which deuides the Sonne from the Father and withdrawes him from the dutie wherewith hee is bound by the lawes of nature and religion x The commandement of the Childrens dutie was halfe written in the first table which regards Gods right and halfe in the second table wherein are commâ—ndements which concerne our Neighbours as beeing partly diuine and partly humane nothing beeing able to extinguish this bond free this seruitude nor dispence him from the obedience due to the fathers commandements how
vnto fire but they haue neither the vertue nor the hardnes They found not any spirit well setled that would follow them but euery man stopt his eares at the first brute as if they had been inchantments All were amased i An vniust rash enterprise strikes horror into good men who foresee the miserable euents at the ignorant vulgar holds them fauorable they must stop their cares to their first prâ—positions for if they enter into the soule 〈…〉 it with confusion Claudendae sunt aures malis voelbus et quidem p. imis Nam cum initium fecerunt admissaeque sunt pâ—us audent Sen. at their boldnes and euery man said that fury would draw these wilde Bores into the toyle that the Foxes craft would not free them from the snare The Nobility of Auuergne giue them to vnderstand that if the Kinge came into the Country The declaration of the nobâ—lity of Auuergâ—e they could doe no lesse then to open their gates This name of Kinge and such a King against whâ— they could not arme but the reliques of his victories who had made so great proofes of his valor and courage made the most mutinous to tremble k A Prince whose great actions purchased the name of valiant and wise is alwaies feared and respected This authority disperseth all kind of factions and conspiracies when as carelesnes and contempt giues them life It was an Anuill which would weare all hammers Euery man said vnto the Dauphin I am yours without exception reseruing my duty to the Kings seruice The King could not yet dispatch his affaires with the English The Kinge of England had failed of the assignation made on the first day of May at S. Omer The King armes against the Dauphin to consider of a peace and made himselfe be sought vnto This trouble could not be but to the profit of the enemies of France He resolued to goe himselfe against this conspiracy before that time and the Innouation the auncient Idol m Caesar blamed the Gaules for a curious deâ—iâ—e of Inouations They are said he very inconstant in their opinions most commonly desire change of the French had giuen it more force Hauing fortified the frontiers against the English he aduertised his sonne of his duty but good wordes serue but as oyle to feede the lampe of this yong Princes desires He must vse sharper tearmes to force obedience n Good wordes are of no force to haue a difficult commandement â—bserued He that wil be obeyed in rigorous things must vse seueritie and authoritie So saies Machâ—auel in the third of his Discourses an vnpleasing commaund requires not milde speches He came to Poietiers he sent to the Duke of Bourbon to deliuer him his sonne and to the Duke of Alençon to yeeld him his Townes of Niort and St. Maixant and to both of them to yeeld an account of those combustions to come vnto him and to call their fidellity vnto them They were farre of this storme could not hurt them They were no Children to be afraid of this thunder The Duke of Bourbon would not obey at the first summons without caution for his obedience He had rather haue his absence o To flie iudgement is to confesse the fault but oftentimes the innocâ—nt teach no defence against the persecution of one more mightie but absence a witnesse against him then repent him for his presence He had a good pawne in his possession he had Townes and Subiectes which had sworne to follow his fortune thinking that the war being betwixt the Father and the Sonne all that were actors in it should gaine by it at the least they should be free from danger for the Fathers bounty would refuse nothing to his Sons humility and that oftentimes fidelity was worse rewarded then p There haue beene ages seene so full of confusion as they must haue done ill to reap good If vertue â—ere not of it selfe a great recoÌ„pence to good men they migâ—t haue some reason to repent themselues of doing well when as their condâ—tion is infeâ—iour to that of the wicked rebellion The Duke of Alençon thought he should alwaies haue Niort and St. Maixant to make his peace He had sent la Roche to defend the Castell of St. Maixant S. Maixan taken by the King but the Towne intrencht it selfe and put it selfe in armes against him It was presently assisted with the kinges forces who sent the Admirall Coitiui and la Varenne Seneâ—hall of Poictou thither The Castell being forced la Roche escaped making a shewe to goe for succors and the Captaines which he left within it were hanged The Kinges forces attempted not any Towne but they took it q A Prince that hath to deale with his subiects performes great matters in time how diffâ—cult soeuer Some endured the Cannon and were spoiled Rion and Aigues perces opened their gates at the first summons Clermont and Mont-Ferrand who had neuer giuen eare to the perswasion of the Princes of the league receiued the King The Estates of the Country assemble at Clermont to order this diuision Estates assembled at Clermont which separating the sonne from the father diuided one heart into two The King thinking it fit that a busines of that importance which concerned the safety of them all should be consulted of by many r Although that a soueraigne Prince may resolue of any thing of his own motion yet it is fit hee should commun cate it So Augustus made a pleasing sweet medlâ—y as Dion saitâ— of a Monarchie and a popular state hee appointed this assembly There they represented freely the ruines which threatned the Realme and that the English had occasion to mocke at the boldnes of the Princes of the bloud which had attempted against the head of their house and banded the Sonne against the Father That it was fit euery man should returne to his dutie the King by the way of his bounty and clemencie to them that had offended him by that of iustice to his estate to serue s To raign is to serue Tiberius comprhendâ—d the dutie of a Prince in three words and three kinds of subiects A good Prince who is ordained for the safety of his subiects must serue the Senat serue his subiects in generall and serue euery priuate man To serue the Senate is to follow their Councell to serue all is to procure the publike good and to serue euery man is to do him iustice that demands it the which hee was ordained of God as well as to command and the Princes by that of obedience and repentance with amendment for their faults that although the iustest cause to arme against the Prince were vniust yet the King should consider that a great Prince should apprehend nothing more then to see his subiects ill satisfied t A priuate man is pleased in satisfying himselfe but the condition of a Prince is bound to content his subiects and to saâ—isfiâ—
they held in France reseruing onely the soueraigntie were declared enemies to all parts Paris beeing freed from their command desired to see them out of Pontoise and therefore they supplied the king with money to expell them Behold an armie of twelue thousand men before Pontoise good souldiars and inured to dangers who could both incounter and passe them without feare and knew better how to dye then to kill the best and onely part of valour The approches to Pontoise were not so well garded but Talbot enters and relieues Talbot releeues Pontoise it both with men and victuals The Duke of Yorke Lieutenant Generall to the King of England presents himselfe at Cenery and Hotonuille with 8000. men He sent a Herald vnto the King to signifie vnto him that either he should accept of a Battell or raise his siege In this first furie of the French there was not any one but said that it were better to eate rootes p Perseuerance forceth places Caesars souldiours beeing before Duras they had no bread but a root called 〈◊〉 they wiâ—hin the townâ— laught at the 〈◊〉 of the be 〈◊〉 being so ill furnished But they told them that as long as they found such rootes about Duras whereof tâ—ere were 〈◊〉 they would not dislodge and die then to raise the siege But the King would not hazard any thing The riuer was betwixt both Armies the King caused the bridge at Beaumont to bee garded the onely conuenient passage for the enemies Armie The Duke of Yorke had small boates to passe ouer his souldiors beneath the bridge towards the Abbey yet with such difficultie as ten men had beene able to hinder a hundred But the order was so great and the night so fauourable as the Armie was in a manner all past before the Sentinels had giuen the alarum A happie passage and which strooke such an amazement into the Kings Armie as the Captaines were more busied to wonder how the English had past then to keepe the rest from passing q A 〈◊〉 and admiration are weake Armes to stay as enemie Tit. Lin. obserues how the Romans passe a riuer whilest that the Spaâ—iards wonder and consult what they should doe Qui tumultum iniicere 〈◊〉 in ipso 〈…〉 Tit. Liâ— who might haue caused a disorder in the very passage of the riuer from constreining him The King raiseth the siege seeing there was a riuer betwixt both He wanted not-courage but iudgement to embrace the occasion and opportunity r Agisilaus being demanded what parls made the commander of an Army excellent and brauc hee answered courage against his enemies and counsell with iudgement in occasions that aâ—e offered He dislodged from Maubuisson leauing Charles of Anâ—on and the Admirall of Cottiuy with 2000. men in the fort of St. Martin and so retires to Poisy The Duke of York followes him thinking to ingage him to fight but the King wil not change his resolution which was not to giue a battell but to take Pontoise s When as the Duke of York sent to offer battaile vnto the King hee made no other answer but that seeing hee had such a desire to fight he should haue 〈◊〉 belly full and sooner then he looked for The Duke of Yorke passeth at Mante to victuall and refresh the besieged The King remained scorned by the English and contemned by the Parisians who repent themselues for the mony they had giuen him vnprofitably for the charges of this enterprise The greatest of his Court murmured for that he had retired so vnseasonably He sees his reputation so blemished as he resolues to take the place or to dye there he returnes thither within ten dayes after causeth the Towne to be battered in three places and a breach being made goes himselfe to the assault hazarding all for all He was forced to play the soldier to be a King vnles he would of a King become a soldier and try how insupportable repentance is not to haue done in an opportunity that which can no more bee done when it is past and how shee scornes at those ouerweaning wits which think in all places to ioyne authority to wisdome imparting nothing to necessity The Kinges t Necessity bindes a Prince to cast â—imselfe intâ— dangers In the waâ—re which the Emperor Albert of Austria had against the 〈◊〉 they demanded of him to whom he would giue the charge of his army he answered If any other then my selfe were your Captaine you would no more call me Archduke of Austria AEneas Silu. â—ib 3. de 〈…〉 affaires were not in such termes as he should be ashamed to be whereas the Cannon might glance by his crowne u Charles bragd of the wouâ—ds that he hadâ—receiued in the war and shewed them Timothâ—us an Athenian Captaine said I was ashamed before Sâ—mon that an arrow came from the walls and fell neer vnto me for that I had aduanced farther then was fit for a commander of an Army Plut nor to trouble his thoughtes to consider how hee should escape out of danger nor how much it did import that hee should escape The besieged cannot withstand the fury of the assault Pontosse takâ—n by assault they enter they kill the enemies and saue the Cittizen they heare not those cruell wordes let the friend perish with the enemy Those whom the fury of armes could distinguish and know for French were saued and the English slaine But it is hard in these encounters 〈◊〉 with fury and foming with reuenge to obserue any Image of iustice in sparing his friend or his host x 〈◊〉 that great Captaâ—ne who neuer slew any one vanquished held him a wicked men how good a Citizen soeuer that did not spare his friend or his hoste They speak of God when they go to a charge or an assault they recommend them selues vnto him they pray vnto him they make vowes At their returne they speake no more of him then if he had not beene present But the first thing and the first action which the King did at his entry was to giue God thanks acknowledging him the sole author of this victory y The glory of 〈◊〉 belongs to the God of Batteâ—â—s The King of france haue alwaies bene carefull of this duty Phillip Angustâ—â— after the Battell of Bouines caused the Church of our â—ady of victory to be built 〈◊〉 vnto Senlâ—s K. Lewis the twelfth built a Chappel wheras he won the Battel of Ghiaradadda vnder the name of St. Marie of victory King Francis the 1. did the like vpon the place of battel wheras he defeated the Suisses at s. Donaâ— without whom he had beene as much troubled with his owne Subiects as with the enemy For the Duke of Bourgundy was not so well reconciled as he desired not to raise the greatnes of his house vpon the ruines of the Kings affaires and the greatest of the Realme had already made secret assemblies to reforme the disorders whereof euery one had complayned
corpus super humeros recipit et 〈◊〉 hostibus 〈◊〉 ad suos AEneas Sil. Munsterus It is not certaine how many were in the Suisses Army Haluuil the Suisse saith that they were 4000 the Chronicles of France speake of 5000. But whatsoeuer it were neither France nor England had any great cause to triumph for this Battell For they lost as many men as they must kill of the enemies to merit a triumph a A Triumph was not giuen for any victory except they had slaine 5000. enemies Valâ—â—ius saith Neither did they giue it vnto the Victors when as the victorie had nad cost much bloud therfore Titus Liuâ—uâ— ia his 16. saith that it was refused to Artillius The Army that was before Farnsperg hearing of this defeat raised the 〈◊〉 and retired The Dauphin continued three daies vpon the place of Battell and to couer the nomber of men which they had lost caused them to be buried in diuers places as at Arlesheim Reinach and Esch Two Earles were interred at Montbelliard two at Isenheim The grand Pryor of France was slaine at this Battell with many other Noblemen They of Basill demand leaue to take a view of the dead men and to bury b Among the Grecians hee that demanded a dead body to bury it lost the fruit of the victory end renouned the triumph Plut. de Niceas Ageâ—lâ—us them he would not refuse peace vnto the dead seeing he was willing to grant it vnto the liuing c Aeneas said vnto the Laâ—ius who came to intreat him to haue their dead bodies to bury them Pacem me exaâ—â—mis Martis sorte perempti oratis equidem 〈◊〉 concedere velim you pray to men slaine in the warres I peace should giue yea willingly I would grant it them that liue and that there was no likelihood that he would grow obstinate at the siege of Basil nor against the Suisses The begging Fryars were appointed for this act of pietie They made three pits to bury them in There were some that did breath three dayes after the battell They found some halfe burnt in the ruines of the Hospitall many in the hedges and a great number in the Riuer of Birs The Dauphin went to refresh himselfe in Alsacea His Court was at Ensisheim and the Armie lodged so at large in the country as it held from Montbelliard to Haguenaud Counâ—â—l of Basil seekes an accord with the Dauphin The Emperor assembled the Princes of the Empire at Ments to consult of the meanes to expell the strangers out of Germany The Councill of Basill sent d The Counciâ—l of Basill sent the Cardinall of Arles and Bishop of Basill vnto the Dauphin who did mediate a truce for twenty daiâ—s Embassassours vnto him to perswade him not to trouble the assembly to the which France was bound for the peace it had with the house of Bourgundy His Deputies were at Basil to vnderstand the will of the Fathers vpon this accord They of Berne and Soleure came thither yet there was nothing concluded but a truce of some few daies The Emperor Frederick gaue the Dauphin to vnderstand that if he did not retire himselfe the Empire would proclaime warre against him The Nobilitie of Germanie who had drawne the French and English into the country began to bee weary of their guests who dranke their wine without paying and made vergys of their Vines Mulhouse e Mulhouse was sometimes an imperiall â—own the Bishâ—p of Strausburge was gouernor and it was called 〈◊〉 It allied it selfe with the Suisses in the yeare 1464. and then in the yere 1506. it was made fellowburgis with all the Cantons Stump lib. â— of the Suisses commonweale freed it selfe from this storme refusing to receiue the Dauphins troupes When as hee saw that all the Empire began to rise against him The Dauphin retires into Lorraine and that the Suisses were like to haue their reuenge for the battell of S. Iames of Basill he went into Lorraine to see King Charles his Father who was before Mets being resolued to reuenge the King of Sicile who was much incensed against this Towne for that they had fauoured the Earle of Vaudemont against him The English who had refused a peace 1445 Truce betwixt FraÌ„ce and England prolonged tooke such taste in a truce f A truce is the baitâ— and charme of peace It is in the libertie of Princes to make it but when as the people 〈…〉 therof it is hard to 〈…〉 as it was prolonged for fiue yeares Such as tooke delight in the publike miseries for that they were profitable vnto them were not content they would haue the tempest cease but they still desired some winde to raise the storme Wee doe not alwaies finde spirits of that integritie but they preferre their priuate profit before the publike good Men of this excellencie haue been euer ingaged in great tempests the number of them which haue come to a safe port to make others haue been very small They grow like the Phenix at the end of fiue hundred yeares g A wise man such as the Stoicks discribe him neuer was nor neuer will be Quis sapipiens sit aut fuerit nec ipsi Stoici solent dicere Cic. And as great things happen rarely Seneca saith that fortasse tanquam Phaenix semel 500. annis nascitur Sen. Whiles that Rome was well gouerned the profession of Armes was in time of peace for an exercise and in the time of warre for necessitie and glorie euery man returned to his affayres hauing yeelded an account of his Armes witnessing still that hee carried them not for his owne priuate good but for the seruice of his country The ciuill warres troubled this order and therefore they said that Caesar and Pompey were held better Captaines then good Citizens and greater in valour then in integritie France was neuer fruitfull of such spirits as haue willingly made warre to haue peace and haue not troubled the peace to make warre h Marshall disciplin should be wel obserued if it did alwaies consist of men who after the war made no difficultie to return to their trades and labour but the libertie and disorder in warre is so great as it is hard to draw them to the rules of Duty and therefore warre makes theeues and peace hangs them During this Truce a marriage was made betwixt Henry the sixt King of England Marriage of Henry the sixth and Margaret of Aniou and Margaret of Aniow Daughter to Rene King of Sicile The Earle of Suffolk came to fetch her at Nancy the King was there present and the ioy was great but as any great ioy hath still some great sorrow attending it and pleasures strangle when as they imbrace most straightly i Ioy is commonly the beginning of sorow at riuers of fresh water die in the salt sea the sweetnes of life ends with sorrowes that are bitter King Charles receiued so great an affliction for the death
he was freed from taxes Necessitie in whose schoole hee had learned great experience dispenst with him for the obseruations which are made in the choice of souldiers These were called Franke Archers who being well led did great seruices being able to indure all paine as beeing bred vp in discommodities and wants without cunning or malice They beganne their profession at the siege of Vernon The defects which are obserued in the life of this Prince as the griefes of Kings n The raignes of Princes doe not continue and end alwaies as they haue begdnne The first fiue yeares of Neroes raigne were iust Constant was good ten yeares cruell twelue and prodigall ten doe not alwaies incounter ends like vnto their beginnings His loues and his diuersions could not hinder it but that France hath giuen him the well deserued title of Victorious The end of the first Booke THE CONTENTS OF the Second BOOKE 1 KIng Lewis his going into France His entrie and Coronation at Rheims 2 The Duke of Bourgundy doth him homage and followes him at his entrie into Paris magnificence of the Parisians vpon this occasion 3 Estate of the Kings affaires with Pope Pius the second Reuocation of the Pragmatique Sanction 4 Discontent of the Noblemen of the Realme vpon the Kings first actions An obseruation of his Humors 5 His voyage and designes in Brittanny 6 Oppression of the people by new inuentions of Subsedies 7 Strange and furious reuolutions in England betwixt the houses of Lancaster and Yorke 8 Edward the fourth expels Henry the sixt King of England 9 Hee seeks to marry the Queene of France her Sister and takes a widdow in England 10 The King goes to Bourdeaux and there treates a marriage betwixt his Sister and the Earle of Foix. 11 Troubles betweene the Crownes of Castill and Arragon The Earledome of Rousilion engaged to the King 12 The Kings of Castille and Arragon referre their differences to the King 13 Enteruiew of the Kings of France and Castille vpon the Riuer of Vidaazo 14 The King returnes to Paris redeemes the Townes vpon the Riuer of Somme and visits the Frontiers 15 The Duke of Bourgundy comes to the King at Lisle to demaund his aduise touching a voyage which he pretended to make against the Turke 16 Ariuall of Lewis Duke of Sauoy at Paris 17 The King declareth his pretentions vpon the soueraigne rights of Brittany 18 The Earle of Charrolois stayes the Bastard of Rupembrâ— at the Haage 19 Ambassadors from the King to the Duke of Bourgundy vpon diuers complaints 20 The Duke of Bourbon first author of the league of the common weale Death of Charles Duke of Orleans 21 Charles Duke of Berry the Kings brother retires into Brittany 22 His Letters to the Duke of Bourgundy and his declaration vpon the taking of Armes 23 Death of Pope Pius the second to whom succeeded Paul the second a Venetian THE HISTORY of LEVVIS the XI THE SECOND BOOKE A Death which brings Scepters Crownes 1461 doth not alwaies meete with sorrow and teares When there is a question of the succession of the Realme An heyres teares are sone dried vppe a desire to raigne doth presently dry vp the teares which the law of Nature drawes from the eyes a There is no water whose spring is sooner dryed vp then that which flowes from a profitable mourning Lewis longed too much to be at home to be grieued when as they brought him newes that Charles the seuenth had quit him the lodging Hee had already spent two third parts of his age in obeying hee held the rest very short to command and to end at in great enterprises worthy of his qualitie b Life is very short for great entrriprises and inconstancie makes it much shorter Hee entertained the Iuie of his hopes in the ruines of this old building he did not hope for any light but by the ecclipse of this Sunne and his vowes were no let that his Father was not already among the God c The Romans held their Fathers dead in the number of the Gods and their Images were reuerenced as persons deysied Wherfore among the predictions which Antonin had of his adoption and successim to the Empire they note that In somrio saepe monitus suit penatibus suis Adriani simulacrum inserere Capitol Hee was often admonished in his sleepe that hee should place Adrians Image among his boushould Gods And what can a Kings eldest Son desire but to raigne euery obiect lesse theÌ„ a crown is vnworthy of his birth Lewis comes into France but the wishes are vnnaturall monstrous vpon vniust effects To desire for a crownes cause the death of him of whom he holds his life is ingratitude impiety The same day that Charles dyed Lewis was aduertised of his death d They that haue written that these newes were sent by Charles Duke of Aniou Father in lawe to Charles the seuenth are mistaken both in the name and matter for Lewis Duke of Anion liued since the yeare 1417. He went presently to horse to goe into France fearing least Charles his brother should make his profit of his absence The Duke of Bourgundy and the Earle of Chartolis accompany him with foure thousand horse chosen out of the flower of all the forces of their Estates and the Princes their friends He makes his entry into Rheims Hee entred into Rheims the fourteeene of August e The King arriued at Rheims the 14. August and caused himself to be annointed the next day A remarkable diligence They cannot goe too speedily to so great a Feast The Duke of Bourgundy being followed by the Earl of Charolois the Earle of Neuers the Earle of Estampes the Duke of Cleues the Earle of S t. Pol and many other Noblemen went out of Rheimes to the Abbcy of Saint Thierry to meet the King being attired in white and crimsin damask vpon a white courser caparonessed with the armes of France The next day he was anoynted and crowned The peeres of the Church were there in person The Duke of Burgundy Deane of the peeres The Duke of Burbon held the place of the Duke of Normandy The Earle of Angolesme for the Duke of Guienne The Earle of Eu for the Earle of Tholousa The Earle of Neuers for the Earle of Flaunders and the Earle of Vandosme for the Earle of Champagne The King is anoinâ—ed and Crowned The ceremony of his coronation was beautified with an other which they found very new and strange The King is anointed and Crowned The King drawing his sword presented it to the Duke of Bourgundy and intreates him to make him Knight He gaue this honour of Knight-hood to an hundred and seauenteene Gentlemen the first were the Lord of Beauieu Iames of Burbon the Earle of Geneua the Earle of Pontieu the Earle of Witembergh Iohn of Luxembergh and to the Marques of Saluces Sonne From the Coronation they went to the Royall feast whereas
of all the other members The complaints of the Rigor d When as the people are opprest they dare not accuse the Princes rigor but cast their complaints vpoÌ„ that of the time of the time became murmurings against the seueritie of the Prince Euery one lamented the Raigne of Charles and desired rather the end then the continuance of that of Lewis Great men beganne to make it knowne that they could not liue long in that seruitude shewing themselues more sencible of the contempt e The nature of man is more sensible of contempt then of losse The Senators of Rome were more discontented for that Caesar entred into the Senate without saluting them then for the enterprise which hee made vpon their libertie which was done them then of the miseries which the meaner sort suffered yet they found no better pretext of their priuate interest then that of the publike The King did not attend the consent of the Realme to haue money hee tooke it without asking They were not tributes of Loue f Princes finde pleasing names for things which are bittâ—r and hard Edward the fourth in posed vpoÌ„ the Realme of England a tribute which hee called a Bâ—â—euolenâ—â— Euerie one did contribute as hee pleased and according to his gifts they did iudge of his Loue to the King He that gaue much loued much Edward made vse of this tribute against the French found great succors Polid. lib. 24. 26. but of Rigour and constraint thinking that France was a meadow which he might mowe at all seasons A great sedition troubled the citie of Rheimes against those which had raised customes The Commissaries were slaine and their Commissions cast into the fire The King sent Souldiers disguised like Marchants and labourers who entring by diuers ports ioined with the Lord of Mouy their commander who caused a hundreth of the most seditious to bee hanged suppressed the sedition g The most frequent and knowne causes of sedition and mutenâ— grâ—w from new charges and excessiue impositions reuenged the Kings seruice and setled his authoritie there the which had not beene impugned but for the naturall impatiencie of the people to endure that whereunto they were not accustomed All France was quiet Combustions in England and beheld as from the shore the tempests which were in England and Arragon The King was glad to entertaine the warre farre from him and to assist the house of Lancaster in England and the house of Arragon in Spaine whiles that the clouds and windes prepared to draw the storme vpon his owne head England for the diuision of the houses of Yorke Lancaster saw at that time such terrible changes and accidents as it is a wonder the Realme did not passe vnder some forraine command and that they did not cry quittance with him seeing there is no surer meanes to ruine an estate then ciuill discord h Ciuill Diuisions transport and change estates Spaine vnder the raigne of fourescore and twelue Kings hath beene torne in as many peeces as it hath had Realmes France hath changed thrice England hath been commanded by the English Danes Saxons and in the end by the Normans The Empire hath been past from the East vnto the West Naples hath been vnder the power of the French Germans Arragâ—nois and since of Castitians But France had yet so many bad humors in her body as her disposition was more dying then liuing When as the English ceast to afflict her they began to quarrell and to ruine one another The end of forraine warres was the spring and renewing of ciuil Henry of Lancaster sonne to Henry the fift found himselfe without a crowne notwithstanding that in his infancie he had been crowned with that of France and England Richard Duke of Yorke an Ambitious Prince and who had both credit courage i Good things and which are commendable of themselues applied to il are perâ—itions Sepius industria acvigilancia noxiae quoties parando Regno fingatur Tac. lib. An. lib. â— industrie and vigilancie qualities to bee suspected in an Ambitious spirit became head of a great faction the intentions whereof he couloured with the onely zeale of the publicke good to change the bad gouernement of the Realme to deliuer England from the insolencie of the Duke of Somerset who alone gouerned the helme of the affaires whilest that the King suffered his spirits to be transported not to delights and voluptuousnes but to carelesnes k An idle Prince is a waies contemned Three things saith Zeâ—ophon make him excell ouer his subiects 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 His carelesse life incensed his subiects hearts and his idlenes distasted all men of his raigne The estate was like vnto a sicke body which is so prest with his infirmitie as he is forced to trust him that comes to let him bloud and cannot attend the Phisitions which are farre off l In violent diseases wee may not attend far fetcht remedies although they answere him that they will come and cure him Such as were discontented with the present Conspiracy against King Henry the sixt and desired to see some change applyed them-selues to the Duke of Yorks desseigns and intentions and among others Richard Neuell Earle of Salisbury and Richard Neuill Earle of Warwick his brother who had wisdome and courrage rare parties for a great desseigne and therewith such great credit among the people as it was thought that not any one in England durst doe that which these would vndertake The Duke of Yorke hauing cast his bell made the sound thereof to be generally heard hee strake such a terror into the Court and made the wicked so audacious as the King who had neuer tasted of Domesticke troubles his spirit beeing like vnto a ship m Courages tried in dangers are to bee commended A ship is neuer esteemed which hath neuer felt of a storme which had neuer sailed but in a calme was amazed and confounded and not holding himselfe safe in the Citie of London by reason of the inconstancie of the people and the great credit which this faction had gotten resolued to leaue it The Duke of Yorke besieged S t. Albons n The battell of S t. Albons began early in the morning and continued vntil 9. of the clock in the yere 1556 Edmund D. of Sommerset and Henry Earle of NorthumberlaÌ„d were slaine the two armies meet Henry the sixt defeated and the Kings is put to rout with the losse of their chiefe commanders Hee lamented greatly for the Death of the Duke of Sommerset After this victorie the Duke of Yorke who had made declaration thâ—t hee had no other intention then the publicke good of the Realme and that his armes were not to offend the Prince accompanies King Henry to London as a Conqueror and freed from the Rule of the Duke of Sommerset which shewes that he had not taken armes but to free the King and the Realme who was ready
which belonged vnto him The Parlament did then consider the iustice not the fortune and respected the Maiesty of the King though hee were a prisoner intreating the King to rest satisfyed with the Regency of the Realm and to assure the succession to his house after the death of Henry He accepted the declaration of the Parlament but considering that Queene Margaret had a great Army on foot to set her husband at liberty Battell at Wakefield he resolued to fight with her He gaue her battell at Wakefield against the aduise of his Councell who intreated him to stay vntill the troupes which his sonne Edward Earle of March brought him were arriued Presumption troubleth his spirits with a motion contrary to that of Reason which should haue diswaded him from fighting y The violence of courage is dangerous vppon the point of a battell for it darkens the clearenes of Iudgement doth easily change it to the trouble of reason and to that perturbation which the Philosoph call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â— Some haue written that the Queene caused the head of the Duke of York to bee cut off carrying a Crowne of paper others say it was the Lord Cliffords deed for their forces were not equall although in the courage of the Commanders there was no other difference but that of sexe No no it shall not be said that the Duke of York who had so often fought in France without any other trench or defence then his owne armes is shut vp that he attends a woman and doth not go forth to fight with her He spake this and went forth with 5000. men and met her The Combate in the beginning was terrible and furious The Queen cuts off the Earle of Salisburies head The Queene shewed her selfe among the troupes exhorting the Souldiers to honour glory Richard Duke of York was slaine Richard Earle of Salisbury whose head soon after the Commons who hated him cut off the which with many others of the same faction was set vpon the walles of York to bee a terror and an example to other Rebells After this victory the Queene whose courage was eleuated vppon the apprehension of all sorts of dangers 2. Battell at St. Albons and who held them lesse then the captiuity of her husband resolues to loose her life or to restore him to liberty She goes directly to London and comming to S. Albons she encounters the Earle of Warwick who aduanced to succour his generall with the same courage that she had defeated the Duke of Yorke shee chargeth the Earle of Warwick puts him to rout and frees the King a The excellency of courage shewes it selfe when as the soule is carried beyond all showes and apprehensions of dangers fortitudo contemptrix est timendorum Senec. Epi. 89. Edward Earle of March being aduertised of the death of the Duke of York his father refused not to tread in his steppes and to imbrace the toile Edward Earle of March succeeds the Duke of York his father in his authority from whence he expected his greatnes and glory He staid in the Prouince of Wales and expelled Iasper Earle of Pembrooke The Earle of Warwick ioyned with him and with all their forces he came to London where he was receiued with incredible ioy and acclamations He was one of the goodliest Princes of his time and in great reputation his bounty courage and liberality were powerfull charmes to winne mens hearts the English thinking that hauing him they had all and that their felicity was tyed to the long continuance of his Raigne b A Prince can desire no greater proofes of the affection of his people then when hee beleeues that nothing can saile him so as hee faile not them From thence are come these goodly acclamations Augusto Constantine Dâ—te nobis seruent vestra salus nostra salus â—od Theod lib. 7. tit 20. In te omnia per te omnia Antonine habemus A El. Lamprid Dion reports an excellent one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we haue all in hauing you He is proclaimed King and for that hee would haue no companion in his royalty hee resolues to fight with King Henry and marched directly to York lodging in a little village called Touton Henry being prepared to receiue him would not shew himselfe for that it was Palme sunday desiring to spend that day in the seruice of God but the souldiers seeing themselues so neere would not referre the partie vntill the next day They come to hands the combat continued tenne howers and the victory hauing beene long doubtfull and in ballance betwixt both Armies sodainely inclined to Edward The King and Queene seeing all their troopes put to flight they saued themselues in Scotland with their seruants c The Regent of Scotland led K. Iames the third to meet with King Henry the 6. and Q. Margaret The good reception with the succor which he receiued caused him to restore Barwick to the Realm of Scotland and from thence Margaret passed into France to her father to demand succors Henry the 6. flies into Scotland Edward returned triumphing to London and caused himselfe to be crowned King at Westminster the 28. of Iune 1461. he called a Parlement where all that had bene decreed by King Henry the sixt was reuoked After that Henry had gathered together some forces in Scotland he returnes into England being followed by a great number of his ould seruants The Iustice of his cause gaue him good hope d Hee that hath reason on his side is alwaies accompanied with good hope hee pursues his quarrell with more courage and assurance be exposeth himselfe to all dangers and his subiects serue and succour him more willingly and in all accidents the iustice of his cause doth comfort him but he was repulsed with great dishonor by Iohn Marques of Mountague King Edward beeing aduertised of the practises of Margaret both in France Scotland and England to restore her husband to his crowne he sets guards vpon the Ports and passages of Scotland to stop her entrie but as there is no miserie more insupportable then the remembrance of what we haue been King Henry bare this change of condition so impatiently as not apprehending the danger neither of his life nor of his first captiuitie and not considering that fortune had neuer done him so much good but might doe him more harme e Miseries doe but begin when as they seeme to end There is not any man but may haue more harme then hee hath had good Neminem eo Fortuna pronexit vt non tantum illi minaretur quantum permiserat Sen. Epi. 4. he returned into England in a disguised habite where hee was discouered taken and presented to Edward Hen. the sixt put into the Tower of London who lodged him in the Tower of London If he had thought that he had gone forth as hee did to get the crowne hee would haue giuen him one of copper made fast
kill him The Earle of Charolois being at the Hage in Holland Rubempre staid at the Hage Rubenpre lands with three other disguised like a Marchant The Earle caused him to be stayed and gaue it out that he had attempted by the Kinges commandement to take him or to kill him At such time as the Duke was at Hedin with the King it was generally bruted and the king was blamed for this designe in open pulpit by the Preachers of the multitude who intermixt their discourses with matters wherewith they should not meddle e It is an insupportable abuse to make the word of God an instrument of seditioÌ„ to moue mens mindes to follow the passions and interests of the world beeing onely ordained to guide them in the waies of saluation Of such Doctors or rather busie bodies we may say with Laâ—â—tantius lib. 3. cap. 30. Facessant omnes isti qui vitam humanam nâ—n instruunt sed turbant Let all these be silent which rather trouble then instruct mans life Oliuer de la March the Dukes cheife steward hauing made many voiages vpon this occasion could not hold his peace but spake what he thought to the preiudice of the Kings honor The Duke vppon this aduertisement fearing to be staid parted secretly from Hedin without the kings leaue or priuity The King was offended at this iniury done vnto Rubenpre and at the repors which were diuulged vpon his voyage into Holland Complaints and discontents of the King It had been a timiditie both dishonorable dangerous to dissemble f In fearefull and induring humâ—rs contempt is infallible They feare not to wrong him who hath no care to reuenge it He sent Moruillier his Chanceller the Archbishop of Narbonne and the Earle of Eu to the Duke of Bourgundy to complaine of the detention of the Bastard of Rubenpre and for that he had suffered his Maiesties name and respect to bee wronged publikely and taxt That Oliuer de la March and a religious man had spoken il of him and that the Earle of Charolois had allied himselfe vnto the Duke of Brittany These were the complaints whereon their embassy was grounded Moruillier represented the Kings intentions with much bitternes and passion quallifying this intelligence of the Duke of Brittanie and the Earle of Charrolois with no milder name then crime and conspiracy adding that he could not conceiue why it had been made but for that the Earle of Charolois was discontented for that his pension was not paid him g The Earle of Charolois was much moued at that word which imputed his discontent to a matter due which the greatnes of his courage made him to contemne thinking that Moruillier would inferre thereby that hee could not liue without his pension The Earle of Charrolois thinking that his silence would preiudice himselfe and wrong his friends defence Impatience of the Earle of Charolois did still interrupt Moruilliers discourse The father who had bred him vp more to heare then to speake h staid his impatiencie to giue Moruillier leasure to discourse of the Kings complaints with the like heate as he had begunne them The Duke hauing heard him with patience answered coldly and wisely that the bastard of Rubempre being charged with crimes had giuen his sonne cause to doubt of his stay in Holland where hee had been taken a countrey which did not acknowledge any other Soueraigne then himselfe i laqueline Countesse of Henalt Holland was wife to two â—usbaÌ„ds the Du. â—oâ— Glocester brother to the D. of Bedford and the D. of Bâ—abant Being dâ—famed for her adulteries shee declared Philip Du â—f Burgundy heyre to her countries Henalt Holland and Zeland in the yeere 1426. The first cause of the bad intelligence which was betwixt the BurguÌ„dians and English and reconciled Philip and Charles the seuenth That Oliuer de la March was borne in the Franche County k Oliuer de la March was son to Philip de la March who serued the house of Bourgundy fifty yeares and is author of the obsâ—ruations which are published in his name and was not answerable before any Iudges of France That if he had erred against the Kings respect hee would cause him to bee punished And as for the preacher of Bruges he knew not what was become of him and that he was a man of that condition as his conscience would not suffer him to lay hold of him The Earle of Charolois did still interrupt Moruillier in his discourse who told him that hee was come to speake to the Duke his Father and not to him Whereupon the Earle entreated his father to suffer him to speake I haue answered said the Duke for thee as in mine opinon a father should answere for his sonne yet if thou hast so great a desire thinke of it to day and to morrow speake what thou wilt He would not haue his sonne carried away with those blind guides Choller and l Ia affaires of consequence especially when one that is more mighty is to bee satisfied nothing is to bee answered suddenly nor with choller They suffer troubled water to settle that it may bee cleare Choller precipitaâ—ion are enemies to Counsell Precipation Moruillier persisted in the bitternes of his discourse forgetting nothing that might be said to blemish and disgrace a Prince Hee shewed that the Bastard of Rubempre had been sent by the King to stay the Vice-chancellor of Brittanie returning out of England That hauing landed at the Hage in Holland the Earle of Charralois had been too suspitious The Duke answered that the Bastard of Rubempree had been found faulty As for his Sonne the Earle of Charolois if he were suspicious hee had it not from him but from his mother who was a very suspicious and distrustfull woman and yet notwithstanding if hee had been at the Hage at the passage of Rubempre he had done no lesse then his sonne m D. Isabella Infanta of Portugal daughter to the King Don Iohn was married to Philip Duke of Bourgundy in the yeare 1429. and was mother to Charles Moruillier coÌ„plained also that the D. went from Hedin without taking leaue of the King and against that which he had promised Ha said the Duke with some little perturbation and heate finding himselfe toucht with the breath of his word n Nothing can be reproched more sensible to a Prince then the breach of his word who should rather faile himselfe then his promises wherein he should be 〈◊〉 lesse iâ—dicious then constant I neuer promised any thing but what I haue kept And fearing that in speaking this they should finde that he was moued he added smiling that hee had neuer failed of his word but to Ladies that hauing promised the King not to goe from Hedin he had added this condition if there came no other newes That the discouerie of the Bastard of Rubempre and other important matters had caused him to goe to horse Hereunto Moruillier The
Cardinals hat which Martin the fift had giuen him The masters pouertie forced him to take another He placed himselfe with the Bishop of Noara but seeing that hee was in like manner persecuted by Pope Eugenius hee left him and did serue Nicholas Cardinall of S t. Croix and followed him to Arras when as he was sent by Pope Eugenius to reconcile the French King to the King of England and the Duke of Bourgundy At his returne finding that he was in no grace with Pope Eugenius His dignities commissions he came to Basill where he was imployed in the goodliest actions of the Councell he had the charge of Abreuiator Secretarie President in the chamber of the faith l In the Councell of Basill there were foure chambers or foure assemblies which they called four deputations that of the faith of Peace of reformation and of common affaires Euery chamber had a president which was changed euery three monethes and Orator in diuers sessions When there was Question of an embassage to any Prince or commonweale there was not any one but He fit for it He was sent to Amedeus Duke of Sauoy then to the Emperor Frederick to Pope Eugenius to Philip Vicecount Duke of Milan and to Alfonso King of Arragon It was he which perswaded the Emperor Frederick to goe to Rome to be crowned there Frederick sent him to Sienna to receiue Ellenor of Portugall his wife and afterwards into Bohemia to pacifie a controuersie which was growne for that the Emperor Frederick did not restore them their King Ladislaus m The Emperor Frederick seeing the troubles schismes in the realme of Hungarie seazed vpon the yong King Ladislaus gaue him in charge to Eneas Siluius He was sent to the dyet of Ratisbona whereas Philip Duke of Bourgundy assisted His oration to arme against the Turke he laid open the necessities of a warre against the Turke with such efficacie and eloquence as many Princes resolued to employ both their liues and goods But these suddaine resolutions went presently into smoke n Platina saith that all which heard him were wonderfull resolute to this war Verū hoe natura cōper tum est eorum animos cito residere quorū affectus facile mouentur But it is found true by nature that their minds are soone changed whose affections are easily moued Hee also pacified a great complaint which Germany made against the Pope and the which hath been since continued the Princes and comminalties of the Empire being resolued not to acknowledge him in the policie and direction of spirituall things if he did not first grant them the same rights which Italy and France had by the Pragmatick Sanctions The Emperor found their first suite iust and was soone drawne to yeeld vnto it Aeneas Siluius changed his opinion representing vnto him that there was more honor and safety for him to haue good correspondence with the Pope then to fauour those who would diminish his authoritie whereof the Emperors were protectors o These complaints were pacified reuiued in the beginning of the Emperor Charles the fifths raigne when as they presented vnto the Popes Legate being at Nuremborg A. Remonstrance vnder this title Sacri Romani imperii Principum ac procerum grauamina aduersus sedem Romanam He was Archbishop of Sienna His bad affection to Lewis the eleuenth and after the death of Calixtus was aduanced to the Popedome in a manner without thinking of it Hee began with the assembly at Mantua whither all the Princes of the Empire sent their Embassadors Hee made open show that he loued not France as hath beene said and this affection continued after the death of Charles the seuenth for p Ludouieo Gallorum regi aduersatus est quod libertatem Ecclesiae minuere conaretur cum ab eo antea Pragmaticam Sanctionem Ecclesiae Romanae pernitiosissimam pestem extorsisset Platina saith that although he had wrested the Pragmatick Sanction out of the hands of Lewis the eleuenth yet he did not forbeare to crosse him for that hee thought to diminish the libertie of the Church Paul the second called Peter Barbo a Venetian succeeded him FINIS THE CONTENTS OF the third BOOKE 1 THe Wisedome of Lewis the eleuenth vppon the troubles of the League of the common weale 2 Hee sounds and discouers the intentions of the King of England 3 He labours to deuide the heades of the League and beginns with his Brother 4 The order which he set to preserue Paris He passeth into Bourbonois besiegeth Ryon and treats with the Dukes of Bourbon and Nemours 5 Entry of the Duke of Bourgondies army into Picardy that of Brittany musters at Chasteaubriant 6 Battell of Montleherry The victory is vncertaine and in a manner equall The Earle of Charolois is hurt The place of Battell remaines to him with a great disorder of either side 7 Obseruations of that which hapned both before and after the battell 8 The King passeth the night at Corbeil and goeth the next day to Paris 9 The army of the league lodged at Estampes whereas the Dukes of Berry and Brittanny arriue 10 It passeth the Riuer of Seine and besiegeth Paris 11 The Princes let the Parisians vnderstand the causes of their armes and demand a conference Paris sends her Deputies to St. Maur. 12 The Kinges army breakes the Conference and assures Paris yet he resolues to graunt all they should demand and to desperce this Army 13 Enteruiew of the King and the Earle of Charolois for a peace and the needles feare of the Dukes armie 14 Supplies of men and money sent by the Duke of Bourgundy to the Earle of Charrolois 15 The Kings second meeting with the Earle of Charrolois 16 Peace concluded and sworne at Bois de Vincennes 17 The Duke of Berrij is receiued into Roane with the Duke of Brittanie and the Earle of Charrolois returnes into Flanders 18 The King returnes to Paris and makes the Earle of S. Paul Constable of France 19 The Earle of S. Paul cannot liue in peace and takes for a maxime of his conduct to entertaine the two Princes in warre 20 Discords betwixt the Dukes of Normandy and Brittanie THE HISTORY of LEVVIS the XI THE THIRD BOOKE WHO so succeeds a good Prince hath a great aduantage ouer the affections of his owne subiects The loue the children for the fathers sake how rough and difficult soeuer his raigne be They hold themselues so much bound to the fathers bounty a The bounty of a Prince doth so binde the hearts as euen after his death they yeelde prootes of their affection to thier children although wicked Cambises was beloued for the loue of Cyrus his father Cō modus for the respect of Marcus Aurelius as they doe patiently endure the sonnes rigor France did owe her libertie to King Charles the seuenth he had freed her from the miseries of warre shee did acknowledge no other restorer then him This respect retained
could not be giuen to any other Plut. where they dranke to his health as to Iupiter the Deliuerer The Assembly of Noblemen and Ladies was great he related his great dangers his diligence and toyle He drew teares of ioy and pitty from the hearers euery man said all is well z The King reported his aduentures and in so doing spake and declared many goodly words and pittifull where at all wept aboundantly Chro Martin seeing the King is wel a The health of a good Prince is the health of his Estate the people said of Alexander Seuerus Saluâ— Roma quia saluns est Alexander Lamprid. Hee assured all his seruants that he would neuer cease vntill he had chased all his enemies out of his realme Yet his designe was to doe what he could to end it other-wise then by Armes He sent the Bishop of Paris to the Earle of Charolois Bishop of Paris sent to the Earle of Charolois to let him vnderstand that he desired to know to what end he was entred into his Realme with so great a troupe for that hee could remember that when as he went into Flanders in the time of King Charles the seauenth his Father hee was not followed with so great a traine He commanded him to let him know the iniustice of his desseine That he vndertooke a warre vnder collour of the publik-weale to vndermine the whole estate and to set fire of the house to driue them out that clensed it That there was no such Phrensey as to make ones selfe sick to vse remedies b Peace is sweet after warre but much more proffitable before It is better neuer to haue beene an enemy then to bee reconcyled being naturall for a sick man to desire health But for him that was found to make himself sicke vpon hope of cure was folly and madnesse The Bishop of Paris went and hauing represented vnto the Earle of Charolois the Kings intentions and complaints Say vnto the King answered the Earle fretting the bitternesse of his ambition with humanity and myldnesse c Princes desirous to raigne haue made seruitude sweete with courtesie and mildnesse By this poysoned mylâ—nesse Caesar ouer threw the common-wealth of Rome that I am not come to doe any ill but to procure the good of his Realme hauing liued in such sort with mine army as noe man hath occasion to complaine that being as I am able to serue and succor my friends and to anoy myne enemies I am not bound to yeeld any other reason of my desseignes But not to conceale them from him I am heere for two reasons the one not to fayle of my word to the Princes which haue taken armes for the publike good the other to haue two men which the King hath fauored and supported against me d Priuat interâ—st are alwaies mingled with the sublike causes of warre The E. of Charolois was an implacable enemy to the Earle of Neuers and the Lord of Croy be added this hatred to the causes of war If I be come well accompanied it is to defend my selfe in France from that harme which the king would haue done me in Flanders That when he came hee was receiued honorably richly and quietly and then was not that done vnto him which hee had a will to doe vnto mee That in a word France had more need of a warlike and armed liberty then of a quiet and miserable seruitude After the Battell the Earle of Charolois caused the whole army to bee lodged at Estampes and there abouts Armes of the League loged at Estampes The commodity of this lodging saued that which one more discomodious had lost e â—f time and occasion giue leaue to chose a lodging to stay there they must consider two things which the ancient Romans haue alwaies obserued in their lodgings The helthfulnesse of the place for one and water with commodity of victualls for the other They knew what places were not helthfull obseruing their scituation the coÌ„plexion of the inhabitants In this place as the Earle of Charolois spake vnto Mounsieur at a window with great attention and affection a Britton cast a squib which strooke against the barre where they leaned and being amazed at this accident they thought it done of purpose to hurt them The lodging was presently enuironed with souldiers to gard them There was a dilligent search made for him that had done it who beeing only couered with his inocency descouered him-selfe and said that it was but a squib which he had cast to shew them pastime wherevpon this great amazement was turned to a iest All their forces being vnited they tooke councell how they shold imploy them Their opinions were alwaies applyed to their passions and desseines Charles the Kings brother weary of the warre An ordinary mischiefe in enterprises where there are many commanders f The pluralâ—ty of heads is alwaies rumous and vnproffitable euery one seekes to prefeâ—re his owne reasons and counsells They doe and vndoe indespight on of another Tâ—ndendo ad sua quisque consilia cum aliud alii videtur ad inuasioneÌ„ loâ—um hosti apperiunt Tit. Lâ—u lib. 4. That of the duke of Brittain was not answerable to that of the Earle of Charolois Monsieur seemed already weary of the warre he lamented those that were slaine hurt or maymed in the army which shewed that matters were represented to his imagination of another collour in the vndertaking then in the executing g Matters wheÌ„ they are conceiued and proiected haue an other fâ—ce then when they are executed He wisht that they were to begin greeuing that they made him the cause of so many miseries h A generous spirit is not sensible of the ruines and desolations which grow by warre and ciuill broyles The Duke of Berry was heauy seeing so great a number slaine and hurt in the Battell of Mâ—ntlehery The first slaughters of warre sticke terror into them that haue not seene them as of humain miseries the most lamentable is that which proceeds from his fault that complaines He had kindled the fire yet could not endure the flame he had begun the tragedy nay rather a cruell game whereas men made but a sport to force spoyle burne and kill He is not esteemed a soldiar that cannot doe al this in ciuill wars the most wicked of all others whereas by a fatall disorder they saw the fathers bury their children i When Craesus was prisoner to Cyrus by this reason that in the time of peace the children buried the frather and â—n warre the fathers bury their children be preferred peace before warre And of all warres ciuill is the most vniust iâ—humaine furious SummuÌ„ Brute naefas ciuilia bella fatemur Luc. These words were well obserued by the Earle of Charolois King of England sends the garter to the Earle of Charolois who from that time perswaded him-selfe that there would be noe great difficulty to reconcyle the
Duke of Berry to the King his brother wherefore he sent vnto the King of England although he were his enemy for that he had fauoured the house of Lancaster he accepted the Order of the Garter which he ware all his life and sought his sister in marriage although hee had noe will to marry her but being ingaged in this proposition he was taken at his word that which in the beginning was but a meere will became necessity William of Cluny a Prothonotary was imployed in this treaty as in many other great occasions to recompence the which the Duke of Bourgundy demanded a Cardinalls hat for him and sent Philibert Hugonet Bishop of Mascon to Pope Sixtus the fourth who seeing the great oppositions which Cardinall Latin of Vrsins made he fell into some hope to attayne vnto that dignity the which he demanded and obtayned A resolution was taken to goe directly to Paris k He that will doe any great effect in an enemies estate must go directly to the hart and not busie him-selfe vpon the fronter the Army leaues Estampes passeth by Saint Mathurin of Larchant and Moret in Gastionis These two smale townes were appointed for the Dukes of Berry and Brittaine The Earle of Charolois was lodged at Piguet in a large medow fast vpon the riuer of Seine The Marshall Ioachin and Saleâ—art could not stop their l If there bee any thing that doth import in the conduct of an army and binds a generall to be carefull it is the passage of riuers which may not be waded through in the which there are a thousand incâ—nueniences Among many meanes which Vegâ—tius sets downe hee aduiseth to carry smale boates of one peece and plankes to â—ay vpon them Vege lib. 3. cap. 7. passage for they had much Ordinance to make their way and there were none but some few horses on the other side to hinder them In all this he was assisted by the wise councel and experience of the Earle of Dunois who was an Vlisses in pollicy and an Achilles in valour Hee caused small boats and wine pipes to be carried in cartes In the midest of the riuer of Seine there was an Iland in the which he lodged through the fauor of his Canon remayning there all night with fifty men at armes Passage of the army into the Isle of France and the next day he finished his bridge vnto the other banke The building of this bridge brought reputation to the army for that Prince seemes either very weake or very fearefull which giues an army leysure to make a bridge As there is shame not to hinder it so there is glory to finish it The Romans who were rightly borne for the conquest of the world were so Iealous of their honor at the passage of riuers as they neuer passed ouer their Legions but vpon bridges m To passe riuers without a bridge was held vnworthy the greatnesse and Maiesty of the Roman people Caesar Nisi poÌ„tibus presidiisque impofitis dare in discrimen legiones haud Imperatorium ratusâ— and after that they had planted gards vpon the approches At this passage the army was fortified by nine hundred horses led by Iohn Duke of Calabria Sonne to Rene King of Sicile foure hundred Crosbow-men Germans and fiue hundred Swisses n The first Swisses which carried armes came to serue the league of the common-weale Phil. de Commines saith that they wan credit for them that came after for they behaued themselues most valiantly in all places where they came They hold that their were an hundred thousand horse in this army They tooke Pont Charanton whereas the quarters were giuen vnto the troupes to besiege Paris The Earle of Charolois and the Duke of Calabria held all the banke of Seine from Charanton to Conflans Disposition of the leagues Armie The Campe was inclosed with a number of carts The Dukes of Berry and Brittaine were lodged at S. Maur and all the rest towards S. Denis The Princes did presently let the Parisiens vnderstand why they were in Armes for the which they gaue such plausible pretexts and offered so many offices o Offers made to a multitude must be of 〈◊〉 things as please them They offer offices to the inhabitants of Paris Phil de Comines giues the reasoâ— That offices are more desired in that Citty then in any other in the world for such as haue them make of them what they can and not what they ought and there are offices without wages which are sold for eight hundred crownes and others which haue final vvages are sold for more then their wages can amount vnto in fifteen yeares and preferments to them that fauoured their designes as hauing let them know that they desired to conferre together to consult of the meanes to reforme the disorders of the Realme the Citie sent her Deputies whereof VVilliam Chartier Bishop of Paris was the chiefe There was some Ceremonie vsed in it The Princes assembled at S t. Maur. Assembly of the league and Deputies of Paris The Duke of Berry was set in a chaire the Duke of Brittanie and Calabria on the one side and the Earle of Charolois on the other with his Cuirasse and a rich mantle ouer it and these three stood p. If this conuersation had beene suffered saith Phil. de Com. the Princes might haue said the Towne had beene won for the people would soone haue turned to their partie for many reasons by coÌ„sequence the whole realme Iohn Bastard of Orleans Earle of Dunois propounded in the behalfe of the Princes that the designe of their league tended onely to the publike good and that it was necessarie to vnderstand one an other and to haue free entrie into Paris to treat and conferre together that the fittest meanes depended of that Conuocation of the Estates intreating them not to bee amazed if they presented themselues before their Citie in Armes hauing no other intent but to cause the King to giue eare q Marc Anthonie saith that although all sedicious bee dangerous yet that is iust and necessary when the people being opprest demaÌ„ss reliese from the whole congregation of citizens lawfully assembled to the good and wise counsell which they would giue him for the publike good of the Realme the which they said was ill gouerned laying many imputations vpon the King If the King Conference broken by the Kings presence who was gone into Normandie to raise his troupes had not come as a Prince should come to fortifie a people amazed and wauering this first conference had giuen the Princes of the league a great aduantage for the Citie yeelded to receiue them and their men paying and liuing without excesse but being arriued no man durst once speake of a conference or an accord and such as delt in it repented themselues beeing forced to depart the Realme The Bishop of Paris liued in disgrace with the King It was not a cloud r When
had troubled They propounded a peace with goodly conditions The Princes make show that they desired not warre but for the publike quiet and to liue without wrong They made many truces to treat that they which lasting but little was not much distinguished from warre d A short truce fauours more of war then peace Ignâ—uum tempus nec pâ—ce laetuÌ„ nec bellis exercitum Cognatae induciis Insidie sunt as the middest doth alwaies leane more to one of the extremes then to the other The treatie was begun by diuers but the King ended it who one morning came by the riuer to Conflans Before he went out of the boat hee said vnto the Earle who attended him on the banke Enteruieâ— of the King Earle of Charolois Brother doe you assure me that to whom the Earle of Charrolois answered I as a brother e The word of an enemie is a dangerous assurance K Lewis the eleuenth had no other to goe into the Princes Army which were iust against him If there coÌ„fidence hath vndone some it hath bin successefull to others and Scipio Africanus went vpon this assurance to Siphax who although he were abaroarian a cruell enemie to the Romane name yet the mildnes and generositie of Scipio made him a friend Ladislaus King of Bohemia went freely to Mathias King of Hungary his capitall enemy to end controuersies which could not be determined at Olmutz they became great friends Dubrau lib. 2â— He receiued the King with much respect and the King spake vnto him with great mildnes which made his heart apt for any impression so great is the force of words and so well hee could handle his tongue the which he vsed as a pensill for all coulours He that will haue effects according to his owne heart must not spare words to his liking that may giue them Mens spirits are gouerned by words as a ship is gouerned by the helme and a horse by the bit and wee cannot say what power the sweetnes of words haue ouer the minde of man f Words are the Instrument by the which the minde of man is animated thrust forward and held backe A Prince that knowes how to vse them hath a great aduantage in all that he treates and when it is acompanied with such sweetnes as grauity is not wronged it workes what it lists in the hearts of men The King framing his speech to this tune said vnto the Earle Brother I know that you are a Gentleman and of the house of France why my Lord answered the Earle For that said the King When the foole Moruillier spake so boldly vnto you you sent me word that I would repent the words hee had spoken before the yeare were past you haue not failed and before the time The King spake these words with a countenance so free and full of affection although his heart were full of indignation and spleene as the Earle tooke delight in it He disauowed Moruillier and tooke the seales from him Princes play with their subiects and disauow them when as their negotiations are not answerable to their hopes He did walke long by the riuers side betwixt the Earle of Charolois and the Earle of S t. Paul and heard their Intentions g The King who thought nothing wel done if he were not an Actor went to the Earle of Charolois preferring the necessity of his affaires before the consideration of his qualiâ—â— for he held that the honor and glory of an action depended on profit Yet they had deputed somâ— of either side to treat For the King were imployed Charles of Aniou Earle of Maine The Signeur of Pressigny President of the Acounts 10. Dauuet President of the Parlament of Toulâ—sâ— For the Princes the D. of Calabria the Earle of Dunois and the E. of S t. Paul The Earle of Charolois demanded the Dutchie of Normandie for the Duke of Berry and the riuer of Somme for himselfe little for the publike and much for priuate men The King told him plainely that he would neuer consent to dismember the Duchie of Normandie but he was content to restore him the Townes of Somme and finding that the Earle of S t. Paul was the Oracle of the Counsels and will of this Prince he offered him the office of Constable By these offers the strict bond of this league began to be dissolued for there is nothing so fast bound but it is vndone when as one string begins to slip The King did and spake all things so cunningly mingly offers with threats and curtesies with braueries as the Earle applied himselfe to his intentions The day after this first conference h This conference of the King and the Earle was the end of the war It was not thought fit the King should seeke vnto the Barle but to do his busines hee past all formalities would not comit that to hope which he might doe by discretioÌ„ What doth it import to ascend to any place to vse staires of wood or ston or whether the key bee of gold or iron so as it open the Earle of Charolois mustred his Armie Muster of the leagues Armie in view of the King whether the King came with thirty or forty horse commending those goodly forces The Earle of Charolois speaking vnto them vsed these words My masters you and I are for the King our Soueraigne Lord to serue him when soeuer hee shall haue need of vs. The Kings offers bred a iealousie betwixt the Princes of the league euery man cared for his owne affaires The Earle of Charolois saw one day vpon his conferences and propositions three Councels and three bands whereat hee was discontented saying that there should not be any thing secret in his presence During these conferences and enteruiewe Isabell of Bourbon Countesâ—e of Charolois died the Earle mourned and the King did comfort him This death gaue some more facilitie to the peace for the marriage of the Earle with the Lady Anne of France the Kings eldest Daughter was propounded with the transport of the Counties of Bry and Champagne i In marriages of the daughters of France Kings haue somtimes giuen money sometimes lands of the Crowne vpon condition they should returne Charles the fift gaue to his two eldest daughters a 100000. franks of gold and to the rest 60000. Charls the sixt gaue eight hundred thousand to Isabell married to Richard the second King of England King Iohn gaue the Contie of Somiers in Languedoc to Isabel his daughter married to the Duke of Milan Lewis the yong gaue to Margaret his daughter married to Henry the third King of England the Contie of Vexin for her dowrie and preferment which the Kings Predecessors had neuer done in marrying their daughters The Earle of Charrolois affected nothing more but vpon the doubt which was made vnto him of the alienation of these two Prouinces he sent William Hugonet and Iohn Carandolet to Paris to know if these two peeces
as it was incredible they would fall into the like miseries and if they had any such desire this enteruiew of the two Princes would make them desist Which reason made the Duke consent to receiue the King at Peronne As soone as Cardinall Balue and du Chastell had acquainted the King with the Dukes resolution hee set forward to meete him and parted from Noion vppon a letter which the Duke wrote vnto him with his owne hand for the assurance of his comming Error which the K. could not repaire but with danger stay and returne An error which was seconded with many errors x In errors of importance the first step disorders all It is more easie not to enter then to get forth One error followes an other and that of iudgemeÌ„t brings that of the heart and an error of an ill setled iudgement and one of the most remarkable of the life and conduct of this Prince He went to se a Prince whom he had newly offended what could hee hope for but to see himselfe forced to repayre this wrong He had sent men to Liege to make it reuolt hee should haue giuen ouer this practise and consider that if it did succeed Peronne should bee an infallible prison to him from whence hee should neuer be freed vntill he had done reason vnto the Duke to the blemish of his courage and honor y It is a dishonour to bee forced to disauow his own thoghts and intentions The K. had sent men to trouble the D. at Liege hee had done it through indiscretion now he is forced to pacifie it and to stay the busines more then hee thought to aduance it If this consideration were not able to stay his voyage yet it should haue bound him to seeke for other assurances then in words and paper Two errors the K. committed in the assurance of his person and remember that he himselfe had not much regarded that which hee had promised at Constans that they might yeeld him the like measure and that there is nothing so light as an oath when as the breach thereof presents some priuate commoditie z The desire of profit of reueÌ„ge or pleasure is the ram which ouerthrowes an oth Neither of the three doth moderate the paine The diuine is vndoubted misery to periures and that of the world is shame Moreouer hee had no child and committed his life vnto a Prince whose Ambition would haue confounded heauen and earth to raigne hee gaue it in guard to him who would ruine his estate holding it more commendable to be rash then a coward a The rashnet of a priuat man may be excused when it hath no traine The life of Sparta depends not vpon that of Calicratidas but that of a prince which is the spirit that giues life and motion to an estate is alwaies blamed It is the second error which he committed in the conduct of his owne safety for hee had trusted the Princes that were in league against him He comes to Peronne to the Duke comming to parle with them at Bois de Vincennes who desired to seaze vpon the royall authoritie and to gouerne France at their owne pleasures Hee went thither without any gards b It is dangerous to trust the faith of a prince who hath been an enemy hee beeing the weaker Tosime blames ValeriaÌ„ of indiscretion who went to Sapor with a small troope being accompanied by the Duke of Bourbon the Cardinall his Brother the Cardinall of Balue the Earle of S. Paul and the Gouernor of Roussillon The Duke receiued him without the towne and conducted him to the lodging which he had caused to bee prepared for him Presently after arriued the Bishop of Geneua the Earle of Bresse the Earle of Romont all three brethren to the Duke of Sauoy the Marshall of Bourgundy the Seig r of Lau Poncet of Riuiere and the Sieg r of Vrfe all carrying S t Andrewes Crosse and in their hearts some apprehension of wrong c The King had kept the Earle of Bresse the Signior of Lau in prison and he had taken Piâ—â—ll from the Marshall of Bourgundy The King being aduertised hereof grew very distrustfull and had his thoughts troubled and confounded with repentance d There is not any thing more vnworthy wherinto a Prince may fall then repentance especially in errors which may not bee twice committed for that he had not better considered of his voiage He sent to intreat the Duke to lodge him in the Castle for that all these Noble men that were come did not conceale it that they were his enemies The Duke was glad that the King had made choise of the lodging which he durst not haue giuen him He is lodged in the Castle and intreated him not to doubt any thing The two Princes gaue order to their Councels e Princes which haue any coÌ„trouersies should referre them to their Councels to auoide the bitternes and â—eat wherein to contention may draw them to consider of the meanes to end their quarrels They renewed the Treatie of Conflans wherevnto some few things were added in regard of the Duke But Monsieurs condition grew better for in exchange of the Duchie of Normandie he had Champagne and Bry with all the rights and the Duke of Brittaine entred into the Treatie as an Allie Matters standing vppon these termes newes came vnto the Duke that the Kings Embassadors had made them of Liege reuolt f The Leigeois in this reuolt made more hast then the King expected for his designes were not yet well digested and he held them not so able that they had seazed vpon the Towne of Tongres imprisosoned their Bishop Cousin germaine to the Duke and slaine fifteene or sixteene of his Chanons and seruants The Duke caused the gates of the Town and Castle to be shut fayning that some one had taken a Casket of Iewels he fortified his guards about the Castle and told some of his trustie seruants that the King was come thither to deceiue and betray him The K. in a manner a prisoner Hee was so transported with Choller as if the first to whom he reported these newes would haue cast oyle into the fire g The first motions of Princes in their choller passe speedily to resolutions of reuenge wheÌ„ they incounter men that comfort and incourage them and had not rather quencht then kindled the wood he had resolued to doe what he had said against the King But there were not any but Phil. de Com. and two groomes of his chamber who did not aggrauate any thing If neuer King of France hath seene the image of feare but vpon the front of his enemie it now presents it selfe in the eyes of Lewis who stood amazed in a sad mediation of his error complaining his misfortune with that of Charles h Hubert E. of Vermandoiâ— caused Charles the simple to dye in prison King Lewis his sonne to reuenge this iniury
Aduise my Lord if there bee any thing whereof you repent y A breach in the obseruation of forced promises is not dishonorable and hee wants force that obserues them it is at your choise to doe it or leaue it I desire to adde one Article in fauour of the Lords of Lau Vrfet and Poncet of Riuiere that they may bee restostored to their lands and offices I am content replyed the King so as the Earle of Neuers and the Lord of Croui may bee also restored The Duke who bare a deadly hatred to these two spake no more of the rest and the King declared that he would obserue the Treatie z In Treaties which are made by equals impertinent demands are choked with the like demands Hee had so great a desire to be farre off as to make no stay of his departure he made no show of discontent Hee concealed his griefe so cunningly as it was impossible to iudge that hee felt any The Duke vsed some complements to excuse himselfe for that hee had drawne him to the warre of Liege Excuses of the Duke He had need of very artificiall poulders a Words of excuse and complements in actions which caÌ„not be excused are like spices and sauce of a delicat taste to meate which is tainted to make this sauce pleasing the gilding tooke not away the bitternes of these pilles Hee did accompanie him a mile at their farewell and imbracings the King to shew his affection and trust Words of the K. at his departure said vnto him Sir if my Brother which is in Brittanie were not contented with the portion which I giue him for your sake what would you haue me doe The Duke answered if hee will not accept it I referre my selfe to you two and care not so as he be satisfied These words beeing spoken somewhat roughly were well considered by the King who from that time resolued not to lodge his Brother in Normandie too neere to England nor in Champagne too neere to Bourgundy The Duke continued the rigour of warre vpon the country of Franchemont Warre in Franchimâ—nt leauing the Towne of Liege on fire b The Duke appointed three thousand foote to burne the Town of Liege and to desend the Churches It was fired thrice in three seuerall quarters They reserued three hundred houses for the Priests with whom many inhabitants lodged Phil. de Com. not excepting any thing but Churches and the houses of such as attended the diuine seruice c Impiety respects sacred things after that liberty hath profaned them Fab. Maximus hauing spoyled Tarentum and made it desolate with all kindes of cruelties When his Secretary came to aske him What shall we doe with our enemies Gods he answered let vs leaue the angry Gods vnto the Tarentins Plut. in Fabio They respected the Temples after they had offended him who was worshipped there by all sorts of impieties Whilest that the souldiers warmed themselues at this fire the rest endured incredible cold in the Mountaines of Franchemont whereas the wine being frozen in the hogs-heads Sharpe Winter it was cut in peeces with Axes and carried away in hats and baskets without decrease Oliuer de la March writes that the Dukes tysan was frozen in siluer flagons and that the force was so great as they brake At the same time the death of the King of Albania was spred ouer all Europe Death of the King of Albania Lewis was much grieued for that hee alone stayed the Turkes furie who were cruell scourges to punish the disorders of that depraued Age. He was the yongest Sonne of nine children to Iohn Castriot d Voysane daughter to the King of the Tribâ—leâ— a part of Macedonie Bulgaria hauing conceiued George Castriote drempt that shee was deliuered of a serpent of such greatnes as he spred ouer all Epirus who commanded at Croy the chiefe Towne of Albania who gaue him with his Brethren to Amurath to assure the faith of his promises beeing forced to yeeld vnder the yoke of that command Amurath George Castriot circumcised caled Scanberbeg the Nabuchodonosor e God hath vsed the power of infidels to punish his people and by diuers meanes he hath giuen them power to trouble them He raised Nabuchodonosor to ruine the Israelits therefore leremie calls him his seruants although he were most cruell of the Israelites made them all be circumcised and change their names George was called Scanderbeg that is to say Alexander Lord and as Alexander he began betimes to make such proofes of his valour f Scanderbeg was instructed in all the exercises of war before the force of his body could shew what his courage was He also learned the Turkish Sclamonian ArabiaÌ„ Greeke Italian tongues as euery man thoght that his militarie toyles would make him worthy of that name that he would end more Battels in effect then the Princes of his time had seene painted g When Cicero spake of PoÌ„pey he said that he had brought more battels to a happy end theÌ„ others had read in Histories conquered more Prouinces then any one before him had conceiued in his wishes that hee had triumphed almost as many times as he had followed the warre yeares that he would winne more victories then others had encountred dangers He was Sangiac the first dignitie next vnto a Basha then was he sent into diuers expeditions and knowne to be the sole authour of all the good successe which happened in Greece Asia and Hungarie there being nothing in the Art of warre but in the end came to his knowledge But this great valour had almost vndone him Amurath apprehended it to haue such a Prince neere him and the enemies of his courage but more of his hopes said that he nourisht a domestick enemie to weaken his intentions and disappoint his intelligences He put his Brethren to death beeing resolued to make him runne the like fortune if he had not made it knowne by his cariage that he had no other thought nor passion but that of his seruice and that his Father h After the death of Iohn father to Scanderbeg Amurath seazed vpon the Realme of Epirus and put a garrison into Croy. Scanderbeg dissembled the griefe of his fathers death the taking of his estate the murther of his Brethren so from that time he resolued to pull that Crowne from Amurath and his Brethren did reuiue in the affection which he bare vnto him Amurath puts Scanderbegs brethren to death And when as Amurath to sound him had offered him the crowne of Albania he said that he preferred the honour of his seruice before all the Scepters and Empires of the world and that he felt his hand fitter for a sword then his head for a Crowne This answere pleased Amurath He grovves fearfull of his valour but it freed him not from all his feares which the greatnes of his spirit imprinted in his
white Damask imbrodered thick with fine gold of Cypres with buttons of gold furred with fables a little black hat of his head with a feather of gold On either side of him were the Cardinall of St Susanne Bishop of Anger 's and Rene Duke of Anjou and King of Sicile o At the foote of the Kings scaffold were set The Vicont of Narbonne George of Pem 〈◊〉 the Lords of Tancaruille Chasttillon Buell Longueuille Lauall Aigle Câ—aon Cruâ—â—ol la Forest The Prince of Piedmont a yong Infant was vppon one of the steps Princes which werâ— about the King and of either side stood the Earle of Foix Prince of Nauarre and the Kings brother in law with the Earles of Neuers and Eu The Earle of Dunois high Chamberlaine of France was by reason of his gowt set vpon a little stoole behinde the King of Sicile with many other Noblemen There were two other places rayled in the one in the middest of the Hall neere vnto the Kings for the Princes of the bloud the Constable the Chancellor the Patriarke of Ierusalem the Arch-bishop of Ierusalem the Arch-bishop of Tours and other Bishops p In the second place railed in were the Marquis of Pont the Earle of Perche the Earl of Guise the Earle of Vendosme the Earle Dauphin and the Earle of Montfort The other being great and spacious which did inuiron the first of either side was for the Deputies of the three Estates Betwixt the Kings Theater and that of the Princes were two formes directly against the King on the one were the Peeres of France and on the other were the Officers of the Crowne Euery man being set q It is obserued that the Earle of S t Paul CoÌ„stable of France was at the vpper end next vnto him Monâ—â—urde Trayâ—ell Chancellor of France in Crimson veluet coâ—es and a little beneath theÌ„ on the same forme the Archbishop of Tours the Bishops of Paris Charâ—res Perigueux Valences Limogis Senlis Soissons Aire Anranches Angoulesme Lodeue Neuers Agen Cominges Bayone and others and all the greatest of the State humbled before the Prince like vnto the rods and Maces of the ancient Magistrates of Rome r In the assemblies of the people of Rome the Magistrates did hold downe their rods and Mâ—ces in signe of humilitie and spake standing the people being set shewing that they had no power to command and all Magistrates dealt by Petition vsing these words velitis Iubeatis the Chancellor rose from his place and presented himselfe vpon his kneee on the right side of the King who told him in his eare what his intention was Oration made by the Chancellor Hee made the Estates acquainted therewith in a long Oration the Deputies beeing prepared vpon the Kings instructions finde that they neither could nor ought to grant vnto Charles of France the Duchie of Normandie for his portion It was said that it should remaine vnto the Crowne and the King was intreated to maintaine the auncient lawes of the Realme concerning his Patrimonie holy sacred and inalienable either by contracts or by prescription of time and against any whatsoeuer and that the Princes of the bloud should not therein haue any more fauour nor priuiledge then priuate men s That which may make an alienation perfect and giue â— title of iust possession doth not comprehend those demands which are inalienable may be reunited although the alienation were made for euer yet the purchaser shall not recouer the price of the thing alienated the King himselfe being bound by oath at his Coronation not to alienate any thing and in doing so to giue vnto his Brother a portion with the title of a Dutchy or an Earledome the which should be worth twelue hundred poundes starling a yeare and a yearely pension of foure thousand and eight hundred pounds starling without drawing it to consequence t This clause of coÌ„sequence was superstuous shewes from what respect it came For the portion was so small as no man would make it a President There are houses in France where the yonger sons would not bee so satisfied for the yonger brethren of the house of France The King gaue the Dutchy of Guienne besides the riuer of Charante Guienne giuen to the Kings Brother the countrie of Agenois Perigort Quercy Xanictonge the Gouernment of Rochell and the Bailewike of Auins hee changed the Parliament of Guienne from Bourdeaux to Poitiers This resolution was carried to Monsieur and to the Dukes of Brittany and Bourgundy his confederates Monsieur was so ill and so desirous to change the ayre as notwithstanding that hee found small profit in the change of his condition yet would he not refuse it the Lord of Lescun perswaded him to reconcile himselfe vnto the King and to accept of what he should giue him The Estates did also resolue that the Duke of Bourgundy should be adiourned to appeare in person before the Parliament at Paris Adiournement of the Duke to the Parliament of Paris to doe right vnto the Earle of Eu u Charles of Artois Earle of Eu dyed without children in the yeare 147â— Hee was taken prisoner at the Battel of Azincourt and remained three twenty years in England for St. Valery and other lands which he detained The King was well pleased with this resolution for that he knew well that when the Duke should see himselfe charged in this manner he would make an answer according to his humorfull of contempt and that some grose-headed fellow executing his commission indiscreetly for profit would moue him and prouoke him to do somthing whereat the Court should bee offended and vrged to seeke reparation The same Court of Parliament sent Iohn Loyselier Complaints for the Pragmatike Sanction x The Deputies of the Court of Parliament let the K. vnderstand that the abolitioÌ„ of this Pragmatick was shamefull and iniurious for the FraÌ„ce had neuer had in like causes Ordinances which had taken their authoritie from the vniuersall all Church That as long as she had obserued this Pragmatick she was full of all prosperitie and feared of her enemies whom she had chased out of Normandie and Guienne and had seene Prelates of such holines as they had done miracles and Iohn Henry Councellors of inquests to represent vnto the King to the Estates the great preiudice which France had receiued by the abolition of the Pragmaticke Sanction that it was depriued of a rule which comprehended all the liberties and freedomes of the French Church approued in the Conciles of Basill and Constance That by the cessation of such decrees France must needs looke for some great confusion of the Ecclesiasticall Order and a generall impouerishment by the transport of gold and siluer beyond the Alpes But the King hauing obtained what hee desired against his Brother and the Duke of Bourgundy hee carried his thoughts to other things then to that which the Estates expected for
the good of the publike y In these Estates they did not thinke of the publike good nor of the peoples ease who complained for Lewis leuied much more then King Charles and dismist them giuing order for the intelligences which hee had vpon Amiens Abbeuille and St. Quentin Then representing vnto himselfe how much the discontentments of the great men of this Realme had ruined his affaires hee inuented a meanes to vnite their mindes to his will and to keep them firme by new bonds of honor and fidelitie Institution of the order of S t Michell the which hee found in the order of S t Michael making it not onely a recompence for vertue like to the Consulship of Rome but a marke of the Nobilitie of bloud and extraction z The dignity of Consull at Rome was as Valerius said vnto his soldiers Premium virtutis non sanguinis and went to seek out the vertuous in any house at any age Princes should haue things in their meere disposition which should be out of the commerce of their subiects 1469 and wherevnto they may not aspire but by the degrees of Vertue Honors which may bee recouered for money are no more honors for the sale may make them fall vpon vnworthy heads a The sale of honors makes them to be lesse esteemed vertue to bee contemned sufficiency lesse necessarie euery one thinking that he may attaine vnto it for money It is a great disorder when as such as are aduanced cannot say that they are bound vnto their vertue although they haue glorious shewes and that is not held rare which may be recouered for money b Glory is the desire of great courages Caesar would haue scorned him that should haue giuen him gold but hee dyed with desire to haue a crown of bayes Fortune may impouerish the greatest houses of Christendome but the honour which they hold from their Ancestors remaines for euer and a branch of Laurell which remaines of their fathers Crownes is more deere vnto them then any other thing Wee see not any Prince reduced to that necessitie as hee prefers siluer before honor And that King hath no great power in a Realme wheras they obtaine all for coyne The King making himselfe Generall of this Order The King great master of the order of S t Michel would also haue them that were neerest vnto him honored c By these orders the Prince becomes a companion to the whole Colledge Tiberius made an order of Knights which were caled Augustales and made himselfe grear master to the end it might haue more reputation hee would haue Drusus his sonne with T. Claudius and Germanicus his nephews to be of it Tac. An. Lib. 7. He gaue the first coller of the Order to Monsieur his Brother the second to Charles Duke of Bourbon and Auuergne Hee thought to draw in the Dukes of Bourgundy and Brittany but they would not bee bound to appeare at the Chapter With this Order were also honored the chiefe Noblemen of the Realme First knights of S t Michel d The ancient order of France was of the Knights of the starre institututed by King Iohn surnamed the good in the yeare 1351. the 6. of Ianuary the Knights weare a starre of gold in their hats and vpon their cloakes and the deuice was Monstrant regibus Astra viam A hundred and eight yeares after Lewis the eleuenth made the order of S t Michel the 1. of August 1469. A hundred ten yeares after that Henry the third instituted the Knights of the holy Ghost and in the yeare 1579. After an Age all things grow old Lewis of Luxenbourg Earle of S t Paul and Constable of France Andrew of Laual Lord of Loheac Marshall of France Iohn Earle of Sancerre Lord of Bueil Lewis of Beaumont Lord of Forest and Plessis Lewis of Estouteuille Lord of Torcy Lewis of Laual Lord of Chastillon Lewis Bastard of Bourbon Earle of Roussillon Admirall of France Anthony of Chabannes Earle of Dammartin Lord Stuard of the Kings house Iohn Bastard of Armagnac Earle of Comminges Marshall of France and Gouernor of Dauphiné George of Tremouille Lord of Craon Gilbert of Chabannes Lord of Curton Seneshall of Guienne Charles Lord of Crussol Seneshall of Poitou Taneguy of Chastell Gouernor of the Country of Roussillon and Sardinia The King reserued to make vp the number of six and thirty Knights to his Election at the first chapter The Duke of Bourgundy at the same time receiued the Order of England and the Duke of Brittanie that of Bourgundie the one instituted by Edward the third f Edward the third instituted the Order of the garter of fiue and twenty Knights in the yeare 1348. Philip that of the goldeÌ„fleece in the yeare 1428. of one and thirty Knights Amedee of Sauoy caled the greene Earle that of Anunciado in the yeare 1409. of fourteene Knights the other by Philip Duke of Bourgundy As this Order had one head so had it one certaine and determinate place one habite one marke or Ensigne of Officers one forme of reception one oath and one rule The place was the Church of Mont S t Michel The place for the assembly of the Order transferred since to Bois de Vincennes as well for that the place was then noted to haue neuer yeelded vnto that yoake of the ancient enemies of the Crowne of France as also for the King Charles the seuenth said that beeing vpon the bridge of Orleans when he entred with the Virgin Ioan he saw not by any fantastical visions of Southsayers like to Caesar g Caesar going to the warre against Pópey a South-sayer came vnto him transported said â— Caesar thou shalt ouerecome It was true and Caesar soone after writing vnto his friends sent them this word Veni vidi vici but truely that Arke-angell fighting on his right hand Hee appointed seates for the cheefe of the Order and Knights in the Quier of the Church with their Armes aboue their seates The habit was a long cloake of white Damaske downe to the ground The habit of the order with a border imbrodered with cockle shells of gold interlaced and furred with Ermines all of one length and one fashion with hoodes of Crimson vellet and long tippets the hood of the chiefe of the order was of Murry Skarlet h The Knights aâ—â—ired in this habit are bound on S t Michels Eue to come vnto the Pallace of the chiefe of the Order to conduct him to the Euensong and the next day to Masse whereas euery one offers a peâ—ce of gold for his deuotioÌ„ The marke or enseigne was a coller of Golde Marke of the order i They are alwaies bound to carry the coller but when they trauel remaine in their houses or goe a hunting then they may weare the Image of the Order in a silke ryband in the midest of which vpon a rocke was the Image of Saint Michael
reciued shall bee maâ—e ready and laid before the Kings sâ—at vppon a Carpet of Crimson Tâ—ffata or Saâ—ten hanging dâ—wne at either â—nd and the said coller â—obes shall bee perfumed with incense after that the Preest hath perfumed the Altar Art 82. of the amplifying the Statutes of the Order in the yeaar 1476. hauing his hands vpon the Crosse and the holy Euangill which done the said Knight newly chosen shall come reuerently before the Soueraigne The Kings words in giuing the Coller who taking the Coller of the Order shall put it about his necke saying or causing these words to bee said The Order receaues you into this amiable company 〈◊〉 token thereof giues you this present Coller God graunt you may carry it long to his glory and seruice aduancement of the holy Church and increase of the honor of the Order and of your merrits and good â—ame In the name of the Father the Sonne and holy Ghost whereunto the said Knight shall say Amen God giue mee the grace After which the eldest Knight shall lead the said Knight newly receiued vnto the Soueraigne who shall kisse him in signe of perpetuall loue and in like maner all the Knights that are present shall doe the same in order Bonds of Knights reciprocall Besides this the knights are bound to certaine respects one towards another They did promise at their entrie into the Order to serue the King as their head in all occasions both within and without the Realme and the King did promise to maintaine them in their goods Lewis the elâ—uenth bound himselfe not to vndertake any warre nor any other matter of importance without making iâ— knowne to the Knights of the order lands and estates as his Bretheren and companions and not to attempt any warre without their aduise Hee thought to hold those hearts which had been distracted fast bound vnto him but infidelity was so bold and so contagious as all the respects of honor and conscience were too weake to restraine her from drawing them from their dueties who say the lawes of their birth were most bound vnto it It was a difficult thing for good men to bridle themselues from running into ill so licentious was the time To doc well when as vertue raignes good men are honored is ordinary and easie but not to suffer himselfe to bee infected with the corruptians of the time but to haue a good intent to dare vndertake it and effect it in a bad season is the true signe of a generous spirit and so hard a matter it is to do well when as euery man glories in doing ill and that crimes become examples and customes Iohn Duke of Bourbon continued his intelligence with the Duke of Bourgondy and aduertised him of what the King practised vppon the Townes in Picardy The Constable vsed all his practises betwixt the two Princes Intelligences continued betwixt Bourgondy and Bourâ—on fearing that if the Kings Choller found not some subiect to worke vppon abroad it would fall vppon the neerest that were about him That a long peace would cut off the entertainment of his soldiers making him vnproffitable to the King and without reputation in the realme promising vnto himselfe that whilst the warre continued hee should gouerne all The perpetuity of his charge which could haue no other end but with his life held him not in those apprehensions wherewith their mindes are troubled which hold them as a Wolfe by the eare u Charges which are aboue others should be short least they should grow insupportable and insolâ—nt Those which are but temporary hold them that enioy them in ther duties and the perpetuall makes them forgetfull Peace alone makes a ciuill warre in his soule wherefore he assures the King that when he pleased hee would recouer him St. Quentin by the meanes of some places which he held about it and would speedily execute the intelligences which he had in Flanders and Brabant Warre beeing concluded by the Estates at Tours Wars proclaimed it was as soone begun as proclaimed The Duke being at Gand receiued the Citation to appeare in person at the Court of Parliament who caused the Vsher of the Court to be imprisoned hauing adiourned him as hee was going to Masse and beeing madde to see himselfe made equall to the meanest of the Realme he resolued to appeare with his sword in his hand and to transport the warre as neere his Iudges as hee could The Kings practises began then to breake forth many declared themselues French Baldwine Bastard of Bourgundy retired himselfe vnto the Kings seruice The Duke is surprised The Duke of Brittanie had made an accord with him x Accord of the D. of Brittanie with the King at Anceâ—is the 18. of September 1468. The Duke of Guienne was satisfied and if hee could not haue all that hee desired hee was content with that which did suffice him y The ease of great Princes must be considered by their coÌ„tent They haue but too much so as they thinke they haue enough One demanded of Zeleuchus what Reuenewes hee had to whom hee answered As much as I need Plut. The Constable sent word to the Duke of Bourgundy that all was lost that there was no reliefe for him in England being fallen into the same convulsions which had in a manner smothered it in the yeare 1461. Edward being bound to the Earle of Warwicks vertue for his fortune made him a sharer Troubles in England and gaue him goodly peeces depending of the Crowne and the continuation of the gouernment of Calice with fourescore thousand Crownes rent to increase his reuenues Yet the Earle of Warwick did not hold these recompences proportionable to his great seruices beeing moreouer discontented for that the King hauing sent him into France to seeke the Kings Alliance by the marriage of Bonna of Sauoy z The King of England sent the Earle of Warwicke into France to demand Bonna of Sauoy daughter to Lewis Duke of Sauoy the Queenes Sister in marriage had mockt him in marrying with Grayes widdow the which Lewis made sensible to the Earle of Warwicke to the end this complaint might bee as a thorne of discontent in his heart And as Princes take delight to pull them downe whom they haue raised and aduanced and doe not willingly suffer such high heads of Poppie to grow in their gardens Edward grew iealous and an enemie to this great authority which had cherished made speed vnder the shadow of his He brake quite with him and some say that hauing attempted against the honour of a Kinswoman of his a Of wrongs which make the greatest impression in the hart those which regard â—he honor of Lâ—dies are most sensible Polidore Virgil wâ—ites thus of this attempt Nec abhorret a veritate EduarduÌ„ tentasse vt aiunt nescio quid in domo Comitis quod ab honestatâ— omnino abesset cum homo esset qui
facile puellas oculis adiiceret easque deperiret the Earle of Warwick being wounded in so sensible and tender a part began to distaste the seruice which he did him and repenting him of that which he had formerly done hee retired from Court into his Earldome of Warwicke The Earle of Warwick reuolts whereas his hard fortune made him know the difference of his friends b In the disgrace and crosses of fortune friends are knowne Namertes answered him that required a rule to know them by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plut. and where he shews that a great courage had rather die reuenged then liue with the reproch of a wrong or an affront The Duke of Clarence the Kings Brother the Archbishop of Yorke and the Marquis of Montague came vnto him Euery one brought his complaint with him and the vlcer he had in his heart against Edward The Earle of Warwick represented vnto them the miserable estate they ranne into if they did not labour to restore King Henry to his Fathers throne and themselues to libertie To binde the Duke of Clarence to this designe hee giues him his Daughter He makes a league with the Duâ— of Clarence Proximitie of bloud did sufficiently binde the other two being his Brethren whose friendship he might account among the sweet fruits of his felicitie c It is a part of the sweetnes felicitie of life to see Telemachus recounting his miseries amoÌ„g which he reports that he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without a broâ—â—er Plut. The partie was made and the resolution taken vpon the consideration of things present to come was that he should goe to Calice and in his absence they should make some stirres in the Prouince of Yorke to the end hee might haue a subiect to come thither and to arme The pretext of rising was for the deniall of some Corne which they of the Earle of Warwicks faction refused to pay for the entertainment of St Leonards Hospitall in Yorke and there were others which did murmure giuing it out that what should serue the poore was spent by great men d Sedition can haue no iust causes but the most apparant are wheâ— as priuate men make their profit of that which belongs to the publike In a word it is inequalitie and Iniustice This refusall did so incense the people Commotion in Yorkshire as in a short time there were fifteene thousand men in armes which marched directly to Yorke to haue reason of them which refused to pay what they ought vnto the Hospitall But when as they found themselues too weake An Armie at the gaâ—es of London being a multitude of seditious and mutenous fellowes who are naturally cowards and hauing no Canon to force an entrie they past to London to demand Iustice of the King with torches of rebellion in their fists e Seâ—ition is alwaies saint and cowardly and cowards are euer most seditioâ—s QuantuÌ„â—abes ad â—ustinendum laboreÌ„ miles tanto ad discordias proÌ„ptior Tac. Hist. Lib. 2. The Earle of Warwick was no sooner aduertised of these broiles but he parted from Calice with the Duke of Clarence and came and ioined with this multitude who wanted not any thing but a head King Henries presence and the Earles did countenance the faction and increase it with a greater number with the which he resolued to giue Battell to recompence the errors ruines and occasion past f Hee that knowes how to giue a Battell recouers â—is reputation if it were blemished it restores him if he be ruined excuseth all errors which he hath coÌ„mitted in warre for a Battell won defaceth all misfortunes reproch of other precedent actions The Earle of Pembroke whom the King of England had sent not to fight but to punish those rebels was put to route and they had the victory Richard Lord Riuers father to Queene Elizabeth and his sonne Iohn Wooduille with some other Gentlemen lost their heads The King sought to make some accord with the Earle of Warwicke and vpon the assurance which he gaue him neglected to keep good gard in his Campe the which should not bee omitted euen among friends Loue goes naked by day and armed by night g Crates said that loue went al day naked but at night hee caried a Cuirasse that a prince which trusts in the loue of his subiects may by day goe in safety and without feare but by night he should haue his gard The Earle of Warwicke hauing obserued this carelesse guard by his spies he vndertooke to charge him by night â—dward defeated and taken prisoner with so great aduantage as killing all he found in the trenches hee came without any resistance to the place where the King was whom he tooke prisoner and led away But for that they could not make good vse of this fortune they ruined themselues and vndid King Henry for whom they had taken Armes God who hath a speciall care of Kings depriued them of Iudgement for although they knew well that it was impossible to settle King Henry peaceably in the Realme during Edwards life yet could they not keep him so well but hee escaped hauing corrupted his gards with hopes and goodly promises whereof great men are no nigards when they haue need of their inferiors Edward being at libertie recouers Yorke where he was receiued with ioy which was as great as it was vnexpected From thence he went to London to confirme their wils whom his captiuitie had made to wauer and considering that victory doth alwaies fauour them which haue the aduantage both of Councell and force h A prince hath a great aduantage ouer his enemie when he exceeds him in Armes and that hee hath the CouÌ„cels executions sooner readie then he he raised a might Armie and went to seeke out the Earle of Warwicke Earle of Warwick defeated whom he put to rout and returned triumphantly the victorie was made famous by the death of ten thousand men Queene Margaret Prince Edward her Sonne the Duke of Clarence and his wife the Earle of Warwick with their children and friends were forced to flye They came to Calice but the Earle of Warwicks Lieutenant would not receiue them nor scarce suffer them to carrie two bottels of Wine for the Duchesse of Clarence who was deliuered of a Sonne whilest the ship rode at an Anchor This rudenes and indiscretion did so please King Edward and the Duke of Bourgundy as the one sent him authoritie to command as Gouernor of Calais and the other a good pension to increase his entertainement The Earle of Warwicke who was much esteemed in France and in great credit with the King for his worthy deeds which had made his reputation great and not easie to bee shaken i ReputatioÌ„ is a Colosse which is hardly raised by reason of its waight buy wheÌ„ it is vp it staÌ„ds firme and supports it selfe by his owne heauines It is hard to lay the
foundation and to raise it for it canâ—otlast vpoÌ„ light actions That of the E. of Warwiâ—k must needs be great hauing twise changâ—d the estate of EnglaÌ„d and as it were disposed of the Crowne sent vnto the King to receiue him The King seemed to haue a great desire to see him and succour him He landed at Diepe and was conducted with all his troupe to Amboise The people flockt vppon the high-wayes to see those mournefull relikes of Troy Euery man had heard speake of the desolation of the house of Lancaster they did regard them as Prodigies of fortune whom she had chosen to be pittifull examples of her inconstancie Within six monethes the King gaue them meanes to returne into England The K. giueâ— succors to K. Henry with such forces as Edward durst not affront them Hee was forced to quit the partie and seeing how dangerous it was to stay vntill the Earle of Warwick came vnto the gates of London hee retired into Holland to the Duke of Bourgundie carrying nothing with him but a hope to returne k It is a poore equipage for a Prince which goes out of his estate with hope to returne but a retreat of this sort against a Prince that is stronger is honorable Valentinean the second left Aquilea to Maximin and fled into Thessalonica with Iustina his mother where he obtained succors of the Emperour Theodosius who restored him to the Contrie Sigon Lib. 9. Imp. Occident Behold Henry the sixt drawne out of prison and set in the royall throne Henry the sixt 〈◊〉 it lâ—bertie and Edward expelled but he continued but six monethes for Edward being relieued with ships and men from the Duke of Bourgundy returned into England and presented himselfe before the gates of London where he entred victorious The Duke of Clarence left the Earle of VVarwick l The Duke of Clarence being in France was sollicited and wonne by a Gentlewoman which came out of England from the King his Brother and he 〈◊〉 that belong in England he would turne to his side side King Henry was murthered in the Tower his sonne was detained prisoner Death of King Henry the sixt and soone after slaine The Earle of VVarwicke was slaine vpon the place and the Queenâ— was a prisoner Thus the Realme which Edward had lost in eleuen dayes was recouered in one so true it is that Estates change in a moment m The euersions and conuersions of the estates are most commâ—â—ty 〈◊〉 Breui bus momentis suÌ„ma verti possunt Tac. lib. 8. An. that it is hard to make good vse of things ill 〈◊〉 During these Tragedies the King who wisht they had continued longer the more to weaken the Dukes designes and to humble his thoughts continued the warre which he had begun in Picardie The Constable who would needs be a necessarie euill n Hibrea a wise Cittizen of Messala a Towne in Caria said smiling to Eutidianus a man very profitable but difficult and insupportable in the gouerment of publike affairs that hee was a necessary euill to the Towne for that noâ— manâ— could indure him for his roughnes nor â—liue without him for his good gouermeÌ„t to these two Princes was glad to let the Duke vnderstand what he could doe Amiens S t. Quentin taken He took S t Quentin Amiens opened her gates vnto him Abbeuille the Cittadell of Picardy had entred into the same partie if Philip of Creuecaeur Lord of Cordes had not entred The Duke not holding himselfe safe in the middest of the Constables friends retyred to Dourlans and from thence to Arras Being there he receiued a letter from the Duke of Guienne containing these wordes Labour to content your subiects and then care not for you shall find friendes The Duke seeing himselfe thus surprised and dispossest of the Townes which he did so much esteeme intreated the Constable not to presse this warre so hotly nor to doe the worst he could and to consider that the King without any precedent offence had taken armes and broken the treaty of Peronne before that he had disclaimed his friendship o The Romans before they made war Renunciabant amicitiam Germanicus being wronged by Piso Gouernour of Soria sent him word that he was no more his friend The Constable beeing glad to see the pride of his first maister humbled Pollicy of the Constable of S t. Paul makes the danger greater then it was hee threatens him with an ineuitable ruine if he did not open his eyes to those expediments which he propounded vnto him letting him know that in the darknes of his infidelity he did alwaies reserue a good day for his seruice p I neuer knew saith Phil. de Commines that man haue a good end that sought to terrifie his Maister and keep him in Iealousie Yet will he not declare himselfe to be other then a good Frenchman for to mannage his busines with honour the leape was too dangerous from S t. Quintin to Brussels The passage from one contrary to another is neuer made without violence q MeÌ„s thoughts passe not sodainly from one extreame vnto an other they goe by degrees there must be a meane betwixt both to vnite the two extreames He promiseth to serue the Duke in effect in seruing the King in shew and to make knowne the fruites of his seruice by the bad intelligence and diuision which hee would still entertaine and was already framed betwixt the two brethren the King and Mounsire the only means for him to be in safety and his estate in peace r The hatred and discord of brethren is the ruine of States all well as of priuate families This mischeefe hath bin long in the world the examples are borne with it And if two brethren could not agree together in their mothers womb it is no wonder if two brethren being armed quarrell But to end this war which was begun and would continue with such cruell effects Hee councells the Duke to giue his daughter to the Kings Brother against him there was no other help but to win Monsieur in giuing him his daughter in marriage that all his desires should ayme at this marke as the true end of his contentment from the which he might wander by many waies s They say we may come to one end by diuers meanes But to hit one marke there is but one direction the straightest lines are the shortest we may misse by diuers meanes ayming too high or too low on the right hand or on the left It is euen so in the actions of men and could not attaine vnto it but by this Allyance that if he were so resolued hee would follow his party and bring his head to his seruice with the Towne of S t Quentin and a good number of his seruants In a word that he would doe any thing yea set fire of the Temple of peace t There are seruants â—ound sit for all assaies
bad frâ—tâ— and yeâ— wee see that from â—ood fathers come bad children The Iewes prouerb is Homets ben iin vâ—neger is the son of wine Natum crebro tanquam ex industria malis ebonis agrestes â— doctioribus ceteris â—u vic torin Caliguls Impressions were very easie in this lightnesse The rigor which King Lewis the eleuenth shewed vnto him made him giue eare to such as sought to finde their owne contentments in his discontents It is Iniustice in a Soueraigne brother not to prouide for the entertainment of his yonger whom he should put in the number of his forces and felicities They are of the same bloud and grounded vppon part and portion of the successiue rights but they haue neuer prospered which haue troubled the house for this and conspired with the members against the head Twenty yeares before this death France had seene a notable example in Brittaine Tragicall end of Giles of Brittaine There is no danger to lay the History a little aside Giles g Iohn the fift Duke of Brittaine left three Sonnes Francis Peter and Giles sonne to Iohn the fifth Duke of Brittaine and Brother to Francis the first being not well pleased with his portion retired himselfe to Guildo a Castle neere vnto the sea by Matignon The Duke his Brother makes King Charles the seuenth beleeue that he was there to fauour the English with aduice and intelligence h Vpon the first suspition of any ones fidelity they presently ad the communicatiâ—n of friends They doe exactly reuise actions past which deface or confirme the doubt of the present A beliefe which might easily bee setled in the soule of a iealous King for that this Prince had beene bred vp in England and the king had giuen him the Order of the Garter and the office of Constable Proces made to the Prince of Brittany Vppon this first impression the king sends to take him and deliuers him into the Dukes hands who sends him prisoner to Chasteau Briant commanding his Attourney Generall i The Duke demanded of the Atturney Generall what should be done in this processe The good man answered that he did not see what might be done that by the custome the elder had no criminall iustice ouer his yonger brother and that the Duke could not call him to his Iustice. An answer which was more simple theÌ„ true Hâ—st of Brit. lib. 11. to make his processe for treason but there was no crime nor any accuser The hand which had hurt him sought to cure him The king beeing informed of his innocencie laboured for his deliuerance The Duke durst not refuse him but being ready to be set a libertie his enemies suppose letters from the king of England wherevpon the king changeth his aduice and causeth him to bee kept more straightly in the Castle of Touffort There he is made to languish and endure greater extremities then those of the Quarries of Siracusa k The vsage of such as were shut vp in the Iayle of the Quarries of Siracusa was very straâ—ght for they had but two dishfuls of barley and one of water allowed them by dayâ— lut in the life 〈◊〉 for they refused him water and if he had bread they were the scraps of a poore woman who hearing him cry for hunger put them in at a window which was vpon the ditch side His gardes who had vndertaken to starue him seeing it continue to long Gilles of Brittany adiournes his Brother before God strangled him They gaue him leysure to thinke of his conscience hee charged a Friar to adiourne his Brother to heauen seeing there was no Iustice on earth for his innocencie l Gilles of 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 speech charged a Friar to goe vnto D. Francis the first and to tell him in what estate hee had left him the miseries he endured by iniustice that he could haue no right but referred all to the iudgement of God before 〈◊〉 he called him The Duke appeared Death pulling this thorne out of the kings heart gaue him meanes of more rest if his spirit had been capable of rest It carried him into many places m A spirit which is not restrained to certaine designes liues in continuall disquietnes Phil. de Commines speaking of this Prince saies these words The time that he rested his vnderstanding laboreâ— for â—e had to doe in many â—aces and did as willingly busie himselfe with his neighbours affaires as with his owne and thrust him into sundry designes medling with his neighbours affaires as with his owne True it is he had great crosses by them that were neerest vnto him Imprisonmenâ— of the Duke of Alencon Iohn the second Duke of Alençon the first Prince of the bloud was sent prisoner to the Louure for conspiring with the Kings enemies and at the same time they saw other Princes afflicted with the like Domesticke diseases Lewis was nothing sorrie to disquiet them he did what he could to fill vp the measure of their cares hauing no respect to make enemies so as they came to his Mill. Iohn the second King of Nauarre and Arragon had prosperities and aduersities Troubles in Nauarre both publike and priuate so variable and diuers as it could not be said whether he had more of the one then the other his youth was tost and his age was not quiet but still his courage remained inuincible in the greatest fury of the storme n They that make profession of wisedome faint in aduersitie are like vnto Pilots which grow sick during a storme Charles the onely Sonne and presumptiue heyre of the Crowne of Nauarre tooke Armes against him to bee King Charles Prince of Nauarre makes war against his Father Henry the fourth King of Castille who had married his eldest Daughter fauored his rebels of Barcelona and Gaston Earle of Foix husband to Elenor his second daughter seeing him busied against the Castillans sought to dispossesse him of the Crowne of Nauarre D. Pedro of Portugall was chosen King dyed at the siege of Tortosa o After that the Aâ—ragonis had declared K. Iohn vnwortâ—y the crown as the murtherer of his own son they did choose D. Pedro the third CoÌ„stable of Portugal son to D. Pedro D. of â—imbra Rene of Anjou Duke of Lorraine and Earle of Prouence being desirous to recouer the Title of a king which he had lost at Naples accepted the same election by the aduice of King Lewis the eleuenth and sent the Duke of Calabria his Sonne into Spaine with French troupes which ioyning with them of the countie of Roussillon besieged Girone The French besiege Giâ—onne The Arragonois were beaten and defeated and the Prince D. Ferdinand sonne to the King of Nauarre in danger to be taken prisoner p At the Battell of Denia the Prince D. Ferdinand was prisoneâ— Roderic of Rebâ—ledo caused himselfe to â—ee taken in his place to giue him meanes to escape and the King redeemeâ—
to Monsieur Dalby who carries a commission directed to him to Monsieur Charluz and to the said Destueille and to euery of them to cause great store of victuals to be carried to Narbona and other places of the fronter to the end the men at Armes may haue no want but you must haue a care that vnder coâ—llor thereof none be carried to Perpignan I haue giuen charge to the said Beauuoisien to be gouerned by you and in case that Mousieur de S. Priet lead the hundred Lances of Dauphinâ— the said Beauuoisien shall bring vnto me Hardouin de la Iaille whom I haue written to S. Priet to send me I haue sent vnto you Raoulet of Balparque and Claux the Canonier to assist you imploy them well and spare nothing The Seig r of Bouffille shall part within two or three daies and in my opinion with those hundred Lances with yours those of Dauphinè Lanquedoc and of Captaine Odet with the three thousand Franc of Archers you shall haue forces sufficient to spoile and burne their whole Country and to take and beate downe their paltry places or ruine and burne such as you cannot beat downe I doe also write vnto the Generall Treasurer and Officers of Languedoc that they doe whatsoeuer Monsi r Dalby and you shall commaund them Beauuoisien shall tell you the rest Farewell my Lord Gouernor I pray you let mee vnderstand of your newes Written at Senlis the 9. of Aprill V. Lewis and vnderneath N. Tilhart The Kings armie besieged Parpignan Siege of Parpignan D. Iohn King of Arragon maintained the siege the Prince D. Ferdinand came to succor him and forced the French to retire Lewis hearing of this shamefull retreat commanded his Captaines to returne speedilyâ— and to take the place or to die there The siege continued eight monthes the besieged were wonderfully prest with famine for when as they had eaten horses dogs Cats and Rats they deuoured their flesh that were slaine at assaults chosing rather to dye after this manner then to returne vnder the command of the French Famine and yeelding of Parpignan Yet their obstinacy was no hinderance from letting the K. suffer them to feele the effects of his Clemencie receiuing them vpon composition euen when as they could no more u The obstinacy and fury of a Town besieged should not hinder the bounty and clemencie of a Prince Laurence Palatin of Hungarie being amazed that the Emperor Sygismond left them their liues goods and held them for good subiects whom hee had vanquished answered in this manner I kill my enemies in pardoning and in doing them good I binde them Aeneas Sit. lib. 3. Com. So the Contâ—e of Roussillon remained to France all the raigne of King Lewis King Charles his Sonne restored it to King Ferdinand x Charles the eight yeelded the Countie of Rossiâ—lon to Ferdinand King of Arragon did acquit him of the same for the which hee was engaged this was in the yeare 1494. It had cost the King his Father many men and much money His Chronicle relates that it was said in those times that the Contrie of Arragon was a Church-yard vnto the French Philip de Commines saith that in the Contie of Roussillon there died many good men for this warre continued long A Peace was mas made betwixt Lewis and D. Iohn King of Arragon and Nauarre Embassadors from the King of Arragon sent into France whose Embassadors being come into France were well receiued and graciously vsed by the King who gaue them two cups of gold waying fortie markes y As a weake Prince should not make any show of his forces so hee that is mighty glories to shew what hee can The King out of one Citie of his realme musters a huÌ„dred thousand men in Armes the 20. of Aprill 1470. and esteemed worth three thousand two hundred crownes of gold and to the end they might iudge of the whole peece by a patterne he caused them to see the Inhabitants of Paris in Armes they did muster a hundred foure thousand men the Originall saith they were all in one liuerie in red Casacks and white Crosses The fortune of the house of Armagnac was intangled in that of Arragon Iohn Earle of Armagnac expelled his Country Iohn Earle of Armagnac had married Ioane of Foix Daughter to Gaston Earle of Foix and D. Leonora of Arragon This alliance could not defend him from the indignation of King Lewis the eleuenth in the furie whereof he found first the losse of his libertie then of his goods and lastly of his life The King could not forget with what vehemency he had followed the Bourguignon party in the war of the Common weale after that he had promised to retire himselfe from all Leagues and associations contrary to the Kings intentions nor with what affection he had followed the youthfull follies of the Duke of Guienne his brother who had restored him to his lands contrary to his commandement In the yeare 1469. one called Iohn Bon of Wales in England brought letters vnto the King which King Edward had writen to the Earle of Armagnac Accused by a welchmaÌ„ and the answer which the Earle made him The King reading them with the passion where-with he was possest and easily beleeuing one man alone a To draw many heades in question vppon the report of one tongue is an act of extreame odious Iustice. Graue militibus visuÌ„ quod in causa falconis multos milites ad vnius serui testimonium occidi preceperat Pertinax Iul. Capitol to ruine one who was worth many and who would cost him much thought that Infidellity was noe new thing in a spirit who had already shewed the proofes and without further inquisition sends the Earle of Dammarting with twelue or thirteene hundreth Lances and with ten or twelue thousand Franc Archers to seaze vpon the Earles person lands and estate Being come into the Towne of Rhodets he put the whole Country into the Kings hands His lands put into the Kings haÌ„ds changed the officers and caused a Proclamation to be made by the sound of a Trumpet that noe man of what estate or condition whatsoeuer should advowe himselfe seruant nor officer to the Earle of Armagnac nor make any poursute for him vpon paine of confiscation of body and goods b There is nothing so powerfull nor fearefull as a publik declaration of the Princes hatred against any one especially among a people which esteem not their Gouernors but by the authority and credit they haue with their Superior In these extremities there is not any man that will willingly loose himselfe for another Good men are loth to drawe their friends into danger As it is an office of frendshippe to runne into danger for ones friends and rashnes to goe into perils without occasion so it is cruelty to bring others into danger The Earle of Dammartin made booty of all the places and Siegneuries which did
no more to let him know her constancy and to â—make her not as straw which smoakes x Affliction hurts some and â—rofits others as in the same fire Auruin rutilat et palea fumat et sub eadem tribula stipulae â—oâ—minâ—untur frumenta purgantur We must not consider that which is indured but he that indures and after what manner Tantum interest non qualia sed qualis quisque patiatur Nam pari modo exagitatum exhalat horibiliter Câ—num et sâ—aâ—iter Fragrat vnguentum Aug. but as a precious mettall which shines and is purified in the fire They were so extreame as if in the beginning they had let him see the least part or the choise of a cruell death with what a resolution would hee haue imbraced this to auoid the miseries of the other The most violent torments which a body can suffer are but light scratchings in respect of the burning wounds of the hearts greefe His Conscience gaue him deepe ones for they write that he had offended not onely the Kings Maiestie by this third reuolt but also that of the liuing God by a notable villanie Incest of the Earle of Armagnac marrying with his owne Sister vnder a false dispensation y They say that Ambrose of CaÌ„bray Feferendarie to Pope Calixtus the fourth gaue this dispensation for money for the which hee was accused and imprisoned in the Monasterie of Mont Oliuet A coniunction as abominable now by religion as it was in former times to be desired by the reason of necessitie z Wee reade in the 17. Book of the City of God an excelent passage vpon these incestuous marriages Commixtio sororuÌ„ et fratrem quanto sit antiquior compellente necessitate tantâ— postea facta est damnabilior religione prohibente Presently after the death of King Lewis the eleuenth Charles of Armagnac his brother besought King Charles the eight to restore him to the lands and estats of the house of Armagnac and to bee admitted to answer the accusations layed against his brother shewing that by the seuerity of King Lewis the eleuenth and by the great credit which his enemiâ—s had Memory of the Earle of Armagnac restored hee could neuer obtaine a safe conduct to come and iustifie himselfe King Charles by the aduice of the Princes Prelats and other Noblemen of the Realme graunted it the third of Aprill 1483. and he was restored to the possessions of the house of Armagnac After whose death many pretended the succession a The Pretendants were Catherine of Alencon Countesse of Laual Charles D. of Alencon Charlotte of Armagnac wife to Charles of Rohan Alain of Albret The Cardinals of Luxembourg Louise of Lyon wise to Charls bastard of Bour â—on Seneshall of Thoulouza Francis Philebert of Seissell Afterwards the Court of Parlament by a decree of the seuenth of September 1510. b The Court of Parliament declared the goods of Iohn of Armagnac forfeited to the King and the seuenth of Sept. 1470. Fortie yeares after on the same day they receiue his heires to purge his crime and to rasie his memory receiued them to iustifie the Earles memory Charles Duke of Alençon whose Grandfather had married the Earle of Armagnac's Sister drew his iustificacion from the same reasons by which he was accused They said he had receiued Letters from the King of England and that Iohn Bon had brought them vnto the King with the answere His innocencie therein was very apparant for if he had receiued his letters and would haue made any answere he would not haue giuen them back vnto the bearer They were cunning practises said the Duke of Alençon of such as haue gouerned Lewis the eleuenth to tempt the fidelity of the Earle of Armagnac and to haue a share in his spoile That if Iohn Bon had been a true messenger to the King of England as he made shew to be he had not carried the Letters vnto the king That the Earle of Armagnac was naturally an enemy to the English Earle of Armagnac a great enemie to the English and being at Font arabic he carried himselfe in such sort towards them as men wondred how he could be banished for fauoring them c He that will iustifie himselfe must liue in such sort among them where hee is exiled as his Innocencie may be apparent and his returne more easie There haue been banished men who for the Integritie of their liues haue been more happie among strangers then in their owne houses He would not suffer his seruants to conferre or conuerse with the English which did trafficke in that Contrie and it hapened one day as the yong men of Bayonne were come to dance before the Countesse of Armagnac his wife an English man hauing a red crosse vpon his brest slipt into the hall with the people who are accustomed to follow dances The Earle who held the meeting of an English man with a red Crosse for as bad a presage as the ancients did a Moore with a crowne of Cypres d The ancient SuperstitioÌ„ held it a bad presage to meet with a Mâ—ore as Plutarque notes in Brutus The Emperor Seuerus meeting a Moore carrying a Crown of Cypres on his head Iratus ab occulis remoueri precepit et coloris eius tactus emine et Corona commanded his Gentlemen namely Carbon and pettie Santignem to driue him out and as they ranne after him with their naked daggers Mauleon his Stuard stept betwixt them saying that they were in a strange countrie and that the Townes-men might rise against such an act which the Earle of Armagnac seeing he tooke his Stuards staffe and chased the English man out of his lodging making him to leape downe the stayres That being parted from Fontarabie to goe vnto the Duke of Guienne by chance he found an English man at the Sea side whom he caused to be taken and carried him prisoner to Lestoré onely for that he was an Englishman King Francis the first King Francis quit his pretensions to the Contie of Armagnac e Marguerite of Orleans or of valois the onely sister to King Francis 1. was first married to Charles D. of Alencon and next to Henry the second of that name the 26. King of Nauarre the first yeare of his raigne by his letters pattents giuen at Compeigne in February 1514. resigned vnto the Duke of Alençon and to the Lady Margaret his wife and their children all his interest vpon certaine conditions the which happening it fell to the house of Albret Iohn Duke of Alençon was so wonderfully grieued at the miserable fortune of the Earle of Armagnac as all his affections grew cold to the Kings seruice and carrying alwaies from that time this vlcer in his brest he sought the Duke of Bourgondies protection All which did but hasten his miserie and the losse of his libertie We must end this discourse with these words that the reputation of the seruices of the Lords of the
house of Armagnac done to France against the English freed him from all suspition of intelligence with them being most certaine that they were neuer no good English men they haue alwaies resisted them they haue spent their liues and goods to expell them out of the realme and had detested them hauing slaine their Predecessors cruelly and inhumainly f Bernard E. of Armagnac Constable of France for maintayning the quarel of the Crowne was slaine at Paris and flead Hee serued the King so courragiously as all good Frenchmen were called Armagnacs But such was the misery of the Age as they must aduow that which was beleeued more by coniecture then by assistance He that is held of all men to be wicked is forced to doe wickedly All waters returne into the sea from whence they flow This goodly Prouince of Armagnac consisting in the lands which are called the Counties of Armagnac and Falensac base Armagnac Perdiac Biran and Baran in the Viconties of Lomagne Auuillar Fesensaguet and Brouliois In the Siegneuries of Lectoure Auzan the base riuer whereas Castellnau stands and Malbourquet Aure Magnoac Barrouce Nestes is wholly come to the crowne of Nauarre vnder the raigne of Henry of Albret King of Nauarre Earle of Foix and Armagnac FINIS THE CONTENTS OF of the sixth BOOKE 1 THe Duke of Bourgondies discontent for the death of the Duke of Guienne 2 Cruelties committed at Nesle in Vermandois 3 Memorable Seege of Beauuais 4 Spoile done by the Duke of Bourgondies Armie in Normandy 5 The King drawes the Duke of Brittaine from all intelligence with the Duke of Bourgondy 6 Ambitious desseines of the Duke of Bourgondy for the which hee goes to the Emperour Frederic to Treues 7 Assembly at Bouuines and the Resolution taken against the Constable 8 The King and Constable parle vppon a causey hauing a barre betwixt them 9 New desseignes of the Duke of Bourgondy in Germany 10 The King stirres vp the Arch Duke of Austria the Suisses and some Townes in Germany against the Duke 11 Peter of Hagembach the Duke of Bourgondies Lieftenant beheaded at Brissac 12 Army of the Duke of Bourgondies in the County of Ferrette and vppon the fronter of the County of Bourgondy 13 Places taken and burnt by the Kings troupes vppon the fronter of Picardy and in Artois 14 Ambassage sent by the King vnto the Emperour Frederic who makes answer by an Apologie 15 Continuation of the Siege of Nuze the Constables pollicy 16 Edward King of England passeth into France and sends Letters of defiance vnto the King 17 Wisdome of the King to auoid this storme 18 The Duke of Burgondy leaues the siege of Nuze 19 The Constable failes of his promis made to the King of England and the Duke of Burgundy 20 Ouerture of a peace betwixt the two Kings and conferences of their deputies 21 The King labours to make the Duke of Burgundy vnderstand the Constabels double dealing 22 Truce for nine yeares betwixt the two kinges where-with the Duke of Burgundy is discontented and the wordes he had vpon that subiect with the King of England 23 Good cheere made to the English at Amiens 24 Enteruiew of the two Kings vpon the Bridge of Pyquigny to sweare the peace 25 Wordes which escaped the King vpon the treatie of the peace THE HISTORY of LEVVIS the XI THE SIXTH BOOKE IF the death of the Duke of Guienne had not put this exception into the Kings mouth Matters are changed his word which was a The simple word of a Prince bindes him as much as othes doe priuaâ— persons AlfoÌ„so Panormi in his life as much as all the othes of his religion bound him to restore Amiens and S t Quentin to the Duke of Bourgundy The Duke who was then in Arâ—ues to recouer them seeing that the King had changed his minde resolued to loose all or to haue all Hee wrote vnto the Townes to rise against him and speakes more vnworthily of him Death of the Duke of Guienâ—e breakes the Treatie then Artaban K of Persia did of Tiberius b Suetonius writes that Artaban railed of Tyberius by his letters reproaching him with his muâ—thers Parricides cowardise veluptuousâ—esse Parricidia caedes ignauiam Luxuriam he exclaimes of him as a Tyrant ouer his subiects a Murtherer of his brother and periured of his promises and in this fury he begins to make war by fire which he had neuer done A kinde of hostilitie vnknowne to Christians and to those generous Nations which carry not their sword to kill but in fighting c To spoile the vanquâ—shed to put thâ—m toraÌ„some and to wast their countries is the iustice of warre but this was neuer allowâ—d â—fter a victorie wâ—en as an enemie yeelds It is a wicked thing saith Plato in his commonweale to burne spoile and make one an others countrie wholly desolate it sufficeth to carrie away their annuall fruiâ—s and who hold that the fewer they kill the more there remaine to honour their triumph He besieged Nesle in Vermandois Cruelties committed at the taking of Nesle into the which the King had put a Captaine called Pettie Picard with three hundred Archers of the Isle of France who defended the Bourguignons assaults valiantly but being prest by necessitie hee accepted of a composition for himselfe and his men to depart with their liues and Armes But the trecherie was strange beeing followed by an excesse of brutish cruelty As soone as the besieged were disarmed the Bourgundians â—lue them Euery man thought that the Church should haue been a Sanctuarie vnto him euery man ranne thither and the souldiers made such a slaughter as the bloud ranne in all places The Captaine and his companions were hanged The Duke was no lesse pleased with the bloud then the sacke of the Towne Entring into the Church he spake these words more fitting for a Busiris then for a Christian Prince and of the bloud of the most Christian Kings d In the Chronicle of Lewis the eleuenth these words are read vppon the desolation of Nesle On Friday the 12. of Iune 1472. the Duke of Bourgundy entred the church on horseback the which was halfe a foote deep with the bloud of poore Creatures which lay naked and dead there And when as the said Bourguignon saw them in this maner hee began to smile and said that he saw a goodly sight that he had with him many good butchers Behold this is goodly I haue good Butchers Inhumane words of the D. of Bourgundy The griefe for the death of Monsieur and for the losse of S. Quentin transported him to these outrages which then were noted by the Cassandras of those times to bee the chiefe cause which prouoked Gods Iustice to cut off the course of his daies in reuenge of innocent bloud e A cruel prince continues not long The Emperor Anastasius the fourth was so and had no religion In the end an old man with a sower countenance
mischiefe had bin greater if the Constable had not moderated it with an apparant falling from his duty and loyalty to his King who had commanded him that when as the Bastard of Bourbon should enter into Artois hee should beseege Auennes in Hainault He spent two or three daies in that seege very carelesly without watch or gard If there were courage and resolution in his troupes c Caesar said that he desired modesty and obedience as much in a soldiar as prowesse and courrage Caesar. lib. there was little order and obedience He retyred to Saint Quintin Intelligēce of the Constable with the Duke of Bourgondy fearing to loose that retreat he excused him-selfe vpon an enterprise which he said he had discouered d I heard his man my selfe by the Kings commandement who tould so many apparant signes as he was in a manner beleeued and that one of thē was suspected to haue said som thing vnto the Constable which he should haue concealed Phil. de Com. lib. 4. cap. 4. of two soldiers who brag'd that they had beene commanded and seed to kill him Hee remayned at Saint Quentin contynuing the traffick of his faith with the two Princes Hee sent the Duke word that he was very sorry the King made his profit of his absence and he did aduertise the King that the Dukes affaires were in good estate thinking hee should finde noe other safety then in the feares and alarumes which he gaue them But when as he saw that this Lyon e Aduersitie humbles great men and makes them mild as a quarte◠ague breaks the fury of a Lion notwithstanding any feuer or shaking that he had grew nothing more myld he thought that there was noe meanes for his safety but to keepe a loose and that his last refuge was to relie vpon his first maister to whome he had offered entry into S. Quintin thinking that his Brother Iames of Luxembourg would goe thether with some troupes and not carry Saint Andrewes crosse Hee made these bargaines when as feare prest him and that hee knew not whome to trust to diuert the Kings desseignes but when as the Danger was past he would noe more heare speake of his promises and keept both ware and siluer He abused the Duke of Bourgundy thrice with such fictions his brother being taken prisoner at Arras descouered it so freely vnto the King as it was a meanes to moderate the rigorous vsage f A gratious kind vsage maks the misery of a prison more easie and supportable Plut. in the life of Niceas which a prisoner of that condition might haue He was willing to shroud himselfe vnder the Duke of Bourgondies protection but he did foresee the storme would be so great as the leaues of the tree would drowne him that should creep vnder it Hee did apprehend nothing so much as the Kings quiet and peace of the realme He gaue aduise vnto the Duke to drawe in the English to his succor and to reuenge his Iniuries and vpon this aduise the English were sollicited very earnestly to passe the sea Edward King of England who was in his soundest yeares Edward K. of England passeth into France 1475 actiue and vigorous for a great designe layes hold of this occasion in the which he did hope to recouer the rights which his Predecessors had purchased for him vpon the crowne of France He was soone perswaded to passe the sea thinking he should haue no more paine to conquer a part of France then hee had to reduce all England vnder his obedience The remembrance of the succours which King Lewis the eleuenth had giuen vnto his enemie added to the old quarrels which haue made deluges of bloud in this Realme would not suffer him to pause and consider of the Iustice or iniustice g Traian said they should neuer enter into an vniust war He alone of all the Romane Emperors neuer lost Battell of his enterprise False Assurances giuen by the Duke a Constable The Duke of Bourgundy assured him to ioyne with his forces the Constable did represent vnto him the Kings weaknes and wants offring him S. Quentin to refresh him Behold a great Armie at Douer readie to passe It did consist of fiueteene hundred men at Armes fifteene thousand Archers on horseback and a great number of foote all good and resolute souldiours hauing once continued any time on this side the sea English very ready to passe into France It was in his owne will to make it greater h There are none more simple nor vnhandsome then the English when they passe first but in a short time they are very good soldiers wise and hardy Phil. de Com. l. 4. c. 5. for there is not any enterprise in England that is seconded with more vowes and voices then that which is made against France All the world runnes vnto it their purses are not tyed but with leaues of Leekes for the King cannot exact any thing of his subiects but with the common consent of his Parliament vnlesse it be when he makes warre in France True it is that hauing imployed some part of the money leuied for this warre about the affaires of his house and finding himselfe scanted he inuented a milde course to haue money calling together the richest of the Realme and representing vnto them the greatnes of his designe with the glorie and profit which the realme might hope for coniuring them to assist him with their meanes and that in this occasion he should know them that loued him although that hee should be but a dispenser or Stuard i A Prince is but a receiuer distributer of the publike money and they that giue it regard more the publike necessitie then the Princes priuate commodities Aristotle calles him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Custodem dispensatorem vt communium non vt propriorum Polit. lib. 1. cap. 11. A keeper or distributor of that which is common not proper of that which they should giue and he called this Tribute a Beneuolence some for shame others for vanitie and some through zeale filled his Coffers The Duke of Bourgundy sent ships out of Holland and Zeland to passe the Armie It made a number of fortie or fiftie thousand men and threatned to doe double effects The Constable gaue the King to vnderstand that this Armie of strangers should land in Normandie and his aduertisement seemed the more credible for that the King knew that the Duke of Brittanie had conspired with the King of Englands designes Herevpon there arriued a Herald who brought Letters of defiance from the King of England Letters of defiance frō the King of England Letters full of brauerie and boldnes and puft vp with the Duke of Bourgundies passion and the stile k Hee brought vnto the King a Letter of defiance from the K. of England in a gallat stile which I thinke was not done by any English man He required the King to restore him the
realme of FraÌ„ce which did belong vnto him to the end hee might restore the Church the Nobilitie the people to their ancient liberty and ease them of their troubles and charges and in case of refusall he protested of the miseries which should follow after the manner and forme accustomed is like cases CHRONIC of some bad Frenchman He demanded the Realme of France as his ancient inheritance he declared his Armes to be iust to recouer it and to set the French at libertie and to deliuer them from the oppressions which they endured The Letter being read the King drew the Messenger apart and spake vnto him alone with words of such Emphesie as hee left an opinion in him that the King of Englands enterprise hauing no support but the weaknesse of the Duke of Bourgundy the dissembling Constable and the passion of some English would not finde any great credit in France and so he sent him back with a present of three hundred Crownes and thirty elles of Crimson Veluet so full of good will as hee promised not to returne but to offer him a peace The Chronicle saies that the King sent vnto King Edward the goodliest Courser he had in his stable And after that an Asse a Woolfe and a wilde Beare all signes of affection and of other thoughts then warre and hatred for it is as great a testimonie of friendship to receiue a present as to giue l He that giues offers friendship he that receiues it accepts and binds himself to loue Wherefore among all the pride of the Romans they haue noted this to disdaine the presents which came not from friends Pharnax sent a Crowne of gold to Caesar who sent him word that hee should first doe that which hee was commanded then send him presents which Roman Emperors after the happy successe of their enterprises were accustomed to receiue froÌ„ their friends This great Prince desiring rather to saue a Cittizen then to kill an hundred enemies was resolued not to hazard any thing but money preferring the price of an assured Peace before a doubtfull victorie and notwithstanding that his Armie was great and mightie being in number aboue an hundred thousand men yet would he shew himselfe a Hercules m The Priests of Hercules Temples in Sicile told the Syracusans that they should bee victors if they did not affaiâ—e first but did onely defend themselues for that Hercules had preuailed in all his Enterprises defending himselfe when they câ—me to assaile him Plut. rather in defending then assailing Hee knew the body was not well purged from those vicious humours Considerations of the K. to haue a Peace that there were yet great windes to raise tempests Earthquakes that France was not without it like vnto Egypt This descent of the English had three great passions to moue it Ambition Reuenge and feare The King of England commanded in his Armie and Ambition commanded the King of Englands heart who promised vnto himselfe the conquest of the whole Realme The Duke of Bourgundy reioyced to see the English reuenge his quarrel as they had before a wrong done vnto his Grandfather The Constable thought that he could not otherwise appease the growing feare which presented vnto him an infallible losse both of life and fortune but in kindling these troubles The King found himselfe much troubled to auoide this storme Wisedome of the King to auoid the storme he must needs content these three passions He had many seruants of whose fidelitie he did not doubt n It is a great aduantage for a Prince against the discontentment of great men to haue the hearts and affections of his subiects firme He may well assure himselfe against few enemies but against a generall what safety Quello che ha per nemici pochi facilmente senza â—olti scandali si asâ—icura ma chi ha per nemico vniuersale non si assicura mai Guicciard lib. 11. Cap. 16. He that hath few for enemies may eaâ—sly and without any great scandall recouer himselfe but he that hath a generality for 〈◊〉 can never be secnred there was no rebellion discouered within any townes yet there were many great men which promised vnto themselues that the English would take reuenge of their discontents He feared that S. Quentin would be a prey to his enemies He was no lesse troubled to keepe the Constable from failing then to seeke meanes to punish his fault He sent to haue him come vnto him The King sends for the Constable to ioyne their Councels together and to prepare for a iust defence against his enemies promising to giue him the recompence which hee demanded from the Countie of Guise The Constable let the King vnderstand that he desired nothing more then to be neere his Maiestie to yeeld him the dutie of his seruice and to make new vowes of fidelity and obedience vnto him so as it would please him to sweare vppon the crosse of S t Laud that he would not doe Hee will haue the K. sweare for his safety not suffer any harme to be done vnto him o Constantine would not go to the Court of Michel Paphlagon Emperor of Constantinople before he had made him sweare his safety vpon the wood of the true Crosse vppon the Image of our Sauiour and vppon the letter which hee had written Angarus Cedren Ann. Pa. 607. It is in the Cittie of Angiers where the people hold this old beleefe that whosoeuer sweare vpon this crosse and forsweare themselues die miserably before the end of the yeare The King sent the Constable word that he had sworne neuer to take that oath to any man liuing and that there was not any other but hee would willingly take although he should relye vpon his word p Princes will be trusted of their word It is a great rashnes in a subiect to make his Prince sweare euery oth as Plutarke saith is like a torture giuen to a free man This refusall did sufficiently discouer the Kings intent and the Constable knowing that hee had once made no difficultie to take the same oath for the Lord of Lescun thought that there was no other safety for him then not to come neere the King and not to see him but by his picture In the meane time the English armie past the sea and landed with so great difficulties as they spent three weekes there and if it had incountred any let with that speed and diligence that the affaires q Caesar being ariued in England hauing cast another admonished his Lieutenants and Colonels to dâ—ligence for sea causes being very sodaine mutable they must be executed in an instant and in the turning of an eye of the sea which is sodaine and mutable requires it had been disperst of it selfe One ship alone of Eu tooke two or three English But the King vnderstood not sea-matters and they that had charge of his armies lesse then himselfe The French haue neuer
done any great exploits by sea although that their coast be greater then that of their neighbors and that it is hard for a Prince that is not strong at Sea r To bee strong at sea is much more auaileable the â—t land for the getting and keeping of a great estate The realme of Portugall is growne mighty by Nauigation The Common-weale of Genouâ— had extended her limits farre is ciuill dissâ—ntions had not stayed their designes by Sea euer to ecrease or maintaine his Empire If France had tooke delight at sea she had made the Flower-de-Luce to flourish farre off The French haue contemned Nauigation but this contempt of nauall expeditions hath clipt her wings with the which she should haue flowne so high as all the world had been amazed They did beleeue in those daies that who so was valiant at Land could not be so at Sea A verie preiudiciall errour for a Captaine that hath been accustomed to fight with the windes sea and men will sooner become a Captaine at Land where they fight onely with men then a land souldior will become a good Sea-man When as the King of England was landed at Calice The D. of Bourgundy is prest by the English and found not the Duke of Bourgundy he held it for a scorne and euen then he discouered his weaknes and sent him word that if he did not aduance he would force him to thinke of that which hee did not desire Behold this Prince reduced betwixt two extremes all the wisedome of man could not shew him a meane He found it dishonorable to dislodge from before Nuz and hee found it dangerous not to ioyne with the English God had stroken him with an amazement for the good of France for if hee had attended the English at their passage and not vndertaken the voyage of Germanie those two Armies ioyned together had been able to doe that which diuided was impossible When as the King of England prest him to come with speede the Emperor offered him battell to make him raise his seege from before Nuz At the same time when as both Armies were in view and that Albert Duke of Saxonie who carried the Standard of the Empire and Albert Marquis of Brandebourg prest the Emperor to command a chargr the Trumpets whom they attended to giue the signe sounded the publication of a peace He is forced to raise the siege of Nuz the last day of May. The secret Article carried this condition that the Duke should giue his Daughter to Maximilian and declare her heyre of al his Estates if he dyed without any sonne Munster saith that the Emperor for the desire he had of this mariage did not all the harme he could unto the Duke and that hee gaue him ten thousand florins The Duke said that he did not retire but to obay the admonition which the Pope gaue him by his Legate to whom the place was deliuered to coulour his dislodging with some shew the which was the more troublesome vnto the Duke s It is a disgrace to dislodg after a long coÌ„tinuance which alone should force Townes But he gaue the Duke this contentment that his enemies were not comprehended in this Treatie A conditionibus Pacis exclusi sunt Lud. Franc. Rex Sigismundus Exarch Austriae Out of the conditions of peace were excluded Lewis the French King Sigismond Archduke of Austria Rene Duke of Lorraine and the Suisses for that he knew the towne was reduced to extremities hauing neither patience not bread for aboue ten dayes hauing endured a whole yeare all the attempts of the assailant and all necessities which doe afflict and make desperate Townes which are sharply besieged He came posting with a small traine to Calice He comes to Calice to the King of England being loth to let the King of England see into what estate his wilfulnes at this siege had brought his Armie t The Duke of Burgundies armie had beene weakned at the siege of Nuz with the losse of foure thousand men the remainders did ouerrunne the countries of Lorraine and Bar whilest with a small traine he went to K. Edward to Calice The Constable who had presented a planke to passe the English into France now drawes it back He had promised that as soone as the Armies were ioyned hee would open the gates of S. Quentin and hee shootes at them that approch by the Dukes commandement And yet to giue a goodly name to a deformed thing u It is a great pittie said Cato 〈◊〉 his opinion against Catelyue that wee are come vnto those times where they doe attribute the name of wicked things to good Salust in Catel he seekes to make him beleeue by Lewis of Creuille whom he sent vnto him expressely that he had shewed reason and discretion in the fayling of his word that if he had receiued his men without some kinde of resistance he should make himselfe vnprofitable for his seruice loose the credit which he had with the French and the opinion esteeme which the King made of his fidelitie The Constable assures the Duke of his seruice That nothing could change his affection whereof he would giue him such infallible proofes against all men and without any exception beseeching the Duke that the Letter which he sent him might serue for an assurance of the same intention to the King of England These words vowed and sworne with vehemencie held the spirits of these two Princes in ballance notwithstanding that they doubted the contrarie x There is nothing difficult to beleeue when it is affirmed constantly and boldly sworne by any one although he were held a deceiuer The efficacy of an oath if it do not beget credit in the mind at the least it breedes a suspension and doubt of the contrary Guiceiardin saies in his first booke â—o non credo puâ— quasi â—ssere quâ—llo che multo eâ—â—icacimentes afferma non faccia 〈…〉 negli animi de terminati a credere ill contrarie I do scarce beleeue it can be but that which is 〈◊〉 with great efficacy will breed some doubt and ambiguity even in those mindes that were resolued to beleâ—ue the contrary Charles assured Edward that if they did aduance S t. Quentin was theirs They that presented themselues first with an opinion to enter The Constable failes of his promise to the K. of England and Duke of Bourgundy were forced to returne their backs with speed and retire to the Armie which followed The King of England cryed out of treason and euen then resolued to be mindfull of reuenge y A failing in 〈◊〉 and faith is 〈◊〉 forgotten and the remembrance hath alwaies for assessors Choller and Reuenge Darius for that he would not forget the wrong which the 〈…〉 done him had alwaies a Page 〈◊〉 â—â—uld him in his care when he sale downe to meat Sir remember the Athenians The Duke of Bourgundy gaue excuses and said that the Constable had a good
intent and that the place deserued some ceremonies that he would not purchase that reproch to haue yeelded at the first sight of the enemy and that he knew his humor not to attempt any thing but when he may doe it safely profitably and honorably He thought otherwise in his heart and Edward knowing well that the Constable deceiued them The K of England repents that he beleeued did not conceale it that the duke had done him wrong to imbarke him vpon his assurances The Duke take his leaue vnder a pretext to goe fetch his forces and retired into Brabant to passe at Mezieres into the Dutchie of Bar. The King of England did not like of the reason of his sodaine departure knowing well that the Dukes affaires were in no good estate and might impaire The English were amazed and discouraged as they are commonly which ground their enterprises vpon the promises and passions of strangers z They that haue needs of forraine succors promise wonders to ingage them and doe not commonly performe halfe their promises Their wils wauered betwixt hope and repentance For all the Townes whereof they promised themselues the conquest and which they had sometimes held they had onely Perronne and that was but by way of passage to refresh them The season was incommodious The Duke of Brittanie remained quiet to see the game and who should win He had incensed the King too much who had new drawne from a Secretarie of England two Letters written by Vrse a The Duke of Brittanie promised to loyne his forces with those of England and to receiue 3000. English This designe was discouered by two letters written by Vrse who then serued the D. of Brittany the one vnto the King of England and the other to Hastings his Lord Chamberlaine which discouer his practises and the promise which he had made to ioyne with the English All these reasons make Edward incline to a peace he hath some about him would gladly haue re-past the sea His chiefe seruants were not very eager of warre and remembring the entertainment at S. Quentin they found that the English were too blame to trust in the French against the French and to beleeue that Rauens will pick out one anothers eyes The Ceremonie was who should speake first there was not any one betwixt these two Princes that would attempt this mediation they thought that hee which should first demand a Peace had confest himselfe vanquished There is a great disparitie betwixt the affaire of Princes and priuate men their rules and Maximes are very different like to the Kings of Thrace whose Gods which they serue are not the Gods of the common people b The dissemblance of the affaires of great men shâ—wes it selfe in many respects and ceremonies which are not considered among priuate persons The King of Thrace is distinguished from his suâ—iects by the difference of the sâ—ruice of his Gods he hath his apart which his subiects are not suffred to worship Haward and Stanley Occasion which caused an ouerture of a Peace who were neerest about the King of England offred an occasion to breake this Ice They had taken a Groome of the Kings Armie who was sent back without ransome as the first prisoner of the English Being at libertie and readie to depart Haward and Stanley said vnto him Recommend vs to the good grace of the King your Master if you may speake vnto him He failed not and the King remembring what Garter had said vnto him found that his veluet had wrought These salutations draue him into a great perplexitie Whatsoeuer comes from an enemie is to be suspect He caused the messenger to be put in Irons fearing that he was a spie he is sounded into and curiously examined by his most confident seruants hee himselfe speakes vnto him and findes him constant without varying This perturbation of minde held him vntill the next day with the which he sate downe pensiue to his meate Posture of Lewis the eleuenth when hee was pensiue When as he was in his deepest cogitations the minde did so neglect the actions of the bodie and left them in such disorder as no man would haue taken him for a wise man c Phil. de CoÌ„ represents in these world 's the grace of K. Lewis when hee had any fantasie in his head As soon as he was set at the table and had studied a little as you know he did in such sort as it was very strange to them that did not know him for without knowledge of him they would haue held him vnwise but his deeds witnes the contrary After that he had been a while pensiue hee told Philip de Commines that hee should take away the table and went to dine in his chamber causing the seruant of the Siegneur of Halles to come vnto him of whom he demanded if hee would goe into the King of Englands Armie in the habite of a Herauld He had bethought himselfe of this man to whom hee had neuer spoke but once and notwithstanding that Phil. de Commines told him that in his opinion hee had neither stature nor grace yet would hee not any other Iudgement of the King to distinguish spirits He had made choise of him as of a man of good vnderstanding and who had as the Historie saith a sweet and pleasing voice He considered that if the charge hee gaue him did not succeed he should quit in disauowing him and make it knowne that he was but in a disguised habite like vnto Comediens d They demanded of Polistratidas Embassador of Sparta if he came in the behalfe of the commonweale or of himselfe hee answered eloquently 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If you grant me that which I demand said Polistratidas I will cause my selfe to be aduowed if not I let you vnderstand that I haue no charge He would not accept this charge for any thing that Philip de Comines could say or promise him he fell vpon his Knees as if hee had beene condemned to die e When as the King thought this man was in a good humour he sent the master of his horse for the banner of a trumpet to make him a coate of Armes for the K. was not curious nor accompanied with Heralds and Trumpets as many princes be Phil. de Com. l. 4. c. 7. The King came and spake with him and wonne him at the first word A Herald sent to the King of England promising him mony and the office of an Esleu in the I le of Rez Hee must be attired and there was some trouble to make him a coate of armes and more to send him away secretly and not to seene but most of all to instruct him in that which he should say His coate of armes was in a bouget behind his saddle hauing commandement not to put it on vntill hee did enter into the English army Philip de Comines obserues in this place the little care and
curiosity the King had of the markes of the greatnesse of the Maiesty of Kings when he saith that there was not a coate of armes to be found in all his campe and that they were forced to make one of the banner of a trompet to attyer this Herald Souueraigne powers were neuer without them f Princes haue alwaies had marks of greatnes maiesty The Senate ordained foure twenty Sargents to march before Augustus Before that the Roman Emperors had fire and a diademe for marks of maiesty they had maces and rods enuironed with boyes Excubiae arms cetera Anlae saith Tacit watching Armes and the rest of the Court. Being come into the army he was conducted to the king of Englands tent they demanded of him what he was whence he came and what he would His coate of armes made answer to the first demand and for the rest he said that he had commandement to speake vnto the King and to addresse himselfe to Haward and Stanley The King of England was then at diner in the meane time they made the Herald good cheere and then presented him vnto the King to deliuer his charge Instructed by the Signeur of Argenton Wee must stand to that which hee hath written that did instruct him and who hath reported it after this manner That the K. had long desired to be in friendship with him and that the two realmes might liue in peace and that neuer since hee was King of France The Heralds speech to the King of England he had not made warre nor attempted any thing against the King nor the Realme of England excusing him-selfe g These Prepositions seeme nothing generous they argue feare and ere vnworthy of a great Prince who should let his enemies know that he did not demand nor accord any thing by force But Phil. de Com. excuseth the K. and saith that If God had not disposed the King to choose so wise a party the Realme had been in great danger Then he addes Wee had then many secret matters among vs vvhence had sprung great inconueniences vnto the Realme and that sodainly if the accord had not been soon made as wel from Brittaine as other places And I verily beleeue by matters which I haue seene in my time that God had and hath a speciall care of this Realme for that he had formerly entertayned the Earle of Warwicke and said that it was onely against the Duke of Bourgundy and not against him Hee also let him vnderstand that the said Duke of Bourgundy had not called him but to make a better accord with the King vppon the occasion of his comming and if there were any other that had a hand in it it was but to repaire their errors tending to their priuate ends and touching the King of Englands interest they cared not what became thereof so as they might make their owne good Hee also layed before him the time and winter which approached and that he knew well he was at great charge and that there were many in England both of the Nobility and Marchants which desired to haue warre in France And if the King of England should doe his endeauour to harken to a treaty that the said king would doe the like so as he and his realme should remaine content And to the end he might be better informed of these things Hee demands a pasport for a Conference if he would giue a pasport for an hundred horse that the king would send Ambassadors vnto him well informed of his will or if the king of England desired it should rather be in some Village midway betwixt both Armies and that the Deputies of either side should meet there he would be well content and would send a safe conduct Many thought that King Edward would haue said vnto the Herald We will talke in Paris h Arsaces K. of the Parthians sent to tell Crassus that if he were sent by the Romans to make warre against him hee would haue no peace but if he came of his owne free will to possesse his Contry that then hee would suffer them to depart with their liues and goods wherevnto Crassus said brauely I will make you an ansvver in the Towne of Seleucia the Parthian Ambassador began to smile and shewing him the palme of his hand hee said Crassus thou shalt sooner see haire grow in this hollow of mine hand then the Citty of Seleucia in thine but this first ouerture was so pleasing Ouerture of a peace betwixt the two Kings as he granted pasports for the Deputies of the conference England had rather forced then perswaded him to the Chimeras of this war He had leuied great summes of money for his passage the warre drew them out of his cofers peace kept them there and added more Ciuill warre had so weakened and impouerished England as at need they could neither hope for men nor money Hee had caused some of the Deputies of the Commons of England to passe with him Reasons which perswaded the English to peace they were already weary of the warre and to lodge after the manner of Soldiers These men did allow of this proposition of Peace and said that it was iust and reasonable i It is a weakenes in a Prince to make it apparantly knowne that hee desires a peace It is indiscretion to refuse it when it is iust If a Peace bee iust and honest saith Polibius 4. it is in truth good and goodly yet must they not doe any thing that is vniust and vnreasonable nor suffer any shamefull thing to bee done to enioy it that it were indiscretion to refuse it and that they should be contented to haue reduced the French King to seeke a peace with the King of England for that a great King cannot humble himselfe more nor descend lower then to seeke his enemy for a peace Pasports were dispatcht of either part and the Deputies entred into conference in a Village neere vnto Amiens in view of both armies which were but fower leagues asunder The Bastard of Bourbon Admirall St. Pierre and Heberge Bishop of Ereux for Lewis Haward one Challenger and Morton who was afterwards Chancelor of England for Edward The Ouerture of the assembly was by a demand of the Realme of France which the English said did belong vnto them grounding their pretensions vppon those of Edward the third k Edward the third King of England sonne to Edward the second and to Marguerite or Elizabeth of France disputed the Regency and Royalty in the yeare 1328. who as sonne to Elizabeth daughter to Phillip the faire had first disputed the Regency and then the succession of the Crowne against Philip of Valois thinking to ouerthrow the ancient order of the Salike Law l The Salike law excludes woemen from the succession of the Crowne it carries these wordes Nulla portio hereditatis mulieri veniat sed ad virilem sexuâ—â— tota terrae hereditas perueniat Let
commends his Councells gaue Eu and Saint Valery to the King of England onely to lodge in during the treaty of Peace But hee had giuen such order as the English in these townes were rather in prison then in Garrison The Constable by Edwards answer saw himselfe almost in dispair with more subiect to be amazed how hee liued then to reioyce that he was liuing apprehending on the one side seruitude and on the other punishment and seeing no other port in this torment of mind but death The Dukes of Bourgundy and Brittanie were comprehended in this truce if they would The Duke of Bourgundy being aduertised of this Treatie came from Luxembourg with sixteene horse to finde King Edward who discouered in his Cousins face the s It is an extreame misery to stand betwixt 2. great powers haue no meanes to maintaine himselfe A little nag betwixt 2. great horses is alwaies subiect to some stripe spleene he carried in his heart and seeming amazed at this sodaine arriuall he demanded of him what brought him I came said the Duke to speake with you will you said Edward that it be in priuate or publike wherevpon the Duke who could not containe his choller and who came to speake what he would not considering that he might he are what he would not t demanded of the King of England if hee had made a Peace No said Edward but a Truce for nine yeares in the which you are comprehended with the Duke of Brittanie I pray you accommodate your selfe vnto it The Duke replyed in English which hee vnderstood and spake That his Armie should not haue past the sea for that this Treatie ruined the reputation of the Kings of England and that he had need of that Lyons heart interred at Rouen u Richard the first King of England was called Coeur de Lion he dyed at Osneyâ— and his heart was interred at Rouen a reasonable good Poet for these times made him this Epitaph * Then he addes I had procured you a good occasion to doe your busines which you shall neuer recouer to get that which belongs vnto you It was not for mine owne interest for I could well passe without it and to let you know how little I regard your Truce Words betwixt the K. of England and the Duke of Bourgondy By S t George I will not treat with the King before that you are returned into England and haue stayed there three monethes Edward taking no delight in these words full of choller left him there He went to horseback and so returned as he came being well content to haue said that which hee would say to him who had not done that which he would doe and carrying in his heart a wonderfull discontent that this Treatie tooke from him the meanes to purchase glorie x To loose the occasion of any great matter by the meane of Armes is a very sensible griefe to a great courage Epaminondas did shew it in causing his sonnes head to be cut off who had won a Battell coÌ„plaining that he had depriued him of part of his glory at the Kings charge and once againe to giue him a Battell * Viscera Carceolum corpus fons serâ—â—t Ebrardi Et cor Rhotomagum magne Richarde tuum In tria diuiditur vnus qui plus fuit vno Nec superest vna gloria tanta viro And this other Hic Richarde Iaces sed mors si cederet Armis Victa timore tui cederet ipsa tuis The King fearing that the Duke of Bourgundies choller and the Constables practises would cause Edward repent or make him distrust the expectation of that which had been promised would make his proceedings free from all suspition Confidence is the true cyment of friendship Good cheer made to the English at Amiens The English entred continually in what troupes they would into Amiens There were long Tables at the gates furnished with good meate and delicate wines and good companions attended to entertaine all that came All the Tauerns and Innes were full The Marshall of Gié hauing charge to obserue how the English liued came one morning into a Tauerne where they told him they had alreadie made a hundred and eleuen reckonings Gran favores comery no escotar and it was not yet nine of the clock Among other commodities the souldiour found it sweet to dine well and not to pay any thing It was in the Kings power to cut the throats of nine or ten thousand who could neither goe on their legges nor finde the gates to returne vnto their quarters they were so full They were content to see them drunke with wine who would haue been drunke with bloud But when they came and told him that it was dangerous to suffer so many men to enter he left his howers which he was saying and the ceremony of Innocents y The Romans did obserue good daies to assaile but all were good to defend Macrob l. Satur. cap. 16. All daies are good and fit to care for defence and safety We must beleeue that which he saies that saw it and hath written it The King being vp and saying his howers one came and told him that there were at the least nine thousand English in the Towne I resolued to aduenture to tell him and entring into his retiring place I said vnto him Sir although it be S. Innocents day yet is it necessarie that I tell you that which hath been deliuered vnto mee and so acquainted him at large with the numbers that were entred and still came all armed and that no man durst refuse them the gates least they should be discontented The King was not obstinate but soone left his deuotion and told me that they must not keep the ceremonie of Innocents z The Christian religion holdes the obseruation of daies superstitious Eas culpat saith S t Aug. qui dicunt non proficiscat hodie quia praeposterus dies est It blames them that say I will not goe forth this day because it is ominious whereby wee may gather that the day whereon the Feast of Innocents fell was for all the rest of the yeare following superstitiously ceremonious to this Prince on which hee would not haue them speake vnto him of any affaires Phil. de Commines hauing been in danger of a disgrace vpon that occasion Yet he receiued this aduice in such an humor as he beleeued that he might referre his deuotion to another time and dispence with it to the end that he might prouide that this troupe should retire quietly The King dines at the gate of Amiens He caused his dinner to bee carried to the Porters house not to shew his distrust but to make much of the English which came in and out He stayed some to eate at his table and made others drinke and withall prouided for the safety of the Towne hauing caused three hundred men to be armed in their Captaines houses and appointed some vpon the Portall to
obserue the entrie of the souldiers The King of England being aduertised of this disorder sent to intreat the King not to suffer them to enter That shall not be answered the King but if it please him to send some Archers of his gard to the Port they shall let in whom they will This was done the King hauing by his dissembling obtained that which some greater brute had made difficult But Lewis had no money in his Coffers to pay the summes that were agreed vpon He found how difficult it is to draw money from a multitude in an vrgent necessitie a Although they say that a Prince should haue no other treasure then in subiects purses yet there may fall out such vrgent occasions as if behaue it not in his owne Coffers he is in dangerous estate His Treasurers refused him Paris furnisht this summe vpon assurance to bee repayed within three monethes There remained nothing but to choose a place for the enteruiew of the two Kings Piquigny noted by the Predictions of England This was at Piquigny a towne which the Sibilles of England had long before noted for so great and happie an action They made a barre vppon the bridge of the riuer of Somme in such sort as they might passe their Armes freely yet without any wicket for their bodies the King remembring that he had heard say b That which is past teacheth the present In the like occasion Duke Iohn was slaine at Monter eaufaut Yonne whether he was come vnto the Dauphin who since was Charles the seuenth to treat an accord that the doore which was left at the Barre at Montereau Faut-Yonne did serue to aduance the execution which caused so many calamities in France For Duke Iohn being inuited to passe with three more not two paces off receiued the mortall blow from Taneguy of Chastell The 29. of August 1478. the King came first vnto the Barre for that he was in his owne house Enteruiew of the two Kings at Piquigny and receiued a strange Prince c Many take this ceremonie otherwise and that it is for the greater Prince not to come first vnto the place but to be stayed for He was accompanied by the Duke of Bourbon and the Cardinall of Bourbon his Brother In these actions of shew hee tooke delight to haue some one attired like himselfe Phil. de Commines was so that day He had eight hundred men Edward came thither after being aduertised by a Gentleman of the Kings arriuall The Duke of Clarence his Brother did accompanie him thither The Duke of Glocester would not bee there for this Truce discontented him he had behinde him all his Armie in Battell either of them had twelue Noblemen d Princes shold neuer meet at a Parle but with equall assurances of either side Philip K. of Macedon would not goe to land but did parle from the prow of his galley with I. F. who was vpon the shore and beeing demanded by him of whom he stood in feare I feare not any man answered Philip but the immortall Gods but I trust not them I see with you Tit. Liu. lib. 32. to accompanie him There were foure English Lords on Lewis side and as many French of Edwards to see if there were any practise to the preiudice of their master Edward ware a Cap of blacke Veluet Edward a goodly Prince with a great Iewell of stones made like a Flower-de-Luce a goodly Prince and of a gallant stature but began to grow grosse e Phil. de Cō saith that Edward was one of the goodliest Princes of that age but at this enteruiew hee began to grow grosse Beauty is a qualitie which doth adorne the rest which are necessarie in a Prince But this is vaine without the rest it is more fitting for a woman and serues but to please Maximin son to the Emperor Maximin was so fair as the women desired to be beloued of him and that hee would make them mothers Iul. Cap. Comming within two or three paces of the Barre he put off his Cap and made two or three low reuerences before hee came vnto the King who attended him leaning vpon the barre after very kinde imbracings to make the heart speake by these demonstrations of loue and affection the Peace was sworne vpon the Masse-booke and the Crosse. The King who knew Edwards humor fitted his Discourse to entertaine him with a content which cost him nothing entermixing still some merry speech among their most serious affaires And for that Edward had youth beauty and loue in him hee intreated him not to returne into England before he had seene the Ladies of Paris and that the Cardinall of Bourbon who was their present should giue him absolution Edward shewed by his eyes and his silence that this Sumons was pleasing vnto him The King prest him no farther The King offers that which hee would not haue accepted remembring that his Predecessors had beene too familiar there These two Princes were so cunning as it was hard for the one to haue any aduantage of the other the policy of the one appeared outward and the other kept his close within f Some shew their Art at the first incounter others hold it secret and there the deceit is not discouered before one is deceiued Heerevnto is applyed the controuersie which was betwixt the Foxe and the Leopard for the variety of their skinnes The Leopard bragd that his was fairest without being marked with diuers spots that is nothing said the Foxe my variety is within They conferred long together to open their hearts one vnto an other or rather for Lewis to discouer Edwards thoughts who for that he was not like vnto him in iudgement and experience was not so warie The King found that hee had an extreme desire to assist and defend the Duke of Brittany and that hee held himselfe bound vnto it saying that hee had neuer found a better friend at need As for the Duke of Bourgundy hee did not seeme to bee so carefull of his fortune for when as the King said vnto him What shall wee doe if my Brother of Bourgundy will not enter into the Truce The King of England answered Lewis soūds K. Edwards thoughts I will summon him againe and if he will not hearken to it I referre my selfe to you two The Constables fortune remained In the first conference of the Treatie the King of England being highly offended that hee had fayled of his word had said that hee could let the King know his bad seruants and how to conuict them of treason towards his Maiestie The Deputies had not much regarded it holding it to be a pollicie to terrifie the King with such practises and Intelligences and although there had been some thing yet the estate of the Kings affaires did not allow of too curious a search of the fidelity of his subiects g There are seasons when as it is not good to discouer all diseases
to moue humours not to purge the bodie It was told Pompey that there were amoÌ„g Stertorius papers many Senators Letters who exhorted him to come into Italy and to attempt against Rome but Pompey did an Act not of a yong man but of a graue setled inâ—gement causing all his Letters to be burnt and not suffring one to be read Plut. but the King who contemned not any thing thought that it was an Arrow shot against the Constable therefore he desired to be satisfied from Edward who dissembling not his great discontentment against the Constable related vnto him the whole History of his preuatications and for proofe thereof deliuered two Letters into his hands After a long discourse accompanied with infinite shews of loue honor and respect the two Kings parted Edward past by the Sea leauing Hostages in the delights and feasts of Paris and the chiefe Noble men of his Court talked of nothing but the Kings bountie The Heralds and trumpets of England at their parting cryed out A largesse a largesse h Liberalitie is like the Sunne amoÌ„g the other lights of a royaltie It is the myâ—rhe which preserues the reputation of Kings incorruptible for the most noble and mightie King of France A largesse a largesse The King went to lie at Amiens by the way he entertained himselfe with that which he had obserued in this Action speaking these words to Phil. de Commines confidently A wise obseruation of the king I found the King of England so willing to come to Paris as it did not please me Hee is a goodly King and loues women much hee might finde some Mignion at Paris who would tell him so many goodly tales as he might haue a desire to returne His Predecessors haue beene too much in Paris and Normandie His company auailes me nothing on this side the Sea but on the other side he is my good brother and friend Being come to Amiens and ready to set downe to meate Haward one of the Hostages thinking to doe him a great pleasure came and told him in his eare that if he pleased he would draw the King of England vno Amiens and it might bee to Patis to make good cheere there with his Maiestie The King who hauing saued the Capitoll i It is good to see an enemies back The Gauls demanded boats to passe the Riuer of Tyber and the Senate commanded to giue them some beeing put to rout they assured them the way to saue them Poliâ—nus Lib. 2. had no care but to make a large way for the Gaules to passe receiued this speech with a good countenance although it did not please him and as if he had thought of other matters he began to wash and to speake of other things Haward remembred him after supper hauing not obserued the Kings intention by the first euasion The King being prest by his importunity said that he was then ready to goe to horse to see what the Duke of Bourgundy would doe and to make him runne the hazard of Armes seeing he had contemned the opportunitie of an accord They that past the Sea vnwillingly would haue beene glad to haue found some occasion to haue stayed longer in France they had some reason for the good of their estate and that Paris might be to London as Carthage had been to Rome k Estates maintaine theÌ„selues by the common feares and iealousies they haue one of an other And therfore Scipâ—o Nasiâ—a did aduise theÌ„ to preserue Carthage notwithstanding that she had put the 〈◊〉 of Rome to comprimise Ne metu ablato aemula vrbis luxuriarâ— felicitas vrbis inciperâ—t Least being freed froÌ„ the feare of a Citie that was enemy the Citie in her prosperitie should fall to â—yot Flor. Lib 2. de Bello Punice They had such hot spirits among them as if they had not some imploiment without the Iland they were capable to beginne the Earle of Warwicks game During the Kings abode at Amiens he was visited by the English especially by those that would not returne without some present The King giues preâ—â—mâ—s to the English The Duke of Glocester who seemed much discontented with this Truce found it good after that the King had giuen him plate and horses This Prince did sow euen in barren groundes the feare of ingratitude did not stay his handes from giuing vnto them who being gone neuer gaue him thankes l They doe not forbeare to sow after an â—â—n fertill haruest hee must not leaue to binde one after ingratitude although the benâ—fit perish with the other he must not suffer it to perish with himselfe He was very well pleased with that day but he was greeued that the King of England had shewed so much passion for the Duke of Brittaine for his desire was not to suffer him in peace Edward declares the Duke of Brittanâ— to be his friend Hee caused him to bee sounded againe by the Lords of Bouchage and St. Pierre but they brought nothing back but rough wordes sweating that he would repasse the sea againe if they quarreled with the Britton m Besides the bond which K. Edward had to the D. of Brittany for that hee had assisted him in his greatest necessiâ—y he feared to discoÌ„tent him least he should set Henry whom he held prisoner at libertie The King seeing that he could not diuide them thought to make him a good friend whom he could not declare a iust enemy Peace betwixt the King and the Du of Brittany seing that he was comprehended in the Truce Wherefore there was a Treaty of peace betwixt them signed and concluded in the Abbey of Senlis the 16. of October 1475. published in the Parliament of Paris and at the estates of Brittaine The King of England was not more content to see his realme againe then the King seemed ioyfull to haue sent him out of his Princes somtimes let slip free speeches in their Cabinets which are obserued and reported againe The King being some dayes after King Edwards departure with his seruants reioyced at the happy successe of his affaires saying that there was nothing to be compared to vanquish without fighting n The victorie which costs least bloud is mâ—st glorious said Alphonso K. of 〈◊〉 Panorm in his life and that they which returned from the place whether they came to make warre without doing any thing were vanquished Words escaped the K. vpon the Treatie of Peace He iested that with wine and money he had sent away the English This flowing of words with more truth then wisedome came to the hearing of a Gascon Marchant remaining in England who was come into the Cabinet to craue leaue to transport a certaine number of pipes of wine Impost free Heard by a Gascon Marchant The King would haue been glad that this man hauing seene the Palace of his Councels bare and vncouered had been blind deafe but he made no shew of it acknowledging
notwithstanding that discretion had not beene arbitrator betwixt his tongue and heart that the Marchant had seene and heard too much o There haue beene Princes which haue put their seruants to death hauing heard wordes the report whereof was dangerous Alexander dealt therein more discrectly for finding that Ephestion had seen in his letter an aduice of importance he only toucht his lippes with his seale without any word speaking and Lewis deâ—lt more royally who bought them at a deer rate which might haue carried words that had escaped him inconsiderately and that Edward might cause this first flower of Peace which was but in the bud to wither Cause not foreseene of a good fortune if these words were reported vnto him He therefore resolued to buy this Marchant vpon some pretext of seruice He imployed Philip de Commines who wonne him offering him an office in the towne where hee was borne the transport of the wines which he demanded and a hundred pounds starling to send for his family but vpon condition that he should not goe into England the King condemning himselfe willingly in the penaltie for that he had spoken too freely The most couragious but especially the French which were retired into England blamed this peace Many held it for a worke of heauen saying that it had accomplished the Prophesies which the holy Ghost had made p Men draw great Predictions from small matters In the Conclaâ—e held for the election of a Pope after the death of Paul the fourth a Doue flying rested vpon the Cell of Cardinal Iohn Ange Mediguin who was named Pius the fourth and it was taken for an assurance of his election that a white Doue the day of the enteruiew of the two Kings had sat vpon King Edwards tent and that all the noise of the Armie could not driue her away A Gentleman Gascon called Bretailles who serued the King of England was discontented at the Peace and mockt at his iest He said that this Doue being beaten with the raine had fallen vpon this tent as the highest to dry her selfe in the Sunne He talked with Phillip de Commines who knew him and said You had reason to laugh at vs. To whom Commines but not touching that said How many Battels hath your King woon Wisedome of Phil. de Com. to auoid a needlesse discourse Nine answered Bretailles q K. Edward the fourth was in nine Battels fighting on feet to assure the Crown of EnglaÌ„d on his head and to ruine the house of Lancaster And how many hath he lost one onely which is that vvhich hee might haue woon in France so great a losse as it hath blemished the honour of nine which hee hath wonne for this tenth vvas the crowning of all the rest They came and told the King that this Gascon was a free spoken man and that in the libertie of his speech he might make his masters thoughts knowne and alter the mindes of many The King sent for him caused him to dine at his table and by his purse stopt his mouth and made him say as the rest that the holy Ghost had made the Peace In one houre Bretailles setled an assured reuenue for euer vpon the timiditie of this Prince r We may say of King Lewis as Plutark did of Nicias he gaue not lesse to theÌ„ that might doe ill then to those that deserued well who were worthy to taste of his bounty so as his feare was a reuenue rent vnto the wicked as well as his bounty was vnto good men The Duke of Bourgundy seeing that the King of England was farre off began to bethinke himselfe He had seene the inconstancie of the English Contay had represented vnto him that of the Constable and the discourse which hee had heard behind the Portall All this would not suffer him to grow obstinate against reason and moreouer the King is armed against the frontier of Hainault who demands it and offers to doe it and he hath a liuely impression of the great perplexitie which an irresolute soule doth suffer that liues in suspence betwixt hope and feare s Whilst our soules are in suspence betwixt hope and feare wee doe not enioy the present and the future torments vs. Hugonet the Dukes Chancellor sent the King word that if it pleased him to send his Deputies vnto the bridge Treatie of Peace betwixt the King the D. of Bourgundie mid-way betwixt Auennes and Veruins the Dukes should be there to resolue vpon that which was presented The King would be present notwithstanding that his Councell disswaded him and hee led with him Haward and Cheney Hostages which the King of England had left One of them being sorrie for the Peace seeing the Deputies for the Duke of Bourgundy accompanied with a great number of soldiers well mounted and armed said that if the Duke of Bourgundy had shewed many such to the King of England hee had not so suddenly repast the Sea Philip de Commines to whom these words were spoken answered not any thing he had so great patience in hearing and such stay in his speech as it was no paine for him to hold his peace in occasions where the tongue sometimes escapes t He that is not patient to hold his peace can not be discreet in speaking The Vicont of Narbonne who had heard them said that without doubt the Duke of Bourgundy had a good number but the English had so great a desire to returne into England as they were contented with six hundred pipes of wine and a pension which the King gaue them This English man who was much altered with this Peace found his griefe doubled with this flout and all fuming with choller hee said It is true that was told vs that you would iest at vs call you the money which the King giues vs a Pension u Euery man giues what names hee pleaseth to things That which in effect was a pension the English call tribute An insupportable word to a free Nation Saluian lameÌ„ting the condition of the Empire of Rome which payed Tribute vnto the FreÌ„ch who had newly seazed vpon Gâ—ul saith Aurâ—m quod peÌ„dimus munera vocamus dicimus donum esse quod pretium et quidam coÌ„diâ—onis miserimae The gold we bestow we cal reward we terme that a gift which is a price and of a most wreâ—ched condition It is a Tribute and by S t George you may speake so much as we shall returne Philip de Commines O the wise man brake off this Discourse and from serious and biting as it was and might haue been worse for the French would neuer haue endured that they should haue termed France tributarie to England turned it to a Iest. But the Englishman was discontented and complained to the King who was much offended with the Vicont of Narbonne who had not considered that to bad demands good answeres cost little and profit much and that a small matter cals back
an enemie who departs discontented x Words of contempt or mockery inflame mens hearts to other resolutions theÌ„ are expected Cabades a Captaine of Persia besieging Amida and finding 〈◊〉 that the siâ—ge would be long difficult resoluâ—a to leaue it The inhabitaÌ„ts grown proud thereat came running to the waâ—s calling him coward and mocking at his retreat Wherewith Cabadeâ— was so incensed as â—e returned prest forced and spoiled the Towne The Deputies of either side met but could not agree euerie one seeking to maintaine his owne The King told his that he would not haue so many words and causing the Dukes deputies to come he shut himselfe in with them and before they parted concluded a Truce for nine yeares beginning the 13. of September 1475. and ending the same day in the yeare 1484. The Duke would haue Baldwin Bastard of Bourgundy the Lord of Renty Iohn de Chata and Philip de Commines excluded and to loose the benefit of this Truce the which notwithstanding was not so soone published to saue the Dukes oth who had sworne not to hearken vnto it so soone As they were vpon the Treatie the King of England being discontented that the Duke of Bourgundy treated apart sent Thomas of Montgomerie vnto the King to assure him that be would return in the Spring with a mighty Armie to finish the Duke of Bourgundies ruine but the King who loued him well where he was answered that the Truce which was then in question was no other then what had been made with him without any alteration but that the Duke desired to haue his Letters Patents apart Thus a peace was made both with the English and Bourgundians These mists which were so thick as there was no hope to see the Sunne all the day were disperced in a moment leauing France in the same cleerenes that it was before The wisemen of those times saw and did acknowledge the particular care of Gods prouidence ouer this Monarchy hauing by his singular grace escaped so terrible a storme It was not the first brunt nor the greatest fit which tryed the firmenes of her forces The foundations of this Estate are so well layed y Al the estates in the world haue tried her Inconstancie what are become of the Empires of Assiria of Persia of Media of Egypt of Iudea of Macedon Quicquid in altum â—ortuna tulit ruitura leuat Whatsoeuer fortune hath raised on high is to fall againe And Plato saies that euery thing is in this world as vpon Euripus sometimes aboue sometimes beneath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her lawes haue so wisely preuented all kindes of accidents that although there bee nothing constant in the world and that nature turnes euery thing sometimes aboue sometimes beneath yet it stands amidst the greatest shakings and supports it selfe like a Colosse with his owne waight The composition of this body is so strong and vigorous as it entertaines it selfe euen with his excesse and disorders other Estates with all their good order are not in better case and the least disorder they commit brings their life in danger z Plutark said that the reputation of Sparta was like vnto a body which alwaies tooke a dyet which was distempered with the least disorder The Kings wisedome was the Instrument of Gods prouidence to free this Realme from the danger which did threaten it It is true that if necessitie which hath no law did not excuse the proceedings of this Prince and if the honour of the action did not remaine to him that hath the profit there might be exceptions taken to that which the King did to haue this Peace A wise Prince and lesse fearefull would haue aduentured a Battell rather then be subiect to his enemies pride but these high and generous formes of treating are buried in the ruines of proud and triumphant Rome and there is nothing remaining but admiration which the History represents The Romans neuer receiued condition nor capitulation a As the Romans did neuer receiue offers nor conditions from an enemy so long as he was armed so did they neuer goe whether they called them If thou beest mighty thou maist force me if thou canst not I must goe whether my commoditie leades me from an armed enemie they neuer made retreat in disorder Neuer did Generall of a Roman Armie giue place to any one were he a King Neuer did they in strange Prouinces quit the markes of their authoritie Neuer did they allow a stranger how great so euer to enter into their lodging on horseback b When as Tigranes came to Pompey to yeeld himselfe into his hands the Sargeants told him that he must light for that no man was euer seene to enter on horseback into the Romans lodgings Plâ—t And in a word neuer had Prince his minde and resolutions raised to more generositie FINIS THE CONTENTS OF of the seuenth BOOKE 1 THe Constables perplexitie after the peace 2 The King sends for the Constable 3 The Constable leaues S. Quentin and retires to Mons in Hainault 4 The King seazeth on S. Quentin and summons the Duke of Bourgundy to effect the Article of the Assembly of Bouuines touching the Constable 5 Hee is deliuered to the King and conducted to the Bastille his processe made condemned to die and executed 6 Profit and blame which the Duke of Bourgundy receiued by the Constables death 7 Armie of the Duke of Bourgundy in Lorraine 8 Attempt vpon the Dukes life discouered by the King 9 Armie of the Dukes against the Suisses 10 The Kings voyage to Lyon 11 Siege of Granson The Suisses giue and winne a Battell and recouer Granson with a great spoile 12 The Duke seeks vnto the King for a continuance of the Truce 13 Rene of Aniou King of Sicile comes to the King at Lyon 14 Duke of Bourgundies Army before Morat defeated by the Suisses 15 The Suisses enter into the countrie of Vau and the Duke retires into the Franche Conty 16 Yoland Duchesse of Sauoy the Kings Sister leaues the Bourgundian party 17 Alfonso of Portugall comes to demand succors of the King 18 Henry the fourth King of Castille declared vnworthy of the Crowne 19 Accord betwixt the King of Castille and the King of Portugall 20 Affliction heauines and griefe of the Duke of Bourgundy after the Battel of Morat 21 Rene Duke of Lorraine besiegeth and takes Nancy 22 Armie of the Duke of Bourgundy before Nancy and treason of Cont Campobasso 23 Defeat of the Duke of Bourgundy and his death an obseruation of his courage and a memorable example of his Iustice. 24 Death of Galeas Duke of Milan THE HISTORY of LEVVIS the XI THE SEVENTH BOOKE AT the Treaty of Piquigny the Constable of Saint Paul resembled a Tree beaten with three contrary winds which notwithstanding conspyre all together to teare it vp by the roote The Constable in ill terms with all men a Great wits doe often-times commit great errors and you
shall seldome see a great spirit without some medley of fâ—lly wherof the purest comâ—s froÌ„ the finest wisdom and therefore Thucidides will not haue the choose high aspiring spiriits into the Counceller of Princes nor to the maâ—naging of affâ—ires but those that are meane who are lesse obstinate Hee thought to make a perpetuall warre betwixt the King of France the King of England and the duke of Bourgundy behold he is amazed to see them reconcyled and against him He hath made him-selfe vnworthy of grace with the first of succors and defence with the second and of all hope with the third and in opinion with all three that hee would play the companion b As it is dangerous to contend with ones equall so is it madaâ—sto quarrell with his superior and to seeke to go hand in hand with him with them raise his reputation and merits vpon the ruine of their affaires mingle his ashes with those of their Estates and eternize his memory not in burning one Temple alone Ill with the King but the Estates of them all three The King had done him good not in respect of his person but of the seruices which he might doe him and when as he saw his affections altered his will also grew could making it knowne that great hatred proceeded from great friendship c The fauors benefits of Princes are not for the respect of the persons but in consideration of seruices and merits which they find in their seruants when these qualities change it is not strange if in like manner their fauors and affections alter Hee could not forget the practises which hee had made to keepe France in trouble and combustion nor the arrogant and insolent shew of armes vpon the Causey of Compiegneâ— nor the letters written to the King at the sight whereof he sware his great oath which hee did neuer violate that he should die Nor so many acts of a spirit which made it selfe miserable for that he could not beare his felicity The Duke had neuer pardoned him the taking againe of Amiens and Abbeuille Ill with the Duke the desire of his reuenge was a riuer d Reuenge runnes on still although it appeares not Plutarque compares it to riuers which runne vnder the earth and afterwards hurst forth with more violence which had his course through the rockes of the difficulties of his affaires He could not forget his cunning practise to marry his daughter to the Duke of Guienne nor his refusall to receiue his men into Saint Quentin after that he had caused them to come Moreouer he was incensed e Offences often renewed end with immortall paynes for that he had first made warre in his country by fire the rest being contented to vse the sword for whilest he lay incamped before Amiens the Constable had made a roade into the country of Haynault and burnt the Castell of Seurre belonging vnto Baldwin of Lannoy whome the Duke loued Ill with the King of England The King of EnglaÌ„d was offended with him for that hauing councelled and perswaded him to come into France to tryumph there hee had returned without tryumph All three would rather haue made an other hell then haue suffered such trecheries vnpunished All things seemed to bandie and conspire his ruine hee could not keepe himselfe vp firme seeing so many persons about him ouerthrowne The Constables perplexity after the peace f It is no wonder not to bee mooued in traÌ„quillity but we may be amazed to see a man rise when as all others shrinke and to stand firme amongst them that stuÌ„ble Sen. Epist. 73. The disgraces which fortune hath done him in the publike ruines are augmented by many other priuate crosses His wife the only support of his greatnes is dead Iames of S. Paul his brother prisoner la Scala his nephewe returning out of England was taken by the Kings men and found seazed of daungerous Instructions the Earle of Roucey his Sonne in the duke of Burbons hands The Earle of Dammartin his enemy with the Kings forces neere vnto S. Quentin And the Prince of Orange at liberty carrying the title of Prince by the grace of God g Ielousie and enuy worke strange diâ—â—emperatures in their mindes which martch hand in hand The Constable of S â— Paul could not indure the prosperity of some greate men in court He is grieued that the prince of Orange is set at liberty for thirty thousand Crownes and that the king hath suffered him to carry the title of Prince by the grace of God to coyne money and to pardon all offences except heresie and treason All these things were so many thornes in his bed to keepe him from sleepe he doth not dreame wake nor thinke but how to stand firme against all these violent stormes of fortunes but he seekes to cure his harmes h A pernitious remedy to cure one mischiefe with another and to think to be cured by disorders which caused diseases the intemperance of the Patienâ— causeth the cruelty of the Phisition by other mischefes He is like vnto an earthen vessell which must needes breake if it fall vppon a stone or a stone fall vppon it The nedle of his Compas turnes toward the Kings Clemencie as to his north He sends Rapin his secretary vnto him with silken words humble and milde beseeching him to beleeue that the King of England and the Duke of Bourgundy desired nothing more then to draw him to the extremitie of dispayre The Constable seeks the Kings fauor and to seeke his safty of them beeing that he could not finde it with the King That a desire to bee reuenged of him who had not offended theÌ„ but in that he had not offended his maiestie had giuen way vnto the slanders which had bin published against him and fauoured by the il will of his enemies which were about his maiestie namely by the Lord of Dammartin and Lude who did not loue him and that his heart could not bend vnto that diuine rule to loue his enemies i To loue ones enemies is a diuine Action to loue his friendes humane but to hate his friendes is bruitish But men are of that disposition especially great men they cannot indure the prosperity of their enemies Good workemasters know one anothers worke one line makes them iudge by whome the picture was made The King his craftsmaster in dissembling did iudg that whatsoeuer the Constable pretended to doe was but couÌ„terfeit Aristotle speakes of a rock which burnes hauing oyle cast vppon it that an ambitious spirit dissembles as he list k It is dangerous to giue credit to the wordes and actions of those that haue any designe 〈◊〉 a desire to attaine vnto it makes them to faigne any thing that a wicked man is neuer worse then when hee will counterfeit to be good wherfore all the oyle of his goodly l words doe not allwayes serue to open but to couer the
inteÌ„tions Archidamus sonne to Agesilaus said that sheepe knâ—w but one note but Kings had many to vse as they pleased words did but inflame the flint of his reuenge the more and from the concurrence of these two contraries rose the last tempest which ruined the Constable Yet he made shew to approue his Intentions he said they were good and called a secretary vnto him to write a letter The King sends for the Constable by the which he gaue him aduice of all that had past with the English and that for the troble of minde wherein he was to dispatch many great affayres he had greate neede of his head If he had promised to saue him he would haue accepted the neck of his promises he was so constrained to make an example of the trechery of a bad subiect Rapin was not cunning enough to obserue two things which past at this instant m Paul Erizze gouernor of Negrepont hauing yeelded in the yeare 1470. vppon condicioÌ„ that they should saue his head Mahomet caused him to be sawne in two and when he reproched him with the breach of his word he said vnto him that the flanks were not comprehended in the promise to saue his hed Iustinian the one was that the king turning to the Lord Haward deputie for the King of England and the Siegneour of Contay expounding vnto them the counterfence of this letter saied I doe not meane that we should haue his body but his head only The other was that the Lord of Lude demanded of Rapine if he knew where his masters ready money was a word which should haue condemned the mouth from whence it came to perpetuall silence n By the law of the Gymnosophists they that haue once accused the vse of the tongue are condemned to perpetuall sylence It was sooner deliuered then considered there are witts which betraie wisdome and discretion their suddainesse stayes vppon the first obiects they are not allwayes ready This speech should haue serued as a Trumpet to giue the Constable an Alarum who vnderstanding what Rapine had done and heard chose rather to commit his safty to a good place then to the Kings good words He had caused the Castell of Han to be built and within it a Tower six and thirtie foote thick Castell of Han built by the Constable vppon the porte whereof there was seene a corde wouen with two tassells hanging on the one side and the other and this motto of his humor Mon Mieux He assured himselfe to finde his best alwayes in that place in the worst estate of his fortune and from thence hee should see as from a safe shoare the waues and winds play vppon France But there is no rock nor Acrocorinthe that can hould at the presence of a Prince which meanes to punnish the infidelity of his subiect Against a iust enemie they must make it knowne that a greate courage hath not lesse Clemencie beeing discouered then valour in Armes o Mithridatus king of Bosphorus being defeated vanquishâ—d he intreated the Emperor to make him fire warre his answere was short and generous That at Rome there was as much clemency against the vanquished as courage against an armed enemie But against disloyalltie and ingratitude all pitty is crueltie Hee had propounded to retire himselfe thether but considering that hee should bee beseeged by the Kings forces and the Duke of Bourgundies hee resolues to goe into Germany to imploy his mony in the pourchase of some place vppon the Rhine or else to passe into Spayne Perplexities of the Constable There was not any Sainct in paradice in whom hee durst trust By Sainct Quentin hee had alwaies shrowded himselfe from the thunderclaps of these two Princes By Saint Quentin he did hope to passe without touch amidst so many arrowes that were shot at him He would haue kept these Princes in feare doubt and they now driue him into an amazement p A dangerous course to keepe his maister in feare and iealousie Although that euery man saith Phil. de Com seekes to free himselfe from suspition and feare and that euery man hates him that keepes him in it yet there is not any one that in this point comes neere to Princes for I neuer knew any but did mortally hate them that would keepe them in feare and to the sad thoughtes of his ruine This Castle of Saint-Quentin was but a prison vnto him q Great men in the gouernemeÌ„t of publike affaires must make themselus famous and not enuyed by their pride and insolencie hee neuer heares it named but his soule is tormented Hee added to these meditations publike hatred raysed against him by the Insolency of his carriage hauing vsed his great offices to purchase enuy of the great and to oppresse the meaner sort besides the libells scandalous songs which had been heard publickly throughout Paris the which had had more credit and course beeing prohibited then if the reading had beene allowed for such drogues do presently loose their sent when they are vented the trouble to recouer them augments the currosity Beeing prest and opprest with these difficulties all resolution abandons him as he had abandoned himselfe There was danger in going forth and danger in staying France threatned him with death England with captiuity and Flanders with scorne In these trances and amazements which are not so great without as those which his Conscience giues him inwardly to see that he is held of all men as r It were much better not to be in the number of men then to be held among those that are borne for the ruine of the coÌ„mon-weale borne to the ruine of the Common-weale he cast his eyes to that part whereas nature had first opened them The Constable reâ—ires to to Mons in Hainault desiring rather to giue himselfe vnto the Duke then to suffer himselfe to bee taken by the King hee goes to Mons in Henault vppon a pasport which they gaue him with fifteene or twentie horse not considering that the firmest frendship doth not passe the Altars nor the respects of dutie which we owe vnto superiors and that in Accidents of iniustice the proofe is s It is dangerus to trie frends against Princes and lawes Alcibiades to make this triall one a time called them whom he held to bee his friends and led them one after another into a darke place shewing them the Image of a dead body and saying that it was a man whome hee had slayne intreating them to helpe to bury him but hee found but one among them all that would yeeld vnto it and that was Callias Happy is hee that hath manie friends but vnhappy that hath neede of them daungerous He trusted in the Lord of Emery Balife of Henault his surest frend who commanded there for the Duke It is hard to take an old fox Mucho sabe la Raposa pero mas el que la toma A she Fox knowes
Body hath no cause to grieue when the head is wounded Suet. The Admirall tould them that by the Kings commandement hee did deliuer the Constable ouer vnto them to make his processe with all speede vppon the letters written and sealed which the King of England and the Duke of Bourgundie and Bourbon had sent the which he presented vnto them d The want of rewarding the good is not so preiudiciall to an estate as the impunity of the wicked The Empires of the world martcht vppon two feete vppon the recompence of good and the punnishment of ill and they must goe streight on the one and not halt on the other and yet it is better to faile on the right foote which is the reward of good then on the left which is the punnishment of whomesoeuer On this foote they went against the Constable but somewhat to swiftly Hee saw him selfe reduced vnto those termes as they did not regard his seruices past but his present offences He beares this affliction as impatiently e They carry prosperities insolently and aduersities impatiently which thinke that neither the one nor the other can euer chaÌ„ge as hee past his prosperities insolently They began his processe by his answers Hee must eyther speake or beee silent His processe is made his words discouer the treason his silence the Traytor There is nothing but pitty to speake for him and there is not any to be fouÌ„d for crimes of this sort His own writings were against him He coÌ„fest that to maintaine his office of Constable and trouble the Kings estate he had alwayes entertayned war betwixt the king the Duke of Bourgundy His Conâ—â—ssions to this effect had giuen him his seale and promise that when as the souldiers which martcht vnder his commaundement should be ready to strik hee would cause them retyre That seing a marriage f He that desires to continue warre in an Estate let him follow the Maxime of the Constable of S t. Paul alwaies to keepe the King in bad termes with the neerest of his bloud As the Princes of the bloud beeing well vnited vnto the Prince make him to bee more assured and redoubted so when as they are drawne away the state must needs suffer Hereof we reade two goodly examples one of Hipparcus in Thucid the other of Sext Tarquinius in Tit Liâ—ius treated and concluded betwixt the Duke of Guyenne the kings brother the princesse of Castill he wrote vnto M sr aduising him to haue a care how he proceeded as soon as he should be gone into Spayne to fetch his wife the King was resolued to send an Army into the Dutchie of Guienne to dispossesse him to make him miserable and that if he would giue eare to marry with the Duke of Bourgundies daughter he assured himselfe to make him haue her so as hee would send his seale to the Duke of Bourgundie that he would passe a procuration to obtaine a dispensation of the oth for his promse of marriage with the Princesse of Castill That the Duke of Bourgundie hauing sent a man expressely to him to haue his seale the which he would send to the Duke of Sauoy he would that they should paffe to the Duke of Bourbon to draw him vnto their league and intelligence against the King who answered them that he had rather be as poore as Iob g There is no misery comparable to that which treason and infidelâ—ty causeth and therefore the Duke of Bourben did rather choose the condition of Iob then to reuolt against his K. then consent to their conspiracie and that the end would be miserable That the king hauing commanded him to write to the king of England to the Queen to the Earle of Somerset and to M sr de Candalles touching the E. of Warwick that he had writen quite contrary to the kings intentions They desired to heare him touching the barre and Causey of Compeigne At that word he found his owne mistaking and that the perfection of mans actions depends of well knowing himselfe h The first precept or rather the summary of the Instructions of the conduct of mans life is to know himselfe wel Theron depends the good or bad issues of actions Heraclitus speaking of a great and high cogitation of his spirit said that he sought himselfe He could not denie but that he had there played the companion with his master He confest that when he spake with the king neere vnto Compiegne he had caused a barre to be made betwixt the King and him to the end he might talke in safety and yet the king notwithstanding past the barre to imbrace him and to intreat him to holde his partie the which he promised and sware notwithstanding two dayes after the Duke of Bourgundy sent one vnto him to know if he would performe that which he promised him to offer him a pension of a thousand pounds sterling That he had writen vnto the Duke of Bourgundie that he could finde meanes to seaze vppon the king and then kill him or carry him to any place and that he would lodg the Quene and the Dauphin where as they should be allwaies found They shewed him the letters which he had written to the king of England He acknowledgeth his letters written and he doth acknowledg them and if there had bene no other cryme i Phil. de Commines saith that the hast of this proceeding was sound strange and that the King did much presse the Commissioners The Historiens haue not well obserued the time but wee may coniecturâ— it in that the Earle of Mâ—rle the Constables sonne sent on the 4. of December a herald called Montioy who did reside commonly with the Constable to Iohn Ladreche President of the accounts borne in Brabant to intreat him to succour and to stay the Constable if this were the beginning of his â—mprisonment as it is credible his processe was made in fifteene or sixteene dayes it had bene sufficient to conuict him The king did presse the Commissioners very earnestly and they proceeded but slowly in a matter of that weight The treason being apparent their opinions tended to death by the courses of extremitie and of the highest point of Iustice and the sentence was pronounced in Parliament by the President of Popincourt It was necessary that the prisoner should heare it in Parliament Hee is sent for to the Court of Parliament and therefore the Siegneur of S t. Pierre went early in the morning to the Bastile to fetch him comming into his Chamber he demanded of him what he did and if he slept he answered that he had been long awake but he kept his bed hauing his head full of fancies The Siegneur of S t. Pierre told him that the Court of Parliament had viewed his processe for the expedition whereof it was necessary hee should be heard He rose and prepared himselfe to goe vnto the Pallace not thinking that
the one had beene depriued of his benifice the other two saw their Sisters dishonoured by the voluptuousnes of this Prince y Galeas Duke of Milan defloured the Sister of Charls Viscount master of his ward robe and then gaue her to one of his Mignons to abuse Paul Iou. The conspiracie being resolued and they furnished with courage and armes for the execution they go to him being at the doore of St. Stephens Church in Milan approching neere him He is slaine at the Church doore making shew to salute him Iohn Andrew Lampognano strook him in the windpipe z They write that Lampognano to accustome and incourage himselfe to this execution did euery day stabbe the Dukes picture with a dagger and after his cruell meditations executed his desseigne Ierosme Olgiato in the throat and stomacke and Charles Viscount wounded him in the belly It was impossible to escape presently the Dukes Seruants seazed of them The first being content to die seeing that Galeas was dead cried out as they cut him in peeces After this manner I desire to die Ierosme was taken aliue and being condemned to be fleied and quartered vpon a scaffold aliue he saied making no other repentance for this crime that of so cruell a death the reputation would be perpetuall a Ierosme Olgiati beeing strecht out vpon the scaffold to be quartered said Mors acerba fama perpetua stabit vetus memoria facti Burt. Lib. 5. Hist. Florent A bitter death but a perpetual fame the memory of the fact shall remaine old The King was not so much greeued for the death of Galeas as he had beene for that of Francis Sforce Lewis xi a friend to Francis Sforce the best of his good friendes froÌ„ whom he receiued 500. men at armes and 3000. foot led by Galeas against the league of the Commonweale and to whom he was resolued to retire if he might not haue entred into Paris When as the King saw himselfe freed of one enemy Lewis sends an Ambassador into Scotland he studied what he should do to be reuenged of another and remembring that K. Edward had past the seas for the D. of Bourgundies passions hee desired to cry quittance with him and therfore he sent Robert of Ireland a Scottishman and a Sorbonist with two French Gentlemen to perswade Iames 3. King of Scotland to make warre against England but the Estate of Scotland was so full of bad humours as they could not stir this bodie without danger of an incurable disease b Whilist that a body is found it feeles not the putrified and corrupted humors which are disperced into diuers mebeâ—s but as soone as one part is grieued all gather together run thither It is euen so of states whilst they are in peace but vpon the first trouble any thing that is wicked seditious and rebellious discouers it selfe The King was but seauen yeares old when he succeded to his Father ContentioÌ„ in Scotland for the Regency and the diuision was great to know who should haue the Regencie and Gouernment of the Realme Some were for Queene Marie his Mother Others were for Iames Kenneth and George Douglas Earle of Anguse The Queene caused her selfe to be declared that which she would be they that were for her saied that if they regarded Proximitie there was not any neerer vnto the Sonne then the mother If they did consider the good of the childe not any one could haue more care then she If they could not contend with her in the degree of Proximitie it were indiscretion to call her affection and fidelitie in doubt hauing therein nature for her Caution If they respect the common good the condition of her birth was considerable for that being a stranger no way possest with loue nor passion they should not finde that she would support the one to the preiudice of the other as they might doe which had Alliances Kinsmen and Intelligences within the Realme who carried their dessignes beyond the Kinges life and might builde vpon his toombe As for her the death of her Son could bring her no other fruits but a perpetuall sorrow and therefore she was bound to desire his health and preseruation Kenneth seeing this ScottishmeÌ„ hate the commaund of women stirs vp the people to apprehend the iniurie which was done vnto the Lawes of a Realme which had alwaies detested the rule of Women as contrary to that of nature c Gynecoratis or the gouernment of women is directly against the laws of nature which hath giuen vnto men seâ—ce wisedom arms and commaundment and hath taken it from womeÌ„ and the law of God hath wisely decreed that the woman should bee subiect vnto the man not onely in the gouernment of realms and Empires but also in euery mans priuate family Bodin Lib. 6 cap. 5. and which had seen the raigne of an hundred Kings and not any one of their Daughters that succeeded Shall wee not finde saied hee among so many thousands of men one man that is capaple to commaund men must a Nation which hath no other experience but armes beforced to subiect their swords to the lawes of a distaffe and suffer themselues to be gouerned at the discretion of a woman and of a strange woman d The first woman which opened the waie for the rule of women in Scotland was Mary Stuard and Mary the Daughter of Henry the 8. in England To pacifie this discord they resolued to leaue all matters as they were for a moneth during the which the passions of both parties were but the more enflamed Many within the Realme desired rather to obey the Queene then any other that should be of an equall condition or superior vnto them But as in such occasions a man of credit and authority workes wonders drawing the hearts and opinions of men as he pleaseth Iames Kenneth Archbishop of St. Andrew giuing the Parlament to vnderstand e Cato desirous to let the Romans vnderstand that the commandemeÌ„t of women was shameful spake these wordes vnto them All men coÌ„mand women wee coÌ„mand men and women command vs. Plut. that to giue the authority to the Queene was to contradict the auncient Lawes of the Realme to expose Scotland to dangers and Scottishmen to the scorn of a shamefull gouernment and who should iustifie the reproach which might be made vnto them to commaund men and to be commaunded by women That Scotland neuer knew what the gouernment of women was they found no names in their language to expresse it they had neuer seene woman preside in their Councels nor Parliaments nor to dispose of Iustice nor of the Treasure and that which other Nations call Queene Scotland cals the Kings Wife f The history of ScotlaÌ„d reports the wordes of Iames Kenneth Mairoes nostri adeo erant a cura publica muliaeribus mandanda alieni vt si omnia reruÌ„ vocabula excutias ne mulâ—ebus quidem imperii nomen opud eas
inuenias Quorsum enim eâ—rei nomen imposuissent cuius ipsi nullum penitus vsum habuissent nec imposterum vilum fore sperabant Quas enim Reginas alii suo quisque sermone nos Regum vxores appellamus Our Elders were so farre from giuing the gouernment of publike affaires to women as if you will examine all words there is not any one to be found with them of a womans gouernment why should they giue that a name whereof they had no vse neither did they hope there should be Those whom other Nations in their language tearme Queenes we call Kings wiues That for these reasons he could not councell the Estate of the Realme to preferre the gouernment of a woman before that of a man not to the Queene to attempt it beseeching her to thinke that they which councelled her did it more for their owne fortunes then for her honour That although her vertues were not vnknown to Scotland and that they must hope well of the vigour of her spirits and the greatnesse of her courage yet they had but two many examples of the ruines which verie sufficient women had brought to States when as striuing to excell their sexe they would exceed the bounds ordained by nature g Zenobia Palâ—â—yrenâ— hauing vanquished the Parthians and valiantly defended the Romaine Empire in the end she saw her selfe vanquished and a prisoner In a moment she lost the realme which her husband had inlarged and inricht This seemes to shew that the enterprises of women beyond their reach are alwaies dangerous His aduice was that they should chuse one or more capable to gouerne the Realme vntill the King had force of minde and body to discharge them This opinion was followed by the greatest part and they that would willinglie haue crost it Councell appointed for the Regency of Scotland seeing themselues ouerswaied by the multitude consented But to the end one faction should haue no aduantage ouer the other they tooke two of either giuing them power to keepe the Prince and to gouerne the Realme They left vnto the Queene the care to bring vp his two Brethren Alexander Duke of Albany and Iohn Earle of Marre and his two Sisters but she died the yeare following The affaires being thus setled in Scotland the King of England made a truce with the Scottish men for fifteene yeares About the sixt yeare of his raigne Robert Bothwell fauoured by the King Robert Bothwell a bold spirit being desirous to haue a share in the affaires found meanes to approach neere vnto this young Prince and told him that hee had beene long enough vnder the gouernment of these old men that it was time to make himselfe knowne and what God had ordained him to be Perswasions to raigne and commaund are alwaies sweet especiallie to Princes who thinke they cannot begin their raignes too soone nor end theÌ„ too late Vpon this discourse the King suffered himselfe to be led to Edingbrough to begin his raigne The Regents of the Realme were incensed at this presumption make Bothwells processe But the King declaring that hee had done nothing but for his seruice and by his commaundement makes him Lieutenant Generall of the Realme and a Companion both in his authoritie and affaires h Tiberius called Seianus Socium laborum a Companion of his labouâ—s he caused his statue to be honored in Pallaces and Theaters Tacit. lib. 4. He commits vnto his charge his owne person his Brethren and Sisters his Forts and Townes vntill hee should come to the age of one and twenty yeares he bindes all the Noblemen that were about him to acknowledge him in this qualitie and he giues his eldest Sister in marriage to Thomas Bothwell the sonne of Robert i The points reserued to Soueraigne Maiesty should neuer be imparted to any Subiect no not by Commission least they open a way to the Subiect to enter into the Princes place That which the King thought to do to assure this breeding greatnesse was that which ouerthrew it Nobility of Scotland conspire against Bothwell for the Nobles of the Realme did so enuy it and did pretend so many dangers in this great Communication of the Royall Authoritie to a priuate person as they coniured the ruine of this house The King had demaunded Margaret the King of Denmarkes Daughter in marriage whereunto they did the more willinglie accord for that by the treatie the controuersie was ended betwixt those two Crownes for the Ilands of Orcades The question was to send one to conduct the Queene This charge was giuen to Thomas Bothwell by the aduice of his enemies to the end that this absence might coole the great heare of the Kings loue as commonly Princes affections fauour that onelie which they see and weaken his faction giuing more courage to his enemies to make their party against him They that had neuer spoken word during his great prosperitie cry now against those Horseleeches of State against those Rauens and Harpies k For a time they suffer and dissemble the publike iniuries and oppressions of priuate men but when as any one begins to cry all pursue them All the complaints which had beene made against the Father for the bad gouernment of affaires were reuiued with such vehemencie as the King saw himselfe in a manner forced to heare them and to prouide for it A Parlament being called at Edinbourg they make a great instance vnto him he cannot bandie himselfe against such wholesome resolutions and they let him vnderstand that the force of his Estate consists in the Accord of his Will with those of his Senate l A Prince cannot shâ—w to much fauour loue and protection to the generall Councell of his Estate from whence goe all the resolutions for the good of the CoÌ„mon-weale Otho speaking of the Senate of Rome said vnto his Armie Quid vos pulcherimaÌ„ hanc vrbem domibus tectis congestu lapidum stare creditis Muta ista et inanima intercidere reparari promiscue possuÌ„t aeternitas rerum par gentium mea cum vestra salus in columitate Senatus firmatur What doe you thinke that this goodly Citty consists in houses buildings and heapes of stâ—nes these dumb sencelesse things may fall and bee repaired againe the eternitie of things the peace of Nations and my health with yours is setled by the safety of the Senate Robert Bothwell is sent for to appeare in person and to giue an account of his actions Bothwell coÌ„demned by the Parliament His flight into England did conuict him His Sonne being ficke and not able to flie away was staied a prisoner and condemned to loose his head in the Spring following Thomas Bothwel being come to Edingbourg with the Queen much amazed after so many dangers which hee had runne for his seruice to see his house thus ruined and vpon the aduice which his Wife gaue him of the small hope there was to returne into fauour he
returned into Denmarke past into Germanie and so into France to intreat K. Lewis the eleuenth to make his peace with the K. of Scotland but wheÌ„ he saw that the king would not do any thing he retired to the Duke of Bourgondie and did him great seruices But he did not long enioy the peace and quietnesse which hee thought to finde there for the King of Scotland who desired to see this house vtterly ruined commaunded his Sister to leaue her Husband m An extreme hatred from an extreme loue which forceth the K. of Scotland to breake a bond which could not be dissolued but by death An example that tâ—er is nothing assured in the great fauour of Princes and an instruction to ground our felicitie vpon our selues and not vpon an other Man begins to be subiect vnto Fortune when he settles his felicity without himselfe She was fullie resolued to runne her Husbands fortune but hee himselfe intreated her to goe vnto the King her Brother thinking that he could not haue more fauour nor better sollicit an end of his exile then by her As soone as euer she came to Court the King married her to another and makes her to send for her children which were in Flanders Thomas Bothwell died for greefe at Antwerp and the Duke of Bourgoundie his heire made him a rich tombe not so much for any care of his memorie as to erect vnto Fortune the trophee which she had gotten by the ruine of a house n The house of the Bothwels was as soon ouer throwne as raised The History of Scotland saith Ita Bodiorum quae tum erat in Scotia florentissima familia intra paucos annos creuâ—t corruit magno posteris documento quam sint lubricae Regum adolescentium Amicitia So the familie of the Bothwels which then did florish much in ScotlaÌ„d within few yeares did both rise and fall a great instruction to posteritie how slipperie the loue of yong Kings is against the which it seemed she had no power The King in the meane time who had been bred vp in great libertie King of Scotlands good inclination corrupted suffred himselfe to goe whether his humors led him and puts his Estate into such confusion as there was nothing in a manner firme nor well setled The Truce with England was expired it was feared they should fall to war for that the same time the English had taken and spoiled a great ship of Scotland but K. Edward who after that he had ended his busines with FraÌ„ce had no care but to take his plesure made no difficulty to restore that which had been taken to the end the Truce might be coÌ„tinued the mariage of one of his daughters treated with the Kings eldest son the better to Cyment this accord The King of Scotland sent two Embassadors to the Duke of Bourgundy to haue iustice of some complaints made by the Marchants which did traffick vpon his coast Being arriued in Flanders there came a Phisition called Andrew to visit them Hee was a great Sorcerer and one of those who to steale diuination thinke to imitate Diuinitie Andrew a Scottish Phisition a great Sorcerer and to abuse the world with illusions wherewith their Demons abuse them o The diuels inspire illusions into Sorcerers minds to the end they should not see that which is see that which is not Quicquid miraculi ludunt per Dae mones faciunt What miracle soeuer they play they doe it by their Diuels Min. Felix They are Apes of Diuinitie theeues of Diuination Emulantur Diuinitatem dum furantur Diuinationem They imitate Diuinitie whilest steale Diuination Tert. Apolo c. 22. He met them with amazement for he told them that they needed not to make suâ—h hast for that within two daies they should haue newes of the Duke which vvould make them to change their resolution The two daies vvere not expired before the newes of the Dukes death vvas brought to Gand. An accident which ouerthrew their embassage and sent them home into Scotland where they did not forget to tell the King as Courtiers doe willingly discourse of that vnto their Master which pleaseth him that Andrew a Phisition had foretold them of the duke of Bourgundies death King of Scotland giuen to Sorcerie Curiositie and idlenes had already framed this Princes spirit to receiue these vanities for infallible sciences beleeuing that he could not be a King if hee were not a Magician p Apuleius saith that to be a King in Persia hee must be a Magiâ—ian Vili inter Persas concessum est Magum esse hand magis qnam regnate The brauery of the Court was all in these Impostures if there were any spirit corrupted with these errors he was presently led into the Kings Cabinet whose spirit was like an infected Lyuer which draws out of a great glasse of water a drop of wine to corrupt it more q When a spirit begins to be depraued it seekes the ill although it be shut vp enuironed with good and conuerts the good into bad nourishment some of his learned women had foretold him that the Lyon shold be smothered by the yong Lyons To haue more knowledge of this prediction he sent for this Phisition he gaue him Benefices great entertainments to make him stay in Scotland and consulting with him as the Oracle of his fortune hee had this answere from him That the dangers which threatned his life should come from the conspiracie of his owne These words made so strange a Metamorphosis in this Prince as being gentle milde and courteous he became inaccessible iealous and distrustfull r Crueltie giues vnto a Prince the â—itles of Cyclops Busyris Phalaris and others wherewith Maximin was defamed for his cruelty and to make it a Maxime Nisi crudelitate Imperium noÌ„ retineri An Empire is not held without crueltie Iul. Cap He thought that crueltie would purchase feare and feare would assure him and disappoint the designes which should be made against him Hee held his neerest kinsmen for enemies and the greatest of the Realme to be traitors Hee made new creatures and gaue himselfe to be gouerned by base men who managed the state at their pleasures and neuer did well but when as they thought to doe ill The Nobilitie of the Realme beeing offended at this bad gouerment The Noblemen conspire and to see that the King was a slaue to men who could not remember their fathers condition without blushing and who held him coopt vp like a sauage beast that he might not grow tame they resolued to free him but to preuent it these petty tyrants of the Kings will seaze vpon his Brethren s Iohn Earle of Marre the Kings brother was slaine in prison he was accused to haue sought to bewitch the king they caused twelue Sorcerers to be burnt they make the yonger dye by bleeding the other was put in prison but the escaped and got into
France Parricides and cruelties with his wife Daughter to the Earle of Bullen being forced to make that his contrie where he found his fortune thinking to see the same sunne euery where which he saw in Scotland He besought K. Lewis the eleuenth to assist him with sufficient forces to make war in Scotland t Euery soile is the Countrie of a great courage Quo modo lucem noctem que omnibus hominibus ita omnes terras fortibus viris natura aperuit As nature hath opened the day and night for all men so hath she al contries for men of courage Tac. lib. 4. The bad vsage he had receiued froÌ„ his brother caried him to these motions to ouerthrow all that hee could not remoue The K. thought it not fit to ground a war against his allies vpon an other mans passions so as the Duke of Albany seeing that he could not obtain that he expected froÌ„ the king he past ouer into England and perswaded K. Edward to make war against the K. of Scotland u It is alwaies dangerous to make warre vpon the Councels of men that are banished from their countries and reduced to those extremities to ruine it for reuenge Passion doth easily transport them they promise that which they cannot hold and their wils are subiect to change The Noblemen of the Realme apprehending this storme assembled together by night in a Church where they resolued to cast all that into the Sea which was the cause of this tempest and which made the King to play at tenis with his subiects heads x Nothing is of so little respect to a cruell Prince as the bloud of his subiects Stratocles seeing them buy the heads and nâ—ckes of beasts for his supper said it was that wherwith they that gouerned the commonweale played at tosse-ball Plut. in Demet. being necessary to rid himselfe of domesticke enemies before he did incounter strangers The King who had spies in all places was aduertised of this assembly and sent Cocheran one of his fauorites to discouer it he was met by Archembald Douglas Earle of Anguse Conspiracie of the Nobilitie executed who took him by the neck and made him fast with the same chaine of gold which he himselfe ware and then he gaue him in gard to certaine soldiors vntill it was day at the breake of which hee was carried vnto a gibbet lamenting his hard fortune which had raised him vp to ruine him Some cried out to haue him dispacht others were moued to pittie y In these changes of fortune some sing others weâ—p wâ—â—n Radamystus caused Mithridates to bee taken vnchained the people remembering the rigour of his coÌ„mandemenâ—s added blows to his misfortune others lamâ—nted the change of his fortune Vulgus duto Imperio habitum probra ac verbera intentabat Et erant contra qui tantuÌ„ fortunae commutationem miseretentur The common people required his hard command with reproches and blows And there were others which Pittied the change of his fortune Tac. lib. 4. To be wise we must fly the conuersation of fooles Magna pars sanitatis est hortatores Insaniae reliquisse Sen. Epist. 94. It is a great part of health to haue left the perswades to madnes All reioiced to see the Court purged from this contagious plague He goes directly to the Kings Chamber and seazeth vpon all these Empericks of state vnder whose gouernment impietie had so raigned and iniustice been in such credit in Scotland and causeth them all to be hanged The King of England made his profit of these broiles King of England sends an armie into Scotland for hauing sent Richard Duke of Glocester his brother into Scotland with a mighty Armie he forced the King to restore him Barwick which the Scottishmen had kept one and twenty yeares by meanes wherof a Peace was treated and sworne The Nobilitie of Scotland thought that the King would grow wise hauing no more these instruments of folly about him z but hee made them to change their opinions for hauing setled his affaires abroad he began to call them to an account at home and to be reuenged of them which had prescribed him a law This caused anew reuolt to pacifie the which the King fled to the Pope who sent a Legate to draw the Rebels to their duties and hee intreated the King of France and England by his Embassadors to assist him to quench a mischiefe the contagion whereof might creep in among their subiects Not holding himselfe safe in Edinbourg hee would haue retired to Sterling but the Gouernour would not giue him entry He was then forced to keep the field hauing no retreat his enemies incounter him he accepts the Battel which they presented King of Scotland â—â—airne and fought valiantly but finding his horse wounded he retires vnto a Mill whether hee was pursued and slaine in the yeare 1488. the 31. of his age and the eight and twentith of his raigne FINIS THE CONTENTS OF of the eighth BOOKE 1 THe King is aduised to make his profit of the diuisions of Italy but he will not heare of it 2 Troubles at Florence and conspiracies against the house of Medicis 3 The Pope excommunicates the Florentines and for their sakes the Venetians arming the King of Naples against them 4 The King declares himselfe for the Florentines and forbids to send money to Rome The Venetians ioine in league with the Florentines 5 He sends his Embassadors to Rome and is arbitrator of the controuersie Ouerture for a Peace The lets of the Venetians side 6 The Popes complaint against them 7 Intelligences of the Duke of Brittany discouered and Letters surprized by the King 8 Punishment of Peter Landais 9 Townes of the Riuer of Somme recouered by the King 10 Negotiation of Oliuer le Dain at Gand. Taking of the Towne of Tournay 11 Princesse of Bourgundy sends Embassadors vnto the King to haue his Peace and protection 12 The King wins the Embassadors Restoring of the Townes of Hesdin Therouenne and Monstreuil Siege of Bullen two and twenty Deputies of Arras hanged 13 Arras yeelds vpon a composition which is not obserued 14 The Gantois rise against their Princesse and will haue part in the gouernment of affaires Their Embassadors sent vnto the King bring back a letter which the Princesse had written contrarie to their Embassage 15 The Princesse Chancellor and the Lord of Himbercourt Gouernor of Liege put to death 16 Ingratitude and impietie of Adolpe of Gueldres against his father 17 The King entertaines friendship with the King of England and keepes him from inclining to the Princesse of Bourgundy 18 Marriage of Maximilian Archduke of Austria with the Princesse of Bourgundy 19 The Kings armie in the Franch Countie 20 The fiâ—st alliance of France with the Suisses 21 Estate of the affaires of Castille vnder the new raigne of Ferdinand and Isabella 22 Death of Iohn the second King of Nauarre and Arragon 23 Peace and alliances renued
haue relinquished our owne right and thought good to surcease The Embassadours of Venice and Florence fall to an examination of the Articles They finde not any pleasing vnto them they make new demands wil haue all restored which had ben taken during the war they passe ouer the Popes interests respects highly and say plainely that the affaires are changed being no more in the estate they were in before they had made a peace with the Turke the which they declared they would maintain constantly and fully ConditioÌ„s of Peace refused As for demanding absolution after the forme of the Church there was no such meaning d Pia insuper sanctaque impiè nefandissimè occisorum Christianorum Domini suffragià Cardinalis legati detensioneÌ„ ambagibus quibusdam praetereunt Qui vero monumentuÌ„ declinandum existiment si nostram eam infamiam putant aequo animo per Deum superflui officij curam deponant Nam conscientia pluris est nobis quam omniuÌ„ sermo benefactis quorum testis est Deus maloruÌ„ calumnias veras nobis laudes adscribimus Discrimen iniustae criminationis malumus subire quam tot defunctorum animas refrigerio iusto carere Qui si ad seipsos eam infamiam referunt imièque factoruÌ„ delere de ciuitaâ—e memoriaÌ„ cupiunt sunt haud dubiè in seipsos mortuos duri Ad iterandam enim contritionem proximisque praebendum exemplum subleu andumque imprimis extinctorum animas stare ante oculos peccatum volunt durae nimirum recusationis suae culpa haec est non misericordis postulati nostri They thinke it would be no honour for them to entertaine an odious remembrance of things past causing Anniuersaries to be said for the soules of the dead to giue new assurance of their affection toward the Church there was no mention When as the Pope saw this Popes coÌ„plaint against the League he assembled the Consistory with the Embassadors e Vertimur ad vos Itali CoÌ„federati Oratores quoruÌ„ causa haec agimus lamentamur primo 〈◊〉 Deo fratribus nostris ceterisque Legatis in hoc loco presentibê° vocem patris plena salutis coÌ„silia ad hunc diem non audita esse Clementia nostra vestâ—os Principes pie non vsos plus apud eos armorum belli fiduciam quam Matris vestrae Apostolici Sedis charitateÌ„ obseruantiam valuisse Angimur quoque tam longinquam missionem amicissi Regis curamque eius vigilias pro viribus susceptas sanctumque pro fide proposituÌ„ successum per vos non habuisse of the Emperour Frederick of Lewis the French King of Edward King of England of Ferdinand King of Arragon of Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria and of the Confederates He complained of the contempt of his authority and told the Embassadors of the league that he lamented the obstinacy of their Princes who would not hearken to the voyce and wholesome counsell of their father whose bounty they did abuse and had more confidence in their owne Armes then affection to the Church their mother That he was exceeding sorry that the Kings Embassage and the good Offices which he had done to the holy Sea should remaine without effect that for his part his conscience should neuer accuse him to haue contemned any thing for the good of the Church that his armes were alwayes open to receiue them that would repent And for that the Embassadors of Venice Florence and Millan demanded leaue to depart he declared that they were free that he would not force the necessity of their returne but if they would stay they might with all safety that it might be time and their presence might make those things easie which seemed difficult IntelligeÌ„ces of the Duke of Brittaine discouered and that sometimes Treaties were broken off to be vnited againe more firmely But it is more time to repasse the mountaines and see how the King makes his profite of these last accidents Estates are like vnto ships all things are not so well but there is still some disorder It seemed that the Duke of Bourgundies death had brought France to that estate as she could not desire any thing else to make her felicity perfect But there is yet another Duke which hinders this perfection It is he of Brittany who since the Treaty made at Victoire neere vnto Senlis hath not discontinued his practises in England forgetting that the English had alwayes reserued this Prouince for the exercise of their Armes when they should be weary of peace f Edward the third King of England would not haue the Duke of Brittaine compreheÌ„ded in the Treaty of Bretigny to the end he might haue meanes to vent in this prouince the boiling humours of his Realme haue where to discharge himselfe of his Souldiers and that they haue taken delight to see him in bad tearmes with the King The Duke was more earnest and carefull hereof when he saw that he had lost the Duke of Bourgundy assuring himselfe that the King would fall vpon him and that it would be verified of him what the Fable sayes of the Larke in the Hawkes tallants g The weake receiues from one that is more strong what Law he pleaseth The Larke saith Hesiodus demanded of the Spar-hawke why he offered him violence Miserable answered the Spar-hawke why dost thou complaine a stronger hath thee in his power Wherefore he sent often to visit the King to entertain him in a good opinion of his pains and the fidelity of his promises and yet he continued his practises with the King of England The secret of this practise depended of Peter Landays Disposition of Peter Landais Superintendant of the Dukes affaires and Treasure an able and sufficient man to manage such Monopolies He had Flattery for great men arrogancy and brauery for Inferiors and he was difficult and seuere to them that were his equals h These three qualities attributed to Landays haue been giuen to Cutius Râ—fus a man whom Tiberius to â—â—de the bâ—sâ—nesse of his extraction said to be borne of himselfe Curtius Rufus videtur mihi ex se nâ—tus Curtius Ruâ—us seemes to me to be borne of himselfe Tacitus addes that hee was Aduâ—rsus superiores tristi adulati ne arroâ—aâ—â—s minoribus inter pares difficilis To his superiours a sowre flatterer arrogant to his inferiors and difficult to his equals Tacit. Animal Lib. 11. He imployed and called Maurice Bromell who carried and recarried the Packets The King who had spies euery where discouers the messenger and wins Bromell who by meanes of a Norman that could counterfeit the King of Englands hand the Duke of Brittaines and their Secretaries sent the originall letters vnto the King and carried the counterfeit Copies into England The Duke of Brittaine who thought he had no other witnesse in this action then the Sunne and that the king could haue no knowledge therof i In Actions which
we think to keepe most secret there is alwaies one witnesse irreproueable our owne Conscience sent his seruants often vnto him to assure him that he was wholly at his deuotion and would not depend of any but of him When as the King had meanes to verifie the contrary by the proofes which the Norman put into his hand hee caused Chauuin Chancellour of Brittanie to bee stayed with all them that did assist him in his Embassage to the number of sixe or seuen of the Dukes Councell and committed them to close Prison for ten or twelue dayes the reason whereof they did not vnderstand k When as an inferior Prince deales not plainly and sincerely with one that is mighty he must not thinke it strange if hee makes knowne the knowledge he hath of his subtilties euen vpon them that know not any thing and who by the Law of Nations should not be drawne in question For this reason Lewis the eleuenth commits to prison Chauvin the Chancellour the Seneshall of Vennes and sixe of the Duke of Brittanies Councellers Chauvin seeking to iustifie his Maisters Actions and imputing this imprisonment to the power which some standerous suggestion had ouer the King they did shewe him all the Letters which did witnesse the strict intelligence which was betwixt the King of England and the Duke of Brittaine Your Maister said the King is much too blame who assuring me of his affection shewes the contrary in seeking the ancient enemies of this Crowne I haue told him often Letters of the Duke of Brittany shewed to his Chancellor that so long as he should hold the English for his friends hee must needes bee an enemy to France and to the end hee shall not excuse himselfe nor contradict this truth behold two and twenty Letters vpon this subiect Chauvin viewes them and considers of them All his Rethoricke is not able to excuse the Duke he had rather calme the Kings iust choler by confessing and yeelding then to incense him more by contradicting The Duke of Brittanny seeing that by the treachery of his Seruants his faith could not bee vntainted with the King hee sent for Peter Landays Peter Landays suspected of treason who alone had the charge of this Negotiation Being much confounded he had no other answere but a protestation of his Innocency submitting himselfe to the rigors of Iustice if hee were found tainted with any such disloyalty then remembring that hee had not employed any therein but Maurice Bromell who had carried the Letters and the answeres hee caused him to bee apprehended This miserable wretch confest all and vpon his confession he was put into a Sacke and cast into the Riuer to the end the King should discouer no more Peter Landays was vpon the declining of the precipice of his life and of this great fauour which hee had with the Duke of Brittaine if Bromel had not beene found but hee was not contented to haue escaped this danger Hatred of Landays against the Chancellor Chauvin his diuellish malice engaged the Chancellour Chauvin whose Iustice and Integrity hee could not endure being mad to see him so honest a man l An honest man is a great torment to malitious and wicked mindes for although they blame and flye Vertue yet they consider the glory and light and that whatsoeuer is goodly in the world as tributary to it All the gold that is aboue or vnder the earth is not comparable to Vertue Plat. Plut. The meanest Vertue may procure Greatnesse that is vitious to enuy Hee thought that the Wheele of his Fortune could not well be staied but being obserued by so quicke and piercing an eye to discouer and censure that which hee did and that which hee did not But hee had more paine to accuse him then to slander him Chauvins actions were like vnto well polished Tables the flyes of detraction could not sticke vpon them they rest vpon rough and vneuen places Hee makes the Duke beleeue that without Chauvin the King had neuer discouered the Negotiation of England that hee had Intelligence with him depended of his Commandements and was his Pentioner The Duke was so hooded by Landays as he did not see but by his eyes giues eare to this slander chargeth the Innocency of this good seruant Death of the Chancellor in prison in great pouerty puts him in prison and makes him dye there with griefe languishing and hunger m Chauvin Chaunceller of Brittaine after two yeares and a halfe imprisonment dyed of languishing and want in prison foure poore Beggars carried him to be buried in the Franciscans Church at Vennes He was so old as he could not liue many yeares but his memory shall liue euer as a memorable example of the iniuries which Fortune hath done to Vertue Soone after Landays appeared vpon the Theater of Gods Iustice to make knowne the shame which attended him at the last step of his greatnesse The Duke could not preuent it but he must iustly feele the same fortune which he had caused Chauvin to run Landays processe made for he was taken prisoner euen in the Dukes Chamber his processe was made and hee did insolently and arrogantly confesse all the excesse of his life vpon assurance which the Duke had giuen him to saue him and to draw him out of the Hang-mans hands In the end for his Concussions Violences Thefts Outrages and other Crimes And hanged at Nantes the 19. of Iuly 1485. he was condemned to be hanged and the Iudgement executed before the Duke had any aduertisement the Castle gates were guarded vntill the execution was done to the end that not any one should enter n It was thought fit that the Earle of CoÌ„minges should go and entertaine the Duke during the execution when as the Duke sawe him he demanded in what estate Landays processe was he answered That the Iudges wold come and speake with him They shall do well said the Duke for whatsoeuer he hath committed I pardon him and will that hee shall not dye When as hee vnderstood of the execution hee said that his ereherous Gossip the Earle of Comminges had deceiued him He was therewith so troubled in minde as few men saw him This Landays came of base parentage hee was the Dukes Taylors Boy he had charge of his Ward-robe and by little and little grew to haue the absolute command of the afffaires of Brittaine When as men of base condition are aduanced to great places they forget themselues they abuse their fauour and respect not their fortune with that humility and moderation which they ought Brittaine had no need to haue so great a King for enemy Misery of the Duke of Brittain o The Duke of Brittaine shâ—â—s the pittifull estate of his imprisonment in a Sentence giuen against the Earle of Ponthieur in these wordes The Windowes of our Chamber were shut close and wee made a little hole with a Pinne through the cloth that was
Queene being Imperious high minded proud sent him the choice either to go assaile her in her owne countrey where she would attend him or that he would stay in his owne and she would go vnto him to say vnto him If thou comest not I will goe that euery one followed the strangers fortune they sent a great Embassage vnto the king consisting of many Noble-men and of all the orders of the Countrey among which were William Hugonet her Chancellor and the Lord of Himbercourt the dukes chiefe seruants they found the king at Peronne where he had made his entry and present the Princesses letters vnto him who besought him to protect her rather then oppresse her as hauing the honour to come out of the House of France and rather consider the pittifull estate of her present Condition and Sexe the which besides was subiect to the Councels and Authority of passionate Men then the respects of his owne priuate Interest That all subiects of Hatred and Offence should bee buried in the Tombe of Duke Charles her Father z When 〈◊〉 the Supreame Authority lights vpon a woman she must of necessity bee supported with great and eminet vertues with a generous courage and a wise conduct to gouern her selfe vpon the first refusall discontētments grow and then factions Simon Rosgon Bishop of Agria demanded of Q. Elizabeth daughter to Sygismond and wise to Albert King of Hungary the Arch-bishoprick of Strigonia to whom shee answered Whilst I raigne you shall not haue it and he replied as long as I liue you shal not raign and they both kept their words That it was piety for a great Prince her Kinsman and Soueraigne to defend her in her Countries and Estates whereunto she succeeded according to the Lawes and Ordinances of Kings his Predecessors and in the end that she was resolued to referre her affaires to the good gouernment of foure persons of the Dowager her Mother Sister to King Edward of England of Rauasteen brother to the Duke of Cleues her neere kinsman of Hugonet her Chancellour and of the Lord of Himbercourt The King gaue them good words The King winnes the Princesses Embassadors and hauing entertained euery Deputy a part following the first precept not to force all at once but to pull of the horses taile haire by haire a To shew that perseuerance cōtinuance doth by little and little preuaile ouer all things Sertorious caused two horses to be brought the one leane feeble and old the other fat and strong behind the leaner he set a strong and mighty man and behind the other a slender weake one a signe being giuen the strong man tooke the leane horse by the taile and sought with all his force to pull it of but he laboured and sweate in vaine The weake man who was behind the great horse began to pull it haire by haire and soone stript it without any paine Plu. Hee drew the cheife of them to be at his deuotion vpon the assurance of the marrying of his sonne with their Mistresse Hugonet hauing all his lands in Picardy towards Amiens and Himbercourt in Bourgundy giue themselues vnto him and for the first proofe of their affection they dispose Phillip of Creuecoeur Lord of Cordes to open the gates of Arras vnto him holding him freed from his oath to the Princesse They thought that if this marriage tooke effect there were nothing to be diuided betwixt the house of France and Bourgundy Vpon the same opinion Townes yeelded to the King Hedin Therouenne and Monstreuill yeeld b That which the Ancients called Gessoriacum is at this day named by the French Bologne by the English Bollen and by the Flemings Beunen Beatus Rhenatus saith that he had seene an old Inscription where were these words Gessoriacum quod nune Bononia Bulloine did not beleeue so lightly it endured a Battry the King entred and finding this Towne fit for the fortification of the frontiers as it hath bene alwaies famous on either side the Sea he compounded with Bertrand de la Tour who was Lord in propriety and as the new Lord he did homage without Girdle or Spurres bare-head and on his knees to the Virgin Mary offering as a right and duty vnto her image a Hart of Massiue Gold weighing two thousand Crownes Boloigne vnder the Virgine Maries homage vpon condition that from thence-forth he and his successors Kings should hold the Earledome of Bulloine of the Virgine should do her homage and at euery change of a Vassall should pay a Hart of pure Gold of that weight Thus the Princesse of Flanders Arras besieged saw herselfe forced to quite that which she could not keepe c It is better to quite that which we cannot keepe then to loose it in keeping it Phillip of Macedon did willlingly abandon many places vnto the Romanes and a great continent of his Country which he saw he could not defend rather then to be seene to haue lost it vnwillingly So after the Battell of Cannes the Romanes refused to succour many of their Allies desiring rather to loose them then to be blamed for that they were not able to defend them T. Liu. Dec. 4. yet the King held nothing of Arras but the Citty which de Cordes had deliuered vnto him and wherein he remained Gouernour The Lord of Lude defeated the Horsemen which they of Doway had sent and in this Encounter Vergy was taken and remained a whole yeare prisoner in chaines for that he would not be sworne vnto the King protesting obstinately that he could not cease to be seruant to the house of Bourgundy nor begin to affect that of France d It is dishonorable rashly to fall from the duty which we owe vnto the Prince L. Maenius an Officer to Augustus being carried prisoner to M. Anthony he demāded of him What wilt thou shall bee done with thee that they strangle mee answered Maeniu◠forneither for grace nor punishmēt will I euer cease to be Caesars souldiour neither will I beginne to be yours They of the Towne seeing themselues prest demanded a Pasport of the Bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France for two or three and twenty Deputies vnder colour of going to Bollen to treat with the King They go forth with this pasport but being followed and surprised vpon the way to Flanders they were led to Hedin and by a sentence giuen by the Prouost condemned to loose their heads the King arriuing vpon the execution staid it Princes alwaies cause punishments to cease when they are in presence They told him that among them that were executed there was a Parisian called Oudard of Bussy to whom he had giuen the office of a Maister of Accompts in the chamber at Arras Hee caused his head to bee set vpon a stake in the Market-place wearing a scarlet hood furred with Meneuer Arras yeelded by composition A breach being made an assault valiantly giuen basely defended Arras yeelded by composition the
Frontier I finde that Guerin le Groin Baliffe of Saint Peter le Moustier and Robinet of Quesnoy Either of them Captaine of a hundred Lances tooke a great Conuoy of Money which came to Doway and with a small Troupe defeated a great number of Horse which did gard it If the King of England had declared himselfe for the Princesse of Bourgundy there had beene a great alteration and she had lesse apprehended the power and hatred of the French King who had wisely preuented it Lewis entertaines friendship with the English He knowing that King Edward loued his ease and that he would not shew himselfe too passionate in his Neighbours quarrels caused his Embassadours to obserue him and entertained him often with Visits and Presents d To send wise and polliticke Embassadours to Princes whoÌ„ they feare vpon diuers pretexes is the true meanes to preuent their designes but especially with the hope of a Marriage betwixt his sonne and his daughter Whom in England they called the Dauphine He caused the fifty thousand Crownes due by the Treaty of Piquigny to be paied at the day in the Citty of London which the English called the Tribute of France He gaue great Pensions to the Chancellor Chamberlaine Admirall and Maister of the Horse in England This made some to speake and others to hold their peace touching the affaires of France e To cast Gold into a Princes Councell is a great charme for greedy minds Gold is a medecine which at one instant workes two contrary effects To speake and to be silent There neuer came any Embassadours but commended his bounty at their returne and held themselues in a manner bound to fauour his intentions by which proceedings hee held himselfe in a manner assured on that side This made the Princesse of Burgundy resolue to marry to follow the counsell of the Lady of Haluin Princesse of Bourgundy wil haue a maÌ„ to her husband her first Lady of Honour which was to take a man and not a child for she was capable to beare them f There was a great disparitie of age betwixt the Dauphin and thus Princesse who was mother of three children before the Prince was a eleuen yeares old Shee refused the king of Englands brother It was thought that if they had propounded the Earle of Angolesme father to King Francis the 1. she would haue hearkened vnto it g The Annales of Aquitane speake thus vpon this occasion King Lewis wanted indgment in this action for if he had not hee wold haue married her to Charles Duke ef Angolâ—sme father to King Francis that now is her affections inclining to haue a Prince of France although she were much discontented for that the King had beene the cause of the death of her two good seruants Hugonet and Imbercourt The Emperour Frederick sent his Embassadours vnto her to put her in minde of the letter which she had written by the commandement of Duke Charles her father carrying a promise of marriage to the Arch-duke Maxamilian his son The Duke of Cleues who had another designe instructed her to referre her selfe to her Councell h In a Councell held vpon the reception of the Embassadours the Duke of Cleues said that after they had deliuered their message the Princesse of Burgundy should say vnto them that they were very welcome and that shee would referre it to her Councell and no more Phil. de Com. and not to say any thing to the Embassadours but at the sight of this Letter and a Diamond which did accompany it she declared that she had written the Letter and giuen the Diamond Princesse of Bourgundy marries Maxmilian by her fathers commandement The marriage was treated and Maximilian came into Flanders to consomate it and before the yeare was expired Philip father to Charles the 5. was the first fruits of this marriage Maximilian was then but twenty yeares old i When as Maximilian came into Flanders he was but twenty yeares old Hee was borne in the yeare 1458. Elenor daughter to Edward king of Portugal was his mother desiring to shew that the loue of the Princesse of Burgundy was not blind in choosing him among so many Corriuals he sought to recouer that which she had lost The King sent Craon into Bourgundy Kings Army in the French County k Peter or George of Tremouile Lord of Craon Liuetenant of the Kings Army in Bourgundy who hauing a power and being assisted by Iohn of Chalons Prince of Orange reduced the Towne of Dijon vnder the Kings obedience The Prince of Orange seeing himselfe deluded by him and that he did not deliuer vp the places vnto him which he had taken according to the Kings commandement grew discontented reuolted and recouered in a manner all that Craon had wonne in the County and then cast himselfe into Gy. From thence Craon besieged Dole Dole besieged contemning them that were within it as men whom he held to be without courage or defence This contempt accompanied with carelessenesse made him to loose his honour the Kings fauour and the Towne which he might haue taken for the besieged made a sally in a night that was windy darke and rainy with such aduantage as they surprized him and forced him to ritire with the losse of some of his Ordinance and of three thousand men l The fault of a Generall of an Army is sufficiently punished by the losse of his honour and his Princes loue and fauour The Romanes had no punishment for such errours to the end their Commanders should not haue their minds troubled with the dangers and ordinary Inconueniences in such charges and with the examples of such whose faults had bene punished with death For it is impossible to resolue iudiciously betwixt feare and suspition Charles of Amboise Lord of Chaumont was substituted in his place who aduised the King to renew his aliance with the Suisses and thereby to weaken the house of Bourgondy The perswasion of this counsell was not difficult the King thought nothing more fit for the safety of his estate then to make his enemies weake of Intelligence and Friends He sent some to practise this league and pursued it with great vehemency He had receiued so great content in the ruine of the most obstinate of his enemies as after the Battels of Granson and Morat hee did nothing but speake of the Suisses valor m Lewis the â—1 greatly aduaÌ„ced the reputation of the Suisses After victories which they had wonne against Charles Duke of Bourgondy he caused them to bee much esteemed Hee sent Embassadours with rich presents hee gaue them after the battell of Granson vntill his death aboue a million of Florins of the Rhin and esteeme their Friendship He put them in greater reputation then euer they had beene although they had much honoured the establishment of their liberty with a triumph of nine or ten Battels and that we may say of them as Titus
Caualarie of France shewing their ancient valour Battell of Guinegaste brake that of Maximilian and chased them as farre as Aire which made their Foot-men to wauer yet they were staied by the constancy and good order of the Captaines which did fight on foot Maximilian put himselfe among the foot-men the Earle of Rhomont and Engelbert Earle of Nassau behaued themselues so valiantly that day as they carried away the honour and Maximilian had the field and profite The French being Victors busied themselues at the spoyle k Greedinesse of spoyle hath many times made them loose the victory who had it most assured They that escaped froÌ„ this battell and were at that of Nouora committed not this error in pursuing the victory as to fall to spoyle they were heard to cry out in the sield Companions remember Guinegaste and lost the victory which they had certaine When newes was brought vnto Lewis hee would not beleeue that the losse was such as they said If it be true said he that the victory be lost for me fare-well all my Conquests This losse made a Truce and the Truce a peace Christendome had great need to vnite her forces against Mahomet who besieged Rhodes The King obtained a Iubile from Pope Sixtus and caused it to be published throughout his Realme to gather mens Almes and Deuotion for the reliefe and defence of that mighty Bulwarke of Christendome But the History doth not say that he gaue any thing of his owne to the Relligion as King Charles the seuenth had done to prepare himselfe against the Agression of so mighty and fearefull an enemy who vnder a vaine and deceitfull proposition of peace l Nothing doth so much fauour the designes of warre as an opinion of peace Mahomet caused his sonne Zizimi to make some ouerture of a truce vnto Demetrio Sofrano Embassador of the Order and vnder his negotiation he prepared for the warre laboured to discharge vpon them all the furies of warre But it was vaine against Rhodes Siege of Rhodes by Mahomet valiantly defended by the valour and vigilancy of the great Maister of Aubusson who vpon the first aduice that was giuen him of Mahomets designe prouided carefully for the defence and safety of the Towne hee caused some Churches to bee beaten downe which might haue annoyed them if the enemy should get them but hee would not attempt this demolition tumultuously nor of his absolute authority but would first haue the Priests Monkes and all others that were interessed These men by the permission of the Metropolitan of the Grecians and of the Archbishop m There is alwaies a great correspondency betwixt the Order of the Church the inferiors ordaine nothing without the aduice of their superiors The Synode of Laodicea forbad the Bishops diuided among the Villages of the Prouince to doe any thing without the Bishop which was in the Towne Colossensis or of Rhodes for there is a great Relation of authority and obedience of power and respect among them consented In all his designes hee euer respected the Kings aduice and counsell and informed him of all that past yea of the fortifications which he made in the Island and of the ouertures of an accord which Mahomet made to deceiue him beseeching him that the French Commanders and Knights which were within his Realme should not loose so goodly an ocasion to serue Christendome The siege of Rhodes began after that of Scutari n At the siege of Sâ—utari the Assailants shot so many Arrowes into the Towne as the besieged for a long time after the siege burnt no other wood but Arrowes Mahomet was forced to raise the siege The Venetians Lords of Scutari left it him to haue a peace in the end of May 1480. 1480. After that Mahomet had knowne Tribute refused to Mahomet that it was impossible for him to haue that tribute from the Rhodians which he demanded in regard whereof he would suffer them to liue in peace the Army camped on Saint Stephens Mountaine and vpon little Hilles thereabouts it consisted of an hundred thousand men and a great quantity of Artillery A great troope of horse and foote came furiously from the Mountaine to discouer the Towne of Rhodes the which were twice beaten and repulst Their Batteries being planted the Canon played against S. Nicholas Tower The great Maister was informed of euery thing in the Turkes Army by a Germaine Inginer who cast himselfe into the Towne and left the Infidels making shew that the onely zeale of religion had moued him hee related the whole estate of the Campe and discouered that which they could not learne but by him But his zeale was meere treachery and treason Treason of a German Inginer for the which he was soone after hanged by the commandement of the great Maister who feared Traitors more then Enemies o At the siege of Towns the practises within are no lesse to bee feared then the attempts without Scipio Affricanus said that he was not so carefull to defend himselfe from the enemy as from traitors He refresht the Garrison in S. Nicholas Tower and placed of the most valiant Knights and best Souldiers to guard it he viewes the ruines which the battery had made and causeth them to be repaired speedily The Turkes assaile it with an incredible fury but they were so receiued Assault giuen by the Turkes as in lesse then an houre they lost 700 Souldiers besides them that were wounded and they that retired suddenly to their Gallies were drowned The great Maister went triumphing to Rhodes to giue God thankes for this victory The Turkes to weaken the forces of the besieged and to vanquish them the more easily being diuided batter the Towne in many places p The Artillery battering the walles of Rhodes caused the Iland tremble and it was heard plainly at the Iland of Castle Rosso towards the East an incredible way off with peeces and Engines of warre of an vnknowne greatnesse There was neuer Fort more furiously battered neither was there euer Campe more annoyed by the battery of the besieged The assailants made some shot whose noyse was like vnto Thunder and their ruines like that of Thunder-bolts The Rhodians had a Canon which they called the Tribute which carried away great heapes of the enemies The Scorpions Rammes Slings and Crosse-bowes of the old warres which carried and forced Mil-stones and Rockes with such great violence and so farre off wrought not such terrible effects The Turkes shot out of Engines the stones whereof ruined houses where they fell And after this maner Philip Augustus and Richard King of England had in former times ruined Ptolemaid There was danger to remaine within and danger to come out of the houses q Pauâ—us Aemilius saith that at the siege of Ptolemaid Saxorum ictu quae Tollenonibus mittebantur tecta domorum superne perfringebantur The toppes of housâ—s were broken downe with the stones they cast out of engines
were armed Souldiers They entred but seeking to seaze vpon the gate the Portcullis was let downe and they all taken and slaine in the Towne which they would haue surprized the first hauing beene vnlucky and vnfortunate Thus there remained not any Male of the Branch of the Dukes of Lorraine there was not any but that of the yonger brethren of Vaudemont and Guise Branch of Vaudemont The Law preserued the right of the succession for the daughters of René Duke of Aniou and of Isabel of Lorraine Margaret Queene of England being a prisoner pretended not any thing Yoland widdow to Ferry Earle of Vaudemont succeeded Shee was mother to many children and the right of Priority gaue the title of Lorraine to René but Yoland reserued the authority and command vnto her selfe the which held ten yeares René assured himselfe to be Earle of Prouence as he was Duke of Lorraine that his Grandfather by his mother side disposing of his estate would remember him but the King had perswaded him to make Charles of Maine his Nephew his Heire f René Duke of Aniou King of Sicile and Earle of Prouence made his Will at Marsellis the 22. of Iuly 1474. as hee did in all his Estates except in the Dutchy of Bar the which hee gaue to René Duke of Lorraine with the lands of Lambesque and Orgon Hee gaue to Iohn his base sonne the Townes of S. Reny S. Canat and the Marquesat of Pont. They would both haue had Prouence but the good old man to let them know that neither of them should haue it being one day at Table hee cast a shoulder of mutton to two Spannels which fought for it and at the same instant hee let slippe a great Dogge which scattered them and tooke it away It shall bee euen so said René of your affaires you contend for that which one that is more mighty shall carry away This Embleme is yet to bee seene imbost and ingrauen on a chaâ—re in his Oratory in Saint Sauiours Church at Aix This Discourse grounded vpon the very Originals do contradict the opinion of them that haue written René did not giue Prouence to the King g An errour of some Writers which haue beleeued that which the chronicle hath spoken of this donation making expresse mention that René being at Lyon concluded with the King that after his death the County of Prouence should returne directly vnto the King and bee vnited vnto the Crown that René gaue the Earledome of Prouence to Lewis the eleuenth That the losse of the battell at Gransson hauing altered the minds of many Princes towards the Duke of Bourgundy King René changed that which hee had done to institute him his Heire and that being come to Lyon he flatly renounced his friendship and did consent that Prouence should bee vnited to the Crowne vpon condition that the King should set at liberty his daughter being Widdow to Henry the sixth King of England and prisoner to Edward and that for her ransome hee should pay fifty thousand Crownes that in regard of this summe shee should renounce the pretensions which she might haue vnto Prouence That to content those which the children of his daughter Yoland Dutchesse of Lorraine might also haue hee left them the Lands of Lambesque and Orgon That to make the King know that the declaration of his Will came from his heart with an extraordinary content hee wrot this Donation in letters of Gold with his owne hand and did enrich it with exceeding faire Lymning h Wee must obserue that among the titles which René tooke in Testament hee addes that of Earle of Prouence Barcelona Forcalqueci Pâ—dmont The Testament of this Prince speakes not any one word of King Lewis neither is it found that he made any other notwithstanding that hee came vnto him the yeare following being at Lyon Hee named for Executors of his Will Queene Ioane of Lauall his wife Executors of Renes TestameÌ„t Charles Earle of Mayne his first and cheifest Heire René Duke of Lorraine his second Heire William of Harcourt Earle of Tancaruille Gui of Laual Knight Signior of Louë and Seneschall of Anjou Iohn of Vignolle Deane of Anger 's and President of the Assises and Accounts of Anjou Iohn Pinot Doctor of Diuinty his Confessor Peter Le Roy called Bemanon Vice-Chancellour of Angiers Iohn Buell Doctor of the Lawes and Maister of the Accounts i Beside the contentment which the obseruation of these names may giue vnto those families which haue any interest therein it serues to the curiosity of diuers qualities vnited in the same persons the which at this time seeme incompatible Hee would also that if hee dyed in Prouence the Archbishop of Aix and the great Seneschall of Prouence should bee among the Executors of this Testament The King being aduertised that René Duke of Lorraine made practises in Prouence and fearing that by his meanes King René should change his mind commanded that they should seaze on him k Kings haue long hands and many sâ—ares to entrap their enemies It is hard to auoid all their ambushes and laid so many ambushes for him as it had beene impossible for him to escape if hee had not speedily recouered Marsellis where hee imbarkt Hee remained three monthes at Sea past into Sicile came to Venice and crossing through the Grisons Country hee arriued in Lorraine neuer complaining of the dangers which had runne nor the time which hee had lost to make hast and flye from an incensed Prince whose clemency is nothing but a wearied seuerity and rigour René had that misfortune which is insupportable to great courages 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to suruiue the greatnesse of his house Hee saw the Crownes which had honoured the heads of Kings his Predecessours broken Battell of Rocgueseiche Lewis Duke of Anjou his Grand-father second sonne to King Iohn had gotten the second Title of Right vnto the Crowne of Naples but his bad Gouernement after the battell which hee had wonne against Ladislas in the yeare one thousand three hundred foure score and three l At the battell of Rocqueseich the troupes â—f Ladislas were defeated by them of Lewis but the victory was not pursued wheÌ„ as Ladislas spake of this encounter he said that the first day after the battell his enemies had beene Maisters both of his person and the whole Realme if they done their endeuours to vanquish the second day they might haue beene Lords of the Realme and not of his person if they had followed the victory but the third day they could neither haue had his person nor the Realme whereof hee had reaped not the profite which hee should haue done forced him to quitte Italy where hee had entred with an Army of fifty thousand men and to retire into France grieuing very much at the vnfortunate and ill successe of his enterprises His sonne Lewis the third Duke of Aniou was also declared King
paine his basenesse was the cause of it and that death might giue him a free passage he changed his patience into dispaire so as on the Thursday after Saint Martins day in yeare one thousand foure hundred foure score and foure hee was found strangled with the cord of his bed This execrable kind of death was kept secret vntill that they vnderstood the Popes minde after which the executioner of Iustice entred into the prison put the body into a pipe and cast it into the Riuer of Rhine c To kill himselfe hath beene held an act of courageâ— Plato forbids it in his Lawes The Thebians detested it and the Athenians did cut off his hand that had slaine himselfe did cast it on the common dunghill The Popes Deputies returned to Basill and the Excommunication hauing beene obserued three daies was taken away and the Towne deliuered from the Popes censures Yet for all this they did not cease to wish that the Pope would earnestly embrace the reformation of the disorders of the Church Desires of this kind are iust but wee may not presse them with heate of passion and indiscretion of zeale An example shewing that it is not reasonable in such sufferings and perplexities of the Church that the pride of any priuate person should presume to reforme it Wee must leaue those thoughts to Princes and Magistrates The simple multitude must attend with patience at the foote of the Mountaine vntil that Moses descend to let them vnderstand the will of God The Ship wherein that holy Family is included which hath neither sight nor day but towards heauen shall in the end appeare most glorious ouer the waues of the deluge and shall come vnto the Mountaine of a happy tranquillity * ⎠* ⸪ The end of the ninth Booke THE CONTENTS OF the tenth Booke 1 VVEakning and alteration of the Kings health in the beginning of the yeare 1480. 2 An Apoplexy seazeth on him His actions to maintaine his authority and to keepe himselfe from contempt 3 Liberty of Cardinall Balue and his pollicy to obtaine it 4 Generosity of the Cardinall of Estouteville to maintaine his dignity and that of the Clergy His death 5 Oppressions of the people 6 Desire of the King to reforme Iustice and tedious Sutes 7 Relapse of his sickenesse at Tours he goes to Saint Claude in his returne passeth by Salins and there setteth a Parliament for the Franche County 8 Death of Mary Dutchesse of Bourgundy wife to Maximilian the Emperour 9 Admonition made by the King to the Dauphin at Amboise 10 Estate of the Low Countries at the discretion of the Gantoies 11 Treatie of peace and marriage betwixt the Dauphin and Margaret Princesse of Austria 12 Death of the King of England and troubles for his succession 13 Earle of Richmond prisoner to the Duke of Brittaine comes to the Crowne of England by the Kings assistance 14 Death of Francis Phoebus King of Nauarre suite for the succession 15 Death of Alphonso King of Portugall 16 Lewis fals into new apprehensions of death and shuts himselfe into his Pallace at Plessis 17 Zizimi son to Mahomet reuolts against Bajazeth flyes to Rhodes and is conducted into France 18 Commendation of Mathias Coruinus King of Hungary 19 Impairing of the Kings health 20 Hee sends for Francis Paulo a Calabrois strange distemperatures of his sickenesse 21 His aistrust of Iohn Duke of Bourbon 22 Publication of the peace betwixt the King and Maximilian of Austria Marriage of Charles the Dauphin with the Princesse Margaret Magnificence at their entrance into Paris 23 The third and last relapse of the Kings Infirmity his last actions His perfect sence euen vnto the last gaspe His death ⧠THE HISTORY Of LEWIS the eleuenth THE TENTH BOOKE IN the beginning of the yeare 1480. 1480. Lewis beganne to dye and to feare death the which comes neuer so fitly but it brings with it terrour and amazement a Life must bee considered by the end If it bee good and glorious all the rest is proportionable Quomodo fabula sic vita non quandiu sed quam bene acta sit refert Nil ad rem pertinet quo loâ—o desinas quocunque voles desine tantum bonam clausulam imponas Life is like vnto a fable It imports not how long but how well it be acted It skils not where thou leauest leaue where thou wilt so thy conclusion be good Sen. His forces grew weake but his courage was fortefied strong vpon an apprehensioÌ„ which he had that they would make designes vpon his graue and that they would not stay vntill hee came to the end of his Carriere Hee desired to end it with the Authority Maiesty and Reputation that he had begonne and would not that they should know him dying nor that they should hold him mortall Hee workes so as in the West of his life the shadow of his reputation and respect is as great as at the Noone-day of his raigne Yet he finds that his iudgement hath not the force and vigour which it formerly had that the remainder of his life is become sower Age is alwaies accompanied that age comes not alone b When as wine and life grow low they become sowre Antiphanes hauing brought him diuers discommodities an incorrigible melancholy agitations of the minde a slow Feuer and the paines of the Emerauds He hath more prouision then he hath way to go he gathers and laies vp when hee should abandon and let go c Age becomes couetous when it hath not any need of goods it feares the earth should faile it One demanded of Symonides why he was so sparing in the extremity of his age for that said he I had rather leaue my goods after my death to my enemies then in my life time to haue neede of my friends His designes are great and spacious and his desires grow yong hee cannot free himselfe from new hopes his soule is as it were hung betwixt the feare of death and the hope of life his vnderstanding is a Milstone which the continuall course of affaires doth turne day and night And although his life passeth away in languishing and griefe yet had he rather endure the paine then not to be desiring rather to be freed from it then from life the which how painefull soeuer it be hath some houre of ease d There iâ— no life so languishing and full of paine but it is supported by some hope freed from the feares of death When aâ— Antisthenes the Philosopher was in extreame paine hee cryed out Who shall deliuer me froÌ„ these miseries Diogenes presenting a knife vnto him said This if thou wilt and that soone I do not say of my life replyed the Philosopher but of my paine For if paines be violent they are short and if they be short they giue no leasure to complaine Going to heare Masse at a little Parish neere to the Forges of Saint Chinon The King suddenly and
reiected by a Decree of Parliament giuen the 22. of February The same hath beene obserued in other Portions of the Princes of France for the Prouinces of Berry Orleans Anjou Maine the Countie of Clermont Artois Alançcon Perche and Eureux The Deputies did not agree vpon these points and the proofes could not be so cleere but there would be still found some exception or diuersity Moreouer they treated for two Princes who stood not vpon words but held all things doubtfull wherefore they thought it fit for the good of a peace to giue more power to trust then to iealousy i In Treaties it is neccessary to vse all the cautions which wisedome and foresight can inuent but in the end wee must trust them with whoÌ„ wee treate else it is impossible to resolue any thing which is a shelfe against which affaires suffer ship-wracke They did winke at many things and did turne from that which the necessity of affaires did forbid them to encounter For in Treaties of this sort Hee that can giue must giue and hee that cannot must seeme liber all of that which hee can neither sell nor keepe He that will haue all looseth all Matters past as they desired not by the rigor of restitution but in fauour of the marriage of the Dauphin Charles with Margaret Princesse of Flanders k Margaret of Austria was married to the Dauphin but shee was not his wife for in the yeare one thousand foure hundred foure score and twelue He sent her backe and married the Dutchesse of Brittany Shee was married to the Prince of Castile who dyed in the first yeare of his marriage For the Arch-duke and the Estates representing Prince Phillip as Heires to the Princesse Mary appointed for her Dowry and promised the Counties of Artois Bourgundy Mafconois Auxerrois Salins Bar-sur-seine and Noyers for her and her Heires Males and Females For want whereof all the afore-named land should returne to Prince Phillip and to his Heires l Phillip the first was married to D. Ioane of Castile and had many children Charles the fift Emperour Ferdinand King of the Romanes then Emperour and King of Hungary D. Elenor Queene of Portugall and France D. Maria wife to Lewis king of Hungary D. Isabella Queene of Denmarke D. Katherine wife to D. Iohn King of Portugall That if the lands returned to any other but Prince Phillip and his Heires then the King might retaine them vntill the controuersy were decided for the Townes of Lisle Douay and Orchies the which should be done within three yeares after the case should happen The said Signiory should be gouerned vnder the Dauphin who should make satisfaction for the mony borrowed in the Counties of Artois and Bourgundy and suffer that the pensions granted by former Princes should take effect And if the marriage were not consummated all those places should returne to Prince Phillip reseruing onely a Dowry of fifty thousand Florins by the yeare assigned vpon Bois de Vincennes Montargis Crecy and other places of Champagne Bry and Touraine That during the minority of Prince Phillip and before his marriage the King nor Dauphin should not demand the gouernement of his Low Countries There was a generall pardon granted to all banished men of either side and euery man should re-enter into his possessions without restitution of fruits m It was also agrâ—ed that be Prince of Orange the Earle of Ioigny Leonard of Chalousiâ—uâ— Maister William of Baume Signior of Ilain and Claud of Theolongeon Signior of Bastie comprehended in the peace should returne into the possession of their lands in Bourgundy Dauphinè and the Realme The King also promised to fauour the Signior of Romont for the recouery of his lands All priuileges giuen by the Princes should remaine to them that had obtained them The houses of Flanders at Paris and Conflant should be restored to Prince Phillip and that of Artois to the Lady Margaret This marriage was the gate by the which many Families of the Franch-County past into France The Signiors of the house of Chalon Iohn Dandelot Maister of the Kings horse and Balife of Amont Iames of Colligny father to Gaspard of Colligny High Admirall of France Guy of Rochefort Signior of Pluuant Chancellour of France Iohn of Ache Signior of Verreu Captaine of Dijon Balife of Auxois and Chamberlaine to King Lewis Iames of Vaudre and some others of the house of Mouy and of Saint Fall These Conditions of such aduantage were yeelded vnto without any difficulty for the King had wonne them of Gand who had the children in their n If they of Gand could haue giuen vnto the King the Counties of Namur and Henalt with all the subiects of that house which speake French they would willingly haue done it saith Phillip de Commines to weaken Maximilian possession and whose onely care was to weaken Maximilian and to take from him all meanes to arme against them not considering that flying one mischiefe they did runne into another giuing the King meanes to haue them at his discretion and that they were like vnto the horse which suffred it selfe to be bitted and backt by man to encounter the Stagge During this Treaty the King was growne soâ—leane pale and disfigured as a man could hardly know him and in an other Religion they would haue commended him more to haue encountred death then to attend it Hee was nothing but a shadow and a voyce in the hottest daies of Summer his body was content with his owne coldnesse without seeking any other refreshing Hee made difficulty to signe any Articles not for that he did not allow of them but to hide the deformity of his griefe o When as age or sickenes causeth any deformityin a Prince he should suffer himselfe to bee seldome seene Tiberius did therefore liue out of Rome Facies parum decora aetas grauior valetudo imbecillis saepe risui fastidio sunt A deformed face old age and 〈◊〉 are often subiect to be laught at and loathed L. Lips ex Tacito and there was not any one that durst speake vnto him nor demand any thing of him When as the King of England receiued aduertisement of the resolution of this marriage Death of the King of England he was so much grieued as hee dyed he saw his hopes frustrate in France and his actions contemned in â—ngland repenting that hee had not giuen credite to his Councell who thought it necessary to breake betimes with the King not to suffer him to fortefie himselfe with the ruines of the house of Bourgundy seazing vpon the Townes so neere vnto England for the taking of Bollegne did threaten him with the losse of Callice and Guines Towards the end of his daies he recompensed the toiles of his life and plunged himselfe in delights taking care how to make himselfe fat That which was superfluous became necessary to him p The increase of a Neighbours power holds a Prince in perplexity and
sometimes in sachirresolution as not daring to make warre heâ— doth things preiudiciall to peace Phillip de Commines saith His Exercises and pleasures that hee had no thought but of Ladies and more then was fit of Hunting and to entreate his owne person well When hee went a Hunting hee caused many Pauillions to be carried for Ladies and in this sort made great feasts for hee had a body as fit for it as any that euer I saw being yong and as beautifull as any man that liued in his time q Edward was held in his youth to excell all the Princes of his age in beauty and stature but when as hee came into France in the yeare one thousand foure hundred three score and fifteene He was growne grosse Fâ—w men become so but by their owne meanes Entring into the Realme hee saw himselfe surprized with a storme and expelled by him who had assisted him to conquer it Hee retired into Holland with two Hulkes a little Ship and many men without mony seeing himselfe to giue a gowne furred with â—ables to satisfie the Marriner who had transported him At the end of sixe monthes he re-entred into London when as his enemies had held him to be lost In eleuen daies the Earle of Warwicke had wonne the whole Realme for Henry the sixth Edward recouers it in twenty daies with the hazard of two great battles The strongest carried it r They are sometimes bound to fortune and sometimes to pollicy for the happy euents of great enterprises but most coÌ„monly the stronger is the Maister 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Occurrat forti qui mage fortis erat and remained peaceable King yet with some remorse to haue beene bound for the quiet possession of his Realme to the cruelties and inhumanities which he committed against his owne bloud For he put to death King Henry the sixth and Edward Prince of Wales his sonne with the Duke of Clarence his brother The cause of this brothers death is not very certaine The most common opinion is that hee would haue armed to succour the Princesse of Bourgundy contrary to his brothers liking Polydore Virgil saith that enforming himselfe he learned of them that liued in those times that King Edward being aduertised by a Coniurer s All the answeres of Sorcerers are doubtfull and deceiue them that trust in them They spake truely meaning the Duke of Glocester and the King deceiued himselfe vnderstanding it of his brother of Clarence that his name that should succeed him beganne with a G. had a conceit that George Duke of Clarence his brother should take the Crowne from his children Death of the Duke of Clarence the Kings brother and vpon this apprehension hee put him to death in a But of Malmesey Others haue written that hee sought the Alliance of the Princesse of Bourgundy and that the Dutchesse Margaret sister to Edward fauoured his Designes which the King not wishing so great a fortune to his brother hindred That at the same time one of the Dukes seruants hauing beene condemned to dye for poyson the Duke of Clarence was offended and spake in such sort as the King taking his words for threates of some great trouble caused him to die in pryson t George Duke of Clarence brother to the King of England made choice to dye in a But of Malmeâ—cy to die with some content which an 〈◊〉 disolution of the soule is wont to cause as Seneca saith or to make himselfe drunke and to free himselfe from the horrour end feeling of death Drusus meaning to dye of hunger would not cate any thing in nine daies but the flockes of his bed Tacit. l. 6. Annal. An act notwithstanding which did afflict him with such griefe and repentance as remembring the great precipitation of his iudgement procured by his brothers enemies when as any came to sue for a pardon for any one that was condemned to dye u Repentance doth vndoubtedly follow cruell and rash actions Caracalla hauing put his brother Getâ— to death hee did neuer thinke of him or looke vpon his stature but hee wept Hee caused Loetus who had perswaded him to this paracide to be imprisoned and did all kindes of honour vnto his Funerall Funus Gerae accuratius fuisse dicitur quam eius qui à fratre videretur occisus Getas Funerall was performed with more then his that seemed to bee murthered by his brother AELIVS SPARTIANVS he alwaies said My poore brother had not any to sue for him He left two children Margaret who was married to Richard Poole and Edward whom the King made Earle of Warwicke All the crosses which Edward had suffred did not so much afflict him as he receiued contentment at his returne from the warres of France for the peace which he had brought backe and the Treatie of marriage which he had made of his daughter with the Dauphin of France and the pension of fifty thousand Crownes So when he saw the Dauphin married vnto the Lady Margaret of Austria he was so grieued as hee resolued to returne into France to reuenge this iniury Choller and griefe were so violent in his soule as he dyed the tenth of Aprill at Westminster whereas the Parliament was assembled to resolue vpon the warre of France His body was carried to the Castle of Windsor and interred in S. Georges Chappell He had tenne children by Elizabeth his wife and left Edward Prince of Wales and Richard Duke of Yorke liuing All his life hee had beene liberall and dyed coueâ—ous Hee recommended his wife His brother murthers his children children and Realme to Richard Duke of Glocester who to haue the Crowne put Edward who had raigned but two monthes and Richard his Nephewes to death x Edward had a base sonne called Arthur his daughters were married to diuers Princes Brigit the last was a religious woman The daughters were declared Bastards by the Parliament for that a Bishop affirmed that hee had married Edward vnto a Lady of England before that hee was married to the Lady Elizabeth Riuers Hee caused himselfe to bee Crowned King in Iuly following The parricide of his two Nephewes caused so great scandall and horrour in all the orders of the Realme and the mother who had fledde into the Sanctuary at Westminster y This trust and recommendation of such precious Iewels bound the Duke of Glocester to haue a care of them IS DIGERDES King of Persia seeing that ARCADIVS the Emperour his enemy had recommended his some THEODOSIVS vnto him found himselfe bound to preserue his Estates and laying aside all passions of precedent hatred hee proclaimed warre against any one that should molest his pupill hauing fore-seene the rage of this Tiger filled the Citty of London with very pittifull and strange complaints as euery man found this greedy and vnsatiate desire to raigne inhumane and tyrannous hauing forced him brutishly to teare in peecees the Lawes of Nature and to pollute his hands with
his owne bloud z Churches are Sanctuaries but they giue no safety but to Innocents and to them that are wrongfully 〈◊〉 The Temples of the Ancient were a Sanctuary to three sorts of men to Offendours to Slaues and to Debtors God did raise vp the Earle of Richmond Earle of Richmond prisoner to the Duke of Brittany who was prisoner to the Duke of Brittaine all good men desired it to reuenge the innocent bloud and this Tyrant fore-seeing that there was nothing to bee feared but from that part sent Thomas Hutton to the Duke of Brittany to deale with him that hee might not bee set at liberty a Ambition of raigne is not restrained neither by the respect of piety nor the motions of Nature Cupido regni fratre fillia potior The desire of raigne is deerer then brother or daughter Tacit. Annal. lib. 12. seeking the friendship of King Lewis who would not make any answeres vnto his Letters nor heare his Embassadours calling him most inhumane cruell and wicked for the most horrible and execrable murther of his Nephewes The King assisted the Earle of Richmond who being set at liberty by the Duke of Brittany past into England with three thousand Normanes the scumme as Phillip de Commines saith of the whole Prouince and was presently fortified by all them that were offended for the death of their lawfull Prince Earle of Richmond King of England giuing him battell within few daies after his arriuall in the which this Tyrant was slaine and the Earle of Richmond acknowledged for King In all these great reuolutions wee must confesse a Diuine Iustice which doth earely or late reuenge iniquities pursuing them euen in the generations of children who are punished for their fore-fathers offences Henry the fourth caused Richard the second to dye in prison Henry the sixth his Grand-child dyed a prisoner to King Edward the fourth Richard Duke of Glocester murthers Edwards children and Richard is slaine by Henry Earle of Richmond the seuenth of that name Who can deny but there is an Eternall Iustice in all this b When 〈◊〉 ◠wicked man commits any villany hee is presently a prisoner to GODS Iustice and like a fish hee is taken with the baite of pleasure and delight which hee hath taken in doing it which doth punish the wicked by themselues and makes vse of them to scourge others and it deferres publicke punishment for a time the secret doth neuer abandon the crime and is a perpetuall thorne in the offenders soule Francis Phoebus sonne to Gaston Earle of Foix dyed also hauing succeeded to Elenor of Arragon his grand-mother Death of Francis Phoebus King of Nauarre hee being but twelue yeares old and raigned vnder the gouernement of his mother c The Ladie Magdaline of France during her sonnes minority carried this Title Magdaline Daughter and Sister to the Kings of France Princesse of Viana Gouernesse to our most deere and wel-beloued sonne Francis Phoebus by the Grac◠of GOD King of Nauarre The Realme of Nauarre was so diuided as it had neede of a Prince of more greate respect and farre better experience and yet for that hee was neere allied to the Kings of France and Castile the most factious were quiet and tooke the oath of Alleageance when as hee entred with incredible applause into the Towne of Pampelone the tenth of December in the yeare one thousand foure hundred foure score and two Presently after his Coronation Ferdinand King of Castile offered him Ioane his second daughter in marriage The Queene his mother did still protest that her will did wholly depend vpon King Lewis the eleuenth her brother The History of Spaine saith that he had a desire to marry her to D. Ioane a Nun at Coimbra to the end hee might renue the pretensions which shee had to the Realme of Castile as daughter to Henry the fourth and by this meanes hee did alwaies assure himselfe of the County of Rousillon But when as his mother had brought him backe into Bearne hee was poisoned at Pau playing on a Flute Hee dyed with this griefe that his life nor death did not profite any man d As no man should desire to liue to himselfe alone so that death is honourable which is imployed for the publicke Turpe est sibi soli vivere mori Plut. there being nothing that doth more trouble a great spirit then when he liues and dyes not for himselfe Dying hee spake these holy words which the mouth of the Sonne of God pronounced a little before his death My Kingdome is not of this world If hee had liued he was borne to be a great Prince but the world to speake truely is so small a matter as the Phylosopher had reason to mocke at Alexander who had carried the Title of Great e Alexander would be instructed in Geometry to learne the greatnesse of the earth Hee found that the Title of Great which he carried was false cōsidering Quā pusilla terra esset ex qua minimum occupauerat Quis enim esse magnus in pusillo potest How little the earth was wherof hee held the least part who can be great in a small thing Sen. The Lady Catherine his sister succeded him Katherine of Foix Queene of Nauarre and was married to Iohn of Albret Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbona her Vncle did quarrell with her for the Earledomes of Foix and Bearn saying that these lands lying within the Realme of France whereas women did not succeede Queene Katherine could not pretend any thing and did by force seaze vpon Maseres and Monthaut and besieged Pamiers but could not take it Queene Katherine aduertised King Lewis the eleuenth with this inuasion f France doth furnish many examples against the Vicount of Foix to shew that the daughters being neerest of bloud did exclude the Males that were farther off who sent Commissioners into the Country to forbid the Vicount of Narbona to proceed by way of fact vpon paine of loosing his right This controuersy was of such importance as he himselfe would be iudge thereof Controuersy for the lands of Foix Bern and Bigorre and after him Charles the eighth was Arbitrator In the end they must passe by the censure of the Court Parliament of Paris Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbona and after his decease the Kings Atturney Generall as Tutor and Gardien to Gaston of Foix his sonne said against Katherine of Foix that daughters being vncapable of dignites by reason of their sexe might not succeed in the Realme g King Charles the eighth sought to make an agreement betwixt the parties and therefore committed it to the Cardinall of Foix and Monsieur D'Alby but seeing they could not agree hee sent them to the Court Parliament All which proceedings in writing were imparted vnto me by Maister Galland one of the most famous Aduocates of the Parliament Dutchies or Counties but onely the Males and that they might not
that which hee loues and to ruine that which he hath raised In the end this charge of Lord Steward is returned into the house from whence it went It did honor others Charles of Bourbon Earle of Soissons doth honor it at this day by the great and goodly qualities which heauen addes to the greatnesse of his birth he restored order in the kings house and reuiued the glory of his Maiesties seruice With the same courage that Iohn the second followed the King against his rebellious subiects he serued him against forraigne enemies e He was present at the great Assembly at Ambois with all the Princes of the bloud and the chiefe Officers of the Crowne to resolue a warre against the house of York in England against the duke of Brittanie where there was a league made for the defence of the house of LaÌ„caster and Edward sonne to King Henry the sixth was married to the Earle of Warwicks daughter and was imployed with the Duke of Bourbon to disperse the storme wherewith King Edward the fourth threatned France being come thither not so much to fight as to receiue the triumph which the vanity of his ambition promised him The proofes of his seruice are not verified by those of recompence and wee may say that this Prince beeing not present at the distributions of the great honours of the Realme had no great share in the Kings fauours and bounty Wee see him hold his ranke at the Coronation and in the Assembly of the Estates but being none of those that were honoured with the first colours of the Order of Saint Michael hee hath remained in the ranke of those great Spirits whose contentment dependes onely of themselues All the Princes of the bloud cannot haue all the honours of the Realme All Planets make not a shadow the refusall of a dignity augments the glory of him that hath well deserued it and the concession doth not make him famous that is vnworthy f They ordained statues for them that had made war in Affricke against Tacfarinates though they did not vaÌ„quish him Dolabella went thither defeated him slue him he demanded the same honours which had been giuen to others which Tiberius refused Taciâ—us thereupon said Sed neque Blesus illustrior huic negatus honor gloriaÌ„ intendis He had sixe daughters Ioane of Bourbon married to Iohn the second Duke of Bourbon Catherine married to Gilbert of Chabannes Ioane wife to Lewis of Ioyeuse Charlotte married to Engelbert of Cleues Earle of Neuers René Abbesse of Paintes and then of Fonteuerard and Isabell Abbesse of Caen and two sonnes Lewis Earle of Vendosme g Lewis of Burbon haâ— 2 sons Iohn Earle of Vendosme and Lewis of Roche-sur you head of the house of Montpensier who married Mary of Luxemburg and Charles his eldest sonne the first Duke of Vendosme married Frances of Alençon and had by her seuen sonnes and six daughters the second of his sonnes was Anthony who married Ioane of Albret Queene of Nauarre and heire of the house of Foix Albret Bearn and Armagnac Of their marriage was borne Henry the fourth king of France and Nauarre their third sonne was Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Condé father to Henry Prince of Condé to Henry Prince of Conty to the Cardinall of Vendosme and to Charles Earle of Soissons and Grand-fahter to Henry Prince of Condé first Prince of the bloud The yonger sonne of Iohn the 2 d Earle of Vendosme was Lewis head of the branch of Montpensier and of Roche-sur-yon whom death hath cut off from this great tree There remains one daughter promised to the Duke of Orleans the Kings second sonne Death freed the Earle of Vendosme from the cares which a longer life had augmented by the iealousies and distrusts which the King conceiued of all the Princes of his bloud which kept him continually in the diuers agitations of hatred and feare It is impossible but that he who by his extreame rigors seuerities hath offended many should feare alwayes hee cannot trust his subiects as his Children seeing he hath not entreated them as a Father h Loue is a strong guard of a Princes person Agesilaus said that he wold liue safe without gardes if he coÌ„manded his Subiects as a good father doth his children He must be beloued of his subiects and feared of strangers Amorem apud populares meâ—â— apud hostes quaerat Tacit. he hath his share of the feare which hee hath made common Wheresoeuer hee casteth his eyes he seeth markes of his seuerity so hee findeth not any one but puts him in feare hee hath feare of his Children feare before him and feare behind and as in his life hee had alwayes desired more to be feared then loued so in the end he found himselfe composed of the same humor fearing more then he loued Hitherto it seemeth he did not trust any man but Peter of Bourbon Lord of Beaujeu his son-in-law in whom he had so great a confidence as he referred vnto him all the care of his affaires when as the pleasure of hunting entertained him in the Forrests not for some few dayes but whole moneths The Author of the Annals of the house of Bourbon who hath seene the originals of many great treaties speakes after this maner This Peter of Bourbon Lord of Beaujeu was in such fauour with the king as his Maiesty desiring to retire himselfe from affaires kept commonly at Chamois and places thereabout a Countrey at that time full of wood and wilde beasts causing the said Lord Peter of Bourbon his son-in-law to remaine at Montereau-faut-yonne to bee chiefe of the Councell to whom all men repaired for their dispatches which had any businesse in Court i A Prince must be feared and loued but for that it is difficult to haue these two things concurre together it were better and more safe to be feared for that Princes which haue grounded themselues vpon the loue of the people haue found that there is nothing more inconstant men do sooner offend him that makes himselfe to be loued then hee that is feared yet must they not in seeking to bee feared make themselues odious The King loued the woods and hunting to free himselfe from cares reposing all vpon the said Lord of Beaujeu His Maiestie also said That hee did hate deadly them of Bourgondy Aniou Alençon and the Dukes of Brittanie for their pride And contrariwise that hee loued Charles of Artois Earle of Eu for that hee retained nothing of the arrogancy of his predecessours and them of Bourbon more for their mildnesse and humility k It is not the first testimony which the kings of France haue giuen of the mildnesse wisedome and moderation of the Princes of the house of Bourbon When as King Charles the â—sâ—h passed from Auâ—gaon where hee had seene Pope Clement the sixth iâ—to Laâ—gueclock to settle an order for the coplaints of the Countrey against the oppressions which they
had suffered vnder the gouernment of the Duke of Berrie his vncle hee commanded the Dukes of Berrie and Burgondy to retire and would not haue any other prince neâ—re vnto his presence but Lewis duke of Bourbon his vncle by the mothers side and Iohn of Burbon Earle of March of V endosme whom hee loued infinitâ—y giuing a reason hereof openly That he loued those Princes for that they had neuer serued any other maister and had neuer had any ambition nor design against the state neither had they euer giuen him any occasion to complaine of them This vertue was neuer found in a great spirit but it did purchase power and affection with others Pride is barren humility fructifieth a vine spreading vpon the earth beares excellent fruit the high and straightest Cypres-trees are vnfruitfull Hee was not so bountifull of his fauours to the Lord of Beaujeu but hee was as sparing to the Duke of Bourbon his brother he had an implacable hatred against Iohn Duke of Bourbon sonne to Charles the Achilles of France This hatred was nourished with a fresh apprehension for that this Prince lamenting the disorders of the State the miseries and oppressions of the people and the bad vsage which Charles Duke of Berrie suffered had laid the first foundations of the league had left it by the Treaty of Ryon and re-entred againe into it vpon despight for that during this Treaty the Duke of Millan by the Kings commandement had ouer-run and ruined his Countrey of Beaujolois and Forrest But for that hee was a Prince of great power great courage and great credit in the heart of all France hee would not euaporate this fire of reuenge and indignation which hee had against them and considered rather what he might doe then what he should do And the Duke who was acquainted with the disposition of this King knewe well that all Princes write offences done them in brasse and the seruice which they receiue vpon sand wherefore he remained long in his Dutchy of Bourbonois and would not come to Court The King whose chiefe care was to weaken his enemies and to diuide them gaue him the gouernement of Languedoc dissembling the remembrance of things past Vpon this assurance the Duke of Bourbon shewed that hee did not breathe any thing but the Kings seruice neither had he any greater content then to yeeld him proofes equall to his affection and therefore hee followed him to Peronne and we must beleeue that without him in this voyage hee had giuen his Enemies more courage to execute those dangerous councels hauing resolued to stay him For besides the respectes of Alliance the Duke of Bourgondy respected this Prince who had the two principall partes necessary in great Captaines Valour and good Fortune l The two qualities necessary in the Generall of an Army are Valour and good fortune Duo sunt quae Claros Duces faciunt summa virtus summa foelicitas Lat. Pac. Paneg. Wee haue formerly seene that the Constable of Saint Pol did what hee could to drawe him to the Duke of Bourgondies partie Fidelity of the Duke of Burbon and to make him ioyne with the King of Englands forces and that this braue Prince made it knowne that nothing was able to shake his loialty no not if he should be reduced to the misery of Iob m An extreme oppression is no lawfull cause to arme against the Prince rebels seeke pretexes and coulors to shadow their discontents but good subiects suffer with patience although that the sincery of his actions could neuer wipe away the blemish which distrust had put in this Princes eyes yet would he not trouble the content which hee had receiued by the testimony which his conscience gaue to fidelity and vertue The King also fore-seeing that if his enemies were fortefied with his fauour and forces hee should be much troubled hee coniured him to come vnto him The Duke excused himselfe vpon a resolution which hee had taken to liue quietly in his house the which no man could enuy him hauing purchased it with incomparable toyles and crosses Hee besought the King to suffer him to rest in the port of this tranquility after so many stormes and to content himselfe with the seruice which the other Princes of his house and his Bastard the Admirall did him The King entreated and coniured him to come and to reape the same fruits in Picardy which he had sometimes receiued in Guienne n The honour of the glorious victory of Fromigny is giuen to Iohn the second Duke of Bourbon who then tooke the title of Earle of Clermont for hee charged the English with such fury as with the losse of tenne men onely hee defeated fiue thousand English and tooke 1400. prisoners to the shame and confusion of the English sending the Bishop of Mande vnto him to deliuer his requests and recommendations more confidently and to assure him that the occasion was not lesse glorious then at Fromigny The Duke being loath to faile France in so great an occasion and remembring that his predecessours had not desired a more glorious graue then to die vpon a field of battell couered with the bloud of their enemies o The Princes of the house of Bourbon who haue dyed for the seruice of the Crowne are Peter of Bourbon slaine the 19. of September 1356. at the battell of Poicters Iames and Peter his sonne at the Battell of Brignay neere vnto Lyon Lewis at the Battell of Agincourt 1415. Francis at the battell of Saint Bridget on holy Crosse day in September 1525. Iohn at the battell of Saint Laurence 1557. and Anthony at the siege of Roan 1562. and to free the King from all conceite that he had a will to giue eare vnto the Constable who did solicite him with all vehemency he deliuered the Constables letters into the Bishops hands protesting that hee would neuer carry Armes against the Kings seruice The effects did not differ from his words for seeing the Duke of Bourgundies troupes approach to enter the Country he went to horse and put them to rout The Earle of Conches was slaine there the Earle of Rousillon Marshall of Bourgundy was taken prisoner there with the Earle of Dammartins sonne and the Signiors of Longy de Lisle Digoin Ruygny Chaligny and the two sonnes of the Signior of Viteaux one of which was Earle of Ioygny Being then assured of the discent of the English and that they had passed the Sea he came vnto the King with sixe hundred horse and commanded part of his Army which was neere vnto Beauuais Matters being reduced to those tearmes that the King desired and the King of England hauing repassed the Sea he retired himselfe to Moulins to performe the last duties to his mother p The Lady Agnes of Bourgundy dyed in December 1476. Shee was wife to Charles Duke of Bourbon and mother to Iohn the second of that name Duke of Bourbon to Charles Cardinall and Arch-bishop of Lyon
habes à currente flumine quantâ—m hauris ita ex aâ—nis semper euntibus nihil accipis nisi quod in res duraturas collocaris Thou hast so much of a running streame as thou drawest forth so of yeares which still slide away thou retainest nothing but what thou dost employ in durable things for his successors giue him the honour to haue freed them from subiection and France is bound vnto him to haue beautefied it with the Crownes of Dukes and Earles The death of Charles the last Duke of Bourgundy restored vnto him the Dutchy and County of Bourgundy but his good title must be so assisted by force as his Prouinces were rather conquered then restored He vnited also vnto the Crowne the Dutchies of Anjou and Mayne which had beene separated for the portion of Charles the first King of Sicile x The returnes of the Counties of Anjou and Maine which had beene very remote from the Crowne was drawne 〈…〉 â—arriage of Charles of Valois who married the daughter of Charles the second King of Sicile vpon condâ—tion that he should renounce the rights and hopes of the Crowne of Valencia and Arragon and giuen for a Dowry to the Lady Margaret of Sicile who married with Charles of France Earle of Vallois This marriage restored that hope vnto France which she had in a manner lost to revnite those Prouinces for that contrary to the Law of the Realme they had beene giuen in marriage to a daughter France is also bound vnto him for the acquisition of the County of Prouence by the meanes which haue beene formerly mentioned The peece was not entire for the Principallity of Orange was seperated yet in the yeare one thousand foure hundred three score and fifteene he had purchased the homage and iurisdiction of William of Chalon Prince of Orange and made it subiect to that of Dauphine y Lewis of Chalon Prince of Orange bought of René King of Sicile the â—omage and Soneraignty of the Principallâ—ty of Orange which was held of the County of Prouence and William of Chaloâ— sold it to King Lewis the 11. Hee past the three score and third yeare of his age the which he had alwaies apprehended for that the Kings of this branch had neuer attained vnto it Age of Lewis the eleuenth And as it is the nature of man to desire to liue and to repent to haue liued when he had attained vnto it he would willingly haue kept backe that tearme in the which nature by the great infirmities wherewith hee was brought low chased him out of this life not as from a Ship-wracke but as out of an Inne where hee had made good cheere z Themistius compares the death of old meÌ„ to the going out of an Inne and that of yong men to a Shipwracke In like manner Princes and they that haue liued in pleasure feare not death for want of courage as many thinke but for the long continuance of their delights and contents Hee arriued not at this port without stormes and great perils in the which hee was preserued by the same hand which had diuerted many damnable attempts against his person The most doubtfull of these accidents was at Peronne the greatest at the battle of Montlehery the most vnexpected vnder the port of the Castle of Alençon Dangers which hee did escape a This accident happened on Sunday the 8 th of August 1473. Edward the 2. King of England playing at Chesse ended his game so fitly as a great stone fâ—ll vpon the place as soone as he was vp and had slaine him if hee had stayed Thomas Walsingham when as a great stone falling from the Vault did but touch his sleeue An accident which shewes that no man knowes where death shall surprise him and that a wise man should alwaies attend it resolutely in all places This Raigne was rough difficult and tossed with strange reuolutions Such as liued in those times said that the world had neuer beene more wicked Opinion which like vnto Orpheus Harpe doth alwaies moue the lesser and weaker spirits hath made this beleefe common among them that the world doth daily impaire that the Golden Age is changed into Siluer then into Copper and in the end into Iron and Brasse That our b It is true that the older the world growes the more remote it shall bee from the innocency and simplicity of the first Age. Aetas parentum peior auis tulit Nos nequiores mox daturos Prolem vitiosiorem But in all ages men haue beene corrupted and disordered Seneca saith that his coâ—plained and that such as should come after would make the like complaint Grand-fathers times were better then that of our fathers that ours hath increased in wickednesse and that they which shall succeed shall be more wicked Paradox that the world growth not worse But I find in this Princes time as famous villanies as haue bene since His Chronicle doth produce many besides those great distractions which the History hath obserued in publicke actions as rebellions Infidelities Attempts Treasons and Conspiracies not discouering many other excesses which haue remained smothered in the consciences of two or three I haue collected the examples which it setteth downe as a lumpe of many poysons to make a Treacle against vice The first in shewing a great liberty discouereth a great bounty The yeare that the King made his entry into Paris a yong woman left her husband to follow her owne disordered lusts and after her husband beeing well aduised these are his very words tooke her againe Wise men hold the sower and sweete of marriage secret That age as well as those which haue gone before and haue followed after doth furnish examples of men who in fauour of Mecanas c Galba hauing inâ—â—ted Mecâ—â—nas to supper seeing his wife and him to court is by lookes and signes hee 〈◊〉 downe vpon his Câ—shâ—â—a fâ—yning to be vâ—â—y sleepy to giue way vnto their leues The which hee maintained with a good grace for his man being ready to take away the dishes which stood vpon his Table hee cryed out vnto him how now Knaue dost thou not see that I sleepe not but for Mecaenas haue shut their eies whilst they courted their wiues In the warre of the Common-weale Examples of diuers disorders there were seene passe through Paris two hundred Archers on horse-backe after them eight Strumpets with a blacke Monke their Confessor In the yeare one thousand foure hundred three score and fiue the sixt of Iune a Capper in Saint Dennis Streete strangled his wife in his owne house and a Labouring man of Clignancourt cut his Throate Another Gentle-woman of Paris was accused of Adultery and poysoning by her owne husband A father had long abused his owne daughter and had many children by her and as the wicked are neuer content with one wickednesse hee fell from Incest to Parricide d When as the minde of man hath once subiected
vnfold the whole part of the Table Behold by the grace of God wee are come to the banke It is sufficient to haue written the Fathers History leauing the Sonnes to some other But before wee end wee must repasse vnto the Iudgements of the actions of this Prince That done wee will enter into the great Carriere of the toyles and glory the Combates and victories the Vertue and Fortune of the greatest Prince that euer was before or after Lewis the 11 th The end of the tenth Booke THE CONTENTS OF the eleuenth Booke 1 LIberty of Iudgements vpon the life of Lewis the eleuenth 2 A particular examination of his actions his piety his deuotions pilgrimages his good deeds to Churches his behauiour toward the Pope 3 What he was towards King Charles the seuenth his father towards his sonne his wife and the Princes of his bloud 4 Maiesty The care hee had to preserue the respect hee did not affect pompe who were the chiefe officers of his Crowne hee is very wary to confer titles of honor and dignity he contemnes the mark of maiesty 5. Magnificence The order and expences of his house he receiues the Embassadors of forraigne Princes with great state His buldings 6 Clemency He leaues no offence vnpunished his Prisons and Cages of Iron a rigorous vsage of the Dukes of Alençon and Nemours Hee reuengeth old offences which he had receiued before he was King and forgets not them of the league Seuerity in the end makes him fearefull and distrustfull 7 Iustice He institutes the Parliaments of Bourdeaux and Dijon hee loues not the Parliament of Paris a free and couragious admonition made by the President La Vacquerie how chiefe Ministers should carry themselues to Princes Of the Kings Audiences 8 Wisedome He was alwayes accompanied with feare he let slip the occasion to do his businesse in England and Flanders he can choose men and draw forraigne Princes to his deuotion as the Archduke of Austria Cosmo di Medicis and others he drew vnto his seruice the Lord of Lescun and Creuecoeur and Philip de Commines His tongue offends his wisedome 9 Liberality He is neither couetous nor liberall he hath formes to giue which bind much hee entertaines many Pentioners his liberality passeth to excesse empties his Coffers driues him to necessity and to lay rigorous Impositions vpon the people 10 Valour Proofe of the greatnesse of his courage in diuers encounters what care he had of warre His policie and military discipline 11 Knowledge He had more knowledge of learning the sâ—yences then other kings his predecessors The pittifull estate of the profession of learning vnder his reigne his Apothegmes and Answeres 12 Temperance Hee had two base daughters his priuate kind of life his domesticke pleasures his exercises and his confident seruants Diuers other obseruations vpon his life and Historie ¶ THE HISTORY Of LEWIS the eleuenth THE ELEVENTH BOOKE MEN iudge freely of the liues of Princes after their deaths IudgmeÌ„ts are free after death the glistering of their Purple-Robes doth no more dazle their eyes a Themistâ—us 〈◊〉 that the court of the Emperour Iovinian was full of flatterers said that then adored the pâ—rple more then the person and that the Court was an Euripus whose waues did fâ—ow and eâ—be in an instaÌ„t Nicep Cal. l. 10. c. 42. and the Iudgements which are made are purged from flattery which doth alwayes augment the good and diminish the ill which they do That King doth greatly binde him which speakes of his life when he giues him no occasion to lye in commending him For Princes are neuer so perfect but Truth may finde great exceptions in the goodliest qualities of their praises and before that the Statue be made perfect there must much Marble bee taken away and the forme exactly sought in the substance Philip de Commines saying that hee had seene the greatest Princes of his time and in them all there was both good and euill for that they were men he addes for truth freed from all flattery That God had created Lewis the eleuenth more wise more liberall and more vertuous then all they and that in him there were more things belonging to the office of a King and Prince then in any of the other I haue in a manner saith he seene them all and knowne what they could doe wherefore I deuine not This great authority which hee preserued vnto the last gaspe Liberty of iudgment vpon the life of Lewis 11. and carried into death was supported by three mighty pillars which his owne wisedome had raised Seuerity Constancy and Reputation b Maiesty is the inuincible fâ—â—t of a Prince it is better preserued by sâ—uerity then by too great 〈…〉 But for that these good soules are like vnto the Mill-dew of the starres which looseth much of her purenesse passing by the Regions of the aire and by the entrailes of Bees which forme it and that the gold of Princes vertues cannot bee drawne absolutely pure from their liues being alwayes mixt with diuers strange matters we must consider if the piety which was in him hath retained nothing of superstition or hypocrisie his elemency of feare Iustice of cruelty wisedome of subtilty liberality of prodigality and his other goodly qualities of Art and dissimulation Euery man may now speake his opinion without feare of displeasing or blame of flattery c Praises which are not necessary are best Neminem magis laudare Imperatoâ—em decet quam queÌ„ minus necesse est praise may passe on freely and boldly without any other necessity or bond then the respect which euery man should haue to preserue the memory of Princes against the outrages of slander Posterity which vnderstands not things but by the voice of such whom benefites or offences haue bound to remember them doth alwayes receiue flatteries and lies for truth d Flattery or hatred do most coÌ„monly turne an History out of the right way of truth therefore Tacitus protests that they of whom he speakes are not known vnto him neither by offences done nor by benefits receiued Mihi Galba Otho Vitellius nec beneficio nec iniuria cogniti It is fitting in painting to represent Hanniball and Antigonus halfe-faced to hide the eye which they wanted but a History must shew the whole face to the end that Princes may find their owne vices in the portrait of others This hath noted them to shew that there is nothing perfect in this world and if the Tapestry of this Princes life bee faire and pleasing viewing it on the right side you shall finde the backe very much disfigured with knots and seames We must not seeke his Elogies in the Histories of strangers e Buchanan saith that Lewis 11. Tyrannidem exercebat practised tyranny and that there was nothing more common Quam ex vsu suis coÌ„modis sine discrimine â—idem fall re quibuscunque sed precipue agnatis Principibus then of custome and for his owne
the Sun is far from the Horizon Iudgements are setled vpon that which they see wherefore Machiuel saith It concernes euery man to see and few to feele but in the end the maske falles Hee tooke from the poore to giue vnto Churches and did more oppresse his people with Tributes and Taxes then any other King of his Predecessors and therefore hee made his subiects to bee ill affected vnto him Hee confest himselfe often for that once a weeke hee touched them that were troubled with the Kings euill Curing of the Kings euill It is the onely miracle which hath remained perpetuall in the Christians religion and in the house of France That this griefe whose beginning is an incorrigible ill digestion a hidious vlcer to looke on dangerous to touch and for the most part incurable should bee healed by these words The King toucheth thee and God cures thee is a wonder beyond the reach of discourse and iudgement m That Clouis did first cure the Kings Euill is drawne out of the Epistle of Hormisda a Pope S. Lewis addes to the Ceremony of touching the signe of the Crosse. His arme is at Poblette whither they that are sick of that discase go in pilgrimage to be cured I say aperpetuall miracle The Kings of England haue the same vertue for since Clouis the first Christian King it hath continued to them which succeeded to his Religion and Crowne Other Realmes haue had the like graces giuen them but they haue not continued The Kings of England cured the falling sickenesse they of Hungary the Iaundise and they of Castille those that were possest I could not finde what men he imployed for the seruice of God and the conduct of his conscience n Wee finde that he who was the head directer of Gods seruice in the Kings house was cald Apocrisâ—ire vnder the first race Arch-chaplain in the secoÌ„d and great Chaplain or great Almoner vnder the third I reade that besides the great Chaplin or Arch-chaplin hee had two Chaplins and one Clarke of the Chappell and that a Franciscan Fryer called Iohn Vouste did for a long time exercise one of these charges The Chronicle saith that a little before his death hee made a Doctor of Tours called Maister Martin Magistri his Councellour and Almoner who dyed at Clerry after the voyage of Saint Claude In the accounts and expences of his House wee finde that hee bound the Citty of Tours to giue euery day in the Weeke Friday and Saturday excepted a peece of Royall Beefe a foote square to the Lepers and Hospitall of Tours and for the performance thereof gaue a hundred pounds sterling to bee imployed in the purchase of lands for the foundation of this peece Leprosie which growes from an Adust and Melancholy bloud demands meates that are lesse earthly o The aire water and nourishmeÌ„t may not only alter the temperature of bodies but also of the minde Sunt qui non corpora tantuÌ„ verum etiam animos valeaÌ„t mutare liquores being certaine that nourishment ingenders diseases and being ingendred entertaines them Hee granted vnto the holy Chappell at the Palace of Paris the moities of the Regalities to bee imployed in the entertainment of the Church and Ornaments Hee founded the Religious Nuns of the Aue Marie which was the ancient Conuent of the Beguines a kinde of Religion which was as it were Neuter betwixt the Maries and other religious Women his picture and that of Queene Charlotte is to bee seene in the quire in glasse He did enrich the Church of our Lady of Clery and of Victory with great reuenues Being at Lyon in the yeare 1476. he gaue vnto the Chapter of the Church of Foruiere p This Church is onâ—â— of the most remarkable Antiquities of the Câ—tty of Lyons The word of â— oruiere comes from Forum veneris or Forum vetus It is much boâ—nd to the memory of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury the rents and guards of S. Simphorien le Chastel and the Farme of the Chastelenie of Charlien to binde them to say certaine Masses daily in a Chappell called Our Lady of good Councell The letters of dispatch shewe the great deuotion of this Prince to the seruice of the virgin Mary and begin in these tearmes Hauing had consideration of the great and singular graces which God our Creator hath heretofore done vs at the Intercession of his blessed Mother the glorious virgin Mary in whom after God her sonne we haue alwayes had our chiefe refuge and hope and who in the conduct of our greatest affaires hath alwayes imparted vnto vs her grace and Intercession to God her sonne so as by her meanes and aid our Realmes and Signiories are by the grace of God preserued entertained and remaine in peace vnder vs and our true obedience notwithstanding any enterprises practises and conspiracies which haue beene made since our comming to the Crowne against vs and our said Realme Signiory and Subiects as well by our enemies and aduersaries as other our rebels and disobedient subiects their adherents and complices He did institute many godly things the obseruation whereof hath continued vnto our times q The institution of the prayer which is made at noone by the sound of a bed was the first day of May 1472. his deuotion to the virgin Mary made him ordaine that at noon-day euery man should pray at the sound of a bell and say the salutation of the Angell for the peace of the Realme The Emperour Charlemaine had great and eminent vertues The commendatioÌ„ of Charlemaigne hee declared himselfe enemy to Didier King of the Lombardes who had reuolted against the Pope he pacified Italy subdued the Saxons and expelled the Sarazens out of Spaine But this enterprise was greater and more hardy then profitable and needfull for Gannes otherwise called Gannelon betrayed him and was the cause of that memorable defeat of Roncivaux r In the valley of Ronceuaux dyed these valiant Captaines Rowland Reynold of Montauban and Ogier the Dane Charlemaigne made these foure verses vpon the death of Rowland his sisters sonnes Tu patriam repetis tristi nos orbe relinquis Te tenet aula nitens nos lachrymosa dies Sed qui lustra geris octo binos super annos Ereptus terris iustus ad astra redis where those braue and generous knights were lost whose incredible valour is no more beleeued then the truth of the Romance He ioyned the Roman Empire to the Monarchy of France But the Emperiall Diadem did not cure the great afflictions of the minde which he had all the time of his Empire by the reuolt of the Sarazens in Spaine the Sclauonians or Danes and the Normans Three yeares before his death at the age of 68 yeares he gaue himselfe to holy contemplation and to the care of Religion and the Church Founder of the Vniuersity of Paris he erected the Vniuersity of Paris by the aduice of Alcuin
act the part of Kings of France for many yeares made him to take Armes and to ioyne the reuenge of this death to the defence of the Crowne Hee was taken prisoner at the battell of Agincourt and carried into England where hee remained fiue and twenty yeares His liberty and rest came from thence from whence proceeded the causes of the miseries of his house and of his captiuity Phillip Duke of Bourgundy paied two hundred thousand Crownes for his ransome married him to Mary of Cleues his Neece and gaue him the Order of the Golden Fleece y The Duke of Orleance receiued the Order of the Duke of Bourgundy after his returne out of EnglaÌ„d in the yeare 1440. Hee was not receiued by King Charles the seuenth according to his hopes and the greatnesse of his quality Assembly at Neuers in the yeare 1442. This discontent made him to ioyne with the intentions of the Dukes of Bourgundy Brittany Alençon and other Noble men who assembled at Neuers to make King Charles the 7. regard them better then he did and to reforme the disorders of the Realme z The discontented Princes assembled at Neuers in the yeare 1442. The Archbishop of Rheims Chancellour of France was sent to moderate their choller and to assure them of all they desired This was presently repaired for the English made their profite and the Duke of Orleance recouered the ranke and authority which the dignity of his birth gaue him neere the King Who employed him in the conference which was made at Tours for a Truce betwixt France and England vnder the fauour whereof hee vndertooke the conquest of Milan after the death of PHILLIP MARIA The successe of this enterprise did shew that hee had beleeued them too lightly who had represented it so easy as the first day hee should arme Lombardy would giue him the Castle of Milan Hee past into Italy to take possession of the Dutchy a It is a great errour in a Prince to beleeue that lightly which is represented vnto him of the facillity of a great designe notwithstanding that the most temperate are subiect to suffer themselues to bee carried away with these goodly perswasions Credulitas error magisest quam culpa quidem in optimis cuiusque mentem facillimè irripit Credulity is an errour rather then a fault and it doth easily creepe into the best mens minds Cicero But as it hath beene alwaies reproached vnto the French neuer to thinke of their returne when they passe the Mountaines being there hee was presently vnfurnished of all necessary meanes to worke any great effect and was forced to end his enterprises as soone as they beganne The conquest of the County of Ast was the fruite of his voiage the rest remained to FRANCIS SFORCE This County of Ast serued him for a retreate for some time after the greatnesse of his courage not suffering him to remaine neere the King Cause of the Duke of Orleans death for the small esteeme he made of him A contempt which did wound his heart with so sencible a griefe as CLAVDIVS of Seyssell finds no other cause of his death Lewis Duke of Orleance was successour to this bad vsage and to the end that this contempt might bee a counterpoise to the greatnesse of his courage hee would haue his breeding lesse exquisite then his generous disposition could beare and forced him to marry his daughter who was weake and crooked b The Author of the remembrances of the Royall House of Bourbon saith that Lewis the eleuenth caused Lewis Duke of Orleance to bee bred vp as grossely as he could to abate that generous heart of the house of Orleance Claudius of Seyssell saith that he vsed him very roughly and sought to kill him giuing him a boane of griefe and repentance to gnawe for aboue twenty yeares According to the Maxime to humble the Princes of his bloud hee intreated the Earle of Angoulesme no better and would not suffer him to thinke of marrying the Princesse of Bourgondy desiring rather that that great and mighty Estate should be in the power of a forraigne Prince Hee doubted the courage of them that were neerest allied vnto him and held them as it were ouerwhelmed vnder the rocke of contempt and necessity and kept them from great charges The springs of his bounty were drawne dry for them for he vsed France like vnto an Orchard where as they cut pull vp and transplant trees at their pleasure That great and wonderfull house of Bourbon which alone can reckon as many triumphes as France hath had enemies and which before all others carried a Ducal Crowne auoided these stormes c This royall family of Bourbon hath bin so much esteemed by our ancieÌ„t Monarks as it was the first among the Princes of bloud that was honoured with the Title of a Duke for although the Dutchy of Bourgondy were long before the erection of the Dutchy of Bourbon yet it was neuer compreheÌ„ded in the house of France but since Charlâ—s the fift and the Dutchie of Bourbon was erected by Philip of Valois Grand-father to Charles the 5. He would haue vsed it with the like rigor but hee found it more firme Greatnes of the house of Bourbon forcing him to conuert his spleene and hatred into other effects of loue and affection For he he gaue the first Coller of the Order to Iohn Duke of Bourbon his brother who had married the Lady Ioane of France daughter to Charles the seuenth and the Lady Agnes his daughter to Peter of Bourbon to whom he committed all his important affaires hee gaue him the inheritance of the Earle of Armagnac yet he would not haue him carry the Title of Earle Maiesty Next to the duties which binde a Prince to serue God and to loue his Allies there is not any thing which should keepe his spirit more in action then the care of Maiesty for it is so delicate a spring as if it slip or breake the whole frame of authority is in disorder and he becomes a king of a Tragedie When I speak of Maiesty I meane not that to maintaine that a Prince should liue like vnto the Kings of Persia in a Castle with three Ditches Ridiculous grauitie of Princes and as many Walles d The Kings of Persia were rather worshipped then reuerenced by their subiects They remained in a Castle with three Ditches three walles speaking to few and yet had news daily from all parts of their Empire from the straight of Hellespont to the East Indies by Centinels which were set vpon the mountaines that they should not speake vnto him but through a trauers like vnto the Kings of Borney that hee should not see his subiects but bare-headed and couered with ashes or that hee should not shew himselfe but once a yeare like to the first Kings of France But my meaning is to speake of that inuiolable and glorious respect which bindes a Prince not to say do or
whole posterity but onely to them which descend from the Males There are two houses which bee so great and famous of themselues as they honour the titles which are giuen them King Charles the seuenth his Father hauing made the Earledome of Foix a Pairie for Gaston of Foix hee confirmed this erection but hee made not any new This house of Foix was in those times one of the most famous in Christendome and compare with Soueraigne Princes o We find that in great ceremonies the Earles of Foix are named before the Princes and had precedence of the Earles of Vendosme There is no other reason but that the eldest of Princes houses precede the yonger of other houses and therfore at the Estates held at Tours the Earles of Neuers Eu and Foix had precedence of the Earle of Vendosme Gaston of Foix who liued in the time of King Charles the fifth went equall with Kings when as King Charles the sixth was at Tholousa he sent the Earle of Sancerre Marshall of France and the Signior of Riuiere one of the chiefe of his Councell to the Earle of Foix who was then at Mazere to intreate him to come vnto him or else he would goe to see him He did not excuse himselfe vpon the Indispositions of his great Age and being sorry that hee had not preuented this summons he parted from Mazere with six hundred horse and came to the King to Tholousa Traine of the Earle of Foix. The History saith that presenting himselfe vnto the king hee was followed by two hundred Gentlemen all cloathed in silkes among them there was noted the Vicount of Bruniquet and his brethren Roger of Spaine Lord of Montespan issued from the bloud of Arragon and head of the house of Montespan p Espagno let of Spaine sonne to Roger of Spaine sonne to Leon of Spaine and the Lord of Corras who first raised the honour of the Earles of Caramain a great and rich family Beginning of the houses of MoÌ„tespan Caramain allied to that of Foix and who seeing that Houses and Families haue their periods like to all other worldly things could not desire a more glorious fall then into the house of Monluc where it begins to reuiue King Charles the sixth requited this visite at New-yeares tide in the yeare 1390. q At this voyage the Earle did institute King Charles the sixth his heire the which hee would not accept for that he would not defraud the Vicount of Chastellan his lawfull Heire He fauoured the house of Lauall with the like declarations of honour House of Lauall the which was long before held for one of the worthiest of France hauing neuer wanted children nor the first dignities and alliances of France hauing for their stemme the House of Montmorency r They drawe the beginning of the first house of Montmorency to the time of Saint Denis by whom the first that was conuerted among the French Knights was a Lord of Montmorency and therefore the ancient Deuice of this house is God helpe the first Christians the first Christian of France and there is no difference in their Armes but fiue Cockle-shels Argent to the Crosse. Wherefore he would that Francis of Lauall Lord of Gaure sonne of a daughter of king Charles the seuenths sister should go in rank with the Earles of Vendosme as well in Councell as in Parliament and in all other publike actions and caused his letters to be dispatcht at Mans the nine and twentith day of Nouember 1467. to serue for a speciall and perpetuall priuiledge to his posteritie He had much contemned the glorious and honourable markes of Maiesty s Princes had alwayes men appointed to serue in time of peace and warre for the ornament of their maiesty and royall greatnesse Heralds were instituted in France for that respect in time of peace they carried mayles vpon their breasts and in times of warre their Coat of Armes powdred with Flowers de Luce. I haue obserued in the Church and Cloister of Saint Catherine du Val of the Schollers twenty of their Tombes which shew the forme of their Maces and Scutchions Bodin writes that hauing chased away almost all the Gentlemen of his house hee imployed his Taylor for a Herald at Armes and his Barber for an Embassador and his Physitian for a Chancellor as an ancient king of Syria did Apolophanes his Physitian whom he made the president of his Councell Philip de Commines obserues it when hee shewes how much hee was troubled to furnish out a Herald which he sent to the King of England Heralds were necessary for the Maiesty of a Prince in actions of war and in the most solemne dayes of peace They had diuers names and diuers charges and they either carried the Titles of the Soueraignes Prouinces or of some other famous occasion as in France the Heralds are diuersly named and wee finde often in the History of France these names giuen to Heralds Bosios error in the History of Malta Monjoy e Saint Denis Mont Saint Michel t This word of Monjoy Saint Denis was sometimes the warlicke cry of the French They say it grew vpon that which Clouis said in the battell neere to Colleyn when as fearing to loose it hee promised to beleeue in Iesus Christ worshipped by Clotilde his wife and to hold him for his Ioue Since that time they cryed in their battels Monjoye Saint Denis as if they would say Christ whom Saint Denis hath preached in Gaule is my Ioue that is to say my Iupiter The word of Ioue beeing turned into that of Ioye The Antiquities of Gaule wriâ—ten by the President Fauchet wherein a great man of Italy hath erred and moues them that obserue it to laugh for hauing found in our Histories that King Lewis the eleuenth had sent two Heralds to Bajazeth to complaine that hee had broken the peace with the Venetians hee sets downe their names after this manner Monsieur Gaudio de Saint Denis Monsieur de Saint Michel whereas hee should haue saide The Herald Monjoy Saint Denis and Mont Saint Michel They were created at great and solemne Feasts and when they presented Wine vnto the Prince hauing drunke he gaue the cup to him whom he made Herald wherwith he should make his Scutchion Oliuer of la Marche saith that Philip Duke of Bourgondy did somtimes giue them the name of that Country whereas the Wine which hee then dranke did grow which done the other Heralds gaue him the Coate of Armes charged with the Princes Armes There were more Ceremonies at the Creation of a King at Armes for his sufficiency was to bee testified by all the Kings at Armes Creation of Heralds and Heralds that might bee found and they were distinguished from others by a Crowne croslet which they carried on their heads Their chiefe charge was to make a distinction of the Armes of Families to preserue the ancient and preuent the vsurpation of new
the Piramides were vnprofitable workes but the structure was profitable for the Prince who by this meanes made his subiects to labor whom idlenesse had corrupted and drawne to reuolt and sedition and studied more for vanity then profite Wherefore Princes haue caused their Magnificence to be renowned in publicke works Workes of vanity and ostentation and in the bâ—autifying of Townes which seemed not to haue bene ruined but to be re-edified more stately and which haue purchased the honour to haue left them to their Successours much fairer then they had receiued them from their Predecessours t The Citty of Romewas bound to the Emperor Augustus for her decoration and most glorious ornaments therfore he said Roman lateritiam accepi marmoreaÌ„ relinquo I receiued Rome built of Brick I leaue it of Marble Wee do not see that he did any great workes in Buildings for it is a hard matter for a Prince to hold a Sword in one hand and a Trowell in another Hee caused the Church of our Lady of Clery to be built and repaired that of Victory neere to Senlis he did enrich and beautify by his bounty the High Altar with 16. Lampes of Siluer His Statue stands on the right hand wee see it also on the Portall with that of Queene Charlot and their Armes round about with those of the Dauphin Phillip Augustus had caused this Church to be built in remembrance of the happy victory which he had against the Flemmings u The battell of Bovines in Iuly 1214. wonne by Phillip Augustus against Otho of Saxony and Iohn King of England Ferdinand Earle of Flanders was takeÌ„ prisoner there and carried to the uure and the Earle of Salisbury an Englishman to Saint Quentin There remaines nothing of the ancient building but the Body and the Cloister the Inclosure of the Church all the Quire and the Portall are new and carry a remarkable difference of the Architecture of these two raignes The first is plaine and low the other is stately and more raysed then those times did beare He hath not left in France any other marke of this publicke care and although that Phillip de Commines giues him the honour to haue done more then his Predecessours in the fortification of his Realme yet it was so little as neither the memory nor the fruite hath remained to his successours x The Romane Emperours haue preserued their memory by the reparatioÌ„ of publicke ruines Augustus restored the Theater of P. Emilius Tiberius that of Pompey Caligula the walles of Syracusa Vespasian the Capitoll Titus the Theaters Antonyn that of Adrian and Alexander Seuerus Traians Bridges This glory which hath beautified the Bayes of victorious Princes and which hath giuen a dumbe eloquence to Marbles to eternise their names did belong to Henry the fourth the restorer of ruines whereof France imputed the cause as well to the liberty of the French and carlessenes of her Kings as to the iniury of times the designes of her enemies As wee may giue him the glory to haue restored life order liberty to France so we may say that he hath giuen her a new face new force and new beauty The Fortresses of France which did tremble and humble themselues at the first approach of any enemy are become inexpugnable The Kings houses which seemed desart had felt with the rest the fury and liberty of troubles do now cary vpon their Frontespice the glorious markes of the felicity of his Raigne Barren and inhabitable places are become fertile and frequented Townes are added to Townes and Riuers ioyned vnto Riuers for the facillity of the Commerce All Bridges Ports Passages and High-waies are honoured with the eternall Monuments of this Princes care for the greatnesse of his estate and the necessities of his people who besides his part of these publicke workes retires with one hand for the reward of his toyles that which he paies with the other for the tribute of his duty for the Treasury of France which hath a continuall ebbing of that which it receiues doth not resemble that of some Emperours which neuer restores any thing of that which it takes and therefore it hath beene compared to Charibdis y The treasure of a couetous Prince is compared by Latinus Pacatius to the Gulph of Charybdus Noster ille pirata quicquid vndecunque coÌ„uenerat id nobis sibique periturum in illaÌ„ specus sui Caribdim congerebat Boni nostra ad aerariunâ— vna perpetua via ibaÌ„t nullas eorum reliquias nulla fragmenta vel sero victa fastidio illa coÌ„munis vorago reuomebat That our Pirate whatsoeuer came from any place that did hee thrust into his Carybdis to perish both for vs and himselfe Our goods went one way continually to his treasure and that common Gulphe and being glutted did not vomite forth againe any relickes or fragments but with this difference that this Gulph casts to shore whatsoeuer it hath deuoured but nothing comes out of that bottomelesse pit Thus the profite made the toyle pleasing and they which labour so profitably complaine during the Solstice of Summer that the day passeth away too fast Thus the poore cannot excuse their misery whilst they haue armes left them z A Prince should entertain publike workes least that idlenesse bred sedition and that the poore may haue no excuse that they want meanes to get their liuings for where there is idlenesse they alwaies find Mutines and Theeues Thus idlenesse the plague of States is banisht and finds no retreat but among idle hands which steales the fruits from them which labour The structure of these great and incomparable workes whereas we see the marueiles of the industry of Mirons of Phidies Appelles and Lysippus and which are worthy to be accounted the eighth wonder of the world if it bee true that there were seuen could not be effected but by that great Augustus and most victorious Prince the best of the Kings of France and Nauarre a The most glorious Title of a Prince is that which the Senate ordained for Traiane Nee videri potest optimis in sua cuiusque laude praestantior Minus est enim Imperatorem Caesarem Augustum quam omnibus Imperatoribus Caesaribus Augustis esse meliorem Hee cannot seeme the best that doth not excel them all in their own vertues It is lesse to be an Emperour a Caesar and an Augustus then to be better then all Emperours Caesars and Augustus Plin. Panegeric None but the Duke of Suilly great Surueiour of France could execute his Commandements with more order courage and care France is bound vnto him for her decoration the enriching of her Crowne the restoring of her rights and the recouery of her first beauty and felicity For her he hath first put in practise that great Maxime of polliticke knowledge To mainetaine fertile places by commerce and barren by handy Trades This Eloge is not mine owne I receiued it from the
est à Domino potestas vobis virtus ab Altissimo qui interrogabit opera vestra cogitationes quoniam cum effetis Ministri regni illius nō recte iudicastis nec custodistis legem Iustitiae◠neque secum dū voluntatē Dei ambulastis Heare ◠yee Iudges of the earth vnderstand c. To demaund Iustice of a King is to do him a kind of homage which doth not belong to any other and to confesse that he holds the ranke ouer men that God doth ouer Kings But for that they cannot participate with euery thing see all heare all not bee euery where Princes relye vpō their Ministers they relye vpon the dilligence and fidelity of their seruants whereof some assist them with their wits counsell and tongues and others with their hands swords and fortune France hath alwaies beene seconded by men of this quality it brings more forth daily and is not weary of so many Childe-birthes Princes are like worke-men their Officers are the Iustruments with the which they may cut and fashion as they please And although all charges bee distinguished and haue their bounds that the Trowell may not do the office of the Hammer yet they tend all to one end the seruice of the Prince whereon depends the publick safety which is the perfection of the worke The Princes eare is like vnto the Temple of the Goddesse Horta which was alwaies open but the prayers must be short and guided by reuerence and humility for Iupiter of Crete hath eares at his feete Those which are vniust are dead towards the King and mortall towards God for him that makes them Wee must speake vnto the King as if God vnderstood it and none must speake vnto God as if we were vnderstood by men There are some which demand things of Kings which they would not giue to them that aske them and others that would blush if the prayers which they make vnto God were knowne Wherefore a Prince sends such petitions to whom hee pleaseth to see if they bee iust and ciuill It were impossible for him to heare them and determine them without doing wrong to those affaires which require no delay to resolue on The greatnesse of his Maiesty is wronged when as they make him discend into the care of base things d It is importunity to a Prince to giue him an account of base things When as Pliny wrote to Traian De seruis damnatis quise Ministerijs publicis immiscuerunt Of slaues condemned who had wrought in the publike workes Hee addes this Preface to his Letter Salua magnitudine tua Domine descendas oportet ad meas curas cùm ius mihi dederis referendi ad te de quibus dubito My Lord sauing your Greatnesse you must descend vnto my cares hauing giuen me leaue to impart my doubts vnto you Wisedome which is the light of his actions and the Serpent which shadowes his fore-head e Bochoris King of Egipt being by nature rough sowre and violent the Goddesse Isis sent him a Serpent which wrething about his head did make a shadow to the end his iudgement should bee seasoned with Prudence and Iustice. forbids them to trouble their heads for all sorts of affaires the which are often represented by men which neither see farre off nor much behind them who confounds their discourses in the beginning and speaking without reason would be heard with patience Wee must beautify this discourse with the same authority which gaue lustre vnto the precedent The discourses which are held at the Table of the Chancellours of France are alwaies vpon some goodly Subiect pleasing to learne and profitable and necessary to vnderstand and wee may say that delicacy of wits findes that there which excesse did furnish to the appetite of men for foure monthes to deliuer into his hands the foure chiefe Townes of Brabant Brussels Antwerpe Macklin and Louan and to leaue him the Country of Flanders in Soueraignety without homage if he could conquer it These offers proceeding rather from the necessity of affaires then from the Kings intention who desired nothing but to aduance his affaires in Bourgundy and Artois and to diuide and weaken his enemies forces were well and wisely weyed by the King of England y The lesse which is profitable and certaine is to be preferred before the more which is vnprofitable and vncertaine The King of England desires rather the Countries of Bullen in effect then Brabant Flāders in hope neither could the English consent vnto a warre which did interrupt their Trafficke with the Low Countries who answered that if the King were so well minded to make him a sharer of his conquest he had rather haue some of those which were already conquered in Picardy and that in deliuering him Bulloine hee would declare himselfe for him against the Princesse of Bourgundy The King then hauing contemned the way of mildenesse and reason to follow that of force and fortune neglected also the occasion which this first amazement of the Princesse and her people put into his hands and leauing her the liberty to marry her selfe and to carry those goodly Prouinces to a strange house all things became impossible Maximilian hauing married the Princesse raysed with great solemnity the order of the Golden Fleece z Oliuer dela-March reports the ceremony which was made at the raising of this Order and saith that they wondered the King had not preuented the Arch-Duke to shew that he would also restore the affaires of that house Yet for all this they do not leaue to giue him the honour of the wisest of his age Partes of wisedome He made his wisedome appeare in that he could consult and deliberate well he could iudge and resolue well and he could leade and execute wel This wisedome was wholy his and depended not of the motion or discourse of any other Wherefore when as he demanded of Brezay Seneschall of Normandy the reason why he said that his horse was great and strong being but little and of a weake stature For that answered Brezay hee carries you and all your Counsell It is a very singular grace of heauen when as the actions of Princes vnfurnished of Councell succeede happily For as a Prince hath need of a soule to liue by so is it necessary for him to haue counsell to raigne a Euery Prince hath two Councels one interior and the other exterior The interior is that which growes in his head from his owne knowledge and vnderstanding The exterior is of those that assist him in the managing of affaires It is weake councell which consists onely of yong heads Yong men may well haue some good points but they are like vnto those of the eares of corne The force of councell consists in wisedome which is not gotten but by experience and experience comes not but with time A man may be borne capable of wisedome but onely time makes the wise Yong Vines carry Grapes aboundantly but the
Ministers of England Philip de Commines saith that he was imployed to win the Lord Hastings as the Duke of Bourgondy had formerly done to haue him his friend at a thousand Crownes pension Hee was very difficult to resolue but as Siluer is like vnto Cephalus Arrow which is neuer shot in vaine that a long pursute shakes the most constant resolutions hee suffered himselfe to be wonne for two thousand Crownes pension The King sent Peter Cleret one of the Stewards of his House vnto him to carry him this Money and to bring backe a quittance to bee put with the rest and to iustifie hereafter that not onely Hastings Lord Chamberlaine but also the Lord Howard high Admirall the Lord Chainey Maister of the Horse and Thomas of Montgomery had beene Pensioners to the French King This was said to make a gaine in giuing and to make a Trade of liberality q To hope for profite of that which is giuen is to trafficke and to put money to vsury it is to thinke to â—old in letting goe and to receiue in giuing Philip de Commines doth plainly set downe what past betwixt them Cleret demanded a quittance and Hastings was not so ill aduised as to giue him any Cleret let him vnderstand that hee had to doe with a Maister who was very distrustfull and if he did not make it appeare how he had deliuered this summe vnto him he might say he had stolne it and therefore he desired onely a letter of three lines vnto the King Hastings seeing that there was some colour in his reasons but much more in those which did not allow him to write gaue him to vnderstand Wisedome of the Lord Hastings that they should trust his Faith and Word r There is nothing that doth binde more then the assurance which wee take of the fidelity conscience of any one It is easier to breake ciuill bonds then them of honour which hee esteemed more then an hundred bondes in writing Hee therefore answered after this manner Sir that which you say is reasonable but this gift comes voluntarily from the King your Maister and not at my suite if you will haue mee take it you shall put it into my sleeue and you shall haue no other letter nor testimony â— will not that it shall bee said by me that the Chamberlaine of England hath beene a Pensioner to the French King nor that my quittances bee found in his chamber of accounts s It is iniustice to cause benefit to be hurtfull infamous to him that receiues it The said Cleret rested satisfied left him the money and came and made this report vnto the king who was much offended that he had not brought him a quittance but he commended the said Chamberlaine more then all the other seruants of the King of England and he was euer after paid without giuing quittance He was so great an Architect as he imployed all sorts of spirits fortunes and conditions in the building of his designes Hee did not only seeke to haue at his deuotion the chiefe Ministers of kings but hee also drew them vnto him that had credit and authority in free Townes and Common-weales therefore he loued great Cosmo de Medicis and was grieued for his death which happened in the first yeares of his reigne The lawes of wisedome did binde him to enter frendship with a house Commendation of the house of Medicis whose great felicity drew the greatest of Europe to admiration Vertue doth force euen Enuy it selfe to suffer this Palme to grow which sprung vp the higher the more they sought to depresse it t When as Enuy hath stormed striuen against the growing glory of a house in the end shee is forced to yeeld her eyes can no more endure such a glistering light Est aliquod meriti spatium quod nulla furentis Inuidiae mensura capit Claud. in laud. Stiliconis and made it knowne that it is no lesse indiscretion to maligne the glory and prosperity of merit as to bee angry when the sun shines which Iupiter commandes and Apollo pronounceth his Oracles In those dayes to enuy the glory of the greatnesse of the house of Medicis was to depriue the Colossus of vertue of his shadow which is glory Lewis 11. had great reasons to esteeme him knowing that great Cosmo de Medicis had made Francis Sforce Duke of Millan that the wealth of his seruants had raised the hopes of many great Princes Riches of the house of Medicis which were in a maner deiected u A seruant vnto Peter de Medicis lent vnto Edward the fourth an hundreth and twenty thousand Crownes and another 50000 to the Duke of Bourgondy at one time and 80000. at another that without him Edward 4. had not returned into his Realme and the Duke of Bourgondy had lost his credit in Italy In those times they did not speake but of the Piety and Magnificence of great Cosmo de Medicis who had opened the barre to his posterity to attaine vnto the soueraigne command of Tuscanie Hee liued as a Cittizen commanded as a Prince and his Countrey gaue him the Title of Father His vertue was a Rampart to good Men x A good man is a great Rampart to good man against a powerfull Citizen that persecutes them Such was Nicias at Athens against the insolency and rashnesse of Cleon. Plut. in Nicias his House a refuge to good Wittes out-raged by Fâ—â—tune and a Port to the Muses chased out of Greece His bâ—unty appeared in foure Millions of Gold The Kings of Perou haue their newes carried after this manner They haue vpon the high wayes posts or Cabanes appointed at euery mile the first Carrier cries vnto the second what is commanded him the second carries it vnto the third with the like speede and so vntill it comes vnto the place appointed e 〈◊〉 as Suetonius reports Iâ—uenes Pâ—â—ro modicis interâ—alles per militatis vias dehinc vehicula disposuit He first set yong men by small distances vpon the high wayes and then hee appointed Coches Hee speakes also of Caesars diligence by Coches Longissimas vias incredibili celeritate confecit expeditus meritoria rheda centena passuum millia in dies singulos Hee went long iourneyes with incredible speed a hundred miles euery day being set in a hired Coch. The Emperour Augustus ordained Coaches in certaine places to conduct them that carried his commandements through the Prouinces or that brought him any newes before time they did hire them and Caesar did vse them when as he went in so short a time from Rome to the bankes of Rosne Paris the Rome of France the miracle of the Citties of Europe whereof it should be the Dyamond if it were a Ring owes vnto this Prince the most fauourable concession and confirmation of the priuiledge which it enioyeth and wherewith Kings haue alwayes gratified it holding it reasonable that it should beare the markes of their fauour
Aduentures vnto the thirtieth yeare Predictions vpon the life of Lewis the eleuenth hee aduertised King Charles the seuenth of his rebellion and how his gouernment would be wonderfull to men k This man was much esteemed by Duke Amedeus the Pope hee foretold the Schisme of the Church and the warre betwixt France and England Manasses a lew of Valencia continued these predictions vnto the battel of Montlehery Peter of Saint Valerien a Chanon of Paris and a great Astrologian was sent in the yeare 1435. into Scotland for the marriage of the Lady Margaret during his abode in Flanders hee consulted alwaies with Astrologians of future things and these impostors more hurtfull to a Common-wealth then Players l Sights entertaine the people and breed them vp â—n idlenesse And therefore Phillip Augugustus by an Edict banisht Plaiers out of France Nihil tam moribus alienum quam in spectaculo desidere Sen. whom his predecessours had chased away were alwaies in his eares Hee caused many iudgements to be made by Iohn Coleman his Astrologian who taught him to vnderstand the great Almanacke and vpon the great Coniunction of Saturne and Mars which was the eighth of Aprill about ten of the clocke eighteene minutes in the yeare 1464 He spake plainely of the troubles of the League and so did in like manner Peter of Grauille whom Lewis the 11. caused to come out of Normandy Conrade Hermgarter a Germaine left the Duke of Bourgundies seruice for the Kings who gaue him great entertainements But aboue all hee made great esteeme of Angelo Catho a Neapolitan who came into France with the Prince of Tarentum m Iohn Spirink did also foretel the Duke of Bourgundy that if he went against the Suisses it would succede ill the Duke answered that the fury of his Sword should vanquish the course of heauen and had foretold the Duke of Bourgundy and the Duke of Guelders their misfortunes The King gaue him the Arch-bishopricke of Vienna wherein hee could not reside for the great crosses he receiued from them of Dauphiné but was forced to retire himselfe to Rome His Chronicle doth also speake of the death of Maister Arnold his Astrologian during the plague in the yeare 1466. the which hee had foreseene and which vnpeopled Paris of aboue 40000. persons France had other kinds of men which did better deserue the fauour and bounty of the King then these Deuiners God is offended at the rashnesse of this science which vndertakes the knowledge of future things which is onely reserued to his eternall Prouidence and which in regard of man is all composed in with clouds and impenetrable darkenesse Vanity of Iudiciary Astrology The curious are deceiued for they tell them things that are either true or false n Fauorinus with this Dilemma mockes at Iudiciary Astrology Aut aduersa dicunt prospera Si dicunt prospera fallunt miser fies frustra expectando Si aduersa dicunt mentiuntur miser fies frustra timendo Either they tell aduerse things or prosperous If they fore-tell prosperous things and erre thou art a wretch in vaine expectance if they tell aduerse things and lye thou wilt be a wretch in fearing without cause They make themselues miserable in the expectation of prosperity which neuer happens They are miserable also in the apprehension of aduersities which they feare incessantly happen not but when they least dreame of them thinking they haue escaped them and howsoeuer lying deceiues hope and augments feare o Iudiciary Astrologyis forbidden by the reasons which Epiphanius produceth against the Manicheans Basâ—le in his Exameron Chrisostome vpon Genesis Hom. 5. Augustin lib. 4. cap. 3. of 〈◊〉 Cofessionâ— and by the Counciles of Tolâ—do The Church which hath the eternall truth for the verticall Starre of her establishment which doth alwaies looke vnto the Sunne of Iustice and Constancie not gouerning her selfe like vnto the Synagogue by the inconstancy of the Moone hath religiously and iudiciously detested the practice of Iudiciary Astrology which filles the eares with vanity and curiosity and the conscience with amazement If the curiosity had had any reflexion to the aduancement and beautifying of learning Barbarisme had not tyranized so long ouer so many good wits Princes cannot adde goodlier Crownes to the Palmes and Bayes of their vertues then those which good wits do dedicate vnto them as an acknowledgement of their fauours to learning p The glory which a Prince doth get by Armes is great That which comes from the fauour and protection of learning is immortal Intâ—r omnia quae vertute principum ac felicitate recreantur sint licet for tasse alia magnitudine atque vtilitate potiora nihill est tameÌ„ admirabilius haec libertate quam fouendis honorandisue literarum studijs iâ—partiuÌ„t Among all the things which are delighted with the vertue and felicity of Prinalthough it may be there are some to be preferred in greatnesse and profite yet there is nothing more admirable then that liberality which is bestowed to nourish honour the study of learning Eumenes Rhoetâ—r in orat pro instau scho King Charles the seuenth father to Lewis and King Charles the eighth his sonne had some care of the Vniuersity of Paris The first set downe an order for the decision of causes referred to the Court of Parliament The last declared what men should enioy the priuiledges of the Vniuersitie and how they should be inrowled in the booke of Priuiledges But wee do not finde that Lewis hath done any thing either with it or against it The President Thou whose History Europe doth no lesse admire for his eloquence and boldnesse then Italy did Titus Liuius and Greece Thucidides speakes of Iohannes Vulceus of Groningue and saith that he reformed the Vniuersity during the raigne of this King and this reformation shewes that there was some disorder The negligence of men was not so much the cause as the violence of times full of troubles and confusion which did not permit them either to teach or to learne These clouds of Ignorance were as darke in other Nations Barbarisme in in the time of Lewis The misery of that age was so great as who so should represent the potrraite of that Barbarisme would moue the minds of men both to pitty of so great ignorance and to feare that our negligence would bring vs soone into the like The sweetenesse of the Muses was but bitternesse their flowers all withered and their light all confusion the men of those times did not onely contemne learning but they did abhorre her beauty and said that it did not agree with the grauity and seuerity of other Sciences q Barbarisme being banished the schooles whereas the taught good learning it remained long among the Lawiers King Francis the first hauing seene these words in a Decree debotauit debottat commanded that alâ— the Actes of iustice and contracts should be made in Lattine For this cause the purity of
to winne new Example of the conference which was made at the Mercers grange which was since called the Market for that both parties did debauch one anothers men Treaties of peace should be managed by the most faithfull Seruants of Princes Lib. 1 Chap. 9. and men of middle age least their weaknesse cause them to make some dishonest bargain or to amaze their Maister at their return more then is needfull they should be rather imployed that haue receiued most fauours from him But especially wise men for no man euer made his profit of a foole and these treaties should be rather handled a farre of then neere There was neuer so good a marriage but some dined ill Lib. 1. Chap. 4. Example in the Treatie of Conflans where as some did what they would others got not any thing There are some good people which haue this glorie to think that they will end matters whereas they vnderstand not any thing Lib. 1. Chap. 16. for sometimes their Maisters discouer not vnto them their most secret intents In the company of such who most commonly goe but for shew and many times at their owne charge there goes alwaies some meane man which doth negotiate apart Princes should haue a wise care to whom they commit their affaires Lib. 1. Chap. 16. and so should they also haue that are imploied for them and deale in such businesse He that could excuse himselfe and not meddle vnlesse he saw that they themselues vnderstood it well and had an affection vnto the matter should be very wise It is an honor for a Prince to feare that which is to be feared and to foresee it A Prince if he hath age should be verie warie not to make this excuse I did not thinke such a thing would haue happened for it is not allowable Princes feare not to thrust their Seruants into danger when they haue neede In Treaties Princes must imploy men that are pleasing and such as will passe ouer all things and all wordes to attaine vnto the end of their Maisters desseignes Allyances BEtwixt the Kinges of France and the Emperors there are great oathes and confederacies not to attempt one against another The first Suisses that were seene in this Realme Lib. 1. Chap. 6. and who haue giuen credit to them that haue come after them were at the Siege of Paris in the war of the common-weale whereas they behaued themselues most valiantly and in all other places where they were imploied The English are in a manner vnprofitable in the wars of France If the Duke of Bourgundy would haue made vse of them Lib. 4. Chap. 5. it had bin needfull that for a season hee should haue accompanied them to help to direct and gouerne their Armie according to the manner of our warres For there are none more ignorant nor more vntoward when they first passe But in a short space they become good Souldiers wise and valiant There is but one high Chamberlaine in England Lib. 6. Chap. 2. and for that there is but one it is a great office The English are the best Archers in the world Lib. 1. Chap. 3. The English are suspicious Lib. 6. Cha. 11. The English haue a common saying Lib. 3. Chap. 8. whereof they haue sometime told me treating with them That in battails which they haue had with the French they haue alwaies or most commonly won But in all treaties with them they haue euer lost And in my opinion I haue knowne men in this Realme as worthy to manage a great Treatie as any other in the World and especially of the breeding of our King The Florentines did euery three months change their Lords who had al the gouernment of the Cittie Lib. 6. Chap 5. The English are not so subtile in Treaties and Accordes Lib. 4. Chap. 9. as the French and whatsoeuer is saied they goe grossely to worke but they must haue patience and not debate matters cholerickly The Italians take not Townes besieged so speedily as the French Lib. 6. Chap. 5. They know not so well how to force places and to defend them but to hold the fielde and to settle a good order for their victuals and all other thinges necessary to hold the field they vnderstand it better then we do I doe not thinke that I lie Lib. â— Chap. 2. to say that I beleeue that since the first battaile of Granson vnto the death of the King our Maister the said Townes and priuate men of the Suisses haue gotten of our King a Million of Florins of the Rhin of the Townes I meane but foure Berne Lucerne Friburge Zurich and their Cantons which haue their Mountaines Suisses is one yet it is but a Village I haue seene one of this village being an Ambassadour with others in a very meane habit who notwithstanding gaue his aduice with the rest Soleuure and Ondreual are called the other Cantons The English Lib. 6. Chap. 2. as well Nobility Commons as Clergie are inclined to warre against this Realme as well vnder colour of their quarrels which they pretend as for the hope of gaine for that God hath suffered their Predecessours to win many great battels within this Realme and to haue a long possession both in Normandy and in Guyenne which they had held three hundred and fiftie yeares when as King Charles the seuenth won it first as I haue said elsewhere at what time they carried great spoiles and riches into England as well of Princes and Noblemen of France which had been their Prisoners and in great numbers as of Townes and places which they had taken in the said Realme and hope still to doe the like But hardly should such an aduenture haue happened in the time of the King our Maister for he would neuer haue hazarded his Realme by putting himselfe and all his Nobilitie on foot to fight with them as they did at Agincourt but would haue proceeded more wisely if it had come to that point The Earledome of Flanders is a smal matter Lib. 6. Chap. 7. without the Country of Artois which lies betwixt France and them and is as it were a curbe vnto them Offices and Estates are more desired in Paris then in any other place of the World Lib. 1. Chap. 6. for they that haue them make of them what they can and not what they ought There are Offices without fees which are sold for aboue eight hundred Crowns and others which haue very small entertainment are sold for more then their wages amount vnto in fifteene yeares Wherefore seldome doe any disappoint themselues And the Court of Parliament maintaines this Article It is reason for it concernes them all Among Counsellors there are also some good and worthy men and in like manner there are some ill conditioned So is it in all Estates House of Bourgundie her greatnesse and fall AFter along felicitie and great riches Lib. 2. Chap. 9. and three
great Princes good and wise going before this who had continued sixescore yeares or more and liued well and vertuously God gaue this duke Charles who continâ—ally held his Subiects in great warres toyle and expence and in â— manner in Winter as much as in Sommer so as many rich men were slain or ruined by imprisonment in these warres The greatlosses began before Nuz and were continued by three or foure batels euen vnto his death so as in this last battell all the force of â—is Country was consumed and his men either slaine or taken prisâ—ners who might and would haâ—e defended the State and honour if his house And so as I haue said it seemes that this losse hatâ— beene equall to the time that they were in felicitie for as I haue said to haue seene it great rich and honoured so I may say to haâ— seene it all in his Subiects for I thinke that I haue seene and knowne the best part of Europe yet haue I not knowne any State or Country so much for so much nor of larger limits that did so much abound in riches moueables and buildings nor in prodigaliti expence feasting and good cheare as I haue seene during the 〈◊〉 I was there And if it seeme to any one who was not there in â—ose times that I speake too much others that were then preseâ— will happily say that I speake but little It is God which made this great and sumptuous building to fall suddenly that powerfull house which hath fed and maintained so many good men and hath been so much honored both far off and neere by so many trophees and victories as not any Neighbour in those times hath receiued the like And this felicity grace of God continued an hundred and twentie yeares when as all their Neighbours did suffer as France England and Spaine and they haue all come thither to require aide as you haue seene by experience of the King our Maister who in his youth and during the life of King Charles the seuenth his Father liued sixe yeares there in the time of the good Duke Philip who receiued him louingly From England I haue seene King Edwards two Brethren there the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of Glocester who afterwards called himselfe King Richard and of King Henries partie who was of the house of Lancaster I haue seene in a manner all that race there I haue seen this house honoured from all parts and then suddenly fall and to be the most desolate and ruinous house both in Princes Subiects of all her Neighbours Enemies THere is not any thing which a Prince should not doe to send an Enemie out of his Realme Lib. 4. Chap. 8. but he must not yeelde to giue him any land by the example of king Lewis the eleuenth to haue Edward the fourth repasse the Sea who said that hee would hazard all rather then giue him any places Enterprises WE must be slow and fearefull in Enterprises Lib. 2. Cha. 10. pursue them in such sort as we may be sure to be the stronger Such was Lewis the eleuenth In all Enterprises we must relie cheefely vpon God Lib. 2. Chap. 1. Battailes THe cheefest things in battailes are Archers Lib. 1. Chap. 3. 〈◊〉 as there be thousands for beeing in a small number they are not of any force and that they be ill mounted to the end that the bee not greeued to loose their horses or that they haue not any at 〈◊〉 And it is better for this kind of armes in a day of battaile to haue â—hose that neuer saw any thing then others that haue had much praâ—ise The English hold this opinion who are the flower of all the â—rchers of the world Battailes are in the hand of God Lib. 1. Chap. 3. who disposeth 〈◊〉 victories at his pleasure Matters succeed not in the field as they are coâ—cluded in a Chamber Example of the battaile of Montlehery whereaâ—he Earle of Charolois did quite contrarie to that which had been resolued It is dangerous for any one to hazard his estate vpon a battell Lib. 2. Chap. 2. if he may auoide it For although the number be small that he loose yet the hearts of his men are danted and the change more then can be imagined as well in feare of their enemies as in contempt of of their Master and of their trustie seruants and they fall into mutinies and practises demanding more boldly then they were wont and they grow angry if they be refused One Crowne before would haue satisfied them better then three wil now And if he that hath lost be wise he will not at such a time hazard any thing with them that haue fled But onely stand vpon his gard and seeke out something easie to vanquish whereas they may be Masters to put fresh courage into them and take away feare Howsoeuer a lost Battell hath alwaies a great traine and bad for the looser True it is that Conquerors should seeke it to shorten their worke especially they that haue good footmen and better then their neighbours as wee may say at this day the English or Suisses I speake not this to contemne other Nations but those haue had great victories and their men are not to hold the field long without imploiment as the French or Italians can doe who are wiser or more easie to leade Contrariwise he that gaines growes into greater reputation and esteeme with his men then before His obedience encreaseth among his subiects In this estimation they grant him whatsoeuer he demands and his men grow more couragious and hardie Also the said Princes do sometimes grow so glorious and proud as they miscarry afterwards and hereof I speak vpon knowledge But such grace comes onely from God Euery one should be fearefull to hazard a battell that is not forced Lib. 2. Chap. 4. But if there be no remedie before he come to it he must cast all the doubts that can be thought on For commonly they that doe things fearefully make prouision for all euents and gaine oftener then they that proceed with pride yet when God will haue a hand in it nothing can preuaile Euery man should doe what he may Lib. 2 Chap. 3. and what he ought in a day of Battell and acknowledge that it is one of the accomplishments of the worke of God begun sometimes vpon small occasions and giuing victorie sometimes to the one and sometimes to the other And this is so great a misterie as Realmes and great Siegnories are sometimes ruined and others increase and begin to raigne Warre IT is an easie matter to begin Warre betwixt two great Princes but hard to pacifie it by reason of the accidents which happen For many exploits are done of either side to anoy his enemy which on the sudden cannot be recalled It is a great folly in a Prince to submit himselfe to the power of an other especially when they are in warre It is a great show of
pride or folly for any one to hold himselfe too strong Lib. 2. Cha. 10 and yet Captaines doe it sometimes to be held valiant or for that they doe not well vnderstand the busines which they haue in hand Among other things that are fit to make conquest if there bee not a great iudgement all the rest is of no force and I thinke that it must come from the grace of God He that hath the profit of the Warre hath the honor There must bee no hast nor precipitation when they vndertake Lib. 5. Chap. 28 and begin a warre And I tell you that Kings and Princes are much the stronger when they vndertake it with the consents of the subiects and are more feared of their enemies When it is a defensiue warre this cloud is seene comming a farre off especially if it be from strangers and therein good subiects should not complaine nor refuse any thing and the accident cannot be so sudden but they may call some men such as shall bee named It is not done without cause and therein they vse no fixion nor entertaine a pettie warre at pleasure and without cause to haue occasion to leuy money The greatest miseries come commonly from the stronger For the weaker seeke nothing but patience Souldiours I Hold that men at Armes entertained are well imployed vnder the authoritie of a wise King or Prince Lib. 3. Chap. 3. but when he is otherwise or that he leaues Infants the vse wherevnto their Gouernours imploy them is not alwaies profitable neither for the King nor for his subiects Men at Armes lie continually vpon the Country without paying any thing committing infinite insolencies and excesse as all others know For which they are not content with an ordinarie life and with that which they finde in a labourers house from whom they are payed But contrariwise they beat the poore men and force them to fetch bread wine and victuals from abroad And if he hath a faire Wife or a Daughter hee shall doe well to keepe her safely Yet seeing there is pay it were easie to reforme it so as the men at Armes were payed euery two monethes at the farthest and so they should haue no excuse to commit those insolencies which they doe vnder coulour of want of pay For the money is leuied and comes at the end of the yeare I speake this for our Realme which is more opprest in this case then any other that I know and no man can help it but a wise King Other neighbour countries haue other punishments Sieges ALthough that sometimes sallies bee very necessarie yet are they dangerous for them that are in a place for the losse of Ten men is greater to them then a hundred to the enemie without their numbers not being equal neither can they recouer more when they will and they may loose a Commander or a Leader which oftentimes is the cause that the rest of the souldiors demand nothing more then to abandon the place In sieges of places the losse of one man alone is the cause to preserue his Master from a great inconuenience Lib. 5. Chap. 3. although he be not of his house nor of any great extraction but onely hath iudgment and vertue Example in Cohin an Englishman who being slaine with a Canon shot within Nancy the Englishmen whom he commanded mutined and caused the Towne to be yeelded After that a Prince hath laid siege against a place Lib. 5. Chap. 6. and planted his Artilerie if any come to enter and to relieue it against him they are worthy of death by the law of Armes Yet it is not practised in our Warres which are more cruell then the wars of Italy or Spaine whereas they vse this custome Despaire of succors make men besieged to put all things in hazard Example by the furious sallie of them of Liege who had like to haue taken or slaine the King or the Duke of Bourgundy Victorie THey doe alwaies augment the number of the vanquished Lib. 2 Chap. 2. I haue seene in many places whereas for one man they said they had slaine a hundred to please them and with such lies they doe sometimes abuse their masters Hee that gaines in warre growes in greater reputation with his Souldiors then before Lib. 2. Chap. 2. His obedience encreaseth They grant him what hee demands and his men are more hardie and couragious Changes THe changes are great after the death of great and mighty Princes In the Prologue where some loose and others gaine Great changes proceed not from fortune Lib. 1. Chap. 12. which is nothing but a Poeticall fiction The Author speakes this vppon the Constables ruine and concludes in these tearmes He should be very ignorant that should beleeue that fortune or any such like thing should cause so wise a man to be hated of these two Princes at one instant who in their liues did neuer agree in any thing but in this and most of all of the King of England who had married his Neece and did wonderfully loue all his wiues kindred and especially those of this house of S t Pol. It is likely and very certaine that hee was depriued of the grace of GOD to haue made himselfe an enemie to these three Princes and not to haue any one friend that durst lodge him one night and there was no other fortune that had any hand in it but God and so it hath happened and will happen to many others who after great and long prosperities fall into great aduersities When as a great man hath lost all his owne he soone wearies them that support him Example of Rene Duke of Lorraine who retired into France after the Duke of Bourgundie had taken his Country God giues extraordinarie willes vnto Princes when it pleaseth him to change their fortunes Lib. 5. Chap. 5. Example of Charles Duke of Bourgundie who grew obstinate at the second siege of Nancy against the aduice of his Councell Prosperitie Aduersitie A Misfortune neuer comes alone Lib. 3. Chap. 5. Prosperitie makes people proud Lib. 4. Chap. 3. Example of them of Arras Princes are proud and seeke not the true remedies in their misfortunes Lib. 5. Chap. 5. whereof the first is to returne vnto God and to consider if they haue offended him in any thing and to humble themselues before him and acknowledge their errors For it is he that iudges of such suites whereas no error can bee propounded After this it will doe him great good to conferre with some priuate friend and boldly to discouer his griefes vnto him for it doth ease and comfort the heart and the spirits recouer their vertue conferring thus with some one in priuate or else he must seeke another remedy by exercise and labour for of necessitie seeing we be men such griefes must passe with great passion either in publike or in priuate In time of aduersitie euerie one murmures and contemnes all the actions of the
His Humour disposition 105. Is constrained to grant the Gantois their demand 107. Is forced to raise the siege of Nuz and comes to Callice to the King of England 180. His profite and blame by the death of the Constable 205. His iourney against the Suisses 207. c. He looseth the battell but not his courage 211. Hee seizeth vpon the Dutchesse of Sauoy and her children 214. His affliction after the Battell of Morat 220. His defeat and death 224. An example of his Iustice 227. 227. Charles Prince of Nauarre makes warre against his father 151. Chastity and Beauty are rare companions 27. Choler and Praecipitation are two blind guides 67. Combustions in England 53. Complaints against Lewis the Dauphin 30. Complaints for the Pragmaticall Sanction 135. Confidence is the true cyment of friendship 187. Considerations of the King to haue a peace 179. Conspiracy against King Henry the sixt 54. Constantinople taken 123. Consultation taken to put the Hostages of Leige to death 108. Contention in Scotland for the Regency 230. Contentment of priuatemeÌ„ makes them forget the publicke 96. Councell of Basile seekes an accord with the Dauphin 24. Counsels in perplexity 85. counsels sauor of the passions of counsellours 173. counsell contemned drawes on destiny 223. Courage of the women at the siege of Beauuais 165. Courtesy proffered but not meant 189. Crosse of S. Laud. 179. Croysado published against the Turke 64. Cruelties makes Princes odious 125. cruelties committed at the taking of Nesle 163. cruelty base and villanous 227. D Death of Charles Duke of Orleance 2. Death of the Signior of Contay 108. Death is sweete when it is the end and not the punishment of life 204. Declaration of the house of Bourgundy 36. Delight in publicke miseries for profite sake 24. Desire of rule sets father and son at variance 60. Desire to haue things as we wold makes vs oftentimes accept appearances for the things themselues 87. Dignities change the Maximes of conscience 48. Disability supplyed by Deputy 216. Disobedience rightly punished 81 Displeasure of the Duke of Bourgundy against his sonne 34. Disposition of the Earle of Charolois 33. Distraction of Charles the sixt 1. Dutchesse of Bourgundy drawsher husband to the treaty of Arras 8 Duke of Bourgundy flies into Flanders 2. and is slaine by Taneguy Du Chastel 4. E Earle of S. Paul is made constable of France 97. His naturall affection Ibid. His bad conduct 98. His pollicy 143. His dissimulation to creepe againe into the Kings fauour 168. the manner of his comming to the King 169. His double dealing with the King of England 181 Is abandoned of all his friends 196. His grieuous perplexities 198. Is deliuered prisoner to the King 200. His confessions Arraignement sentence and execution 201. 202. c. Ease found in conference of troubles and afflictions 27. Education is as another nature 16 Edward 4. proclaimed King of England 57. He declares himselfe for the Bourgundian 77. Hee sends the Garter to the Earle of Charolois 88. Is defeated taken prisoner 141. His passage into FraÌ„ce 177. His repentance for his passage 182. Eloqueâ—ce naturall in Lewis the eleuenth 133. Embassage from the Frenâ—h King to the Emperor Frederick 176. Enemies that are ambitious must haue more work made theÌ„ then they can compasse 173. English well entertained at Amiens 187. Enterveiw of the Kings of France and Cistile 62. Enterveiw of the French King and Earle of Charolois 93. Enter veiw of the French King and King of England â—89 Estates assembled at Clâ—rmont 13 Exploits done by captain Salezard at the siege of Beauuais 165. F Faction of the Orleanoâ—s and Bourgonians 1. Famine extreame in Nancy 222. Fatality of names 6. Feare and the strange operation thereof 93. Ferdinand King of Naples seeks the alliance of the Queene of Cyprus 127. Fidelity deuotion of the French towards their Kings 5. France the Sanctuary of Popes 47 G Galeas Duke of Milan his death 229. His cruelties and whooredomes 230. Gantois profite by the Ligeois 110 George Castriot circumcised called Scanderbeg 120. Hee leaues the Turk ioynes with Iohn Huniades 121. Hee demands succors of the Pope 123 his death 124. His force and dexterity Ibid. Gyles of Brittany his Tragicall end 151. Good of a peace and necessity of affaires respect not formalities 9. Gouernement of Venice commended 129 Guienne giuen to the Kings brother 135. H Heirs teares are soon dryed vp 41 Henry the sixt King of England is crowned King of France at Paris 4. Hee flies into Scotland 57. Is imprisoned in the Tower of London 58. Is set at liberty againe 143. Henry King of Castile degraded 217. I Iames the first King of Scotland murdered 7. Iests should end when they begin to moue laughter 28. Iewes probationâ—waters 146. Impatience of the Earle of Charolois 67. Importance of the Office of the Constable of France 205. Indignities and insolences of people reuolted 103. Inequality of recompence after the battell of Montlehery 84. Inhumanity of the Duke of Bourgundy 164. Iniuries done to faith and reputation are not easily repaired nor recompenced 100. Insolence in victory punished 23. Institution of the order of Saint Michael 136. Intelligences continued betwixt Bourgundy BourboÌ„ 139. IntelligeÌ„ces of the Constable with the Duke of Bourgundy 177. Iohn Earle of Armagnac expelled his Country 154. accused by a Welchman 155. Desires a safe conduct to iustifie himselfe 156 Is reconciled to the King 157. And is afterwards slaine vnder the assurance of a Treaty 158. His incest 159. His superstition in holding it a bad presage to meete an Englishman with a Red Crosse. 160. Isabella of Cstaile marries Ferdinand of Arragon 218. K Katherine Cornari adopted by the Venetians 126. King Lewis in danger to be taken or slaine 116. His letters to the Lord of Lude 152. King and Queene of Cyprus driueÌ„ out of their owne Realme 126. King of Scotland giuen to Sorcery 234. and is slaine in fight by his Nobility 235. Knights habite of the Order of S t. Michael and the marke of the Order 137. Knowledge better how to die then to kill is the best and onely part of vallour 17. L League of Armagnac 2. Learning is silent when warre speakes 26. Letters from Amurath to Scanderbeg 121. And the answer ot it 122. Letters of the Soldaâ— to the King of Cyprus 125. Letters of defiance from Edward 4. to the French King 178 Lewis excited against his father by bad counsell 10. He soliciteth the good Townes of France to ioyne with him 12. Is reconciled to his father 14. He desireth rather to be held a bad son then a bad master 15. He takes Deipe 20. Is too true in his threats promises of reuenge 29. auoyding one danger he fals into another 31. Is dispossest of his reuenewes in Dauphiné 32 His wandring being in Hunting 34. His coronation 42. His voyage into Brittany 52. Is made Arbitrator betweene the Kings of Castile and Arragon 62. Is receiued
with great pompe into Tournay 64. His message to the Duke of Britany 65. Hee separates the heads of the League 107. Two errours which he cōmitted in the assurance of his person 111. 112 His politick dissimulation with the Constable 170. His iudgement to distinguish spirits 183 His message to the King of England Ibid. He discouers the Constables double dealing to the Bourgundian 186. His iests vpon the peace made with Edward 4 th and his feare to haue them related againe 191. Learning disalowed by the Turke 219. Liberty the ancient coulour for innouation 80. Lie especially in a Gentleman how to be punished 169. Leige reuolts against the Duke of Bourgundy 103. Is supported by the French king 107. Submits it selfe and demands pardon 109 Hath her wals beaten downe 110. Is againe besieged by the Bourgundian 114. Loue without regard of honour or profite 58. Loue continued towards children for their fathers sake 76. M Marriage of Lewis the 11 th 6. Misery of imprisonment mittigated by kind vsage 177. miseries of France for 70. yeares 5. Modesty of Blanch daughter to Iohn King of Nauarre 6. Mony leuied vnder the pretext of warre and ill employed 46. Multiplicity of Popes 38. Murder iustified by the Duke of Bourgundy 2. N Nauigation contemned by the French 180. Neutrality in a subiect is meere Treason 98. Normandy yeelded to the King 99 O Obedience in a Souldier is as much commendable as courage 177. Obseruations of the Duke of Guiennes life 150. Occasion which caused an ouerture of peace betwixt the French and English 182. Opinion causeth terrible motions in the soule 15. Opportunity of fight neglected 81 Ostentation of Maiesty not suteable with misery 6. P Paris reduced to the French Kings obedience 9. Famisheth the Army which would haue famished it 91. Almost vnpeopled 99. Parpignan besieged and wonne by famine 154. Parts which frame a Prince 16. Peace of Bourges 3. Peter Hagembach his crimes iniustice and death 174. Phillip Duke of Bourgundy wins Dinan by force and ruines it 104. His death the greatnes of his house Ibid. His bounty courage and moderation 105. Pius 2 presseth the abolition of the Pragmaticall sanction 44. His affection to the house of Arragō and his threat against France 45. He disauowes his own writings 48. His death birth fortune and dignities 72. Plurallity of chiefes is for the most part ruinous vnprofitable 88 Pontoise taken by assault 18. Power which is not feared by strāgers is not well obeyed by Subiects 32. Pragmaticke Sanction abolished and dragged through the streets of Rome 51. Praecipitation is a shelfe couered with the shipwrackes which she hath caused in great occasions 78. Princes are especially to provide that great houses vnder their gouernment ally not themselues against their liking 19 Princes seeme very weake or very fearefull which giue an Enemy-army leasure to make a bridg 89 Princes in marrying regard not their pleasure but the necessity and profit of their affaires 144. They are no lesse bound by simple words then priuate persons are by Oathes 163 Q Quality of Cardinals 50 R Reasons which perswaded the English to peace 184 Reformations of the disorders of the Realme 95 Reception of the King of Portugall into Paris 219 Representations ridiculous 43 Reputation of a generous Father makes a valiant sonne lesse remarkeable 20 Rigor of Lewis in the beginning of his reigne 53 Royalty endures no equall 8 Rubempre staid at the Hage by the Earle of Charalois 66 Ruine and desolation of the Legeois 118 S Sedition ought to be smothered in the beginning 76 Sedition cloked by Religion 106 Siege of Pontoise 17 Siege of Saintron 109 Siege of Nancy 221 Seuerity of discipline is hardly obseruable in ciuill warres 80 Son-in-law against father-in-law 3 Succours of Men and Money sent to the Earle of Charalois 94 Suisses before Zurich 21. defeated 23. they send succours to the Duke of Lorraine 222 Summe of the Pragmaticke Sanction 49 T Talbot relieues Pontoise 17 Temporising profitable 149 Thornes and Roses of Marriage 44 Trechery most damnable 158 Treaty made without Liberty bindes not 119 Treaty of peace between the Frēch King and the Bourgondian 192 Trifles want not their moment and serue many times to driue weightier matters out of the heads of the people 132 Troubles in England 140 Truce betweene France and England prolonged 24 Truth not to be found in an enemies tongue 25 Tumults in Cyprus 127 Turkes make their profit of the diuision of Christendome 46 V Valour and bounty of Lewis the Dauphin 9 Valour and fidelity of the Scottishmen 117 W Water not to bee digged for in a neighbours house before we haue sought for it in our owne 148 Wisedome and temporising surmount all difficulties Words of S. Bernard 49 Words of the Duke of Bourgondy 79 Words of K. Lewis at his departure from the Duke of Bourgondy 119 Words betwixt the King of England and the Duke of Bourgondy 187 Y Youth and Inconstancy are Sisters of one Mother 78 A Table of the principall Matters contained in the last foure Bookes ADmonition made by the king to the Dauphin 70 Age becomes couetous when it hath not any need of goods 64 Alponso King of Castille his death 87 Anaxagoras his speech of the Sunne 11 Andrew Archbishop of Krane preacheth against the Pope 58. and persisteth in his proposition 60 Armies are not to bee entertained without tribute 42. Arras yeelded to the French King by composition 14 Artillery inuented 43 Audiences of Henry the third at his returne from Poland 159 Authority of the King is an Ocean 135 B Balue the Cardinall his policy to get out of prison 66 Barbarisme in the time of Lewis the eleuenth 190 Basnesse aduanced forgets it selfe the fauor which raised it 10. Basill excommunicated by the Pope 58 Beginnings of the diminution of Flanders 76. Bishop of Liege trecherously slaine being abandoned of his owne people 37. 38 Boloigne vnder the virgin Maries homage 13 Bosio's errour in the History of Malta 137 C Changes of gouernment at Florence 2 Charlemaine founder of the Vniversity at Paris 124 Chauvin Chancellor of Brittanie his lamentable end 10 Chronicles often follow toyes and leaue out most famous actions 88 Claudius Seissel his hard iudgement 121. Comandements extraordinary of the King 110 Confession of the fault is the best rethorick to appease iust choler 9 Conspiracy against the life of the French King miraculously discouered 31. 32. c. Contempt is the fore-runer of sedition 65 Contempt of discipline in Souldiers 184 Controuersie for the Lands of Berne Foix and Bigorre 84 Cosmo de Medicis his great riches and bounty 167. his exile and returne 168 Credit of Astrologians 188 Cruelties of Mahomet at the taking of Constantinople 46 Curing of the kings euill 123 D Danger in employing forraigne Souldiers 39 Death of the Lord of Nantoillet 199 Desolation is the house of Bourgondy 161 Discourse of a powerfull charme 127 Discommodities of prouision for Horse-men 39
called an assembly of the Princes and chiefe noblemen and propounded this question which he seemed to receiue from the K. of England to haue his aduice What punishment that farmer descrued who hauing inuited his maister to come vnto his house had put him to death All concluded that the crime was punishable and Hubert said that hee ought to be hanged You shall bee said the King you haue condemned your selfe And hee had noe sooner spokeÌ„ the word but hee was hanged the simple being lodged at the foot of the Tower where he had beene imprisoned He made some offer to pacifie the Duke and to giue hostage to procure such satisfaction from the Liegeois as was fit He had friends in the Dukes Councell i The aduice of that which was done in the D. counsell came as it was said from Phil. de Commines and casting twelue or fifteene thousand Crownes among them And he himselfe writes after this manner The King had some friend which aduertised him that he should haue no harme if he did yeeld vnto those two points but if he did otherwise hee thrust himselfe into very great danger he was by that meanes aduertised of the Resolutions which were taken wherof the mildest and most moderate were not pleasing vnto him The first opinion was that they should keep promise with him so as he would declare himselfe an enemy to them of Liege The second that being offended as he was it was dangerous to giue him liberty to reuenge himselfe The third that they should send for the Duke his brother and the other Princes to consult what was to be done In the end they past by this straight that he was constrained and it is the greatest violence that may be done vnto a King to consent vnto a a warre against them of Liege who had relyed vppon his protection The Duke continued three dayes in great alterations and past the third night in such disquietnes as he did not vncloath himselfe but lay downe vppon his bed then rising sodainly he would walke and talke to Phillip de Commines his Chamberlaine whose integrity and moderation did serue to calme those violent stormes that troubled his soule He was wholly French k Philip de Commines became a Partisan to the King who drew him into France gaue him the signory of Argenton in Poictou and the Seneshalship of the same Country and from that time some thought he resolued to retire himselfe into France But it is not credible that there was any trechery in him The vptightnes and sincerity of his writings frees him from suspition If he had been blemished with infidelity ingratitude vices which dissolue al humane society l All the greatest reproches are comprehended in these two wordes Ingrate and trecherous Nihil aeque Concordiam humani generis dissociat et distrahit quam hoc ingratitudinis vitium Sen. the King had not trusted him with so many great and important affaires The Duke went early in the morning vnto the Castell to the King who was already aduertised of what he would say vnto him and had time to thinke of his answer and to fit it not so much vnto reason as to necessity m Amazement should neuer bee seene on a Princes forehead He should be maister of his wordes but much more of his countenance for his lookes do often contradict them and betray the secrets of the heart and aboue all to carry so euen a countenance as the Duke should not discouer that he had any ill game or that he had any apprehension to loose for if he had thought that hee had made him affraid he would haue done him a mischeefe n Many times a bad designe begun is not ended when as he that doth it thinkes that he is not discouered And it is a maxime grounded more vpon experience then Conscience in such occasions not to do so much or to do more all together The Duke was accompanied by the Lordes of Crequy Charny and la Roche He could not by the humility of his wordes so well dissemble his proud and threatning gesture The Duke coniures the King to go to Liege but the trembling of his voice discouered the motion and storme which choller caused in his heart â— And then there is no great reason in humble wordes and respectiue countenances when as the effects are contrary and that the inferior braues the superior o To what end sâ—rues respect and humility of wordes if the action be proud The day when K. Iohn wâ—â— taken at the battell of Poictâ—ers the prince of Wales serued his maiesty at supper bareheaded The King intreated him to sit downe It belongs not to the subiect answered the Prince and yet hee held him prisoner He demanded of him if he would hold the treaty and come to Liege to help to reuenge him and the Bishop of Liege his kinsman of the Liegeois who by reason of his comming were reuolted The King granted it the Peace was sworne vppon Charlemaignes crosse and the whole towne was full of ioy for this accord the 12. of October 1468. 1468. Oliuer de la March reports this otherwise then Phillip de Commines The King saith he was not well assured but as soone as he saw the Duke enter into his Chamber he could not conceale his feare but said vnto the Duke Brother I am not safe in your house and in your Country and the Duke answered yes sir and so safe as if I should set an arrow come towards you I would put my self â— before you to preserue you And the King said vnto him I thank you for your good will and will goe where I haue promised you but I pray you let the peace be presently sworne betwixt vs. Then they brought the Arme of St. Leu and the King of France sware the peace betwixt him and the Duke of Bourgondy and the Duke of Bourgondy sware the said peace and promised to keepe and entertaine it with and against all men The next day they parted and came to Cambray p Notwithstanding their speeches vnto the Duke of BourgoÌ„dy that hee should be blamed to break the assurance which he had promised the King hee still answered Hee hath promised me and hee shall hold it I will make no Conscience to force him Peter of Goux his ChaÌ„cellor was one of those which counselled him not to offâ—nd the King Oli. de la March. and entred into the Contry of Liege in the beginning of winter The King had no forces but his scottish garde and 300. men at armes The Duke held a Counsell in the sight of Liege what he should do Some were of opinion that he should send back part of his Army for his forces were too great against a demantled towne which could not be releeued seing the King was with him He gaue no credit to this Counsell and it succeeded well for he could not be too strong hauing a mighty