people and shuttes himselfe into his Castell They enter Bruges The Gantois following and killing them that fled enter pel mel and seized vpon the gates Arteuille hauing speedily prouided for the guard thereof the Gantois being victorers disperse themselues through out the Cittie crying against the vanquished The Cittie is wonne and proclaimed for the good Cittizens Libertie killing all such as they found to fauour the Earle searching all houses for his seruants and commanding to spare the good Cittizens The Earle foreseeing by this brute that the enemy would presently pursue him he sodenly leaues his riche attire and takes the simplest of one of his gromes and so forsakes the Castell to seeke some corner to hide his head in He was scarse gone out but his Castell was beset and easily taken and spoiled whilest that he saues himselfe in a poore womans house The Earle hides himselfe where in her sillie cottage she had onely one roome beneath and aboue a gatret to the which they mounted by a ladder The Earle creepes into this cabbin and the woman hides him in the bed-strawe where her children did lie and comming downe tooke away the ladder The Gantois hauing made search in euery corner for the Earle they came to the house where the Earle was and searching it they went vp to the place where hee laye hidden The Earle of Flandâ—rs in great peâ—plexâ—â—e He that could haue read the secrets of this poore Princes heart in this amazement should haue seene a remorse of conscience for that he had not intreated his subiects with more mildnesse Being thus freed hee creepes out of this cottage and gettes forth of the Towne being alone and on foote running from bush to bush and from ditche to ditche fearing euery one that passed when as behold lying hidden in a Ditch he discouers a houshold seruant of his owne named Robert Marshall who takes him vp on horse-backe behind him and in this order he recouers Lisle This vnexpected successe bred new desseignes in the frantick braine of this Tribune and of this furious multitude who should haue beene satisfied to haue auoyded shipwracke The error of the Gantois and returning to their houses should haue fallen to their vsuall trades and haue vsed this profitable successe to good purpose and made their peace with their lawfull Lord being sufficiently chastised But vanitie thrusts them on and the certaintie of Gods threats shewed it selfe in the following punishment to teach vs That man hath but the miseriâ— which he seekes by his owne folly A generall lesson for great and small both for men families and States Arteuille with his Gantois hauing glutted themselues with the sacke and blood of such as were any way affected to the Earle hauing spoyled his Castle and left it desolate beaten downe the gates of Bruges and filled vp the ditches From thence they goe to conquer the other citties of Flanders where he conceiued a newe Empire Presently all obey him Ypre Dam Bergues Bourlbourg Furnes Scluse Pourprigné Courtray and the lesser townes Andenard resists It is presently besieged At the brute of this sucesse all Flanders flies thither so as in few daies there were aboue a hundred thousand men assembled before the towne All Flanders reuolts and ioynes with the Gantois The Earle amazed with so violent a reuolt of all his subiects hath recourse to his son-in-law Philip Duke of Bourgongne that by his meanes hee might bee relieued from the King although he were more affected to the English then French hauing beene too much respected by our Kings A proud Prince he was in prosperity and too much deâ—ected in aduersity The Regent and the Councell refused to venture the King with this man in so dangerous a cause but two reasons moued the King thereunto and made him ouerrule both the Duke of Aniou his Vncle and his whole councell by the perswasions of the Duke of Bourgongne King Charles succoâ—s the Earâ—e oâ— Flanâ—â—â—â— contrarie to he aduice of the Regent and Councel The one was Arteuille himselfe who during the siege of Andenard not content to haue ruined the Noblemens houses of the Country had made some roades vpon the frontiers of France The other was King Charles dreamed that he was mounted vppon a flying hart which carried him gently through the ayre and a Heron vnder him which did beat downe all other birds came then flying to his fist and the Hart brought him to the place from whence he carryed him to his great content Arteuille to auoide this storme fortâ—fies the passages into Flanders especially Pont du Lis neere to Comines The french surprise this passage cunningly hauing patiently attended all night in the miery fenne vp to the ancles expecting the commoditie of the passage there As the King conceiued a delight to report this dreame 1382. as presage of some good successe so the Duke of Bourgongne labored to drawe him into Flanders The King vpon these motiues doth presently leuie an armie and goes to field Arteuille to auoide this storme fortefies the passages of Flanders especially Pont du Lis neere vnto Comines The French surprise this passage politikly hauing attended all night in the dirty maâ—â—sh vp to the ancles expecting the comoditie of the passage Their patience was the more comendable for that it was in the depth of a sharpe winter in December Comines and Veâ—rain being taken sackt and burnt the Towne of Ypre killes their gouernor who wold not suffer them to obey the King and yeeld themselues paying fortie thousand fraâ—ks for a composition By their example Cassel Bergues Bourlbourg Grauelin Furnes Dunkerke Fourprigné Tourront Vaillant Messine other neighbour Townes resolue to seaze vpon their Gouernors being Gantois and to send them bound hands and feete vnto the King as testimonie that they had yeelded vpon force Charles receiues the Townes to mercie and cuts off the heads of these vnlawful Gouernors Arteuille fearing the reuolt of other Citties The Townes of Flandâ—rs seaze vpon their Gouernors and send them to the King and that his forces which were great would fall from him resolues to preuent Charles and to force him to fight promising himselfe the like successe as he had against the Earle before Bruges With this resolution he chargeth the French army betwixt Courtray and Rosebecque vpon the Mount of gold but hee â—ound an alteration The Gantois charge ouâ— foreward like furious beasts which at the first shocke did somewhat amaze them they recoyling a little but without any disorder yet supported by the Battaile and rereward they breath and all togither charge this multitude with so great a furie as all are put to flight are cut in peeces or taken with a strange disorder They number aboue threescore thousand men slaine and an infinite number of prisoners taken after the Nobilitie had glutted their choller vpon this seditious rable The Flemings ouercome by Charles and threescore thousand slaine who had made rebellion a
vertue Philip of Arteuille their leader was slaine he was found breathing among the dead carcases whom the King commanded to be hanged and so he had the reward of his imagined Empire This double euent may serue as a lesson both for great and small for great men in the Earles person for small in that of this Tribun For the first to command well for the others to obey well and forall not to passe the bounds of their duties God punishing the great for their tiranny and crueltie and the lesser for their disobedience dangerous plagues of mankinde the which cannoâ— stand but by order and authoritie well gouerned and well applied They calâ—thâ—s ouerthrow the battaile of Rosebecqâ—e which chanced in the yeare 1582. in December it was the more remarkable for that the vanquished had soone their reuenge Charles thus victorious could not manage his victorie for in steed of surprising the Gantois in this amazement he lingers too long at Courtray to seeke out the remainder of those miserable mutynous which remayned in this defeate whereas in pardoning the vanquished the victor getts a double victoâ—y This place also being infamous by a great ouerthrowe which chanced in the yeare 1312. mooued him to choler for that this ill aduised people to noaâ—e the memory of that day did ceâ—ebrate a â—ollemne feast yearely An vnworthy reuenge taken by King Charles and had reserued fiue hundred paâ—er of gilt spures which they had taken from the French in that battaile Charles was so transported with the memorie of this audacious indignitie as he caused this poore Towne to be burnt An vnworthie reuenge of so great a monarke who should hold it the greatest reuenge vpon his enemies to pardon when he may reuenge The Duke of Bourgongne in all this confusâ—on did not forget to seeke for goodly mouables whereof there was abundance He carried away that goodly clock and that exquisite tapistry which is now at Dyion in the Kings house The Gantois seeing their ruine flie to Richard King of England The Gantois flie to England for succore they choose Francis Artremâ—n one of their Cittizens for their head and renue the league of white caps more obstinatly then before being resolued to die rather then to trust their Earle to whome they imputed the cause of all their miseries the which had continued fiue yeares and deuoured two hundred thousand men So fatall are ciuill dissentions betwixt the Lord and his subiects Lewis their Earle hauing labored to settle his affaires both by the French and English against the Gantois fealing daylie the inconueniences of this rebellious people as thornes in his sides fell into such a melancholie as hee died Leauing his whole estate much troubled to his sonne-in-lawe Philip Duke of Bourgongne who beeing faâ—re ingaged in his Father-in-Lawes quarrell was nothing pleasing to this his people The warâ—e was reuiued both by practises of the English and by meanes of Artreman the head of that faction who hauing tasted the sweete of popular commaund desired nothing more then to maintayne this diuision but there fell out a sodaine accident which pacified all this great trouble as a little raine doth a great winde Two Cittizens of Gand whose names deserued well to be registred in this historie discoursing one day of their common miseries A strange meane to pacifie Gand. and noating the true causes of these calamities within their Cittie as feeling the wound they sought the meanes to cure it the which had continued so long and cost their miserable Countrie so deere The Kings pleasure and the Duke of Bourgongnes must be knowne they were not ignorant of the peoples humour being verie weaâ—ie of so many miseries Their enterprise was not without exceeding danger by the absolute authoritie of three or fower who had most credit with the people being susceptible of any mischiefe when they are thrust forward with a shewe of good It was requisite in the managing of so important a busines to vse wisdome and silence vntill the foundation were well layed and for the execution thereof there needed one which had both credit and authoritie with both parties The God of peace presented one vnto them which gouerned this action discreetly Iohn Delle a gentleman of Gand but bred vp in the Court of France He that seekes peace finds it This Delle goes to the King and Duke of Bourgongne hee layes open his dessâ—ine and is well entertayned He returnes with a good answer both by letters of credit and priuate instructions to the Gantois At his returne the matter is so well furthered by those two Cittizens who were in great reputation with the people as without the priuitie of Artreman or the English Negotiators the banner of Flanders the signall of their popular power is sollemnly planted in the great market place Al the people flocke thether where hauing signified vnto the chiefe Magistrats that they would haue peace and obey the Duke of Bourgongne their Prince Deputies are appointed with power to negotiate conclude a peace with him This was effected after a long confusion to the content both of the Earle and Flemings Of a light beginning God performes a great worke when it pleaseth him Thus the Duke of Bourgongne pacified Flanders in the yeare .1384 when as he feared greatest tumults by meanes of some seditious persons to whose great griefe a peace was proclaymed throughout al the Estaâ—s of Flanders 〈◊〉 in Flanâ—â—â—â— which gaue an incredible content to all the people after so manie miseries Nowe King Charles grewe great and although he were but sixteene yeares of age yet was he desiroâ—s to marry The Duke of Aniou his Vncle according to the aduice which King Charles the wise had gâ—uen on his death bed thought good to seeke him out a marriage in Germanie in the house of Bauiere to counterballance the credit of the Emperour Wâ—nceslaus no friend to the house of France what shewe soeuer he made He therefore marrieth with Isabel the daughter of Stephen Duke of Bauiere a Princesse from whom they expected much good but shee brought infinit troubles to France as we shal see hereafter Thus mans wisdome is deceyued when as hee hopes for best that God might bee knowen for the author of al good both in the family and State This imperious Proserpina verâ—fied the prouerbe That a woman raiseth or ruines a house She had almost ouerthrowne the State But shortly there shal an Italian woman be ioyned to this Germain to augment the confusions of this raigne reasonable good in the beginning but verie miserable in the ende This yeare likewise concluded a peace in Brittain after many troubles Iohn of Montfort hauing renued his homage to the King and sworne fealtie which shall not long continue to the great preiudice of the King and his realme The truce was continued in shewe betwixt France and England but with no more loue of the two Kings then betwixt capitall enimies who sought to annoye
the Popes army led by Laurence of Medicis and the Spanish by Raimond of Cardone should ioyne with them Maximilian Sforce and the Cardinall pressed them but distrust one of another staied them Raymond had surprised letters of credit sent from the Pope to the King and was wel aduertised that Laurence had secretly sent whether vpon his owne motion or by the Popes command he knew not a gentleman to the King to excuse himselfe for the army which he led against him being forced by the dutie he did owe vnto his Vncle promising that without offence to his Vncle or bâ—emish to his owne honor he would endeuour to content his maiesty according to the desire he had alwayes had and now especially more then euer More ouer the Arragoncis desseine was to remaine quiet so as this army did not threaten his new conquest of Nauarre And Laurence on the other side seeing the delayes of Raimond conceiued that hee had some secret charge from the King his master to forbeare to fight and giue others leaue to decide the quarrell both ioyntly feared to ingage themselues betweene the Kings army the Venetians led by Bartolmew of Aluiane the which was very auailable for the King Without doubt all their priuate intent was to act this tragedie with the bloud and losse of the poore Suisses Thus these two armies of Arragon and the Popes did onely labour to keepe the Venetian from ioyning with the French and the French these two froÌ„ the Suisses A miserable estate of Italie the which at one instaÌ„t was oppressed with fiue sundrie armies French Venetian Suisses Spaniards and Italians Vpon hope of this treatie of peace the King had countermanded Aluiane who was at Laude and Lautreâ— to carrie vnto the Suisses all the mony they could get out of the Kings cofers or borrow of the Princes and Nobility but through the perswasions of this mutinous Cardinall they resolue both to take the money from Lautree and sodenly to giue the King battaile when he least doubted any enemie This counsell had preuailed with some drousie commander But Lautree aduertised by his spies of the treacherous resulution of these Suisses left the way and retired into Galere And the Suisses fayling of their purpose passed on to wreake their choller vpon the King The King was come from Marignan to lodge at Saint Donat the 13. of September â—hen as behold they come with a resolution The battaile of Marignan and charge the artillery of the vantgard which the Lansquenets garded they ouerthrewe the first they incountred recouer some peeces of Cannon and amaze a battaillion of Lansquenets who supposing tâ—at the treaty of peace with the Suisses had continued firme feared least they should deliuer them into the hands of their ancient enemies But seeing the horse and the King himselfe in person come to second them they recouer their courage enter the combate stay this violence of the Suisses and with a soare fight maintaine the shocke with variable and doubtfull euents vntill the dust and approching night made them retire At this fiâ—st charge were slaine Francis of Bourbon Duke of Chastelleraud the Earle of Sancerre Imbercourt and many other braue gallant gentlemen The King seeing the greatnesse of the danger planted his artillerie in conuenient places ordred his battaillions gathered his horse togither sent for Aluiane and lay all might armed with all peeces but his helmet vpon the carriage of a Cannon The sunne was scarce risen when as the Suisses growne proude with the conceite of some aduantage charge the Lansquenets force them to recoyle aboue a hundred 〈◊〉 but for horsemen who repelled the violent force of the Suisses the issue haâ—â—in very dangerous The Cannon thunders through their squadrons the French and â—aston shot make a horrible slaughter the horse charge them in flanke Aluiâ—ne coâ—e vpon their backe in the fury of the fight They had all continued many houres veâ—â— hot in skirmish when as the Suisses hauing lost most of their Captaines being châ—â—ged in front in flanke and behinde grow amazed despaire of victory turne their squâ—drons and make a goodly retreat some to Milan otheâ—s home to theyr houses A great numbeâ— shut themselues into the Constables lodging where refusing to yeeâ—d to the kings mercy they were all burnt and many of our men that were entred peâ—l mell with them amongst others Iohn of Mouy Lord of Maâ—lleray who carried the white Corâ—et In this second battaile were slaine the Prince of Talmont Bussy of Amboâ—se tâ—e Lord of Roye and many other valiant Knights Gilbert of Leui Lord of Venâ—â—dour was hurt Claude Earle of Guise ouerthrowne and troden vnder the horse feeâ—e but he was releeâ—ed by Captaine Iame a Scottishman a Gentleman of the Kings chambeâ— The King was often in danger of his person receiuing many a push of the Pike vpon his armour Without doubt this was the most furious battell that euer the Suisses gaue the which by the testimony of Triuulce seemed rather to haue beene fought by Giants then by men For that the eighteene wherein he had beene were lâ—ke the incounters of small children in regardâ— of this That which happened to Gaston of Foix at the batâ—ell of Rauâ—nna made the King to giue them that fled free passage leauing foureteene or fiâ—teene thousand slaine vppon the place Thâ— number oâ— the â—ead The King lost of French and Lansquenets about three thousand The Cardinall of Sion the chiefe author of this battell â—â—ed at the fiâ—st charge to Milan and from thence seeâ—ng the Suisses in a mutiny as weâ—l for their losse as for three moneths pay that were due vnto them into Germany to Maximilian We may iustâ—y â—ay that the Suisses had need of this correction for the remembrance oâ— their forepassed prosperities â—ad made them insolent beyond the bounds of modesty but they reaped a benefit by their shame groâ—ing more tractable fâ—ieâ—dly to them that corrected them Moreouer this should be a good aduertisement to the King to consider rightly of the warres of Italy in the which for want to iudgement both he and hiâ— Realme weâ—e afterwards in a manner ruined Aâ—ter this happy victory Milan and all other places of the Duchy followed the Conquerors foâ—tune Mâ—laâ— yeeldeâ— Peter of Nauarre had by a myne blowne vp a Câ—â—emate at the Castle gate Maximilian Sfoâ—ce and the Suisses beseeged therein by the Dâ—ke of 〈◊〉 yeeld it vpon condiâ—ion That the Suissâ—â— should depart with bagge and baggâ—ge and Mâ—ximilian should deliuer the Castle with that of Cremono vnto the King â—nd all 〈◊〉 places 〈◊〉 by him and should go into France where the King during his life should giue 〈◊〉 tâ—â—â—â—score thousand Crownâ—s a yeare pension According to this capitâ—lâ—tâ—on 〈◊〉 brâ—ther to Tremouille Francis Earle of Pontreme with many other Gentlemen â—â—â—â—dâ—cted him iâ—to Francâ— The King entred into Milan armed accompanied witâ— tâ—e aboue named Princes and the Nobility of his army whether the Potentates
of Hierges in Ardennes yet through the fauour and credit which Aimeries had with Charles of Austria and the greatest in his Court hee was releeued although hee had not appealed from the said sentence in time grounding the causes of his reliefe vpon the lets and hinderances hee had had during the former warres at the which hee had alwayes assisâ—ed in person So as a Commission being granted before the great Chancellor of Brabant and a day assigned to the heires of Symay 1521. to come to heare the reasons of Aâ—mâ—ries releefe and if neede were to see the former sentence giuen to their behoofeâ— reuoked They found this commission so vniust and vnreasonable seeing that both their father and they had beene in long and quiet possession of the said Towne and that this decree was not subiect to appeale as they repaired to Robert de la Marke Duke of Bouillon as to their Lord and Protector that with their right hee might defend the liberties and priuileges of his Duchie Robert discontented that his companie of men at armes had bin cassierd for the extorsions and robberies they had committed in Italie and else where had left the King and was retired to the Emperour But seeing that iustice was denied him as well for the priuate interest of puâ—â—ls whose vnkle and Tutor hee was hauing married their Aunt sister to the Prince of Symay hee made his peace with the King by the mediation of his wife and his sonne Fleuranges being daughter to the Earle of Brenne with the Kings mother A bold and insolent â—act Robert hauing assured his affaires with the King sent to defie the Emperour at Wormes where he had called a Diet of the Princes and free Townes of Germanie against the new-bred troubles by reason of Luther A bold attempt of a pettie Prince against an Emperour mightie in meanes men and courage A great riuer runs quietly betwixt the bankes that bound it but at the first breach it ouerflowes the whole Countrie so there is nothing more easie then to incense Princes but being once moued they are hardly appeased This defie giuen Fleuranges the eldest son of Robert notwithstanding the Kings expressed prohibition made leuie as well in France as in other places of three thousand foot and foure or fiue hundred horse with the which hee beseeged Vireton a small Towne in Luxembourg belonging to the Emperour But soone after he retired his armie by the Kings commaundement and dismissed it But their spleens were wonderfully incensed vpon new occasions The King for that the Emperour fayled in the payment of the pension for the Realme of Naples and in the restitution of Nauarre and withall his preferment to the Empire had greatly discontented him The Emperour was greeued for the enterprise of Nauarre and the attempt of the Duke of Bouillon being also well informed Lâ—os ordinary dissembling that the King sought the meanes to recouer the Realme of Naples Francis had sent a gentleman to the Pope to know when it should please him to performe his part for the execution of that which they had concluded togither the which his Maiestie knewe according to the disposition of Leo to bee more counterfeit then currant And Leo giuing to the gentleman a note of the horse foot and artillerie that was necessarie for this enterprise assigned the King two and twentie dayes to arme whilest the Venetians might enter into this League The Pope had no meaning that Naples should bee subâ—ect to the French If the King had not in the meane time neglected his affaires Leo had beene forced to runne another course And the Pope glad to haue some colourable shew of disdaine accuseth the King either to be carelesse or ill affected hauing not drawen the Venetians into the sayd League for the defence of Italie He complaines that his maiestie had not payed but the first moneth for the leuie of Suisses which they had beene forced to make against the Spaniard who a little before had inuaded the territories of the Church whereof the King should pay a moitie and makes a shew as if the King had treated some thing with the Emperour without his priuitie and to his preâ—â—dice Thus Leo seeming iustly dspleased receiued into Regium contrary to his agreement with the King all the banished men of Milan hee inuested Charles of Austria The Pope capitulates with the Emperour in the Realme of Naples made a defensiue League with him including the house of Medicis and the Florentines and deuising how to conquer Milan they agreed That Parma and Plaisance should remaine to the Church to hold them with the same rights it did before That Francis Sforce brother to Maximilian should bee put in possession of the Duchie of Milan as hauing right from his father and his brothers renunciatâ—on and that the Emperour should ayd the Pope against his subiects and feudataries namely to conquer Ferrara This mutuall resolution of allyance was a meanes by Gods prouidence to shew his wonderfull iudgements and a scourge to punish both French Italians and Spaniards for many yeares whereby followed so many euersions of Townes oppressions of people desolations of Prouinces and the death of so many men of valour La Marks estate ruined The Emperour in the meane time leuies a great armie of horse and foote vnder the command of Henry Earle of Nassau who tooke Longnes from Robert de la Mark rased the Towne and hanged the Captaine with twelue of the chiefe of his troupe The Captaine of Musancourt deliuered by some of his souldiers with the place to the said Earle escaped the gallowes at the intreatie of the chiefe of his armie but twentie of his Souldiers were hanged and the place likewise razed and spoiled to the ground About this time there was much controuersie touching the Duchie of Milan the Emperour pretending it to belong absolutely to him not onely by conquest but much rather by inheritance concerning which the most learned in the lawes of the Empire produced many and very probable reasons and arguments These two prises caused Fleuranges and Sansey his brother the sonnes of Robert to put themselues into Iametz with a resolution to die or to keepe it The Earle after foure dayes siege hauing seene the garrisons firme resolution raised his campe to take the way to Fleuranges The Germaines which kept it yeelded vp both the Towne and their Captaine the Lord of Iametz the sonne of Robert into the Earles hands who hauing ruined it did the like vnto Sansy Bouillon was afterwards yeelded vnto him by intelligence After this Robert obtained a truce of the Emperour for six weekes But the Emperour Charles dreamed of a more important warre If his spleene had beene onely against the house of La Marck why should he grant them a truce being almost ruined The Kings armie against the Emperour and being a conquerour and strong enough to subdue the said Robert why did he still increase his armie The King hauing
battered Ganache the fourth of Februaâ—â—â—â—uing spent eight hundred Cannon shot hee made two breaches and gaue a◠〈◊〉 with the losse of aboue three hundred men and growing resolute in this 〈◊〉 where his honor was ingaged hee letts Plessisgecte Captaine of the place vndeâ—â—tand that hee had wonne reputation inough in the defence of so weake a place that his obstinacie did preiudice the King of Nauarres affaires That the King by the execution done at Blois had sufâ—iciently declared warre against the League and that he mâ—â—t to imploy the saied Kings forces against them Plessis aduertiâ—eth the King his mastâ—â— he marcheth to succor him but his violent traâ—ell on foote to get him a heate in an extreame colde season Ganacâ—e yeelded to the Duke of Neuâ—rs made him stay so dangerously sicke of a feuer at Saint Pere as the newes of his death was carried to Court So Plessis yeelded vp the Towne his armes and baggage saued But this royall armie came to nothing The Duke went to refresh himselfe at his house wauering some moneths doubtfull of his party and the King of Nauarre whom God would vse in so confused a time to bring him vpon the Theater not as a disinâ—erited Child according to the intent of the Estates but to teach men that their sâ—â—â—uing is in vaine against the decrees of his diuine prouidence hauing recouered his peâ—â—eâ—t health assured himselfe of the places neere vnto Niort Saint Maixant Mallâ—zaye Chastelleraut Loudun Lisle Bouchard Mirebeau Viuonne and others pretending to do the King some great and notable seruice The King by this blowe had amazed but not suppressed the League He had begun well for the waranty of his Estate but he must not do things by halues In steed of going to horse making his armes to glister shewing himselfe betwixt Orleans and Paris calling backe his army out off Poictou to oppose it against the attempts of the Duke of Mayenne Error in state and being armed and the Townes amazed at this great effect to diuert the mischiefe which oppressed him within fewe monthes hee returnes to his first remedies being soft and fearefull against a mad multitude hee is content to send words to retayne his subiects alreadie entred into sedition hee releaseth some prisoners whome he held least dangerous continues the Estats renues the Edict of vnion and by a generall forgetting of what was past thinkes they will lay downe their armes against him to imploy them against the King of Nauarre But a multitude growes mad with mildenesse and is reteyned by seuerity The King finds that in lesse then sixe weekes â—ours and Baugency are the fronters of those prouinces that were vnder his obedience And whereas he thought to begin hee nowe ceaseth to raigne So God who had laughed at the vaine attempts of the one will likewise heâ—pe vpon the other remedies no lesse violent then those he had practised Nowe manie awaked from their amazement and began to stirre the people studâ—â—ed of new mutinies and new armes Orleans shut vp their gates the Towne made barâ—icadoes against the Cittadell Paris shewed the furie of their mutinie against the Louurâ— they beate downe the Kings armes impryson his seruants and aswell by their ransomes and spoile as by a voluntary contribution they leuie a great summe of money for the warre Marteau Cotteblanche Compan Roland and others deliuered vpon promises to reclaime the Parisiens had contrariwise seduced the people The sixteene let vs know them by their names euen as they are set downe in an oration made by the Bourgeses of Paris to the Cardinall Caietan la Bruyere Crucé â—ussyle Clere the Commissary Louchard Morlier Senault the Comissary de Bart Drouart an Aduocate Aluequin Emonnâ—t â—ablier Messier Passart Oudineau Tellier Morin a proctor of the Chastelet euery one of which had many Agents followers like sixteene fuâ—ies coÌ„ming out offhel sharpened their weapons kindled the coales of murther dissolutenes first at Paris then in a maner in al the good townes of the realme being seasoned with the leuaine of these furious tribuns The Preachers fire brands of these furies came not into the pulpit Paâ—isiens insolencies but to poure forth reproches and iniuries against the King and by an Iliade of Curses to kindle the peoples mindes to rebeâ—lion The people came neuer from their sermons but hauing fire in their heads readines in their feet to runne and disposition in theâ—r hands to fall tumultuously vppon such as were not branded with the marke of the League Hee was neither a good nor a zealous Catholike that had not a beadroule of outrages to detest and abhore that execution of Blois The porters at the Palace babled nothing but a cursing of the Kings life an elegie to lament the calamitie of these two bretheren an oration in memorie of the commendable exploits of the Duke of Guise in Hongary against the Turke at Iarnac against the Protestants at Poitiers at Montcontour against the Reistres of Thoré at Vimorry and at Auneau They cried aloud at Paris That France was now sicke and could not bee cured but by giuing her a drinke of French bloud And because they haue not the bodie at their deuotion those things he possesseth must suffer for it his furniture at the Louure his pictures are broken his armes beaten downe his images dragged vp and downe his great sâ—ale defaced they call him impious vniust vilaine prophane tyrant damned The Colledge of Sorbonne concludes by a publike act of the 7. of Ianuary That the people of France are freed from the othe of obedience and fealtie which they ought to Henry of Valois and that lawfully and with a good conscience they may arme against him receiue his reuenues and imploy it to make warre against him On the other side Charles of Lorraine Duke of Mayenne dreaming on his brothers death prouided for the assurance of his owne life The Duke of Maâ—ennes courâ—â—â—â— and consulted with the Arche-bishops Officiall the Lord of Botheon Seneshall of Lionnois and some others of the chiefe whether there were any safety for him within their Towne We are sayd they bound vnto the King before all others Make no tryall we pray you of your seruants in that which shall bee contrary to the Kings will Arme not your selfe against him without doubt hee will seeke your seruice when you shall submit the passion of reuenge vnto reason and will aduance your house to the good of all France the which trembles with apprehension of the calamities which this warre shall cause If the people call you to set them at lâ—berty you shall abandon them to the spoile and to defend the Monarchie against the King you shall make your selfe the head of a confused and monstrous Anarchie God did neuer forget the protection of Kings against their mutinous subiects They bee the image of God the children of heauen and whosoeuer armes against them armes against heauen Moreouer the winde of the peoples
intelligence that warre was proclaimed against him prepared his forces to withstand the Emperour and to this end he gaue a commission to Francis of Bourbon Earle of Saint Paul to leuie six thousand foote to the Constable of Bourbon eight hundred horse and sixe thousand foote and to the Duke of Vendosmâ— the like charge And to reuenge the disgrace receiued by Esparre he sent six thousand Lansequenets of whom Claude of Lorraine Earle of Guise was generall vnder William of Gouffiers Lord of Bonniuet Admirall of France to whom he gaue fiue companies of horse and commission to leuie what number of Gascons and Basques he should thinke necessarie The Lord of Lescut was in like sort â—eleeued with French and Suisses Open warre for the warre of Italy The armies on eyther side were in field there remaines nothing but for the one to make a breach the imperialls begin There had beene a long and a great quarrell betwixt Lewis Cardinall of Bourbon and the Lord of Liques a Gentleman of Hainault for the Abbie of Saint Amand which the Cardinall enioyed Liques takes this occasion to assault the Abbie which being of no strength was deliuered vnto him by Champeroux Lieutenant for the King in Tournaisis in the which de Loges Gouernour of Tournay was surprised We might pretend that these were but priuate quarrels but Liques aduanced with his forâ—es to Mortaigne a place subiect to the King the which he said he had some times enioyed In the end Pranzy Captaine of the sayd place hauing no hope of succours yeelded it Seege of Tournay not to Liques but to the Lord of Portien vpon condition to depart with their liues and baggage But contrary to the lawe of armes and honestie they were pursued stript and hardly escaped with their liues On the other side Fiennes of the house of Luxembourg Gouernour of Flanders besieged Tournay with a thousand horse eight thousand foote and six Canons continuing there fiâ—e moneths whilest that the Bourguignons did take spoyle and raze Ardres the Lord of Teligni in exchange did charge defeat and cut in peeces six hundred Bourguignons that were entred the realme to spoile it In the beginning of these garboyles Henry King of England did offer himselfe an Arbitrator betwixt these two Princes Charles and Frances and Calis was named for the treatie of a good peace But what meanes was there to yeeld to the Emperours vnreasonable demaunds to restore him to the Duchie of Bourgongne with an abolition of the homage which hee ought vnto this Crowne for the low Countries beeing vnreasonable as he pretended that an Emperour should doe homage to a King of France as if wee did not commonly see Princes hold their lands by homage of simple gentlemen So this parle tooke no effect Hitherto the Imperials dealt vnder had protesting not to make warre against the King· but now they discouer themâ—elues and come with enseignes displayed to beseege Mouzon they batter it in two places the one by the medow towards the Port of Rheims the other from the mountaine going to Iuoy The footmen newly leuied and not yet trayned grew amazed and force Montmort the Captaine of that place to demaund a composition for the obteyning whereof hee went with Lassigny his companion to the Earle and obteined That euery man at armes should depart Mouson takeâ— with a â—urtall vnarmed and the foote men and archers without armes and a white wands in their handes what policie was this to see two Lieutenants to a King go forth off a place to capitulate with the enemie without doubt they diserued the shame which many haue suffered â—or the like rashnesse to be detained prisoners put to ransome and forced to yeeld the Towne at discretion The taking of all these Townes without opposition drew the Earle to Meâ—â—eres commaunded by the Cheualier Bâ—yard Seege of Mezieres but hee found a more valerous resolution then at Mouzon The experience and valour of the Captaines and the desire which Anne Lord of Montmorency had to doe the King some notable seruice in his youth had drawne him into the Towne with many well minded gentlemen of the Court amongst the rest the Lords of Lorges d'Annebault Lucè Villeclair Iohn de la Tour Lord of Bremont Iohn Dureil Lord of Berbee Nicholas of Thouâ—rs Lord of Suilly Mathurin and Charles des Cleres whose valours and fidelitie deserue a place in our Historie Anthony Duke of Lorraine whose Lieutenant Bayard was and the Lord of Orual gouernour of Champangne commaunded either of them a hundred men at armes Boucart and the Baron of Montmoreaâ— had either of them a thousand foote This might seeme too much for a small place but it was strong and of importance The Canon did no sooner begin to batter but most of the foote grew amazed and in despight of their Captaines â—â—ed some by the gate others ouer the wals Bayard by the basenesse of them that fled tooke occasion to assure the resolutions of such as remained For said hee preseruing the Towne with the helpe of few men wee shall haue the more merit and reputation our troupes are of the more force being discharged of this vnprofitable burthen The Earle comming neere to Mezieres sent to summon the Commaunders to yeeld the Towne vnto the Emperour The Valianâ— resolution of Bayard He reports to the Earle of Nassau sayd Bayard to the Trâ—mpeâ— That before hee shall heare mee speake of yeelding vp the Towne which the Kâ—ng hath giuen mee in charge I hope to make a bridge of my enemies carkases ouer the which I may march Henry makes two batteries and shakes the wals for the space of a moneth But fiâ—ding by sundrie sallies in the which the beseeged did most commonly carrie the honour and profiâ—e the resolution of the Commaunders men at armes and souldiers hauing also intelligence of the defeat of a hundred choise horse of the Eâ—perours Campe and two hundred foote led by Earle Reinfourket to spoile Attigni vppon Aisne all which Francis of Silli Baylife of Caen Lieutenant to the Duke of Alenson had put to the sword except fiue or six which were carried prisoners to the said Earle to Rheims the Towne hauing beene also releeued the first of October with a thousand foote led by Lorges foure hundred horse by â—â—â—gni and some munition hee abated the first furie of his aâ—tâ—llerie and despayring to 〈◊〉 the Towne by force or famine he raised his Campe and made his retreat by Mont-Coâ—â—et in Ardennes Maubert fontaine and Aubenton to Verâ—in and Guise spoyling burning and killing The Earle of Nâ—ssau leâ—ues Meâ—â—ers men women and children without distinction a mournefull beginning of the cruelties which haue beene committed in the succeeding warres Bâ—yarâ— for a worthie reward of his vertue was honored by the King with a companie of a â—undred men at armes and the order of Saint Michell In the meane time the King assembles his forces at Fernacques to cut off the enemies way about
riuer Malicorne threatens the Duchesse to bring the Cannon to force her to yeeld the Casteel and the Protestants that were in it But the generous resolution of this Duchesse and the death of the Duke of Guise stayed the execution of his threats At Aurillac Bresons according to the CoÌ„mission he had from the Duke of Guise to seise vpon the forts of high Auuergne enters into Aurillac murthers eight men spoiles the Towne that of Argentat with some Castells rauisheth wiues maydens making his 〈◊〉 to roote out all the Protestants in the Country if the Edâ—ct of pacification had not forced to surcease Montare comes to Moulins with like Commission 1562. 1563. expelled out of the Towne whom he doubted then giuing a libertie to his troupes spoiled the houses and farmes there abouts he caused six men to be hanged and fiue others to be drowned returning from Orleans with three marchants of Dauphiné At Moulins and suffred the hangman to execute those without any forme of processe whom the multitude deliuered vnto him to bee put to death Thirteene yong men of Issoudun were beaten downe in the water the 8. of May at S. Lisaine a village two leagues from the Towne and the 9. of Iuly following Sarzay seized vpon Issoudun armed the Catholike Inhabitants At Issoudun drew malefactors out of prison and filled it with Protestants who for the most part died being smothered vnder the ruines of a Tower of sixteene that escaped ten saued themselues at Bourges Vntill the Edict of Peace he spoiled both the towne and Country ransomming â—ome deliuering others to the hangman which had not means to redeeme theÌ„selues he rauished wiues mayds and to conclude exposed these poore creatures to all the insolencies of soldiars The 3. of Aprill .1562 those of Mans became masters of the towne But violence neuer continued long At Mans. and soldiars led by a Commander of small credit and little authority did neuer see their armes prosper These men are no soner armed but they imploy themselues to the beating downe of images sacking of Churches and from the towne they run to the villages nere The commons assemble kill such as they meete and res kue the bootie In the end an apple of diâ—cord diuides them of the Towne the Castle the insolencies of the Captaines and souldiars amaze the Protestants the Duke of Montpensier prepares to assaile them of three Captaines which command within the Towne two haue intelligence with him This being discouered the towne being also ill furnished La Mothe Tibergeaâ— drawes forth tumultuously eight hundred men carrying armes leading them through many difficulties into Alançon who then tooke sundrie parties some not practised in armes remained there others put themselues into the troupes of the Conte Montgomery others of the Duke of Bouillon and the other two Captaines submitted to those to whom they had giuen their words Thus the Catholikes haue their turne they were driuen out of the towne and now they reenter and full of spleene they spoile the protestants houses both within the towne and abroad eight leagues compasse without respect of kindred kill spoile and ransome men women and children Some women of state some simple people seruants chambermaides some retired to their farmes or to their friends in the country remaine at the deuotion of fiue hundred Harguebusiers leuied for the gard of the towne and country there abouts who forbeare no kind of reuenge rigour The prisons are filled they forbid by any means to sollicite for theÌ„ the accused are not admitted to except against any witnesse and for the last act of this Tragedie aboue two hundred persons of al qualities sexes purge by their mournful deathes the insolencies of these first furies The absent were executed in picture their goods confiscate that were dead carrying armes Cruelties committed in Mans. their children degraded from al offices and declared incapable to succeed In villages nere farther of aboue six scoore persons yeelded their throats to the reuenging swords of them whome the change of armes had now giuen the aduantage One Captaine Champagne to glut the pikerils in a poole which he had doth gorge them with aboue fifty persons Bois-Iardin his Lieutenant fills two trenches nere vnto his house with fiftie or threscore carcases La Ferté Bernard Sablé Maine Loire Castle Memers Belesme and Martigue had the fields there about white with the bones of the slaine whose flesh was deuoured with birds and beasts The Images ouerthrowne at Vendosme the altars beaten downe At Vendosme yea the monumeÌ„ts of the house of Vendosme too insolently broken might not these stirre vp some reuenge You beat downe say the Catholiks the images and destroy the reliks of the dead but we will beate downe as many lyuing images as shall fall into our hands The Monkes of Saint Calais second them and of many Protestants which held their Abby they massacre fiue and twentie or thirtie Some troupes which kept the fields kill the first that passe stoane them and cast them into wells The Lord of Congnee ioyning with some gentlemen comes to charge them kills the murtherers and except a feâ—e which fled betimes puts them all to the sword then hee dischargeth the rest of his fury vpon the Priests and Monkes 1562. and causeth two of the most 〈…〉 to be hanged in their Church yea where the alarum had rung to assaile the Pâ—â—â—â—stants Those of Anger 's become the stronger yet without any offence to their feâ—loâ— ciâ—izens At Anger 's and make an agreement with themselues To liue peaceablie one with an oâ—her â—nder the Kings obedience with obseruation of the Edict of Ianuary This modesty contâ—â—ued from the 5. of Aprill to the 22. Then they loose all patience ouerthrowing the images and relikes of S. Samson The Catholikes rest patient but they could well chooâ—e â—â—e time of their aduantage It chanced that the Prince of Condê required a suppâ—â— of men and money from the Protestants of Anger 's Many Gentlemen and souldiars march and by this meanes make their party weake Puygaillard a Gascon Captaine sent by the Duke of Montpensier enters the Castles the 5. of May and the next dâ—y wins a part of the Towne then to lull the Protestants asleepe and to haue them in the ende at his deuotion he graunts them feee liberty of religion But two dayes â—fter vnder colour of disarming them they enter their houses A receiuer of subsidâ—es and some others barre vp their gates They sound the alarum their houses are spoiled and the prisons filled with men and women and after the eleuenth of the said month vnto the end of the yeare aboue foure score men were executed after diuers manners Many women of all qualities were put into sacks drawne through the dirt and their bodies cast into the riuer their daughters rauished and some making strong resistance were stâ—bbed with their daggers And the Duke of
company of Italians who were come to charge him behind in his retreat The tower of Moric Castle of la Graue Talmonde and the Castle of Chise beeing taken againe by Puigaillard recompenced the losse of Luson and the conquests of Puigaillard were at the same time crost by Puuiault Gouernour of Marans by the death of Captaine Dante who scoured all Poictou by the route of theiâ— companie and wounding in a manner of all the members thereof and by the ouerthrow of Chaumont and Goulenes issued out off Angoulesme with two Cornets of horse by the death also of Guitiniere Gouernour of Saint lean d'Angely the ouerthrowe of young Riuiere Puâ—taillé the route of his men and the losse of two Enseignes But the death of Captaine Herbelete commanding a company of French and two of Italians and the defeate of his troupes by Coignees issued out of Angoulsâ—â—e 〈…〉 held for the Princes made the mid-may famous a season when as the second 〈…〉 peace was reuiued Time brings many changes nowe it fauours the Protestants reuiues 〈…〉 The Protestants fortified fortifies their hopes and the Catholikes are newe â—o beginne the King 〈…〉 with this variable continuance of warre it drewe his subiects from his 〈◊〉 ruined his Prouinces wasted his treasure and consumed his forces The Queene Mother sence the battell of Meaux did still nourish in her brest a fire of reuenge Sâ—e was wonderfully discontented that the Protestants in the beginning of the first 〈…〉 had so violently opposed against her desire to rule by the mutuall ruine 〈…〉 and the other But there was paine and perill to suppresse the heads of the 〈◊〉 many murtherers and many poisoners offred themselues but the 〈…〉 drewe backe when it came to the effect Moreouer the Princes grewe in age and iudgement they framed themselues to affaires they began to knowe the friendâ— and enemies of the Common-weale And on the other side many Noblemen of eyther parrie labored to temper the humors both of such as were best affected to the publike quiet and of those 〈…〉 these inciuill confusions made a way for their ambitious deâ—â—emes 〈…〉 â—iron and Teligny chiefe deputies the one for the King the other for the Princes â—â—bour about a peace Let vs see what course the Princes tooke sence the 〈◊〉 â—f Montcontour vntiâ—l the peace A small ball of snowe rowled from a high 〈◊〉 growes great in a shoâ—t time and becomes able to endure a great force 〈…〉 Councell whereby the Princes resolued to retire farre from the Conquerâ—â—rs army did much auayle them for they assured their men fortified themselues 〈…〉 troupes and consumed their enemies in the taking and retaking of places which they had possessed The Princes voâ—â—ge aâ—ter the battaile But still the poore people suffer for great mens follyes Agenois and Querâ—y serues nowe as a good retreat for the Protestants They find there a faâ— a fruitfull Country where by the spoile of the contrarie party they refresh their persons and make a newe bodie There is nothing but inroads spoiles and robbings of the enemie but there was violent warre about Tholouse and horrible fires in their houses which belonged to the Court of Parliament They haue beene saied the Protestants verie violent to burne them of our religion beheaded Captaine Rapin who carrieâ— tâ—â—m the Edict of peace from the King and to commit many other insolencies whereof opportunitie nowe cryes for vengeance Doubtlesse the iustice of God doth 〈◊〉 send a wâ—shed encounter to bee reuenged of an indignitie receiued The Marsâ—aâ—l of Danuille la Valette and some other Commanders of qualitie made some 〈◊〉 with diuers variable euents but not strrying farre from their walles for feare of surprise Carmain Oriaâ— la Faye Lesbos Montestruc and generally all they beseege except Saint Felix from whence the Gasâ—ons were repulsed in the assault with the losse of fiâ—â—ie men and the Vicount of Montclar hurt whereof he died at Chastres is forced and the garrisons cut in peeces During the armies aboade in Albigeois the Prince notwithstand the crosses of Escars Pompadour la Vauguion and others commanding three thousand men being fortified with fiue or six hundred horse brought from Rochelâ—e by Beaudiné and Renty send Piles into the Countie of Roussillon where he did spoile and greatly anoy the Spaniard whilest the Kings deputies conferred nere vnto Carcassonne with Teligny Beauuais and la Chassetiere who going afterwards to his maiestie concluded what we shall see in briefe Languâ—doe Viuarez and Daulphiné hauing fortified the army with about three thousand harguebuzies most of them mounted at the Countrie mens charge in steede of those which Moubrun had through fauour of the fort which hee built vpon Rosne right against Pusin led away to refresh themselues in their Countrie hauiâ—g surmounted the difficulties of the mountaines and the Admirall being freed fâ—om a grieuous sicknes which had brought him to deaths dore at S. Estienne in Forest the army comes into Bourgongne where being fortified with fifteene hundred light horse come from la Charité and the neighbour garrisons vnder the command of Briquemault they incounter a good occasion to aduance the peace It seemed to the Protestants a matter of some difficulty to obtaine a peace vnlesse they approched neere vnto Paris and to that ende the Admirall had suffered almost all his footemen to furnish themselues with horses and aduanced by great iourneys into the heart of France whilest his troupes were fresh and lusty and free from diseases But he had before him the Marshall of Cosse the Kings Lieutenant in the absence of the Duke of Aniou who to hinder the Pâ—inces approch to Paris seekes meanes to fight with them They incamped at Renéle Duke a place not very strong of situation from whence they thought to dislodge them with their Canon whereof the Princes were vnfurnished and by diuers vollâ—es of shot to make them leaue certaine passages which they held The Marshall la Valette Strossy and la Chastre come with al speede charge and recharge them and at the first they force them from a passage Incouâ—ter at Renelâ— Dâ—â— Briquemault Marshall of the Campe Montgomery and Ienlis endure the shocke they kill hurt take many and by this firme resolution make it knowne that their lodgings are not to be forced So the Marshall sounds a retreat and the Princes to whom all stay was preiudicial being strengthned with newe companies drawne out off Sancerre la Charité Antrain Vezelai and other places of their partie and furnished with some artillery they turned head towards Paris But a truce of ten dayes stayed all exploits of war betwixt them Truce in the armies and the Marshall While the Barron of la Garde Puigaillard Reniere Puitaille chiefe enemies to the Protestants laboured to become Masters in Guyenne the neighbour country To that ende after they had ouercome the troupes of horse and foote led by la Noue Soubize and Puuiault and by a shamefull chafe shut their companies
the fury of this massacre to the ancient quarrell of those of Guise with the house of Chastillon But the foulnesse of the fact might heape vpon them and their posteritie the hatred of all men The Guisians denie to take the maâ—â—acre vpon thâ—m with whom humane society and vertue is in recommendation For they had not spared an infinite number of learned men of reuerent old men honest virgins honourable matrons women with child chaste maydens young Schollers and little infants hanging at the brests of their mother Arming themselues therefore with the peoples loue they refuse to go out of Paris handling the matter so politikely as they cause the King to auouch all that had beene done So Charles writes other letters to his Ambassadours and Gouernours aduertising them That the tumult which had happened concerned not religion but the preseruation of his estate his house and person against the practises of the Admirall and some other seditious persons who had ioyntly conspired his death his Mothers The Admiral accuâ—ed oâ— conâ—piracie and his bretherens and therefore he would haue his Edict of pacification religiously obserued Yet if any Huguenots moued with these newes oâ— Paris should assemble in armes they should roote them out as perturbers of the pubâ—ike peace referâ—ing the surplusage of his will to the credit of the bearer And the better to authorise this approbation the 26. of August Charles with his bretheren assists in Parliament all the chambers being assembled where sitting in his seate of Iustice he declares openly that those things which had chanced in Paris were done by his owne proper motion and commandement yet making no mention of the cause Chrisâ—opher of Thou the cheife President commended his zeale in the name of all the company But to what end did he write the contrary the next day to his officers and the Magistrates of Townes That to his great griefe the Admirall his Cosin and some others of his party had beene slaine at Paris commanding them to preuent all mutinies and murthers and to proclaime that euery man should remaine quiet in his house without taking of armes or giuing any offence and to giue order that his Edict of pacification be exactly obserued and yet the same day to publâ—sh a declaration of the former tenour conteining that by his expresse commandement the Admirall and other his complices had beene slaine not for matter of religion but to preuent the execution of a wicked practise made by them against the Kings person the Queene Mother his bretheren the King of Nauarre this was for a colour of excuse to such as would obiect why then was this Prince saued from shipwrack and it may be for the loue of him the Prince of Condé his cousin and generally against their houses and the houses of France Doubtlesse there was small likelyhood that a little troope of men dispersed some â—n the suburbes others within the Citty in small numbers should presume to attempt any thing against the Estate Charles had both night and day his ordinary gardes Frâ—â—ch Suisses and Scottâ—shmen the most of the Princes Noblemen and Gentlemen of the realme were in Court to honour the marriage Those which had accompanied the King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condé had no other armes but their swords and for a gage of their innocencie had brought for the most part their wiues children sisters and kinsfolke studying onely to shew themselues at the Tilt and â—ourney The accusation made no mention of time place or adherents neyther of the meanes or any witnesses of this conspiracy If it had beene plotted since the Admirals hurt three hundred Gentlemen vnarmed which had accompanied him could they haue effected any thing vnder a Commander tyed by both the armes and ready to see the one cut off by the aduise of the Physitians and Chirurgians in a mighty Citty and against aboue three score thousand men ready to be opposed at the first alarum Moreouer the King of Nauarre and Prince of Condé who had beene still present at all councells would they haue blemished their honours and houses with so great an infamie And if their innocencie had freed them from the common danger the consultations of the Admirall and his followers had they not beene very childish at such a time in such a place among so many naturall Frenchmen come with him wâ—o had neither goods kinsfolke pleasure nor content without the Realme Besides if the Admirall were suspected of this attempt might they not haue committed him presentâ—y to a safe prison informe of his practises and take such conclusions as the crime might deserue according to the Lawes To conclude admit the Admirall after his hurt or else his friendes had giuen forth some bad speeches must the same punishment deuoure so many persons who conuersed onely with their bookes and papers with their trafike and with their worke so many women who dreamt but of their huswiferie so many virgins and infants whose age and condition kept them from the conference of any councell As for the attempt against the King of Nauarre that accusation is friuolous Had not the Admirall him in his power for the space of three yeares what benefit sâ—ould he reape by his death Haue they not conuersed long togither with an humble sincere respect of the Admirall towards him and a perfect loue of the said King to the Admirall â—ut omitt all other reasons that might refute this slander let vs onely obserue the testimonie which Monluc giues in the 7. booke of his remembrances vppon this subiect The Queene mother saith he did me the honour to write vnto mee that they had disâ—ouered a great conspiracie against the King and his Estate the which was the cause of what had happened I knowe what my belief was it is not good to offend ones master The King did neuer foâ—get how the Admirall made him retire in hast from Meaux to Paris wee loose â—ur iudgments sodenly and doe not dreame that Kings haue greater harts then we haue and doe sooner forget seruices then offences And a little aboue My Lord the Admirall was â—â—l aduised to thrust himselfe into Paris to shew that hee gouerned all I wonder that so aduised and wise a man should comit so grosse an errour Hee payed deerely for it it cost him his life and many more The particularities of such as during this horrible butcherie haue shed their blouds for religions sake at Meaux Troyes Orleans Bourges la Charité Lions Tholouse Fourdeaux Rouan and other Townes in villages and in the open fields as they sought to saue themselues without the realme haue beene obserued in other workes that are extant and the bloud of these murthered persons which amount to aboue thirty thousand hauing died the earth and made the waters redd haue cryed so loude that the heaâ—ens haue contiâ—ued their vengeance ouer great and small for so many yeares as tâ—ere remaines scarse any one of the authors of this violent
the Cittie gate called Angels gate she was receiued by two other Câ—rdinalls Sforce and Montalto and led into a house artificially made where she was seated in a royall throne attending the rest of the Cardinals that went to receiue her After this the said Queene mounted vpon a white Steed the Princesse her mother vpon the like wâ—ich were sent them by his Holines so entred into the Cittie being lâ—te The Qâ—eene went betwixt the two Cardinalls with her Duch gard about her and her mother following after with Albertus the Archduke The Constable of Lombardie as they call him after the Spanish manner the Duke of Aumale the Earle of Cand the Prince of Orange the Earle Dietriessan and many other Noblemen of great name and authoritâ—e followed them with a great number of Carosses and Coaches in the which the Lâ—dies and gentlewomen were and in this order shâ—e arriued at the Emperours Ambassadors lodging passing vnder many triumphant arches The Queenes entriâ— into 〈◊〉 The future Queene being come vnto the Pallace shee mounted vp and retyred her selfe into a chamber neere vnto the Holy Consistorie where the Pope was set in his Pontificall throne with the Colledge of Cardinals staying there vntill the Oration was made by Bernardin Lâ—scot of Milan in prayse of the house of Austria and of the happie arriuall of the sayd future Qâ—eene Which done she her mother and the Archduke were brought in and admitted to kisse his Holines feet who receiued them gratâ—ously and gaue them his Benediction The next day hauing bin present at the Masse which the Pope did say the Queene her mother The King of Spâ—â—neâ— marrâ—â—ge and the Archduke were feasted at the Popes table But the Sunday following which was the fifteenth oâ— Nouember and appointed for the marriage all hauing left their mourning weedes for the death of the King of Spaine they put on their Nuptial robes His Holynes was gone before to the Cathedrall Church with his Pontificall Roabes and Diademe sitting in his throne to celebrate the Masse The said Qâ—eene attyred in white glistering with Pearle and precious Stones of inestimable price beeing followed by her Mother the Arch-duke and all the troupe of Princes Noblemen and Ladies was so led by the Cardinalls of Santiquatro and Farneze as a bride vnto the samâ— Church the which glistered all with hangings of cloth of siluer Being placed in her â—hrone all of Gold vnder a cloth of Estate of the same and her Mother with her and the Arch-duke beeing set in an other of the same the Pope began the Masse then the Queene was conducted towards the Pope by the Cardinalls with her Mother and a great traine of Ladies and the Arch-duke approched in like sort being followed by the Princes and Noblemen The King of Spaines procuration to the Arch-duke beeing read Foure personages of the same family of the same name and of the same armâ—s married togâ—ther the Pope did celebrate the marriage betwixt Philip the 3. King of Spaine in the person of Albert his Vncle substituted by him to that end and appeering in his name on the one part and Queene Marguerite being present on the other part She turning vnto her Throne all the Princes saluted her congratulating her marriage with wishes of all happinesse The Arch-duke continued still before the Pope vntill the Duke of Sessa came with the lâ—ke procuration from the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia which being read the sayd Infanta was married by her deputy to the Arch-duke Albert by the Popes hand The Masse being ended the Pope caused the married Qâ—eene to approch neere the Altar giuing vnto her a Roâ—e all of gold consecrated The Pope nuptâ—â—ll â—uiâ—t to the Qâ—enâ— of Spaine the which his Holinâ—sse doth vsually giue vnto Queenes and Princesses as hee is accustomed to send a Sword and a Hat to the chiefe Princes of Christendome From Ferrara the Queene went to Mantoua where the Duke reâ—eiued her very honorably and entertained her with her whole traine being esteemed to be 5000. men and 4000. horse nine whole daies from thence they passe by Cremona to Milan which belongs vnto the King of Spaine where they resolued to attend the Kings farther pleasure Let vs nowe see what passed in the Lowe Countries since the Arch-dukes departure from Bruxelles The Amirall of Arâ—â—goâ—s exploits in the Duchie of Iuâ—llieâ—s We haue noted in the 3. demaund which the Admiral of Arragon made vnto the Emperour that the Duke of Iuilliers was a widower without heires and weake of spirit which caused trouble in his Country whereof they had concluded the vsurpation at Bruxelles but it must haue some pretext A Peace being concluded in France the Arch-duke prepares to make Warre against the States hee leuies a great Army whereof he made the Admirall his Generall commanding him to passe the Meuze with all speede to enter into the Duke of Iuilliers Countrie and to seize vpon as many places as hee could vpon the Rhine and to fortifie them that hee might be the stronger vpon all occasions and haue thereby a more easie entry to make Warre in Frizeland Zuiphen and other Prouinces beyond the Rhine The Admirall according to his commandement passed the Meuze with his whole Army nere vnto Ruremonde in the beginning of September consisting of 178. Enseignes of foote of all nations Spaniards Italians Bourguignons Germains Wallons Irish and others making about 25000. foote and 25. companies of Horses besides 12. which hee had left in Brabant so as his whole armie was neere 30000. men Hauing past the Meuze hee dispersed his troupes in the Countrie of Iuilliers the Diocese of Cologne and there abouts so as approching the Rhine he sent the Colonel Barlotte to passe it first and to maintaine the passage for the rest the which he did at Kerckraet betwixt Cologne and Bonne whether hee drewe downe all the boates he could recouer hauing past onely with 800 men of his regiment and some field peeces with the which going downe the Rhine beneath Cologne hee chased away all the States shippes that were vpon the Riuer where hauing gathered togither all the barkes and boates he could find hee passed the rest of his regiment with some more artillery The Admiralâ— the Earle of Berghes and other Noblemen marched thither and approching neere the Rhine they came first with their troupes before Orsoy a place easie to fortifie lying vpon the Rhine belonging to the Duke of Cleues The Admirall summoned it desired to haue entraÌ„ce to passe the Rhine The Lord of Horst Marshal of Cleue-land and the Secretarie would haue made refusall pretending their neutralitie but the Inhabitants beeing terrefied and vpon promise that they would but passe the Rhine they suffred them to enter Hauing the Towne at his deuotion hee came before tâ—e Castle Oâ—soy yeelded to the Admiral Where there was a garrison of some souldiars of the Duke of Cleues 〈◊〉 hee did so terrefie threatning to hang them
Diuine Fortune We must not vse the inhumanitie of Gneus Pâ—so although he were an vpright man and free from many vices but hauing not the true rule of reason hee tooke rigour for a resolution of seueritie who being aduertised that two Souldiars going forth togither the one was returned without his companion he condemned him as a murtherer of him that was absent and as the condemned man was in the hands of the Executioner at the place of Iustice his companion whome they held to be dead returned This rigorous Iudge hearing that the officer had protâ—actâ—d the execution he caused him to be apprehended to be brought vnto the scaffold with him the Companion taking for a pretext that he was the cause of this mischeefe by his absence and to him he added the officer iudging him worthy of punishment for that he had brought backe the first condemned whome hee should haue presently executed according to the sentence It is not fit in all causes to stand so stifly vppon Iudgments as Alexander the Great did who had rather pay a fine for Athenodorus then remit it for somtimes a temper of humanitie is commendable as in this case Imitating the example of Pâ—ince Titus the Son of Vespasian when he deliuered Iosephus out of prison saying vnto the Emperour his Father after that hee had commaunded the prisoner to be vnbound It is reason O Father that with his bonds the dâ—shonor should be taken from Iosephus for he shall bee as if in the beginning he had not beene bound But if wee vnbind him we must cut the chaine for so they vse them that are vniustly bound A speech of a woâ—thie Prince witnessed by the History of Iosephus worthy to be spoken before a great King and well approued of by the Emperor As true lippes please Kings and they loue him that speakes iust things with a pure heart Pro. 16 v. 13.22.11 And therefore to make an end of the Plaintifs miserie with that of Iosephs the Court if it pleaâ—e hauing in some sort regard vnto their request shall set them at Libertie declaring them innocents of the cryme of hospitalitie violated and of the murther wherof they haue beene accused without adâ—udging vnto them notwithstanding any Reparation Charges Domages and interests against the Accuser seeing she hath not nor cannot be iudged a Slanderer So either partie obtayning what they may hope for by reason Pro. 21. v. 1. things iudged shall remayne in their authoritie and God who holds the Kings heart in his hand as little brooks of runing water inclyning to his will shall make him raine happely and his Posteritie after him as all good Frenchmen and true Christians doe wish by a happie Marriage so as our great Henry the fourth siting in the throne of Iustice Ibid. 20 v. 8. or represented by his Councellors mayntaining his Countries shall disperce all danger by his looke and euery one will say with Saloman the wel beloued of God That the seat of the King which iudgeth the poore iustly shall bee firme for euer Ibid 29. v. 14 The sentence of the Court vpon these Pleadings pronounced by the first President on Monday the 17. of Ianuary was confirmable to the conclusion taken by Monsâ—â—ur Aduocate for the Kings Atturney Generall 1600. The King and Duke tooke great pleasure to heare them Both gaue their opinions on them that had best pleaded but aboue all they commended the equity of the Court which dismissed the parties free froÌ„ further sute The King at the Dukes request graunted a pardon to a poore woman an Adulteresse that was condemned to die whose Adulterer had beene executed for that he had abused her being a house-hold seruant so had she beene in like sort but that she was found with Child This Pardon was granted by the King vnto the Duke notwithstanding any opposition made by the Court the Kings Councel shewing the consequence thereof His Maiesty would haue it passe of his absolute authority Yet vpon condâ—tion that shee should liue in perpetuall priâ—on and norrished at her Hus bands charge All these good receptions all these exerciâ—es al these pastimes did not make the Duke forget the care of his affaires he had sayd vnto Monsieur de Villeroy That he was not come to yeeld vp the Marquisate The King on the other side being at Fontainbleau sayd vnto him That he shold be alwaies his friend but he would haue his Marquisate The Duke was aduertised that the King had sayd priuatly in his Cabinet That the Duke was a braue and a gallant Prince yet he kept his Marquisate These words made him presume that â—he râ—port which the Cheualier Breton and Roncas had made vnto him that the King was desirous to see him and that they should agree was not true for whensoeuer the Dâ—ke spake â—o the King in priuate touching that businesse he desired him to referre it to their Councâ—â—ls And although this was a very important businesse yet the King had one which did presse him neerer which was his Marriage Being aduertised as wee haue formerly shewed by Sillery his Ambassador at Rome Monsier d' Alincourt come to Genua thâ—t the Pope had granted his desire touching the nullity of his marriage â—e sâ—nt Aâ—incourt Gouernor of Pontoise to thanke him and to aske his aduice vpon the alliance hee desiâ—ed to contract with the house of Florence He came to Lions to passe to Auignion by the riuer of Rhosne and so to Antibo whether the State of Genoa sent him a Galley well appointed to conduct him to their Citty where hee was receiued with all the honors fit for the greatnesse of the Prince that sent him and worthy of the credit reputation which the name of Villeroy carries among the friends of this Crowne They did cast lots there where he should be lodged which fell to the Pallace of Grimaldy where hee was defraied two daies at the charges of the State The Ambassador of Spaine went to visit him He came to Rome on Ashewedensday the 6. of Fâ—buary He went to the Senate was seated in the Dukes place and â—aw the order they held in their Councells and Deliberations where they graunted him liberty for two Galley-slaues Frenchmen that were in the Gallies of the Seigneury the one was a Parisian and the other a Lionois which they esteemed a fit fauour to gratefie a Prince He went in post to Rome the Ambassador met him with a great number of French Gentlemen hee lodged him in his house and the second day of his arriuall he had audience of the Pope He continued in Rome â—ntill Easter during his aboad he did see the Vice-roy of Naples make his entry into Rome comming to do homage vnto the Pope for the Realme of Naples presenting vnto him a white Steede for an acknowledgemeÌ„t of the see â—000 ounces of gold comes to fourescore thousand Crownes for the inuestiture of Naples for that it is
manner of great men in Turky with a Persiâ—n Ciâ—iter all glistering with gold and precious stones with many other presents among the which were fethers of Hearnes and Cranes al black the which are excellent among them there were also two red Enseigns 7 Horses a braue Falcon exquisitely set out· which presents were after their manner carried aloft before the sayd Palatin Hee holding the right hand as Lord and the Ambassador the left they entred into Cronstat the souldiars standing of either side whilst the Cannon shot off in signe of â—oy The Emperours Agents were there and beheld all this the Palatin doubing theâ— would enter into some iealousie called them wished them not to bee moued for all this nor to thinke that hee would incline to the Turkes friendship and that he would alwayes doe what should be reason but that hee could doe no leste then intreat this Ambassador ciuilly and honorably if hee would not be reputed discourteous Notwithstanding he intreated them to cause George Basta to retyre for some prâ—uat respects that were betwixt them and that they should cause some other to come The Emperours Agents made shewe to beleeue him and presented him with thâ—râ—ie thousand Crownes in the Emperors name wherwith he was not very well pleased This George Basta had beene Lieutenant of the Emperors army in Transiluania since that Sâ—gâ—smona Batterie would haue yeelded it to the Emperour George Basta the Palatinâ— of Valaâ—hia hate one another and afterwards repented him giuing it to Cardinall Andrew his Kinsman The Palatins hatred against Basta was for that he had discouered the Intelligences that he had with the Turke and aduertised the Emperour thereof In the meane time the Valachian blinded with this great victorye against Battory treated with the Emperors Agents by Atticles First he would that Transiluania the which he sayd belonged to him and to his Son by heredâ—tarie right should remaine vnto him demaunding moreouer Varadin Hust The Valachians demands of the Emâ—our Nagban and the coâ—fiâ—es of Hangary Secondly hee would haue the same pensions that SigismoÌ„d Batory had where-withall to maintaine an army coÌ„tinually on foot Thirdly that the Emperour and other Christian Princes should promise to reduce him in case he were taken prisoner by the Turke And moreouer if he should be expelled Valachia and Transiluania that they should giue him a hundred thousand Crownes yearely to maintaine him like a Prince and vpon these conditions he would stand firme to the Christian party and would vndertake to bring in subiection vnto the Emperor aâ—l the Country lying from the Ponticke Sea vnto Buda Alba regalis and Solnoâ— so as he might be Lord of the Riuer of Tibische These insolent demands did offend the Emperors Agents and were the cause of the Valachians ruine In the meane time Sigismond Batory hauing taken armes againe and ioyned with Ierome Vauoide of Moldauia made a Campe volant of meane forces consisting of Moldauians Polonians Turks and Tartarians The Valachian goes to incounter Batorie with fiftye thousand men the which hee ledde through the Mountaines where for want of victualls they were forced to eate leaues of trees Notwithstanding Batory and Ierome beeing terrified fled into Poland The Palatin seizeth vpon Moldauia where Ierome was much hated for his exactions He made them to take an oth as well to the Emperor as to himselfe and his Sonne Then hee seekes for his enemy who was towards the Riuer of Danuby The Moldauian Batory defeated with thirty thousand men at a strong Castle called Ortan He gaue him battell and wonne it with the losse of twoe thousand men but the Moldauian lost eight thousand men The Valachian after he had setled his Sonne in Moldauia retired himselfe into Transiluania At that time Zamoscki the great Chancellor of Poland leuied a newe army The Polonians leuy an army to reduce Moldauia to the ancient Gouernment of the Polonians This Army recouered Moldauia and conquered almost all Valachia The Valachian aduertised the Lieutenant of the Emperours Armye in high Hungary to be ready in case of necessity and the Emperor himselfe whom he promised by his letters to serue very faithfully so as he would call Basta out of Transiluania but it fell out contrary for Doctor Petzen the Emperors Ambassador commanded him to obey Basta the which did so transport him with rage as he vsed all cruelty against the Noblest Houses of Transiluania tormenting some and putting others to death The Valachiâ—â— abâ—ndonâ—d by his friends for his cruelty the which purchased him the hatred of all men and his friends forsooke him euen Moyses Secala who had before assisted him more then any other abandoned him so as he lyued in feare on all sides of the Turkes the Tartars the Polonians Maldouians and Transiluanians Basta vpon this occasion of hatred drew the Transiluanians vnto him by loue and taking Clausembourg Basta receiued Vauâ—dâ— of Transiluania for the Emperoâ—r the cheefe towne all the Estates of Transiluania came vnto him receiued him for their Vauoide in the Emperors name The Valachian remained at Visbourg with an army of 18000. men being resolued to attend his enemie but George Basta surprised and defeated him hauing lost 4000. 〈◊〉 The Valachian retired himselfe into the Mountaines The Valachian defeated which deuides Valachia from â—ranâ—siluania but being there the Moldauian and Batory charge him and bring him to thaâ— extremitie as he was forced to submit himselfe with all humilitie to the Emperour deliuering into his hands his Treasor Wife and Children for Hostages And so the Valachian came to Vienna where hee was honorably receiued by the Archduke 〈◊〉 and stayed there by commandement vntill that that the Emperour came to Prague In the meane time the Transiluanians mutyned and threatned to yeeld themselues vnto the Turke if they would not grant them certaine conditions so as the Emperour would haâ—e sent his Brother Maximillian the Archduke vnto them to goâ—eâ—â—ie them but he excused himselfe And the Valachians being opprest by the Zamosâ—â—â— â— Polonois demanded Michel their Palatin or Despot or some other for that they would not obey the Moldauians Brother The reuolt and treason of two hundred souldiars in Pappa and their punishment whome the Polonois had giuen them for their Despot wherewith the Emperour was much troubled as you shall heare hereafteâ— About this time there were 2000. souldiars most of them Wallouns and French which were mutined in Pappa a fort of importance for that their pay stayed to long making a cruell reuolt whereof sixe among them were the cheefe Authors First they elected one called La Mot for their Cheefe and forced the rest to consent else they would kill them Their conspiracie was to yeeld vnto the Turke and to that end they had taken Michael Marot their Gouernour prisoner and others that comanded in the â—ort to deliuer them vnto the Turkes They set all the Turkish prisoners at libertie and sent