That his Brother Charles lately Duke of Normandie should haue twelue thousand Franckes a yeare rent for his portion The treatie of Ancenis issuing out of some lands which should carrie the title of a Dukedome or Countie and three score thousand Frankes for his pension In the meane time Charles of Bourgongne at the instance of his allies was alreadie aduanced to Peronne Then had Pope Pius the 2. sent a Legate into France for the renunciation of the Pragmatick Sanction made by Lewis at his comming to the Crowne The Patents are read in the Chastelet without contradiction Balue comes to the Palace the first of October to haue them in like sort published But Maister Iohn of S. Romain the Kings Proctor generall opposeth himselfe directly against the execution thereof The Kings Proctor generall opposeth himselfe sâ—outly against the Poâ—es proceedings notwithstanding the iniurious threats of the said Cardinall Replying saieth the Originall that he had rather loose both his offâ—ce and all his wealth then to doe a thing against his conscience to the hurt of the Realme and preiudice of the Kings dignitie In the end the Rector of the Vniuersitie for then they mainteined by faithfull obedience their ancient authoritie and the Deputies thereof go to the Legat they appeale from him and the effect of the said Letters to the holy Councell the like they doe in all other places where need required They protest the like at the Chastelet and depart not before their opposition be registred Herevpon the King sends the said Legat and Cardinall with Iohn Ladriesche Treasurer of France to the Duke of Bourgongne to signifie vnto him the accord made with his Brother and the Duke of Brittanie and to treate of a peace with the said Duke of Bourgongne but alwaies tending to diuide him from them and for a baite he promiseth to giue him sixe score thousand Crownes of gold the one halfe to be paide before he dislodgeth for the charges of his leuie and hoping to winne him wholy to his will he concludes of an enterview at Peronne by the meanes of the sayd Balue and to this effect the Duke writes him a Letter with his owne hand as a warrant to go and come Lewis solicits the Liegeois to a new rebellion And in the meane time that Charles busied at home should no wayes hinder Lewis in the warre he pretended to make in Brittanie for he still gaped after the conquest of that Prouince he had sent againe vnder-hand to sollicite the Liegeois to a new sedition wherevnto they were too prompt for their owne good they arme and by stealth surprise Tongres and carrie their Bishoppe with many Chanoines whome they hated to the death prisoners to Liege Yet somewhat respecting the Legates presence they were content to pull out the hearts of fiue or sixe of them in sight of the Bishop with an outragious violence hewing one of them into many peeces the which with a brutish derision they cast one at another like vnto Tennis Balles These two Princes liued in continuall distrust and feared one another for the safetie of their persons at this meeting they fortifie themselues with great forces Lewis to free the Duke of all iealousie comes ill accompanied but he is followed by Iohn Duke of Bourbon his brother in lawe the Cardinall brother to the sayd Duke the Constable of Saint Paul the Cardinall Balue a man which dealt much in matters of armies and State by Tannegui of Chastel newly receiued into fauour and many other commanders of troupes Charles had sent for the Armie of Bourgongne where there were many Noblemen in former times ill intreated by the King as Anthonie Châ—steauneuf Lord of Lau who had escaped from Vsson a strong place in Auuergne where Lewis kept him prisoner vnder the garde of Charles of Melun who sauing his owne head imbâ—ued three scaffolds with bloud with that of Charles at Loches of Remonet sonne to the wife of Charles at Tours and of the Kings Proctor at Vsson in Meaux Lewis and the Duke of Bourgongne meete at Peronne Poncet de Riuiere d'vrfe who was after Maister of the Kings Horse three Princes of the house of Sauoy that is to say the Lord of Bresse the Bishop of Geneue and the Earle of Rhosmond Bretheren followed by many Gentlemen Sauoyards and Bourguignons The King seeing all these within the Towne and the armie lodged thereabout findes that hee wrought politicklie but cunning is preuented by cunning So the prouidence of God blindes man in his owne malice and shadowes his eyes to confound him in his fraudulent desseignes And to increase his folly he requires the Castell of Charles to lodge in for that the greatest parte of those that were last come were ill affected vnto him What then an enemie that had a desire to crosse the policies of his aduersarie would hee refuse him this Cage that sought to intangle himselfe in his owne snare yet he perswads him to feare nothing 1468. Let Princes learne not to commit themselues rashelie to such assemblies the very baits of deceyts collusions and periuries The newes of this second mutiny at Liege being reported vnto the Duke he sodenly causeth the gates both of Towne and Castell to be shut but vnder a colde pretext That one had lost a male full of iewells and money Lewis seing himselfe coopt vp and many archers at the gate being lodged moreouer right against a great Tower wheras that Earle of VermaÌ„dois had once caused Charles the simple his predecessor to die blame him not if hee feared So as an antient sayed malice drinkes the greatest part of her owne poison They could not treat of a more important matter then the life of a King of â—rance and of his Estate Charles doth first impart this businesse to some of his Chamberlaines and groomes of his Chamber amongest others to the Lord of Argenton to whome the King since gaue this commendation Philip de Comâ—â—â—â— to haue beene a great helpe in this pacificâ—tion of Peronne who then tempered this splene all they could He holds a counsell the most part of the second day and almost the whole night hauing all the desire in the world to do the King a shrewd turne who in the meane time practiseth with all vehemencie such as he thought might serue him he vnfurnisheth his most trusty seruants being farre from his treasure commands to make distribution of fifteene thousand crownes but the comissarie retayned a part as the King was since aduertised he giues to some and promiseth to others In the ende their resolution in counsell was That Lewis his exâ—use should be admitted who did sweare that hauing sent his Ambassadors to Liege euen when as the Duke did arme against France the great affection he had to a finall and vniuersall peace had so transported him as he had forgot to countermand them Thus promise beeing made to Charles of Bourgongne to accompany him at his request in the
promises By meanes of this accord the Pope returnes to the Vatican the Pontificall Pallace where the King made his filiall submissioÌ„ obtaines 2. Cardinalls hats the one for the Bishop of Mans being of the house of Luxembourg the other for Brisonnet Bishop of S. Malo and for himselfe the title of Emperour of Constantinople and a promise to inuest him in the realme of Naples without any preiudice to an others right and then he cured many of the Kings euill And to shewe that as eldest sonne in the Church hee had as great iurisdiction as the Pope with in Rome Hee caused three seats for Iustice 〈…〉 made 1495. and execution to be done of some that were guilty of a sedition made in tâ—e â—ewes streete Ferdinand was no sooner parted out off Rome but the hatred which the people bare to the house of Arragon shewed it selfe The tyranous oppressions of Ferdinand father 〈◊〉 Alphonso were yet freshe The I le of Iscâ—ie flowed yet with the bloud of foure-and twenty Princes and Barons that had returned vpon his word who being impryâ—â—ned after the reuolt of ArragoÌ„ Alphonso to make his coÌ„ming to the crowne famous 〈◊〉 barbarously to be slaine amongest others The crueltie of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the Duke of Sesser his owne Vncle the Prince of Rosane whohad married the sister of Ferdinand his father Ferdinand had 〈…〉 without saith a disseÌ„bler cruel violent a great exactor infamous a rauisher â—f wâ—meâ— irreligious witnesse the Bishoprike of Tarentum the which he sold to a 〈◊〉 thirteene thousand ducats for his sonne who he had sayd was a Châ—istian Alphonso had the same qualities and moreouer he was d ssolute impious The 〈…〉 against theâ— and wicked Herevnto were added the old relikes of the Angeuin faction which might helpe much to â—reede an alteration Thus the people of Naples rise Aguila and Abruzzo aduance their enseignes Fabricio Collonnois keepes al in awe about Albia Taillecoâ—sse al the rest of the Realme was ready to rebell But that which most imports the furies of his owne conscience torment him He thinkes that the ghosts of these murthered Noblemen appeere vnto him Alphonso 〈◊〉 with horriâ—le apprehensions that the trees and stones sound into his eares the names of France He sees his subiects ready to reuenge the bloud shed against his fayth Thus vnable to withstand both a foraine and a homebred enemy he causeth his sonne Ferdinand to be crowned whose yong yeares had yet giuen no cause of scandall and wâ—th foure light Galleis laden with all kindes of wine wherevnto hee was much giuen seeds to gardin withall some Ieweles a little money he fled to Marare in Sicile 〈◊〉 crownes his sonne and flies where he sodeÌ„ly changed his horrible excesse into a Monkish life assisting the reâ—igious at al houres of seruice both day and night liuing in abstinence almes and praiers but oppressed with the hemroâ—â—s and grauell he died being ready to shut himselfe vp in a monastery at Valentia the great This flight made the Kings way more easie and verified the saying of Pope Alexander That the French were come with wodden spurres chalke in their harbingers hands to marke out their loâ—ging without any difficulty Alluding it to the priâ—kes of wood which pages and lackeys put in the heeles of their masters shoes when they ride vpon their moyles And in truth Henâ—y dies our Frenchmens backes were not much inflamed with their armes in this expedition not any one place staying the king aboue a day but the Castelles of Naples The King going from Rome comes to Vellâ—â—re from whence the Cardinalâ— of Valentia his fathers right sonne stoale from his maiesty From Vellitre he 〈…〉 Montfortin a Towne belonging to the Church strong of situation yet was 〈◊〉 taken in fewe houres All that were fouâ—d in armes were slaine except 〈◊〉 three sonnes of Iames Comâ—é a Romain gentleman Lord of the â—owne who preferring the hatred hee bare the Colonnois before his honour had left the Kings pay 〈…〉 Alphonso These with some others beeing retyred into the Castell yeelded then sâ—lues prysoners vpon viewe of the Cannon Mont-Saint-Ian a Towne belonging to the 〈◊〉 of Pescare seated in the same plaiâ—e Moâ—â— Saint 〈◊〉 tâ—ken and burnt vpon the coâ—fines of the kingdome of Naples strong both by arte and nature fortified with three hundred strangers and fiâ—e hundred inhabitants which were resolute to defend their state yet was it in one 〈◊〉 beseeged battred assailed and taken in the Kings presence Seauen hundred and 〈◊〉 were slayne in the fury of the fight and bâ—t thirty French and to terrifie the rest 〈◊〉 burnt â—e are nowe readie to enter The Arragonois must shew his courage Ferdinand 〈◊〉 King assembles all the forces he can hauing fiftie cornets ofhorse six thouâ—sand choâ—se foote vnder the most expeâ—t Captaines of Italy and campes at Saint Germaine The place is of easie defence on the one side an high and in accessible mountaine on the other side the waters hinders the approch in front is the Garillan a riuer vneasie to passe not far off is the passage of Cancello a mountaine which of necessitie they must passe It is the keye of the whole realme here must they fight or giue way But this army was daunted without courage and without force the name of the French had amazed them The first entry of the French into the realme of Naples and the captaines partly desirous of innouation partly greedy of better intertaynment wauered in their faith and courage The Marshall of Gié approcheth with three hundred Launces and 2000 foote but terror goes before him In this amazement both Cancello and Saint Germaine are shamefully abandoned and eight peeces of great artillerie are taken to thunder hereafter in fauour of the French Capoua was sufficient to receiue the army which marched after the Forward rather like trauellers then men of war Capua yeelded without order without coÌ„mandement without obedience the soldiers gaping after nothing but spoile The situation is very strong hauing Vulturno before it a riuer very deepe in that place but their resolution was like to that of Saint Germaine and to increase it as Ferdinand made account to defend it and by that meanes to hold Naples and Caiette The Queene his Grandmother sends him word that since the losse of Saint Germaine there was so great a tumult at Naples as all would be in an vnprore if he came nor speedily He goes and promiseth to returne the next day But Iohn Iaques of Triuulce towhome he had giuen the Towne in gard comes with some gentlemen of Capua to the King being at Calui he presents him the Towne his seruice and makes an offer to bring Ferdinand The King accepts the Capuans offer and the coming of Ferdinand vpon condition that he retaine no portion within the realme but should content himselfe with such meanes as he should giue him
King more â—euer subiects gaue with greater ioy to their Soueraigne then the French did to hâ—m â—haâ— glorious surname of Father of his people FRANCIS the first of that name 58. King of France FRANCES THE I. KING OF FRANCE .58 1515. HAppie is that Realme saith the wise man which fals not into a childs hands This was the first comfort which reuiued the hearts of the French oppressed with mourning and heauinesse for the death of their good King Lewis the twelfth The second was that they cast their eyes vppon a worthie successor a Prince well borne iudicious and of a generous spirit liberall courteous in the prime of his age and fit for gouernment affable to the people fauorable to the Clergie pleasing to the Nobilitie who doe naturally loue their Princes good countenance and that which all subiects admire in their Soueraine of an excellent beautie Thus capable was he of the royall dignitie Francis being then two and twentie yeares old before Duke of Valois and Earle of Angoulesme tooke vppon him the gouernment of this Monarchie as sonne to Charles Earle of Angoulesme sonne to Iohn Earle of Angoulesme who was the yongest sonne of Lewis Duke of Orleans murthered by the Bourguignon at Paris in the time of Charles the sixth who was also the yongest sonne of King Charles the fiâ—t Hee was anointed at Rheims the fiue and twentith of Ianuary being attended on by the Dukes of Bourbon and Alanson the Earles of Montpensier Vendosme and Saint Paul the Prince of Roche-sur-Yon al of the house of Bourbon Then hauing made his entry into Paris a sollemne Tournie kept in Saint Anthonies street he confirmed all the ancient officers of the Crowne and to suppâ—ie those which were vacant hee creaâ—ed Charles Duke of Bourbon Constable of France being void by the death of Iohn the second Duke of Bourbon Anthonie Prat Chancellor for then Steuen Poncher Bishoppe of Paris was keeper of the seale Charles of Bourbon Earle of Vendosme Gouernour of the I le of France making the said Countie a Duchie and a Peere of France the Lord of Lautree Gouernour of Guienne Palisse Marshall of France Boisi his gouernour in his youth Lord Steward and Superintendant of his house with whome he ioyned Fleuremonde Robertet His dessâ—â—ins Secretarie of State With this title of King of France he tooke vppon him that of the Duke of Milan not onely as descending of the house of Orleans the true heire of that Duchie but also as comprehended in the inuestiture made by the Emperour according to the treatie of Cambraye And for that hee succeeded equally both to the Crowne and the desire his Predecessor had to recouer that goodly estate of Milan he therfore to worke it with more facilitie renued the peace made betwixt the deceased King and the King of England sending home Mary the widoâ—e of Lewis with a dowrie of threescoore thousand Crownes a yeare· who afterwards married with the Duke of Suffolke Hee also confirmed the alliance this Crowne had with the Senat of Venice The Archduke Charles sent a very honorable Ambassage to the King whereof the Earle of Nassau was the cheefe to doe him homage for the Counties of Flanders Arthois and other Lands which held of this Crowne and the which gaue great hope of a future peace betwixt these two Princes both being yong but marked for great matters to treat a marriage betwixt the said Charles and Renèe the Queenes sister who was after wife to the Duke of â—errare And for that the sayd Earle was greatly fauoured by the Prince Charles the King desirous to gratifie him caused him to marrie with the daughter of the Prince of Orange bred vp in his Court. Charles was yet vnder age but so carefully instructed by that wise Lord of Chieures of the house of Croye whome the deceased King Lewis had made choise of to gouerne him in his youth for that Philippe the father of Charles had by his testament intreated Lewis to accept the charge of his sonne that euen in his yonger yeares hee made him capable to vnderstand the affaires presenting vnto him all pacquets that came causing him to make report thereof vnto his Councell and to determine all things in his presence He did foresee that after the death of Ferdinand his grandfather by the mother the French might crosse him in his passage from Fâ—anders into Spaine holding it dangerous to stand in the midest betwixt the Kings of France and England vnited togither and not to fortâ—fie himselfe with this common alliance Moreouer his subiects of the low Countries would haue no warres with the Realme of France The King likewise desired to take from him all motiues to gouerne himselfe hereafter by the councell of his two grandfathers They therefore agreedâ— That the marriage proceeding betwixt the Archduke and Rene the King should giue him six hundred thousand Crownes and the Duchie of Berry for euer to her and to heires vppon condition she should renounce all rights of inheritance both from father and mother namely to the Duchies of Milan and Brittanie That after the death of the Catholike King the King should ayd the Archduke with men and shippes to goe and receiue his Realmes of Spaine The Arragonois demaunded a continuance of the truce but the King meaning to put out that clause Not to molest the Duchie of Milan during the truce their parle was fruitlesse The Emperour who ioyned his desseins to the councels of Ferdinand opposed against the amitie of the French The Suisses were as forward as before As for the Pope Francis desired to be freed from all bond to him that he mightt resolue for the best according to the course of his affaires To build vpon these foundations he now imployes his Captaines men at armes and the prouisions which his Predecessor had first prepared and makes his armie march with speed to Lions whether his Maiestie comes in Iuly An armie â—o all in the Duchie of 〈◊〉 hauing left the Regencie of the Realme to Louise of Sauyoe his mother The Duke of Bourbon Constable led the foreward accompanied with his brother Francis newly created Duke of Castelleraud the Marshals of Palisse and Triuulce Charles of Tremouille Prince of Talmont sonne to Lewis Vicont of Touars the Earle of Sancerre the Baron of Beard the Lords of Bonniuet Imbercourt and Teligni Seneshall of Rouergue Peter of Naurrre whome the King had drawen to his seruice giuing him his libertie without ransome commaunded six thousand Gascons and the Lords of Lorges grandfather to the late Mongomeries Pirault of Margiron Richbourg Iorteil little Lainet Onatilleu Hercules of Daulphine and Captaine Commarque euery one commaunding fiue hundred foote making foure thousand and eight or nine thousand Lansquenets led by Charles Duke of Guelders The King led the battaile followed by the Duke of Vendosme Lorraine and Albania the Earle of Saint Paul Claude of Lorraine Earle of Guise brother to the Duke of Lorraine the
the King and such as were held by Inheritance appertayned vnto her as the next heire and daughter to a sister of the sayd Peter married with the Duke of Sauoye The sute depended in the Court of Parliament at Paris Charles eyther distrusting the equity of his cause or fearing least the Regents authority should preuaile against his right so by consequence dispossesse him choosing rather to abandon his Country then to liue in want he practiseth with the Emperour by the meanes of Adrian of Croy Earle of Reux and to make the articles of his transaction the more strong hee obtaynes a promise from the Emperour to marry Eleonor his sister widow to Emanuel King of Portugall The King being past the Alpes the Constable should inuade Bourgongne with twelue thousand Germains which should bee secretly leuied by the Emperour and King of England who at the same instant should inuade Picardie whilest the Spaniards recouered Fontarabâ—e as they did Of their Conquests he onely reserued Prouence pretending to call himselfe King of Prouence as belonging vnto him sayd he by the house of Anâ—ou yeelding all the rest to the English A practise sufficient to shake France before the King being absent with his forces should returne in any time to succour it But they reckoned without their host and the gardian of this Crowne did preuent them for Argouges and Marignon gentlemen of Normandie and house-hold seruants to the Duke had aduertised the King of his pretended retreat to the Emperour but they were ignorant of the agreement made betwixt them To diuert him from this resolution the King passing by Molins did visit the Duke in his chamber who made a shewe to be sick and that cunningly I vnderstand sayd the King of some practises which the Emperour makes to withdrawe the loue you vndoubtedly beare vnto the Crowne as issued and neere allyed to the house of France I do not beleeue that you haue giuen eare to any such perswasions mooued with any dislike of mee or of my realme Some feare of distrust to loose your offices hath perchance made a breach in the loue you haue alwayes made shewe of Let not this conceyt trouble you I promise you in case you should loose your sute against my selfe and my mother to restore you to the possession of all your goods Prepare therefore to followe mee after your recouerie in the voiage of Italie The Duke being very wise dissembled his intent cunningly confessing vnto the King that in truth the Earle of Reux had sought him for the Emperour but he would giue no eare vnto him that his intention was to haue aduertised his Maiestie at the first view being loth to commit it to any mans report that the Physitians gaue him hope to be soone able to go in a litter and that he would not faile to come to Lions to receiue his Maiesties commandements But considering that he had to deale with too strong a partie and that hardly he should enioy his goods which were alreadie sequestred by a decree of the Court he retired to Chantelles in the beginning of September a house of his owne where he had the most sumptuous moueables that any Prince could haue From thence he sent the Bishop of Autun of the house of Hurauts to the King with instructions signed with his hand promising To serue his Maiestie well and loyally in all places whensoeuer it should please him during his life and without any breach vpon restitution of the possessions of Peter of Bourbon The King finding this manner of proceeding hard and insolent sent the Bastard of Sauoy Lord Steward of France and the Marshall of Chabannes with foure hundred men at armes the Captaines of his gardes and the Prouost of his house to besiege the Duke in Chantelles And vnderstanding that many Lansequenets did troupe together vpon the frontier of Bourgogne he caused the Bishop of Autun the Chancellor of Bourbonois the Lord of Cars Saint Vallier Bussy brother to Palisse Emard de Prie la Vauguion and many others to be taken prisoners who for the loue of him were content to abandon their country families and goods notwithstanding they found grace with the King But the Duke despairing of his estate resolued to hazard all and to begin a furious Tragedie in the which we shall see our Francis act the part of an vnfortunate prisoner of the warres and Charles reserued for a bloudie and tragicke end The Duke of Bourbon flies disguised He disguiseth himselfe and taking the Lord of Pomperant for his onely companion whose seruant he seemed to be After many turnings being often feared as appeares in the Originals the wayes being layed and the passages stopt or full of troupes marching into Italy he recouers the French Court and so by Ferrete crossing through Germanie he came into Italy and according to the choise which the Emperour gaue him eyther to passe into Spaine or to remaine in Italie with his armie in the end hee continued at Genes to see the end of these two great armies The Marshall and Lord Steward seized vpon Chantelles with the moueables of Carâ—at and generally of all the lands of the house of Bourbon for the King In the meane time the Marshall of Montmorency had made such speed as his twelue thousand Suisses were ioyned with the Admirall attending the Kings comming at Turin But his presence was necessarie in France there were strange practises against him He therefore sends part of his forces to the Admirall and commands him to execute the enterprise of Milan as they two had concluded Hee had eighteene hundred Launces twelue thousand French ten thousand Suisses Six thousand Lansquenets and three thousand Italians a sufficient armie for a great attempt but want of iudgement to imbrace occasions and negligence of his businesse made the Admirall loose the opportunitie to recouer Milan at the first and to bee vnfortunate in this voyage Prosper Colonne considering the Venetians league with the Emperour and the treachâ—â—â—e of the Duke of Bourbon could not beleeue that the King should continue constant in his resolution to inuade the Duchie of Milan that yeare This perswasiâ—n had made him carelesse to make necessarie prouision for this warre But now noâ—â—â—thstanding his infirmitie he imployes all his meanes and forces to keepe the French from passing the riuer of Tesin neglecting to repaire the Bastions and Rampars of the Suburbes of Milan being for the most part ruined and spoiled But the French finding the waters lowe some passed at a Foard others in Boates about sâ—me foure myles from the imperiall Campe making a Bridge for the Artillerye Colonne knowing that an incounter of the French is verye dangerous in their fiâ—st heate retired into Milan and finding the Cittizens and Souldiars wonderfully amazed seeing no meanes to keepe the Cittie in the estate it was he abandons it to prouide for the defense of Laude Without doubt the captious propositions of an enemie must be duly examined and moreouer an
her Vncle who in the end of their parlee at the Kings request creaâ—ed foure Cardinals the Cardinall of Veneur Bishop of Lisieux and chiefe Almnâ—◠〈◊〉 King one borne of those three notable houses Chastillon Chambre and 〈◊〉 This done the Pope imbarked for Rome the 20. of Nouember and the King to 〈…〉 way to Auignon Here the King resolued in his priuie Counsell vpon a request made vnto him as well by Christopher sonne to the Duke of Wirtemberg both in â—is owne name and 〈◊〉 fathers spoiled of their estates seuenteene yeares since by the Emperour Charlâ—s aâ—d Ferdinand his brother as also by Lewis and William Dukes of Bauiere his Vncleâ— The mother of Christopher was Daughter of a sister to Maximilian Grand-fâ—ther to the sayd Emperour and King of Romaines and the consummation of the marrâ—â—ge of Eleonor their sister with his Maiestie gaue the Father and the sonne hope that tâ—e King in fauour of this alliance interposing his authoritie for them that were pâ—â—led should eyther procure restitution of Ferdinand for these Dukes or refusing Iustâ—ce to purchase him the hatred of all Germanie which in the end might by open foâ—ce dâ—sposesse him of the Duchie of Wirtemberg and of the name of King of the Romaines The King did greatly desire to see these Dukes restored to their estates and to that end would willingly haue opened his purse to weaken the Emperours and 〈◊〉 bâ—others forces and by the same meanes to confirme the amities which he had pâ—rchâ—sed in Germanie and to procure new requiting the Emperour who â—ought by aâ—l meanes to take from the King his ancient alliances But hee sought to 〈…〉 protection of these afflicted Princes in such sort as no man might iustly châ—â—â—eâ—ge him to haue broken the treatie of Cambray Hee therefore sent the Lord of 〈◊〉 with commission to do â—or these Dukes whatsoeuer were in his power not 〈◊〉 contradicting the conuentions and to conclude the consignation of a hundred 〈◊〉 Crownes into the hands of the Dukes of Bauiere with a sufficient bâ—â—d to his Maiestie reseruing notwithstanding this clause That his money should not be 〈◊〉 to the inuasion of any one but onely for the defence of the ancient customes and 〈…〉 the Empire The publike and priuate perswasions of Langey were of such efficacie as that ancient and great League of Sueue which had continued three score and ten yeares to the benefit of the house of Austria was disanulled But for that the â—eintegration of these Dukes could not bee made but by armes they couered iâ—â—ith this expedient That the Duke of Wirtemberg should sell the Countie of Montbeliard whereof he was Lord vnto the King for six score thousand Crownes vpon condition that he might redeeme it which money he might imploy to his vse either in peace or war without any â—reach on the Kings part to the articles of Cambray So the Landgraue of Hessen chiefe of this present League and the Dukes of Bauiere and Wirtemberg with their allies went sodenly to field with an armie before the Emperor or his brother could crosse their attempts restoring them that were spoiled to the possession of their Duchie and soone after 1534. they repayed the Kings money within thirtie or fortie thousand Crownes for the which the Dukes of Bauiere were answerable and the Countie of Montbelliard was restored vnto them Let vs now see what catastrophe the Popes rashe censure giuen against Henry King of Eâ—gland shall cause Henry was wonderfully incensed against the Apostolick Sea Estate of England by reason of the iniustice he said was done him in that they had refused to send him coÌ„mâ—ssioners to tâ—ke knowledge of his cause and of the contempt done to his authoritie in that they would disdainfully force him to abandon his realme and appeare personally at Rome Notwithstanding by the perswasions of Iohn du Bellay Bishop of Paris whom the King had sent vnto him presently after his enterview with the Pope hee granted that in case the Pope would surcease from the sayd sentence vntill he had sent Iudges to be heard that he would likewise surcease from his intention to withdraw himselfe wholy from the obedience of Rome The Bishop offers himselfe to go to Rome to that end Henry intreates him and assures him that hauing obtained his demand he will giue him authoritie presently to confirme what he had yeelded vnto The matter was not yet desperate but the Consistorie of Rome gaâ—e so short a time to haue an answer from the King of England as the Poste came short two dayes at his returne The terme expired they proceed hastily to the confiâ—mation of the curses and censures Troubles through the Popes rash hasty procâ—eding notwithstanding the Bâ—shops instance to obtaine six dayes delay seeing the King of England had wauered six yeares before he fell Two dayes were scarse past after the prefixed time but the poste arâ—iuing with authoritie and declarations from England did greatly amaze those hastie Cardinals who afterwards could finde no meanes to amend that which they had marred The matter saieth the Originall was so hasted as that which could not bee finished in three consistories was done in one This indignitie done to the King of England and the small respect they had to his Maiestie caused both him and his reaâ—me to shake off the yoake of the Romaine obedience declaring himselfe immediatly vnder God supreame head of the Church of England In the meane time the King not able to get by Iustice a reparation of the vnworthy death of his Ambassador at Milan hee studied to haue his reuenge by armes To this end following the example of the Romaines he erected in euery Prouince of his realme a Legion of sixe thousand foote vnder the command of six Gentlemen who for euery thousand should haue two Lieutenants and vnder euery Ensigne fiue hundred men who in time of peace should once a yeare make a generall muster and the Captaines should know their names and surnames with the dwellings of euery one to haue them ready at all commands Then he sent William Earle of Fustemberg into Germanie to make a leauie of twentie Ensignes of Lansquenets and demanded passage of the Duke of Sauoy through his Countrie to bee reuenged of the wrong done him by the Dâ—ke of Milan The Sauoisien refuseth it which causeth our Francis to demand the portion of Louyse of Sauoye his mother sister to the sayd Duke children to Philip Duke of Sauoy Philip had to his first wife a daughter of Bourbon New motiâ—â—â— of warre in Sauoy by whom he had Philibert Duke of Sauoy and Lowyse the Kings mother Then he had to his second wife a Daughter of Ponthieure by whom hee had Charles who is now in question and the Earle of Geneua afterwards Duke of Nemours Philibert was dead without children and therefore the King challenged a good portion in the succession of Sauoy his mother comming of the first venter and sole heire to the
should feede the Emperour with the hope of a battaile they might refresh the beseeged The 29. of October hee had drawen into Capelle twelue hundred sheepe nine score cattell six hundred sacks of meale with so many horses and men euery one carrying a sacke vpon his horse The enemy roade vp and downe with a thousand or twelue hundred horse Notwithstanding Langey hauing ioyned with Sansacs troupe being resolute to passe on or to sell their liues deerely he causeth his peasants to march in battaile like to men of warre to the end the enemy discouering them a far off should hold them to be men of an other quality Thus they brought their victualls safely to Landrecy and then retyring a contrary way to that where the Imperialls attend them they returned safely to la Capelle Our men are now victualed for fifteene daies but they hâ—ue neede of rest and the place to be refresshed with men The Emperour finding the King to approch retyred on this side the water gathering â—ogither all his forces which were before diuided and his maiesty imbracing this occasion sends the Earle of Saint Paul and the Admiral of Annebault to retire them 〈◊〉 of Landrecy who had suffred much for his seruice to supplie the place with fresh sâ—lâ—iars They lâ—â—t the Lord of Veruein for the Kings Lieutenant commanding a thousaâ—d men of the Legion of Picardie and Rochebaron fiue hundred la Lande and la Chapellâ—â—â—ainsouin in â—ecoÌ„pence of their good seruices were made stewards of the Kings housâ— and Esse a gentleman of his chamber The Dukes of Neuers and Aumale the tâ—o brothers of Rochefoucault the Lords of Andelot Bresé Creuecoeur Bonniuet his brother S. Laurent of Brittany Mouy S. Phale and many other yong gentlemen who to 〈◊〉 honor by some worthy exploits had voluntarily entred into it were rewarded according to their qualities The soldiars were made gentlemen during their liues and such as had offended the Lawe pardoned The King had nowe put in execution one of his chiefe desseins in vewe of a great Emperour Winter was comming the continuall raine had made frustrat all their attemptes of warre and the long aboad of the armies had broken the wayes six leagues about The Emperour camped high with aduantage hauing a valey and a small brooke not easie to be â—â—â—sed betwixt both the armies There was no reason to passe the water and mountâ—â—g â—o fight the enemie The Emperour likewise would not passe to giue tâ—e fiâ—â—t charge So his Maiestie giuing the enemy hope by fires and great noyse that he wâ—ulâ— fight made is retreat towards Guise The Emperour aduertised in the morning tâ—at the armie was dislodged he commanded Fernand of Gonsague to â—ollow 〈◊〉 the better to discouer them intended to put some men into a wood where they mâ—â—t passe but it was too late the wood was full of French Harguebuziers who receâ—ued these aduenturers so gallantly as few escaped to carry newes vnto their compaâ—iâ—â—â— of the manner of their retreat A braue retreat made by the French The Emperour followed with the rest of his forces whilest the skirmish was maintained in the wood Gonsague seeing himselfe seconded by his chiefe Commander drew forth a thousand or twelue hundred horse with a good number of â—hoâ—â—e and English light horsemen on the right hand towards Bohain But all in vaine the Caâ—on and baggage hauing passed the wood followed the King in safetie who marched before and the Daulphin holding the middle with eight hundred men at armes and foureteene thousand Suisses hauing left Brissac with his light horsemen and foure hundred men at armes to second him moreouer the Suisses were behinde in bâ—ttaile and himselfe on the wing to support them with an intent to fight â—ith the Emperour if hee passed the wood but hee forced the enemie to retyre not dâ—ring any more to appeare many of his men were slaine many taken and feâ—e of ours The season was not fitâ—e to Campe. So the King to refresh his armie sent tâ—e Marshall of Biez to Saint Quentin with foure hundred men at armes and foâ—â—e thousand foote to oppose against the Emperours desseins vpon that frontier The Lâ—nsquenets to Crecy vnder Cere the Suisses to Assy and hee lodged the rest of his armie along the riuer of Oise And the Emperour seeing that hee had lost his labour before Landrecy and that he had with losse and dishonour followed the French armie he retired to Cambray winning much more with the Foxes skinne then hee had dâ—â—e â—ith the Lions for by meanes of their Bishop who was of the house of Croy perswadâ—ng the light beleeuing Cittizens that the King meant to seize vpon their Towne to spoâ—â—e them of that ancient right of neutralitie The Emperâ—r buâ—â—t a Cittadell at Cambray and to incorporate them to the Crowne 〈◊〉 made them yeeld to the building of a Cittadell by the which of free men they are now become slaues this Cittadell shall hereafter serue as a buckler against Landrecy We haue heere omitted to describe the exploits of the Duke of Anguâ—en in Prouence The King had sent him to receiue the armie by sea A false practise vpon the Castle of Nice which Barberousse brought to his sâ—â—cour Being at Marseilles Grignan gouernour of the Towne did acquaint him wâ—th â—n intelligence which hee had with three souldiars of the garrison of the Castle of Nicâ— who promised to deliuer him the sayd Castle The Duke well informed of the Kingâ— pleasure being loth to commit himselfe rashly to the discretion of traitors who migâ—t as well sell the stranger as their owne countrie armed foure Galleys and sent them before vnder the command of Captaine Magdelon brother to the Baron of S. â—â—esâ—uart himselfe with eleuen other Galleys tooke the Sea and the aduantage of the â—inde either to second his men or to retire at need When as Magdelon approched to Nice sixe Galleys issue forth to inuest him and fifteene more lead by Ianetin â—orâ—e chase him vnto the port of Antibe Magdelon hurt with a Canon shoâ—te dyed foâ—â—e after the Galleys being abandoned were a prey for Ianetin and the Duke 〈◊〉 by Moone-light that Ianetin came to surprise him retired speedily to ouâ—on without any losse Herevpon Barberousse arriues at Marseilles with a hundred and ten Galleis The King pretends Nice to be his Nice attempted by Barâ—erousse and taken but not the Castle and heretofore engaged by the Earles of Prouence to the Duke of Sauoy for a summe of money They assaile it and within few dayes bring it to composition But without the Castle this victory was fruitlesse the Castle seated vpâ—n a high and hard rocke is hard to batter and more â—en 〈◊〉 to vndermine So Barberousse seeing the time spent in vaine and winter approoâ—â—ng â—eâ—yred his galleyes to â—oâ—lâ—n and the Duke vpon hope of a battaile came to the King to Câ—mbresâ—â— The taking of Nice drew the Marquis of Guasâ— to â—â—ccour the â—â—stle but aduertised
them to Alba regalis promising the Turkes to deliuer them Shuartzbourg or if he would not trust them they would shew them the meanes to take him in Zolnock whether hee should come to bring their money Scuartzbourg had intelligence thereof yet some of the Traitors inuited him by their letters to come promising to open him the gates being come the kept him and sought to surprise him so as hee was forced to send Captaine Scharpffenstein with the Cannon to force them the 22. of Iune The Traitors receiued carts loden with prouision from the Turkes and deliuered them Christian prisoners which they carried a way to Vesprin and Alba regalis with great treacherie crueltie euery one deliuering vp his Host. In the meane time Michael Marot aduertised Schuartzbourg to come himselfe to beseege Pappa for that the Traitors were at diuision among themselues killing one another Schuartzbourg goes takes one of these trecherous Captaines at a sallie causing him to bee flead aliue and his head to be set on the end of a Pike to stirke terror into the rest They also take a Bastion from them by force by the which they might let in Turkish â—uccors who did all they could to succour them the which they could not effect by reason of the great floâ—ds and the resistance of the Christians The Traitors being famâ—shed and in great want of all things grew desperate desiring rather to die then to yeeld and be executed Among others they make one sallie in the night the last of Iuly and charge Marsbourgs quarter where finding the souldiars dronke they defeated many and put the whole Campe in armes Schuartzbourg a braue and valiant Captaine going to giue order for this tumult was slaine with a shot to the great greef of all the Câ—ristianâ— Schuartzbourg slâ—iâ—e before Pappa Notwithstanding his death the seege was continued the Traitors defended themselues desperately making a sallie the next day carrying many prisoners 〈◊〉 tâ—e Towne with some Captaines and slue three hundred And being perswaded to yeeld they answered that when all their victualls were spent they would eate their prisoners yea and Michael Marot the Gouernor The Emperour giue the charge of this army to Melchior Reder who had brauely defended Vaâ—adin The Traitors seeing they could hould no longer fore-cast how they might 〈◊〉 and the 9. of August they dryed vp a poole which did enuiron Pappa of one side and for that the bottome did sinke they did cast Hardles Strawe and other baggage into it Reder aduertised hereof sends Nadaste the Count Thurin and Colonitz to sâ—rprâ—ze them The Traitors flying had alreadie gotten vnto a wood at the end of the Poole where they ouertooke them and refusing to yeeld some of them were cut in peeces And among others la Motte their Captaine with a hundred more were slaine Their Mediator with the Turkes was taken with many of the chiefe of the Treason In the meane time Marot the Gouernor whom the Traitors had put in prison being freed from his bonds gets forth with others and comes to the Campe. Reder by this meanes enters into Pappa and deliuers the other prisoners At this entry many of the Traytors were slaine some were reserued for execution and were sent to other Garrisons to serue for an example Some were Impaled others broken vpon the Wheele and scorched with a small fire and basted with Lard Diuers punishmâ—nts of Trayâ—ors some had their Bowells pulled out off their Bellies and burnt before their faces and their thighes shoulders and other parts of their Bodies scorched some had their Hearts pulled out aliue others had their throats filled with Sulpher and Pouder and so set on fire some were buried aliue vp to thechinne and ther heads broken with Bullets euery one by order of Martiall Lawe to make them apprehend by the seuerity of their deaths the foulenes of their treason Which diuersity of seuere punishments seeming to tend to cruelty was very necessary to make all Christians abhorre treason The Lords of Sillery and Alincourt by the Popes aduice and the Kings commandement went from Rome to Florence A Treatie of the Kings marriage to treat a marriage betwixt the King and the Noble Princesse Mary of Medieis the which had beene propounded before This demaund was so pleasing vnto the great Duke as he made no difficlulty Her Portion was six hundred thousand Crowns comprehending that which the Great Duke had lent the King of the which he paid himselfe with Iewells and other precious moueables The Contract was past in the Pallace of Pitty the 25. day of Aprill in the presence of Charles Anthony Putei Archbishop of Pisa and Virginiâ— Duke of Bracciano All Florence shewed great ioy thereat and the Princesse was presently declared Queene of France She dyned publikely vnder a cloth of Estate the great Duke sitting farre beneath her The Duke of Bracciano gaue her Water and Sillery the Kings Ambassador the Towell The rest of the day was spent in all kind of sports Soone after Monsieur Alincourt went to carry these good newes vnto the King with the Queenes picture which the great Duchesse sent him The King sent Frontenaâ— The Queenes Picture sent to the King to serue the Qâ—eene as her cheefe Steward who presented vnto her his Maiesties first Letter and withall he sent his Portrait to the great Duke The King resolued to effect the promises of Marriage as soone as the Duke of Sauoy had performed his touching the Restitution or the Exchange of the Marquisate of Salusses and to go to Auignon to receiue the Queene but the Duke was much perplexed what hee should doe After the Duke of Sauoyes departure the King went to passe the Lent at Fontainbleau where there was A Conference at Fontainbleau a great Conference betwixt the Bishop of Eureux and Philip de Mornay Lord of Plessis Marly Gouernour of Saumur Intendent of the house and Crowne of Nauarre in the presence of the King Princes and Officers of his Crowne Councellors of State Prelats and other Noblemen of marke It was touching a booke which Monsier du Plessis had published of the Institution of the Lords Supper and against the Masse wherein the Bishop did taxe him to haue falsified many Authorities Whervpon du Plessis presented a Petition vnto the King that his Maiesty would be pleased to appoint Commisioners to examine euery passage of Scripture cited in his booke The King yeelded to this Conference that the trueth might be made cleare against the darknesse of sâ—ander referring the care thereof to his Chancellor The Commissionars appointed for the Catholiks were Augustin Thuanus President of the Court Parliament at Paris Pithou Aduocate in the Court and Fieure Schoolemaister to the Prince of Condé in whose absence came Martin the Kings Phisition And for the other the President of Calignon Chancellor of Nauarre in whose place entred de Fresnes Gauaye President of the Chamber of Languedoe and Casaubon his Maiesties Reader
more plainely the ancient lawes of the French called Saliques augmented them and shewed the vse as well for the gouernment of the estate as for priuate persons 422. And therefore he is called the author of those Lawes although he receiued them from his Ancestors He raigned xi yeares leauing Clodion his sonne for his successor The time of his raigne 422. with a good tast of his integritie noted in his name for Waramond or Pharamond according to the common pronunciation in the old French language that is to say in Germaine signifies a true mouth a vertue in truth worthie of a Prince and necessary for the conduct of humane societie This is all that may be certainly written of the originall of the French Monarchie yet Gregorie of Tours a very ancient author makes no mention of Pharamond and sets downe the beginning of this estate in grosse as a thing vncertaine What certaintie then may we looke for of more ancient times We find in the Romaine histories some apparent steps to guide vs to the knowledge of our beginning These goodly Prouinces of Gaule were courted by all their neighbours the Romaines vnder colour of conueniencie seized on that which lay neerest vnto them by meanes whereof they sought to become masters of the rest but they wanted no competitors The Heluetians since called Suisses likewise the Almaignes would haue lodged there if Caesar had not withstood them His successours were inccuÌ„â—red with the like difficulties but in the end they preuailed to whom God had determined the possession that is to the French issued doubtlesse out of Germanie and gouerned by Kings We read in the liues of the last Emperours the names of Melâ—baudes Richimer Marcomir Berther Sunno Pharabert Theodemir and Dagobert but hereof wee cannot with reason beleeue all that the Registers of Hunibauld Trithemius do comment touching these ancient Kings Let vs therfore leaue these subtilties to such as haue leisure to refine their wittes lay before our eies the light of a more sound and profitable truth let vs obserue the estate of the Church when as this Monarchie began to appeare for hereafter the Church shall be her principall gemme although the French Kings were infidels in theâ—e first beginnings S. Ierome Chrisostome Ambrose and Augustine liued in those times spectators of the dissipation of the Empire The estate of the Church wherein the Church suffered much Damasus Siricius Anaâ—â—asius Innocentius Sosâ—â—mus and Bonifacius Bishops of Rome liued there one after another men renowmed for their pietie learning and dexteritie amidst the confusions of the Empire euen at Rome whereas the Emperours were seldome seene so as the absence of the Emperours troubled to withstand the Barbarians and the miserable estate of the time which forced Christians to flie to their Bishop for counsell and comfort in their confused afflictions laid the foundation of their authoritie then small being tyed to their charges and subiect to the Emperours command but it grew by degrees vntill it came to the height of this soueraigne and absolute power so as in the end they haue prescribed lawes to the Emperours Kings and Christian Princes A necessary obseruation both for the truth and order of this Historie to vnderstand rightly both the times and meanes of their rising In the first age the Bishops of Rome durst not shew themselues being persecuted imprisoned martired by the Emperours Since Constantine the great their authoritie began in the dissipation of the Empire it increased and this Realme did fortifie and augment it Our first Kings knew them not their next successors maintained aduanced them as Charles Martell Pepin Charlemaigne to whome they are indebted for the greatest support and increase of their cheefe authoritie Fundamentall Rules or Maximes of the State of France 423. BVt before we proceed any further in this Theater reason and order commands vs to set downe the soueraigne Maximes of our Monarchie as goodly pillers in the first fronte of this great building to the end we may not dispute either of the ancient forme of gouernement in the first age of our Ancestors The first Maxime or of the Fundamentall lawes of the estate It is necessary that our mindes euen in our infancie be seasoned with this common beliefe The French cannot indure any other gouernment theÌ„ a Royalty being the bond and vnion of the naturall obedience we owe vnto our Kings Without doubt it is neither true nor likely that our Predecessors taking possession of this goodly inheritance made any question of that which had beene concluded amongst them from father to sonne The most ancient histories whose authority is without controll testifie that the French nation was gouerned by Kings and experience ioyned with reason doth shew that the French cannot be otherwise commanded then by a royaltie Whereto then serues this question amongst the French touching the forme of gouernment when as Gaule was first possessed by them And to what end should these goodly painted speeches be vttered by our ancient warriours who made so great profession to do well as they neglected eloquent words This Maxime thus layde as the ground of the Estate of France 2 The royalty of France is successiue the truth of that which hath passed in ancient times doth plainly shew what the forme of this royaltie hath beene for who doth not see by the names of the Kings of France as they haue commanded in this realme amidest so many alterations of the State in the change of the three Races where wee may note the succession from father to sonne from brother to brother from cousin to the nearest kinsman of the bloud Royall that it was hereditary froÌ„ all antiquity This is the law The efficacy of a successiue Royalty the vse wherof is so worthily regarded in all coÌ„mands the force wherof defends the State amidst the strangest confusions yea sucking babes haue enioyed it without any dispute or contradiction At the very name of an infant King Armies haue marched vnder the command of a woman otherwise very odious by reason of her vices and yet so respected being the Kings mother as the French haue growne desperate in most perillous battailes returning with bloudy victories thrust forward with this onely resolution to preserue the estate of their yong King lying in his swadling clothes By the force of this law the French after the decease of their lawfull Kings A royalty is the best sort of gouernement leauing their wiues with childe haue reuerenced the wombe of their Queene expecting her deliuery being a sonne hee was nourished bred vp and honoured as their King And if he dyed in his first infancie they haue performed his obsequies with the like respect and reuerence as to a King in his maioritie To conclude reason authority and experience doe plainly shew that a succeeding royaltie is better then that which depends vpon the peoples choise and election How it appeares by reason
remained in Gaule he opposed himselfe violently against the French who at diuerse times endeuoured to passe the Rhin and to returne into France Clodion fortifying himselfe couragiously against this storme fainted not for all these first difficulties In the end hee resolued to hazard all vpon this last cast and to this effect hee raysed a mighty army with an intent to go in person to the conquest of this goodly kingdome But God had resolued to giue it to the French yet by an other hand then that of Clodion for he dyed in this voyage being on the bankes of Rhin with an intent to passe it in the yeare of grace 451. leauing Merouce heire of his desseigne and valour He was called Le Cheuelu or hayrie for that he made a lawe that none but Kings and their children with the Princes of the bloud should weare long hayre Law for wearing long hayre in token of command after the Romaine maner who shaued the heads of their slaues and seruants and left the Periwig onely to the Patriciens and the head bare This custome confiâ—med by the law of Clodion hath beene long time obserued in France so as by this maâ—ke Clodamyre the sonne of Clouis being slaine in a battaile by the Bourguignons was knowne among the dead and in token of a degrading or dishonouring they shaued such as they degraded from the royall dignity as it appeares by infinite examples amongst the which our History makes mention of one very memorable of Qâ—eene Clotilde who chose rather to cut off the heads of her young sonnes then to haue their hayre pold or shauen that is to say she preferred an honest death before the dishonour of her children for in cutting off their hayre the marke of their naturall dignity they were depriued of all hope to enioy their degree and were confined into a base estate vnworthy of their greatnesse to dye continually with heart-breaking reproche and infamie Genseric King of the Vandales at that time seized vpon Affricke The estatâ— of the Church and euen when as he besieged Hippone which at this day they call Bonne famous for the fishing of corall S. Augustine dyed the third moneth of the siege the fourth yeare of his ministery in that Citty and the 76. of his age hauing both seene and felt those tragicall desolations in the desolate estate of the Church afflicted then in diuers parts of the world by these Barbarians Theodosius the second the sonne of Arcadius a good and a wise Prince did his best endeuour to stop the course of this lâ—st shipwrack but hee preuailed not The insolencie of Valentinian the third a Prince extremely vitious thrust it headlong and the ill gouernment of his seruants namely of Bonifacius gouernour of Affricke and of Aetius gouernour of Gaule called in the Barbarians to the subuersion of the Empire who to be reuenged one of another being capitall enemies for the iealousie of their greatnesse did whaâ— they could to ruine their maister MEROVEE the third King of France who gaue the name and greatest grace to this first race MEROVEE KING OF FRANCE III 451. MErouee sonne or the nearest kinsman to Clodion succeeded to the Crowne as well by vertue of the fundamentall lawe of state as by the free Election of the French in the yeare 451. He was farre more happy then Clodion for he not onely effected his desseine in passing the Rhin and taking footing in Gaule but did happily extend the limits of his new kingdom further And the same Aetius which crossed Clodion Meâ—â—uee sets footing into France made the way easie for Merouee vnawares for the execution of his enterprise by this occasion Aetius fell in disgrace with Honorius his maister being greeued to see the great successe of the Goths Vandales and other barbarous nations in the Empire imputing the fault vnto his seruants and officers Thus growing iealous hee calles him from his gouernment of Gaule and sends Castinus in his place who was not onely vnacquainted with the estate of the Gaules bâ—t was also discontented with Bonifacius gouernour of Affricke with whome he had commandement to ioyne his forces to oppose against the common enemies of the Romaines During those actions Honorius died leauing Theodosius in the East and Valentinian in the West two yong princes of diuers humors Merouee imbracing this occasion with great dexterity sounds the hearts of his neighbors the Gaulois and finds them disposed to his deuotion He rayseth an army passeth the Rhine takes Treues at the first comming and then Argentin which is nowe called Strasbogh with the Countries adioyning to it Hee extends euen vnto Cambresie and Tournay and proceeding farther into Gaule hee seised on the best Citties of Champaigne with so great expedition as no Romaine appeared to stop the course of his victory Valentinian aduertised of this successe called back Aetius to quench this fiâ—e 452. sending him into Gaule with an armie against the French but there was other worke prepared for him for Attila King of the Huns The â—â—ench ioynâ— with the Romaâ—nes and 〈◊〉 who named himselfe the Scouâ—ge of God to chastise the Empire hauing assembled an incredible number of men in the desarts of Asia being fiue hundred thousand souldiars falles downe like a furious deluge spoiling all the countries where he passed and hauing crossed through Poland into Germanie and passed the Rhin he threatned to inuade France a country desired by all these nations for her fertilitie and beauty Aetius had no shorter course nor better meanes to auoyde this storme then to become friends with the French and with all the other possessors of Gaule who were threatned by this common storme so as in steed of warre he made a peace with Merouee vpon this extremity Attila entred Gaule and aduanced so farre that hee besieged Orleans Oâ—leans besieged by Attilâ— where Auian liued then a most famous Bishop who did greatly comfort the besieged by his piety and wisdom whilest that the forces of their confederate friends assembled by the meanes of Aetius the Romaines French Gothes and Bourguignons Orleans being at the point to yeeld Thierri King of the Goths arriues so happily as he forceth Attila to raise his siege to take another course Attila marching away with this vaste body of an armie he was pursued speedily by Aetius and his confederates who ouertooke him in the fields of Catalauna the which is diuersly taken either for the country about Chalons or about Tholouse The battaile was giuen and the combate was furious Attila ouerthrowne but not quite vanquished but the check fell â—pon the Huns who lost as it is constantly written 180000. fighting men and the victorie remained in commun to the Romaines French and Goths but the triumph and honour to Merouee and his men who fought very valiantly Thierri King of the Goths was slaine very happily to make the way easie for Merouee It was propounded in councell to pursue Attila but Aetius would not
wherevnto he added a complaint of their bounds in the diuision whereof he would resolutely haue the aduantage But to giue a better colour to this quarrell of State hee ioynes religion For saith he to his people to what end should these Arrians haue so good a paâ—t among the Christians Yet before he would come to open force Warre against the 〈◊〉 he talkes of a friendâ—y conference The two Kings appoint a day and a place for an enterview to parlee of their affaires But this meeting increased their hatred for being both vpon the place some confident seruants to Clouis gaue him notice that Alaric had laide an Ambuscadoe to surprize him in their parle Clouis was much moued with this and resolues to make warre against Alaric hee raiseth an armie and beeing ready to marche towards Guyenne behold a new occasion which makes him turne his forces towards Bourgongne We haue shewed how that Gondebault King of Bourgongne Warres in Bourgongne and why slue his brother Chilperic father to Clotilde vpon the first diuision of their portions after their fathers death Hee had two bretheren remaining Gondemar and Gondegesil of whom he desired infinitely to bee freed hauing too many bretheren and too little land according to his vnsatiable desire Their debate was for Prouence and Daulphiné which they demanded for their portions Gondebault enioyed the chiefe Citties except Vienne which the brethren held Clouis his Armie ouercomes that of Gondebault marching victoriously through the Countrie of Venaison where the battell was fought Gondebault saues himselfe with great difficultie in Auignon and is presently besieged by Clouis who yee grants him an honourable composition and labours to reconcile him with his bretheren which done he returnes into France and Gondemar and Gondegesil retire into Vienne dreaming of nothing lesse then to haue their elder brother for an enemy But Vienne must be the pitte-fall of their misery to swallow them both vp one after an other for behold Gondebault is with a strong armie at the gates of Vienne and his bretheren are reduced to that extremitie as hauing no meanes to defend themsâ—luâ—â— nor to get reliefe from their friends the Citty is easily taken and euery mâ—n seekeâ— to saue himselfe as he can Gondemar flyes into a Tower where he is besieged assaâ—â—ed and burnt with all his troupe Gondegesil is taken aliue after this tragick feare but being alone he slippes a way and flyes to Clouis whome hee found in Armes ready to march vpon this new accident Clouis takes new aduise The ancient hatred he bare to Gondebault who had crossed him in his mariage the iniustice and more then barbarous crueltie the complaint of this poore Prince his ally who cast himselfe into his armes had much power to perswade him to the voyage of Bourgongne But that which made him resolue was for that Gondebault prepared to succour Alaric against whom Clouis did now march with his forces Thus the iust iudgement of God prouided a scourge for this murtherer who addes rashnesse and insolencie to his first disorders Clouis enters with an armiâ— into Bourgongne Feare doth not onely surprise the countrie but also the peoples iust hatred of this tyrant being infamous with so many parricides so as in few dayes the principall Citties yeeld vnto Clouis and the rest are ready to submit themselues into his hands as to their deliuerer Gondebault pursued by God and men faintes being insolent in prosperitie and daunted in aduersitie 507. All things conspired to his ruine But as God doth not alwaies take sinners at the rebound Clouis conquestes in Bourgongne hee stayed the blow by meanes of Clotilde who grieuing to see her house decay to the ouerthrowe of the state of Bourgongne makes intercession to her husband for her vncle and his Countrie and preuailes so with him through her intercession as shee perswades him to passe no further but to leaue the rest to her vncle Gondebault with a reasonable peace whereof she drew the articles Thus Clouis dismisseth his armie hauing onely prouided for the gard of Vienne Mascon Chaalon and other Townes taken from Gondebault and hee giues the charge of them to Gondegesil This is all that Gondebault could hope for in so great a danger but he would needes perish A treacherous attempt of Gondebault when as he sees himselfe without any enemie By Clouis departure he marceth so secretly with his forces as in one night he surpriseth Vienne by the Conduit heads guided by him that had them in charge being cast out ofâ— the Citie with the scumme of vnprofitable people Vienne must bee the Sepulchre of Gondegesil as it was of Gondemar for in this vnexpected surprise as 〈◊〉 and the Bishop sought meanes to saue themselues in the temple of Saint Mory amazement giues an easie entrie vnto Gondebault who being maâ—ster thereof doth massâ—cre both Gondegesil his brother and the Bishop without any reâ—pect Clouis moued with this treacâ—erous attâ—mpt returnes with his armie and beseegeth Gondebault who vnable to resâ—st escapâ—â— by night and saues himselfe in Italie with Thierry King of the Ostrogoths his friend and confederate They being tormented in conscience A iust punishment oâ— the murtherer Gondebault without all 〈◊〉 of releefe hee falls into horrible dispaire and dyes hatefull euen to those that had receiued him leauing a notable example to all men that man is the cause of his â—wâ—e miserie that hee deceiueth himselfe when as ouerruled by his owne passion hee thinkes to mocke God freely who sleepes not when as men are most secure in their wickednesse But after a long patience God payes both the principall and the interest and hee that seekes an other mans goods doth often loose his owâ—e the halfe being better then the whole for to liue quietly with content This was the end of Gondebault and the beginning of the title which the Kings oâ— France pretended to Bourgongne The fast winning 〈…〉 â—nd Prouâ—nce The States of Prouence Daulphiné and Saâ—oye were dependances on this Crowne Clouis reteyning Daulphiné and the Countries adioyning vnto Bourgogne he left Sauoy and Prouence to Sigismond and Gondemar the children of Gondebault ioyning equitie and mildnes to his iust victorie Hauing thus setled the affaires of Bourgongne he marcheth presently with his victoâ—ious armie into Languedoc against Alaric King of the Visigoths who held not onely that goodly Prouince but 〈◊〉 the Countrie from the Pirence mountaines euen to the bankes of Rosne and Loire as wee haue sayd Clouis hauing assembled his armie at Tours marcheth into Poictou where Alaric attends him with his forces meaning to fight with him at his entrie The battaile is giuen and much blood shed on either side but the absolute victorie remaines to Clouis as the bodies the held and the head of Alaric whome hee slew with his owne hand an accident very remarkable 〈◊〉 slaine by the hand o◠〈◊〉 that one Prince should kill another with his sword in hand in the
shewed how farre the election of our Kings extend euen in this first race But to conceiue well the diuerse occurrents of this reigne wee must remember that Clotaire the 1. had 4. sons Cherebert king of Paris who is reckoned the 8. King of France and died without children Sigebert King of Metz slaine by Fredegonde and Gontran King of Orleans who suruiued all his brethren a good and a wise Prince and died without children Sigebert King of Metz left for heire Childebert his sonne with his wife Brâ—nehault a subtile and a wicked woman This ground being laid I will returne to the course of my historie Gontran Kâ—ng of Orleans vnckle by the father to this yong King was his nearest and most assured kinsman so as by a generall consent of all the French he was called to be Regent of the King and realme And now they talked of an assemblie Notable subtletie of a woman Fredegonde flying the light and libertie of publique assemblies â—earing not onely to be reiected from the gouernment but to be accused for the murther of her husband preuents the States from the calling of Gontran the first Prince of the bloud and the kings vnckle as they should haue done if leisure had suffered them to assemble and to speake in an vnited bodie with publike authoritie Thus shee gaines time beseeching the cheefe of the Councell to prouide for the Conuocation of the Estates and in the meane time to giue order that Gontran may come to Paris both to informe of the execrable murther and also to take vppon him the charge of her sonne and the gouernment of the common weale This discourse was far from her thoughts but shee supposed to make an euasion by this goodly shew And in the meane time shee practised to kill Gontran Shee did write vnto him in all humilitie holding him as a father to the King her sonne and the support of her widowhood Gontran foreseeing the pollicie of Fredegonde prouided so wisely that being arriued at Paris he was receiued by a generall consent Regent of the Realme He made no shew of discontent to Fredegonde who notwithstanding hauing a guiltie conscience packs vp her baggage being readie to flie vppon the least shew that Gontran would call her into question But it was not his meaning his onely proiect was to bring vp his yong nephew and to preserue him in his realme wherein hee was borne supposing this mild manner of proceeding to bee the best both for the King and the Realme Thus without any alteration he wisely dissembles all the actions of Fredegonde hee respects her as the Kings mother and imployes her in the education of her son And knowing how much the presence of the Prince workes in the subiects to haue him acknowleged for King He makes a progresse throughout the Realme leading with him this yong infant with the mother receiuing in all places the oth of fidelitie and obedience Being returned to Paris he giues him in gard to the mother and applyed himselfe wholy to the gouernment of the Realme As the affaires were managed with this good order two great difficulties crosse Gontran almost at one instant for Childebert King of of Metz iealous of his vnckles Authoritie requires to be associated in the Regencie the which he pretended to appertaine vnto him with the same right it did to Gontran and Fredegonde for the punishing of whome hee complayned much both of the foulenesse of the fact which should not remaine vnpunished and of Gontrans sufferance which was too palpable For the which Gontran prouided stopping Childeberts entrance into Paris and causing Fredegonde to retire herselfe quietly to Rouan by reason of the peoples hatred reuiued by Childeberts complaint And for that hee would not seeme to haue altogither neglected the punishing of Chilperics murther he caused information to be made against a Chamberlaine of the Kings called Cherulphe who being found guiltie he caused him to be slaine in the Temple whether hee was fled And so proceeded no farther in this search least Fredegonde should be found too farre ingaged Besides this crosse there happened a second for one named Gondeuault hauing termed himselfe a long time to bee the sonne of the great Clotaire An imaginarie King and kept in a Cloyster in the end he escaped and was openly maintained by Childebert who sought but a colour of trouble and innouation He is followed by a parte of the Nobilitie and Clergie and seizeth on many good Townes in Guienne And hauing written his letters to all the Prouinces hee carries himselfe for lawfull heire of the Realme with better right said hee then this yong child the sonne of a strumpet And by consequence a doubtfull heire to the Crowne That which was most to be feared in this newe accident 592 was the spirit and force of Childebert but Gontran preuented it with iudgement For seeing himselfe olde and without Children and knowing his Nephewes humour hee doth institute him his heir and by that meanes makes him to abandon Gondeuault So this supposed King left by Childebert was soone abandoned by all the rest and by them was deliuered into the hands of Gontran who presently put him to death And hauing assembled the Clergy of the realme hee caused the Bishoppes to bee condemned who had so rashely followed the frensie of this bold Impostor Gontran hauing with such dexterity preuented these daungerous difficulties and performed those good turnes to the King his Nephewe in his infancie he retires himselfe to Chaalons where soone after he died without Children leauing his estate to Childebert and the realme of his poore pupill who had scarse attayned the age of ten yeares to the mercy of the waues tempesâ—ts of all sorts of miseries incident vnto states Gontran was no sooner dead but the ambitious desire of Childebert A king in his cradle a Conquerour growne great by the new estates of Orleans and Bourgongne inflamed him against young Clotaire conceiuing an assured victory in his ouerweeâ—ing brayne imagining soone to suppresse a yong Childe and a woman ill beloued But the God of victories had otherwise disposed for Childebert hauing brought a mighty army to field and entred into the heart of France behold Fredegonde armed with more then a manly courage and wisdome encounters him with an other army beeing fortified more by her exhortations and the presence of the yong King whome shee shewed openly to the French then by the number of men of warre The battell was giuen and the imagined Conquerour was vanquished by a Childe and a woman beeing surprised with so happie a celeâ—itie by Fredegonde as he could hardly beleeue she had beene parted from Paris when as he sees his whole army defeated He lost in this conflict 20000. men his honour and his life for hauing recouered his Country with much ado hee died of melancholy leauing a memorable example to Princes neuer to attempt a warre to take from another without iust occasion He left two
kills her son She therefore giues him a morsell mixte with a languishing poyson which caused him to consume of a bloudy flixe that as he had sâ—ilt the bloud of others so hee might die in bloud and that the same wretched counsell which had bin the sepulchre of his brother should likewise be his owne for a memorable example to posterity that God suffreth nothing vnpunished and doth often punish the wicked by themselues and by their owne practises Such was the tragicke ende of the troublesome life of Thierri But what shall become of Brunehault The Iustice of God goes slowly but he recompenceth the slownes with the grieuousnesse of the punishement Let vs then heare the continuance of our history Brunehault carries a good countenance after the death of Thierri She makes him a stately funerall like a â—ourney and of foure bastard sonnes which Thierri had left she chooseth him that pleaseth her best to install him King in his fathers place and in the meane time she continewes the gouernment of the reaâ—me and calles herselfe Regent To conclude she doth promise vnto herselfe in all her courses farre better successe then Fredegonde presuming that she exceeded her in iudgement and experience no man remayning to controule her actions but her discourses were vaine imaginations and her foolish hopes the snares of her owne ruine The Nobility of Bourgongne infinitely grieued with the horrible wickednes of this womaÌ„ resolute not to endure the new tiranny which she practâ—sed had recourse vnto Clotaire as to their true and lawful Lord. Brunehault playes the resolute she prepares to war sendes diuerse Ambassadors into Germanie the chiefe was Varnare Mayre of the Pallace of Austrasia a man of great authority both at home and with strangers Hauing sent him for succors to some Princes of Germany shee growes iealous of him without cause and sends a trustie seruant of hers named Albon to finde meanes to kill him Albon hauing read those deadly letters teares them but vnawares he lets fall the peeces of this letter the which are gathered vp and caried to Varnare who vpon this new accident takes a new aduise He resolues to crosse the practises of this murtheresse so well knowne and hatefull to all men who likewise would make away her best seruants who had beene too faithfull vnto her in the execution of her wicked desseines Varnare doth treate so politikely in Germany as hee with-drawes their hearts and forces from Brunehault and winnes them vnto Clotaire This Counterbattery thus made hee returnes into Bourgongne His returne bred an vnexpected change for she who had alwaies deceiued was deceiued in the end fell into the pittefall Varnare did not seeme to knowe what she had desseined whereby hee had meanes to countermine all Brunehaults policies with so wise a dissimulation by his great authority as he gaines all the chiefe men for Clotaire deliuers into his hands the children aforesaide pretended to be heires and by this means giues him an easie victory ouer Brunehaults troupes who yeelding vnto Clotaire deliuer vp this wicked woman the cause of all their miseryes So at length the Wolfe is taken vnawares Clotaire a victor was receiued by common consent of the Austrasiâ—ns and Bourguignons and by that meanes beeing absolute maister of that great inheritance of Clouis his grand-father beganne his reigne by a worthy act of memorable Iustice. Hauing in his power the chiefe motiue of all these mischiefes hee caused Brunehaults processe to be made by the greatest personages he could choose in all his dominions that in so notable an assembly the sentence might be irreprochable By their censures Brunehault was found culpable of infinite and horrible crimes and was condemned to die by a terrible and extraordinary punishement for she was tied to the tayle of a wild maâ—e and drawne through a stony and rough Country Brunehault put to a horrible death so as being torne into diuerse peeces she died at diuerse times most iustly as shee had cruelly caused many others to die A notable example to shewe that the greatest cannot auoid the soueraigne Iustice of God who punisheth in this world when it pleaseth him when he spareth them it is a signe that hee reserues the punishment to his last Iudgement 610 Thus died Brunehault onely commended in histories to haue built many temples giuen great reuenues for the mainteynance therof whilest that she wallowed in her pleasures Saint Gregorie hath set downe certaine letters of his to Brunehault wherein hee commends her highly for her piety and singular wisdome Clotaire seeing himselfe King of so great a monarchy after a long and horrible confusion of intestine warres imployed all his eare to pacifie the realme leauing notable examples to princes to cure the wounds of an Estate after ciuill warres by mildenes Hee doth publiquely proclaime pardon of all iniuries both generall and particular to abolish the memory to come making his example a lawe of perpetuall forgetfullnesse This moderation Mildnes a 〈◊〉 remedie to cuâ—e a decayed estate more victorious then any great and seuere chasticement wonne him the loue and obedience of his subiects and confirmed a true and no counterfiet concorde amongest the subiects themselues He gouerned them after their owne humours vsing his authority with mildenes And for that they had liued in the Court of Kings from whome they receiued aduancements and honours the which they could not do by their annuall offices as then the gouernments were hee erected perpetuall magistrates with such authority as it might well bee termed the true patterne of a royaltie The greatnes of the seruant is a blemish to the Master He then augmented the great authority of the Maires of the Palace who controlled Kings and in the end vsurped the royaltie whereas before they were but controllers of the Kings house and not of the realme A notable president for Princes in the settling of an estate not so to communicate their authority to their seruants whome they desire to gratifie as they may haue meanes to become maisters Clotaire layed the first stone in the chaunge which shall happen to his posterity He had one onely sonne whose name was Dagobert It was his greatest care to haue him well instructed committing him to Arnoul Bishop of Metz a learned man and of a good life and likewise to Sadragesille his gouernour But Dagobert discouered euen then his bad disposition intreating his gouernor Sadragesille vnworthily Wherewith Clotaire the King was wonderfully mooued against his sonne who shewed afterwards that this was but a preparatiue to that he would attempt against his owne father forceing him in his life time to giue him the realme of Austrasia for his portion This kinde of rebellion was the fruite of Clotaires too great lenity as also priuate quarells which bred great disorders in the Court. Thus wee see there is nothing absolutely perfect in this world Clotaire dies in the yeare of Chrst 631. hauing gouerned 44. yeares from
Countrie finding more safetie at Rome then in other citties of Italie retyred themselues thither and peopled the Cittie So by this occasion newe Rome the seat of the Popes iurisdiction succeeding the Emperours hath beene built within old Rome amidst the Pallaces walkes Basiliques Coliâ—ees Amphytheatres and other ancient buildings But aboue all the credit and authoritie of the Bishop of Rome by these new occurrents crept in by degrees vntil he aduanced hiâ—selfe aboue the Emperours Kings Princes of Christendome yet he of Constantinople held himselfe the Superior being in the proper seat of the Empire and in the light of the Imperiall Court Thus they fall to debate Contention for the Priemacie and the cause of their dissentions was the preheminence of their seas and the authoritie of the vniuesall Bishop This contention bred infinite confusions in the Church and in an vnseasonable time which inuited men to sacke and spoyle So as S. Gregorie Bishop of Rome a man of singular pâ—etâ—e learning hauing couragiously opposed himselfe against Iohn Bishop of Constantinople who affected this title of vniueâ—sall Bishop and detesting so vnreasonable and vnseasonable an ambition cries out Oh times oh manners the whole world is set on fire with warre Christians are euerie where massacred by Idolaters A worthie speech 〈◊〉 S. Gregorie Citties and Temples razedby Barbarians and yet the pastors of the Church as it were treading vnder foot the common calamitie of Gods people dare vsurpe names of vanitie and braue it with thâ—se prophane titles The reader curious to vnderstand the Estates of those times and to note the degrees and authoritie of this vniuersall Bâ—shop established in the Church may read the epistles of this good father great in name and in effect without troubling my selfe to â—et them downe in particular whose intention was to shew That who so taketh vpon him the authoritie and title of vniuersall Bishop in the Church and to haue any Soueraigne preheminence presumes aboue Iesus Christ the onely head of the sacred bodie of the Church Hee that takes on him the title 〈◊〉 vniuâ—rsâ—ll 〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉 oâ— Antichrist and by consequence he doth affirme that he is the foâ—erâ—nner of Antichrist And yet after these graue and serious admonitions of Saint Gregorie the great within tenne yeares after Boniface the third obteined from Phocas the Emperour the title of vniuersall Bishop with authoritie ouer the vniuersall Church as Platina the Popeâ— Secretary doth reâ—ort To this quarrell for the Supremacie was added the controuersie for images which caused infinite confusions Dispute for Images the â—mperours and Bishops were banded one against another and by their dissentions the people were stirred vp to seditious reuolts the which aâ—ter many Tragicall euents were a meane to ruine the Empire of the East It was a popular custome to erect Images to those whome they would honour as hauing deserued well of the Common weale Christians desiring to honour the memorie of holy men began to set vp images euen for them also following this ciuill custome and did erect them in Temples as places consecrated to deuotion Some Bishops â—auored this new deuice in the Church and others did impugne it Epiphanius did teare a picture in peeces Images at the 〈◊〉 a politike 〈◊〉 and Serenus did beat downe an image the one in the Eâ—st the other in the West The Christians borne and bred in this ancient doctrine of the Apostles My children beware of Images maintainâ—d in the Catholike Church by succession from father to sonne could not digest this innouation no more could the Emperours Hence grew the dissention the greatest part of the Bishops holding the contrarie That it was a part of the seruice of God and a bond to retayne mens soules in deuotion with reuerence This contention grew in the time of the Emperour Philippicus called Bardanes who by an Edict caused them to be throwne downe in the yeare of grace 713. the which continued to 782. vnder Constantin the second called Copronimus an enemie to images who commaunded them to bee cast downe contraâ—y to the liking of his mother Irene who not onely maintained them with violence but also caused them to be confirmed by a Councel held at Nicee a Cittie in Bithinia seeing 〈◊〉 at Constantinople where shâ— had made the conuocation of this Ecclesiasticall Assembly the people were resolute to withstand them Hence grew an execrable Tragedie in the Imperiall Court Irene seing her sonne resolute against her deâ—ence oâ— Iâ—ages was so transported as hauing seized on him in his chamber she caused his eyes to be put out so as dying with greefe she vsurps the Empire Through this bad gouernment Tragicall crueltie of a mother against her soâ—ne confusion so increased in the East as in the end necessitie made the way for Charlemagne to take vpon him the dignitie and title of the Emperour of the West and to preserue prouinces in those parts from the disorders of the Grâ—â— Emperours as wee may see in the continuance of tâ—is Historie I am bound to obserue these so notable occurrents in those times as belonging to the subiect of my Historie to represent truely both the Estate of the Empire and of the Church when as Charlemagne vndertooke the gouernement of the Empire and vnited it happily to the French Monarchie The wise reader may verifie more plainly in the Originalls from whence I haue drawne this Inuentorie what I haue briefly set downe here touching the occurents of those ages wherein the Oracle of holy antiquitie was verified by the end of these straÌ„ge Tragedies The truth is lost by contending The first simplicitie of the Catholike Church being rich in her pouertie by the abundance of truth conteined since the golden age of the Apostles and their Dâ—sciples was changed into rich and stately pompe the Crownes of martirdome wherewith the fiâ—st Bishops of Rome had beene honoured into a triple Crowne Estate of the ancieÌ„t church which not onely hath and doth giue Lawes to the Emperours Kings and Princes of the earth but doth tread them vnder foot dispossesse them of their estates Insolencie of Popâ—s at this day and declares them incapable of rule when they obey him not and for a marke of this soueraigne authoritie hee makes them to kisse his feet in token of the homage of deuotion and spirituall reuerence as hauing power ouer soules to iudge of all men and all things soueraignly and not to bee iudged by any as the circumstances of our historie wil shew in diuerse places This was the Estate both of the Empire and of the Church vnto the death of Pepin the short the first King of the second race in the yeare 750. or thereabouts CHARLES the Great or CHARLEMAGNE the 24. King of France From the yeare 768. vnto the yeare 814. CHARLES THE GREAT KING OF FRANCE XXIIII 768. THE Estates of France assemble after the death of Pepin and by their consents and aduice
a people which had possessed a part of Thrace neere vnto Constantinople he was slaine in the conflict Hee had one sonne named Staurat who by reason should succeed him but Michel his brother in law seizeth on this poore young man and makes him a way and hauing corrupted the chiefe men with gifts hee vsurpes the Empire The Empire conâ—iâ—med to Charles and least that Charlemagne should crosse his desseignes he seekes to insinuate with him not onely ratifying what Nichâ—phorus had done for the diuision of the Empire but by a new contract doth acknowledge him Emperour of the West Thus the affaires of our Charles were daily confirmed but his minde toiled with these new losses and the painfull difficulties he had suffered throughout the whole course of his life required nothing but rest All his life time he held the Church in great reuerence Charles his care to â—â—le the Church had imployed his authority to beautifie it and bountifully bestowed his treasure to inrich it but this great plenty in so happy a peace made the Churchmen to liue loosely Charles well instructed in religion knowing how much it did import to haue doctrine and good manners to shine in them that should instruct others he doth call fiue Councels in diuers places of his dominions for the gouernment of the Church At Mayence at Rheims at Tours at Châ—alons and at Arles and by the aduise of these Ecclesiasticall assemblies A good instructiâ—n 〈◊〉 â—rinces to louâ— piety hee sets downe orderâ— for the reformation of the Church in a booke intituled Capitula Caroli magni which they read at this dayâ— for a venerable proofe of the piety of this great Prince A worthy president for Princes which seeke true honour by vertue whereof the care of piety is the chiefe foundation He held likewise a great Councell in the Citty of Francford â—These are the very words of the History of the Bishops of France Germanie and Italy the which hee himselfe would honour with his presence where by a generall consent The false Synode of the Greekes I 〈◊〉 the very words of the Originall vntruly called the seuenth was condemned and reiected by all the Bishops who subscribed to the condemnation 〈◊〉 there fell out a new accident which drew Charles againe to armes Adelphonse King of Nauarre surnamed the chaste by reason of his singular temperance did careâ—ulâ—y adâ—ertâ—se him New warre in Spaâ—nâ— crost by secret practises that there was now meanes vtterly to subdue the Sarazins in Spaine Charlemagne who desired infinitly to finish this worke so oft attempted without any great successe giues â—are to this aduise leuies an armie and marcheth into Spaine relying on the Spaniards fauour being Christians Adelphonse meant plainly but so did not the chiefe of his Court nor his associates who feared his forces no lesse then the Sarazins and euâ—n the most confident seruants of Adelphonse doubted to be dispossessed of their gouernmeÌ„ts by a new Maister So they crosâ—e Adelphonse in countermanding of Charles but the lots were cast his army is in field and he resolute to passe on He enters into Spaine where he finds so many difficulties as he returnes into France and so concludes all his enterprises imbraciâ—g againe the care of religion and of the Church as a subiect fit for the remainder of his dayes A happy concâ—usion of Charlemagnes life Hee was thâ—ee score and eight yeares old when he left the warres so he spent three whole yeares in his study reading the Bible and the bookes of Saint Augustin whom he loued aboue all the Doctors of the Church He resided at Paris â—o haue conference with the learned where hee had erected a goodly 〈◊〉 â—urnished â—ith learned men such as that time could afforde and enriched 〈◊〉 goodly priuileges Hee had an extraordinary care to haue the seruice of the Câ—urch suppâ—â—ed as a Nursery of the holy Ministery Thence grew so many Colledges of Chanoins with such sufficient reuenues 81â— Thus Charles spent three yeares happily in the onely care of his soule leaâ—â—ing a goodly example to Princes to moderate their greatnesse with pietie their enioying of temporall goods with the hope of eternall and to thinke of their departure out of this life in time He makes his 〈◊〉 Thus foretelling his death wherevnto he prepared himselfe by this exercise he made his will leauing Lewis his sonne sole heyre of his great Kingdoms and bequeaths to the Church great treasures as more at large is conteined in his will set downe in the Hâ—story His Testament was the messenger of his death for soone after he fell sicke He dyes and continued so but eight dayes dying happily vnto the Lord in the yeare of grace 814. of his age the 71. and of his raigne the 47. including 15. yeares of his Empire He was interred at Aix La Chapelle where hee was borne and his memory honoured with a goodly Epitaph set downe in the History The true 〈…〉 and Hee was one of the greatest Princes that euer liued His vertue is the patterne of Princes his good hap the subiect of their wishes The greatnesse of his Monarchie is admirable for he quietly enioyed all France Germanie the greatest part of Hungaâ—ie all Italy and a part of Spaine But his vertues were greater then his Monarchie his clemencie wisdome and valour his learning yea in the holy Scripture his vigilancie His vices magnanimitie and singular force be the theater of his immortall praises And yet his vertues were not without some blemish as the greatest are not commonly without some notable vice for hee was giuen to women adding Concubins to his lawfull wiues by whom hee had bastards I haue noted elsewhere the number of his wiues and children Lewis the weakest of them all remained alone the sole heire of this great Monarchie of France the Romaine Empire but not of his noble vertues We are now come to the top of this great building we shall see it decline and therein note the admirable prouidence of God who amidest the confusion of this estate hath alwayes preserued the Maiestie of this Crowne LEWIS the gentle the 25 King 815. and Emperour of the West LODOWICKE I. KING OF FRANCE XXV AS the vertues of Charlemagne had raised this estate to an admirable greatnesse so the small valour or rather the vices of his posterity caused the declining and if God had not preuented had beene the ruine thereof His intent was onely to change the race vnworthy to raigne but not the realme the which hee hath preserued vnto this day by his prouidence in the bosome of one country and in it his Church for the which he maintaines both the estates where it remaines and the whole world which cannot subsist but in regard of it Thus the French Monarchie being come to the heigth of her greatnesse The declining of this race the lawe imposed vpon all humaine things would haue it decline that of
equitie according to God and their consciences the Estates did choose Hugh Capet for King promising to obey him Hugh Capet chosen King oâ— France and and his as their lawfull Kings according to the law of State This is the ground of Hugh Capets royaltie There was no need of any preachers to perswade the people nor to send to Rome for the Popes dispensation as Pepin did The people were fully perswaded in their mindes and a fit occasion was offered that without any iniurious change as that was in the person of Chilperie they might supplie the place being voyde with a better King 988. and more profitable for the common weale This Act was made at Noyon in the moneth of May in the yeare 987. and to giue more authority to this famous decree Crowned at Rheims the same Assembly goes to assist at the Coronation of Hugh who was annointed and crowned King the third of Iuly after his election Hugh Capet being thus chosen and crowned King he studied by all meanes to let the French vnderstand by the effects that they had made a good choise as the successe of his raigne and of his posterities will shewe in the following discourses From Rheims he went to Paris wel accompanied where he makes his entry to the great applause of all the people He imployes his first endeauours to send them all home well satisfied who had giuen him so notable a proofe of their affection But euery one being returned to his house behold Charles of Lorraine reiected assembles forces and with part of them begins to ouerrun Champagne shewing all acts of hostility Within few moneths after he himselfe comes to field with a great army of Germains Charles of Lorraine begins war and surprâ—seth towns Lorrains and Bourguignons and hauing taken Rheims at his first approch hee passeth on towards Paris as to the head or heart of the Estate and enters into Picardy where he seizeth on the Citties of Soyssons and Laon al by the practises of Arnâ—lphe the bastard sonne of King Lothaire and Archbishop of Rheims a man both cunning and head-strong from thence he runs euen to the gates of Paris filling all the country with fire and feare Hugh sleepes not but knowing howe much it did import to possesse the people with good conceit of him and to stoppe the courses and spoyles of Charles who of purpose tormented the Parisiens to breed some innouation hee gathereth together what troupes he can attending the rest which he had sent for and with them he goes presently to field but it chanced that Charles being far stronger then Capet did easily defeat him so as hauing cut his troupes in peeces Hugh Capet deâ—eated at the â—irst in great danger he had almost surprised Hugh in the sight of Paris where he saued himselfe with much paine and danger These beginnings did as much amaze the people who had so cheerfully chosen Hugh as it puft vp Charles already a Conquerour and a peacefull King in his own conceit Charles promiseth to himâ—selfe a happy raigne who being retired to Laon in great triumph sends newe letters to all the Prouinces of France perswading them to acknowledge him for their lawfull King vaunting of this happy beginning as a gage of the felicity which did attend him in his raigne But he had not cast vp his accounts with him who holds the euents of things in his hand for the contrary fell out to that he had imagined Hugh is nothing dismayde at this first repulse these summonings of Charles make him to vse all hast and prickes them foreward with whom he had diuided the Realme hauing an especiall interest in his raigne according to their election All men flye vnto him Charles supposing that Hugh ment to yeeld and that these assemblies were made to haue the better conditions had dispersed his army about Laon and retayned the least part within the citty and with this assurance that all necessaryes should abound he had no care to make vse of his victory when as sodainely Hugh appeares with his army before Laon hauing stopt all the passages he beseegeth it all the Lorraines small troupes which were found in the villages thereaboutes were easily taken and disarmed and the citty was presently summoned to yeeld in the Kings name and to deliuer vp Charles of Lorraine guilty of high treason and enemy to the French vpon paine of fire and sword Charles flies to intreaties and teares The inhabitants complayning of him as the cause of their misery resolue with the aduice of Anselme their bishop to obey Hugh Capet as their lawfull King and to deliuer Charles into his hands The which they did with his wife and children Charles taken in Laon and This happened in the yeare 991. and so the controuersie betwixt Hugh and Charles of Lorraine for the crowne was decided in lesse then foure yeares Hugh being a Conqueror goes to Orleans and leades with him Charles Caried to Orleans where he dies in prison and the remainder of his miserable family inflicting no greater punishment on him then perpetuall imprisonment where he was well kept with his wife vnto his dying day in the which he had both sonnes and daughters 990. There are diuers opinions vpon this point Some say they died all there others say that they repeopled the State of Lorraine and transplanted their race vnto the Princes that rule there at this present But howsoeuer As the Romains had expelled the Gaules and themselues were afterwards driuen out by diuers nations and the race of Pharamond which had dispossessed them was displaced by Pepin so Hugh Capet expelled that of Pepin with a better title then Pepin beeing lawfully called by them which had the right and the presumptiue heire was iustly degraded for his fault Hugh Capet no vsurper Nâ—câ—ste Hugo regni inuasor out vsurpaâ—oâ— eliquaâ—iâ—er est iudicandus queÌ„ regniproceâ—es elegerunt saith Nangius so as no man can with reason say That Hugh Capet was an Vsurper seeing he had so solemne and lawfull a calling by a decree of the generall Estates of the Realme To whom the application of the Soueraigne Lawe belonges as Nangius an auncient writer doth testifie For what auailes it the legitimation of his royaltie to say that Hugh Capet came of the race of Charlemagne by his Mother Auoye daughter to Otho Duke of Saxony and Emperour In this regard shee could not be of Charlemaignes race the which without doubt fayled in Lewis the fourth the sonne of Arnoul neither would it auaile him any thing to bee the sonne of a daughter of France seeing the Distaffe may not lawfully succeede This victory added an incredible reputation to Hugh Capets vertue the which was most apparent in greatest extremities and made him an easie way to purchase obedience in his newe Kingdome He began by homage as the seale of authority To that ende The subiects do homage vnto Hugh hee calles all Dukes Earles
to furnish themselues in this affected voyage at what price soeuer Godefroy of Bouillon chiefe of the armie sold the Seigneurie of Bouillon to Aubert Bishop of Liege and Metz to the Inhabitants Robert Duke of Normandie ingaged all his lands to his brother William King of England Herpin Earle of Berry his Earledome to King Philip. A sale farre more honorable for the selâ—ers then for the buiers There was a quarrell betwixt the children of Taâ—cred the Norman of whom we haue spokenâ— who by his valour had conquered Scicile Calabria Apulia â— growne from light beginnings It seemed to be immortall the question being betwixt wilfull Kinsmen but this zeale did so pacific their quarrels as they brought aboue twenty thousand braue men to the army with their own persons Iâ— euery 〈◊〉 there was nothing but men making their prouisions the wayes were full of souldiers horseâ— baggage which repaired to the Rendezuous the Ports Hauens and Seas swarmed with sâ—ips and vessels to transport our generous Argonauts they being guided with this holy zeale The number of the Armie to the Holy lâ—nd to settle the State of Christians in the Holy land The number of the armie is diuersly reported Some write they were six hundred thousand fighting men others restraine it onely to a hundred thousand The first number were more likely for what were that in Europe but for our wretched dissentions But that which they adde is to be considered That many else well affected were kept back by reason of the dissentions betwixt the Emperours and Popes so as Germanie a great nurâ—erie of men of warre sent very few and Italy fewer being dispensed withall by the Pope who had ingaged others See the ordinarie frutes of home-bred quarrels the which fortifies the enemies of Christendome Some writers of iudgment adde that Pope Vrbain did cunningly vse the Christians zeale to weaken the Emperour and his Partisans that hee might preuaile with more facilitie causing them to marche in this action and retaining such as were at his deuotion This is their opinion as the wise reader may verifie in their places 1096. The sequell will shewe that this voiage did nothing mortifie the quarrell betwixt the Emperor the Pope the which was reuiued after a tragick maner We follow the traces of truth as euery thing hath succeeded Here we discourse of the beginnings and motiues of this war we shall see the end and issue of this great preparation Let vs reurne to the hauen to our Argonaâ—â—es the trumpets sound they are all ready to set saile Godefroye diuided his army into three fleets making the Rendezuous aâ— Constantinople whether he had sent his Ambassadors to Alexis Emperour of Greece The army parts and arriues at Constaâ—tinople who entring into iealousie of so great an army made some difficulty to grant him ports yet in the end hee yeelded and gaue him an honorable entertainement The departure of these Christian Aduenturers was in the yeare 1096. the first day of Aprill Behold our Latins arriued in safe port thus hereafter wee shall call them to distinguish them from the Greekes being Christians friends the Turkes Leuantins enemies They vndertooke no small worke neither went they to take possession of an empty inheritance The Turkes and Mahometains their enemies were Lords of Asia from the realme of Pontus towards the Mediterranian sea vnto Hellespont after they had expelled the Greekes ouerthrowne the forces of the Caliphes of Babilon and Egipt The Maâ—â—metain command and had seized on Palestina Iudea and all the rest of the Kingdome of Israell from the entry of the holie Land vnto Libanus Ierusalem was in their hands Their estate springing from weake beginnings encreased dayly Soliman Belchiaroc was their fiâ—t Sultan or Emperour who quickned with so hot a sommons of Christians assembled his forces togither stoode vpon his gard and prepared to fight Godefroy taking the aduice of Alexis Emperour of Greece who made shewe to imploy all his meanes to aduance the common cause resolued to passe into Chalcedone and beginning with the Citties of Asia to make his passage more easie The Christian troupes twâ—se defeated by the Turkes Hee had sent Peter the Hermit before the first trumpet of this warre with Gaultier who was a better soldiar and some troupes to discouer the Country but both togither making scarce one good Captaine suffred themselues to be beaten by the Turkes so as Godefroy sends in their place one called Regnaud or Raimond who makes profession to know the Country but he speeds worse suâ—â—ring himselfe to be beaten by the Turkes and to â—ace his life he renounced the Christian religion abandoning al that had followed him to the slaughter This was a â—oretelling of ill successe The army marching by Asia the lesse first they beseege Nicomedia the lesse takes it â—â—en they attempt Nicea a Citty of Bethinia famous for the first generall Councell 〈◊〉 â—as held against Arrius The Sultan had thrust Mahomet into it one of his braâ—est Captaines yet was it taken by assault by the Christians after two and twenty daies â—â—ege The Sultan had his army in field the which approched to fauour the beseeged Godeâ—â—oy winnes the greatest part oâ— Asia and to saue the remainder of this ship-wracke and likewise to hold the Citties in obedience which stood amazed Nicea being yeelded there were some skirmishes so fauorable for the Latins as Soliman retires his army to the mountaines leaues the plaines Citties to Godefroy who puft vp with this happy successe and leauing a good gard in Nicea he passeth through Bethinia and comes to Heraclea the which yeelds presently and goes on with such successe as in lesse then foure yeares he subdued all the goodliest Prouinces of Asia that is to say Lycaonia Cilicia Cappadocia Paphlagonia Siria Mesopotaâ—ia and Comagene as the wise reader may see in the Originalls of the whole History without making of any particular relation in this discourse These happy and gainefull conquests strooke as great a terror in Soliman and the Leuantins as it purchased honour and reputation to Godefroy and the Christians so as hauing taken Antioche Tripaly and other renowned Citties Iudeâ— and Ierusalem taken Godefroy of Boullâ—n chosen King of Ierusalem they came into Iudea and to Ierusalem with a victorious courage Thus Ierusalem is beseeged with such dilligence and resolution as after eight and thirty daies it is taken by assault and all the Turkes â—ut in peeces The poore inhabitants without armes are carefully preserued to purchase a double victory to the Latins of valour in fighting well and of clemency in sparing the vanquished 1109. The Citty wone the Latins assemble in councel with one coÌ„mon consent choose Godefroy of Bouillon King of Ierusalem Al the royall ornaments were taken accâ—pted by him except the Crowne of gold the which he would haue of thornes like to that of our sauiour Iesus Christ to augment the price
these butchers attending their misery Lewis King of France punisheth the rebells shut themselues into the great Tower of S. Donas Lewis doth first bury the body of this good Earle honourably the which had lien without sepulchre and then doth punish the murtherers and their complices rigourously But this is not all He must prouide for the Earledome remayning without a Lord by the death of Count Charles deceassed without children Pretendants for the Earledome of Flanders There wanted no pretendants William of Ypre sonne to Philip of Flanders the second sonne of Robert the Frison King Henry of England who desired greatly to ioyne this goodly Country with his Normandy Stephen of Blois Earle of Montreuill and Bologne Baldwin Earle of Hainault and William the sonne of Robert called Court-house brother to the King of England but his sworne enemy hauing vsed his father ill and kept him prisoner Lewis was soueraigne Iudge of this controuersy Flanders depending on the crowne of France He assigned all the pretendants of the Citty of Arras signifiyng that his intent was to do him iustice but in effect he inclined to fauour adiudging the Earledome of Flanders to the last that is to William of Normandy to binde him with more strict bounds against his â—â—nsman On the other side the Flemings assemble at Ypre and chose William of Loâ— Lord of Ypre The King aduanceth with his forces to Ypre to preuent this popular election where he enters the stonger and forceth William to renownce it VVilliam of Normandy made Earle of Flanders From thence he goes to all other good Citties where by his authority he causeth William of Normandy to be receiued for lawfull Earle and puts him in solemne possession by a publike act But his fauour had ill bestowed this goodly inheritance of an vnworthy man whose fury depriued him presently Lewis hauing installed him He oppresseth his newe subiects returnes into France William insteed of winning his newe subiects by equity and mildnesse begins to oppresse them after a rigorous and imperious manner by infringing of their preuileges ostentations of his authority taxes subsidies newe impositions and by all other meanes which Princes that seeke to loose their Estates hold to torment their subiects He had so far exceeded as the Citties without any wauering resolue to prouide a better Earle and to this intent they seeke a head The memorie of their good Earle makes them to cast their eyes vpon him that hath most right to this inheritance as the neerest kinsman which is Thierri son to the Duke of Alsatia and of Gertrude daughter to Robert the Frison The Flemings intreat him to come into their country The Flemings chooâ—e them a new Earle promising him all assistance to conquer the State He comes and is receiued with an extraordinary ioy by all the people All the Citties assemble to acknowledge him by order and dismisse William of Normandy who seeing a flat repulse by this people thus freed repayres to Lewis for succour in this extremity Lewis fayles him not his army marcheth with great speed hee himselfe comes in person and is receiued into Arras from thence he adiornes Thierry to come and answer before him as his soueraigne by what warrant hee carries himselfe for Earle this sommons is made vnto him at Ypre whether he had retired himselfe Hauing condemned him by default Thierrithe new Earle of Flanders defeated he approcheth his army to Ypre to vexe the inhibâ—bitants Thierri sallies forth with a notable troupe of men they ioyne the fight is fierce but the check falles vpon Thierries forces who with much a doe saues himselfe in Alost William pursues him and approcheth the towne sommoning the Inhabitants to obey and to deliuer vp Thierri as an Vsurper VVilliam of Normandy stâ—â—â—e in Flanders But he was not aduised that one with a Crossebow shot an arrow at him and pierced him through the arme Behold hee is wounded and within two dayes he dies Thierri and the Flemings send presently to Lewis to beseech him to receiue them into fauour whereby he may be assured of theyr faithfull seruice Lewis consents and confirmes him and hauing caused him to take the oath of fidelity and receiued his homage after the manner of his Ancestors 1121. he returnes into France But Flanders continued not long in quiet as we shall see hereafter To these stirres of Flanders were added some garboyles in Bourbonois and Auuergne Archibauld Earle of Bourbon was deceassed leauing one sonne of the same name Troubles in Bourbonois but a young man and a brother called Haman who abusing the time in the weake minoritie of his Nephew would make himselfe Maister of Bourbonois pretending the Earledome to appertaine vnto him by the death of his elder brother to whom hee must succeed in order as the yongest of the house The mother and friends of Archibauld opposed against Hamon the right of representation inuiolable in France in great houses which is that the sonne of the eldest brother represeâ—ts the Father and without doubt succeeds in all his rights to enioy them as if he himselfe liued for that the Father reuiues in the Sonne Hamon building his chiefe interest vpon force would not admit any reason that made for his Nephew so as the matter was brought before the King who by the aduise of his Councell declares Archibauld the lawfull heire and puts Haman from his pretensions commanding him to leaue the possession of Bourbonois free to his Nephew 1123. This Archibauld did afterwards marrie his daughter Beatrix to Robert Earle of Clermont in Beauuoisis sonne to the King S. Lewis The stâ—â—ke of the house of Bourbon and of this marriage by the royall stemme is discended the most famous race of Bourbon the which at this day doth happily enioy the Crowne and realme of France But Haman who held some places in Burbonois would not leaue the possession refusing to obey the Kings commandement relying vpon the fauour of Eustache Earle of Auuergne who sought to free himselfe There was a priuate subiect of complaint against him hauing displaced the Bishop of Clermont against the Kings will These occasions drew the King into Bourbonois where hauing besieged Haman he ended this controuersie in fauour of Archibauld The affaires of Auuergne were more difficult by reason of William Duke of Guienne who imbraced the cause for the Earle of Auuergne pretending that he was his vassall This quarrell seemed to take a long course but it was pacified by this meanes Lewis had six sonnes Philip Lewis Henry another Philip Peter Robert and one Daughter Constance He had crowned his eldest sonne Philip who dyed by a strange accident going to take the aire on horseback Philip eldest sonne to Lewis died by a strange accident a Hog passed vnder the bellie of his horse the which being feared did shake this young King so violently as he threw him downe and so brused him as within few dayes after hee
as are aduanced to these dignities our Kings hauing right to be soueraigne ouer-seers of the Church The King would not allow of Peter thus aduanced to this dignity The Pope king of France at 〈◊〉 although the Chapter of Bourges had giuen their consent to the Popes decree Peter being reiected had recourse to Thibaud Earle of Champagne to the Earle of Blois men discontented with the King and onely fit to be opposed But to this difficultie there was added a greater at the same instant Raoul Earle of Vermandois had put away his wife Gilibert the daughter of Roger Lord of Chasteau-briant vpon suspition that she had beene prodigall of her honour without any proofes to conuince her But iealousie made him to see that plainly which was concealed to others so as he put her away and tooke Peronnelle the Bastard Daughter of William Duke of Guienne in her place being aduowed sister to Queene Elenor and her deere friend Gilibert complaines to the Pope being reiected as shee pretended without cause and demands Iustice. The Pope commands Raoul to receiue his wife againe and to put away Peronelle as vnlawfull and for not obeying doth excommunicate him The King intreates the Pope for Peronelle but he preuailes not for hee sends Yues into France as his Legat to reuiue the first censure 1143. not onely against the Earle but also against the Bishops which had consented to the diuorce of Gilibert forbidding them any more to exercise their charges The Earle Thibaud had vndertaken to haue the Pope obeyed to the great dislike of the King as it were attempting it of purpose to offend him Lewis moued with this affront went against Thibaud And at the first takes Vitry and not onely sackes the Towne but in disdaine of the Pope caused the Churches to bee spoiled and many being fled out of the villages to saue themselues from the furie of the disordred troupes A horrible massacre committed by the soldiars of Lewis and by his consent had retired themselues into a Temple as to a place of safetie Lewis giues such libertie to his Souldiars as they set fire of the place and burne fifteene hundred persons men and women The horror of this Massacre offended all good men but especially Lewis who was so much grieued as hee could not bee comforted Misfortune is good for some thing Lewis loathing the voyage to the East for the foresayd occasions was easily confirmed by Saint Bernard who had perswaded him to yeeld all succours to the afflicted Christians for a reparation of so execrable a fact committed by his commandement vpon so many poore innocents And likewise he imbarked Conrad the Emperour and the Germaines These two great Princes carried with one zeale and vnited in one will to this worke make great preparations for the voyage Conrad armes three score thousand horse and an infinite number of foote and hee himselfe is chiefe of this goodly Armie taking the way of Hongarie to Constantinople through the Countrie of Alexis his brother in lawe Emperour of Greece The Emperor and Lewis go into the East hee arriued some moneths before Lewis for the Emperour parted in Februarie and Lewis went to field in Maye and takes the same course the Emperour had done The Kings Armie was nothing inferiour to the Emperours and so much the more remarkeable for that Queene Elenor desired to accompany her husband in the voyage so as after the King and Queenes example all France thought to flie into the East They sent a Distaffe and a Spindle to all those that were fit for Armes if they marched not with this tâ—oupe of braue Warriors Conrad arriued first at Constantinople And so he returned much sooner into Germanie Hauing passed into Asia by the Bosphorus of Thrace it was likely that all should yeeld to so mightie an Armie but it fell out otherwise then he had desseigned All the Cittie 's wonne at the fiâ—st voyage were almost lost and the Christians ill gouernment was so well knowne as the Turkes made head in all places The Emperour measuring his triumph by the number of his men contemned the enemie and was negligent in his proceedings Hauing referred the prouision to Alexis Emperour of the East The Emperors voyage to no profit his brother in lawe he found little Bread and store of enemies in all places So as what by Hunger and the Sword scarce the tenth part of his men come to his friends in the Holy Land where hee found them all amazed Lewis warned by Conrads example did somwhat better in the beginning for being refreshed at Constantinople and other Citties of Greece he passed the Chanell into Asia happily where hauing beaten the enemie hee came without losse to Athalia and hauing caused his Fleete which was at Rhodes to come to the friends Ports of Palestina he arriued by land safe with all his troupes at Antioche where hee was honourablie recâ—iued by â—aimond Earle of Saint Gilles his brother in lawe In the meane time the Emperour besiegeth Ascalon alone but preuailes not Lewis arriues at Ierusalem whether Conrad comes likewise After they had visited the places of deuotion they resolue to besiege Damas in Siria a Cittie very important for the commerce of Iudea but after a long and fâ—uitlesse siege all are dispersed The Emperor who came first The Emperor of Greece deales â—â—â—acherously with the Emperor King returnes first The King stayed not long after him There were foure yeares spent in this fruitlesse voyage with much paine and cost and not onely without fruite but it also tooke away the terror of Christian armies in these miscreants and left the affaires of Asia in farre worse estate then when they came There was yet another inconuenience The Emperor Alexis a friend at their entrie shewed himselfe an enemie to them both at their departure Conrad saued himselfe as well as he could more fearing the treacherie of the Greekes then the crueltie of the Turkes 1146. Lewis prouides in time to haue the Fleete of Sicile come for his conuoy else had he lost both himselfe and his treasure The Emperor and King of France make a shamefull returne from the East the which had beene a meanes for the Greekes to make their peace with the Turkes and open warre against the other Christians being better then themselues This shamefull and preiudiciall departure was hurtfull to the whole Christian Church But there was a greater losse for Lewis very troublesome to himselfe and preiudiciall to all France for Queene Elenor his wife who made profession to go visit the holy places suffered her eyes to be abused with an vnchaste and filthy lust which tainted her honour and the King her husbands heart with an outragious iealousie This woman accustomed to the liberties of Time and Place had so abandoned her selfe to the pleasures of the East as the stenche of her incontinencie was publike to the whole world before her husband had any notice thereof
shew my selfe passionate in a matter which I report as an interpreter or â—ruchman Platina the Popes Secretary In those daies saieth he sprong vp an heresie at Tholouse the which by the care of Pope Innocent S. Dominik suppressed with exceeding great dilligency with the helpe of Simon Montfort In the raigne of Philip Augustus for they were infâ—rced not only to vse disputation of words but armes also so great credit had this heresie gotten Paulus Aemilius sayth The vertue of Dominik was very appareÌ„t in beating downe the heresie of the Albigeois The opinions of the Albigeois as some write This infection tooke first footing in the Earldome of Tholoâ—â—e of whoÌ„ the Albigeois depend had infected the neighbor Citties They called our Popes the Bishops of the wicked our Church the Sinagoge of hel They conteÌ„ned mariages held that for holy which is execrable To ioyne theÌ„selues â—arnally with women without order They are held enemies of aâ— goodmen Pope InnoceÌ„t decreed a holy war against theÌ„ and sent his Legats into all partes to exhort them to make war against so execrable a sect But the Lord of Haillan to whoÌ„ this history is much indebted saith Although they held bad opinions yet that did not so much incense the Pope great Princes against theÌ„ as the liberty of their speech blaming the vices and dissolutions of Princes and of the Clergy yea taxing the Popes life and actions This was the chiefe point which made them generally to bee hated King Augustus incensed by the Clergy of his realme who charged the Albigeois with all kinds of heresies for that they blamed detested their vices intreated Pope Innocent to interpose his authority The Earle of Thoulose was the head of this faction of the Albigeois but hee was not alone The Earle of Tholouse head of the Albigois in the raigne of Philip Augustus The Earles of Foix and of Comminges Gaston of Foix and Roger of Comminges very renouned men in their time were of that partie and Alphonso King of Arragon had ioyned in the same cause with them The Countries of Languedoc Daulphiné Guienne Gascony and Prouence were full of them Tholouse Carcasonne Alby Castelnau and Castres in Albigeois Narbone Beziers Saint Gilles Arles and Auignon are directly noted in this history The first subiect of this tumult was the discontent the people had against the Clergy The occasion of this warâ—e discontented with their leude disordered life from discontent grewe contempt and in the end a quarrel and so open warre The Clergy thus contemned fled to Pope Innocent the 3. who sent the Cardinall of Saint Maria in Porticu and Nicholas Bishop of Thusculum with Preachers who went through all the Country but preuailed nothing for that the Earle did visibly fauour this contempt of his subiects being transported with the like humor Vpon the Legats report Pope Innocent decrees a sentence of excommunication against Count Raymond and sends Peter of Chasteauneuf his Legat to publish it The Popes Legat slaine by the Albigois but he was slaine Innocent wonderfully displeased with this murther sends Gallon for his Legat and by him doth command King Philip to arme against Count Raymond and his subiects as against heretiks and sworne enemies to the Church and doth likewise command Odo Duke of Bourgongne and William Earle of Neuers to ioyne in this warre The assembly was held at Paris whether repaired a great number of the Clergy and there they resolued vpon a Croisadoe as against infidells An army against the Albigois The Arch-bishoppes of Tholouse Roan and Sens the Bishoppes of Lisieux Bayeux Chartres Comminges Coserans Lodeux Beziers and many Abbots contributed first great summes of money to quench the fire before it passe farther Simon Earle of Montfort neere vnto Paris a braue and valiant Captaine issued from a bastard of Robert King of France is chosen generall of this army this was in the yeare a thousand two hundred ten The army enters into Lanquedoc where the Kings name was respected as their Soueraigne but the Citties would not open their gates to their enemies army who they sayd abused the Kings authority Vpon their refusall Simon threatens to beseege them Beziers was first attempted and with such cruell successe A wonderfull slaughter of the Albigois as hauing taken it the bloud flowed by the losse of threescore thousand persons and in the ende it was spoiled sackt burnt and made desolate All other Townes being terrified yeelded at first sommons Carcassonne held out but it was taken by composition That the Inhabitants should depart all naked onely their priuy partes couered and halters about their neckes Castelnau likewise would not obey yet in the end it yeelded In the raigne of Philip Augustus and Simon caused fifty men to bee burned aliue Alby obeyes without force Lauaur by the resolution of Gerarde the Lady of the place did resist but the Towne was taken by force and this woman cast into a well Amaulry a gentleman of the Contry who had maintayned the seege against Simon was hanged By these fearefull examples Castres Rabastens Gaillac la Caussade Puy Laurence Saint Antonin and Saint Marcell yeeld Cahors followes but Moissac beeing obstinate was taken and spoyled Strange executions done by Simon of oâ— Montfort This sodaine execution amazed Count Raymond who hauing excused himself touching the Legates death and beeing so neere allied vnto the King his Brother in Lawe hee attended nothing lesse then an army against him yea hearing of the Leuie and seeing it to march hee feared not that which was put in execution against his subiects He conceiued it had been onely to countenance the sermons of S. Dominike who accompanied the army with a notable number of Clergy men Beeing awaked with so great a losse hee seekes out all his meanes and friends to oppose them against Count Simon of Montfort who was wonderfully feared by reason of so victorious a successe King Alphonso of Arragon and the Earles of Cominges and Foix 1215. bring him great troupes Incouraged by these examples to their preseruation In the raigne of Philip Augustus Raymond imployes all he can his armie as they say consisted of a hundred thousand men As tâ—is armie of the Albigeois led by Count Raymond goes to field to recouer their lost Townes Simon opposeth himselfe couragiously with faâ—re lesser forces Count Raymond and his conâ—ederates defeated by Simon of Montfort and yet ouerthrew these great numbers with little losse Alphonso was slaine in this defeat the taking sack of Tholouse followed where there died twenty thousand men by the victors sword The Citties of Rouergue Agenois terrefied with this seuere proceeding â—eelded obedience vnto Simon This hapned in the yeare 1215. the place of the bataile is diuersly reported at Muret or at Mirebeau After this strange ruinous defeat Count Raimond seeing himselfe spoiled of his possessions retires into Spaine to the Estats
of K. Alphonso attending meanâ— to repaire his affaires in better season In the meane time Simon doth promise himselfe the property of all Raymonds estates the which he had gotten with his Sword but for that it was apparent that the King of France would hardly grant so goodly a Prouince taken from his kinsman to one of his subiects Simon therefore flies vnto the Pope by whose authority this war was chiefely ingaged from whom he attended his chiefe recompence hauing laboured for him Innocent the 3. finding that Philip who would not desist in his pursute against Iohn King of England notwithstanding his interdictioÌ„â— would not be moued now by his simple authority to leaue so important a peece he assembles a great Councell meaning to force the King to yeeld vnto his will â—he Patriarkes of Ierusalem and Constantinople were there in person The Councell of Latran and those of Antioche and Alexandria sent their deputies there were 70. Archbishops 400. Bishops and 1000. Abbots Priors The Emperors of the East West the Kings of France England Spaine Ierusalem Cipres and other Kings Princes and great estates had their Ambassadors By a decree of this notable assembly Count Raymond was excommunicated with all his associats The Earldome of Tholouse giuen to Simon of Montfort by the Pope his lands adiuged to Simon of Montfort for his seruice done and to do to the Catholike Church Philip could not gain-say this decree confirmed in a maner by the consent of the whole world He therfore receiued SimoÌ„ to homage for the Prouince of Languedoc whereof he tooke peaceable possession but he did not long enioy it â—or seeing himselfe inuested he began to oppresse his new subiects An Eâ—le is lost with ouer griping The people of Languedoc finding themselues oppressed with this insupportable burthen of Simon they resolue to call home their Count Raymond who was retired into Spaine to seeke some meanes to recouer the possession of his estate His case was not desperate for hee enioyed the Earldomes of Viuareâ—z Venaissan and the Citty of Auignon places kept by his subiects during these occurrents whether Simons forces were not yet come Raymond being called by his subiects returnes into Languedoc accompanied with a notable troupe of Arragonois being discontented for the death of their King Alphonso The whole Countrey baâ—died against Simon hating him as an vsurper Simon hated by his subiects of Languâ—doc for hâ—s oppression â—yâ—â—nie and detesting him as a tyrant for doubtlesse vniust violent things cannot continue Whilest that Simon seekes to bridle the Citties of his new conquests leaping from place to place with an infinite toile behold Raymond is receiued into Tholousâ— by intelligence with great ioy of the inhabitants Simon abandons all the rest and flies thether but he finds a stop for comming to the gates of the Citty as he approched neere the walles to parley he was hurt in the head with a stone wherof he died The example of Tholouse made the greatest part of the subdued Citties to reuolt Simon of Montfort left two sonnes Simon of Montfort slaâ—n before Tholouse Guy and Amaulry vpon the reuolt of Tholouse the one seizeth vpon Carcassone the other of Narbonne but Guy was slaine in Carcassone by the Inhabitants who were the stronger Amaulry hauing fortified Narbonne repaires to Philip Augustus beseeching him to succor him in his necessity Philip had the Wolfe by the eare for as on the one side he desired this goodly Prouince for himselfe rather then for the children of Simon of Montfort so was he also restâ—ained by the authority of the Pope and Councell He theâ—fore sends his sonne Lewis into Languedoc to reduce the Country to his obedience But he had scarce taken any one Castell when as his fathers death calls him home Count Raymond receiued againe in Languedock So as Count Raymond his subiects of Languedoc had time to reuiue their spirits recouer many places gotteÌ„ by Simon The king of England would neither assist nor send to the coronatioÌ„ of Lewis although he were held as Duke of Guienne 1223. This occasion moued Lewis to warre against him Warre in Guienne against the English whereby he got Niort and Rochel and Sauary of Mauleon Gouernour for the English retired to his seruice This losse made the warre more violent Richard Earle of Cornwaile brother to Henry King of England passed into France with a goodly armie and hauing taken S. Macaire Langon and Reolle Townes seated vpon the Riuer of Garonne and defeated some French troupes he made way for a truce which was fauourable for both parties But especially for Lewis being desirous to settle matters in Languedoc the which troubled him for the daily proceedings of the Albigeois yet was hee loth to labour for another For this reason he treats with Amaulry Earle of Montfort touching the right he had to that Countrie with whom hee preuailed the more easily for that hauing lost the greatest part of the Prouince he was not able to hold the rest with the Kings dislike to whom hee resigned it by order of a decree made by the Pope in the Councell of Latran and in recompence hee made him Constable of France with the consent of Pope Honorius Lewis compounds for Languâ—doc with the â—oâ—n of Simon Montfort Hauing compounded with the Children of Simon Montfort hee resolued to winne Count Raymond to his deuotion and to perswade him to lay aside armes whereof hee did see the euents to be very doubtfull His intent was to vnite this rich Prouince of Languedoc to the Crowne But reason which saith that no man thinkes his owne too much the respect which great men do vsually beare one to another and the alliance which the house of France had with the Countie of Tholouse were great restraints for the couetousnesse of Lewis But how soeuer he determined to make himselfe the stronger to prescribe them a law To this end he leuied a great Armie fortified with his Edicts by the which hee thunders against these poore Albigeois as Heretikes and Rebels These Edicts were of force whereas his authoritie was respected Count Raymond considering with himselfe the cruell beginning of this warre and the continuance of the like miserie in these second armes fearing to imbarke himselfe the third time with a people against his King is easily perswaded by Lewis to reconcile himselfe to Pope Honorius Thus Raimond leauing to oppose himselfe Count Raymond submits himselfe vnâ—o the Pope yeelds to Lewis and perswades the â—arle of Cominges the chiefe agent of his desseignes to the like obedience Thus both of them abandon the people go to Rome they make their peace with the Pope and leaue the Albigeois to the mercie of Lewis who seeing them without a head imbraceth this occasion to their ruine High and base Languedoc was wholy in his power by Raymonds departure Auignon remained with many other places in the Countie of
of Vallois Iohn Charles the 5. Charles the 6. Charles the 7. Lewis the 11. Charles the 8. who dying without Children the lawe calles the children of Lewis Duke of Orleans The house of Oâ—leâ—ns called to the crowne the sonne of Charles the 6. to raigne one after an other Charles Duke of Orleans and Iohn Duke of Angoulesme for Lewis the sonne of Charles raâ—gned vnder the name of Lewis the 12. who dying without issue male the lawe takes the other branche of Iohn of Angoulesme so as it sets the Crowne vpon the head of Francis the 1. his onely sonne and from Francis the 1. to Henry the 2. his sonne and so in order to Francis the 2. Charles the 9. Henry the 3. his children successiuely from brother to b other This direct line ending in Henry the 3. the last King of the house of Vallois the law calles the second sonne of S. Lewis named Robert who giues the royall branche to Bourbon Out of the which is issued Henry of Bourbon the fourth of that name King of France and of Nauarre now raigning but we will set downe his genealogie distinctly in the end of the royall race of Vallois It sufficeth to haue noted the order of the following raignes returning to the course of our Historie Thus S. Lewis the 9. liued and thus he dyed the honor of vertue in our Kings leauing Philip his eldest Sonne for his successor PHILIP the third called the Hardie the 45 King of France PHILIPPE .3 KING OF FRANCE XXXXV THE authoritie of Lewis was so great as neither his absence not his death could alter any thing in the estaâ—e of France 1270. Being dead Philip his eldest Sonne was procâ—aimed King in the Armie and as much as the time would permit was recâ—iued with a generall applause of all men as hee in whom the Fathers vertue and authoritie was yet liuing The Armie in the meane time is fortified with the Fleetes of England and of Sicilia so as the Barbarians seeing the whole Countrie in Armes and on fire they demand a truce and obtaine it vpon condition That they should suffer the Christians which were dispersed in diuers parts of Affricke to liue in peace But that which did most presse Philip was his returne into France Queene Isabel dyes So as hee gathers his troupes together the remainder of the plague and of the vnciuill vsage of that barbarous Countrie and parts from Affricke into Sicilia where his losses encrease for his Wife Isabell dyes there And his Vncle Alphonsus with his Wife the Countesse of Tholouse dye soone after at Bologne without any Children so as according to the contract of marriâ—â—e the Earledome of Tholouse should be incorporate to the Crowne Another sinister accident chanced to Richard the Sonne of Henry King of England to the end the English might likewise reckon their gaines in this voyage for being arriued at Viterbo a Ciâ—tie of the Popes walking in Saint Lawrence Church Richard sonne to Henry King of England slaine traiterouslie suspecting no enemie behold this Guy of Montford the Sonne of Simon of whom wee haue spoken kills him in the presence of all his followers and drawing his Sword hee makes his way to the Church doore where finding a Horse ready he flies into Tuscane whereat neither the Pope Philip nor Charles were any thing moued This murther thus neglected shall bleed hereafter But these were not all the occurrents which Philip had in his returne home Pope Clement the 4. borne in Langâ—edoc being dead the Cardinals loth to yeeld one vnto another disagree in the election of a new Pope and continued in this contention two yeares nine moneths and one day as Platina reporteth Great contention for the election of a new Pope Our Philip and Charles his Vncle intreate the Colledge of Cardinalls to make an end of so scandalous a discention The respect of their admonition was not frutelesse For the Cardinals resolue that not any one of the Colledge that had assisted at this tedious controuersie should be Pope Thibaud of Plaisance Archedeacon of Leege being absent in the voyage of the East was chosen and called Gregorie the tenth In the end Philip returnes into France to the great content of his Subiects Hauing interred the dead his Father Wife Vncle Ante and Cousine hee disposed of the affaires of Iustice according to the instructions and example of his Father Saint Lewis famous amongst all our Kings And then hee married with Mary the Daughter of Henry Duke of Brabant hauing three Sonnes by Isabell his first Wife Lewis eldest sonne to Philip poisoned Lewis Philip and Charles But here wee shall not finde the happinesse of our Saint Lewis for this second marriage was blemished with a sadde and foule suspect Lewis the eldest Sonne of King Philip dyed with apparent signes of poison This mischiefe encreaseth by the iealousie is had of Queene Marie his Mother in Lawe and Peter de la Broche chiefe Chamberlaine to the King and principall Intendant of his Treasure being the Queenes fauorite is accused for this fact and being prisoner he confesseth the crime and accuseth the Queene as hauing poisoned Lewis by her command Moreouer as one mischiefe commeth not alone La Broche is found guiltie of Treason by his owne Letters giuing intelligence to the King of Castile of the estate of France being then no friend to this Crowne This crime alone was sufficient for his death being hanged leauing Mary in trouble by his accusation and by the strange euent a notable example of the inconstancie of the Court and the vanitiâ— of the world Marie denies the fact by othe The King desirous to bee satisfied proceedes strangely For want of common proofe hee resolues to learne the trueth by a Sorceresse to whom hee sends a Bishop and an Abbot This Witche remained in Holland and was Subiect to the Duke of Brabant the Queenes Father The Bishop and Abbot at their returne faâ—e not to absolue the Queene by her report but they free her not from the generall iealousie of the French nor in the Kings conceit who after this accusation did neuer enioy any rest in his house These were the beginnings of the raigne of Philip whose progresse and end shall bee nothing better His Vncle Charles King of Sicilia shall crosse his life with many toyles and end it with perplexitie But let vs obserue euery thing in order As by the decease of Alphonsus and Ioane his Wife being dead without Children the Countie of Tholouse came to the Crowne The Countie of Tholouse annexed to the Crowne so Philip failed not to take possession thereof as one of the most important peeces of his Estate but hee found some alterations there through the priuate quarrels of his Subiects The Earle of Foix hauing a notable quarrell with Girard of Casebonne had taken his house from him by force Girard fled to the King for Iustice but the Earle trusting to his Fortes and the
Guienne hee taketh Bourdeaux the chiefe Cittie of Guienne and then most of the other Townes doe willingly yeeld obedience vnto the King Rions and some other Castels well fortified by the Eâ—glish â—old good to serue as a Leuaine of this waâ—re Edward seeing himselfe thus assailâ—d aâ—mes by Sea and Land By Sea hee sends an Aâ—mie vnder the conduct of Robert Tiptoste A Leâ—â—ue beâ—wixt Edwaâ—d oâ— Enâ—land Gâ—y of Fâ—anders the Emperor and Dukâ— oâ— Bâ—r against Philip. By land hee sends some forces vnder the command oâ— Iohn Breton to preserue that which remained in Guienne and to fortifie himselfe with friends in the doubtfull euents of so important a cause hee makes a league with Guy Earle of Flanders and for confirmation thereof hee demands his Daughter Philip for his eldest sonne the Prince of Wales the heire apparant to the Crowne of England which the Earle accepts willingly And to omit nothing that might auaâ—â—e him hee enters league with Henry Duke of Bar giuing him Elenor his Daughter in marriage and with Adolphe of Nassau Emperour both hauing pretensions against France The Duke of Bar demanded Champagne of the King by the rights hâ—e preâ—ended and enters it with forces Philip sends Gualter of Creâ—y the Loâ—d of Chaâ—â—illion vpon Marne against him with a goodly Armie who on the other side entâ—ing into Barrois makes a diuersion and forceth the Duke to returne to defend his owne against Gualter â—he Emperour brauâ—ngly giues notice vnto the King that he will make warre against him to recouer the Lands belonging to the Empire Philip makes no other answer but sends him a packet well sealed vp in the which was a whiâ—e Paper foulded like a Letter without any writing This scofâ—e was a great defie as indeed the braueries of Adolphe had no successe The Earle of Flanders was the neerest and most dangerous enemie to preiudice Philip who had ioyned himselfe to the King of England by so strict a bond as the marriage of his Daughter Philip hauing three great enemies in front tryes his wittes to staye them The most dangerous was hee that dealt vnder hand that is the Fleming who made a good shew to Philip Stâ—â—ars dâ—luditur 〈◊〉 and yet treated with his most dangerous enemie but pollicie did circumuent pollicie The King findes meanes vnder-hand to giue him notice that hee would gladly see his Daughter whome hee had Christened and was called Philip by his name before he led her into England Guy brings her with him to Paris being arriued he is committed prisoner by the King The cause is made knowne vnto him by such as had commanâ—â—ment to arrest him That being his Vassaâ—le hee had presumed to allye himselfe with a capitall enemie to the Crowne giuing him so precious a gage as his Daughter Guy obtaines leaue to speake with the King Hee excuseth himselfe Philip sâ—izeth vpon â—he â—aâ—le oâ— Flâ—nâ—eâ—s Daugâ—ter but his Daughter â—â—maines as a pawne with the Queene to bee marryed at the Kings good pleasure 〈◊〉 Daughter although kindly entertained by the King and Queene was full of greefe lamenting dayly as if this honourable gaâ—de had beene a most cruell prison The Earle intreates Philip to send him his Daughter hee answers him plainely that hee tooke her not to restore her Herevpon Guy takes occasion to complaine of the great wrong hee pretended to bee done him by Philip who detaines his Daughter forceably without reason The English in the meane time make open warre in Guienne Philip foreseeing that this was the beginning of a greater storme meaning to lay the burthen vpon him that might doe him most harme sends a goodly Armie into Guienne against the English vnder the conduct of two great Commanders his Brother Charles Earle of Valois and the Constable of Neele to molest the enemie in diuers places Rions and Pondesaâ— Townes vpon the Riuer of Garonne then strong but now desolate are besieged and after many diâ—ficulties yeeld vnto the King and in the end Saint Seuer but with more paine Edmond Brother to the King of England is defeated at Sea The English affaires succeeded ill and reâ—uâ—nâ—ng into England repaires his Nauâ—e But striuing afterwards in vaine to besiege Bourdeaux with new forces hee goes and dyes at Bayonne then belonging to the English 1296. Thus all things succeeding ill for the English hee seekes all meanes to fortifie himselfe He flies to the Emperour Adolphe the chiefe instrument of his hope and sends him money to leuâ—e an armie To Pope Bâ—niface the eight beseeching him to remeâ—ber the priuate bond he had to the preseruation of England whereof he was protector Guy Earle of Flanders ioynes openly with the English in this societie to make warre against Philip with all his forces But from these light beginnings sprung diuers occasions which â—â—oubled these great Princes The Fleminge is the chiefe aduancer of this Trageâ—â—â— and shall haue his share in it A great assembly of Princes against Philip. He cals a great assemblie in the Cittie of Gramont in the yeare 1296. at the feast of Châ—istmas where Adolph thâ— Emperour Edward King of England the Duke of Austria Iohn Duke of Brabant the Earle of Iuliers William of Iuliers his Sonne Iohn Earle of Holland and of Haynault Robert Earle of Neuers William Henry and Guy of Flanders Ihon Earle of Namur and many other great personages meete and with one coâ—seâ—â— resolue to make warre against Philip. The colour was to maintaine Guy Earle of â—landers vniustly afflicted by Philip who had violently taken and stolne his Daughter against the right of Nations and detained her refusing obstinately to restore her to her Father It was decreed that Guy should begin by force and bee well secoâ—ded by the Emperour and the English in case of necessitie But before they come to Armes Pope Boniface should make the first point by the luster of his authoritie All things threatned Philip with much trouble but the end will shew that the attempts of man are all but vaine Boniface according to the intent of their league sends his Nuncio to Philip Popâ— Boniface eâ—enâ—y to Pâ—ilip which was Iames Bishop of Metz to exhort him to doe Iustice both to the Earle of Flanders and to the King of England protesting that hee desired nothing more then peace betwixt Christian Princes Hee sent the same Nuncio vpon the same subiect into England but with an other intent then hee made shâ—w of vnto Philip casting Wood and Oyle into this fire in steed of Water to quench it But for that this Pope must appeare in many acts of this Theater wee must obserue his disposition by some sufficient and not suspected testimonie Platina the â—opes Secretarie Being saith hee a Priest Cardinall of Saint Martin of the Mount Platina i◠〈…〉 hee affected the Pontificall dignitie with such vehemencie as hee omitted neither ambition nor fraude to compasse it and moreouer hee was puft vp with such arrogancie â—s â—ee
contemned the whole world Hee reports also that hee vsed a notable pollicie to circuâ—uent Celestin being chosen to the dignitie of Pope a simple man and vnfit for maâ—â—eâ—s of State hee suborned some one to talke to him in the night like an Angell perswading him to leaue this charge if hee would be saued hee preuailes by his pâ—actises and wrought so by subtill deuises as hee was chosen Pope in his place Being Pope hee desired nothing more then to kindle the warre betwixt the Guelphes and the Gibelins then called Blacke and White by a name and marke of a faction Platina coates a singular proofe of his disposition nothing inclined to procure peace among Christian Princes Prochâ—t Archbishop of Genoa affected to the Gibelin faction kneeled at Boniface feete on Ashwednesday As the Priest is accustomed to say Memento homo quia ciuis es in â—inerem reuerteris he sayd changing the wordes Memeâ—to homo quia Gibilinus es et eâ—m Gibilinis in cinerem reuerteris casting the Ashes into his eyes where as they are accustomed to cast them on the head in signe of humilitie and submission Boniface thus inclined to the peace of Christendome that is to say as the Lord of Haillan writes more puft vp with glory and vanitie then good zeale to the peace of Christian Princes hee commands Philip by his Nuncio to restore to the English and Flemmings what they demanded and for not obeying hee cites him to appeare at Rome vpon paine of excommunication Philip a wise and a valiant Prince although hee were discontented with this course yet hee sent an Honorable Ambassage to Rome by the Archbishop of Rheims and the Earle of Saint Paul to lay open his right before the Deputies of the King of England and the Earle of Flanders who were then at Rome to complaine as being wronged All parties being heard Boniface decrees that Philip as the fountaine and cause of all the miseries and inconueniences which had happened should yeeld to Edward and to Gâ—y all they demanded both in Guienne and Flanders The Pope makes a decree against Philip. charging the Archbishâ—p of Rheâ—ms to signifie this Bull vnto the King vpon paine of excommunication for not obeying This was the first blowe giuen by Boniface against Philip The other Sceane of this Theater shall represent an other acte But what doth Philip after these great threates He prepares for deeds not suffering himselfe to be daunted with words and tâ—ies his witte to finde out meanes to maintaine himselfe against so mightie enemies not holding it fiâ—te nor worthy of a King of France to be terrified with these CoÌ„minations from Rome imployed without reason against his lawfull authoritie So seeking for all helpes he resolues to be ready for all euents holding words insufficient to calme this storme Philip prepares to defend himselfe He layes great impositions which they call Maletost vpon his Subiects for the leâ—ying of Souldiars and imposeth great tenths vpon the Clergie But in the search of thâ—s remedie he was incountred with two difficulties On the one side The French mutine being surcharged his Subiects suâ—charged with the exaction of these great summes being almost in dispaire were ready to rebell in diuers places especially in the greater Citties And on the other side Pope Boniface thundred against him by new Comminations and Censures â— forbidding the Clergie to contribute any thing This Prince crossed with these difficulties continues his course resolutely Philip admonisheâ—h the Earle of Flandeâ—â— of his duty as a great worke requires a noble and vndanted spirit But before he enters warre against Guy Earle of Flanders he sends the Archbishop of Rheims and the Bishop of Seâ—lis vnto him to aduise him not to enter into a voluntarie warre That the King was as carefull of his Daughter as himselfe to marrie her honorablie according to her qualitie That hee did nothing vnworthy of a good King or a good God-father in not suffering his subiects to allie themselues to his capitall enemies the which hee spake not for feare of the Earles forces or of his friends but for the care hee had of his Subiects not to see them runne headlong into ruine and therefore he presents him the choise of Peace of Warre Count Guy answers â—hat hee is resolute to recouer his right by force from the King seeing hee might not haue it by reason Philip hauing tryed mildnesse in vaine comes to force Hee had a goodly Armie whereof hee takes the one halfe and giues the other to Robert Earle of Artois his cousine He turnes the head of his Armie against Lisle and besiegeth it Philip inuades Flanders and defeates he Flemings whilest that Robert defeates the Flemings at Furnes and takes the Earles of Iuliers and Albemont with many other of great accoumpt and sends them prisoners into France So continuing his victory hee takes the Townes of Cassel Bergues Saint Winoch Furnes and all the West part with an incredible celeritie The King hauing taken Lisle hee enters victoriously into Bruges At this sodaine check all the rest of Flanders stâ—nds amazed This happy beginning did shake the desseignes of the confederate Princes so as without any more delay they sue for peace Ambassadors come presently vnto him from the King of England demanding a truce the which hee granted comprehending the Earles of Flanders and Neuers vpon condition they should put their controuersies to compromise And so he returned into France leauing Raoul of Neele his Constable Gouernor of the Countrie of â—landers This was the first voyage of Philip into Flanders in the yeare 1297. All things seemed to bee thus mildely pacified He seizeth vpon all Flanders but the progresse will soone shew that Philip had no meaning to receiue the Earle of Flanders into fauour For the truce being newly expired Charles Earle of Valois enters into Flanders with the same victorious Armie where hee takes Bethâ—ne Douay Courtray and all the rest of the Countrie of Flanders except Gand whether the Earle Guy was retired with his Children being disapointed of succours from his allyes and confederates England is quiet and the Emperour Adolphe is no more to be seene The Earle of Flanders forsaâ—â—n by his confederates who had made this poore Earle to weare the Bable And the Gaâ—tois make their peace with the King keeping their Priuileges But what shall become of the Earle hee yeelds himselfe absolutely into the hands of Robert Eaâ—le of Artois with promise that by his intercession he should be restored into the Kings good fauour and so into the possession of his estate 1299. Vpon this promise of Robert Guy accompanied with his children Robert William and Guy and his Nobilitie that were most confident vnto him comes to Paris but his hope was soone turned into a languishing sorrow for both himselfe his children and all his followers were dispersed into sundry places vnder sure gardes Guy put into prison as the Kings prisoners
they feared Of this great army there hardly escaped three hundred all are pact together great smal Not one CoÌ„mander escaped very few Noblemen Robert Earle of Artois cosin to the King of France General of the army Arnoul Lord of Neele Constable of France Iames of Chastilion A wonderfull defeate of the French Gouernor of FlaÌ„dâ—rs Iohn King of Maiorica Godfroy of BrabaÌ„t his Son the Lord of Viezon the Earls of Eu la Marche Damartin Aumale Auge Tancaruille many other great personages which were the offerings of these cowardly spirits They number 12000. Gentlemen slaine in this battell by this inraged multitude A notable president not to contemne an enemy which teacheth what a furious people well led may do An enemy is not to be contemned howâ— weake soeuer and especially that victories come froÌ„ heauen for here the lesser number vanquished the greater the weakethe strong This victory called of Courtray or Groeminghe was followed with an absolute reuolt of all Flanders against the French It happened in the yeare 1302. the 11. of Iuly Iohn of Namour remaining their gouernour in the absence of their imprisoned Earle Philip receiued a great check in this battell but he had more botoms to vntwist Aâ—â— the tâ—reats of Edward King of England of the Emperor Adolphe vanished only Pope Boniface the 8. shewed himselfe obstinate in his hatred against Philip. A discourse worthy to be carefully described In the hottest of these Flemish affayres Pope Boniface did excoÌ„municate Philip curse his Realme vpon this occasion A notable affront done by Pope Boniface to Philip. The Christians estate was lamentable in the East the Tartarians encreased dayly Cassan King of Tartars allyed with the King of Armenia a Christian made a great professioÌ„ of loue to the Christians and for that the Mamelus held Iudea Ierusalem he desired to drawe the Kings and Princes of Christendome to their ayde To this end he sends an Ambassage to Pope Boniface the 8. and to Philip King of France to intreat them both to imploy their authorities and meanes in so good a worke Boniface failes not to imbrace this occasioÌ„ he not onely exhorts Philip to succor the Tartar but also commands him proudly and imperiously vpon paine of excommunication This Bull was giuen to a sufficient man named Stephen an Arragonois whom he had made Bishop of Apaâ—ters a Cittie in the Countie of Foix which they commonly call Pamiers and had erected this new Bishoprick in the Archbishoprick of Tholouse without the Kings priuity or consent who acquitted himselfe of his charge so stoutly that when as Philip represented vnto him the greatnesse of his affaires so as he could not obey the Popes command he answered with a bold face That if the King would not obey the Pope hee would depriue him of his Realme The subiect the manner and the person aduanced thus against his will did so moue Philip grieued with this late losse as if the Pope would insult ouer him for this bad successe that hee imprisoned this Bishop Boniface transported with choller sends to him againe one Peter a Romane borne Archbishop of Narbonne with sharper Buls to summon him to vndertake this voyage of the East to command him not to touch the reuenues of the Clergie to reprehend him sharpely for that hee had presumed to lay hands vpon the Bishop whom he had sent to inioyne him to send him presently back in full libertie His charge extended to no other censures in case he disobeyed not in the principall The Archbishop executed his charge boldly Philip shewed him with great modestie the impossibilitie of this voyage the reasons which had moued him to leuie this tenth of the Clergie and so to intreate the Bishop hauing spoken vnto him without any respect Arrogancie of the Popes Nuncio The Archbishop replied with more arrogancie That he was ignorant of the Popes authoritie who was not onely the Father of Christian soules but also Soueraigne Lord and Prince in temporall things And therefore by that authoritie he did excommunicate him declaring him vnworthy to raigne and his realme forfaited to the Church of Rome to inuest whom he pleased Moreouer he brought another Bull directed to the Prelats and Noblemen of France by the which he did acquire and dispence all Frenchmen from their oth of obedience to Philip. And a third by the which he did cite all the Prelats and Diuines of the French Church to appeare before him at Rome disanulling all indulgences and priuiledges granted to the French by any Popes his predecessors The Earle of Artois disdaining this affront takes the Bull and casts it into fire saying That no such dishonor should euer befall the King to submit himselfe to any such conditions Philip amazed at these bold affronts referres the whole matter to his Councell who conclude to send back the Popes two Nuncios to Rome and to forbid the Prelats of France to goe or to send any money to Rome beseeching Philip to proceed in the affaires of his Realme and not to stay in so goodly a course This done Philip raiseth new great forces to returne into Flanders At his entry the Flemings were defeated at Arques neere to S. Omer in a straight passage Guy of Namur beseeging Xiriâ—xé was ouerthrowne by the Kings Nauie assisted by 16. Galleys of Genoa vnder the command of Renier Grimaldi and being taken is carried to the King being in his armie betwixt Lisle and Douay After this fortunate beginning Philip subdâ—es the Flemings many Cittie 's yeelded to the French the rest fearing the euent stood amazed the sume of their victorie being evaporated so as the first heat being colde they intreate the Earle of Sauoy to be a mediator to Philip for a truce whereby they might obtaine a peace after so many miseries Philip of Flanders Iohn of Namur brethren were great persâ—aders thereof for the naturall desire they had to free their poore father so long time a prisoner But Philip thirsting after reuenge for his losse at Courtray refuseth it He aduanceth and defeats the Flemings at Aire and at Tournay There chanced in the end that notable incounter at Mons in Penelle where they were wonderfully beaten to make them loose the â—ast of the battaile of Courtray yet Philip was in danger of his life and bought this victory dearly and the Flemings like men in dispaire assembled together from all parts although vnder-hand they did sue to Philip for peace the which in the end they obtained Philip makes peace with the Flemings at the instance of Iohn Duke of Brabant vpon these conditions That the Soueraignty remaining to the King and the Flemings enioying their liberties the Earle Guy all other prisoners should be set at libertie without ransome and the Flemings should pay eighty thousand pound sterling for the charges of the war the Castels of Lisle Douay Cassell Courtray should be deliuered into the Kings
hands 1303. as a pawne vntill the end of the paiment and he might beat downe what he had built in the Castels of Lisle Douay deliuering them to the Earle as to their lawful Lord. The Flemings tyed to sâ—â—ict conditions That the Flemings should raze the walls and Forts of fiue principal Citties Gaunt Bruges Ypre Lisle and Douay and neuer to build them againe That the King should make choise of 3000. men at his pleasure in Bruges and thereabouts that were coulpable of the seditions and murthers committed a thousand of them to bee imployed beyond the seas and two thousand on this side and that the Flemings should furnish 600. men at armes to serue the King one whole yeare where hee pleased And for the performance hereof the Citties should bee bound Six thousand pounds and should forfaire threscore thousand Liuers for non-payment for the effecting whereof Deputies should bee appointed During this treatie the Earle Guy and his daughter Philip Guy Earle of Flanders and his daughter dye the subiect of this troublesome reuolt died to the great great greefe of Philip who sees himselfe frustrate of al meanes to shew his clemencie and bountie But when these Articles were brought vnto the Citties the people did mutine with great impatiencie so as the Deputies perswaded Philip to moderate those which were most greeuous The demantling of the Townes except Bruges where the reuolt began and the banishment of the men conuerting it into a pecuniary fine and a great summe to an annuall pension prefixt to easie paiments Thus the accord was made Robert William and Guy brethren The conditions moderated the sonnes of the Earle Guy of Flanders were deliuered with all the prisoners but we shal see that in the execution thereof there was much trouble During these hard rough proceedings Edward King of England hauing receiued a check in Guienne was quiet fearing Philips resolution in greatest dangers whereof hee could wisely free himselfe in the end an accord is made by the marriage of Isabel the daughter of Philip Isabel the daughter of Philip married to Edward King of England with Edward the 2. who in regard of this marriage recouered all he had lost in Guienne in the taking of Isabell he left to his posteritie a heauy pawne to pretend a title to the whole Realme Philip had his reuenge of this Emperour Adolphe who had so boldly braued him in the beginning of this quarrell vnder coulour of demanding the lands of the Empire lying in the Countries of Bourgongne Daulphiné and Prouence being in old time the realme of Arles but then in the power of diuers Lords as we haue sayd vnder the Kings authoritie The King of England and Earles of Flanders had great cause to complaine of him hauing receiued two hundred thousand Crownes to make war against Philip the which he imployed in the pourchase of Thuringe taking possession of that goodly Land so vniustly gotten being solde by an vnnaturall Father who would disinherit his Children This filthie traffick agrauated by the complaints of the King of England and Earle of Flanders Adolphe the Emperour deposed made Adolphe of Nassau very odious and contemptible being issued from a noble and worthie race but this Act against the poore Children made him vnworthy of the Empire from which he was deposed by a decree of the Electors Albert of Austria seated in his place who poursuing him with war slâ—e him as they write with his owne hand in an incounter neere vnto Spire But Pope Boniface the 8. Philips greatest enemie remained yet vnpacified who stil continued his chollor against him in a season when as he thought him to be drawne drie both of men and money for they write that this warre of Flanders had wasted aboue three hundred thousand Frenchmen in eleuen yeares during the which it coÌ„tinued We haue seene how he vsed him by his Nuncios this last Act will not onely shew the continuance of his spleene but shal also represent a bad Catastrophé in this Tragedie the which shall light vpon the head of Boniface sought for by himselfe Albert of Austria was no sooner chosen and installed Emperour by the Electors but Boniface applyed his wit to winne him against Philip supposing to preuaile against Philip Pope Boniface his practise against Philip. as Gregorie the ninth had done against Frederic the second Hee proclames him Emperour inuests him King of the realme of France giuing him both the title and armes and taking occasion to sowe deuision in the heart of the Realme by meanes of the Clergie who by reason of their reuenues had great power in the State and for the interest thereof great will to preserue them Hee did also write his letters to Philip in this manner Boniface Bishop seruant of the seruants of God to Philip King of Frenchmen Feare God He write arâ—ogantly to Philip. and obserue his commandements wee wil thee to vnderstand that thou art subiect to vs both in spirituall and temporall things and that it belongs not to theâ— to giue any prebend or benifice If thou hast the keeping of any of them being vacant thou must reserue the profits of them to the successors If thou hast giuen any wee iudge thy gift to be void and do reuoke all that hath beene done and whosoeuer beleeueth otherwise wee iudge them heretikes giuen at Latran the fourth of the Nones of December the 6. yeare of our Popedome The King answeres him thus Philips answere to the Pope Philip by the grace of God King of France to Boniface calling himselfe the soueraigne Bishop little or no health Let thy great follie and rashnes be aduertised that in tempâ—ral things we acknowledge none but God for superiour and that the gift of prebends being void belongs to vs by our royall prerogatiue and the fruits that grow thereby the which wee will defend by the sword against all them that shall seeke to hinder our possession esteeming them fooles and without iudgement that shall thinke otherwise These are the very words drawne out of the originall But Philip to preuent the plots of Pope Boniface asseÌ„bled the Prelaâ—s of his realm at Paris with al speed hauing represeÌ„ted vnto theÌ„ the wrong which Pope Boniface had done him by his decree from the which he had appealed as erronious he makes them to renew their oath of fidelitie Hee thankes the King of England in that he yeelded not to the perswasions of Boniface who would haue incensed him against him and in the end he seekes to stay the violent course of his furious practises There was a Gentleman following the Court whose name was Felix of Nogaret borne in Seuennes a mountaine Countrie of Languedoc of the familie of the Albigeois as in that Countrie there were many reserued from father to sonne since the grant made them by Saint Lewis whome Philip held fit for the execution of this charge there was likewise a guide
where the Captaines iudgement is more auailâ—able then the souldiers force But why ascend we not from these second causes true in that which doth concerne vs vnto the first and soueraigne cause The arme of the Eternall â—urging this Realme full of vicious and corrupted humours letting it blood but not suffering it to die this bloud letting shal be the beginning of a stronger medicine prescribed by the same Phisition ministred vnto France in the following raignes but in the end we shal finde the operation to the recouery of our estate Let vs now see the progresse of our miseries Edward did all he could to manage this victory wisely Philip to preuent him Edwards procâ—eding after the battell wonne Edward without any stay passeth on without atteÌ„pting the great Citties of Amiens Abbeuille although neerer he makes shew to set vpon Monstreuil Bologne but he posted to Calais a fit place for the passage of England Iohn of Vienne Marshall of France with him the Lord of Andreghan great personages in those daies commanded there with a strong French garnison being assisted with the faithfull resolution of the inhabitants So presently after the bâ—tâ—aile of Cressy Edward did besiege the Towne of Calais A long siege painfull and of remarkable successe He 〈…〉 Philip amazed with these sharp crosses fallen out beyond his hopes of ease slept not although it were with much paine and lesse fruite But his whole care was not for the ouerthrowe at Cressy He had a further reach following the trace of this vnfortunate losse Hee was entred into a newe inheritance this newe losse was to him a newe checke Affliction is a great crime both in great and small A remarkable 〈…〉 this raigne and opens their mouthes which haue their hearts ill affected The people of France were in extreme pouertie and yet the necessitie of the Kings affaires forced them to a new charge The ill gouernment of the publike treasure the falsehoode of the Treasorers who inriched themselues by the pouertie of the miserable people the fall of money imbased the decay of trafficke the increase of taxes A 〈…〉 by a plâ—gâ—e imposts subsidies were the causes of this general want the which drew the people into dispaire in this surcharge of troubles falling vpon the King This burthen grewe the more heauie by a great famine being followed by a strange generall plague throughout the whole realme as if heauen and earth had conspired to the ruine of France Philip inuironed with so many and so great difficulties continues constant with a valorous resolution against them all He prouids for the gard of the Citties of Picardy lying neerest vnto danger and to driue off the time vnfit for armes he calles a great assembly of his estats Philip calleâ— a Parliament to take Councel aide and comfort in the perplexity of so many dangerous occurrents In this assembly it was decreed to call the Treasorers to an accompt and to refer the gouernment of the treasure to Clergie men to the Nobility Therby to free the people from all iealousie of ill imploying it The Abbots of Marmoustier and Corbie are chosen for this Intendancie and to assist them there are ioyned foure Bishops and foure knights Peter of Essars Treasorer of France is committed to prison condemned in a great fiâ—e to the King Many treasorers being condemned iustly or vniustly yeeld that at once which they had bin long in gathering The treasoâ—ers called in question for thâ—â—r charge the sponge being then pressed by necessitie The Bankers Lombards other vsurers are then called to a strict accompt by reason of their vniust exactions The interests are proued to exceede the principall the which is forfaired to the King The interest is remitted to the debitor which payed the principall But the chiefe frute of this assemblie was that the whole body was wel inclined to succor the King in so vegent a necessity Bankers and vsuâ—ers are sifted without any alteration for the new difficulties of State Thus the winter was spent without any memorable acte on either side In the spring Philip goes to field with a great army and approcheth neere vnto Calais to drawe Edward to â—ight but it was in vaine for Edward contenting himselfe with his victorie and not willing to râ—n the hazard of a second battaile kept himselfe within his trenches and to manifest his resolution vnto Philip Edward to 〈◊〉 not to leaue the seege he built houses about Calais to lodge his army drie sends for his wiâ—e protesting publikely by a solemne oth not to rise vntill he did see an end and make the inhabitants pay for their obstinate resâ—lution On the other side Philip labored to crosse Edwards desseines but with small successe To worke a diuersion of this seege hee makes war in England by the King of Scotlands meanes and in Flanders by his sonne Iohn then Duke of Normandy and afterwards King of France but all succeeded ill Dauid King of Scotland hauing by Philips perswasion entred and spoyled England was defeated taken brought prisoner to London through the happinesse of Edwards fortune and the diligence of his officers 〈…〉 losse in his raigne Iohn Duke of Normandie hauing left Guienne by his fathers command comes into Flanders beseegeth the Towne of Cassel held by the English faction but he is forced to rise by theÌ„ within the Towne Then he falles vpon Lislâ— where he hath a newer repulse so as hardly could he retyre himselfe to his father Philip who sees his subiects in danger of shipwracke yet could he not releeue them Guienne abandoned by Iohn for the action of Flanders suffered much for Henry of Lancaster Lieutenant for Edward in Guienne seeing the Country left weake by Iohns departure issues out of Bourdeaux with an army and finding no enemy he doth easily surprise many Townes of Xantonge and Poitou and ladden with spoile he returnes home 1347. In the ende Calais yeelds to Edward standing to his mercy Calais taken after a long and cruell famine and almost a whole yeares siege for the siege began the 30. of September .1346 and the Towne was yeelded vp in August .1347 The French garrison was put to ransome and so set at liberty the Inhabitants were worse intreated the baser sort onely were suffred to depart with what they could carrie about them and in their steed Edward sends a Colony of English to whome he distributed all the goods of the vanquished and fortified the Towne especially towards France to leaue this place hereditary to his posterity who held it .200 yeares that is from the yeare .1346 vnto the raigne of Henry the .2 father to the King last deceased The integrity of these poore inhabitants is remarkable in their extreme affliction Edward had reserued six of the chiefe Cittizens to be at his disposition for the satisfiyng of his oth hauing vowed to make the bloud to flowe in Calais
him to his ouerthrow This great squadron forceth into the Vines and enters fight with the English foote but the issue of Iohns new stratagem was contrary to his expectation for in â—hâ—s first charge they finde resistance The Archers planted in the Vines with aduantage galled them in the first rankes with their arrowes whilest that others lying vnseene in the rowes adioyning aime at them at their pleasures shooting forth a dangerous storme of arrowes and vpon their flanke riseth another showre which passeth through these horsemen whereas neither Lance nor Battleaxe could preuaile Hauing made this first charge with so great losâ—e they seeke to retire and to charge the enemie in some other place Battaile of Poitiers but they fall into a greater perplexitie for the horses sinck in this mirie ground and are intangled among the sâ—ubbes stakes and trees some fall some rise againe all are in confusion they lie plunging in the ditches and trenches and the English arrowes flie from all sides This troupe hauing drawne downe the rest by degrees like to a current of water which disperseth it selfe by a chanell the more men the more disorder Our Frenchmen grow amazed at this repulse The English seeing them giue back in confusion crie victorie The French defeaâ—ed by the Enâ—â—â—sh and follow their aduantage striking on all sides as they lay wallowing one vpon another King Iohn runnes to repaire this disorder He performes the dutie both of a good Captaine in gathering together his dispersed men and of a valiant Souldiour in fighting couragiously but the blow was already giuen all was lost The Duke of Athenes Constable and Ihon of Clermont Marshall were slaine at the first charge The Standard royall appeares no more by the fall of the Earle of Charnie who carryed it in this dayes fight The greatest part of the commanders and of this braue Nobilitie who sought to be in the front are vnhorsed This rampart ouerthrowne and the rest shaken broken in peeces the Prince of Wales preuailes the more easily King Iohn is farre ingaged in the conflict The English crie to the King to the King Being charged on all sides he defends himselfe admirablie and his sonne Philip being neere him surmounted the ordinary courage of the most resolute Souldiers in shielding his father from blowes This generous valour did first purchase him the name of Hardy and the course of his life did confirme it in diuers worthy actions but in the end they are both prisoners There was some controuersie not without extreame danger to his person for hauing yeelded vnto Denis of Morbec his owne subiect borne in the countrie of Arthois banished for some fact he was halled by other souldiers who pretended an interest in this prize But the Prince of Wales vnderstanding therof sent him an honorable gard of some of his most trusty seruants whilest that he made the victory absolute The head being taken all are surprized with feare all are dispersed and the slaughter is generall without resistance Edward content to haue the head sounds a retreate and forbids them to pursue the victorie Many saue themselues in Poitiers which stands vpon her garde least the enemy should â—nterwith them that fled The victorious Prince remayning vpon the place of battell sendes a troupe of Noble men Gascons King Iohn taken prisoner Prince Edwaâ—â— recâ—iues him with great â—espect to receiue the King prisoner and to conduct him to his pauilion the which they do with great respect Edward seeing him approch meetes him with great reuerence honours him comforts him entertaines him with a louing discourse and promiseth him all the good vsage a great King could expect in his aduersity A young Prince twise a conquerour hauing vanquished his enemie both by valour and courtesie leauing an honourable trophe of his humanity and wisedome to posterity Iohn setling his countenance shewed a couragious minde in his misfortune A notable example for Princes to shewe an inuincible constancie against the most dangerous losses amongst which the losâ—e of liberty holds the most mournefull rancke and is of the biâ—terest digestion Our losse was then very great and the sâ—quele very pernitions They number seuenteene hundred Gentlemen slaine in this battell The number oâ— the dead amongst the which there were fifty two Lords The chiefest of marke were Peter of Bourbon the Duke of Athenes Constable of France Iohn of Clermont Marshall of France George of Châ—â—ny great Chamberlaine Renauld of Chameil Bishop of Chalons the Lords of Pont and Fayette and of the common sort fiue or six thousand A hundred ensignes were brought away in triumph the spoyle carried away the place of battell free the dead bodies at the conquerours mercie The King was taken the cheefest part of the victory with him was led into the same prison Philip his fourth sonne afterwards Duke of Burgogne Iames of Bourbon Earle of Ponthieu The prisoners â—aken in the battell Iohn of Arthois Earle of Eu Charles of Arthois his brother Earle of Longucuille Charles Earle of Tancaruille Iohn of Melun and his sonne Archbishop of Sens the Earles of Vendosme Salbruch Nassaw Dampmartin la Roche and many other men of accompt This ouerthrow happened in the yeare 1356. the 19. day of September continued with many confusions whereof I tremble to discourse But let vs continue the order of our history Iohn falling into his enemies hands is brought to Bourdeaux and froÌ„ thence safely conducted into England to Edward who shewed himselfe as curteous to his capitall enemie being his captiue as glad of his Sonnes victory Some say he commended him more to haue receiued Iohn with humanity then to haue conquered him by his valour A lesson for great Princes A lesson for great Princes to learne that vertue doth equall valour and that he is rightly a conqueror that can vanquish himselfe He doth lodge him honourablie in the Citty of London in the Duke of Lancasters house with his son Philip vnder a sure gard The other prisoners are dispersed into diuers places according to their qualities to drawe a reasonable ransome from them the which as they payed he sent them free to their houses with much honour and at that instant he gaue liberty vpon the kings word being captiue to all such as he would answer for In this great calamity God looked vpon France with his eye of pitty willing to chastice it but not to ruine it For he reserued during the Kings captiuity royall heads to saue this estate from shipwracke being almost ruined both by the great afflictions passed as also by the imprisonment of their soueraigne head and the death of many great personages necessary instruments for the preseruation greatnesse of the State As Charles eldest son to Iohn The admirable prouideÌ„ce of God in the preseruation of this estate Daulphin and Duke of Normandy Lewis Duke of Aniou and Iohn Duke of Berry escaped in this defeat Charles was of so wise and temperate a
spirit as he seemed capabâ—e to gouerne this great barke in the most horrible stormes of confusioÌ„ which happened in this Realme during his fathers imprisonment Iohn continued fiue yeares a prisoner for he was taken in the yeare 1356 in September and was deliuered in the yeare 1361. in the moneth of May. But let vs describe in order the disorders which chanced in his captiuity As soone as the Daulphin so called vntill he be regent came to Paris he imploies al his wits to procure his Fathers liberty and to maintayne the Kings free authority in the Realme the which was as much restrayned as the Kings person But in this good and coÌ„mendable resolution he found strange difficulties He presently calls a generall assemblie of the Estates at Paris in October following an expedieÌ„t remedy for the greatest affaires of this monarchy profitably practised in the most vrgent causes of our Kings There Charles laieth before them not onely the miserie wherevnto the King his father was brought but also the whole realme in his person he intreats them to giue him councell and assistance in this so great an extremitie The cause spake of it selfe his person was an excellent Orator Moreouer he failed in no point of his dutie for his mournfull countenance expressed his sorrow naturallie and he could well vrge the necessitie of the proofe with so wise modest an eloquence as it would haue moued and dissolued euen the hardest Rockes of the Pyrenean mountaines But the answer which was then made him A 〈◊〉 ill 〈…〉 dangerous 〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉 and the long continuance of crosses gâ—uen him in so commendable an action shew well what an ill councelled people is and how dangerous it is to let slip the reines of restraint to so furious a beast which growes then most outragious when there is greatest need of mildnesse and modestie Without doubt there had beene many disorders in the former raignes and in this new controuersie for the Crowne Philip had made great breaches But is it now time to complaine of the sick when he lyes at the point of death and to represent vnto him his forepassed errors iâ—â—â—eed of applying fit remedies for his griefe So doe the people being wittie and 〈◊〉 complaine of the errors of their superiours and are more ready to increase the diâ—easâ— by remedies worse then the disease it selfe rather then to cure it The peoples inâ—olencie during K. 〈◊〉 imprisonmeÌ„t as shall appeare by the popular actions during the raigne of King Iohn who from complaints haue exceeded to audacious seditions and in the end to cruell and tragicke massacres not onely to tread vnder-foote but to ouerthrow the lawfull authoritie of this Monarchie The Parliament consisted of all the best citties of the realme but as Paris is the chiefe so hauing among the rest the first degree and greatest meanes it was also the chiefe in credit So as when order is well obserued it brings the greatest benefit to this estate but when as disorder raignes the greatest confusion comes from thence Paris the chiefe 〈◊〉 of France â—yther for good or euill The Church holds the first ranke in Parliament and then the Prouost of Marchants in the cittie of Paris whereas the Vniuersitie had then great credit All parts shall play vpon this Theater eyther for good or euill by strange accidents But let vs returne to our Daulphin After that he had made his proposition the Estates being assembled in one body resolued That to auoide confusion there should be fiftie chosen out of all the Prouinces to determine of things necessary according to the instructions remembrances declared to them Thâ—se fiftie deputies assemble in the Gray-friars where by a common consent they resolue what to say vnto the Daulphin who being intreated to come vnto their assemblie and set to heare some notable offer of assistance conformable to the necessitie of the time Robert le Câ—câ— Bishop of Laon spake thus vnto him in the behalfe of the companie The Deputies of the Parliament make vnreasonable demands vâ—to the Daulphin That the assembly beseeched him to sweaâ—e to keepe secret what should be deliuered vnto him by the â—states This young Prince being nothing amazed in this perplexitie answers them presently with a resolution That he should greatly forget the degree he held in the State in receiuing a law from his fathers subiects And therefore he did command them by the naturall authoritie he had ouer them to speake freely what their hearts conceiued Then the Bishop in all their names made knowne vnto him the ill gouerment of the treasure demanding râ—â—â—â—mation thereof with a commission to call the receiuers to an accoumpt that all such as had managed the kings money should be displaced that hereafter both the treasure and the affaires of State should be gouerned by 4. Prelats 12. Bouâ—gesses aâ—oâ—gst the which the cittie of Paris should haue the first degree credit and that without this councell the Daulphin should attempt nothing And for the conclusion of all their demands they require him most instantly to set the King of Nauarre at libertie And vpoÌ„ this condition they promise the Daulphin aide succour for his fathers deliuery The Daulphin noting plainely both the intention of this ill aduised people and that it was now out of season to take exception at the violence of these popular furies demands respite to giue them an answer the next day passeth in this sort without answer to the deputies who intreate him to resolue He makes his excuse vpon the importancie of the affaires and demands a new day to consider thereof And as they pressed him dayly to make his answer so he still prolonged the time by many subtill delaies grounded vpon sundry excuses of purpose to disperse them and to dissolue their councels the which he sees was practised by his enemies 1357. And hauing caused the deputies to attend many daâ—es this plot so hotlie pursued grew colde and tired with tediousnesse they returne home to their houses without any other frute then great sâ—ewes leauing the King languishing in prison and the realme in pittifull disorder But they parted not without leauing the chiefe leuaine of their intended mischiefe at Paris and too many hands to worke in this masse of confusion to the great preiudice of France An ill aduised people hath this humor To complaine still of the present estate and to seeke the future with hope of better The Parisiens who had seized vpon authoritie more caâ—efull for the deliuerie of the King of Nauarre then of their lawfull king summon the Daulphin to set the Nauarrois at liberty according to the decree of the Estates and taking his delaies for a deniall they practise with Iohn of Piqueny gouernour of the countrie of Aâ—thoâ—â— to whom K. Iohn going to the vnfortunate battaile of Poitiers had giuen it in keeping to deliuer him out of the Castell of Alleux in Cambressis where he had remained
nineteene moneths a prisoner This young Prince inuironed with all these difficulties had yet one which exceeded the rest The King of Nâ—â—aâ—â—e set at liberty comes to Paâ—â—â— The Bishop of Laon the chiefe of his councel betraied him bâ—ing a priuate and passionate partaker of the Nauarrois Charles King of Nauarre is deliuered meaning to come to Paris and therefore he demands a safeâ—conduct from the Daulphin who grants it will he or no that is he puts a sword into the hands of his most malicious and â—urious enemie and lodgeth him in his owne house These were bitter pilles but he must digest them euen the Daulphin and all good men that did assist him But many of them lothe to allow of these confusions by their free conâ—ents retire themselues to their houses The Nauarrois hauing his pasport from the Daulphin not onely as a gage of the publike faithfulnesse but as a sentence against king Iohn being prisoner goes to Paris with a stateâ—â—â— traine where they all prepare for his entertainment The Bishop of Laon and the Prouost of Marchants with a great troupe of his Partisans meet him who went to lodge in the Abby of S. Germaine He lets the people vnderstand that he desires to speake publikly vnto them A scaffold is built the people throng in great troupes bringing both hearts and eares The Nauarrois a subtill and an eloquent man represents vnto them the wrong of his imprisonment and his interest to the Crowne he desires iustice might be done him according to his deâ—â—â—t and qualitie but aboue all he spares not to touch that string which should aduance him to the royaltie The people applaud him and giue charge to the Pâ—ouost of Marchants to make the Daulphin acquainted therewith The Bishop of Laon a traâ—tor to his maiestie the which he perfoâ—mes with a brauado The Bishop of Laon a treacheâ—ous seruant to his Maisteâ— answeâ—s for him being silent in this necessitie That the Daulphin should shew grace and fauour to the King of Nauarre as one good brother ought to another He makes the Daulphin so humble as he preuents the Nauarrois who kept his lodging but to preach to this seditious multitude and doth vâ—sit him first whom he doth scaâ—se meete at the doore with a colde welcome He requires audience of his demands They are read in councell which consisted for the most part of men corrupted Wheâ—e it was decreed That all which the King of Nauarre and his complices had done against the King and his realme should be forgotten as neuer done The 〈◊〉 yeelds to the 〈◊〉 his goods seized and in the Kings hands should be restored both to him and his with their honours which had beene beheaded by the commandement of King â—hon their bones should be gathered together and honourablie interred all acts of condemnation dâ—sâ—nulled and an actâ— of their iustiâ—â—cation autentically drawne to free them and theirs hereafter from all 〈◊〉 The demand of the King of Nauarres pretended title was remitted to another time But the Nauarrois brings in the king of England of whom the Daulphin demaÌ„ded a truâ—e the which he grants vpon condition New causes of warre That he might succour the King of Nauar Iohn of Montfort duke of Brittaine in their pretensions Thus the seeds of warre were sowen during the confused calamitie of this poore realme by the meanes of Charles of Nauarre At the same instant Edward makes rigorous demands of his prisoner Iohn on whom for all his good couÌ„tenance he meant to make a benefit by his captiuity He required homage of him for the realme of France as holding it of the realme of England and vpon this condition he would set him at libertie K. Iohn being of a couragious spirit though a prisoneâ— in his person answers him freely That he must not speake to him of that which he neither ought nor would do to alienate a right inalienable That he was resolued at what price soeuer The generous answer of King Iohn to Edwards demands to leaue it to his children as hee had receiued it from his Ancestors That affliction might well ingage his person but not the inuiolable right of the Crowne where he had the honour to be borne ouer the 〈…〉 prison nor death had any power especially in him who should alwaies hold his life well imployed sacrifiâ—ing it for the immortall preseruation of France This generous magnanimitie of King Iohn gaue as great occasion to pittie his calamity as the strange conditions of the English being victor ministred matter of griefe and 〈◊〉 to all true hearted Frenchmen but all this could neitheâ— temper the malice of the Nauarrois not the furious impudencie of this inchanted people Hâ—â—evpâ—n the Daulphin intreats the Parisiens to take pittie of his poore father who not able to auâ—id the ineuitable crosses of fortune common to all degrees The Parâ—sienâ— in 〈◊〉 to their King could well shewe 〈◊〉 in greatest afflictions But these brutish mindes will not be mooued by any 〈…〉 reasons so as after this poore Prince had vsed all the submissions necessity could 〈◊〉 to win the people in the end after the losse of his paines he sought to the other Citâ—â—◠〈◊〉 France Hauing left Lewis Duke of Aniou his brother at Paris to supply his place 〈◊〉 maintaine some shewe of authority The Daulphin â—olieâ—s the other Citties for the Kings liberty the effect wherof crept hourely into the Nauarrois power he went from Cittie to Cittie crauing aide of the French for the deliuerie of his father and the restoring of his Estate The hâ—story doth much honor the Prouince of Languedoc to haue made greate showes of 〈◊〉 to their King being prisoner for it obserues That the three Estatâ— of the Country assembled in one body at Tholouse vnder the authority of the Earle of Armagnac their gouernor did freely grant a great aide to the King for the performance whereof The loue and duty of them of Languedoâ— to their Kingâ— and of Champagne they would not only imploy their reuenewes but their most precious mouables yea their wiues iewells And to testifie their generall heauines they abandoned all sumptuous apparell and bankets especially all dances maskes plaies and other pleasures during the captiuity of their King Champagne followed this commendable example But examples did no more mooue the Parisâ—â—ns hearts then reason had done who answere the Daulphin â—oughly when hee intreats them most humbly that hee should call an other Parliament where they would aduise what was to be done Their intent was to take all authority from the Daulphin and to vâ—uâ—pe it themselues to dispose of the tresor of honors and dignities of peace and war and of the life and death of the Kings subiects at their pleasures Horrible â—â—solenciâ—s of the Parisiens against their Prince To this end they made this young Prince coÌ„temptible odious assembling together both without his priuity against his will in
much eased This prouision came happily for the preseruation of France against the which Edward made then great preparatioÌ„ at the instance of the Nauarrois The truce expired he did forbid the FreÌ„ch to trafficke into England in the meane time his army laÌ„ds at Calais himself follows in persoÌ„ with a goodly traine Being landed resolued to take possession of the realme of France or by force to turne it he marcheth directly to Arras the which he takes in 3. daies Edward enters France with an army hauing assured it with a stroÌ„g garâ—ison he goes towards Champagne where passing onely he besieged Sens which yeelds without resistance and by their example Neuers All Bourgongne was strooke into such a terror as they redeemed their country froÌ„ spoile with a great summe of mony Hauing thus found means to intertaine his armie at his enimies charge enriched his souldiers with an inestimable booty he marcheth towards Paris as the head city of the whole realme the chiefe end of his desseâ—â—e the certain triumph of his conquest the goodly theater of his victories Our â—egent was nothing amased at these threats of Edward for hauing asseÌ„bled a goodly army with great expeditioÌ„ he atteÌ„ds him at Paris where the whole burthen of this was did lie He lodgeth his army in the suburbes fortifieth against approches being taught by the examples of his grandfather father not to hazard any thing resoluing only to defend himselfe within his trenches This resolutioÌ„ succeeded happily He besiegeth Paris but in vaine for Edward seeing the impossibility to draw the regent to fight notwithstaÌ„ding al his alarums raiseth his siege marcheth into Britany to refresh his army to the great conteÌ„t of the ParisieÌ„s who could not sufficiently coÌ„mend the wisdom of their regent hauing so politikly auoided this storme The regent imbraceth this occasion he furnisheth Paris with aboundance of victualls commands the souldiers to liue orderly without oppression of the inhabitants he fortifies the weakest places with all speed and doth so incourage the people as they are ready to sacrifice theÌ„selues for the preseruation of the State Edward supposing the great wast caused by the men of warre resident in this great citty would haue taken from them al means to coÌ„tinue haue bred an impatiency in the minds of this vnconstant people giuing him the better meanes to enter it he returnes with his army being strong lusty by this good refreshing of Britaine Being returned he finds things better ordered then before so as preuailing nothing but walking about the citty beholding a far off the great towers and the admirable masse of so many buildings as a briefe of the whole world he resolues to leaue the siege returne no more Thus experience teaching him what the strength of our chiefe citty was he packes all vp and goes towards Chartres meaning to besiege it But whilest he lodged there his army making a horrible spoile of the whole couÌ„try there chanced an occasioÌ„ as the worke of heauen which sodainely quailed his ambitious disseine to ruine France for behold a horrible extraordinary tempest of haile thuÌ„der and lightning falls with such violence as many horses men in the armie perished as if that God had stretched forth his hand from heauen to stay his course Edward amazed with thunder He resolues to conclude a peace with King Iohn This amazemeÌ„nt causeth Edward to vow to make a peace with King Iohn and the regent his son vpon reasonable conditions He which had thus thundred did likewise opeÌ„ the Duke of Lancasters mouth shewing how reasonable it was to limit humane attempts within restrained bouÌ„ds not to attend an infinit perpetuall prosperity in wordly affaires beeing more safe to content himself with a meane successe theÌ„ to be traÌ„sported with the violent course of humane hopes cast in the mould of indiscreet desires He likewise laied before him the impossibility of so extraordinary a desseine as to make himselfe maister of all France a notable example for Princes to behold their own infirmities and the greatnes of God to whoÌ„ they owe the homage of their enterprises being theÌ„ most happy when they are most sober â—â—â—rate without imagining an infinite power in the short weaknes of this mortal life wherevnto they are subiect like other men A peace concluded at Bretignie The Articles This lessoÌ„ mollified Edwards hart inclining to the deliuery of K. Iohn his prisoner to a general peace the which was concluded at 〈◊〉 a village nere vnto Chartres in the yeare 1360. the 8. of May vpoÌ„ these coÌ„ditioÌ„s That the country of Poitu the Fiefs of Thouars Belleuille the couÌ„tries of Gascony Agenois Peregort Limosin Cahors Tarbe Bigorre Rouergue and Angoumois in soueraignty with the homages of the two next yeares after 1360. at reasonable paâ—ments And for the consideration the said King of England and the Prince of Wales his sonne both for themselues 〈◊〉 successors should renoâ—â—â— all rights pretended to the Crowne of France the Duchie of Normandie the countries of Tourance Aniou and Maine the soueraingty and homage of Brittâ—ine and the Earldome of Flanders and within three weekes they should deliuer King Iohn at Calais at their charge the expences of the Kings house onely excepted The hostages giuen for the performance of the conditions For assurance of which agreement there should be deliuered into the King of Englands hands these hostages Lewis Duke of Aniou Iohn Duke of Berry sonnes to the King of France Philip Duke of Orleance the Kings brother Philip Duke of Bourgongne the Earles of Blois Alanson Saint Pol Hâ—â—court Porcian Valentinois Grandpre Denne and Forest the Lords of Vaudemont Coussy Pyennes Saint Venant Preaux Montmorency Careneieres Boâ—â—â— guion Estoute-ville the Daulphin of Auueigne Andregel and Craon A choâ—â—â— of well selected personages to be a sufficient caution for the money and conditions that were to be performed The Deputies that treated The Deputies for King Iohn were Iohn of Dormans Bishop of Beauuais and Chanâ—eller of France Iohn of Melun Earle of Tanearuille the Lord of 〈◊〉 Marshaâ—â— of France â— the Lords of Montmorency and Vigny Iohn Croâ—â—â—e Simon of 〈◊〉 Iohn Marâ—â—â— Lawyers and Iohn Maillard and Stephen of Paris Bourgesies of Paris For the King of England were Iohn Duke of Lancaster the Earles of Northampton Warwicke and Suffoâ—â—â— Renauâ—d of Celâ—sâ—an Gualtâ—r of Maâ—ny Knights with certaine learned men for their Councell This treatie of a generall peace signed by the two Kings was ratified by their two eldest sonnes Charles and Edward and proclaimed by Heraulds first at the wiâ—dowâ—â— of the Kings and Princes lodgings and then at the corners of the streetes in great solemnitie The hostages were deliuered to Edward the father who imbarked at 〈◊〉 and lead them into England leauing the Earle of Warwicke in France to see the execution of the peace King Iohn brought to Calis
who was yet liuing The Inhabitants of Gand a mutinous people by nature who neuer want matter to mutine Troubles in Flanders pacified by Pâ—ilip had then a great discontent both against their Earle in generall by reason of some new impositions and against them of Bruges in particular iealous to see them in so great fauour with their Prince by reason of a Chanell which they had drawne from the riuer of Lis for the commodity of their country which Riuer crossing the riuer of Gand the Gantois supposed it was all theirs in proper so as none might vse it without their liking This iealousie grew so great that this great citty as big with their wayward and contenâ—ious humors as it was populous and rich being thus moued resolues to make shewe thereof and in this fury they make a League and choose a head bearing a marke or token of their faction and from words they go to blowes One called Leon a bold practiser of popular seditions was found fit to be the Ringleader of this tumult their marke was a white cap for all the troupe These Gaâ—tois gather together they hinder the worke of this chanell and the gathering of the custome beeing the cause of this quarrell they kill Collecters and receiuers and in the ende the gouernour of the cittie called Roger who being there for the Earle laboured to teach them their duties Their fury exceeded so farre as they spoyle the Earles Pallace fire it and in their rage pull it downe to the ground They run in great troupes to other townes to draw them to their league They beseege 〈◊〉 held by the Earles men crying in al places Liberty as hauing a meaning to change their Lord and then to seize vpon Flanders This cruell disorder amazed the Earle when as behold Philip Duke of Bourgogne his sonne in law flies vnto him to quench this fire and as men admire rather the Sunne rysing then sitting and that the name of the house of France and the greatnesse of his goodly portion gaue him great authority so it chanced that he pacified this rebellion to the content both of the Earle and cittyes taking a happy possession of this great inheritance by a famous and profitable occasion But Flanders alone was not subiect to these madde mutinies for those of Montpellier newly reduced to the obedience of our King Sedition at Montpelâ—ier grew into so great a fury as they slew Iames Pontel a Knight of the order and Chancellor to Iohn Duke of Berry Gouernour of the Country Guy of Scery Senâ—shal of Rouergue Arnauld of Montelaur Gouernour of the said citty and other officers of the Kings and Dukes to the number of fower score and cast their bodies into a well As the outrage was odious so the punishment was memorable The Duke of Berry comes with forces assisted by the whole Prouince detesting so â—oule an insolency so as the Inhabitants calling to minde their audacious phrensie resolue to submit themselues to punishment and not to stand desperately against force The Consuls of the Cittie hauing halters about their necks and torne cloaths The Duke of Berry comes to Montpellier to punish the seditions the keys of the citty in one hand and a red cap the marke of their office in the other met with the Duke their gouernour being followed by the Clergy carrying a crosse all crying for mercy and weeping with a lamentable noyse In this mournefull sort the Duke enters the citty gates being without any gard he finds the streets full of poore and desolate people vpon their knees men and women olde and yong crying for mercy and redoubling their pittiful cries as witnesses of their repentance Then the Duke commands they should presently bring all their armes into one place nere vnto his lodging placing a gard at the gates and vppon the walles The next day he caused a scaffold to be made in the market place where hauing sharply rebuked the people for their rebellion he pronounced a sentence in the Kings name whereby he declares That all their priuileges were taken from them their Consulship Towne house The sentence pronounced against them of Montpellier common Arches vniuersity their Bells Saltpannes and all Iurisdictions of the cittye eyther of soueraigne courts or of the commonalty six hundred Inhabitants to be chosen at aduenture condemned to die that is two hundred to loose their heads two hundred to be hanged two hundred burnt their children declared infamous and slaues for euer their goods confiscate The commonalty should pay six score thousand franks of gold and the charges of the Dukes voyage and his armies The Consuls with certaine Councellers that were named should drawe the bodies of such as had beene massacred out of the well and bury them A Chappell should be built for their obsequies With the same Bell which did sound the alarum The gates and citty walles should be beaten downe and their armes burnt publikely This was their doome but it was moderated at the intercession of Pope Clement The sentence moderated then resident in Auignon by the meanes of Cardinall de la Lune The same was qualified the priuileges restored the gates and walles preserued but the Aurhors of this sedition were put to death that the rest of the Inhabitants might liue in safety A notable president for subiects to suppresse their fury euen when they thinke to haue a iust cause of complaint feeling themselues surcharged or otherwise grieued considering the errours are sooner committed then repaired And for commanders that it is a dangerous resolution to let loose the raines to a mad multitude which augments the mischiefe supposing to cure it Queene Ioane wife to our wise Charles daughter to Peter of Bourbon dies about this time Queene Ioane dies to the great griefe of her husband to whom she left two sonnes Charles Lewis both very yong for Charles was borne the 3. of December 1371. and was carried to the Font by Charles of Montmorency and baptised by Dourmans Bishop of Beauuois and Chancellour of France Lewis was Duke of Orleans She leâ—t him also one daughter Isabell marryed afterwards to Richard King of England Necessary obseruations for the course of our history Her children This good Prince after his wiues death was nothing healthfull so as broken with poyson the which had much weakened him with the tedious toiles of his youth more then with age he decayed dayly and he himselfe perceiued it so as feeling the ende of his life to approach remembring what troubles he had past during the mournefull imprisonment of his Father by the contempt vsed of his yong age least the like should happen to his sonne Charles vnder colour of his minority gouerned by tutors he decreed in a general assemblie of the States by a lawe and an irreuocable Edict That after the decease of the king of France his eldest sonne should succeed him presently and at the age of 14. yeares should be
hundred men at armes Brittons vnder the command of the constable Clisson who was with the fleet in Brittaine They had a care safely to lodge this great army after their descent in England expecting with safety the variable euents of warre against a king and people whom they came to fight with on their owne dunghill To preuent all in conueniences they build a great frame or engine some attribute this inuention to the Constable Clisson others to Iohn of Vienne Admirall of France who had layde the first plot of this enterprise like to a towne of warre with towers bastions bulwarks A strong sort of wood made flankes and other defences according to the manner of that age There was a lodging for the King and his court according to the degrees of Princes Officers and Noblemen of marke Lodgings for the chiefe of the armie according to their quarters and space to set vp their tents and pauillions halls and common places for the munition and victualls which followed the army and to conclude conuenient roome to imbattell a great number of men of warre Thâ—s inclosure or frame was round and made of many peeces with admirable arte and so great aboundance of stuâ—fe as if they had cut downe a whole foâ—rest it was finished with wonderfull speede by the great number of workemen which came from all parts To the men shippes victualls and this engine the Kings court gaue an extraordinarye beauty being accompanied with the Dukes of Lorraine and Bar the Earles of Sauoy Armagnac Geneue S. Pol. Longueuille Eu Daulphin of Auuergne the Lord of Coussy Master William of Namur with all the great Barons of France and an infinite number of braue nobility who imbarked themselues more willingly then in the voyage to the holy land The preparation of the English for their defence Thus was the preparation made in France for England where they remayned in great perplexity to see so great a storme readye to fall vpon them They prouide the best they can first by deuotion hauing recourse vnto God then they fortifie their ports and all passages with great dilligence both with men of warre and all sorts of incombers to helpe those places which nature had made of hard accesse in this Iland They say that Richard leauied a hundred thousand foote and ten thousand horse which was not answerable to the Admirals relation the first Architect of this ridiculous attempt But thus are princes oft times abused imbarking themselues in dangerous actions without reason whose endes are not answerable to their beginnings All was ready in the end of September the King had prouided for the gouernement of the realme in his absence leauing his brother Lewis Earle of Touraine assisted with the Duke of Berry his vncle and the bishop of Beauuois his chancellour Thus he parts from Paris and comes to Scluse with great speed to recouer the time lost The Regent should not abandon his person in so long and important a voyage but he stayes behind the King promising to follow presently but his meaning was to bring this enterprise to nothing The king beeing arriued the howers of stay are tedious he tells the minutes and complaines of the time lost he sollicites his vncle to come by sundry letters The Regent seekes to ouerthrow the action and sends post after post he stampes he chafes by reason of his stay The whole Court is of the same humour The Duke of Aniou answers the King that he will part to morrowe but he stayes at Paris to make good cheere at leysure of purpose to draw on winter to make the voyage impossible and so to ouerthrow the action the which was neuer pleasing vnto him eyther for that it was pleasing to the Duke of Bourgongne his brother and so to crosse him or for that he held it preiudiciall to the King and his realme But seeing himselfe prest by importance and impatient letters from the King he parts from Paris and the same day the Constable Clisson waies anckor at Lantriguer in Brittaine with this great Towne of wood and seuenty two ships of warre meaning to ioyne with the whole bodye of the armie at Scluse but it fell out contrary to his disseine and otherwise then the facility of his supposed victory had represented vnto him For hauing â—un his course towards Flanders to take port at Scluse behold a contrarye wind casts him vpon the coast of England Part of the French nauie dispersed at sea where notwithstanding all the diligence of his Marriners his fleete was dispeâ—sed into diuers parts three ships wherein this great Engine was are driuen into England and runne on ground at the mouth of the Riuer of Thames Behold our Argonautes as much amazed to see themselues taken in a weyre as the English were glad who with ioy and admiration see themselues possessed beyond all hope and without any paine of that which had cost their enimies so much to ruine them These newes flie speedily to King Richard who commaunds this great booty to bee brought vp the riuer vnto him whether all the Country flocks to so strange a spectacle and euery one holds it for a presage of good successe to haue taken their Citty which should haue taken them An other part of the Fleet is driuen into Zealand and the Constable of Clisson with the rest arriues at Scluse much amazed at this first successe All their ioy of an assured victory is conuerted into a generall feare least some newe losse should followe this vnfortunate beginning The Regent opposeth himselâ—e directly against thiâ— voyage But whilest this amazement troubled most of the French the Duke of Bourgongne and those of his faction who desiâ—ed the performance of this voyage at any rate made these difficulties light as common accidents which should not hinder great enterprises the which cannot bee executed without some crosses for the which they must seeke a remedy and not dispaire He had perswaded the King againe easie to be drawne to what he desired Hereupon the Regent arriues who seeing the King resolued to imbarke vales his maske speakes plainely and tels the King in his Counsell That he will neuer consent he should expose his person and estate to the hazard of the sea of weather and of war and vpon an aduice which seemed apparently false being most certain that the King of England had assembled aboue a hundred thousand fighting men That these first losses were aduertisements froÌ„ heauen to bridle those vaine hopes which are sooner conceiued then brought forth He had alwayes sufficiently declared that it was not his aduice yet for that he would not seeme to contradict the Kings will crosse such as gaue him this councel as honorable to himselfe and profitable to his Realme he would not rashly oppose himselfe But seeing now that God spake he did open his mouth the more boldly bearing in his heart a faythfull zeale vnto the Kings seruice and the good of the State That
Brittain All â—re sent for euery man doth march the Râ—ndezâ—uous is at Mans. Peter of Craon retyers from Sablé whilest this storme â—iseth but the King marcheth on assuring himselfe that he was in Brittaine although some say that he was in Arragon and that the Queene of Arragon had giuen him intelligence that she held a French Knight prisoner at Peâ—pignan who would not discouer his name This distempered choller had much impayred the Kings health who carried in his face the disease of his minde His Physitians disswaded him from this voyage as most preiudiciall for his health and the Duke of Brittain by a new excuse The King marched against the Duke of Brittain beseeched him to beleeue that he had no dealings with Peter of Craon The King could not bee diuerted by all these difficulties from passing on in this iourney so willfully vndertaken by him although his Vncle 's found newe deuises to stay him both at Chartres and at Mans imploying his physitians to shewe vnto him how dangerous it was to march in Sommer beeing extreamely hot 1393. considering the debility of his health much impayred sence his burning choller the which had altâ—red all his bloud whereof he had proofe by daylie feauers His phisâ—â—ions diswade him But this passion of cholleâ— had so possessed his poore afflicted spirits that such as were about him besides himself perceiued his griefe to be the more weake in that he was insensible of what he suffred his seruants espied that which they could not but see in him by the extreame apprehension they had of the harme which was at hand Moreouer the Duke of Brittain to calme this great storme which was readie to fall vpon him although in truth hee had hidden Peter of Craon at Susmet and was â—oâ—y that he had not slaine the Constable Clisson sends a certaine Bishop of his Country to the King called the Bearded a very famous man for the integrity of his life The Duke of Bâ—ittain labors to satisfie â—he King to beseech him to beleeue that he was nothing guilty of this attempt neyther did he knowe what was become of Peter of Craon whome he would send vnto him with his hands and feete bound if he were in his power That he should not make warre against his owne Country and against a poore people which must suffer for an other mans folly In the ende this man pronounceth the threats of Gods iudgement against Charles if hee should proceede vnto warre so lightly vndertaken against his vassalls and subiects and against the articles of marriage concluded betwixt his daughter and the Dukes sonne as a seale of their loues This Bishop was heard in Councell and the Duke of Berry speaking more boldly then the rest for the authority which his degree and white haires gaue him layed open all that mâ—ght hinder this voyage But Charles stopt his eares to all good Councell hauing his braine disposed to the distemperature which shall presently seize vpon him running headlong into the mischieâ—e which should afflict him and all France He parts from Mans in Iuly in an exceeding hot day as the history sayes as if all things had conspited to affâ—â—ct this poore Prince The King parts frâ—m Mans. at nyne of the clocke in the morning to receiue the coolenesse of the greatest heate at Noonetyde weake in head and minde distempred with choller griefe despight and languishing his bodie weaâ—ied with watching and distast not able to eate nor sleepe hauing his head muffled with a great cap of Scarlet and his body couered with a thicke Ierkin of Veluet too waighty for a sharpe winter marching on a sandie plaine so scalt with the sunne beames as the strongest did melt in sweate and were out of breath Being entred the forest of Mans behold a man bare headed and bare legged attired in a coate of white rugge stepps sodenly forth betwixt two trees A strange aâ—cident bâ—falls the King taking hold of the reynes of his horse he stayes him and sayes vnto him King ride no farther but returne backe for thou art betrayed Charles whose spirits were otherwise dulled was amazed at this voyce and his bloud greatly disteâ—pered His seruants runne to this man and with blowes make him leaue the reines of his horse and so without any farther search the man vanished After this accident there presently followes an other Charles and his Noble men did ride in troupes deuided by reason of the dust and he himselfe was all alone pensiue with the pages of his chamber who were so neere vnto him as they troad on his horse heeles He that was neerest carried his helmet vpon his head and the next his Lance being garnished with crimsen silke As the heate of the Noone day makes men drousie on horse backe it chanced the Page which carried his Lance beeing very sleepy let it fall vpon him which carried the helmet making a great noyse like the rushing of armes The King starts with amazement at this noyse and seeing the crimson bandeâ—olle of the Lance hauing his spirits weakned with the former distemperatures transported with the imagination of this voyce sleepy with labour and heate he imagined himsâ—lfe to be compassed in wâ—th many armed men which poursued him to the death The second season from the time of the Kings sicknesse From the yeare 1393. to the yeare 1422. This time of his infirmity is distinguished into many acts whereof this is the first Scene of a long and mournful Tragedie THVS Charles transported with this phrensie layes hold on his sword drawes it runnes violently after his pages and cryes amayâ—e Charles falles into a phrenâ—ie At these Traitors The pages conceyuing at the first that he had beene displeased for the disorder of the Lance flie from him The King followes after doubling his crie At this noyse the Duke of Orleance runnes towards him to vnderstand the cause The King layes at him not knowing him the Duke flies and the King followes The Duke of Bourgoâ—gne â—ides to him Al gather togither with great outcry Squiers knights compasse in the king till that being wearied and his horse out of breath his most trustie Chamberlaine takes hold of him gently behind and stayes him cheering him with flattering words and speaking vnto him with that familiarity that befitts a faithfull seruant to a good master Then all drawe neere vnto him they take his sword from him they lay him on the ground and disroabe him of his thicke velluet ierkin and his scarlet cap to giue him breath His Brother and Vncles salute him but he knowes them not neyther makes he any shewe to moue The first fitt of the Kings phrensie being pensiue his eyes troubled turning vp and downe mute sighing panting mouing both body and head with great amazement All signes of phrensie appered in this poore Prince The Physitians are sent for in hast they come but hee knowes them not The pittifull estate of the Couâ—â— Brother
that this charge was imposed vpon the subiects against his consent laying a good foundation of firme correspoÌ„dencâ—e with the Parisâ—â—ns he retires into Flanders to take possession of his mother Marguerits inherâ—tance and credit with that rich people but in effect it was to build vppon the hereditary hatred he had against his cousin and capitall enemy To omit nothing that might auaile him agâ—inst tâ—e Dâ—ke of Orleans being at Brussels hee sends his Ambassadors to King Charles beseeching him with all affection to consuÌ„mate the marriage betwixt Lewis his eldest sonne Duke of Guienne Daulphin of Vienne Katherine of Bourgoâ—gne his daughter Charles thought it fiâ— to content his cousin Iohn vpon this demand but his brother Lewis crossed this marriage as preiudicial to the housâ— of France beeing â—lready weakened by the vniting of Bouâ—gongne to Flandâ—rs the which would be much more â—ortified by this alliance with the Kâ—ngs sonne Iohns Aâ—bassadors after long delaieâ— returne home without any effect making theâ—r maâ—stâ—â— acquainted with the cold proceedâ—ngs of the Court the which required his preâ—eÌ„ce Iâ— the end he reâ—olues to go in perso â—o â—ollicite a matter of so great imporportance But beeing ready to march behold the King of England sends an armie into Flanders The Dukâ— of Oâ—â—eaâ—â— â—oâ—â—eth the Duke oâ— Boâ—â—gâ—ngâ—â— to bâ—siege Scluse â—hich make him yeeâ—d â—o neâ—essity to demand succours of the Kiâ—g 〈◊〉 hâ—s â—oueraigâ—e against the common enemâ— of the Sâ—ate staying himselfe in Flandâ—rs to preuent theâ—e practises of the English Lewis of Orleans pretending a truce betwâ—xt France and England causeth succors to be denied him as if they should dâ—aweâ—â—arre vpon Francâ— being already tired â—ith sâ— great and long troubles Iohn held him selâ—e mâ—ch â—ronged by this deniall to haue the better meanes to returne to Paris he compounds with the English being desirous to make it knowne that hee would oppose himselfe against the Dâ—â—e of Orleans desseines taking hold of the occasion which he himselfe offeâ—ed him to his gâ—â—at preiudice The imposition was leuied by the Dâ—ke of Oâ—leans his commande and commissionâ— were brought into Flanders At â—aris it was exacted with all rigour but Iohn commâ—nd his subiects of Flanders â—oâ— to pay â—t â—nd goe well accoâ—panied to â—aris to assist the peâ—ple who gâ—eatly dâ—sâ—oâ—tented with â—his burthen durst not yet vtter their griefe expecting the countenance of a great commander The Parisiâ—ns incensed agâ—inst Lâ—wis of Orleans 〈◊〉 Iohn of Bâ—urgâ—â—gne â—o comâ— to Paris being resolued to imploy all their means in the defence of thiâ— cauâ—e The Paâ—iâ—ions solicite Iâ—â—n of 〈◊〉 to come whiâ—h they heâ—d to be very important for their reliefe Iohn desiâ—ed nothing mâ—re so as redoubling his courage aâ— these calls he goes in haste to Paris stâ—ies at Louure in Paâ—isâ—s gâ—uing the Parisiens nâ—tice to coâ—e vnto him The King remained at Paris as he was accustomed the queene Lewis of Orleans hauing discouered the Dâ—ke of Bourgongnes â—â—tent fearing leâ—â—t being the stronger hauing tâ—e Parisiens at his deuotion â—e should force the king to marry the Daulphin Lewis made sure to his daâ—ghter they thought it best to coâ—ueâ—gh this yâ—ng prince into Germany to some place of safety And going togither from Paris they lefâ— the Daulphin with Lewis of Bauâ—ere his vncle by the mothers side who shoâ—d câ—nduct hâ—m secreâ—ly in a litter to Corbeil where a goodly troupe attended him The Bâ—â—â—gâ—ignons fâ—lloâ—ers giue him present intelligence of their departure Iohn folloâ—es so speedâ—ly as he â—ueâ—takes the Daulphin Lewis at Vâ—liuifâ—e Iohn of Bâ—â—rgoâ—gne â—eizeth on the Dâ—â—â—pâ—â—ns person coÌ„ducted in a lâ—tter by Lewâ—s of Baâ—â—ere hiâ— vncle bring him back gâ—ntly to Paris where they receiue the Dâ—ke of Bâ—uâ—gongne â—â—th great ioy and are glad of the Daulphins returne going to meete them â—n great pompe as at a ioifull triumph Iohn beeing come to Paris hath conference witâ— them of this faction and findes them at his deuotion The Prouost of Mâ—rchantâ— â—nd the Vniueâ—sity assure him of their faithfull seruice they intâ—eat him to vndertake the reformation of the State a charge which he doth willingly imbrace as a fit maske â—or his ambitious humor He then presents a petition to the King beseeching him to reâ—orme the Sâ—ate 1406. strangely corrupted by the ill gouernement of the treasure whereby tâ—e subiects were oppâ—â—â—sed with insupportable charges and sacred iustice ill adâ—inistred the ordinary â—ubâ—eâ—â— of the peoples complaints but in effect it was to araigâ—e the Duke of Orleans Tâ—â— King forbare to make any answer vntill his brothers retuâ—ne beeing Pâ—esident of thâ— counsell and greatly interessed in this complaint bâ—t these had bin words witâ—â—uâ—â—ffect if force had not followed this admonition The Bourguignon had brought grâ—at â—roupes vnder the conduct of Iohn without pitty Bishop of Lâ—ege Ciuâ—ll waâ—â—â— beâ—inâ— and tâ—e Duâ—e oâ— Cleues The Duke of Orleans had also assembled an armie from diuers parts by the Lord of Hâ—rpendanne fortified with the forces of the Dâ—ke of Lorraine and the King of Sicily beeing made reâ—dy for the voyage of Naples Thus the Iâ—le of France is full of souldâ—â—â—â— of one liuery but of contrary humors as the manner is in ciuill warres French against French and kinseman against kinseman all making profession to maintaine the good of their country in ruining it Iohn of Bourgongne in shew had the aduantage being in the capitall Citty and possessed of the peoples harts he had the King in his poâ—er and for a gage of this newe authority which men honour like the sunne rising the Daulphin of the house of France â—hom he pretended to be his sonne in lawe All these considerations made his heaâ—â— sâ—ell and his tongue to speake proudly But Lewis Duke of Orleans soundâ— forth the name of publike authority which then remained in his hands as in a sacred gard Tâ—e most passionate make a stay at the name thereof to attend the euent of â—o great a quarrell Such force hath the name of lawfull authority and order in a Sâ—ate whereon it depends as on a firme foundation These armies thus lodged about Paris the Generalls minds appeared in the deuises of their standards In that of the Duke of Orleans was written Ielâ—enuie The deâ—â—seâ— of the 〈◊〉 with a staffe â—â—ll of â—nots painted in it signifiyng that he would knock him on the fiâ—gers that should presume tâ— touch his authority In the Duke of Bourgongnes was written in Flemish Ick Houd tâ—at is to say I hold it with a ioyners plane to make smooth the knotty staffe â—o to incounter the force that threatned him yet these passions were suppressed by the only reâ—pect of authority without the which al had teÌ„ded to a violent spoile The Princes of the bloud who were not ingaged in these quarrels labouâ— to reconcile their cousâ—â—â— seeing the Kings infirmity will not suffer him to vse his absolute authoâ—iâ—â—
his duty he could not finde any thing That there were no places vnsercht but Princes great meÌ„s houses where if he might be suffred to enter he wold do his best to discouer the murtherers The Princes were all in Councell and the Bourguignon amongest them all promise it freely Ihon of Bourgongne guilty of the crime holds his peace and as they beheld one an other he riseth and drawing the King of Sicile and the Duke oâ— Berry apart he confesâ—eth that through the deuills motion he had committed this murther These Princes beeing amazed conceale iâ— for that day The next day comming to Councell the Duke of Berry willed him to retyre himselfe Thus amazed he returnes to his lodging and presently without any staie hee flies with fiue more into Flanders where the muâ—therers likewise finde a sure retreate That conscience which at the first had terrified him is now hardned and that which had mooued him to conâ—esse himselâ—e the author of this murther doth nowe animatâ— him with new motions to become obstinate and to maintayne by vniust force that which he had committed by furious violence Hauing sought the loue of all the Cittiâ—s of Flanders he finds them willing to support him in right or wrong in his necessiâ—y vpon this assurance he calls an assembly at Gand to leuy those succors wherof he stood in neâ—de At the newes hereof the zeale of iustice growes cold in Court they seeke an accord with him whome they should pursue the King of Sicile and the Duke of Berry go to him to Amiens being prouder then if he had done a meritorious act where making open proâ—ession of his pride hee had placed ouer the doore of his lodging a table wherein were painted two Lances a crosse wherof the one had a wel steeled head for the warre and the oâ—her a but head for the Tilt as giuing the choise of warre and peace publisâ—ing generally that he not onely had done the murther And offers 〈◊〉 iâ—stâ—â—â— the muâ—â—her by â—â—mes but that he would and ought to do it And to the end he might be mad with reason he findes Diuines in those daies that confirme him in this passion pâ—otest to maintaine it by the Scripture as the sequele will preâ—ently shew The Princes that were sent vnto him not able to moue him to confesse his fault and to humble himselfe they command him in the Kings name not to come to Paris He answers them boldly that he would presently go to informe the King what reason had mooued him to punish the common enemy of France And hauing reuiued his practises at Paris by meanes of his intelligences Iohn of â—â—â—â—â—gongne 〈◊〉 armed tâ— Paris contraâ—y 〈◊〉 the Kings pleasure he gathers togither a great army and accompained with hâ—s two Brethren and the Dukes of Lorrainâ— Cleues he comes to S. Denis lodgeâ—h his troupes about this great Citty who willingly stâ—etch forth their hands vnto him as to their redemer who should purchase them perpetuall rest The Princes go vnto him intreat him in the Kings name not to enter â—nto Paris but with his ordinary tâ—aine of .200 men Iohn makes them answer That for the surety of his person he could do no lesse thâ—n to go well accompâ—ined the next day he aâ—riues at Paris withall his troupes being receiued by the Parisiens with cries of ioy as a new Monarke He fortifies himselfe in Bourgongne house where hee is visited by the whole body of the Citty and the vniuersity who seeke to support â—his execrable murther The next day the game is played with a strange praeludium Iohn Petit a doctor of diuinity maintayned with wonderful impudencie that the Duke of Bourgongne had caused the Duke of Orleans his Cousin to be worthily slaine by reason of many notable crymes whereof he doth accuse him The Originall of the history doth set downe these detestable phrensies to shewe how much disorder preuailes in an estate wiâ—hout a head The Councell of Constans shall condemne â—his Impostoâ— being accuâ—ed by the Colledge of Sorbonne who shall disauowe this meâ—cenary man afâ—eâ— the death of the Duke of Bourgongne The issue was answerable to his speech The King being sick in minde and the Princes fainting Iohn of 〈…〉 for the â—â—â—ther Iohn of Bourgongne is absolued of the murther committed on the person of his Cousin germaine The King to couer this bad act declares by his letters pattents That in case he died hee would that Lâ—wis his eldest sonne Daulphin of Viennois should haue the gouermeÌ„t of the realme after him Iohn Charles his yonger sons one after an other without any Regent But the Bourguignon was ignorant that this decree gaue him authority that should punish him being also aduised for some speciall considerations not to deale any more with the affaires of France 1409 but with his owne So he retiers into Flanders not daring to attempt any thing being thus iustified and absolued This insolency accompained with some indignities against the Kings maiestie displeased the whole Court and not iustifiable by the Bourguignon faction it caused Valentine and her Children to renue their complaynts to the Kings Councell who stoutly made a decree against Iohn Duke of Bourgongne for satiffaction of the murther committed by him on the person of the Duke of Orleans But what auailes it to report that which tooke no effect A friuolous decree against the Bouâ—guignon for the murther but only to proue That when lawfull authority is suppressed Iustice is of no force and the stronger treads vnder foote thâ— right of the weaker As it proued in this ridiculous imaginary sentence giuen in fauour of the Children of Orleans against the murtherer of their father for it was scarse recorded for the benefit of the interessed when as newes came of the victorie which Iohn of Bourgongne had gotten against them of Liege in fauour of Iohn of Bauiere surnamed without-pittie their Bishop This did quite change all their thoughts countenances and words in Court al CommissioÌ„s for the leauying of soldiars for the executioÌ„ of this decree by force are reuoked There is no talke but howe to warrant the King and Daulphin from the Bourguignon who without doubt would according to his humor bring his victorious army to Paris disanull the decree vpon their heads that should mayntaine it So as the Daulphin with the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon conduct the King to Tours for his better safety being vnwilling to leaue him in the Parisiens power The King forsakes Paris who were affected partakers of the Bourguignon The Parisiens are wonderfully discontented at this departure they arme drawe their cheynes as in a time of war and call in the Bourguignon assuring him of their hearts and meanes He comes speedily with a great army and staies at S. Denis contrarie to the Parisiens expectation who thought he would haue kept more stirre hauing so great forces But he
restore this estate was not amazed nor daunted but hauing commonly in his mouth this Oracle We must haue God and reason on our side He hath recourse vnto God and falles couragiously to worke Hee flies to Rocheâ—l to assure it vnder his obedience Beeing in the Towne there happens a notable accident as he was in councell a part of the chamber sunke and Iames of Bourbon with diuer others were slaine in this ruine The King was but hurt From this danger he passeth on to the chiefe of his affaires He sends into Scotland Milan and Castile to summon his friends to succour him who speedily will send him notable aides He prouides for all the passages vnder his obedience He assures himselfe of Languedoc from whence hedrew his chiefe helpes by the Earle of Clermont from Daulphné by the Lord of Gaucourt from Lions Lyonnois Forrest Beauieâ—lois and Mâ—sconois by Imbert of 〈◊〉 Seneshall of Lions from Gascogne and other countries of high Guienne where he was acknowledged by the Vicont of Narbonne and the maister of Oruall He sendeâ— Iames of Harcourt into Picardy accompanied with Pothon of Xintrailles or S. Treille Stephen Vignoles called la Hire the flower of his captaines And likewise the Bourguignon sent thither the greatest part of his forces Ambrose de Lore goes into Maine â—â—rcâ—e Pregene of Coitiuy into Champagne The Earle of Dunois a bastard of the house of Oâ—leâ—ns â— keepes Orleans The townes lying vpon the riuer of Loire aboue beneath Orleans â—ere vnder the obedience of the French La Charité Gyan Iargeau Meung Baugency 〈◊〉 Amboâ—sâ— Tours Samour diuerse small townes in Beausse La Ferâ—é of â—aules Ianuille Esâ—ernâ—y Pluuiers And in the countries of Gastenois Vrepois Montargis Chastillon Millâ— Neerer vnto Paris Mont-lehery Orsay Marcoussy very strong places then but now desolate kept Paris in alarme Thus the Cardes were shufled but the English had the better part keeping the great citties and the Kings purse and as the stronger he begins the game which had this issue for the remainder of that yeare The English besiege and take Bazas and the French 〈◊〉 in Meulan vpoÌ„ Seine with great slaughter of the English but the Duke of Bedford loth to indure suce a thorne in the sides of Paris doth presently besiege it Charles sends theÌ„ succors vnder the command of the Earle of Aumale the Constable Boucqham Tanneguv of Chastel Too many coÌ„manders to do any great exploit Iealousie of command bred â—uch a confusion as all these troupes marched in disorder no man acknowledging but his priuate coÌ„mander Herevpon the English army arriues who had an eâ—sie coÌ„quest of these disordered troupes then Meulan yeelds to the Duke of Bedford The sharpnes of winter could not temper the heat of these warriours as the fortune of the warre is variable one wins another looseth Ambrose de Lore Iohn of Bâ—lâ—y thinking to take Fresnoy le Conte lost a notable troupe of their men The Lord of Fontaines hath his reuenge vpon the English defeates eight hundred of them at Neaâ—uille and Iohn of Luxembourg a Bourguignon defeates the Lords of Camâ—sches and Amaulry with their troupes The Earle of Salisbury takes the Townes of Vertus and Espeâ—nay and the strong places of Montaguillon and Osny neere vnto Paris The composition is strange the souldiers yeelding at the Regents discretion are brought to Paris bare-headed halters about their necks and swords at their breasts This miserable troupe thus tyed and ledde in triumph passeth through S. Iames street to go to the Tournelles where the Regent was lodged and from thence to bee drawne to the place of execution if the Duchesse of Bedford moued with the pitty of a French woman at so pittifull a spectacle had not begged the liues of these poore condemned men of hir husband Thus that yeare passed wherein Charles the 6. and Henry the 5 died but God to restore our Monarchie beganne in the same yeare to lay a leuaine against the attempts of Strangers The cause of diuision betwixt the Dukes of Bedford and Bourgongne who sought to ruine it Iaqueline of Bauiere Countesse of Hainault and Holland the onely heire of those two states had married with Iohn Duke of Brabant who by a blind and ambitious auarice gaue her selfe to Humfry Duke of Glocester vncle to the King of England and married with him reiecting her lawfull husband Her excuse was that the Brabantin was her cousin germaine but this shal be a meanes to dissolue the alliance so cunningly conioined by the dukes of Bedford Bourgongne Charles hath diuers losses who shall breake vpon this occasion The yeare begins while that losses came by heaps vpon Charles as the current of an vnauoidable ruine whatsoeuer he vndertooke succeeded not Iames of Harcourt was Gouernour of Picardy placed there ouer some remainders of the ship wrack of that country In Picardie he surpriseth Dommart in Ponthieu from the Bourguignon and spoiles the neighbour Abbaies and the country Hauing ruined these poore disarmed men he is charged by Ralfe Butler an English Captaine looseth all his conquest and escapes hardly with his life sees Crotoy taken before his face the chiefe dungeon of his desseines Rue S. Valery and in the ende the goodly Cittie of Abbeuille sufficient to sâ—ay the English forces if it had bin garded by good men After these shamfull losses he comes to Charles to excuse himselfe hee pardons him but GOD made him soone paye the interest of his thefts beeing the cause of his owne ruine Hauing no place of aboad he retires to Parthenay to his vncle who entertained him courteously but Harcourt not content with this kind vsage would be maister of the Castle his practise fell vppon his owne head beeing slaine by the gardes suffring the punishment of his treachery as he had done of his couetousnesse cowardise A lesson for bad seruants to their Princes detestable either for their robberies or for their treacherous cowardises whom God payes in due season In Maine The entrance of this yeare was also infamous in two shamefull losses happened to two great Captaines To Ambrose of Lore who looseth the Castle of Tennuye in the country of Maine and to Oliuer of Magny beaten by the English at the Bishops parke nere Auranches but from small accidents we must come to great actions Champagne was in no better case then Mayne In Champagne The Earle of Salisbury made warre with all violence against Pregent of Coytiuy who defended the Kings party the best he could but not able to beare so great a burthen he flies to Charles who sends him his Constable with forces Bourgongne the which were imployed both in an other cause and with other successe then hee had desseined for behold the towne of Creuant in Bourgongne situated vppon the riuer of Yonne vpon the frontiers of Champagne is surprised by the bastard of Baume for the King The Constable flies thither
seruice Queene of Sicile his mother in lawe with Tanneguy of Chasâ—ell being very acceptable to these two bretheren Their comming did greatly aduance this businesse They preuailed so farre as the Duke of Brittaine the Earle of â—ichmont his brother were both ready to imbrace the Kings friendship and to doe him seruice so as the Duke of Bourgongne would yeeld vnto it and in the meane time to draw this businesse to some good end Richmont should go and treat with his maiesty vpon good hostages for his safety This condition was accepted by Charles and to loose no time the Lord of Albret and the bastard of Orleans were sent vnto him for hostages and the townes of Chinon Loches Lusignan Meung were giuen him for assurance vntill the end of the treaty and ample pasports made to go and come with all liberty This worke began this yeare in Nouember and shal end the next yeare with a notable successe But the Duke of Bourgongne imbraced an other notable occasion which shall more preiudice the English then this occurrent of Brittain We haue said that this leâ—ain was layde in the yeare 1423. by the marriage of Iaquâ—line Countesse of Hainault Holland Zeland a wife contended for by two husbands the Duke of Brabant cousin germaine and a deere friend to the Duke of Bourgongne and the Duke of Glocester brother to the Duke of Bedford and vncle to Henry the 6. King of England two great parties which shall diuide the Dukes of Bedford Bourgongne and shall be the meanes to reconcile the BourguignoÌ„ to Charles A notable processe of Iaqueline against her husband supported by the Bourguignon reduce him to the obedience of this crowne expell the English out of France and restore the realme But the prouidence of GOD which goes insensibly by degrees aboue mans conceipt must be distinctly considered About the ende of this yeare Iaqueline of Hainault comes out of England with the Duke of Glocester her second husband foâ—tified with an armie of fiue thousand English She caused the Nobility and the Citties to renue their othes both to her and the Duke of Glocester her lawfull husband All the Nobilitie obeyes this commandement except the Earle of Conuersan Iohn of Iumont Angilbert of Anghien and all Townes except Hals The Duke of Bourgongne greatly affected this quarrell The Duke of Bedford foreseeing the danger that might growe by the Bourguignons discontent labors to suppresse it in the breeding and to that ende he drawes them to Paris with their friends but in vaine The one striues to inioy his estats and the other to hinder him So as whilest the cause is disputed in the Court at Rome the armies prepare on eyther side to ende it by bloud and spoile The Glocestrian begins the Bourguignon followes So the end of this yeare is the beginning of a warre of foure whole yeares but it shal be ended in fauour of the Bourguignon This newe yeare shal be spent in the altercations of the Court and Brittaine The Brittoâ— made Constable of France The Earle of Richemont comes to Tours to Charles as he had promised to the Queene of Sicile but not able to resolue any thing without the consent of the Duke of Bourgongne as we haue sayed the King seeing it very necessary he should go to him doth sende to him with a very honorable Ambassage Iames of Bourbon Earle of Clermont and a Prince of his bloud the Archbishop of Rheims and the Bishop of Puy The ende of their negotiation was double That the Duke of Bourgongne should like of the alliance betwixt the King and the Princes of Brittain Charles sends an ambassage to Philip of Bourgongne and that hee himselfe should bee reconciled vnto him to liue and continue good friends as they were neere in bloud The first was fully concluded with the Bourguignons consent the other was surseased The causes are specified for that Philip could not with honestie let slippe the death of his father where of Charles was the Authour this reconciliation could not bee well efâ—ected vnlesse that Charles did chase from him all such as had dipped their hands in this massacre eyther as fautors or as executioners They were specified by name Iohn Louuet President of Prouence Tanneguy of Chastel William d'Auaugour Iohn of Gyac son to that Lady of Gyac who perswaded Iohn Duke of Bourgongne to go to Charles at Monsâ—reau-faut Yonne where he was slaine But these were but colours for notwithstanding thâ—ir absence from Court yet the Bourguignon seemed to be nothing inclined to the Kings seruice In effect he stood watching the oportunitie to effect his desseins and so entertayned time to keepe the stakes as the whole course of the Historie will declare Charles imploying all his friends and meanes intreats Amedee Duke of Sauoyâ— to be a mediator of this accord In respect hereof he comes to Monuel in Cresse but in truâ—h this was but a shadow They all sought to get from Charles and so watched for oportunitie Yet the Bourguignon made all shewes of his seruice vowed to the King the establishment of France which he lamented infinitly to be fallen into the hands of Strangers He spared no cheere nor entertaynment for the Ambassadors and for a gage of sincere loue Philip giues his yongest Sister Anne in marriage to the Earle of Clermont but with an intent to winne a Prince of the bloud neere the King Thus the Bourguignon leueled alwayes at this marke did nothing but with an intent to maintaine his greatnesse at what price soeuer In the meane time the meaner smart for the follie of great men The Mignonâ— chased from Court At the returne of these Ambassadours the Court is in an vprore Charles greeues to chase away his seruants which could not be done but in contempt of his authority And yet the Ambassadors cryed out that without it they should not effect any thing and the more they stayed the execuâ—ion the more they hindered the Kings seruice d'Auaugour parted fâ—â—st with the good liking both of King and Court Gyac made his peace by the meadiation of the Queene of Sicile who had all power in this action The King was wonderfully discontented for the departure of Tanneguy of Chastel whome hee called Father A man beloued and of amiable conditions But there was no remedy Hee had giuen the chiefe stroake to Iohn of Bourgongne So likewise hee protested without any difficultie to retyer himselfe whethersoeuer his maister should command him Hee beseeched him to giue him an autenciall testimoniall that it was not for any fact of his 1425. but for the good of his seruice He obtaines it and a promise withall that his offices should be continued him Thus he retyers to Beaueaire in Languedoc and the office of Prouost of Paris remayned to him still with the fee and a good reputation with all men to haue beene a good seruant to the King and carefull of the publicke
endure all vnder their wise and faithfull gouernor rather then to fall into the hands of strangers whose gripes they had formerly felt If they were fiercely beseeged by the English and Bourguignons Compiegne releâ—ued by the French so were they as well succored by the French vnder the happie commande of the Earle of Vendosme gouernor of Beauuais and the Marshall of Boussac who hauing valiantly forced the first bastions enter the Towne hauing victualled it they issue forth with great resolution so as they take all the other forts to their enemies great losse So Huntington and Luxembourg retyre with disgrace leauing not onely that Country free The Bourguignon chased from Compiegne but their victualls artillerie munition habillements of warre in their lodgings of Venete and Royaulieu sauing themselues with some difficultie at Pont l'Euâ—sque through the fauour of Noyon The Bourguignon was so amazed as hee retyred into Arthois hauing as bad successe by force as by policie Our French forces being maisters of the field they recouer all the Bourguignons conquests Choysy Gournay Bertueil Garmigny Ressons Pont Remy Pont Saint Maxence Longueil Saint Mary la Boyssiere Ireligny Verdueil and other places where hee had gathered togither all the corne and cattell of the Countrie the which was restored to the poore people to their great content The Bourguignons pride thus taken downe after so many victorious hopes was a principall part of this victorie But hee resolues to haue his reuenge of this affront Being come to Arras hee gathers togither all the forces he can and from thence hee goes to Pâ—ronne to attend the bodie of his armie His intent was to recouer what hee had lâ—st in his last warre oâ— Compiegne meaning to begin at Garmigny which did greatly anoye all that Country He â—ends a troupe of 6â—â— men before vnder the conduct of Thomas Tirâ—ell an English man Girard of Brimeâ— Goueâ—nor of Roye augments this troupe with a hundred of his men In this order they go to the seege of Garmigny as to a marriage but Pothon who had his spies in al places and had put himselfe into Garmigny at the brute of this seege slept not Hauing therfore sent to discouer the enemies countenance hee learns that these â—icards beeâ—ng neere to Bouchoire did hunt after hates whereof there are great storie in those parts and that this troupe was wholy in disorder runing vp and downe with great 〈◊〉 Pothon imbraceth this occasion sodenly and hauâ—ng drawen his men to â—ield hee surpriseth these hunters The Bourguignons deâ—eated beeing dispersed and out of breath 〈◊〉 bâ—comes a hunter o◠〈◊〉 peace hee defeats them kills them and in the ende cryes that they take the runneawayes The Comander is taken with most of their bâ—st mâ—n Anthonie of Vienne and the Lord of Hailly beeing greatly lamented by the â—ourguignon were first led to Garmigny and then to Compiegne in great tâ—iâ—mph The newes heereof did greatly trouble the â—ouâ—guignon especially when as the Earle of Veâ—â—â—sme went with the French army to braue 〈◊〉 at the gates of â—oye offring him battaile He made shewe to accept thereof but â—auing called a Councell he framed a reasonable excuse that his soldiars were not willing he should fight in the ende of the yeare Wâ—th these affâ—onts the yeare ends and with the death of a sonne which hee had by his 〈…〉 use whome hee loued deerely his spirits were so oppâ—â—â—sed with sâ—rrowe for this 〈◊〉 as this Prince being too paâ—â—ionate had speeches vnworthy the grauitie of his person and the greatnesse of his bloud euen weeping and wâ—â—shing for death Doubtlesse it often falls out that he which is too much puft vp in prosperity The Bourgâ—â—gnon daunted in aduersitie is easily daunted in aduersity A goodly lesson 〈…〉 men who 〈◊〉 learne but by great examples that their grâ—atnesse 〈…〉 from the common condâ—tion of mankind that they are men 〈…〉 O man 〈◊〉 soeuer thou beest behold good remedies 〈…〉 to be dronke with prosâ—erity nor drowned 〈…〉 haue nothing memorable but an entry to the 〈…〉 of Paris 〈◊〉 shall giue exâ—mple to all the rest of the realme 〈…〉 parties was necâ—â—sary for the making of an accord The Duke of 〈…〉 do much but 〈…〉 desseins had traâ—â—ported him beyond the cloud◠〈…〉 disgraces did 〈…〉 who expected much 〈…〉 by the effects but that 〈…〉 in their 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 â—riendship The Ducâ—eâ—â— of Bedford dies which till then was very necessarie but 〈…〉 although in this occurâ—ent theâ—r leaâ—ue was not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 weeps for his wife the other â—or his sister The beginning of this 〈◊〉 wâ—s noted 〈◊〉 the taking of Montargis from the French through the notable 〈…〉 a wâ—man 〈◊〉 taken whâ—â—aue entrance to the English and who presently 〈◊〉 the fruits 〈◊〉 treacherie But let vs attend the yeare following where wee shall see a 〈◊〉 change in this mâ—serable Towne At the same time in recompence of 〈◊〉 Chaâ—tres returnes to the Kings obedience The meanes is woâ—thâ—e obseruation 〈◊〉 â—ut in practâ—se in our times in many places A Carter 〈◊〉 at Chartâ—es 〈◊〉 brother resident in Couâ—t with a Treasoâ—er Chaâ—les â—eelds to the King The familiarity this Carter haâ— to go and come into the Towne made him both desire and to lay the plot of so 〈◊〉 an enterprise Neere vnto the gate there was an olde ruined house in the whâ—ch there was a 〈◊〉 vault halfe â—illed vp with rubbish heere they lodge a hundre◠〈◊〉 on the other side they conuay a thousand men secretly in the night into a house 〈◊〉 vnto the Towne The Carter comes at the breake of day with his Cart vnto the 〈◊〉 where he ouerthrows it of purpose faining that a wheele was slipt 1431. While the gard labours to helpe him the Ambush issues forth out of these ruines and surpriseth the Port and the rest second them with such speed as the Cittie is wonne This had beene done without any effusion of bloud if the Bishop had not animated the inhabitants to fight against their King where hee himselfe was slaine with some of the Câ—ttizens About this time René Duke of Bar brother to Lewis Duke of Aniou and King of Sicile A quarrell betwixt the Duke of â—ar and the Earle of Vaudâ—mont who shall make himselfe famous in the following raigne receiued a great check He had a notable quarrel against the Earle of Vaudemont pretending the Earldome from words they go to blowes René fortifies himselfe with the forces of France Vaudemont with those of Bourgongne René being farre stronger in shew besiegeth the Towne of Vaudemont and when as the Earle with the helpe of his friends would haue raised the siege René drawes him to fight defying him and promising to himselfe an assured victory But God the soueraigne Iudge of these factions gaue it to the Earle and René remained prisoner in the hands of the Duke of Bourgongne to whom he paied a great ransome
the Countrie in alarme Occasions are offred of dayly skirmishes and daylie the English are beaten But the long stay of this little army and this thorne of Saint Denis stirred vp the people of Paris who loth to be so restrayned prepare a great power to force Saint Denis at what price soeuer The Marshall of Rieux loath to ingage himselfe beeing in all shewe the weaker retyres honorablie to Meulan without any losse The English beat downe the defences of Saint Denis being a common retreat to all men without any more labour eyther to keepe it or to recouer it The accord of Philip Duke of Bourgongne with Charles the 7. King of France IN the ende behold an agreement made with Charles so much expected so vnprofitablie sought after and nowe freely offred by the Duke of Bourgongne The deputies of the Councell presse both French English and Bourguignon to ende al quarrells by some good composition The Cittie of Arras is allowed of by them all to treat in The Assemblie was great from the Pope and the Councell of Pisa there came the Cardinalls of Saint Croix and Cipres An assemblie to treat of a peace with twelue Bishops For the King of France there was the Duke of Bourbon the Earle of Richmont Constable of France the Earle of Vendosme the Archebishop of Rheims Chancellor of France the Lords of Harcourt Valpergue la Fayette Saint Pierre du Chastell du Bois Chastillon du Flay de Railliq de Rommet Curselles and de Cambray first President of the Parliament at Paris with many wise and learned men as Iohn Tudart Blesset Iohn Charetier Peter Cletel Adam le Queux Iohn Taise and la Motte For the King of England the Cardinalls of Yorke and Winchester the Earle of Suffolke the Bishop of Saint Dauids Iohn Ratcliffe keeper of the great seale the Lord of Hongerford Ralfe the wise the Official of Canterburie and some Doctors of diuinity For Philip Duke of Bourgongne there came the Duke of Gueldres the Earle of Nassau the Bishop of Cambray the Earle Vernambourg the Bishop 〈◊〉 Leâ—ge the Earles of Vaudemont Neuers Salines S. Pol and Ligâ—y besides the deputies oâ— many of his best Townes The pompe was great both on the deputies behalfe of the Duke of Bourgongnes who intertained theÌ„ with all the honour good cheeâ—e that might be 〈◊〉 But leauing these circumstances I make hast to the principal matter The Kâ—ngâ— of France and England began the treaty The â—undamentall question was to whom the Crowne of France belonged The English did challenge it The question for the crown of Fâ—anâ—e both for that he was 〈◊〉 from a daughter of France as also by the graunt of Charles the 6. who did instâ—â—ce Henry the 5. and his successors heires of the crowne had disinherited Charles 〈◊〉 7. whom he termed an vsurper The deputies for Charles answered that they ought 〈◊〉 to call in question the ground of the Estate which cannot stand firme without that 〈…〉 heire to whom the lawe appoints and therfore without prouing of that which was apparent of it selfe they came to offers for the ending of all controuersies That if the King of England would both disclaime the title of King of France yeeld vp the countries held by him in diuers parts of the Realme he should inioy the Dâ—chies of Guiâ—nne and Normandy doing homage for them vnto the Kings of France as his soueraigne and with those conditions which his Ancestors Kings of England had formerly inioyed theâ— They stood vpon very different tearmes their authority was limited and possession puâ—t vp the English But sometimes he refuseth that after sues He that striueth to haue all most commonly looseth all One moitie in effect had more auailed the English then all in imagination who in the ende shall finde that the soueraigne Iudge the preseruer of the lawe and of States giues and takes away Charles the English cannot agree appoints and disapoints according to his good and wise will and that there is no force nor wisedome but his Tâ—e mâ—tter was soone ended betwixt the Kings of France and England seeing right could do no good the sword must preuaile Thus the Ambassadors of England returne without any effect those of France stay to treate with the Duke of Buurgongne and his deputies amongest the which he himselfe was the chiefe as well for his owne interest as for his iudgement in affaires A man exceeding cunning who could imbrace all occasions to make his profiâ— by an other as the discourse of his life hath made manifest Bâ—t 〈◊〉 what ende serues all this morter and so great workemanship to frame a building which shall be ruined vnder his sonne and shal bury him in the ruines thereof It is a â—oolish reason which thou calledst reasâ—n hauing no ground of reason and doest not hearken to the voice of heauen O Foole all thy riches shal be taken from thee this night Man walâ—es in a shadow he toyles in vaine to 〈◊〉 â—is name immortall in the graue he hunts with infinite labour and takes nothing As for Charles he sought to retire the Bourguignon from all league and alliance with tâ—e King of England and taking from him all occasions of discontent so to ingage him 〈…〉 honours as he should resolue to follow his faction as the most profiâ—â—â—â—â— knowing that his own priuate interest was the chiefe end of his desseins Matters 〈◊〉 câ—rried in shew according to the humour of that age the dâ—sposition of the court 〈◊〉 for the honour of Charles who must aske the Duke of â—ourgongne pardon hauing 〈…〉 father to be slaine against his faith Charles sends a blank to the 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 what conditions he pleased But was it not true must not the crime be câ—nfessed by hiâ— that was culpable Charles therefore resolues to send him a bâ—anke tâ—e accâ—rd doth testâ—fie that the Bourguignon fiâ—led it with so many vnreasonable conditâ—ons as it is strange so great a monarch should stoâ—p so much to his subiect vassall but necessity â—ath no law A presidâ—nt for great men not to attempt any thing against reason least they bee constrayned to repaiâ—e it with reason and yet to know that it is an amendment of a fault to yeeld to necessity for the good of the state beeing a great thrift to loose for gaine The â—â—iginall sets downe at large all the conditions of this treaty wâ—o so please may reade 〈◊〉 Monstrellet in the history of S. Denis The summe is that the massacre 〈◊〉 〈…〉 person of Iohn Duke of Bâ—urgongne at Montereau-â—aut-yonne 〈…〉 repaired by confession and ceâ—emonies Great sommes of present money with goodly Seâ—gâ—â—uries are giuen to the Duke of Bourgongne so many assurances for him and hi◠〈◊〉 a great volume is full of these scrupulous conditions The Duke of Bourgongnes promise is more simple that he should declare himselfe a friend to Charles the 7. King of France King Charles and the
errors are the best He aduiseth the Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson not to attempt a thing of ill fame whereby they should get neither honour nor profit to free themselues speedily with the most honest excuses they could deuise The nobility of Auuergne protest vnto the Daulphin by the Lord of Dampmartin that in all things that were in their power they would do him seruice except against the King his father The inhabitants of S. Maxent seeing the Castle seized on by la Roche assemble and intrench themselues in the gates and Towers of the Towne and aduertise the King thereof offring to do as it shold please him to coÌ„mand The king was at Poitiers S. Maxent taken by the league and recouered againe the actors punished This aduertisement was brought him as he dined wherevpon he presently dispatcheth the Admirall of Coitiuy and the Lord of Varenne Seneshall of Poitou to these good subiects of S. Maxent and the next day he followes himselfe The Castle was presently besieged battered and forced and the heades of such as were taken paied for la Roches folly who escaped in the night vnder colour that he would seeke counsell succour Mont-richard being taken by the Princes at the same time obeied the King The Earle of Dunois a bastard of the house of Orleans who was of their faction leaues them presently followes the King This was the ende of this yeare and shall soone be the ende of this hurly burly ill attempted and worse executed The Princes had seduced many townes in Auuergne notwithstanding their first protestation but for that it belonged to the Duke of Bourbon it could not be but many of his subiects and priuate seruants must make some shewe of obedience King Charles goes with an army against the Duke of Bourbon especially in the Daulphins presence and at his intreaty Charles resolues to march thither with al speed He had eight hundred men at armes and two thousand archers had so prouided for their lodgings as they marched without effecting any thing And for that it was likely the English would make his profit of our domesticall confusions seeing the princes of the bloud presume to attempt against the head of their house and to set the sonne against the Father Charles preuented it with such dexterity as all the frontiers against the English were very well fortified He had intelligence also that the men of warre being generally discontented for their pay and grieued that the King so exclaimed against their disorders vpon his subiects complaints would bee easily drawne to the league He therfore sent for theÌ„ whom he might most suspect ingaged them in his seruice the Vicont of Loumeigne the bastard of Foix and Halezard valiant Captaines and welbeloued of the aduenturing souldiers This done hee sendes Pothon Flocques and Bresay with his troupes and followes himselfe without any stay being accompanied with the Earle of Marche the bastard of Orleans the Constable of France and many Noble men with a well ordered traine The Townes of Chambon and Euâ—n being fortified by the Princes were easily taken by Pothon They were in danger of their liues through their resistance but by the Constables means their peace was made for six hundred crowns of gold which then made a hundred markes of siluer These places being reduced to obedience Charles came to Ebruele which yeelded from thence he went to Aigueperse and Cursot the which likewise obeyed The Daulphin flies into Bourgongne notwithstanding the perswasion of the Princes Charoux resisted was taken at the first assault the spoile was great the troupes remaine there 15. dayes whilest that Charles takes Escuroles with 5. or 6. other forts fauouring the discontented princes The Duke of Bourbon was at S. Porâ—ain where he had ingaged the Daulphin to seize vpoÌ„ the townes of Auuergne Tremouille was there also who had brought a hundred launces to the Princes with a thousand vaine hopes of his great meanes but hearing that the King approched being armed with right and force they aske counsell of their wounded consciences which aduiseth theÌ„ to flie into Bourgongne So parting from S. Porâ—ain they come to Moulins from thence they take the way of S. Desire to passe into Bourgongne but hauing intelligences that they could passe no further and that the Duke of Bourgongne had preuented theÌ„ they returne al amazed to Moulins finding their affaires to succeed but ill Clermont Montferraut could neuer be drawne from the Kings seruice notwithstanding all the perswasions of the Princes Rions followed their faction and was soone reduced to the Kings obedience Charles being arriued at Clermont calls an assembly of the Estates of Auuergne shewing the importance of this action by the Bishop of Clermont The whole country is presently at the Kings deuotion offring freely to imploy their bodies and goods for his seruice But not reiecting mildnesse with his force Charles thought it good that the Earle of Eu should treat with the Princes who in the end resolue to attend vpon the King at Clermont The Daulphin remained at Moulins the Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson vndertooke the voiage vnder his Maiesties safe conduct they carried with them Tremouille Chaumont Pry wherof Charles beeing aduertised he sent to countermand them not meaning these three should be comprehended in the pasport The Princes hauing spoken with the King and drawne matters to some good accord they promise to bring the Daulphin to Clermont and to pacifie all by this enteruiew but this young prince so disdained the refusall his father had made of his three seruants as he protested hee would not go vnto him but would rather hazard all This humour made him to faile in the assignation and Charles was resolued to vse force He therfore sendes his vantgard which besiegeth and takes Vichy Curset Varennes obey presently without contradiction S. An must be forced but in the end it obeies So doth Rouenne Chartier Perrieâ—â— all the places of Rouannois This successe did mollifie the hearts both of the Daulphin Princes to draw them vnto reason 1440. so as hauing by the mediation of the Earle of Eu perswaded the king to like of their coÌ„ming they went to Cursâ—t Charles was very milde to his son at the first gaue him good entertainment but when he sees this yong man fully bent to haue Tremouille Chaumont and Prie his good and faithfull seruants receyued into fauour and boldly to say vnto him That hee must else returne beeing ingaged in his word honor he sayed roughly to him Lewis the gates are open if they be not big ynough I wil cause sixteene or twenty fadomes of the wal to be beaten downe to passe where you please you are my sonne you cannot tie your selfe to any without my leaue but if you will go you may depart for by the helpe of God we shall finde some of our bloud which shall helpe vs better to maintaine our honor then
mounted on a horse of the same proportion rushes through them diuids them that held him Then happilie arriues the bastard of Bourgongue and the Earles garde by means whereof the French retire themselues to their ditch Charles of Bouâ—ggongâ—e taken and rescued where they had beene in the morning During the which a false brute of the Kings death had almost ouerthrowne all for euery one began to faint The Earle of Maine the Admirall of Montauban and the Lord of Barde imbracing this common beleefe flie with al the rereward Lewis aduertised of this amazement takes off his helmet shewes him selfe to his soldiars and so assures them that he is aliue On the other side the Bourguignon rallies his men dispersed and wearied readâ—e to flie if they had bin charged At the same instant the Count Saint Paul goes to the field and gathers together vnder his enseâ—gne about eight hundred men at armes and but fewe foote Behold the two armies ranked one against an other noâ— like vnto tired men but hauing vewed one another and mutuallie discharged their Canon The night approched A famous battaile for running away which ended the battaile an in counter where the nâ—table flying on either side did wonderfully moderate the furie of the fight The which beâ—ng thus ended the King was conducted by the Scottes to the Castell of Montlehery hauing neither eaten noâ— dronke all that day and then he retyres to Corbâ—il The Earle keeps the field â—poiles the dead and therfore holds himselfe a Conqueror· Amongest the Kings men were knowne Iefferie of Saint Bâ—lain Charleâ— Earle of 〈◊〉 mastâ—r of the plâ—â—e of Battaile the great Steward of Normandy Captaine Flâ—â— uel Baylife of Eureux with many gentlemen to the number of foure hundred horse and but fewe of foote men Our Burguignons the Lords of Lalain Hames Oâ—gnie Varenne and almost all the Earles Archers Haplainonurt Aimeries Inchy and many others were taken flying and brought prisoners to Paris of footemeÌ„ there were more slaine then of the Kings part A'l which were estemed by some at two thousand of both sides The number the dead others heâ—d theÌ„ three thousand six hundred but al affirme constantly that there were more Bouâ—guignons theÌ„ French although Lewis lost more horsemen In trâ—th the firme resolution the constant labour the dangerous hazards manfully passed by the King were sufficient motiues to incourage his men to honor and if he had beene well and couragiously followed notwithstanding his small number and want of artillery the Earle of Charoloâ—s soldiars had digged their graues at Montlehery Three daies after the battaile the Earle of Châ—rolois being aduertised that his confederates approched Succors come to the Earle of Charolois went to receiue them at Esâ—ampes The Dukes of Berry Brittaine the Earle of Dunois and Dammartin the Lords of Lohâ—ae Marshall of France of Buâ—â—l Chaumont and Charles of Amboise his sonne all disgraced by Lewis and put from their offices although they had well serued the King his father They brought with them saith the historie eight hundred good men at armes most Brittains who had newly lest the companies euery one pretending some discontent Of Archers and other men of war resolute wel appointed six thousand on horsebacke all of the Brittons charge who assured by some meÌ„ at armes that fled vpoÌ„ the Kings death promiseth to himselfe much good in conceit in case the Duke of Beâ—ry come to the Crowne And if at that instant they would haue giuen him credit they should haue suppressed the Bourguignons or at the least dismissed them verifiyng That there is small loyaltie and lesse pitty in men of warre On the other side the Duke of Berry began to loath these broyles for in open Councel hauing vewed seuen or eight hundred hurte men wandering vp and downe the Towneâ— he said how much more glad would I haue beene if this warre had neuer begon 〈◊〉 Duke Beâ—â—y lotheâ— the esâ—uâ—iâ—n of bloud then to purchase my selfe riches and honor which the price of so much bloud A speech worthy of a milde Prince and not bloudie but ill digested by the Bourguignon supposing that Charles would easely make his peace vpon the least motion made by Lewis And to assure him selfe as wel without as within the realme he sends William of Cluni afterwards Bishop of Poitiers to Edward King of England although he had alwayes supported the house of Lancaster from whence he was issued by his mother against that of Yorke Hauing refreshed their troups they all dislodge from Estampes and take the way to Saint Mathurin of Laroham and Moret in Gastinois and hauing an intents to passe the riuer of Sâ—ine the Earle imployes many coopers to make pipes hauing brought great store of stuffe for that purpose whereon a bridge was made for want of conuenient boats through the fauour of the Canon which the Earle had planted in an Isâ—â—nd in the midest of the riuer There ioynes with them Iohn Duke of Calabria the onelie sonne of René King of Sicile the Prince of Orange Thibauld of Neuf-chastel Marshall of Bourgongne Other succors come to the confederate Princes and Montagu his brother the Marquis of Rotelin the Lords of Argueil and Thoulongeon with many others leading nine hundred men at armes of the Duchie and Countie of Bourgongne six score men at armes barded Italians commanded by Galeot and Campo-bâ—sso foure hundred Germain crosse-bowes sent by the Cont Palatin and fiue hundred Suisses the which were the first that came to our warres A fatall and lamentable alliance for the Bourguignon as we shall see in his place of other footeman very fewe All this great torrent of a hundred thousand men inuiron Paris Paris beleagard they seize vpon S. Maur on the ditches Pont Charenton Consâ—ans S. Deâ—is and other Places there abouts they tyre the inhabytants with contynuall skirmishes euen at their gates and shakes theyr affections by practises and deuises The Duke of Berry writes to the Clergie to the Court of Parlement to the vâ—iuersitie which then was in great credit in Paris and to the Bourgesses to euery one a part shewing them that all these forces tend not but to the peoples ease and profit and requires them to depute men of iudgement and learning to vnderstand more at large the causes of this their great assemblie Ten Deputies heare their complaints being led by William Chartier Bishop of Paris they report it to the Counsell of the Cittie who answeres That the Cittie shal be free for the Princes to enter into at their pleasure they and theirs abstaining from violence and paying their expences Surely this would haue beene a Conquest of the cittye of Paris But the great Maister of Nantouillet the Marshal Ioachim and other Captaines take a vew of their forces and by this meanes retayne the Parisiens who changing their minds are fully confirmed by the arriuall of Iohn of Rohan Lord of Montauban Admirall of France with
not to deale at all in the warres which Lewis pretended against them A foule and dishonest trafficke made to the preiudice of so great personages The Duke signes and sweares this fraudulent and counterfeit peace A blowe able to amaze the Dukes of Guienne and Brittaine at the first hearing to see themselues thus abandoned of their chiefe support But he repayres it with an after blow by letters of credit writteÌ„ with his own hand giues theÌ„ aduice to continue their course that his intent was only to recouer his townes vpoÌ„ Somme Notable deâ—â—â— and 〈◊〉 which done he will beseech the King by especiall Ambassadors to desist froÌ„ making war against theÌ„ vpon his refusal he will succour theÌ„ with body goods that as the King at his pleasure had brokeÌ„ the treaties of CoÌ„â—tans Peronne so might he infringe his promise oath As for the Earles of Neuers and S. Paul Constable although he had a iust occasion to hate them 1472. yet would he remit their iniuries and suffer them to inioy their owne and beseech the King to doe the like by the Dukes of Guienne and Brittanie suffering euery one to liue in peace and safetie vnder the Articles respectiuely accorded if not he would succour his allies Craon and Oriole had likewise sworne for the King leading Simon of Quinchi a gentleman bred vp in the Dukes house to receiue the othe of his Maiestie But from a new subiect springs a new proiect Behold newes are brought that the Duke of Guienne is sick and without hope of recouerie Vpon this aduice the King delaies the oath findes â—uasions attending the course of his disease and in the meane time doth speedily seize vpon many places of Xaintonge he doth presse Rochell the which vpon these accidents of reconciliation and sicknesse inclines to a composition he withdrawes many of his brothers chiefe seruants and resolues to signe this peace as the sundrie euents of his affaires should lead him and in the meane space he protracts time with the Bourguignon during the which Charles Duke of Guienne dyes at Bourdeaux the 12. of May The Duke of Guienne dyes by the which Lewis recouers the Duchie without blowes and moreouer retaines Amiens and Saint Quintins O subtill wits both deceiuers but not of like industrie so our Lewis shall more easilie auoide the snare But oh death in generall which by the dissolution of the body and soule doest dissolue great desseings The Brittons were ready to enter building vpon great intelligences and practises within the Realme the which without doubt had much troubled the State But oh vnseasonable death in particular how fitly shalt thou serue to shadow the filthy and hatefull yet well coloured reproches of enemies and the murmurings of the most respectiue A death too much neglected but by some affectionate seruants to the deceased Duke who discouer that Iourdain Faure borne 〈…〉 Daulphiné great Almoner to the Duke and Abbot of S. Iohn d' Angely By poison assisted 〈◊〉 Henry de la Roche one of the said Dukes Kitchin had hastened his death by so violâ—nt a â—â—â—son that with a strange and lamentable contraction of his sinews his hayre 〈◊〉 and teeth fell out before his death The Lord of Lescut retired himselfe into Brittanie leading prisoners with him these cursed murtherers Note the murtherers of Princes where the Abbot was found one morning starke dead in his Chamber with a Thunder-clap Hauing his face swollen his body and visage black as a coale and his tongue hanging halfe a foote out of his mouth God doing that iustice in the twinckling of an eye which men delayed Let vs confesse the trueth and without passion the veritie of the Historie doth presse vs vnto it that Charles had beene an ill brother and ought more honour and obedience to him to whom that great Author of Nature had giuen the right of eldership aboue him yet should he haue beene regarded as a sonne of France Note and from his infancie receiue a portion fit for the entertainment of his estate and house Kings haue alwaies power to comptroule the insolencies of their neerest allied when they forget their duties But howsoeuer let vs obserue the order of diuine iustice who easily raiseth vp home-bred scourges but in the end he doth cast the rod into the fire Lewis must be measured with the same proportion he had measured his father and Charles must suffer for the rashnesse of his rebellions This death being little lamented makes such to speake as had but too diligently obserued Lewis his speech hearing one day of the death of the King of Castils brother He is but too happy saith he to haue lost his brother but hatred and ill will grounds their passions euen vpon a Needles point At the same instant Nicholas Marquis of Pont heire of the house of Aniou one of the aboue named riualles made sure to Anne the eldest daughter of Lewis abused with the great yet vaine promises of the Duke of Bourgongne renounced this so worthy an alliance of hâ—s Soueraigne Lord for a frustratorie hope which the vassalle gaue him to marry his daughter but he was ignorant that death the yeare following would punish this rashnesse and preuent him from the inioying either of Anne or Marie The Marquis of Pont dyes and the Earle of Eu. A season likewise famous by the death of Charles Earle of Eu a wise and vertuous Prince whose faithfull seruice to France deserues this testimonie that being sonne to Philip of Bourgongne Earle of Neuers and Rethel and grand-child to Philip the hardie a sonne of France and Duke of Burgongne and by consequence neere kinsman to Charles yet in all these combustions he had faithfully serued the King and preferred the Flower-de-Luce before the Red Crosse. Let vs likewise obserue the death of William Chartier Bishop of Paris The Bishop of Paris dyes who after his conference with the League before Paris in the Kings absence was alwaies in such disgrace with him as after his death Lewis caused his Epitaph to be changed making mention of the bad seruices he had done him during the warre of the common-weale suborning the inhabitants in fauour of the Burguignon The death of the Duke of Guienne had wonderfully afflicted Charles of Bourgongne to increase it he had intelligence that the Brittons would not arme considering that he was dead for whom they should rise In the meane time the chance was cast he had beene at great charge The Bourguignons practises against Lewis and to turne head without restitution were a shame but that which made him mad Amiens and S. Quentin were lost he must hazard all And first he writes to many townes he chargeth the King to haue consented to his brothers death and labours to draw them into armes declaring himselfe their protector but no man stirres so the small effect of his letters sets him on fire and in this choller he marcheth to Neâ—le
hundred horse with a sufficient number of foote to keepe the place The Cittizens of Colongne with their neighbours arme sixteene thousand foote and incampe vpon the Rhin right against the Duke to cut off his victualls that came out of Gueldres and to stay the boats with their Cannon The Emperour and Princes both spirituall and temporall do arme as the King had often solicited them they send vnto him to make a triall of his intent Lewis failes not to graunt what they demanded promising twenty thousand men when as the Imperiall army should be at Colongne But he had worke at home Edward King of England discontented The English prepare for France that Lewis had supported Henry and the Earle of Warwicke against him prepares in the Bourguignons fauour fifteene hundred maisters all Gentlemen well mounted and the most part barded which made a great number of horse 14000. Archers all on horse-backe with a great number of foote The Duke of Brittaine hauing already consented to rebellion should receiue three thousand English and ioyne his army with them as appeared by letters written by the hand of Vrfé sometimes master of the Kings horse and then seruant to the Britton the one letter to the king of England the other to Hastings great Chamberlaine of the said realme the which the King did buy of a Secretary of England for three score markes of siluer In the meane time the King treats of a peace with the Duke of Bourgongne to preuent this storme Lewis seekes for a peace of the Duke of Bourgongne is refused or at the least to prolong the truce The Duke excuseth himselfe vpon his word giuen to the English who labours to drawe the Duke from Nuz exhorting him to accomplish the conuentions considering his great charge and that the season fit for warre was almost spent To this ende the Lord Scales Nephew to the Constable makes two iournies to Charles who pretends by friuolous reasons that his honour is much ingaged in this siege and that hee could not rise without great blame Lewis procures to Charles many enimies Lewis to crosse him being alwayes his crafts master in any action eyther of warre or peace procures him many and new enimies It was no matter of difficulty to draw in René the sonne of the daughter of René King of Sicile the heyre of Lorraine by reason of his grandmother after the death of Iohn Duke of Calabria and Lorraine his Vncle and of the Marquis Nicholas sonne to the said Iohn For the Duke being dead Charles of Bouâ—gongne desirous to vnite thiâ— Duchy to his country had caused him to be taken prisoner but he was deliuered in exchange for a young Germaine Prince who was taken studying at Paris and marching presently with his armye hee had easily deuoured that preie if the King following him had not forced him to passe on René Duke of Lorraine René therefore sends to defie him before Nuz and fortified by some French troupes commanded by the Lord of Craon he enters the Duchy of Luxembourg spoyles the country and razeth Pierre-forte a place of the said Duchy and neere to Nancie Sigismond of Austria Sigismond Archduke of Austria had in the yeare 1469. ingaged his country of Ferrete to the Duke of Bourgongne with all the lands he enioyed on eyther side the Rhin for threescore and ten thousand Crownes Charles had placed Peter of Hagenbach there for Gouernour a wicked man a violent extortioner and insupportable both to the nobility people who complaine to Sigismond beseeching him to succour them against the outrage concussions of Hagenbach Sigismond had beene long in dislike with the Suisses his neighbours but by the Kings meanes they were all easily reconciled So they conclude a league in the which the imperiall Citties ioyne Strausbourg Basill Colmar and Slestad and contribute to furnish the summe due by Sigismond to Charles And many Imperiall citties the which they consigne into the hands of a banker at Basill then the inhabitants of these ingaged lands signifie vnto the Duke of Bourgongne that they hold themselues freed of the oath they had made vnto him And holding themselues freed from the Bourguignons obedience they reiect his Lieutenant generals coÌ„mands To suppresse them he assembles a great troupe of Picardes Flemings Hennuiers and Lombards and on Chistmas day at night a good worke on a good day hee seekes to bring them secretly into Enshem The Cittizens beate them back kill and take many the rest flie to Brizac with Hagenbac The Brizançons arme and are the stronger they â—â—ize on the gouernor expell the soldiars and then do they speedily informe of his mildemeanors giuing intelligence to all their allies and demand Iudges to iudge of the processe They depute some from Alsatia Strasbourg Basill Songoye of the blacke forest Fribourg Berne Soleure and other places who condemne Hagenbach to dâ—e vpon foure principall crimes The Duke of Bâ—â—â—gongâ—â—â— Lieutenant executed by the Suisses for that he had caused foure men of honour to bee beheaded at â—han without any forme of Lawe to haue made and displaced officers at his pleasure contrarie to his oath to haue brought in forraine nations into places with all liberty and for that he had rauished women forced virgins and committed incest with Nunnes The Duke of Bourgongne aduertised of the death of Hagenbach resolues to be reuenged of such as had beene actors And herevpon Henry Earle of Vittemberg and Montbeliard is taken by the Dukes men Those of Basill aduertised hereof send a number of men with artillery to Montbeliard to stop the Bourguignons passage who suÌ„mons the Castell the which refusing to yeeld he sends six thousand horse vnder the commande of Stephen Hagenbach to reuenge his brothers death Open warre betwixt the Dukeof Bourgongne and the Suisses and to make war vpon the Bishop of Basill who whilest that Sigismond assembles his coÌ„federats spoiles about thirty villages killes takes carries away and ransomes men women children and cattle Behold a strong party made against Charles of Bourgongne by the Kings policy whereby the Suisses entring into Bourgongne take Blasmont beseege Hericourt defeate the Bourguignons that come to succor it and kill two thousand which done they retyre The truce nowe expired as the King had vnderhand stirred vp the Duke of Lorraine Lewis his exploits the truce being expired the Germains and the Suisses against the Duke of Bourgongne sufficiently busied before Nuz he now by open force takes from him spoiles and burnes Tronquoy Montdidier Roye Montreul and Corbye and then sends the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France Generall of this army before Arras and there abouts who spoiles and consumes with fire most of the places lying betwixt Abbeuille and Arras The Inhabitants of Arras force their men of warre to go to field vnder the commande of the Earle of Rhomont the Queenes brother But the Admirall hauing layed a strong ambush sends forth about
himselfe forsaken by his most confident seruants Ienlis and Mouy whome the King had receiued These might haue assisted him in his peace making the which hee shadowed with some recompence that the King had promised him for the County of Guise Lewis heares them giues them good words and commands the Constable to come vnto him But it is a grieuous testimony the conscience of our misdeeds The variety of his troubled thoughts will not admit any easie beleefe Hee offers to come so as his Maiesty wil sweare vpon the Crosse of S. Laâ— that he will neyther do cause nor suffer any treachery nor outrage to bee done to his person This crosse hath beene kept at Angiers time out of minde with an old beleefe That whosoeuer swearing theron doth forsweare himselfe he dies within the yeare of a miserable violent death Lewis refuseth this oath but submitts himself to any other The more he excuseth himselfe the more the Constable presseth him Lewis sends an Ambassadour to the Emperour Thus posts flie hourely froÌ„ eyther of them vpon this assurance Behold two great personages of sundry humours wonderfully troubled in minde and it seemed they feared alike to perish or to separate themselues absolutely Yet Lewis was the more cunning did his busines more coueâ—tly But if these two afflicted themselues in this sort Edward of England and Charles of Bourgongne were in no lesse doubt one of an other The King had sent Iohn Tierselin the Lord of Brosse to make his excuse vnto the Emperour for that he had not sent the army promised by the treaty assuring him to do it when he had ended his enterprises begun for the most part well forward both in Bourgongne and Picardie intreating him in the meane time not to make any agreement with the duke Charles in great perpleâ—â—itie that the one should not treat of a peace without the other That he should confiscate all the Duke seigneuries that held of the Empire and that he would seize vpon such as depended on the Crowne of France as Flanders Arthois Bourgongne and many others The Emperour a man of more wit then vertue answers by a gentle Apology That they must not diuide the beares skin before the beast be dead As if he should say Come according to your promise let vs take this man and then weare his spoiles Let vs nowe see what he doth before Nuz where we haue left him much perplexed how to free him selfe with his honor from that enterprise Two mighty armies attended him and cutts of his victualls both aboue and beneath the Rhin al the Princes of Germany both spirituall and temporall had ioyned their forces in infinit numbers all the Townes and coÌ„monalties did willingly contribute to this charge Two other considerations did troubâ—e him The king made great warre against him and had burnt many places in Bourgongne Picardie Arthois and Ponthieu Moreouer hee had labored all his life to drawe in the English but without any effect till now and would he abandon so goodlâ— an army passing now betwixt Douer and Calais complayning of his breach threatning if he delay it any longer to take an other course Yet must the Bourguignon finde some honorable pretext for his rising There was with the Emperour an Apostolike Legat going from army to army to 〈◊〉 a peace The King of Denmarke was there in person for the same effect In the 〈◊〉 tâ—e place is deliuered into the Legats haÌ„ds to dispose as the sea of Rome should deâ—â—ee Thus Nuz after a yeare seege sees the Bourguignon disâ—odge with the losse of foâ—re thousand of his choise men A hard departure that notwithstanding the necessity of his army and this mighty Imperiall power yet not daring to disgrace him He leaues the seege of Nuz he did see the beseeged and Cittizens ouercome with hungar and toyle who had bin forced within ten dayes to yeeld to his mercy Charles would willingly haue bin reuenged of René for his defie yet he forbeares vntil the next yeare but with an other issue then he expected he shal be well beaten and then slaine At this time vrgent necessity drawes him else where and his troupes hauing need to be refreshed he sends them to liue vpon the spoiles of Lorraine and Barr and himselfe with a small traine goes to meet Edward at Calais Edward being yet at Douer sends Garter his King at armes a Normand by nation to Lewis with a leter of defiance the tenor wherof smelt more of the French then the English He summons him To yeeld vnto him the realme of France as his right that he might restorethe Church Edward defies the King Nobility and people to their ancient liberties and free them from their great burthens and afflictions and vppon his refusall he protests of all the miseries that should follow after the accustomed manner and forme in such like cases A bare defie grounded vpon occasion long before debated and often decided The King reades the letter comands the herald to be brought into a Chamber vnto him being alone and saies vnto him That he knew well the King of England was thrust into this enterprise by the people of England The policie of Lewis by the Duke of Bourgongne and by the Constable of Saint Paul That the Duke came from Nuz like a vanquished man and needy that winter grew on vnfit for the effects of warre That the Constable would deceiue King Edward liue only in his dissimulations entertayning euery man and trusting no man In the end he sollicits Garter to perswade his Maister to make an agreement with him giuing him 3. hundred Crownes with his owne hand and promise of a thousand if it might be accomplished and in publicke he caused a goodly peece of crimson veluet to be giuen him containing thirty elles The Herald promiseth to do his best endeauour aduising him to send a Herald to obtaine a safe conduct for the sending of Ambassadors at what time as Edward should haue passed the sea The first cause of Edwards dâ—scontent against Chaâ—les who at his first entrie findes himselfe much deceiued of his expectation for the Duke had promised to ioyne with him with two thousand fiue hundred men at armes with a great number of other house and fote and for his assurance to put some strong places into his hands namely Saint Quintin relying vpon the Constable That finding the King ouercharged and redy to receiue a mate he should begin the warres in France three moneths before the leading of the English army but his army was so weake and poore as he durst not shew it Let vs here acknowledge an other notable fauour of God to this Crowne who had so blinded the iudgment of this Duke as he continued obstinate and wilfull before this strong place resolutely defended An other error of the Bourguignon that disscontents the English where as he should haue attended the English We confesse that both together
would haue dangerously shaken the estate of this realme So the English and Bourgiugnon part from Calais passe by Boullen and drawe towards Peronne where thinking to lodge they were disapointed which gaue some dislike vnto the English Being at Peronne the constable sends Lewis of Creuille to the Duke of Bourgongne excusing himselfe for not deliuering vp of Saint Quintin whereby said he he should haue lost all his credit and intelligence in France and hereafter be altogether vnprofiâ—able for him The Constables â—â—iuolous excuse But he was now wholy at his deuotion seing the King of England witâ—iâ— the realme Moreouer he promiseth the saide Duke To serue and succour him and 〈◊〉 friends and allies as well the King of England as others and against al men without any exception and intreats him that that writing of his owne hand may serue as a gage of credit with the sayd King The Duke giues his letter vnto Edward assuring him moreouer that the Constable should not only giue him entrance into Saint Quintin He deceaues both King Edward and Duke Charles but into all his other places Both the King and Duke beleeued it The King for that he had married the Constables Neece the Duke for that the Constable was in so great feare and distrust of our Lewis as it seemed he should not dare to faile of his promises They part from Peronne and approching neere Saint Quintin they send some English troupes before to enter the Towne as to the taking of a certain possession But the Negro saieth the prouerbe changeth not his hewe The signall they giue them of their approach neere vnto them are skirmishes and Canon shot Two or three English are slaine and some taken and so they recouer their armie greatly discontented with this dâ—shonour The Bourguignon to colour this foule and treacherous part The Constable supported by Charles pretends the Constables meaning to be verie good that he could not couer the yeelding thereof with any apparent pretext if at the simple sight of so small troupes he should be amazed that he would be forced therevnto and if all the whole armie marched he would make no refusall But these were â—ests he desired but to winne time and not to shew himselfe enemy for any man The next day Charles of Bourgongne takes his leaue of Edward promising to returne speedily with all his forces Edward and his men had small practise in the estate of our realme they are not those braue warriers which had so long gouerned our France they needed conduct direction to fashion them to our armes without the which they know themselues at their first ariuall to be vnprofitable Another 〈◊〉 in the Duke of Bourgongne but in a short time they are fashioned and become good souldiers In the meane time they are abandoned and the season of doing any thing almost past they must therefore resolue And thus the King discouers that Edward would agree The English had taken the seruant of Iames Grasse a Gentleman of he Kings house but for that he was their first prisoner Edward giues him liberty At his departure Howard and Stanley both in credit with Edward said vnto him Recommend vs to the King your maister if you may speake vnto him Garter the Herald had named these two to obtaine a pasport for the Ambassadors that Lewis should send to treate This message bred some iealousie in the Kings head who then was at Compiegne for Gilbert the brother of Iames Grasse followed the Duke of Brittanie A notable circumstance and was in great credit but being carefully examined they finde he deserued credit Lewis remembers the direction the Herald had giuen him and sodenly takes this resolution with himselfe To send a seruant the sonne of Meridol of Rochel belonging to the Lord of Halles or Scalles in qualitie of a Herald A counterfeit Herald This seruant had his countenance and personage very vnpleasing yet a good wit and a sweet speech But why did Lewis make choise of a seruant whom he had neuer seene but once But well chosen and why amongst so many thousands more capable of that charge he might disauow him if need required as intruding himselfe or at the least aduenturing without his priuitie and at all hazards the losse of a seruant was not great This Herald fashioned after the Kings minde hath his charge deliuered him and is attired with a coate of Armes made likewise in hast of a Trumpets Banner enamelled like a pettie Herald that belonged to the Admirall and then he goes to horseback without any mans priuitie except Villiers Maister of the horse and the Lord of Argenton Being arriued at the English armie he is brought before the King to whom he deliuers his charge That the King his maister had long desired to haue good amitie with him to the end that both their realmes might hereafter liue in peace That since his comming to the crowne he had neuer made warre nor attempted any thing against the Crowne of England If he had receiued the Earle of Warwicke it was onely to crosse the Duke of Bourgongne That the Duke of Bourgongne should not haue procured his pâ—ssâ—ge into France but to make his peace with more aduantage with the King If any others were actors meaning the Constable it was but to serue their owne turnes in â—â—â—ssing him and to worke their priuate profits not regarding the affaires of England 〈◊〉 now Winter grew on that his Armie was not raised without exceeding charge 〈…〉 â—ecretly to offer a recompence of all or part The policie of Lewis which was a great perswader 〈…〉 Thaâ— such as nourished this warre betwixt them were some Noblemen and Marchants who made their profit of the peoples losse That if the King of Engâ—â—â—â— youâ—d giue eare to a treatie the King his Maister would imbrace it with so great aâ—â—ection as both himselfe and his realme should remaine well satisfied And for 〈◊〉 if it pleased him to graunt a safe conduct for a hundred horse the King would leâ—â—â— Ambassadors vnto him well informed of his pleasure vnlesse he desired a mutuall enterview in some place mid-way betwixt both Armies then the King should graunt a safe conduct for his part These speeches please and this counterfeit Herald returnes with a safe conduct as he desired accompanied with an other Herald to carrie one from the King with the same tenor Ambassadors sent froÌ„ both the Kings The next day the Ambassadors of either side meete in a village neere to Amiens For the King came the Bastard of Bourbon Admirall the Lord of S. Pierre and Heberge Bishop of Eureux For Edward came Howard Sellenger and Doctor Morton afterwards Chancellor of England and Archbishop of Canterburie In truth it was much so to humble himselfe but the waightie burthen of affaires which oppressed our King forced him therevnto who with one stone gaue two stroakes for Lewis sent back his enemie to the great
of diuision amongst them wherby he should greatly incomber them Hee staies the Ambassadors vpon their speeche That their Princesse would not conclude any thing without the Counsell of the three Estates of the Country wherevnto he replies that they spake without warrant and that he is duly informed her meaning is to gouerne her affaires by priuate persons who desired no peace And vpon their protesting to the contrarie affirming that they were grounded vpon good instructions the King opens Maries letters brought by Hugonnet Himbeâ—court and other Ambassadors at their first Ambassage and they returne with no other dispatch then this letter Behold here a company vnexperienced in affaires returne light with care but fraught with reuenge and diuision they make their report vnto their Ladie assisted with the Duke of Cleues the Bishop of Leege and many other great personages They strike on that string which they ment to play vpon That the King had proued them liars in that they mainteyned constantlie that she reâ—erred the gouernment of her affaires to the resolution of the States And foâ— proofe as they mainteined the contrarie not imagining her letter to had beene produced behold the Pensionarie of Gand a brutish man and without respect draws the said letter out of his bosome and confounds this bashefull Princesse before the whole assemblie The Dowager Rauasâ—ein Hugonnet and Himbercourt were likewise present The Duke of Cleues treated the marriage of his eldest sonne with the Infanta hee sees himselfe now frustrate by the aboue named so as he presentlie becomes a mortall enemy to Himbercourt from whome he expected fauour in this sute The Bishop of Leege complained of manie disorders committed by him at Leege wherof he had the gouernment The Earle of Saint Paul sonne to him that was beheaded Great 〈◊〉 against 〈◊〉 and â—â—â—bercoâ—â—â— loued neither Hugonnet nor Himbercourt for they had deliuered his father to the Kings seruants The Gantois according to their humors hated them deadlie for that they were men of merit and had beene good and loiall seruants to their master To be short the night after the letter was deliuered Hugonnet and Himbercourt were tumultuoslye seized on and deliuered to suborned men of their Lawe and â—oâ— that they had caused the Citty of Arras to be yeelded by the Lord of Cordes as they saied or rather vpon certein corruptions in iustice and bribes which they said had bin receiued by them of the Citty of Gand in a sute against a priuate man and vpon many extorsions in their charges They are 〈◊〉 supposed crimes câ—â—â—demned 〈◊〉 beheadâ—â— and other things contrary to the priuileges of Gand against the which said they whosoeuer offends must die these two reuerend and graue personages were with a shadow of Lawe condemned by the Sheriffe of Gand and notwith standing their appeale before the King in his Court of Parlament at Paris supposing that this respect and delay might giue their friends meanes to procure their deliuerie they were vnworthily put to death Oh vniust barbarous anâ— inhumane people That the humble and earnest supplication of thy Princesse being in the Towne house nor her weeping and desolate presence before that mournefull scaffold were not of force to preserue and keepe the liues of these her two faithfull seruants This execution ended they sequestred from this poore Princesse the Dowager and Rauastein Mary ouerruled by the â—antâ—is who had signed the Letter they disposing absolutely of her Poore without doubt hauing not onely lost so many good and great Townes but also sees her selfe now in the tyrannicall possession of the ancient persecutors of her house A great corrosiue to bee commanded by such as should obey Afterward they banished whome they pleased placed and displaced officers after their owne appetites chase away indifferently all such as had best deserued of this house of Bourgongne And to continue their popular furie they deliuered out of prison Adolfe Duke of Gueldreâ— whom Charles had long deteined and making him their head they made a leuie in Gand Bruges and Ypâ—e of about twelue thousand men the which they sent to Tournay The Gantois ouerthrowne and Adolfe Duke of Gueldres slaine and burnt the suburbes and then they retire But the garrison issuing forth put wings to their feete so as Adolf a valiant Pâ—ince of his person turning head to fauour them that fled and to make the retreate was ouer-throwne and slaine with a great number of his people with him The Infanta was nothing greeued for if this stratagem had succeeded for the first fruites of his armes some hold they would haue forced her to marry this Adolfe But we haue wandred long enough in Arthois and Flanders let vs retire a little into Bourgongne and consider how this Duchie became French Iohn of Chaalon Prince of Orange was in great credit there Hee possessed much land both in the Duchie and Countie he was a man of action and much esteemed in the Countrie and pretended some inheritances against the Lords of Chaumergnon his Vncles Charles of Bourgongne had giuen sentence in fauour of his aduersaries The conquest of Bouâ—gongne and as he sayd to his great preiudice so as hee had twise left his seruice Now the question is to winne him againe The King promiseth to inuest him in all those places which hee pretends to belong vnto him by the succession of his grand-father and to giue him good preferments in France So he makes him in shew the head of that armie which the Lord of Craon commanded being Lieutenant generall for the King in Bourgongne whom the King trusted more then the Pâ—ince beeing rashe and light in the change of parties Craon hauing commandement to enter into Bourgongne hee sends the Prince of Orange before to practâ—se the Towne of Dijon Hee wrought so politickly that Dijon and many other places both of the Duchie and Countie did willingly submit themselues to the French command Auxonne and some other places of strength continued still vnder the obedience of Marie of Bourgongne Craon seeing himselfe in possession of all these places desired rather to hold them vnder the Kings authoritie then to deliuer them to the Prince of Orange notwithstanding the Kings promise and instance who desired to gratifie this Prince and yet would not discontent Craon who commanded the forces The Prince hauing to doo with a man that would yeeld nothing without good consideration The reuolt of the Prince of Orange and seeing himselfe frustrate of his pretensions he ioynes with Chasteauguion his brother and Claude of Vaudry a braue Gentleman raiseth some troupes with the which he draweth from the King the most part of the aboue-named places with as great facilitie as if hee had conquered them for him and then followes the Infantaes partie whose age and weaknesse required a great support by some worthy alliance There was some speech of Charles the Daulphin but he was yet but nine yeares old The Duke of Cleues laboured for his
passe them and moreouer the ditch at Plessis compassed in with great barres with â—â—ure engins of irâ—n at the corners Canoniers and foâ—tie croâ—bow-men were appointed to stand teâ—ne a day and night sentiâ—ell in the ditch with commission to shoote at any one that should approch in the night vntill the opening of the gate in the morning Doubtlesse the iustâ—ce of God would that those cages of iron and those of wood couered with plates of iron bâ—th within and without those shakles bolts manacles cheines tyed to a great bowle waightie beyond humaine force where hee had often times imprisoned many yea and of honour for very fâ—â—uolous causes should noâ— be so many toâ—tures to his conscience at the last point of his death and as he had giuen them eight foote in bredth and it may be so much in height to stretch out themselues so he now retires himselfe into a little coâ—ner of the Castle and like an other Vâ—rillus theâ—â—ere fatall to their first deuiser the Bishop of Verdun remained foureteene yeares shut vp in the first that was made To conclude no diâ—patch came to Court during this lamentable estate The King had but one or two about him men of no credit who knew well that after his death the best that could chance vnto them was to be shamefully chased away But a great confusion attends them shoâ—tly These men made no report vnto him of any thing that happened but onely that which concerned the Estate and the realme labouring to mainteine loue with all men As for his person euery day a new grome of his chamber euery day new seruants Yet knowes hee not whome to trust Strâ—nge distemperatures One onely amongst the rest gets some credit but forced It is his Phisâ—ion Iames Cottier a Bourguignon he giues him 10000. crownes monethly and what offices or what lands he will demand be it from himselfe or his friends and for a nephew of his the Bishopricke of Amiens and as a man would say his Crowne and his scepter so as he will prolong his life An odious impudent and audâ—câ—ous Physition who to continue his credit sayed vnto the King I know wel that one of thâ—se mornings you will send me away with the rest but swearing a great otheâ— you shal not liue eight dayes after A strange hart-breaking â—â—wis braued by his Phisition to be braued by a rascall â—hereas to many great Princes did yeeld him voluntary obedience But oh vanitie to thinke that the deuice of man can adde one minute to mans life Lewis had neede to haue been put in mind of this Oracle I haue said you are Gods and all the children of the Lord but you shall die like men and you that are the principall shall fall like other men At that time liued Francis borne at Paul in Calabria a deuout Hermit His disordâ—red â—â—ale without learning but of an austere life and holy reputation founder of the fâ—iars Minimeâ— The King sent for him by a Steward of his house in the company of the Prince of Tarentum sonne to the King of Naples at the first sight hee kneeles vnto him and desires 〈◊〉 to prolong his dayes In truth we haue often zeale but not according to knowâ—edâ—e But Put no confidence in the chiefe of the peopâ—e nor in any of the sonnes of man who haue no power to deliuer thee O how happie is he whome the mightie God of Iacob 〈◊〉 and whose trust is in the Eternall In the meane time Lewis deâ—lines His Inuention to make beleeue that he lâ—ued 〈◊〉 and death fâ—lâ—owes him at the heeles yet will hee not haue men to thinke so and on it s no inuention to diuert this opinion both within and without the realme Within he attyres himselfe richly contrary to his custome and shewes him selfe but onely in his Court and gallerie he makes seuere lawes to be feared sends away officers dischargeth men at armes cuts off pensions and takes some quite away To conclude hee passeth â—is time to make and marre men Without the realme he payeâ— that dutie in England which he owes in all other places where he will haue them thinke that he is sound and aliue he sends men vnder colour to buy something Into Spaine Naples and Germanie some horses in Sicile some good mules but especially of some good officer of the Countrie and payed double for them In Brittanie gray-hounds and spanieâ—ls In the kingdome of Valence little water-dogges In Denmarke and Sueden haukeâ— In Barberie little Lions of the bignes of foxes To conclude the more he feared the decay of his dignitie toward his latter end the more he sought to be feared and takes away all occasions to thinke that his end approched Feeling his end drawe neere hee seâ—t for the Daulphin his sonne whome he had not seene in many yeares causing him to be nourished apart least the colour of his presence should haue bred some faction as there had rashly risen in his yong age against Charles the 7. his father And experience hauing taught him how dangerous a sodaine alteration was he commaunded him expresly not to displace any Officer and especially to maintaine Oliuer le Daim in the offices and goods hee had gotten in his seruice Lâ—wâ—â— hiâ— admonitiâ—nâ— to the Daâ—â—â—hin his sonne as hauing assisted him well in his sicknes But as this man was hastilie too highly exalted so must he and some others of like sort be shortly supprest and Iohn Doyac gouernour of Auuergne from whome he had receiued good and notable seruices to call mâ—ister Guyot Pot and the Lord of Bouchage to Counsell to follow Philippe of Cordes for armes Not to beleeue his mother especially in the goueâ—nment of his State Who as a Sauoâ—sien hee had foâ—nâ— by experience to fauour the Bourguignon and generally to confirme all those in their dignities whome he had aduanced And to ease the people whome he had oppressed by the necessitie of the warres Few dayes after the King had spoken to the Daulphin his sonne his ordinarie infirmitie takes him sodenly lost his speech with a great debility of his forces Hauing recouered â—udging himselfe but a dead man he sent the Duke of Bourbon to the king his son so theÌ„ he called him giuing him the charge gouernmeÌ„t of his said son Then he sent the Chancellor with the seale part of the archers of his gard Captaines al his hounds hauks other things all such as came tâ— see him he sent them to Amboise Yet was he not so wel resolued for his death but he had some hope to escape namely by the means of his Hermit a multitude of reliks which were brought from Rheims from Paris from Rome the holy oyle The Diuineâ— tell Lewis that he must die the rodds of Moises Aaron the holy Crosse were it true or false such like vntill the diuines had taken counsell to let him vnderstand that he deceiued
this new acquisition so the vrgent importunitie of his Scholemaister Lewis of Amboise Bishop of Albi and of Doctor Maillard made him to restore the Counties of Roussâ—llon and Parpignan too religiously vnto Ferdinand King of Arragon the which Lewis the XI his Father had gotten hoping by this meanes to tie the Spaniard to a perpetuall peace What should Charles do then with his Nobility and his youth he being young vigorous and of no idle complexion Now a great desseine makes him to call his eyes beyond the Aâ—pes and thrusts him to the conquest of goodly and rich Estates But let vs examine the causes and proceedings farther off We haue sayd before that René Duke of Lorraine was in Court and demanded restitution of the Duchie of Bar and the County of Prouence During his abâ—ad the Realme of of Naples being reuolted The first motiue of the voiage of Italie the Nobility and the three estates of the Realme put themselues vnder the Protection of the Churh as holding of it in fee. The Pope sends for René to inuest him in the Realme vpon some right which he pretended The Gallies of Gennes attended him the Cardinall of Saint Pierre was there to conduct him 1493. and men from all the Noble men of the Country prest him therunto where they expected him so long as the Pope was forced to make an agreement with Ferdinand being assisted by the Florentines Vpon assurance of this accord which the Pope the Ventians the King of Spaine and the Florentines had sworne and were bound to see obserued the Barons of the Realme returne home to their houses and were all taken prisoners The Prince of Salerne cheefe of the house of Saint Seuerin escapes and three of his Nephewes with him sonnes to the Prince of Basignan who retire them selues to Venice and demands of the Seigneurie what refuge they would wish them to choose to the Duke of Lorraine or to the Kings of France or of Spaine The Venetians answer That the Duke of Lorraine was a dead man vnable to support so heauie a burthen That the King of Spaine was alreadie strong at sea and the realmes of Naples and Sicile wold make him too mighty that they had liued in good correspoÌ„dency with the Kings of France who in former times had possessed the said realmes The delaies of the Lorraine being but poore made theÌ„ thus to qualifie him long for he wanted neither currage nor valour They were iealous of the Neighbourhood of a mightie Prince and did not consider that to call in a King of France to these Estates was the meanes to ruine them So they passe into France where the affaires of Brittaine held them aboue two yeares in their pursute One called Stephen de Vers a man of base sort who had serued the King well in his infancie as a grome of his chamber and now made Seneshall of Beaucaire and President of the Accoumpts of Paris with the Generall Brisonnet afterwards Cardinall ruled their master These Neapolitains gouerne them and they imbarke him in this voiage The motiues of the voiage of Naples who of himselfe was flexible The wisest disswade him as a dangerous enterprise for the French and alwayes fatall He wanted all necessarie things The King was yong and weake of complexion he hath few good Commanders and fewer wise men no money and himselfe wilfull the best was he had a gallant Nobilitie and yong but ill commanded nothing obedient and too wilfull like to their head the which notwithstanding pourchased to the King an immortall glorie Wants for this voiage The leading and returne of this army doubtlesse was the worke of heauen Before his departure Charles requires ayde and Counsell of the Venetians Aide we cannot giue you saie they for feare of the Turke yet were they in peace with him and the Turke then raigning was of small reputation As for counsell it were presumption for vs to counsell so wise a King assisted with so good Counsel notwithstanding we wil heâ—pe you rather then hurt you and you shal be very welcome In truth GOD will haue vs confesse that neither the wit nor pollicy of man can disapoint that which his eternall prouidence had decreed This succeeded otherwise then that common weale expected first they conceiued not that the King would vndertake this voiage in person Moreouer they hoped to be reuenged of this house of Arragon whome they hated exceedingly imputing it to Ferdinand as the means to drawe donwe Mahomet Othoman who conquered Constantinople and had done many outrages to the Venetians and Alphonse sonne to the said Ferdinand had stirred vp the Duke of Ferrare to make that chargeable warre against them the which had almost ruined them to haue sent a man to Venis to poison their cesternes with many other complaints which they framed against this house But the chefe motiue was for that by their meanes they could not extend their dominions as wel in Italy as in Greece Thus they thought to vse the King as a scourge to whip their enemie but not to ruine him and by their shipwracke to haue meanes to seaze vpon some Townes in Apulia lying vpon the gulfe as it happened This was one motiue to transport the Frâ—nch forces beyond the Alpes An other was that Bonne a daughter of Sauoie widowe to Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan a woman bâ—th without honor and iudgement was chiefely gouerned by a Secretarie of hers â—amed Chico bred vp in that house and by her Caruer Antonie Tasâ—ino Chico to assure the estate of the yong Duke Iohn Galeas sonne to the said Iohn had expelled all his fathers bâ—ethren vncles to the Sonne and among the rest Lodowike Sforce and Robert of Saint Seuerin sonne of a bastard Daughter of the house of Saint Seuerin Tascino who had a great interest in his Ladies bed and fauour calles them home with her consent Being returned they take Chico and against their promise to offer him any violence they put him in a pipe and dragging him through the City of Milan send him prisoner to Pauie where he died they modestly dismissed Tascino Lodowicke and Robert Lodowicke Sfoâ—ce seekes to vâ—urpe the Duchie of Milan freed from these two obstacles fortifie them selues neere the Duchesse and euen then did Lodowicke practise to vsurpe the Duchie of Milan For the first fruits of this proiect they sequester the two sonnes of Bonne and lodge them in the Castell and seize vpon the Treasor which was then held to be the greatest in Christendome They make three keyes whereof shee kept one but they had the gard of all They force her to renounce the wardship and Lodowicke was created Tutor This was not all the Castell was carefully kept and the Captaine went not without the turnepikes Lodowicke and Robert were not admitted but with one or two followers But two great Princes cannot raigne long together in one State without iealousie Lodowicke supplants Robert puts him from
cut off by the notable treachery of his vncle Plaisance receiued him as willingly as Pauia and thither newes was brought of the death of the Duke of Milan The death of Iohn Galeas leauing a sonne and a daughter Lodowike posting thither with promise to returne vsurped the Duchie absolutely with the title Thus all Lombardy marched at the bruite of this French army some for loue and some for feare They held our men to be religious loyall and full of bountie but couetousnesse robberies and other insolencies of souldiers made them soone to alter their conceits the horror of the artillery whose thunder was yet strange vnto them amazed them The Florentine a cunning dissembler had sent twise vnto the King before he parted from France at the first came the Bishop of Rhegin and Peter Soderini of whom they onely demanded passage and a hundred men at armes mainteined at the second time Peter Caponi and others who made answer that by the commandement of King Lewis the xâ— they had renownced the alliance of Iohn of Aniou if he were associate with Charles of France in the warre of the common weale to enter into league with Ferdinando of Arragon and therefore they could not rashely leaue it But in either of these troupes there was still some enimy to Peter of Medicis who gaue the King intelligence of the peoples desire lifting vp their hands for the recouery of their liberty oppressed by Pâ—ters gouernement enâ—ied euen by his neerest kinsmen and the best families as the Coponi Soderini Nerli and others Great practises against Peter of Medicis And for a second baite Laurence and Iohn de Medicis cousins to Peter came secretly to the King at his departure from Plaisance vowing great loue in generall to the house of France and much hatred to their kinsman against whom Charles was greatly incensed for the excuse he made to his Ambassador which was sent from Ast That the chiefe Cittizens were in their houses in the country and could not so speedily returne him an answer but they should shortly let him vnderstand their resolution by speciall Ambassadors In the meane time they arme ioyntly with the Pope The King must not leaue Tuscan and the Estate of the Church behinde him as his enimies The armye passeth the Appennin at Pontreme vpon Magre the which diuides Liguria which is the Country of Genes from Tuscan and is vpon the marches of the Florentines countrye of purpose to force them to plant the Standard of France vpon their walles or else to take the weakest places to winter in The second exployte of the Kings armie was at Fiuizane a towne taken by force sackt and all mercenary soldiars with many inhabitants slaine A hard stratagem for men 1493. who as we haue said made warre rather in pompe and brauery then with blowes Serezâ—ne was sufficient to withstand yea to ruine a great power Serezanelle was more strong a fort built vpon the hill aboue the towne but the Florentines diuisions had hindred all necessary prouision but men And indeed they were loath to make warre against the house of France of whom they had of old time depended the rather for that they were forbiddeÌ„ to trafficke their men banished out of all France by the especiall aduise of Caponi The armie could not continue there the countrie is straight and barren compassed in by the sea and mountaines no victuall but what was brought from farre and great store of snow But the way must be laide open to Pisa and if they had neglected the first place that resisted The Florentines offer the King free entrie into theiâ— Citty what village but would haue held out Paul Vrsin led some horse with three hundred foote meaning to put them into Serezane who are incountred beateÌ„ in a maÌ„ner all slaine or takeÌ„ prisoners by some troupes of the foreward going to forrage beyond Magre This terror made the Florentines to protest publikely That they would no longer incurre the Kings displeasure nor the Duke of Milans Whereupon they send fifteene or sixteene Cittizens and offer the King free entrie into their Citty whose onely desseine was to expell Peter of Medicis Peter practised for his part by the meanes of Laurence Spinoli his factor in the barke at Lion the Earle of Bresse Myolans the Kings Chamberlaine Gouernor of Daulphiné They procure him a safe conduct and at the first treaty he graunts the King all his demands That the forts of Serezane Serenazelle and Pietresaincte the Keyes of the Florentine dominion of that side those of Pisa and the port of Liuorne Peter de Medicis graunts the King his demands should bee put into the Kings hand who should be bound to redeliuer them after the conquest of Naples That the King should receiue the Florentines into his alliance and protection vppon the loane of two hundred thousand ducats and the assurance of these promises should be concluded in Florence A facility which discouered a wonderfull feare and trouble of minde for the King would haue beene well satisfied with more easie conditions Lodowick was present at this Capitulation who to reape some benefit of Charles his conquests obtaines from his maiesty for thirty thousand ducats a transport for him and his heires of the possession of Genes which the King some yeares before had graunted to Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan yet discontented that Charles would not giue him Pietresaincte and Serezane in gard which places he demaunded as forceably taken away by the Florentines from the Geneuois Lodowik Sfoâ—ce discontented with the King and had serued him as a meanes to lay hold of Pisa he returned to Milan and did neuer after see the King leauing notwithstanding Galeas of S. Seuerin and the Earle of Belzoiozo nere his maiestie Thus by the consignation of these strong places the ports of Romagna are opened vnto the King he enters Luques beeing very honourablie receiued by the Cittizens crying God saue the King of Fronce Augustus From Luques he goes to Pisa Galeas of S. Seâ—erin following the instructions giuen him by Lodowike Sforce who did not foresee that the like accident would be the cause of his ruine called the chiefe Cittizens Pisa reuolâ—â— against the Florentinâ—s and aduiseth them that rebelling against the Florentines they should craue liberty from the King hoping by this meanes that he should one day draw Pisa vnder the Duke of Milans command To whoÌ„ they were subiect before the Florentines held it this was in the same yeare the Venetians conquered Padoâ—a Through this aduice the people troupe together men women and children they flocke the next day about the King going to masse crying with open throat Liberté Liberté beseeching him with hands lift vp and teares in their eyes to free them from the Florentines oppression by whoÌ„ say they they were most tyrannously intreated Rabo a Councellor of the Parliament of Daulphiné and Maister of requests said vnto the King that their
common danger they treat of a new confederacie and had concluded it if Rome had made that resistance to the King which many expected Ferdinand Duke of Calabria the Popes forces Virgile Vrsin and the remainders of the Arragonois armie had resolued to campe at Viterbe and there to make head against the King but the roades which the Colonois made who had taken Ostia from the Pope and hindred the passage of victuals to Rome by Sea hauing put all the country about Rome in alarme being iealous of the Popes integrity who began to heaâ—ken to the French demands made him to retire leauing the way open for the King to enter into Viterbe by the fauour of the Cardinall of S. Pierre and the Colonois and so into the territories of the Vrsins The Pope is now wonderfully perplexed The Pope in perplexiâ—ie he knowes himselfe to haue beene one of the chiefe motiues of Charles his voyage and since without any offence he hath opposed his authority his councell and his armes Hee imagines that the assurance hee shall draw from the King shall be no firmer then his to the King He sees the Cardinals Ascanius S. Pierre and other his enemies in credit about the King Hee feares that this prediction of Sauonarola should now take effect That the Church should bee reformed by the sword He remembers with what infamie he came to the Popedome his gouernment and his life controules him The Cardinalls Ascanius Saint Pierre Colonne Sauelle and aboue fifteene others The Pope hath many enemies vrge the King to suppresse a Pope so full of vices and abhominable to all the world and to proceed to a new election He hath no sufficient forces to withstand the stranger Alphonso droopes Ferdinand is weâ—ke Vergilus Vrsinus Generall of the Arragon armie Constable of the realme of Naples allyed to Alphonso Iohn Iourdain sonne to the said Vrsin hauing married a bastard daughter of Ferdinand the father of Alphonso bound to the house of Arragon for so many respects had of late consented that his sonnes should giue the King passage lodging and victuals within the territories of the Church and leaues him Campagnana and other places for his assurance vntill the armie were past the territories of Rome The Earle of Petillano and all the rest of the family of Vrsins followed the same accord And now Ciuita-uecchia Cornette and in a maner all about Rome is in the â—ower of the French All the Court all the people are troubled they demand an vâ—ity Being thus troubled in minde he sends the Bishops of Concord Terne to the King but â—e seekes to compound both for himselfe Alphonso The King had not aduanced his armes euen to the gates of Rome to that intent He sends the Cardinalls Ascanius and Colonne Lewis of Tremouille and the President of Gannai to the Pope He sends to the King who in an humor brings Ferdinando with his armie into Rome suffers theÌ„ to fortifie the weakest places But the meanes to defend it Ostia cuts off their victualls The Cardinals arriued an act worthy of Alexander they are presently taken prisoners to make theÌ„ to deliuer vp Ostia in the same tumult the French Ambassadors are stayed by the Arragonois yet the Pope caused them to be presently deliuered the Cardinall soone after He sends the Cardinall of S. Seuerin to the King being at Nepy treats no more but of his owne affaires And that which vrgeth him most the King is come to Bracciane the chiefe towne of the Vrsins the Colonois haue many of the Gibelin faction within Rome the Earle of Ligny cousin germaine to the King by his mother and the Lord of Alegre were ioyned vnto them with fiue hundred lances and two thousand Suisses to spoile the country beyond Tiber The walles of Rome fal alone at the Kings entry to keepe Ferdinando within Rome But he was more amazed when as aboue twenty fadomes of the wall fell downe of it selfe the which inuites the King and forceth the Pope But he feares the Cardinalls hatred and the ruine of his estate The King frees him of this doubt and doth assure him by the Marshall of Gié the President of Gannai and the Seneshall of Beauâ—aire That hauing meanes to make his passage by force he is notwithstanding moued with the same reuerence that his predecessors haue alwayes borne to the Romaine sea that entring peaceably into Rome all their controuersies should be conuerted into amity and friendship He yeelds and first he obtaines a safe conduct for Ferdinando to passe safely through the dominions of the Church Thus the King entred Rome with al his armie by the port of S. Mary de Popolo in like manner as he had done into Florence euen as Ferdinando Duke of Calabria passed out at S. Sebastians gate the last day of this yeare The Pope fraught with feare and distresse shuts himselfe vp into the Castle S. Ange whilest hee should treate with the King And for that he refused to deliuerthe castle vnto the King the artillery was twise drawen out of the Castle of S. Marke where the King was lodged yet the presents and promises of Alexander preuailed much with some of the priuie Counsel the King of his owne disposition was not inclined to offend the Pope But what needes there any Cannon to batter a place which opens of it selfe fifteene fadom of the castle wall saies the original fell at the Kings arriuall In the end the Pope giues the King the forts of Ciuitauecchia The wall of the Castle S. Ange falles Terracine Spolete yet this was not deliuered To hold theÌ„ vntil the Conquest of Naples and grants impunity to the Cardinalls and Barons that had followed the King Zemin Ottoman brother to Baiazet the 2. who since the death of Mahomet their father being pursued by the said Baiazet had saued himselfe at Rhodes from thence being led into France had beene put into Pope Innocents power for whose gard Baiazet paide yeerely fortie thousand ducats to the Pope that by the greedinesse of this summe they should be the lesse willing to yeeld to any Prince that might make vse of him against him The King desired to haue him to make him an instrument of the warre which he resolued against the Turke after that of Naples But Alexanders holynesse The Popes impiety aduised the Turke to stand vpon his gard and to prouide that this yong king preuaile not in his enterprise for a recompence hereof Baiazet although he detested the Popes impiety sent him two hundred thousand crownes by George of Antie the messenger of this aduice intreating the Pope to free him of this feare It was generally beleeued that he was poysoned and died within few dayes after that Alexander had deliuered him Moreouer it was said That Caesar Cardinall of Valence the Popes sonne should follow the King three monethes as the Popes Legat but rather to be a pawne of his fathers
aboue named ordinances by an Edict The Rector fearing a check keepes all the Schollers within their lodgings and reuokes the commandement he had giuen Iohn Standon a Doctor of Diuinitie a Brabanson and one of the chiefe authors of this counsell was banished the realme Thomas Warnet of Cambraie who preaching had barkt out some thing against the kings authority preuented this decree and â—anished himself Lewis his title to the Duchie of Milan Bâ—ing thus content in minde quiet within his realme his thoughts â—oâ—red beyond the Alpes and now he takes vpon him the title of Duke of Milan He was 〈◊〉 vpon the right of succession Valentine besides her dowry which was the 〈◊〉 and Country of Ast with a great summe of money had obtaymed this clause 〈◊〉 in her contract of marriage That for want of heires male of Galeas Valentine 〈…〉 the Duchie or she being dead her next descendants 〈◊〉 â—â—uention was of no force but the Imperiall seat was then vacant and the 〈…〉 it The Popes pretending the Empire being without an Emperour that the administration belongs to them And seing that by the death of Philip Maria Visconte the masculine line of Iohn Galeas failed who then should succeed in this goodly estate many contended for it the Emperour Frederick mayntained that it should be vnited to the Empire considering the line specified in the Institution made to Iohn Galeas by Wenceslaus King of the Romains was extinct Alphonso King of Arragon Naples armed himselfe with the testament of Philip by the which hee was made his heâ—re But in worldly affaires the strongest most often carries it Francis Sforce one of Philips Captaines sonne to Sforce Attendule an Aduenturer a braue and actiue spiâ—â— had married Blanche bastard daughter to the sayd Philip and hauing no man at 〈◊〉 â—â—stant that might resist his violence hee did so cunningly winne all the greatest 〈◊〉 of Milan as by their support suffrance he soone seized on the state the which 〈◊〉 easily effect hauing all the forces at his command no competitor For 〈◊〉 Lewis Duke of Orleans nor his Children had any meane to recouer this Duâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Francis by reason of the great warres which followed in France by the 〈◊〉 of the sayd Lewis and of the Duke of Bourgongne slaine likewise at Monterea◠〈◊〉 â—â—wis the 6. and 7. Charles sonne to the sayd Lewis taken at the bâ—ttâ—â—lâ— of Azâ—â—â—â— â—â—guishing twentie fiue yeares a prisoner in England and deliuered by Philip 〈◊〉 â—ourgundy could neuer obtaine any aide from Lewis the eleuenth beeing 〈◊〉 by homebred warres from the beginning of his raigne Moreouer Lewis did alwaies make accompt to settle his authority by the suppression of his neerest bloud And for this cause our Lewis his sonne in lawe sonne to the sayd Charles had no whit the more credit with his father in lawe for the recouery of his inheritance And the â—word which hee did vnsheath against Charles the eight his brother in lawe of whome hee pretended the Regencie and after in the warres of Brittaine tooke from him all meanes to attempt this enterprise vntill such time that the King hauing left him in Ast to crosse the attempts of Lodowike Sforce the seized vpon Nouarre but with a â—â—â—â—lesse euent Nowe is he seated vpon the royall throne of his Ancestors peaceable within himself and peaceable with his neighbors Triuulce doth not cease to lay open vnto him 〈◊〉 to expell Lodowike To make the way easie Pope Alexanders friendship 〈…〉 Florentins and other Potentats of Italy was very requisite Hee seeke 〈◊〉 Ambassadors and findes that the death of Charles the eight had bred an alâ—â—â— in their dispositions The Pope conceyuing that the peace of Italy was the 〈◊〉 of his priuate estate did easily alowe of newe troubles The Venetians beâ—â—◠〈◊〉 by the Kings decease from the feare they had of him for the iâ—â—â—gnities 〈◊〉 had receyued did not beleeue that a newe King would so vehemently imbrace 〈…〉 of his Predecessor and foreseeing that also that if S force were once quiet he would oppose him selfe against them for the affaires of Pisa whereof he did â—olâ—â—â— but coldly the restitution vnto the Florentins by the Popes meanes The Florentins had not yet so much estranged their affection from the French but there was good meanes to recouer it Being thus affected they all send their Ambassadors to the King The Popes affection The Pope who 〈◊〉 to nothing more then the temporall aduancement of Caesar Borgia his sonne 〈◊〉 then Cardinall did willingly imbrace this occasion to plant him in the Kings 〈◊〉 sauour and by some especiall bond to purchase his masters loue He knew well 〈◊〉 Lewis would willingly put away Ioane his wife to marrie with Anne the widowe of Charles and euen then hee resolued to exchange spirituall graces for temporall commodities He then agrees with the King for thirty thousand Ducats and drawes a promise from him 1499. He Capitulates with the king to aide him presently after the conquest of Milan to reduce to the obedience of the Apostolike sea the Townes possessed by the Gouernours of Romagna And for his sonne Caesar a company of a hundred Lances twenty thousand Frankes pension a wife in France to his liking and Valence in Daulphine with the title of a Duchie Then he committed the matter of diuorce to Ferdinand Bishop of Sept his Nuncio in France to Philip Cardinall of Luxembourg and to Lewis Bishop of Albi some name George of Amboise Arch-bishop of Rouan who vpon report of the protestation made by Lewis to a Notarie the day of his marriage That his meaning was not to contract any marriage and that the sollemnitie which he did celebrate was onely to please the King whom hee knew to be cruell against those by whom he thought himselfe to bee wronged And moreouer If by chance Lewis eyther by the expresse commandement of his father in law or after of his brother in law did lye with his wife hee did interpose secret witnesses that should depose of his abstinencie And besides the Physitians and Philosophers hauing iudged her incapable of issue they declared the sayd marriage voyde and gaue him liberty to marry with Anne who marrying elsewhere should haue diuided the Duchie of Brittanie from the Crowne of France The Venetians sent to congratulate his comming to the Crowne The Venetians and by way of excuse gaue him to vnderstand that the controuersies they had with King Charles proceeded onely of distrust and iealousie wherof he had giuen them cause seeing that not content with the realme of Naples he had cast his desseâ—gnes vpon all Italie The Florentiâ—es The Florentins did not forget their ancient customes in like cases to the Crowne of France but especially to put him in minde of their deseruings to the deceased King solliciâ—â—d therevnto by Lodowick Sforce to the end that when the two commonweales of Venice and Florence should come to treate of the affaires
of Pisa the Venetians practises whose greatnesse Lodowick did much feare in Italy might bee crossed by the Florentins they purchasing fauour credit with the King he might imploy them to mediate some accord betwixt the King him the which he desired with all his heart Lodowick did foresee the storme and laboured to auoide it but in vaine for the time of his shipwrack was at hand 〈◊〉 comes to Court Then Caesar Borgia the new Duke of Valentinois came vnto the King with the Bull of dispensation where he was no sooner arriued but as the soâ—ne of his Father he plaid the first act of a bloudy Tragedie vpon the alliance which the King did contract with the Pope his father Caesar following the instructions of Alexander dissembled the bringing of this Bull iudging the Kings disposition to be like vnto those who desire that most which is refused to make him the more plyable to his desseignes But the Bishop of Sept hauing sent intelligence vnto his Maiestie of the truth the King thinking it sufficient to haue the Bull dispatched concluded the marriage with Anne giuing for a portion to his wife diuorced the Duchie of Berry Caesar hauing discouered the author of this aduise He commits a trâ—â—cheâ—ous murther caused the Bishop to be soone after poisoned The peace with other Princes which might somewhat disturbe the proiects of Lewis was no lesse expedient he therefore concluded with Ferdinand King of Castâ—le and thereby did associate him in the conquest of the realme of Naples Peace with the 〈◊〉 he confirmed that which his Predecessor had with the English and renewed the alliance with the Suisses granting them the pensions which Lewis and Charles were accustomed to giue Maximiâ—ian alone working vpon the old leuaine of his Ancestors shewed some bitternesse amidst these contents Troubles in Bourgongne casting the coales of diuision in Bourgongne Champâ—gne by the Lord of Vergi Comtois when as they least doubted it seeing that Lewis being taken prisoner at the battaile of S. Aubin and hauing aboue all others imploied Maximilian for an intercessor to Charles the 8. they thought that Maximilian should reioyce at this new succession more then any other Prince and that the discontent he had against Charles hauing forsaken his daughter and married with Anne of Brittaine his Spouse had beene mortified by the death of the said Prince The Emperour was thrust on by the Duke of Milan who being perswaded that the King busied at home should haue no leisure to attempt any thing in Italy or any accord being made betwixt them he should be comprehended therein This war put the realme in alarme but Lewis opposed so great a power vnder the commaÌ„d of Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbonne his brother in law as it was quenched as soone as kindled by a tirce of many moneths without any mention of Lodowike Sforce And to the end that Phillippe Arch-Duke of 〈◊〉 and Earle of Flanders sonne to Maximilian might reape the fiâ—ites of their rereâ—oâ—â—â—â—ement he did homage to the King for the places hee held of the Crowne and those of Artois were restored vnto him In the meane time they consult at Venice vpon the tearmes of confederation with the King The chiefe difference was The Kings association with the Venetians the holdâ—â—g of â—isa The Venetians offering all other conditions would not haue this string tâ—â—cht and the King being resolute to haue it restored vnto him in fauour of the Floâ—â—â—tines refused to treat vnlesse this article might be granted But the Duke of Valenâ—inoiâ— and other Agents for the Pope the Cardinall of S. Pierre Triuulce and all the 〈◊〉 who for their owne priuate interest perswaded him to warre hauing layed beâ—â—re him the losse he should receiue by the want of the Venetians ayde considering their power and meanes to annoy the Duke of Milan hee yeelded without any more â—pâ—ech That at the same time as he should inuade the Duchie of Milan they should doe the like vpon their frontiers That hauing wonne the rest of the Duchie Cremona and Guiaraâ—add should be taken by their common forces for the Venetians except the bredth of fortie fadome along the riuer of Adde That after the conquest of Milan the Venetians should bee bound to defend that for a time with a certaine number of horse and foote the King should doe the like for Cremona and other places which they possessed in Lumbardie euen vnto the marshes of Venice This conuention tooke all hope from Lodowike both of peace with the King and reconciliation with the Venetians Being thus left naked hee resolues to defend himselfe and beginnes by the fortification of Anon Nouarre and Alexandria Townes lying neerest to the French meaning to oppose against their violence Galeas of S. Seuerin with the greatest part part of his forces and the rest against the Venetians vnder the command of the Earle of Caiazzo. He commands Galeas to passe the Pau with sixteene hundred men at armes fifteene hundred light horse ten thousand Italian foote and fiue hundred Lansquenets but rather to defend his places then to keepe the field hoping that the prolonging of the warre would breed him some aduantage for that he expected an issue of the accord which he did mediate betwixt Maximilian and the Suisses the which effected he had promise of notable aide On the other side the King caused Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Ligni to march with Eâ—erard Stward Lord of Aubigni Iohn Iaques of Triuuâ—ce leading 6. thousand horse The first exploits of this voyage and twentie fiue thousand foot The Castle of Arazze vpon Tanare was the first obiect of thier armies a place kept by 500. foote assayled the tenth of August and taken within few dayes Seuen hundred men being lodged in Anon did likewise suffer it to be lost in two dayes and all those put to the sword that were retired in armes into the Castle Donat Raffagnin a Milanois Captaine of the Castle of Valence well furnished with men artilerie corrupted by the promises of Triuulce gaue entrance to the French the same day as he had by the like treacherie twentie yeares before deliuered one of the gates of Tortone to Lodowike Sforce to the preiudice of Bonne of Sauoy and of the little Duke Iohn Galeas All the souldiers were slaine or taken amongst others Octauian brother to S. Seuerin was prisoner The same deluge ouerflowed euen vpon the very brute Basignagne Voguere Chasteauneuf and Poâ—t Coronnâ—e Antonie Maria Palauoism yeelded vp Tortone not attending any assault Alexandria makes head against the armie and whilest they presse it Lodowike shuts himselfe into Milan and seeing his estate lost by peece meales he flies to those remedies which are vsuall in greatest dispaire He inroules all that could carrie armes assembles the people dischargeth them of a part of their ordinarie impositions shewes them with most vehement wordes That if happely hee had ouercharged 〈◊〉 not any desire to
and streetes and of such as tooke their way by sea few suruiued long the extreame discommodities which they had endured amongst others the Marquis of Saluce Sandricourt and many Gentlemen of marke It were better to foresee all those difficulties before wee part from our houses then to go so farre to seeke our graues Captaine Bayard returned admired greatly euen by Gonsalue himselfe hauing purchased great glory and reputation amongst the French Doubtlesse besides the discord and bad gouernment of Captaines the sharpnesse of the time The chiefe causes of this ouerthâ—ow and impatience of our men in militarie labours two things principally had wrested this victory from the King The one was the long stay of his armie in the territories of Rome for the Popes death so as winter came and Gonsalue had leisure to practise with the Vrsins before this armie entred the realme The other was the treacherous couetousnesse and theft of the Commisaries and Treasurers who commonly emptie the Kings coafers to fill their owne bagges to the preiudice of the souldiers pay and the order they should take for victualls Iohn Herouet Treasurer condemned of theft was publikely executed Alegre Sandricourt and others were for a time in disgrace with the King The losse of Naples the death of so braue a Nobilitie the infinite numbers of men slaine in these attempts had filled the realme and Court with great heauinesse and mourning The King much perplexed with these losses euery man cursing the day wherein that miserable desire to purchase new estates in Iâ—aly had first entred into the hearts of our Kings of France The King seeing well how much his reputation would bee blemished with strangers and how much the losse of so flourishing an armie would weaken his forces was not without feare eyther that Maximilian would alter some thing in the State of Milan or that Gonsalue following his course would imploy his victorâ—ous armie to the subuersion of the sayd Duchie and those which followed the French partie in Italy feared least in his way he should alter the estate of Tuscane Without doubt it was likely that the King wanting money weake of men and the French daunted in courage and without any desire to repasse the Alpes would without any great resisâ—ance haue giuen place to the victors violence But Gonsalue content with the suâ—name of Great Captaine which the Spanish boasting had giuen him restrained his desiâ—es within the limits of this happy victorie True it is that many extremities kept him back He did owe much vnto his armie who made great instance to be payd and put into garrisons Moreouer it was a matter of dangerous consequence to lead his armie out of the realme from whence the enemie was not yet fully expelled But that which stayed the course of his prosperities was a dangerous sicknesse so as he could not execute any enterprise in person he sent Bartlemewe of Aluiane against Lewis of Ars who during the stay of the armie vpon the bankes of Garillan had seized vpon Troye and S. Seuere and had put all Apulia into armes This stay of Gonsalue held the rest of Italy rather in iealousie then any way troubled â—t and the Pope forbearing yet to discouer his desseins laboured to get the possession of such Castles as the Valentinois held of Furli Cesene and Bertinoire The Valentinois was content for Cesene but the Pope hauing sent Don Pedro d'Ouiede a Spaniard to receiue it in his name the Captaine of the place iudging the composition of no force for that the Valentinois was a prisoner caused him to bee hanged So as the Pope dâ—spayring to get it without his libertie agrees with him That he should bee put into the Castle of Ostia with commaundement to the Cardinall of S. Croix to inlarge him when he had consigned the said Castles This consignation made the Valentinois escapes with the Cardinals permission and retires to Naples from whence Gonsalue sent him afterwards to Ferdinand his King The Duke of Valentinoiâ— prisoner in Spaine who confined him prisoner to the Castle of Medina del Campo An act in truth vnworthy the sinceritie of a great Prince but most worthie of this Duke who not satisfied with the wickednesse hee had formerly done deuised anew to trouble other mennes estates and to sowe dissentions throughout all Italie A prison which did greatly comfort all Romagnia being freed from the euill spirit which so tormented it A common necessitie is vsually the mother of a peace or truce betwixt Princes that haue long tormented one another Behold the Kings of France and Spaine A truce with the Spaniard both wearie of warre conclude a truce Lewis fought it and Ferdinand accepts it willingly thiâ—king by this meanes to confirme his new conquests with more safetie vppon coâ—dition That it should be lawfull for the subiects of either partie to trafficke throughout all their realmes and dominions except at Naples The Kings of Spaine haue alwaies treated vppon aduantage with our Kings Gonsalue doth cunningly make his profit of this clause placing vpon the frontiers of those places which the French did yet possesse as Rosane in Calabria Oire in the land of Otrante Venouse Conuersan and the Castâ—e of Mont in Apulia gards to watch that no man liuing should conuerse in any place that was held by the Spaniard The which brought the inhabitants to so great a straight as resoluing to yeeld to the enemie Lewis of Ars was forced to retire into France But what auayles it to auoyd one danger and fall into another We haue not yet breathed from our trauels past and see we now stâ—die on new iarres and confusions In truth the estate of this world is like a chessebord where Princes with a variable chaÌ„ge play most couetous games sometimes with losse sometimes with gaine oft times treating with men in whome there is no trust they fall out of one mischiefe into a greater inconueniencie At the same time Ambassadors being come from Maximilian and Philippe to confirme that which had bin propounded by the comâ—ing of the Bishop of Cisteron and the Marquis of Final sent expressly by the Pope for that busines this peace was in the end concluded That the marriage of Claude the Kings daughter with Charles the Aâ—ch-Dukes eldest sonne should take effect A peace betwixt the King Emperouâ— that all the former inuestitures of the Duchie of Milan being disanulled Maximilian should grant the inuestiture vnto the King for himselfe and his heires males and for want of males should giue it in fauour of the marriage of Claude and Charles and if Charles should die before the consummatian of the sayd marriage to Claude and the Arch-Dukes yongest sonne in case hee married with her for which possession the King should pay vnto Maximilian vppon dispatch of the letters patents threescore thousand florins of the Rhin and threescore thousand more within sixe moneths after and euery yeare on the birth day of our
Lord God a paire of spurres of gold All these Princes were wonderfully incensed against the Venetians by reason of the vsurpations made by them in their estates A League against the Venetians They make a League for their common defence and to offend the Venetians meaning to pull from them what they had vsurped And for that the promises which Maximilian had vainely giuen to Lodowike Sforce were the cause to hasten his ruine he was a meanes the King should set him at libertie and giue him some good pension to liue withall in France But this was a short comfort for Lodowike whose turbulent spirit would haue practised some alteration This capitulation being so profitable to all these Princes the Pope being comprehended therin 1509. it was likely it should hold But there must be stronger bands to tie it that is a reciprocall loue without the which all treaties are fruitles The end of this yeare is famous by the death of Frederike Frederike of Naples dies sometimes King of Naples the which depriued him of all his vaine hopes to recouer his Realme of Naples by the accord of theâ—e two Kings and by that of Isabel Queene of Castile a vertuous Princesse noble wise and beloâ—ed of her subiects The yeare following disposed the two Kings and the Potentates of Italie to lay aside armes Ferdinand of Arragon hauing new desseins and foreseeing that by the death of his wife Philippe his sonne in law would challenge the Crowne of Castille as hauing married the inheritrix of the said Realme desired only to preserue the realme of Naples by meanes of the capitulation lately made Our Lewis was not altogither freed from doubt for that Maximilian delayed according to his vsuall tediousnesse to ratifie the peace The Pope desired innouation but his forces were too weake without the support of some mightie Prince The last League had put the Venetians in alarum hauing thereby three mightie enemies against them To pacifie the neerest they offer vnto the Pope to restore all they had vsurped except Faense Rimini and their appurtenances The Venetiâ—anâ— reconciled to the popâ— And the Pope knowing that the Emperors warre agaiâ—st the Elector Palatin would hinder his passage into Italie ioyntly with the King for that yeare accepted the obedience the Venetians offered him in regard of the said places without making them any shew of a more mild and tractable disposition The King for the accomplishment of that which had beene treated of sent the Cardinall of Amboise to Haguenau a Towne of Alsatia newly taken from the Countie Palatin where the Emperour did sollemnly sweare and proclaime the articles agreed vpon according to the which the Cardinall payed halfe the money promised for the inuesting of Milan Nâ—w troubles in Iâ—alie During this ratification there growes new seeds of dissention in Italiâ— The Cardinall Ascanius brother to Lodowike Sforce treated with the Ambassador of Venice at Rome and had also according to the common opinion some secret intelligence with Gonsaluâ— It was in shew to inuade the Dâ—chie of Milan the which they knew to be vnfurnished of French souldiars the people inclining again to thename of Sforce and that which made them the more bold the Kâ—ng being surprised with so dangerous a sicknesse as the Pihifitians dispayâ—ing of his â—ealth the Queene prepared to send all her iewels into Brittanie if the Marshall of Gié had not placed men vppon the way to stay theÌ„ for the which the king afterwards was as wel placed as the Queene by her dislike sought to bring him in disgrace Doubtles the people should oft times suffer much if their counsels were not stayed by the prouidence of God The King recouers his health Appeased by the deâ—th of Cardinall Ascanius and the Cardinal Ascanius dies sodenly of the plague at Rome interring with him the desseins of Milan The King is freed of one danger And as God by means vnknowne of men change the great â—tormes into calme sun-shines our Lewis who till then had the greatnesse of the Arch-Duke Phillippe in iealousie fearing to mâ—ke him his enemie hee finds now that the death of Isabelle of Castile doth free him of his feare for that the Arch-Duke contemning the testament of his mother in Law deuised to take the gouernment of the Realme of Castill from Ferdinand his father in lawe the which could not be done but by their common quarels and the weakning of their forces the King remaining betwixt both free from troubles should thereby fortifie him selfe with men money and munition for the aduancing of his desseins And the Aragonois on the other side â—orced to seeke a support against his sonne in lawe desiring a peace with the King hee obtaines it by the marriage of him and Germaine sister to Gaston of Foix daughter to his Maiesties sister vppon condition That the King should giue her in dowrie that part of the Realme of Naples which belonged vnto him A peace betwixt the king and Ferdinand the King of Spaine binding himselfe to pay him within tenne yeares 7. hundred thousand ducats for the charges past and to indow his new spouse with 300000. ducats Which dowrie Germaine dying in marâ—iage without children should returne to Ferdinand but if he died first it shold returne to the crowne of France 1505. A happy coÌ„clusion both of a peace and of the yeare if it could haue intertained loue betwixt these two Princes 〈◊〉 with the 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 But it shal be soone broken and alwayes our peace with the Spaniards hath beene full of discord Let vs now open the springs of new warres The Pope had without the Kings priuity giâ—en all the benefices that were fallen voyde in the Duchie of Milan by the death of Cardinal Ascanius and other Clergie men Moreouer in the â—reation of many Cardiâ—alls Motâ—â—es of nâ—w troublâ—â— he had refused to admit into the society the Bishop of Auchx Nephew to the Cardinall of Amboise and the Bishop of Baieux Nephew to the Lord of Tâ—emouille And moreouer hee had armed some galleys to be in a readinesse â—s some gaue out to free Genes froÌ„ the rule of the French in case the King died as â—ome feared and other did hope All these considerations together with the Kings disâ—ontent seemed to breed some diuision with the Pope yet his friendshiâ— was profiâ—able for the King in the warre he pretended against the Venetians against whom he knew the Pope to bee ill affected for the desire he had to recouer the Townes of Romagnâ— Hee therefore sent the Bishop of Cisteron his Nuntio into France to propound vnto him many offers and desseines for the execution of this common enterprise Moreouer the Pope seeing himselfe as it were forced at the Kings instance to prolong the Cardinall of Amboise his legation in France and for iealousie he had that this Cardinall aspired by al means to the popedome he could not resolue to ioyne in all points with the King
But he knew morâ—ouer that being diuided from his maiesty his Councells could not succeed happily in the ende they treaâ— a new amity league togither and to make the king the better aâ—â—ected he giues a Cardâ—â—â—ls hat The Pope and King are reconciled to eyther of the forenamed Bishops and power vnto the King to dispose of all benefices wiâ—â—in the Duchy of Milan The more the King confirmed himselfe in the Popes alliance the more he loaâ—hed that of Maximilian and of Philip his sonne the passage which hee pretended into Italie with a mighty army to receiue his imperiall Crowne and to cause â—is sonne to bee chosen King of the Romans being greatly suspect vnto the King anâ— tâ—e greatnesse of Philip who by capitulation had sent his Father in-law Ferdinand back into Arragon hauing already so apparently estranged the Kings loue from him as he gaue Clâ—ude his daughter in marriage to Francis Earle of Angoulesme the next heyre to this Croâ—ne after the Kings discease without heyres males at the sute suppâ—ication of all the Parliaments of his Realme The which serued for an excuse to Philip. And the more to dâ—uert Maximilians passage into Italy the King sent men to succour the Duke of â—uâ—â—dres a great enimy to Philips prosperity and to molest his Prouinces of the Lovv-â—â—â—nâ—râ—es in his absence As these things passed the Pope burniâ—g with desire The Kinâ— seekes bâ— alâ— meaneâ— to 〈…〉 sonne 〈◊〉 to restore vnto the obedience of the Church all such placeâ— as had beene taken away intreâ—ted the King according to their agreement to ayde him in the recouery of Perouâ—e and Bologne This request was very pleasing vnto the King it was a meanes to tye the Pope whom they had in some â—ealousie in Court to haue beene prâ—uy to some practâ—se which Octauian Fregose had made to dispossesse the King of the Seâ—gneury of Genes Moreouer Bentiuole Lord of Bologne seemed more affâ—cted to Maximilian then to him and Iohn Paul Baillon the vsurper of Perouze was in diâ—grace with the King hauing refused to ioyne with his army when it was vpon the Garillan Notwithstanding the protestation which the Venetians made vnto the Kâ—ng The Popes expâ—oâ—â—s To take armes for the defence of Bologne if the Pope did not first make theÌ„ grant of the rights of Faenze belonging to the Church did somewhat diuert â—im referring the execution to another time Yet the Pope being vehement and pereÌ„â—tory by nature goes out ofâ— Rome with fiue hundred men at armes and giues notice of his comming to the Boloâ—nois commanding them to prepare to receiue him and to logde 500. French Lâ—nces in their country whereof he had yet no assurance Then Baillon fearing his comming goes to meete the pope and deliuers him the forts of Perouze and Perousin In the end by the perswasion of the Cardinal of Amboise the King commanded Charles of Amboise Lord of Chaumont 1506. to assist the Pope in person with fiue hundred Lances and three thousand foote amongst the which were Gâ—ston of Foix the Kings nephew and Duke of Nemours Peter of Foix Lord of Lautrâ—c his cousin the Lord of Palisse and others Bentiuole and his children amazed at this sodaâ—ne aâ—riuall Bentiuol compounds with the Pope anâ— deliuers vp Bologne beseech Chaumont to be a mediator and to procure them some tollerable conditions who dealing with the Pope obteined leaue to depart safelie out of Bologne to remaine in what part he pleased of the Duchie of Milan to sell and carry away all their mouables and to enioy the reuenues they possessed by any iust title without any molestation Thus Bologne returned to the obedience of the Church and the Pope hauing giuen the Duke of Nemours a sword inriched with precious stones amongst the which there was one Diamond of inestimable value eight thousand Ducats to Chaumont and ten thousand for his men he conuerted all his thoughts to annoy the Venetians The death of Philip Archduke of Austria At this time dyed Philip the Archduke of a Feuer within few dayes in the Cittie of Bourges young of yeares strong and healthfull of body leauing an heire the fatall scourge of the French Monarchie who within few yeares sâ—all mount vpon the Theater of our Historie to acte many and diuers tragicall parts And the Duke of Valentinois to finish the last acte of his Tragedie hauing slipt downe with a corde from the forte of Medina de'l Campo and sought for refuge with Iohn of Albret King of Nauarre The Duke of Valentinois slaine brother to his wife was in the end slaine before Viane fighting for his brother in law Too honorable a death for such a tyrant Chaumont was no sooner returned but there sprung vp a new occasion to imploy his â—orces Rebellion at Genes the Genouois taking occasion not of any desire they had to rebell but onely of ciuill discords betwixt the people and the Nobles the which do often transport men beyond their fiâ—st resolutions did sacke the Noblemens houses and did tumultuouslie create a new Magistracy of eight popular men whom to authorise them the more they named Tribunes of the people they sâ—ized by force on Spetie and some other Townes lying vpon the Easterne riuer The Lord of Rauastein being absent flies speedily to Genes with a hundred and fiftie horse and sâ—uen hundred foote The King had sent vnto thâ—m Michel Riccio a Doctor banished from Naples to perswade them to seeke rather the mildnesse of his mercie then to trye the rigour of his forces But a mutinous peopâ—e is like vnto a wilde horse which runnes furiously vntill some downefall stay him â—or in steed of giuing care to his counsell they go to besiege Monaco lying vpon the sea in a commodious place and of great importance for the Câ—ttie of Genes they create Paul de Noue a Dier of Silke Duke of Gâ—â—â—s beate downe the Kings armes and set vp Maximilians they take Castellat a Castell built abâ—ue Genes in the mountaine and â—gainst their faith cut the French mens throates that were in Garrison So the King imputing that to the Genouois as a rebellion which they had done by ciuill discord marched himselfe in person followed by eyght hundred Lances eighteene hundred light horse twelue thousand foote and an armie at sea consisting of eight Gallies The King goes with his armie against the â—ebels at Genes eight Galleons and many Foâ—sts and Brigantins he raiseâ—h the siege at Monaco takes the Bastion which they had built in the top of the mountaine forceth the Genouois to yeeld to his mercy disarmes theiâ— the 29. day of Aprill enters into Genoua â—n câ—mpleat aâ—mour with his sword in his hand vnder a Canopie accompanied with all his companies of men at aâ—mes and Archers of his garde who at the pittifull crye of the people demanding mercy of his Maiestie he grants them pardon paying a hundred thousand Ducats in ready money and two hundred
his indeauours would preâ—aile little to obtaine the victory he desired rather to saue the rest of the armie then to see all lost by the rashnesse of an other The Earle of Bernardin du Mont was slaine and some men at armes about ten thousand foote Bartholomew of Aluiane was prisoner and hurt in the eye twenty peeces of great artillery lost Of the French Won by the King against the Venetians no men of mark· but some fiue hundred foote were slaine The King caused the dead to be buried and for a trophe he built a Chappell in the place of battle the which he named S. Mary of Victory So ended the battell of Agnadel or Guiaradadde or as others call it of Vaile the 15. of May. This happy victory purchased the King the next day Carrauage and then Bergame Bresse Creme Cremona Pisqueton Pesquiere and other places whereof the King would not accept one but vppon condition that the Venetian Gentlemen that were within any of them should yeeld themselues prisoners vpon ransome On the other side the Pope with foure hundred men at armes The exploiâ—â— of the Popeâ— armie foure hundred light horses eight thousand foote and the artillery of the Duke of Ferrare tooke Ceruie Solarole Baesiquelle all Valdelamone Granarole all the Townes of the territory of Faenze Russi Rauenna Imole and all the Townes of Romagnia but more through fauour of the Kings victory then by his owne forces The Marquis of Mantoua recouered Asole and Lunaâ—e which the Venetians had vsurped from Iohn Francis of Gonzague his great grandfather And the Duke of Ferrare Polesine of Rouigne In Isâ—ria Christopher Frangipan inuaded Pisinie and Diuinie The Duke of Brunswike entring into Friul for the Emperour tooke Feltre Bellone Trieste and then Verona and Padoua â—eturned to the obedience of the Empire The Earles of Lodron seized vppon some Castles and villages in their iurisdictions and the Bishop of Trent got for his share Riue de Trente and Agreste The King of Arragon making his profit of an other mans paines and charge recouered Brindes and Tarentum So euery one pulling his plumes the Crowe according to the Prouerbe remained almost bare Such are the fruits of a battell wonne in a Country not fortified This check had abated the naturall pride and haughtinesse of the Venetians but their ruine toucht the hearts of the Italians diuersly Some were well pleased for that without any obseruation of faith or equitie thrust on with an insatiable ambition and couetousnesse they made profession to seize vpon all that opportunitie offered them Others began to sigh lamenting the generall calamitie of Italie ready to yeeâ—d to the seruitude of a stranger The Popes inconstancie The Pope was one of the first that grieued at this great fall and fearing the Emperours power and the Kings he deuised how to crosse their affaiâ—es and to take from them all meanes to ruine this common-weale the ancient seat of lâ—bertie He accepted of the Venetians Ambassage and submission and reuoked the sentence by the which they were excommunicate The which gaue them a beginning of hope but more when they see the King content to haue recouered his owne and not to exceed the limits of the capitulation of Cambray And that which reuiued then spirits certaine banished men newly restored at Treuise by the Venetians to make the memory of this benefit famous troupe together plant the banner of S. Marc in the Market place and expell Leonard of Dressiné who without any armes or force had receiued the Citty in the Emperours name they bring in seuen hundred Venetian foote and consequently all the forces they had assembled in Sclauonia and Romagnia Without doubt Treuise alone repaired the Venetians honour and the chiefe cause of this accident The Venetians begin to recouer their losses as also to put the Venetians in more hope was the negligence and ill gouernment of the Emperour who during the course of so many victories had made shew but of his name onely and these importune delayes had caused the King to take his way towards Milan to returne speedily into France The Kings dislodging of his armie gaue courage to the Venetians to recouer Padoua which they knew to be vnfurnished of men for the defence thereof Andrew Gritti one of their Commissaries had assembled two thousand men of the Country Padoua recouered with three hundred souldiers and some horse and finding by chance the port of Codalungue halfe open by reason of some Carts laden with Haye that were lately entred he seized thereon without noise and kept it vntill the companies lead by the Cheualier Volpe Zitole of Perouse and Lactaâ—â—e of Bergame were arriued who held it almost an houre before that any alarme was giuen in the Towne This reprisall made the way to recouer Lâ—gnague a very commodious towne to annoy Vincence and Verona One of the ancients sayd that we must reuerence fortune else she will shew herselfe terrible Hereafter she leaues the Emperour and returnes to the Venetians The Marquis of Mantoua lodged in the Isle of Escale in the countrie of Verona attending the preparatiues which the Bishop of Trente gouernour of Verona made to besiege Legnague The Marquis of 〈◊〉 surprized by the Venetians Luc Maluezze with two hundred light horse and Zitole of Perouse with eight hundred foote and fifteene hundred of the country besides the garrison of Legnague entring one morning into the said Ile surprised the Marquis his troupes sleeping spoile them leading the Marquis with his Lieutenant Boisi nephew to the Cardinall of Amboise prisoners leauing a lesson to commanders in the warre to be vigilant to weigh their owne forces and not to contemne their enemies On the other side the Venetians in Fâ—iâ—l recouered Valdefere by force Bellone by composition and fortified themselues in the Vincentin by the taking of many places as of Serauale a passage of great importance the which Maximilian recouered soone after with the like crueltie vpon the Italians as the Italians had vsed vpon the Germaines at the taking thereof for hauing not yet assembled sufficient forces to go to field they make small attempts besieging now one bourgh then another with small honour and reputation for the qualitie of an Emperour solliciting notwithstanding all his confederates to vnite their forces for the taking of Venice But who should haue reaped the proffit The Pope would not haue the Emperour nor King possesse it and the Catholicke King detested this enterprise as vniust and dishonest moued therevnto not with the loue of vertue but with enuie the which he bare to the greatnesse of our Lewis his vncle who he thought should haue the greatest benefit by this conquest Whilest that the Emperour filled all Italy with a vaine feare of his forces hee sent the Prince of Anhalt with ten thousand men into Friul who at his entry tooke Cadore with a great butcherie of those that defended it and the Duke of Brunswike
Chastillion brought him two hundred men at armes which the Pope sent him discontented that the Venetians had inuaded this Duchie without respect of the superiority which the Church hath ouer it fauored with the knowledge of the Country and the nature and oportunity of the riuer hauing brought his Cannon to the banke opposite to the enemy being couered with a strong causey after an assault giuen to the bastion where his men had the worst hee saluted the Venetian shippes so fuâ—iously as some â—ot able to resist yeelded others fiered with the shot were miserably burnt with the men that were in them others sinking escaped the enemies hand and the generall saued himselfe by flight in a Cock-boate his galley-flying shooting and defending it selfe was in the end suncke To conclude the riuer beeing full of bloud fire and dead men fifteene galleies came into the Dukes power some great shippes many foistes and other small vessells in great number threescore enseignes taken and two thousand men slaine This army defeated Alphonso sent presently Hippolite Cardinall of Este his brother against that army which had taken Comache but the losse of the other hauing forced them already to retire the Cardinall imployed his forces to recouer Lorete which the Venetians had fortified This done the Pope desirous to tie the Duke of Ferrare vnto him 1510. to the end that acknowledging the good he should receiue by his intercession he should depend more vpon him then on the King against whome he layed the foundation of great hatred was a meanes the Venetians should yeeld Comache to the Ferrarois and should no more molest his estate And to reconcile them with Maximilian he sends Achilles de Grassi Bishop of Pesere his Nuncio vnto him But through the Emperours excessiue demands and the Kings Ambassadors crossing it Achilles returned without effecting any thing The season made them proceed coldly in matters of warre vntill the end of this yeare Maximilian and Ferdinand had contended before the King for the gouernment of the realme of Castille the first for Charles his grandchild the second building vpon his wiues testament as we haue seene before In the end the Cardinal of Amboise not considering how much this accord did preiudice the Kings affaires drew Maximilian to consent that the Catholike King in case he had no heires male should be gouernor of the realmes of Castile and Naples vntill that Charles his grandchild should come to the age of fiue and twentie yeares and should pay vnto the said Charles fortie thousand ducats yeerely fiftie thousand to Maximilian at one payment and should ayd him according to the treaty of Cambray to recouer that which belonged vnto him Accord betwixt Maximilian and Feâ—â—dinand A match which gaue courage to Ferdinand to incounter the Kings greatnes the which in regard of the realme of Naples he alwaies feared Doubtlesse ambition did so blind the eyes of this good Cardinall as hee could no more discouer this grosse policie then foresee that death prepared him a biere in stead of a Pontificall chaire In the end of this yeare died the Earle of Petillane Generall for the Venetians old and of great experience in martiall affaires Although they proceed slowly in matters of warre yet Princes mindes were disquieted with many distemperatures especially the Emperours who dispairing to get the victorie of the Venetians by his owne proper forces perswaded the King to attempt the recouerie of Padoua Vincence and Treuise receiuing a sufficient recompence The King knew well that whilest the Venetians possessed a foote of land he should still be compassed in with continuall charge and dangers The Popâ— practises against the king But hee was diuerted from repassing of the mountaines by the sicknesse of the Cardinal of Amboise to whome onely hee committed all his affaireâ— fearing likewise least a new armie should wholy withdraw the Popes affection who long before deuised by what means hee should dislodge the French out off the Estates of Italie and fearing as wee haue said elsewhere least the King being armed should dispossesse him of his chaire to place the Cardinall of Amboise in it hee labored to draw the English from the Kings friendshippe he practised to ioyne with the Suisses by meanes of the Bishop of Sion to the preiudice of his Crowne and protected the Venetians In â—ruth we may behold three Princes act three diuers personages vpon this theatre The King of a faithfull allie the Emperour of a weake and the Pope of a dâ—sloyal Three dâ—uers humors 〈…〉 Princeâ— In the end the King the better to supplie the affaires of Italie goes to Lions with an intent to pacifie the Pope or at the least to keepe him from being his enemie To this end he sends Albert Pie Earle of Carpi with commission to offer the Pope both the Kings forces and authoritie in all occasions to impart vnto him the affaires that were now handled The requesâ—s which the Emperour made vnto him and to leaue it to his discretion to passe or not into Italie were not these sufficient submissions to pacifie any discontented mind Contrariewise Iulius receiued the Venetians into fauour and the foure and twentith day of Februarie gaue them full and absolute remission Hee still solicâ—ts the English to take vppon him the title of Protector of the sea of Rome against the King of France against whome sayd hee if hee made warre many others to whome his power was odious would take armes The Suisses forsake the alliance of France and ioyne to the Pope But hee drewe the Suisses with more efficacie to the protection of the Church paying a thousand florins yeerely to euery Canton The boldnesse and presumption wherewith they refused to renue their alliance with our Lewis but vppon condition to augment their pensions had iustly displeased the King but this vnseasonable repulse shall proue very preiudicial to this Crowne The King in exchange allies himselfe with the Valaisans and Grisons who bind themselues to giue passage to his people and to deny it to his enemies and to serue him for pay with such forces as they could make The Pope fortified with this new alliance bends all his thoughts to support and raise the Venetians to reconcile them to the Emperour and by their rising to pull downe our Lewis But the Popes alienation serued only to kindle new fires in Italie The Emperour and the King discontent with the shewes which the Pope made in fauour of the Venetians vnited themselues more strictly togither and the Duke of Ferrare gaue the King occasion to aduance his forces for the protection of his estate for the Duke hauing set an impost vpon all the marchandise that passed by the Po to Venice the Pope commaunded him to free it as not being in the disposition of the vassal to impose a tribute without the libertie of the Lord of the fee. And in case he disobeyes hee denounceth warre against him The Duke thus threatned flies to the
the Emperours inuestiture Ferdinand then aduiseth the Pope to the ende the French should not haue it to restore it to the Emperour as a towne of his Iurisdiction So Vitfruch Maximilians Ambassador hauing receiued it in that forme gaue notice vnto Chaumont That Modene did no more belong vnto the Pope but to her ancient and lawfull Lord. And to enioy this restitution quietly Vitfruch and Chaumont a greed together that the French forces should not offend Modene nor the territory thereof and during these garboiles betwixt the King and the Pope it should fauour neither party Then died Charles of Amboise a Captaine whom the name of the Cardinall of Amboise his Vncle The death of 〈…〉 and the gouernements of the estate of Milan and of the Kings armies held in great reputation in Italie a faithfull seruant to this King but to beare so great a burthen he wanted a longer experience in the art of warre seeing that after the death of his vncle through that default he was become contemptible to his souldiars to whom to keepe them the better at his pleasure he gaue too much liberty Iohn Iaques of Triuulce as Marshall of France tooke vpon him the command of the armie attending the Kings pleasure and inflamed with an honest ambition to performe something worthy of his vertue hauing in the moneth of May gathered together twelue hundred Launces and seuen thousand foote he beseeged tooke and sacked in one day the Towne of Concorde and won Chasteaufâ—anc by composition Then approching Bologne he so amazed the Pope as hauing â—ounded the Bolonois minds drawn from them an oth of fidelity he left the Cardinal of Pauie there retyred to Rauenne He is no sooner gone but the people looking to the preseruatioÌ„ of their priuate present estates and seeing themselues surcharged with two armies they take armes and hinder the Cardinall of Pauia from bringing in of any forces The Cardinall being out of heart Bologne taken fearing the armed people should seeke reuenge for their honourable cittizens whose heads he had lately cut off as fautors to the Bentiuoles flies in the night disguised into the Cittadell and from thence towards Imola with a hundred horse The Legats flight being known the people began to sound out the name of Popolo with great mutinie and tumult Laurence Ariosto Francis Rinuche other Captains of the towne affected to the Bentiuoles run to the gates of S. Foelix and Lames break them downe call the Benttuoles and receiue them into the towne The Duke of Vrbin aduertised of the Legats flight and of the peoples rising dislodged in the night leauing most part of his tents and pauilions standing with all his armye The Popes army in rout except such as for the gard of the campe were on the other side of the riuer towards the French to whoÌ„ he gaue no intelligence of his departure The people vnderstanding of his retreate and the pesants comming downe from all parts with great cries and shoutes pursue them take fifteene peeces of great artillerie and many lesse the Duke of Vrbins standard their munition and baggage The souldiars had time to saue themselues whilest that Raphael of Passi one of the Captaines of the Church made a stand at the bridge of â—ene vntill that by the taking and route of all his people the whole armie had a free passage to Bolongne A victory extraordinary happy hauing in one night conquered a great Cittie without perill or fight broken a whole armie The Bishop Vitelli held the Citadell and Vilfruch posting thether in the night perswades him to deliuer it into the Emperours hands but three thousand Ducats which the Bolonois gaue him The Bolonois raze their Cittadell made him to open the gates the people hauing recouered it to free themselues both from subiection and the iealousie of nations and also from the feare they had least the King should retaine it they ruined it to the ground The Duke of Ferrare making his profit of this victory recouered Cente Pieue Cotignole Lugo and other townes of Romagnia At the same time the Emperours and the Kings Deputies assisted by the Cardinals of S. Croix S. Malo Baieux Cosense Albret and many others publish a Councell at Pisa for the first of September the which was lately returned to the obedience of the Florentines To crosse this Councell the Pope following the aduice of Anthonie de Mont of S. Sansouin one of the eight Cardinals newly created at Rauenne appointed a generall Councel the first of May at S. Iohn de Lateran in Rome And to keepe the Kings forces quiet he colourably gaue eare to a peace which the Bishop of Tiuoli his Nuncio and the King of Scots Ambassador treated for him with the King and the Cardinalls of Nantes and Strigonia with the Pope A new league against the French But these practises of peace are broken by the Popes infirmitie· the which hauing brought him euen to the pits brinke gaue him yet respit to stirre vp long calamities Iulius is no sooner freed from the danger of death but he makes a new league with the Senate of Venice and the King of Arragon against the French To maintaine said he the vnion of the Church to defend it from apparent Schisme and to recouer all such places as mediatly or immediatly depended on the Church The first day of Septem was come when as the Cardinals Atturneis in their names A Councell begins at Pisa. do celebrate the acts appertaining to the opening of the Councell of Pisa. And the Pope very wroth that the Florentines had yeelded to the celebration of this pettie Councell as he termed it in their estate declared Florence and Pisa subiect to the Ecclesiasticall censure by vertue of the Bull of the Councell which he had caused to be published and he pronounced the aboue named Cardinals from the dignity of Cardinal subiect to the punishments of heretikes and Scismatikes The Florentines Pisans appeale from this curse to the holy councell not of Pisa but to erre least in their termes of the vniuersall Church and by the Magistrates commandement the priests continue the publick celebration of diuine seruice in their Churches The pretext to reforme the church was goodly and of great profit But oh pleasant reformers the Authors of this Councell thrust on by their owne priuate ambitious desseignes vnder colour of a generall good contended of their owne priuate interest so as euery one might plainly see that whosoeuer should be chosen Pope would haue no lesse need of reformation then those they now vndertooke to reforme So as euen at their first entrie the Cardinals tried both the contempt and hatred of the commons They call the Clergie to assist in the Cathedâ—all Church at the first session No one appeares the Priests denie their ornaments to the Cardinals offring to celebrate the Masse shut the Chuâ—ch doores So as the Cardinals fearing they should not remaine safe at
death of the Duke of Nemours for if he had liued it is likely that gouerning well his victory hee had with his helpe that giues and takes reaped the fruits worthie thereof But greatnesse comes neyther from the east nor from the west nor from the desert for it is God which gouerns he puls downe one and raiseth an other The Pope still gaped with his olde desire to haue Ferrare in his power But by the intercession of the Marquis of Mantoua the Ambassador of the King of Arragon for that Alphonso was borne of a daughter of olde Ferdinand King of Naples and the Colonnes Alphonso hauing demanded and obtayned pardon of the Pope vpon promise hereafter to do the deeds and duties of a faithfull feudatarie and vassall of the Church Iulius turnes his reuenge vpon the companies wherewith the Florentins had aided the King whome hee caused to bee spoiled by the Venetian soldiars with the consent of the Cardinall of Sion who notwitstanding had giuen them a pasport to passe safely into Tuscane And by the practises of the sayd Iulius who according to the ancient desire of all Popes sought to haue authority in this commonweale the Medicis with the helpe of the Confederats returned to Florence settled themselues by force in the dignity which their father was wont to enioye Italie being for this time freed froÌ„ the feare of the French forces the King holding nothing but Bresse Creme Legnague the Châ—sâ—elet and the Lanterne at Genes the Castells of Milan of Cremona and some other forts all these Confederats gaped after the Duchie of Milan and the Suisses on whome the Pope then partly depended opposing themselues not to suffer this estate to fall into the hands of any other Prince but of such a one as could not maintaine himselfe without their aide and succour Maximilian grandchild to Lodowike Sforce was named Duke of Milâ—â— who made his entrie in the end of December receiuing the keyes from the hands of the Cardinal of Sion Sforce restored to Milan as confirming the sayd Maximilian That he held the possession of Milan in the Suisses name An honorable act and worthy of their generosity not to yeeld the honour which belonged vnto theÌ„ to the other confederats the which notwithstanding tâ—ey should much esteeme and it may be might haue obtained it for money Nouarre returnes soone after to the obedience of Sforce Then the Genouois recouered the Chastelet of Genes forten thousand Ducats giuen to the Captaine and the Venetians beseeging Bresse Aubigni who defended it resolues to deliâ—er â—t to the Spaniards to breed a iealousie betwixt them euen as a fewe dâ—â—es before Palisse had giuen Legnague to the Emperour to nourish a discord bred betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians who beseeged it Octauian Sforce Bishop of Lode and gouernor of Milan sent foure thousand Suisses to conquer Creme for Maximilian Sforce but Benedict Cribaâ—io corrupted by gifts deliuered it to the Venetians with the consent of the Lord of Duras who kept the Castell This was of purpose to breede a diuision betwixt the Suisses and the Venetians A counsell generally concluded by the French which remayned of this ship-wrake the which in the end wrought some effects but the losse fell vpon the French for with this first disdaine of the Venetians against the Emperour by reason of Legnague behold a newe leuaine of discontent is laied by the Bishâ—p of Gurce Maximilians â—mbassador at Rome Hee made great instance that the Venetians should deliuer Vincence to the Emperour wherevnto neither soliciting intrâ—aâ—ings nor the Popes threats could induce the Venetians The Pope desyring to gratifie Maximilian that in his fauour he should approue the CouÌ„cell of Lateran against that of Pisa protested to the Ambassadors of Venice A new League where the Veâ—â—tians are excluded That he should be forced to pursue their common weâ—le both with spirituall and tempoâ—all armes So as nothing moâ—ed with this protestation the Pope the Emperour the Arragonois renue the league of Cambraye declaring the Venetians to be excluded So the Emperour by the Bishop of Gurce in the next session of ths Councell of Lateran disauowed all them that had vsed his name in the Councell of Pisa and allowed that of Lateran In the meane time the six thousand English promised by Henry King of England were arriued at Fontaraby a Towne seated vpon the Ocean frontier of the realme of Spaine towards France to asâ—aile ioyntly according to the conuentions of the two Kings of Arragon and England father in Lawe and sonne the Duchie of Gâ—ienne vpon this pretext the Arrogonois had intreated Iohn son to Alain of Albret and King of Nauarre â—but by reason of Katherin of Foix his wife heire of the sayd realme to remayne a newrer betwixt the King of France and him and that for the assurance thereof hee should deliuer certaine places into his hands promising to redeliuer them when the warre should be ended But the Nauarrois knowing well the demanders intent obtaines a promise of succors from King Lewis who to diuert the Arragonois forces treated with the Duke of Aâ—be Lieutenant generall for Ferdinand in this army But when the one partie is vigilant and politike and the other â—louthfuâ—l there soone appeeres great effects The Industry vigilancie of Ferdinand the slackenesse and too great facility of Lewis who abused with the policie and deuises of his Nephew did equally hurt the Nauarrois who suffred himselfe likewise to bee deceiued with the fradulent hopes wherewith the Arragonois entertayned him who seeing the succors of France farre off Nauarre vsurped by the Arragonois the realme vnfurnished of forces and the places not yet fortified enters into Nauarre takes Pampelune and the other Townes of the realme abandoned by Iohn being vnable to defend it and fled into Bearne And hauing no lawfull title to possesse it publisheth that hee is lawfully seized thereon by the authority of the Apostolike sea whereby the sayd realme was giuen to the first that should conquer it by reason of the alliance which Iohn had with the King of France a sworne enemy to the Church and by the Popes bull both beeing subiect to the censure as heretikes scismatikes Without doubt the Pope holds not this prerogatiue of Iesus Christ to giue kingdomes and to expose them in prey for he exhorted to yeeld and not to take from Caesar and the Apostles did not busie themselues to diuide earthly possessions Moreouer is it lawfull for the Pope to vsurpe an other mans right giue away that which is not his owne and consequently the spirituall sword against those he cannot iudge hauing declared himselfe a party After the Conquest of Nauarre the English perswaded Ferdinand to the seege of Bayâ—nâ—e who without this place made no reckoning of the rest of Guienne But he held that which he long wished for as a commodious Country and very necessary for the safetie of Spaine and could not affect the warre
on this side the Pyrenâ—e mountaines So as the English seeing that Ferdinand did vse them onely to satisfie his priuat couetousnesse tooke shipping and sayled into England To recouer this vsurped realme the King sent Francis Duke of Longneuille gouernour of â—uienne Charles Duke of Bourbon sonne to Gilbert late Viceroy of Naples Odet of Foix Vicontu of Lautrec Iohn of Chabannes Lord of Palisse Marshall of France Peter of â—errâ—â—l the Lords of Maugiron Lude Barbezicux Turene Escars Ventadour Pompadour and other valiant Captaines and Gascons which hee assembled from all parts But the army being diuided by the dissention of the Duke of Longueuille who as Gouernour of Guienne pretended the commande to belong vnto him and the Duke of â—ourbon vnwilling to yeeld vnto him by reason of his quality proued fruitlesse for the King of Nauarre Thus the realme of Nauarre was inuaded by the Spaniards who remayned master thereof The departure of the English and the enterprise of Nauarre being made frustrate 〈◊〉 affects the affaires of Milan with greater vehemencie whilest that the Castel and that of Cremona held good but the opposition of so many enemies bred many 〈◊〉 There were many hopes to drawe some one of these from this common alli 〈…〉 Bishop of Gurce had courteously giuen eare to a friend of the Cardinall of S. 〈…〉 whome the Queene of France had sent vnto him and held one of his people at 〈…〉 Court to make a motion that the King should bind him selfe to aide the 〈◊〉 against the Venetiâ—nâ— that Charles grand-child to Maximilian should 〈…〉 â—ingâ— yongest daughter to whome he should giue the Duchie of Milan 〈…〉 the King shoâ—ld yeeld vnto them the rights he pretended to the realme of Naples 1513. and that the said Duchy being recouered Cremona and Guiaradadde should be held by the Emperour Moreouer the Veneâ—â—ans were wonderfully grieued at the Popes new treaty with the Emperour which put the King in hope to draw the Venetians vnto him The Arragonois came betweene by a politike stratageme to assure his new Conquest of Nauarre he had sent two Fryers into France it is the Spaniards custome to manage affaires by the meanes of religious persons to make their negâ—tiations the more graue and to colour their policies with more subtilty to treat with the Queene touching a general peace or a priuate betwixt the two Kings The amity of the Suisses did import much But remembring that by their forces Charles the 8. had first troubled the peace of Italy Lewis his successor by meanes thereof had conquered the Estate of Milan recouered Genes and ouerthrew the Venetians that at this present the Pope and other Potentates of Italie payed them annuall pensions to bee receiued into their confederacie They grew obstinate in refusing the Kings alliance whâ—ch he sought by the Lords of Tremouille and Triuulce In the end the King being reiected by the Suisses seekes the Venetians who conclude to make a league with the King according to the capitulations made formerly betwixt them by the which Cremona Guiaradadde should remaine to theÌ„ Robertet Secrettary of the State Triuulâ—e and almost all the chiefe of the Councell approued this league But the perswasions of the Cardinall of S. Seuerin opposite to Triuulce and the Queenes authoriâ—y who desired much the greatnes of her daughter by the foresaid marriage so as sâ—e might remaine with her vntill the consummation thereof made the King and his Councell incline to the Emperours party But discouering that these were but practises of the Emperour to make the King proceed more coldly in his courses he soone gaue it ouer Whilest that armes ceased on all sides the Popes passions encreased He reuiued his desseines against Ferrare Sienne Luques Florence and Genes and as if it had beene in his power to beat all the world at one instant he thrust the King of England into warre in whose fauour he had dispatcht a Bull in the Councell of Lateran whereby the title of most Christian was giuen vnto him and the Realme of France againe abandoned to him that should conquer it But as he deuised of all these things and without doubt of many other more high secâ—â—â—s according to the capacity of his terrible spirit howe great so euer death ended the course of his present toyles the 21. day of February at night Pope Iulius dies A Prince doubtlesse of courage of admirable constancie and most worthy of glory if he had directed his intentions to aduance the Church by peace as hee sought to grow great in temporall things by policies in war Iohn Cardinall of Meâ—icâ—s succeeded â—im and was called Leo .10 The happy memory of his father his lawfull election free from bribes and Sâ—monye his faire conditions his liberality and mildnesse of spirit A new election gaue great hope of the quiet of Christendome Yet soone after his instalment he shewed plainely that he was rather successor of his predecessors hatred and couetous passions then of S. Peter According to the treaty of the aboue named Friers the Kings of France Arragon concluded a truce A truce betwixt â—rance and Arragon whereby our Lewis hauing more liberty to thinke of the warres of Milan resolued to send an army knowing well that the people of that estate oppressed with excessiue taxes leauied to pay the Suisses and with the lodging and payment made to the Spaniards desired earnestly to returne to his obedience And to make this enterprise the more easie the accord propounded before with the Venetians was againe renued so as the Venetians considering that a concord with Maximilian keeping Verona from them was not sufficient to protect them from troubles and dangers and that hardly they should get such an occasion to recouer their estate they binde themselues by Andrew Gritti Peace betwixt the king of Fâ—ance and the Venetians To ayde the King with eight hundred men at armes fifteene hundred light horse and ten thousand foot to recouer Ast Genes and the Duchie of Milan And the King to assist them vntill they had recouered all they had possessed in Lombardie and in the Marquisate of Treuise before the treaty of Cambray The King knew well it were but labour lost to seeke the Pope who desired to haue no Frenchman in Italy Yet the deuotion he had to the Romaine sea made him sue vnto Leo not to hinder him in the recouerie of the aboue named places offering not onely not to paâ—se any further but also at all times to make such peace with him as he pleased But Leâ— â—reading the steps of his Predecessor perswades the King of England to ioyne with the Arragonois in the oppression of France according to the Bull gâ—uen by Iulio he protested to continue in the League made with the Emperour with the Catholicke King and with the Suisses The King thus frustrate of a peace with the Pope A royall army in the Duâ—hie of Milan sends the Lord of Triuulce with fifteene
and reiecting the chiefe causer thereof vpon the want of paiement Without doubt it is a great error in a Kings Officers especially in an army to conuert the money appointed for the paiement of an armie to other vses Iâ— was at the passage of the riuer of Adde that the last act of this tragedie must be played for the defence whereof Lautree sent the Lord of Pont-dormy with his Compâ—â—â—e that of Octauian Fregose led by Count Hugues of â—epolâ— a Bolonois a thousand or tâ—elue hundred foote and two faulcons But it pleased God at this time to satisfie the Popes couetousnesse with the spoile of our men that might execute the iust iudgement of his Vengeance soone after vpon his person The enemie beates backe our gardes and puttes them to flight killes some and amongest others Gratian of Lucâ— and Chardon neighbours to the forrest of Orleans who commanded either of them a regâ—ment of fiue hundred men They passe Adde at Vauci and force Lautrec to retire to Cassâ—n and so towards Milan with his whole army The passage of Adde recouered Prosper Colonnes reputation who for the retreat before Parma and his ordinarie tediousnesse was ill reputed of as well at Rome as in his army Contrariwise Lautrec wanting neyther valour nor braue resolution but Vigilance and happinesse purchased contempt of his men and hatred of the Milanois whome he did the more exasperate in causing Christopher Paluoisin to bee publikely beheaded a man of great Nobility great authoritie great age and a long time deteyned a prysoner Colonne aduertised of the retreat of the French to Milan lodged at Marignan and his Suisses in the Abbie of Cleruaut doubtfull whether hee should passe on to Milan being fortyfied with so many men or turne to Pauie beeing destitute of soldiars Being thus irresolute there appeeres vnto the Marquis of Mantoua an aged man Lautrec odious to his army meane in shewe and apparell who being brought before Colonne and the other Captaines assures them that he is sent from the parishioners of Saint Cir of Milan to let them vnderstand that at the first approach of their armie all the people of Milan are resolued to take armes against the French by the sound of the belles of euerie parish wishing them to set forward with speede without giuing the French leysure to bethinke themselues And so he vanished away not knowne to any man The Commanders gaue credit to this intelligence A notable aduenture The 23. of Nouember the Marquis of Pescara with his Spanish bands presents himselfe at the port of Rome at sunne setting and presently chargeth the Venetians appointed to gard the suburbes with a bastion which they had newely begunne hee puts them to flight making no resistance and the Suisses likewise that were lodged by them killes â—ome and hurts others before our men had any knowledge of their arriuall Theodore Triuulce who beeing sicke and disarmed came to this alarum vpon a little moyle was taken The Gibelins seizing on the part brought in the Marquis of Fescara and Mantoua the Cardinall of Medicis Colonne and a part of the army Milan taken and sackt the victors not able to conceiue by what happinesse and meanes they had so easily obteyned so notable a victorie the which was confirmed by the sacke of the Cittie which continued fifteene dayes We cannot but blame our Commanders herein of negligence and too great confidence in not discouering the enemies remooue that day and beleeue that they would not assault the Rampars without their artillerie the which could not 〈◊〉 the wayes being broken with continuall raine Lautrec troubled with the feare and the darknesse of the night not able to discouer in so short a time the estate of the enemy confusedly lodged â—ome in the Cittie others in the Suburbs Abandoned by Lautrec he left Mascaron a Gentleman of Gasconie within the Castell with fiftie men at armes and six hundred French foote and retired his armie to Come wheâ—e leauing Iohn of Chabannes Lord of Vandenesse brother to the Marshall of Chabannes with fiftie men at armes and fiue hundred foote he repassed the riuer of Adde at Lecâ—â—e and tooke the way of Bergamo to put his men at armes into Garrison in the Venetians Countrie and other places which held yet for the French It is an vsuall thing to yeeld vnto the Conqueror Laude Pauia Plaisance Alexandria Cremona hold for the Empire and the Duke of Milan Ianot of Herbouuille Lord of Bunou held yet the Castell of Cremona Lautrec sent his brother Lescut thether who since the retreat of Parma had ioyned with the armie with part of his forces to recouer it Who being repulsed Lautrec brought all his troupes which were but fiâ—e hundred men at armes foure thousand Suisses a few other footemen foure hundred men at armes Venetians and six thousand foote As all things were readie for the assaâ—â—t the enemie being amazed demanded a composition the which they obteined with their liues and baggage Cremona recouered A small comfort for men halfe discouraged Frederic of Bossole came from Parma with his forces by Lautrecs commandement He â—ad no sooner passed the Po but Vittelli seizeth thereon with a most pleasing consent of all the people All these victories were glorious to the enemy but the treacherie of one blemished their former reputation Come spoiled contrary to the capitulation Come besieged battered ten or twelue dayes despairing of succour and defence had yeelded vpon condition that as well the French companies as those of the Towne should haue their liues and goods saued depart with their Launces vpon their thighes and be safely conducted into the Venetians country and yet when the French would depart the Spaniards entred and spoiled both the Souldiars and the Cittizens Vandenesse accusing the Marquis of Pescara to haue broken his faith challenged him to the combate If you will mainteine answered he that this sacke is happened by my commandement or permission I say you haue lyed But before the quarrell could be ended Vandenesse was slaine at Romagnen at the retreate of the Admirall of Bonniuet whom the end of the warres of Nauarre had drawne beyond the Alpes At the same instant those of the League sent the Bishop of Verule to the Suisses to withdraw their affections from this Crowne But displeased that their men had marched against the King and complaining of the Cardinall of Sion the Pope and all his officers who had perswaded them to breake the conditions of their alliance they put this Bishop in hold at Bellinsone and called home the troupes they had in Italy On times the victor is partaker of the discommodities of warre they made preparation to assaile Cremona and Genes But their desseins are broken by the death of pope Leo who hauing newes of the taking of Milan Death of Pope Leo. but especially of Parma and Plaisance for the recouerie whereof to the Church he had chiefly mooued this warre he was so wonderfully
king goâ—â— into Italy If the King makes hast to pursue the Duke and Marquis made as great hast to arriue in time for the defence of Milan so as in one day the King arriued at Verceil and the Marquis at Alba the Duke followed one daiâ— after him with the Laâ—squenets At that time Claude Queene of France died at Blois leauing three sonnes by the King and her Francis the Daulphin Henry Duke of Orleans and Charles Duke of Angoulesme and two daughters Magdalene married afterwards to the King of Scots and Marguerit which shall be Duchesse of Sauoy The Viceroy seeing the King to march directly towards Milan without stay hee put Anthony de Leue into Pauia with twelue hundred Spaniards and six thousand Lansquenets posting himselfe with exceeding speed to Milan with the rest of the armye Milan had changed her minde the plague had wonderfully wasted the Cittizens many to auoide this daunger had absented themselues there was no such store of victualls within it as was vsuall the traffick had ceased there was no meanes to recouer money they had made no accompt to repaire the fortifications and the King had from Vigeue sent Michel Anthony Marquis of Salusses The estate of Mâ—lan with two hundred men at armes and foure thousand foote who at the first ouerthrewe the Spaniards that were set to gard the suburbes of Milan beate them into the Towne and kept the suburbes notwithstanding their continuall sallies by meanes of the Lord of Tremouille who came to second him The Viceroy finding the Cittizens mindes to be little at his deuotion issued forth by the port Romaine leading with him the Duke of Bourbon the Marquis of Pescara and the rest of the army Milan taâ—en and went to Laude The Milanois freed from the daunger of the Imperials receiued in the Marquis of Salusse and Tremouille The Imperiall army retyred in great confusion and disorder tyred with the tediousnesse of the way hauing lost many horse and armes if they had beene whotly pursued without doubt they had beene easily ouerthrowne Moreouer if our men had presently gone to Laude the Imperialls had not dared to stay there and it may be passing the Riuer of Adde with speede they had disordered the rest of the armie with the like facilitye But when as the prouidence of GOD meanes to chastise any people hee blindes the eyes of their vnderstandings in such sort as they cannot iudge of occurrents but often times they imbrace those wayes that bee most dangerous Thus it fell out with our Francis for according to the aduice of such as held it not fit for his Maiesties affaires to leaue a strong Towne behinde him manned with manie Souldiars he turned head to Pauia in the end of October He had with him Henrie of Albret King of Nauarre the Dukes of Alançon Lorraine Albaine and Longueuille the Earles of Saint Paul Vaudemont Laual and Tonerre the Marshals of Foix Chabannes and Montmorency the Bastard of Sauoy Lord Steward the Admirall of Bonniuet the chiefe author of this Counsell Lewis of Tremouille the Marquis of Salusses Anthonie of Rochefouâ—ault the Lords of Brion Escars Bonneual Fleuranges Paulmy Rochedu-maine the Vidame of Chartres Aubigny Clermont Bussy d' Amboise de Conty Fontenay a yonger brother to Rohan d' Aumont and a great number of others two thousand Launces eight thousand aduentuâ—ers eight thousand Lansequenets sixe thousand Suisses and foure thousand Italians which number did afterwards greatlie increase The Imperials gathered together the remainder of their shipwracke The estate of the Imperials and made a new leuie of twelue thousand men in Germanie but want of money did greatly trouble their affaires The Emperour could not helpe them to draw any out of the Duchie of Milan there was no meanes From their ancient confederates they hoped for small or no succours at all The Pope and the Florentines contented them but with generall words Clement sought to mainteine himselfe in the midest of these stormes and would make no League with any other Prince The Venetians vrged by the Viceroy to furnish the men wherevnto they were bound by the Capitulation made colde answers They grew now more iealous of the Emperours ambition All Italie complained that hee would not inuest Sforce in the Duchie of Milan vnto which the Popes authoritye did mooue him to whose examples and councels they had then great regarde being willing in like â—oâ—t to frame themselues to present occurrences And the King of England in stâ—â—d of furnishing them with the money hee had promised demanded all that which hâ—â—ad lent All these considerations made our 〈◊〉 resolue to the siege of Pauia Pauia besieged by the French He batters it in two places makes a breach and 〈◊〉 an assâ—ult they winne the breach but had not meanes to enter they â—iâ—de 〈◊〉 and deepe trenches to stay them and the neerest houses pierced and furnâ—shed wiâ—â— shoâ—te forced them to abandon the breach afâ—er the losse of many good meâ— As they despaired to take Pauia by force Iames of Silly Bayliffe of Caâ—n proâ—â—â—nds a more easie meanes to force it The riuer of Tesin diuides it selfe into two bâ—anches two miles aboue Pauia and ioynes againe a mile beneath the Towne before it runnes into Po. By reason of the depth of the water the Wall was nothing fortified vpon the greatest streame Hee vndertakes to cut this arme and to driue all the Streame into the lesse hoping that the course of the water being dryed and making a sodaine and furious batterie on that side the Towne should bee forced before the enemy had any meanes to pâ—euent it They spend many dayes imploy an infinite number of men and make a great expense in this worke But the water is of more foâ—ce then the labour of men or the industrie of Enginours A continuall raine did so swell the riuer as breaking the Sluces and Bankes which were made within the Chanell in one houre it made all this great labour fruitlesse So all the attempts of our men were reduced to a hope to force them to yeeld at length by necessitie The Pope in the meane time mooued with the sodaine spoiâ—e and conquest of the Duchie of Milan by the â—â—ng desirous to settle his affaires and businesse and to pacifie Italie the better hee sent Iohn Mathieu Gilbert Bishop of Verone his Dataire to exhort our warriours to peace and concord The Viceroy trusting in the strength and valour of Pauia refused to giue eare to any agreement or composition whereby the King should hold any foote of land in the Duchie of Milan The King on the other side puft vp with this good successe the greatnesse of his armie the hope not onely to mainteine it but also to increase it to preserue vnto himselfe the estate of Milan to recouer Genes and afterwards to assaile the realme of Naples made him as vnwilling to yeeld to any peace The Pope makes a league with the King Thus the Pope hauing
sayd Philibert But the Kings deputies not able to drawe any reason from Charles Vncle to his Maiestie he must seeke that by force which he could not get by a friendly and amiable composition The Kings first stratagem was to bring a part of Rence de Ceres company into Geneua to succour them against Charles who besieged it The second was to stirre vp the Bernois allyes and neighbours to Geneua who taking the Towne into their protection went to field with tenne or twelue thousand men made the Duke retire 1535. spoiled him of a good part of the lands that were vnder his obedience chased away the Bishop of Lauzanna and ioyning it to their Iurisdiction they remaine still in possession thereof The Emperour returned then from his victorie of Tunis against Barberousse and seeming dâ—sirous to make a more stricter League with the King hee offred him a pension of a hundred thousand Crownes a yeare out of the Duchie of Milan for any one of his Children whome hee should name hee treated the marriages of the Daulphin with the Infant of Portugall Daughter to Queene Eleonor and of the Duke of Angoulesme with such a one as the King should well like of it seemed that he ment the Infant of Spaine to the ende that by these newe bonds of coniunction tying their friendshippes more firmely they might ioyntly participate sayd hee in the honour and profit of the mightie conquests which they should make vpon Grece All this was but cunning The Emperour was tired and his forces were â—asâ—ed by the toyles of warre and the great heat they had endured And the King being readie with a fresh and mighty armie The Emperours dissimulation threatned the Duchies of Sauoy and Milan he must therefore busie him with some baâ—te and at the least stay the exploits of his forces The death of Francis Sfoâ—ce presents a newe occasion By this death the Emperour pretends to bee freed of that bloud The death of Francis Sforce and that he might dispose of this Duchie at his pleasure The captaines promise to hold their places of the Emperour The Emperour giues hope not onely to dispose of the sayd Duchie to the Kings liking but also to conclude of a generall warre against the Turke in the which he offâ—ed to impart with the King the good or euill that should growe thereby and of the faith aâ—d reunion of the Church namely for the reducing of Germanie and England to the generall beleefe of Christians and of a generall peace in Christendome In the meane time he prepared for waâ—re hee caused Cont Nassau to make a great Leuie in Germanie and called backe Ferdinand Gonsague into Italie with his Spaniards which remained in Sicile Thus all the negotiations and practises of these two great Princes gaue sufficient signes of open war there wanted nothing but a lawfull occasion for either of them to blame his companion and to lay vpon him the causes of the first inuasion The Emperour required moreouer that for the quiet of Italie the King should desist from the action of Genes That excluding the Duke of Orleans from the estate and Duchie of Milan the which the King demanded for his second sonne according to the treatie made with the Pope at Marseilles the Duke of Angoulesme for that hee was farthest from the Crowne should be inuested That the King should send him the sayd Duke of Orleans to assist him at the conquest of Alger which he pretended The King desired greatly to maintayne true friendship with him and to vnite it by as strong alliances as the Emperour offred that the greatnesse of the one might not breed any iealousie in the other As for the action of Genes hee was content to surcease that controuersie vntill it might bee decided by good and lawefull meanes to renownce for euer his pretensions to Naples and to cause the sayd Duke of Orleans to yeeld vp his quarrell to Florence and Vrbin with such security as the Emperour should require so as his second sonne might be inuested in Milan He promised the Pope which was Alexander Farnese vnder the name of Paul the 3. successor of Clement 7. summoning all Princes to that ende to imploye his forces to make Germanie and England obey the sentence decree of the Church and to imploy himselfe in fauour of the sayd Emperour to the states and Princes of the Empire that they should ioyntly receiue his brother Ferdinand for the true and lawfull King of the Romains Hee offred to succour the Emperour in his holy warre with a certaine number of galleys and men entertayned promising to accompanie him the yeare following in the voâ—age of Constantinople with all his forces But to exclude the Duke of Orleans from the enheritance of his Ancestors which his eldest brother did willingly yeeld vnto him in fauour of his marrâ—age to install his youngest sonne was it not to sowe dissention and cause of warre 1536. betwixt them whom he desired to breed vp in peace and brotherly loue And to what end did the Emperour demand the Duke of Orleans but rather to hold him in manner of an hostage then to make any shew of loue or trust On the other side to giue hope that hee would compound with the King touching Milâ—n and to vrge this clause vehemently That all should bee managed without the Popes priuitie who no doubt would seeke all meanes to crosse it sayd the Emperour if he should vnderstand they had treated without imparting it vnto him and notwithstanding to giue intelligence to the Court of Rome by Andrew Dorie and to assure him that although hee gaue eare to the Kings ministers yet would he not conclude any thing without the aduise and consent of his Holinesse was not this a corrupt proceeding seeking to breed a iealousie and distrust betwixt the Pope and his Maiestie The King wearied with these long dissimulations and delayes without effect sent the Lord of Beauuâ—is vnto Venice to make a new League with the Senate and the King of England â—ent the Bishop of Winchester to the same effect The Emperour had some intelligence thereof and to crosse the Kings desseins he sent Du Prat a Gentleman of his house to make a new leuie of Lâ—nsquenets and Andâ—ew Dorie to Genes to prepare his armie by sea but vnder colour of his enterprise of Alger Who would not then iudge but in steed of a confirmation of peace and loue all things tended to open warre Nothing could detaine these inuincible warriours but that the Empeour after so great a dissipation of his forces could not so sodenly repaire his armie and the King making a scruple to be the first assailant would not incurre the blame to haâ—e broken the treatie of Cambray But without breach thereof many motiues of discontent had long incensed him against the Duke of Sauoy Causes of the Kings dislike with the duke of Sauoy The Iewels which the Duke had engaged to borrow money for the
troupe of others in the moneth of Aprill 1545. fired many villages neere vnto Merindol pâ—t many of the Countrimen into the gallies spoyled razed and burnt Merindoll being vnpeopled tooke Cabrieres by composition and against his faith in cold bloud hee cut in peeces fiue and twentie or thirtie men chosen at his pleasure rauished â—iues and yong virgins burnt about fortie in a barne whereof the most part were with child put aboue eight hundred to the sword and carried away many prisoners to Marsâ—â—lles Aix and Auignon This did too farre exceed a decree giuen against seuenteene persons abusing the Kings authoritie with too great violence who in his latter age toucht with a remorâ—e of conscience by reason of this horrible proceeding against his subiects whome hee had too lightly abandoned to these butchers greeued that hee could not before his death punish the authors of these murthers exemplarly lying in the bed of death he commanded Henry his sonne expresly King Francis touched in conscience not to make his memory hatefull vnto strangers nor subiect to the wrath of God in not punishing of this guilt Euen so that great King Dauid amongst other dispositions of his last will Thou knowest said hee to him that should sit on the throne after him what Ioab the sonne of Tseruia hath done vnto me and what he hath done to the two Commaunders of the armies of Israel Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Iether whom he hath slaine hauing shed bloud in time of peace Thou shalt not suffer his white haires to descend with peace into the graue But Salomon performed his fathers will more religiously Yet one at the least must suffer for many the chance fell vpon one that was least guiltie named Guerin an aduocate by proâ—ession who was hanged at Paris The Cardinall of Tournon Grignan and la Garde were in some trouble but more feared then hurt Menier escaped but hee died after being tragically possessed with a furie and a secret fire which consumed his bowels Gods iust iudgements vpoâ— murther The people of Guienne reconciled to the Kings fauour The yeare ended with the death of two famous personages Pope Paul the ninth of Nouember to whome succeeded Cardinall Iohn Maria Bishop of Mantoua and the vertuous Princesse Marguerite of Valois sister to King Francis deceased and wife to Henry of Albret King of Nauarre the fourteenth of December They say commonly that for all offences there needes but one satisfaction Seeing then that by the punishment of the cheefe authors of the sedition in Guienne the King had pardoned the commons he was not so inexorable but for a small satisfaction they were easily admitted to fauour so as in October past they of Bourdeaux had obteyned a remission binding themselues perpetually to his Maiestie To entertaine at sea for euer as wel they as their desceâ—dants two ships furnished for the warre to vittle the Castle of Trompet and du Ha and to renewe the victuals euery yeare By this meanes their Parliament was restored in Ianuarie and all things setled in their former estate By their example the three estates of Poictou Xaintonge Angoulmois Perigort Limosin and la Marche in the beginning of this yeare obteyned abolition of the custome vppon salt in Guienne paying foure hundred and fiftie thousand franks and fiue and twentie thousand for the satisfaction of the Kings officers of the said custome Then sprong there many and sundrie fiâ—ebrands of warre But before wee quarrell with the Emperour the English must yeeld vs Boullen The fort which the Lord of Chastillon had built in the yeere 1548. annoyed them much and the recouery of the forts of Selaque Blaeonnet and Bonlamberg and so many men defeated by the surprise of them gaue the Duke of Summerset and the Earle of Warwike to vnderstand that there was no thing but blowes to bee gotten in maintayning the warres of Boullen Moreouer the diuisions of England 1550. and the warre of Scotlanâ— called home their troupes So as for the summe before specified Peace with the Eâ—glish payable at two termes a peace was againe concluded with the English and Boullen restored to the King into the which his Maiesty made his entrye the 5. of May and did his homage wherevnto the Kings of France are bound by the institution of Lewis the XI as we â—aue elsewhere obserued Hereafter those small sparkles which began to appeare after the murther of Peter Lewis sonne to Pope Paul Farnese deceased slaine by his houshold seruants by the perswasion of Andrew Doria and Ferdinand Gonzague with the priuity and consent of the Emperour to seize vpon the Citty of Plaisance with the more facillity haue kindled so great fires as we shall see France Germany and Italy in combustion Paul had giuen â—arma to Octauian Farnâ—se sonne to the said Peter Lewis whereof he had institution of Iulâ—o his successor This Peter Lewis inclined much to the French party He had giuen victualls and ayde to Peter Strossy when as he came into the Countrie of Plaisance with â—ome forces for the seruice of the most Christian King and that which more inceâ—â—â—d the Imperialls he was suspected to haue assisted the Cont of â—iesque in an enterease made vpon Genes for the kings seruice the yeare 1547. in the which Ianeim Doria was slaine and Andrew Doria expelled This caused the death of Peter Lewis Faâ—nese Octauian his sonne had married the Emperours bastard daughter But they say that charity begins by it selfe The Emperour did labour him much he would gladly ioyne Parma to Plaisance that by lawfull meanes letting the Pope to vnderstand That Parma being of the patrimony of the Church the which was in his protection he ought to be preferred before Farnese seeing that Farnese could not keepe it but wiâ—h the men and money of his holmes The Pope being of a base mettall and fearing the touch tempted with the Emperours practises sends to Duke Octauian That he could no more furnish the extraordinary charges wherewith he had promised to assist him and Farnese finding that the Emperour laide this plot to dispossesse him off his inheritance he seekes a strong support in France against his father in-lawes practises The king who had not renounced the auncient pretensions of the house of Orleans to the Duchie of Milan declares himselfe but with the Popes good liking protector of the patrimony of the Church and of the Farneses The Emperour is in a rage who with his violent exclamations so terrifies the Pope as he abandons his vassall Octauian The Pope on the other side nothing well affected to the French grew bitter against the King he commands him to renownce this protection and for not obeying hee threatens to curse boâ—â— him his realme Thus Iulio the 2. not able to satisfy his greedy desire with the keies of S. Peter he vnsheaths the sword of S. Paul kindling by his madnesse these deadly diuisions throughout all Christendome as if the
Bishop carried the spirituall sword in his hand to draw it for vnlawfull things at the fiâ—st impression of his fantasie To crosse the Pope the King forbids expresly to carry or send any gold or siluer to Rome for any dispatches Bulles Annats Dispensations or any other thing commaunding the Metropolitaines of the Realme to prouide according to the ancient priuileges and liberties of the French Church And for that Gonzague beseeged Parma to giue both the Emperour and the Court of Rome a blowe hee commâ—unded Charles of Cosse Marshall and Lord of Brissac his Lieutenant generall in Piedmont by the death of the Prince of Melphe to fortifye and furnish Miranâ—oâ—e Brissac sends some Souldiars Gonzague surpriseth them and puts them secretly to death and sodaynly doth belegar Mirandola War in Italy Warre is nowe begunne on all sides and for light occasions hee that seekes a quarrell wants no apparent shewes to colour it Both these Princes expected some worthye occasion But let vs raise vp our thoughts and say That GOD had not powred 〈◊〉 all his iudgements against Christendome being full of excesse and worthy of 〈◊〉 puâ—â—ishment 1551. The King sends newe forces into Piedmont and commands the Marshal to 〈◊〉 Parma and Mirandola He effects it and by the taking of Quiers S. Damain 〈…〉 places he forceth Gonzague to abandon the country of Parmesan to succour Montâ—errat and to defend the estate of Milan On the other side Mary Queene of Hongary and Gouernesse of the Lowe Countries for the Emperour armed in fauour of her brother both by sea and land And vnderstanding that for a greater confirmation of loue the Marshall S. Andre earned in the Kings name the order of France to young Edward King of England she caused certaine ships to lie betwixt Calais and Douer to seize on him in his passage Buâ—â—o preuent her policy the Marshall caused some Flemish ships to be stayed which lay at anchor in the road of Diepe vntill they were assured of his arriuall in England And Mary likewise seized vpon all the French ships that were within her gouernement Thus hart burning grew on all sides which burst out into open warre euery one calls home his Ambassadors and assures the places neerest to the enemie the King especially of Lorraine hauing some iealousie of Christienne the Dowager and neere allied to the Emperour who to free her selfe from that imputation did put her selfe with her Sâ—n Charles into the Kings protection who caused him to be brought vp with the Daulphin Francis and afterwards he married one of his Maiesties daughters Before we proceed to open acts of hostility the King excused himselfe vnto the Pope by the Lord of Termes for that which he did in sauour of Octauian Farnesâ— and by the Abbot of Bellosanne he protested against the decrees of the Assembly which was held at Trent the which considering the Popes and the Emperours spleene against France he could not hold to be a lawfull and holy generall Councell Not that I pretend said he to withdraw my selfe from the obedience of the Church but onely to auoide the surprises of such as vnder colour of reformation seeke to disgrace both my person and realme And in trueth he confirmed sufficiently this last clause by the rigorous ordinances which he published against those which had their cause common with the Protestants of Germany touching matters of religion whereby fires were a new kindled against them in many parts of the Realme and yet the King treated priuately with the Protestant Princes of Germany and generally with all the Electors and free Citties of the Empire Who sawe their liberties and freedomes in a manner ruined if they did not oppose some mighty aduersary against the Emperour who by maine force might stay the course of his vnmeasured couetousnesse The Emperour contrary to his oath detained Iohn Duke of Saxony and Philip Landgraue of Hesse in miserable captiuity A league betwixt the King and the Proteâ—â—â—nts of Germany He had vanquished most of the other Princes in war and fearing least the French should in the ende demaund the right vsurped in old time by the Saxons ouer the heires of Charlemaigne when the Empire was hereditary he pretended to transport the Imperiall Crowne into his house for euer and now he thought to haue a fit oportunity He had suppressed his enemies in Germany he had a Pope at his deuotion he was armed The most part of the Cardinalls who assisted at the Councell were either naturall Spaniards or of the Spanish faction and by consequence might easily by a decree of this councell giue authority to what hee intended With this disseine he had caused his son Prince Philip to come out off Spaine who died King of Spaine in the yeare 1598. to haue him declared his successor or at least his associate in the Empire oppressing the people of Germany by insolent and tyrannicall exactions The Electors not accustomed to seruitude and lesse to the slauery of Spaine not able with their own forces to shake off the yoake which they see ready to be layd vpon them they repaire vnto the King shewe him the wrongs and outrages done vnto them they pretended the ouerthrow of the holy Empire and the abolishment of the rights and priuileges of the Electors Commonalties and Lords of the same they beseech him that in regard of the auncient league betwixt the Empire and the crowne of France he would take their iust cause in hand and maintaine the common liberty of Germanie The King resolues to enter into League with them 1552. and graunts the succours which they demanded They giue him this honorable title Defender of the Germains The King makes a league with the 〈◊〉 of Germany against the Emperour protector of the nation and of the holy Empire He armes thirtie thousand men and desirous to countenance his forces with his owne presence he appoints Queene Katherine his wife Regent in France he makes many goodly Edicts for the gouernment of the state for the ordring of his men at armes and for the obseruation of military discipline hee reformes the abuses of Commanders suppresseth the insolencie of souldiars a commendâ—ble institution in comparison of that which hath beene seene in the raignes of his children and giues the Rendezuous â—or his armie at Vitry Hee was accompanied with â—â—thonie Duke of V ndosme whom we shall shortly see King of Nauarre by the decease of Henry of Albret his father in Lawe Iohn Duke of Anguien Lewis Prince of Conde all bretheren Lewis Duke of Montpensier Charles Prince of Roche-sur-yon al of the royall familie of Bourbon the Dukes of Neuors Nemours Guise Aumale Elbeuf The Kings armie the Lords of Rohan Rochefoucault Chastillon d' Andelot and others in great numbers in very good order The Câ—nstable of Montmorencie was made generall of the armie a house which sâ—aâ— hereafter be made a Duchie and Peere of France Claude of Loâ—râ—ine Duke of 〈◊〉 a yonger brother
oâ— the house of Guise was generall of the horse consisting of fiâ—teene hundred men at armes euery one hauing two archers two thousand light hâ—rse and as many argoletiers besides an infinite number of voluntary French Nâ—biliâ—ie marching vnder the fauour of their Prince and desiâ— us to maâ—e their vâ—lor apparent by good and faithâ—ull seruices Gaspar Lord of â—hastillion afterwards Admirall was Colonnel of the foot coâ—sisting besides the nâ—w and the ordinary companies which were twentie enseignes of the oâ—d handâ— of Piedmont and fiue and thirtie ensigns of Gascons and Prouensals they note the two câ—mpanies of the Lord of Duras to bee compounded for the most part of 〈◊〉 â—nd old souldiers worthy of commaund of tenne thousand Lansquenets in 〈◊〉 Reâ—iments commaunded by the Reingraue and Reichroc To these bands the Protestant Princes ioyned a battallion of horse vnder the commaund of the Colonnell Chartell But let vs now see their exploits The Cittie of Thoul at the fiâ—st abord puts it selfe into the Kings protection but this was not the cheefe point of his desseine The Emperour pâ—â—sing into France had the passage of Metz at his deuotion and had victuals and other necessarieâ— out of that Countrâ—e The King now requires the like from them They offer victuals for mony and consent to admit his Maiestie in their Cittie with the Constable The Kings armie enters into the countâ—ie of Mâ—â—z followed with some Princes and Noblemen but as for any passage of the armie they excuse themselues and pretend neutralitie The Constable departs and protests that he will haue free passage free entrie and â—â—ee issue at discretion without any limitation and partly by promises partly by threats he wins the Inhabitants The Cittizens had not foreseene this storme and lesse prouided any remedie to auoyd it Thus being forced to bid their libertie adue they agree with Lord of Bourdillon afterwards Marshall of France That the Constable accompanied with some Princes and Noblemen should enter with two companies of foot the companies were sixe huÌ„dred men strong they increase them with halfe as many more all chosen men of account the which being entred repelled the people become masters and draw after them so long a traine as the Mâ—â—â—ins had no meanes to resist This was the tenth of Aprill on Palme Sunday nine dayes after the King made his entrie in armes being followed with all his forces put in battaile hee receiued the oâ—h of the Cittizens and sware sollemnly to them in the porch of S. Stephens Church He leâ—â— Gonner brother to the Marshal of Brissac for Gouernour and with him the company of the Earle of Nantueil two hundred light horse two hundred harguebufiers on horsebacke and twelue enseigns of foot Thus the famous Cittie of Metz was brought vnder the obedienâ— of this Crowne a portion of the ancient patrimonie of the Kings oâ— France and in former times vsurped by the Emperours The Constable would gladly haue vsed the like stratageme to Strasbourg but he â—ound more assurance and resolution then at Metz. Metz yeelds to French King They put a strong garrison into their Cittie and prepared for defence against any that should seeke to make them subiect so as seeing that neyther reproches threats nor bitter words could drawe any thing from the Inhabitants but victualls and necessaries for the Campe the army tooke the way of Haguenau and Wisbourg Here the deputies of the Germaine Princes come to beseech the King to passe no no farther to stay the spoile of the Country to harken to a peace with the Emperour wherevnto he seemed to be inclined and not to presse them to any priuate alliance An alteration in the Germainâ— Princes considering their bond vnto the Empire and if it pleased him to be comâ—â—ehended in this treatie hee should make it knowne with what conditions he ment to compound with the Emperour The King held good pawnes for the charges of his vâ—iage By his forces he had drawne the Emperour to reason with the Princes his vassalls this virago of Hongarie had alreadie taken Stenay vpon Meuse and to crosse the Kings attempts in Germany with troubles in France she threatned to enter the realme bâ—rning spoiling and making the Countrie in her passage desolate So the King leauing Germanie bâ—ought backe his armie into France At whose approch this swarme of enemies was dispersed like a flying cloud and leauing the Duchie of Bourgongne vnfurnished of men they inuited our French to the conquest of Roc de Mars of Mont Saint Iean Solieure Danuilliers Yuoi Montmedy Lumes Trelon and Glaion all which places might sufficiently speake of our French forces hauing made proofe therof But this last seizure was their ruine when as the greatest part through the furie of the warre were reduced into heapes of stoanes and ashes They could no longer retaine the old bands without some prey Cymâ—i a towne and castell belonging to the Duke of Arscot was surprised but this was in a manner the ruine of the army for some laden with spoiles others seized on with sicknesse and wearied with continual toyle began to slippe away in the end of Iuly The most healthfull which remayned were by the King put into garrisons attending the Emperours desseins hauing also giuen some troupes to the Marshall of la Mark with the which he recouered the Duchie of Boullen with the dependances The Emperour had beene opprest with a forraine and domesticall enemy To turne all this storme vpon France and to make profit of the Protestants forces and money he made his peacewith them and got a promise from the Princes and Commonalties to succor him with men money and artillerie for the recouery of Metz Thoul and Verdun Albert Marquis of Brandebourg had in the Kings name made sharpe warre against the Bishops and Townes in Germanie with two thousand horse and eight thousand foote he nowe seekes to be reconciled to the Emperour as well as the rest but hewill insinuate himselfe by some notable seruice He had written often vnto the King holding him in hope to continue in his partie but hauing roded vpon the marches of Luxembourg Lorraine and the Country of Messin he spoiles the Country after a strange manner then hauing pressed Metz for want of victualls hee carries armes for the Emperour The Emperour marcheth against Metz and sends the Duke of Alua his Lieutenant generall Metz beseeged by the Emperour and the Marquis of Marignan from Sarbruch with foureteene thousand foote foure thousand horse and sixe field peeces to vewe the Cittie and to choose a conuenient place to lodge his army attending his comming with the rest of his forces The Duke of Guise Lieutenant generall for the King sends forth some troupes to skirmish where hee looseth Marigni a gentlemen of Picardie two Captaines and fiue soldiars and the enemy aboue a hundred and fiftie men But the Marquis of Brandebourg reuengeth this disgrace The Duke of Aâ—male defeated vpon the Duke of Aumale and
to the Towne being opened â—alaâ—s taken and the beseeged sodainely surprised without hope of speedy succouâ—s first the castle and then the towne returned to the obedience of this crowne as gâ—adly as we haue seene her antient Burgesses bid their poore desolate country mournfully farewell in the yeare 1347. The county of Oye 1558. and all the forts the English held there returned likewise to the subiection of their first and lawfull Lord. Guines and other places dismantled spare the cost which should be consumed in the defence thereof On the other side the Duke of Neuers did take for the King the Castle of Herbemont the forts of Iamoigne Chigny Rossignol and Villeneufue The Daulphin married to Mary 〈◊〉 of Scotlâ—nd Thus their sorrow was turned into ioye their hearts panting yet with that bloudy battell of S. Laurence The Court was partaker of this ioy celebrating the 28. of Aprill in the midest of these prosperities the marriage of Francis Daulphin of Viennois with Mary Steward Queene of Scotland daughter to Iames the 5. and Mary of Lorraine daughter of Claude Duke of Guise During these happy victories and coniunctions of alliances the Duchesse Dowager of Lorraine laboured to increase these solemne and publike ioyes by the conclusion of a peace betwixt the two kings The Cardinall brother to the Duke of Guise met with her at Peronne to that intent but this parâ—e without effect hastened the execution of an enterprise vpoÌ„ Theonuâ—lle the which being battered froÌ„ the 5 to the 21. of Iune with fiue and thirty Canons and the mynes ready to plaie receiued an honourable composition The proiect of this prize is giuen to the Duke of Neuers the glory of the execution to the Duke of Guise and the Duke of Nemours the Marshall of Strossy who was slaine there with a shot vnder his left pappe the Duke of Guise leaning on his shoulder as they caused a platforme to bee vndermined the Lords of Montluc Theonâ—â—â—le taken by the French Vâ—elleuillâ— and Bourdillon had the honour to haue giuen good testimonies of their valours in this prize Chigny taken afterwards from the Wallons was fortified Arlon Villemont and Rossignol burnt and made vnprofitable for the warre The English in the meane time spoyled the coasts of Normandy and Picardy and the King to stop their courses prepares two small armies one at la Fere vnder the Duke of Aumale the other at Calais vnder the Marshall of Termes who succeeded Stroâ—â—y The Marshall attempts Berghes they feared not the French there the towns which the Spaniards held vpon that coast were ill furnished he takes it sacks it and by that meanes opens the way to Dunkerk Dunkerkâ— being taken and spoyled in foure dayes inriched both the souldiers and boyes of the armie But the Flemings force them to make restitution the Marshall camped before Grauelines and the Cont Aiguemont Lieutenant for the King of Spaine in the Lowe Countries hauing speedily assembled out off the neighbour garrisons and of other forces about sixtâ—ene thousand foote a thousand or twelue hundred Reâ—stres and two thousand horse cuts off his way vpon the Riuer of A which comes from S. Omer and forceth him to fight At the first charge the French army ouerthrowes some squadrons of horse but at the second shocke The Marshall of â—ermes defeated the Marshall is hurt and taken with Villehon Senarpont Moruilliers and Chaune a great number of Captaines and souldiars are slaine vpon the place and all the troupes so discomfited as of all the companies of men at armes of three corners of light horse Scottishmen fourteene enseigns of French foot and eighteene of Lansquenets fewe escaped death or imprisonmentâ— a wound which reuiued the â—â—ar of S. Laurence and did frustrate the Duke of Guise his enterprise vpon Luxembourg but it was partly recompenced by the Lord of Kersimon vpon six or seuen thousand English Flemings which landed at the hauen of CoÌ„quest spoyling and burning the weakest parts of the coast of Brittain This was in the end of Iuly The Duke of Guise fayling of Luxembourg came to lodge at Pierrepont in Tirasâ—â—e and there â—ortified with seauen Cornâ—ts of Reistres brought by William younger sonne to Iohn Frederick Elector of Saxony and a newe regiment of Lansquenets led by Iacob of Ausbourg made the French army as strong as the yeare before Aboue all others were most apparant the companies of the Duke of Guise Lieutenant geneâ—all of the Dukes of Montpensier Neuers Aumale Bouillon Nemours Saxony Lunembourg of the Prince of Roche-sur-yon of the Prince of Salerne of the Cont Charny the Marshall S. Andre the Marquis of Elheuf and of the Lords of Rochefoucault Randan Curton Montmoâ—ency the Constables elâ—est sonne Esâ—henets Roche du-Mâ—â—â—e Ienlis La Veuguion Mourdillon Tauanes of Beâ—uuais The light horse of the Earles of Eu and Roissy of the Lords of Valete Bueil Laigny Rottigotty Lombay and others wherof the Duke of Nemours was generall and so great a number of â—ermaines Suisses and Frenchmen as this flourishing armie of men lodging neere to Amiens along the riuer of Somme preuailed much for the treatie of peace which followed soone after Philip had his armie likewise vpon the riuer of Anthie both intrenched and fortified with artillerie as if they meant to continue there and in time to tire one another Some moneths passe without any other exploite then inroades and light skirmishes In the end the eternall God of armes who from his heauenly throne beheld tâ—e seate of these two mightie armies changed the bitternesse of former warre into a pleasiâ—g peace confirmed by alâ—iances the yeare following The Abbie of Cercamp vpon the limits of Arthois and Picardie gaue tâ—e first entâ—ie And as the Constable being freed from prison the Marshall of S. Andrew the Cardinall of Lorraine Moâ—uilliers Bishop of Orleans and Aâ—bestiâ—e Secretarie of State assâ—mbled for the King treated with the Duke of Alua the Prince of Orange Regomes de Silues Cupbearer to King Philip Granduelle Bâ—shop of Arras and Vigle of Zuichem President of the Councell of State of the Lowe Countries behold the death of Charles the 5. Emperour chancing in September and that of Mary Queene of England aâ—out the middest of Nouember changed both the place and the time of this conclusion Castle Cambresis had the honour to finish it at the second conference the which was confirmed by the marriages of Philip with Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Henry of Phillibert Emanuel Duke of Sauoy with Marguerite the Kings onely sister and of Charles Duke of Loâ—raine with Claude a yoâ—ger daughter of France The King yeelded to the Castillan all that hee had taken from him as well on this side as beyond the mountaines To the Sauoyard he restored Bresse Sauoy Piedmont to the Genouoiâ— the Isle of Corse and about foure hundred places more conquered during these â—atall and pernitious Warres which had made so many Prouinces desolate ruined so many Castâ—es Villages
fact Brittanie and Picardie râ—mained reasonably quiet Champagne and Bourgongne shed little bloud through the pâ—llicie of them of Guise that all the blame might light vpon the King as also they had saued many of the chieâ— Protestants in the midest of the furie of this Parisien euensong In Auuâ—rne Saint Heran put more money into his cofers then he shed blâ—ud in his â—ouernment In Daulphiné there were some murthers committed In Prouence the humanitie of the Earle of Tende restrayned the hands and swords of the bloâ—â—e minded In the end the people glutted with the bloud and cloyed with the spoyles of the muâ—thered protestants growe quiet and the King appoints an extraordinary Iubile witâ— generall processions where his Maiestie assisted with the Qâ—eene his mother his breâ—hâ—en and the Court of purpose to giue thankes to God for that which had so happily succeeded There were yet some thornes stucke in Charles his feet Rochel Sancâ—rre Montauban Nismes Aubenas Milliaud Priuas Mirebel Andure and other small Townes of Viuarets and Seuennes serued as a Sanctuary for the Protestants that â—ere escaped to keepe them from danger Rochell was not to be dealt with all and it seemed that industrie and secret practises should preuaile more then open force Strossy â—â—d la Garde will releeue the inhabitants with men to keepe it and vnfurnish them of victualls requiring a quantitie to refresh their armie But they had men inough a great number were fled thither and many Protestant soldiars whom the hope of the voyage of Flanders entertained in the Kings army slipt hourely into their Towne Their priuileges likewise did free them from garrisons and as for victuals they had for their prouision but could not spare any Strossy and la Garde spent both time and money in vaine about Rochell they therefore send Biron vnto them for their Gouernour with expresse commandement to receiue a garrison They answer That they cannot beleeue that that charge comes from the King who commanded the strict obseruation of the Edict and grants them the vse of their ancient priuileges vnder his obedience And for a testimony they produce the Kings letters of the 22. and 24. of August whereby his Maiestie layes the motiues of the sedition vpon them of Guise saying That he had much adoe to mainteine himselfe in the midest of his gardes in his Castle of Louure As for the reasons which made them to auoyde all the surprises and baites of such as Biron sent to treate with them they vsed the meanes which politicke wisedome doth vsually furnish in such incounters offering notwithstanding to accept Biron so as the troupes may bee retyred from thence the exercise of their religion to remaine free and that he bring no forces into the Towne Biron summons them by vertue of his authority and vpon refusall Warre againâ—â— the Rochellois proclaimes war against them and euen then vnder colour to giue the armie at Sea meanes to disperse it selfe he labours by all meanes to cut off their victuals and prouisions and to weaken them of their men The King by his Letters Pattents of the 8. of October calls home all that were fled out of diuers Townes saying that as a good father of a family he had pitty of his poore subiects being out of their houses and for not comming did seize and declare their goods forfeit Yet the excuses which the King made vnto the Pope to the Duke of Alba and to the Ambassador of Spaine That the brutes of the Belgike warre and all the former Councels had tended to no other end but to the ruine of the Huguenots that his intent was to liue in peace and good correspondencie with the Catholicke King and the Commissions he had sent to the Gouernours of Prouinces to degrade all Protestants from their offices and publike charges although they were ready to renounce their religion except such as aduanced to meane offices were continued by the King abiuring according to a forme set downe by the College of Sorbonne and to search for all Protestants that during the troubles had had the command of armes or Townes of warre made this repeale of Charles to be wonderfully suspect Hereafter they vse all acts of hostâ—litie against the Rochelois such as they know to be of the Towne are kept prisoners and put to their ransome ships that sayled towards their Port were stayed all marchandise belonging to the Rochelois seized and confiscated They therefore hasten the succours which the Counte Montgomery the Vidame of Chartres and others prepared for them in England The 25. of October they set sayle but not able to approche they returned back Those of Sancerre hauing refused to receiue a gouernour and garrison from the hands of La Chastre gouernour of Berry were belegard in the beginning of October Cadaillet Grome of the Chamber and the Kings Huntsman very well knowne in the Towne as an ancient seruant to the Earle of Sancerre was sent to conferre with them hee brought the inhabitants to that point as some desiring and others refusing the Lord of Fontaines being a Catholike his brother surpriseth the Castle by the meanes of some inhabitants who shutte themselues into it with him but the resolution and the greater number of the Protestants dispâ—aced them within foure and twenty houres as Fontaines came to their succours So as La Chastre prepares now for open force whereof we shall sâ—e the progresse in the beginning of the following yeare This vnworthy and strange proceeding against the Protestants had made the French name hateful to strangers especially in Poland and did much trouble the negotiation in fauour of the Duke of Aniou Moreouer the Protestants both within without the realme laid plots which in short time might produce dangerous effects To make the Bishops negotiatioÌ„ more â—â—sie and to crosse the proiects of others they obserue hereafter some forme of iustice against any one that were found after the furie of the massacre Briquemault and Cauaignes executed Briquemault a Gentleman of three score ten yeares old and Cauaignes maister of Requests vnto the King both inward friends vnto the Admirall and of great reputation were of the nuâ—beâ— They threaten them with an extraordinary torture if they set not downe vnder the r hands to haue conspired with the Admirall the death of the King his brethren the Qâ—eene mother and of the King of Nauarre promising them pardon if they demaund it in aduowing that wherewith they are charged We will neuer said they accusâ— innocents nor our selues of so execrable a crime The Comissioners not able to extort from them any such confession they were both by sentence of the Court as guiltie of high Treason vnworthily hanged the 27. of October in the presence of the King Qâ—eene mother her two other sonnes and the King of Nauarre To the same execution was added the like decree against the Admirall His bodie had beene taken from Montfaucon A decree against â—he Adâ—irall and secretly
well defended the besieged with the losse of seuenteene Souldiars not onely repulse the enemy but also make them leaue about three score of their most resolute men slaine in the ditches aboue two huâ—dâ—ed wounded to the death and as many maimed for euer then coole their heate caâ—sing them to change this hasty fury of Canons and assaults into a more long but a more violent war They make many forts neerer vnto the Towne notwithstanding tâ—e â—allies and ordinary sâ—irmishes of the Sancerrois they furnish them with artillery men sâ—fficient to cut off all releefe so as being shut vp on all sideâ— they begin to want ordinary victuals in the begâ—nâ—ing of Aprill they eat their Asses Moiâ—es Sancerre in greâ—â— extremitie for victuals then fal they tâ— horses dogs cats mice moales lether in the end to parchmin hornes trappings oâ— horses girdâ—es and wilde rootes And in the end of Iune three parts of them had â—o bread to eate some make it of flaxe seede others of all kinds of hearbes â—â—xt 〈◊〉 branne beaten and ground in morters and others of straw of nut shels and of sâ—â—tes grease and tallow serued for pottage and frying yea some a strange thing and neueâ— heard of laboured to incounter the crueltie of their hungar by the excrements of horses and men But a horrible thing to see the nineteenth of Iune a labourer iâ— tâ—e vines and his wife satisfied their hungar with the head and intrayles of their young daughter about three yeares old being dead in languishing giuing no other graue to the members of this poore carkase but their bellies But the magistrate aduertised of this inhumanitie did for examples sake shorten their dayes finding them guiltie of other crimes neither were they forced hereunto by any extremitie seeing the â—ame day they had beene releeued with pottage made of hearbes and wine whereof there was store in the Towne To conclude foure score men died by the sword at Sancerre saith the Historie but of hungar both within and without aboue fiue hundred And euen now the King began to see his threats to take effect An admirable meanes for the deliâ—erie of Sancerre I will make them said he eate one an other They were hopelesse of all humaâ—ne helpe such as they sent out for succoâ—rs either fell iâ—to their enemies hands or died by the sword or returned no more or could not reenter So as they could not hope for any helpe but in dispayring of helpe when as the prouidence of God brings them a strange and far-bred nation to giue them the liberâ—ie â—f the fields and the vse of bread The Estates of Poland had chosen Henry Duke of Aniou brother to our Charles for their King as wee shall see in the end of the seege of Rochell but with a promise and oth taken by the Bishop of Velence and Lansaâ— in the name of the King their master That all the Townes and persons in France molested for the cause of religion should be set at libertie At the request thereof the Ambassadors of Poland thâ—s poore people languishing for hungar yet resolute to die one after another rather then to fall into their enemies hands who threatned them with a geneâ—all massacre the nineteenth of August they obteyned of la Chastre in the Kings name To depart with their armes and baggage impunitie for such as would remaine still permission to dispose of their goods Sancâ—rre yeelded by câ—mpositâ—on promise to preserue the honour of women and maidens and to pay la Chastre forty thousand francks by the inhabitants that were absent So la Chastre entring the last of the sayd moneth dâ—smanteled Sancerre beate downe some houses tooke away the Clocke Belles and other markes of a Towne but the other pointes of the capitulation were reasonablie well obserued the Baylife Ionneau was massacred the 12. of September neere vnto la Chastres lodging Seege of Rochel Nowe followes one of the most memorable seeges that hath beene in many ages A seege where many of the Commaunders and most part of those which were noted to haue forced the Admiralls lodging began the butchery and committed so many murthers at Paris and else where came to seeke their graues The Kings army â—as held to be fifty thousand men by land and sea and threescore peeces of artilleâ—y The beseeged had a good number of gentlemen and horsemen eight companies of Inhabitants nine of strangers one of the Mayor one of voluntaries consisting of twentye Mâ—squetiers fiue and twenty armed with corselets of proofe and thirty hargue busiers the two thirds thereof were Gentlemen and such as had the charge in the former warres Yet the mildest way is the best And therefore Bâ—ron in the beginning seekes some meanes of an accord but the Rochelois discouering euery day some new practise beleeued that their preseruation consisted in distrust And a gentleman being in Rochell reuealed the intelligences which Biron had with him for the surprising of the Towne hauing alreadie drawne into the Towne some souldiars of Puigaillards and Saint Martins companies and was readie to drawe in the most resolute Captaines if the Mayor and Councell had not held it more fit by a small exemplarie execution to breake off a great and dangerous enterprise To incounter the enemie la Noue is chosen chief of the forces within the Towne without any diminution of the Maiors rights and authoritie in other things Montgoâ—â—â—â—â—â— succors could not passe la Noue sends newe deputies into England to the same 〈◊〉 but the league confirmed of late yeares betwixt our Charles and Queene Elisaâ—â—â—â— â—owe agâ—ine renewed by the baptisme of the Kings daughter whereof Elisabeth 〈◊〉 â—oâ—mother with the Empresse seemed to withdrawe the affection which was woâ—t to come from beyond the seas for the releefe of the Protestants whilest the salâ—eâ— and daylie skirmishes at Rochell inflame both the one and the other where oâ— the reason of the nerenesse of their retreat they do greatly wast the number of the 〈◊〉 The eleuenth of February the Duke of Aniou arriues at his army accompained with 〈◊〉 brother the Duke of Alanâ—on the King of Nauarre The Duke of Aniou comes â—o campe the Princes of Condé and Daulâ—â—â—né the Dukes of Longueuilâ—e Bouilâ—on Neueâ—s Aumale and Guise the yong Earle of Rochefoueault the Grand Prior and many other Noble men bringing with them a great trayne of men who for the most part would haue beene greeued they should 〈◊〉 taken this Sanctuarie and succor from the Protestants This seege was great and 〈◊〉 seeme to be of long continuance Euery man runnes thether euery one will haue 〈◊〉 share They prepare things necessarie for the batterie and in the meane time make many skirmishes Before they come to their greatest force the Duke sollicits tâ—e gentlemen and Inhabitants by letters conteyning both promises and threats They hâ—mbly shew vnto him the necessity of their defence knowing no fitter meanes to preâ—erâ—e their liues against
the Dâ—ke kept the Castell the Citadell was at his deuotion might by either of them drawe innecessary succors to vngage him The Seigneur of Tagens the Dukes Cousin aduanced with succors Bordes Captaine of the Citadell beeing prisoner among the conspirators loued the liberty of his place more then his owne life Mere Messeliere Macquerole and Bouchaux summoning the beseeged found nothing in them but a constant resolution to die rather then to yeeld and the people were willing to capitulate when as Tagens by his arriuall pacified the sedition armes were laied aside and the prisoners of both parts deliuered The Duke of Guise hauing made his peace with the King and disapointed his most faithfull Councellors yet one thorne troubled his foote The Huguenoâ—s Estate Hee therefore ceaseth not vntill hee sees them assayled in Poitoâ— and Daulphiné and whilest the Duke of Neuers prepared his armie for Poictou hee sends the regiment of Saint Paul to the Dâ—ke of Mercoeur to annoye the Protestants and not to suffer them to reape any commoditie in the Countâ—ie The Duke of Mercoeur goes into base Poictou beseegeth Montagu repaired by Colombâ—ers whome they of Nantes had hourely at their gates But at the first bruit that the King of Nauarre was come out of Rochelle to succour Montague hee retires straight to Nantes and left the regiment of Gersey to make the retreat Gersey defeated the which â—as ouertaken beaten and defeated two leagues from the suburbs of Nantes On the other side the Duke of Mayenne marched towards Daulphiné but hee planted the limits of his voiage in Lions Now are two mightie armies in field the one vnder the Kings authoritie the other all of Leaguers But this is not enough The King by a solemne oth in the Cathedrall Church at Rouan had sworne the execution of the Edâ—ct of vnion he hath sent it vnto the Bishops and commaunds them to presse the Huguenots in their diocesses to make profession of their faith and to abiure their errors in open Parliaments royall iurisdictions and comonalties This Edict then must bee confirmed as a fundamentall law of State and the King prest to assemble the three Estates of the Realme as hee had promised by tâ—e articles of the peace Henry grants a conuocation the first day of September at Blois Conuocation of the Estates there in the presence of the notablest persons of euery Prouince Seneshalâ—y and Baylewike to propound freely the complaints and greefes of euery man but not medling with any practises or fauouring the priuate passions of any But amidest these Commissions from the King the League wanted no policie to send secretly to them that were most affectionate to the aduancement of their desseins and to the most passionate Leaguers of the Realme articles and remembrances which they should put into their instructions and labour to bee chosen of the Parliament So as in a manner all the Deputies carried the badge of the League and their instructions were conformable to those which had beene sent vnto them The King comes first to Blois hee giues order for the place and for the Deputies lodgings The Duke of Guise followes but it was a great indiscretion for the Duke to goe to Blois seing the King would not come to Paris The Deputies come one after another but the King finding not the number sufficient to begin so sollemne an act he defers it vntill October In the meane time the King studies by the credit which his authoritie giues him oâ—er the three estates of his Realme to bring the Duke of Guise into open vewe and to receiue punishment for all his offences past And the Duke assâ—â—es himselfe that the most part of the Deputies would countenance his cause and would serue him as instruments to controll the Kings power So euery one labours to aduance his desseine and to deceiue one another but hee which shall bee deceiued will verifie that there is danger in delayes The sixteenth of October all the Deputies were readie for the Clergie a hundred thirtie and foure Deputies amongst others foure Arche-Bishops one and twentie Bishops and two Generalls of Orders for the Nobilitie a hundred and fourescore gentlemen for the third estate a hundred fourescore and eleuen Deputies all lawyers or marchants The seuenteenth day being the fiâ—st sitting of the best wits of all France rauished euery man with hope to heare rare propositions The Kinâ—â— speech and resolutions of great affaires for the reformation of the State The Kings oration being full of liuely affection true magnanimitie and pertinent reasons deliuered with an admirable eloquence and grace without any stay will testifie for euer that he exceeded all the Princes of his age in speaking well and that hee could grauely pertineâ—â—â—y and very sodenly make answere to the most important occasions that were offered Montelon keeper of the seale continued his proposition commended the zeale and integritie of his maiesties intentions promised the Estates Mantelon keâ—per of the seale that vnder his happie coÌ„maund they should reape in this conuocation the same effects which had bin tried in diuers raigâ—es hee exhorteth the Clergie to restore the beautie and dignitie of the Church The Nobilitie to frame themselues after the mould of pietie bountie Iustice and other vertues of the French nation so much honoured in all histories The people to reuerence Iustice and to obserue good orders to flie wrangling sutes sweariâ—â— blâ—â—phemies play lust vsurie vniust getting corrupt trading and other vices which be 〈◊〉 seeds of troubles and seditions and the ruine of flourishing Estates He layes open the Kings great debts his charge and care to roote out heresies his religion pietie and deuotion ending his speech with a commendation vnder the Kings obedience of the vnion and concord necessarie for the maintenance of religion The Clergie Renauld of Beaulne Arche-Bishop of Bourges Patriarke and Primat of Aquitania thanked the King for his loue to his subiects and God to haue installed on the throne of this Crowne a King endued from his youth with the spirit of wisedome to gouerne his people who had cast the lightning of the high God euen vpon the face of the enemies of his diuine Maiestâ—e hauing by diuers and dangerous voyages through diuers nations gotten the knowledge of affaires who by his onely wisedome and vertue had lately dispersed a great and mightie armie of strangers and giuen vs hope that vnder so good and great a King wee shall see heresie suppressed peace confirmed the seruice of God established Churches and Temples restored Iustice and peace embraced charitie abound among men by vnitie of religion begin here on earth to raigne with Christ the Idea and patterne of that heauenly kingdome whereunto wee aspire The Baron of Senesei testified the Nobilities affection to the Kings seruice confessing that to him alone belongs to worke those good effects The Nobilitie for the establishment of the honour of God the Catholike religion things profitable for
this common hatred which was ready to fall vpon him hee beseecheth hâ—s Maiestie onely to assure his people and make them to taste the frutes of contentâ—ment which he had promised in the othe of the holy vnion that hee would quench tâ—e fiâ—e which the Huguenotâ— did nourish in this realme and giue him this commission agaiâ—st the Stranger he will be the first that shall passe the Alpes to make the Sauoyâ—â—â— cast vp his gorge But could they hope for any remedy from him who by his continuall practises wiâ—h strangers had giuen life and motion to the mischiefe So the King considering that neyther his Edict of revnion nor the othe to depart from all asâ—ociations â—roduced the effects were promised and that the League consenting to the pernitious desseignes of the Stranger had made the way for the breach of the sayd vnion hee thinkes himselfe no more bound to the othe of this vnion and euen then 〈◊〉 to bee reuenged of all the offences past In the meane time he dissembles his discontent As these newes troubled the assemblie at Blois Assembly and petition of the Protestants the King of Nauarre seeing the practises of the League had excluded him whereas hee should hold the first place 〈◊〉 another in the Towne house at Rochelle and by their aduise hee sent in the 〈◊〉 of the French exiled for religion a common petition to the Estates beseeching the King To restore them the liberty of the first Edict which they call of Ianuarâ—e To appoint a Nationall Councell where controuersies of religion may be mildâ—â—e dâ—sputed and holily resolued To grant them restitution and free enioying of their goods To suffer their petition to bee inrowled and the contents thereof granted by his clemencie to the end that nothing may bee done to their preiudice Nothing lesse This petition was directly against the principall intentions of the Estates affected to aduance the League And therefore not satiâ—fied with tâ—e 〈◊〉 which the King had made vnto them by the Edict of Vnion they wâ—est from tâ—e 〈◊〉 owne mouth a more particular declaration touching the perpetuall insufficiâ—nâ—â—◠〈◊〉 the King of Nauarre and other Princes of the bloud his Cousins adherents say 〈◊〉 and fautors of heâ—etiks to the succession of this Crowne The conclusion of this Parliament should haue beene for the good quiet of the CoÌ„mon-weale And doubtlesse some smal number whose wills were not tied to the passions of the Leaguers wished that remedy which had bin practised in former times against most pernitious heresies which was a free and lawfull Councell vniuerâ—alâ— oâ— nationall but the greater part ouer-ruled both the King and the Estates The League to ruine the state will oueâ—throwe the pillers which be the Princes of the bloud· and if the branches of Valois and Bourbon that is to say if all the race of Saint Lewis be not degrâ—ded they cannot passe ouer the Crowne to the family of Lorraine The K â—g by his Edict promiseth to dispose of the succession but he and the Qâ—eene his wiâ—e are yet in the vigor of their age they hope that God will blesse them with heires masâ—es Hee takes no pleasure they should harpe vpon this string it is a blemish to his authority and disrobes him before he is readie to sleepe when as a Prince hath named his â—uccessor his testament is made Yet he is content to satiâ—fie the violent appetits of the League He suâ—fers them to dispute of the succession and in the assemblie of all his subiects to exclâ—de the â—awefull succesâ—or hee is content they should propund that which most part of the deputies had alreadie resolued The Clergie had the 4. of Nouember condemned the Kâ—ng of Nauarre for an heretike the chiefe of them relapse excomunicate depâ—iâ—ed of the gouernment of Guienne and of all his dignities vnworthy of all successions Crownes and realmes The Arch-bishop of Ambrum the Bishop of Bazas the Abbot of Citeaux and other Clergie men impart it to the deputies of the Nobility and third Estate all consent to the first conclusion and appoint twelue of euery chamber to acquaint the King with their resolutions But the King of Nauarre had often giuen them to vnderstand that he was borne during the permission of both religions instructed and bred vp in one from the which he cannoâ—â—n conscience depart without better instruction neither hope nor dispaire of a Crowne can drawe hâ—m to so violent and rash a change he should thereby incurre the blame of inconstancie infidelity and hipocrisie He is and alwaies will be readâ—e to receiue instruction from a free and lawfull Councell These submâ—ssions are full of Iustâ—ce and consideration he defends nothing obstinatâ—ly it is the honour and zeale of his conscience that binds him There is no reason then saied the King to condemne him wâ—thout hearing Let vs consider with iudgemeÌ„t foresight whether it be expedient to summon him againe to sweare the Edict of vnion and to declare himseâ—fe a Catholike The Parliament is not of this aduice The Cardinall of Bourbon his Vncle say the deputies hath once obtayned absolution for him the Queene Mother hath labored to winne him The King hath sent Doctors to reclaime him he is bred vp from his Cradle in this â—ewe opinion condemned by the Councell of Trent and maâ—y others The Consistory hath receiued him into grace he is fallen into the error which he had abâ—â—red he is therefore an â—eretike hee is relapse and vnworthie of obedience vnworthie of respect and vnwoâ—thy to be praied for The holy sea of Rome hath declared him a Schismatike excommunicate incapable of the succession of the Crowne the Estates theâ—efore must ratâ—fie this sentence To conclude an Heretike cannot raigne in France it is an incompatible thing with the Coronation and oath which he ought to take hurtfull to the honour of God and preiudiciall to the good of this Realme Soft and faire nature and the Common consent of nations will that the accused should bee heard God himselfe who hath no neede to bee satisfied by humane witnesses and is not bound to any iurisdiction would not condemne our 〈…〉 before he called him into iudgement examined him checked him and 〈◊〉 his excuses Heare then the King of Nauarre he may say vnto you that the Pope by 〈◊〉 hath noted him of hersie hee knoweth not yet any other trueth then 〈◊〉 â—herein the Qâ—eene of Nauarre his mother hath bred him If he hath at any time yeelded vnto the force and violence of the time hee had not then his will free and as soone as oportunity gaue him meanes to reâ—â—râ— from Court into his Countiye o◠〈◊〉 he framed his beliefe to the modell of that which had beene prescribed him bâ—t protesting alwayes to the Estates and Parlements of France that he hath no greater dâ—sire in his soule then to see the seruice of Gâ—d vnited vnder one religion by the 〈◊〉 of a free and lawfull assemblie of the vniuersall Church or a
nationall Counceâ—â—â—f the French Churches The Deputies notwithstanding especially the Clergy will allowe of no reason Tâ—ey are for the most part transported with passion and apprehend nothing but 〈◊〉 maâ— aduance the League Iâ— the King refuseth this article the Duke of Gâ—ise 〈◊〉 dâ—sâ—olue the Estates and laie all the blame vpon his Maiestie He hath so well prouâ—â—â—d for his affaires as he holds himselfe maister of the Castle of Blois and of the Kâ—ngs person There is neither gate hall chamber nor Cabinet but the keyes are at his â—leasure He hath great forces ready He checkes them that speakes not to his liking their voices and consents are forced in the Parlament house he puts in and puts out and doth what he pleaseth Those whom the King and Parlements hold inâ—â—pportable finde accesse and support with him To conclude see the first Prince oâ— tâ—e bloud the first of the most ancient and most famous house that doth at this daâ— weare a Crowne the first of that royall branch of Bourbon which onely remaines aftâ—r so many sisters and cousins of Aniou Alençon Eureux Berry Bourgongne Angâ—ulesme and Orleans and which onely succeeded that of Valois depriued of the right which nature hath giuen him without calling him or hearing his iustifications The Clergy sayes he ought to be no more cited his heresie his incapacity to the Crowne is apparent The Bishop of Chaalons in Champagne deliuers this conclusion to the Nâ—bâ—lity The Bishop of Cominge to the third Estate and the Archbishop of Ambrun to the King to make a law thereof and then followed the last act of the Tâ—agedie of a dispossessed King But oh men the Eternall lookes on you and laughes at your Counsells he nowe 〈◊〉 vpon the stage to act his part and to bring forth effects far from his thoughts The King is aduertised from all paâ—ts of a great conspiracy against his Maiestâ—e The Duke oâ— Espernon assures him by letters The Duke of Mayenne iealous it may be of hiâ— bâ—others greatnes aduertiseth his Maiesty from Lion by a Knight of worship and the Duke of Aumale from Blois it selfe by his owne wife that the Duke of Guise hâ—d very pernicious desseines that the houre of the execution did approch that they 〈◊〉 to seize on him and to lead him to Paris These aduerâ—isements kindle a newe courage in the King hee meanes to preuent â—im and disâ—ouâ—rs his minde to foure whom he knowes as faithfull to his Maiesty as â—nemieâ—â—o the damnable proâ—ects of the League He must suppresse this newe starre 〈◊〉 tâ—e East whom the people worshipped already The present necessity will not suffer 〈◊〉 to bring him forth in viewe the Popes respect retaines him his oath to protect 〈◊〉 Estâ—â—eâ— makes him irresolute the troubles which this execution will cause in 〈◊〉 diâ—â—osed to the League makes him doubtfull yet he must die Hee hath no 〈…〉 France but of a simple subiect and yet without the Kings authority 〈…〉 he hatâ— built a League had intelligence with the stranger leauâ—ed 〈◊〉 waâ—re attempted vpon townes and broken the publike peace He continues 〈…〉 against the oath of the Edict of vnion with the Cardinall Morosine Legate 〈…〉 and Don â—â—igo of Mendosa Ambassador of Spaine He confirmes his 〈…〉 â—ederations with the Gouetnors of reuolted townes Hee published by 〈…〉 that hee hath not taken armes but for Gods and the Kings seruice aâ—d yet by the surprise of so many townes he hath hindered the aduancement of the Kings army in Guienne against the Huguenots The obiect of his aâ—mâ—â— is the safety and religion of the Catholikes and to depriue the King of Nauarre oâ— all hope of succession to the Crowne and in the meane time it appeares that he hath sought the loue of the King of Nauarre he hath promised to giue him his sonne in hostage and to meete him with seuenteene Princes of his house at the riuer of Loâ—re to serue him and make him King of France Many letters intercepted discouer that after his maiesties pardon of many capitall crimes he renues his disseynes against the King and against his estate Obiecâ—ions against the Duke of Guise The surprise of the Marquisate of Salusses is by his intelligence He disgraceth the Kings actions he blames him to haue vnwillingly made warre against the Huguenots to haue sold the said Marquisate that vnder colour of recouering it hee might diuert the warre against the Heretikes In steed of reducing the Townes held by the Huguenots hee keepes his Captaines and men of warre at Blois vpon assurance of a profitable change Hee hath caused bookes to bee Printed in fauour of the lawfull succession of the house of Lorraine to the Crowne At the Barricadoes this voice was heard It is no longer time to dally let vs lead my Lord to Reimes He hath suffered himselfe to be saluted by the people with cries and acclamations which belong onely to the Soueraigne Prince He hath vaunted that he was able to take the King prisoner or to do worse although he entered but with eight horses into Paris being assured of the force and wills of the Citizens He hath â—eized on the places of strength within Paris made Gouernors Magistrates and officers at his pleasure He hath so corrupted the Estates as the Deputies speake not but by his mouth they produce nothing but what hath beene first examined in his Councel Many crie out that he stayes too long beâ—ore he strikes Hee speakes no more but in termes of a Souereigne with pride disdaine and threats He hath refused to subscribe the Edict which the King would publish in cases of treason He doth already seale Letters pattents with his great seale He forbids the Commons to giue victualls or munition to such companies as the King had sent vnto them There remaines no more but to confirme in his person that ancient greatnes sometimes vsurped by the Maâ—ors of the pallace and to deale with the King as Charles Martel had done with Childeric In the ende they represent vnto the King the Processe of Salcedo a party in this conspiracy the counsells of Nancy and of Paris in Lent last whereof the chiefe point was To seize vpon the Kings person the instructions of the Aduocate Dauid the letters of the Qâ—eene Doüager of Denmarke to the Duke of Lorraine her sonne the attempt of the Barricadoes and to heape vp the measure the practises corruptions and violences done by the Duke of Guise to the Estates The like and lesse crimes haue in former ages brought more famous heads then the Duke of Guises to the blocke The Leagues and practises of an Earle of Harcourt of a Constable of Saint Paul of a Duke of Nemours haue brought them to shamefull endes Pope Sixtus now liuing hath of late put to death the Earle of Pâ—poli of the noblest families of Italy only for that he had concealed some banished men in his house The Duke of Guise himselfe did of late pursue with all violence the disobedience
of the Duke of Aniou His holinesse hath beleeued that religion was the onely motiue of the Duke of Guises armes The Barricadoes with the vsurpation of the Bâ—stille and Bois de Vincennes haue made him to change his beleefe Hee himselfe hath sayde vnto the bishop of Paris that the fact was too bold that the estate is interressed and that the offence is irreconciliable Hee hath written vnto the King aduising him to assure himselfe of the Estates at what price soeuer that in such imminent dangers â—ee must seeke out all extraordinary remedies and vpon this consideration hee graunted the King a confessor to absolue him of all reseruing the matter to the holy sea Obiâ—ction Yea but the Estates are vnder the kings oath protectioÌ„ Without doubt an oath was neuer brokeÌ„ without repeÌ„tance But how is the soueraigne bound to his subiect who by â—ebellion hath violated his oth to his Prince Necessitie forceth the law great punishments of rebels haue beene often done in great assemblies The Kings of England and Poland do practise it well and our Charles hath died his sisters nuptialls with more bâ—oâ—d then wine Moreouer the Duke of Guise hath great credit with the people of France It is true but his partie hath no credit but with the multitude An other the which is a very moueable and inconstant foundation Men of account Townes gouernours and tâ—e Kings officers mutine not but by meanes of the multitude and seeing him fallen that gaue mouing to their rebellion they will conteine themselues Liege say they who feare least this violent counsell which they gaue him in so vrgent a necessitie should be discouered the Duke of Guise will surprise you They haue alreadie published in Paris that this is your climacterical yeare they shewe forth the rasor that shall shaue you they demaund how long they shall suffer you to liue in a Cloyster The lightning goes before the thunder the guilt of treason is extraordinarie in the head â—o the punishment goes before the instructions and formes of Iustice. One must punish the offendor and then informe of the offence The mildest common-weales most politike and greatest enemies to rigour haue alwaies held That whereas the esâ—ate is in danger they may begin with the execution In the end the King is saâ—â—â—fied The Kings last reâ—olution hauing remained long in suspence betwixt the rigour of his reuenge and the mildnesse of his owne disposition By the Kings countenance or some wordes let slippe by some one of the foure they find it dangerous to coÌ„tinue long at the Estates But the more the Duke of Guise enters into discourse the more the Kings good countenance disswades him And the Archbishop of Lion attending a Cardinals hatt within a few dayes from Rome Retyring yourselfe from the Estates said he vnto him you shall beare the blame to haue abandoned France in so important an occasion and your enemies making their profit of â—our absence wil sone ouerthrowe al that which you haue with so much paine effected for the assurance of religion Man doth often loose his iudgement vpon the point of his fal Aduertisements were come to him from all parts both within without the realme from Rome Spaine Lorraine and Sauoye that a bloodie Catastrophe would dissolue the assemblie The Almanakes had well obserued it it was generally bruted in the Estates that the execution should be on Saint Thomas day The eue before his death the Duke himselfe sitting â—oâ—ne to dinner found a scroule vnder his napkin aduertising him of this secret ambâ—sh â—ut as ambition blinds those whome shee hath raised vp to the pies nest and 〈…〉 of Gods iudgements confounds such as trust in their authoritie he writ vnderâ—eath with his owne hand They dare not and threw it vnder the table The Duke of Guise following the councell of the Cardinall Morosin had the one 〈◊〉 â—â—entith of December incensed the King a new by some bold and presumptuous â—eeches Liege â—said he â—â—ing I find that the affaires decline from bad to worse and that those things which seemed curable are growne desperate I beseech your Maâ—estâ—e to receiue againe the charge you haue committed vnto mee and giue me leaue â—o â—â—tire my selfe He spake this to the end that by this discontent hee might take an â—câ—â—sion to dissolue the estates and bringing the King into extreame hatred with 〈◊〉 â—â—biects hee might play the last act of his long foreplotted Tragedie The 〈◊〉 had the two and twentith day following prepared seuen of his fiue and 〈◊〉 they were gentlemen whâ—me hee had appointed to be neere his person besides 〈◊〉 Archers of his gard to execute his will and by many dispatches had 〈◊〉 those Townes which hee held to bee most mutinous The three and twentith 〈◊〉 his Councell somewhat more earely in the morning then was vsuall 〈…〉 deuotion to go after diâ—ner and to spend the holidayes at our Ladie of 〈◊〉 The Caâ—dinalls of Vendosme Guise and Gondy the Arche-Bishop of Lion 〈◊〉 Mâ—â—shallâ— of Aâ—mont and Retz the Lords of d'O Rambouillet Maintenon Marcell and â—â—â—remolle ouerseers of the Treasor were assembled The Duke of Guise comes 〈◊〉 atâ—ending the beginning of the Councell sends for a handkercher the groome of his chamber had forgotten to put one into his hose Pericart his Secretarie not daring to commit this new aduertisement to any mans report ties a note to one of the corners thereof saying Come forth and saue your selfe else you are but a dead man Bâ—t they stâ—y the page that carried it Larchant Captaine of the Kings gard causeth aâ— other to be giuen vnto him with all speed by Saint Prix the chiefe grome of the Kâ—ngs chamber The Castle gates are shutt and the Councell sits about eight of the clocke The spirit of man doth often prophecie of the mischeefe that doth purâ—ue him So whilesâ— they dispute of a matter propounded by Petremolle the Duke feeles strange alterations and extraordinary distemperatures and amidest his distrâ—st a great fainting of his heart Saint Prix presents vnto him some prunes of Brignolles and raisins of the sunne Hee eats and thereupon the King calls him into his Cabinet by Reuoll one of the secretaries of his Estate as it were to confer with him about some secret of importance The Duke leaues the Councell to passe vnto the Cabinet and as he did â—ift vp the tapistrie with one hand to enter The Duke oâ— Guise slaine they charge him with their swords daggers and pertuisans yet not with so great violence but he shewed the murthereâ—s the last endeauours of an inuincible valour and courage Thus liued and thus died Henry of Lorraine Duke of Guise a Prince worthie to be in tâ—e first rankes of Princes goodly great tall of proportion amiable of countenance great of courage readie in the execution of his enterprises popular dissembling but couering the secrets of his minde with his outward bahauiour imbracing all times and occasions politike in
Ast Bellarmin and Tyceus Iesuits who with diuerse prâ—cessions fastings vowes and supplications bewitched the people in their greatest famine many zealous doctors Curats Preests and Monks tooke armes and â—he friars with their breuiares in open musters were admited by some and laught at by others The Cheâ—alier d'Aumale with some others laboured by â—allies to annoy the kings troupes who content to repulse them hoped their bellies would shortly make their tongues to sing a new note The Duke of Mayenne on the other side courted the Parmesan and the King of Spaine proceeded so slowly in his succours as the best iudgements did perceiue he rather â—ought to entertaine then to quench their thirst The Parisiens in the â—eane time had leisure to sharpen but not to satisfie their appetite The Corne and other prouision of the publike was wasted the first moneth Such as had any prouision in their houses kept it very secret and others that trusted too confiâ—ently to the words of the cheefe Commaunders and Preachers perished of hungar or at the least indured much striuing against the crueltie of famine All passages by water were cut off the taking of Saint Denis depriued them of the plenly of France but for the pasports which a little fauour or money obteined easily of the Captaines and gards the Cittizens had in few weekes beene brought to the Kings discretion who yeelded good for euill suffered them to carrie victuals for the Duke of Nemours and others who practised his ruine Their miserie grew extreame in the third moneth of the seege The miserie 〈…〉 Paâ—â—sioâ—s There were a hundred thousand people dead of hungar greefe and pouertie in the streets and hospitals with out releese and without pittie The suburbs ruined beaten downe and wast The Cittie needie and solitarie The rents of the Towne-house being the cheefe liuings of many families were extinguished their lands about the Cittie wasted and desolate the vniuersity forsaken or seruing to lodge peasants and the scholes for stables for their cattle The Pallace not frequented but by some idle persons the grasse growing whereas before they could hardly go for presse The shops either without workemen or without trafficke No corne no wine no wood no haâ—e vppon the riuer Nothing passed but were subiect to the garrisons of Saint Denis the sort of Gournay Cheuruze and Corbeil The Halls were emptie no marchants in market places no meanes to make money nor to get meate To conclude see this Queene of Citties this little world this Paris without peere wast desolate and at the last gaspe and to augment the disorder many reliks were eaten the Iewels and the Crowne of ancient Kings molten and for a peece of bread many wiues and virgins do willingly abandon their bodies and their honours to the souldiars But all these miseries and horrors cannot moue these hard harted Pharaoes The sixteene the fortie and the cheefe of the faction bewitch the people as it were with a sleeping potion which benums the members to cut them off by peecemeale when they bee asleepe that hauing suckt the bloud the heat and the hearts out of their bodies as they haue done the siluer out off their purses they might confirme their insolent tyrannie without controull A forced decree of the Parlâ—ment at Paris They force the Parliament being-subiected to the houses of Spaine and Lorraine to publish a decree the fifteenth of Iune forbidding all men to speake of any composition with Henry of Bourbon but to oppose themselues by all meanes yea with the effusion of their bloud And the Preachers did still feede them with hope of a speedie deliuerie But the bellie hath no eares the people are not fed with paper or with the Duke of Mayennes promises nor with his trumpets They haue alreadie eaten dogges catts horses asses moyles herbes roots and any thing that might quench the rage of famine in such extreame dispaire They come tumultuously to the Councell assembled in the pallace to require a peace They prouide for this mutinie by a sillie reliefe of eight or tenne dayes A mutinie of the people At the end whereof a great number appeare armed in the same place and demaund peace or bread Le Gois a Captaine in the Towne steps forth to feed these famished people with words but no bread and for his reward hee was wounded in the shoulder with a sword whereof hee died within few dayes after The Chaualier d' Aumale flies thither and followed by a troupe of men at his deuotion shuts the Pallace gates imprisons them that were armed and hangs two out of the whole multitude to suppresse the like fits of this dispairing people These popular mutinies had confounded the cheefe Leaguars if they had not preuented it To this end they assemble with the cheefe of the Cittie and notwithstanding the decision of the Sorbonne and the decree of the Court they resolue to send the Archbishop of Lion and the Bishop of Paris to the Kings Maiestie Deputies sent to the King to seeke some meanes of pacification Before they part they will haue leaue from the Legat least they incurre some Ecclesisticall censure The Legat consults with Panigarole Bellarmine and Tyceus whether the Parisiens did fall into excomunication being forced by the famine to 〈◊〉 vnto an heretike Prince If the Deputie going to such a Prince to conuert him 〈◊〉 to better the Estate of the Catholike Church were comprehended in the excommunication of the Bull of Pope Sixtus the fift The Doctors answere no. Thus the Deputies come to the king to Saint Anthonies in the field The King hears their speech tending to a generall peace for the Realme or a particular for Paris if the Duke of Mayenne will not seeke a Generall But what can they hope to obteinâ— oâ— a King of France and of Nauarre treating with him but with the simple qualitie of King of Nauarre Your Councell said his Maiestie contradicts it selfe demaunding peace of him whome they will acknowledge but for a King of Nauarre I will and desire peace to â—ase my people but not according to your propositions I loue the Cittie of Paris as my eldest daughter and will doe her more good then shee requires The Kings answere to the Deputies so as she be thankfull vnto mee and not to the Duke of Mayenne nor to the King of Spaine The brute of the Spanish succours for Paris doe not amaze mee I know the practises of Spaine and with the helpe of heauen will conuert them into smoake Paris and the Realme of France are not fit for King Philips mouth I will giue the Parisiens eighs dayes to consider of their yeelding and of the articles of peace for the whole realm Vpon their refusall I know well how to vse a Conquerors right against the cheefe motiues fauorers of rebellion The constancie of them of Sancerre the despaire and victory of the Gantois whereby you magnifie them of Paris is impertinent for those of Sancerre
Chastillon comming from raysing of the seege of Aubigny which la Chastre chiefe of the League in Berry had beseeged promiseth the King that if hee will make him his Lieutenant on this side the â—iner hee will deliuer it into his power within eight daies His Maiesty giues him this Commaunde Hee makes a bridge of woode the point whereof reached vnto the breach that they might come couered to handâ—e stroakes with the enemie This newe engin amazeth them and drawes them to composition the which they obtayned on good-friday vpon condition to yeeld within eight daies if they were not releeued The Duke of Mayenne would not loose the certaine to runne after the vncertaine Hee held Chasteau-Thierry so straightly begirt as the Vicont Pinard was forced to capitulate with him before the King could come to his succour So the King lost Chasteau-Thierry and in exchange tooke Chartres a goodly and strong place There came forth about sixe hundred men with their armes horse and baggage and the 19. of Aprill the King made a triumphant entry in armes appointed a garrison â—estored Sourdis to his gouernment reduced Aulneau and Dourdan to his obedience and then went to refresh himselfe at Senlis Let vs nowe see soâ—â— other sinister accidents Charsteau Thierry lost A defeat in Prouence which in time shall helpe to ruine the League A thousand horse and eighteene hundred Harguebuziers Prouensals Sauoyards and Spaniards seeke to subdue that Prouince for the Duke of Sauoy la Vallette inuites le-Diguteres to do the King herein a notable seruice he goes and both ioyntly charge these troupes of strangers and bastard French they kill foure hundred masters and fifteene hundred 〈◊〉 take many prisoners and carrie away fifteene Enseigns winne many horses and much baggage and loose but one Gentleman and some twenty souldiars This done Les Diguieres returnes into Daulphinè Being gone the League recouers new forces in Prouence by the fauour and credit of the Countesse of Sault but shee had neyther force nor vigour able to countenance the factions of Spaine and Sauoye The Duke of Sauoye lately returned from Spaine growes iealous of 〈◊〉 intelligences preiudicall to his Estate and sets gards both ouer her and the Lord 〈◊〉 her son She is cunning counterfeits herselfe siâ—ke conceales her discontent In Poito◠〈◊〉 in the end finds means to escape with her sonne disguised to Marseilles In Poitou the gouernor of Loches hauing taken the Castell of la Guierche the Viconte of the sayd place presseth his friends inâ—eats the Duke of Mercoeur assembles all hee can to recouer his house The Baron of Roche-Posé ioyned with some other Commanders of the Country for his Maiesties seruice comes and chargeth the Vicont kills aboue three hundred gentlemen his best footemen aboue seauen hundred naturall Spaniards that were come out of Brittaine to succor the Viconte The Vicont after he had maintayned a little fight flies to a riuer by where thinking to passe in the ferry-boate the presse grew presently so great as boate and passingers â—unke La Guierche with many other gentlemen slaine or drowned did almost equall the number of the Nobility which died at Coutras Then the Princes and Noblemen Catholiks following the King did sollicit his Maiesty to turne to the Catholike religion and had by the Duke of Luxembourg sought to appease the bitternes of the Court of Rome against the estate of this realme The Dukes returne with small hope the petitions made vnto the King to prouide for his dutifull subiects of both religions to preuent the new attempts of Gregory the 14. and his adherents to the preiudice of this Crowne were the cause of two Edicts made at Mante in the beginning of Iuly the one confirmed the Edicts of pacification made by the deceased King vpon the troubles of the realme and disanulled all that passed in Iuly 1585. 1588. in fauour of the League Tâ—e other shewed the Kings intent to maintaine the Catholike Apostolike and Romish religion in France with the ancient rights priuileges of the French-church The Court of Parliament at Paris resident at Tours Chaalons in Champagne hauing verified these Edicts did presently disanul al the Bulls of Cardinall Caietans Legation The Popes Bull disanulled and other Bulls come from Rome the first of March proceedings excomunications and fulminations made by Marcellin Landriano terming himselfe the Popes Nuncio as abusiue scandulous seditious full of impostures made against the holy decrees Canonicall Constitutions approued Councells and against the rights and liberties of the French Church They decree that if any had beene excomunicate by vertue of the sayd proceedings they should be absolued the said Bulls and all proceedings by vertue thereof burnt in the market place by the hang-man Landriano the pretended Nuntio come priuily into the realme without the kings leaue or liking should bee aprehended and put into the Kings pryson and so to proceed extraordinarylie against him And in case he could not be taken he should be summoned at three short daies according to the accustomed manner and ten thousand frankes giuen in reward to him that should deliuer him to the Magistrate Prohibitions beeing made to all men to receiue retayne conceale or lodge the sayd pretended Nuntio vpon paine of death And to all Clergie men not to receiue publish or cause to be published any sentences or proceedings comming from him vpon paâ—ne to bee pâ—nished as Traytors They declared the Cardinalls beeing at Rome the Archbishops Bishoppes and other Clergy men which had signed and ratified the sayd Bull of excomunication and approued the most barbarous abhominable and detestable Parricide trayterously committed on the person of tâ—e sayd deceased King most Christian and most Catholike depriued of such spirituall liuings as they held within the realme causing the Kings Proctor generall to seize thereon and to put them into his Maiesties hand forbidding all persons eyther to carry or send gold to Rome and to prouide for the disposition of benefices vntill the King should otherwise decree That of Tours added this clause to their decree they declared Gregory calling himselfe Pope the foureteenth of that name an enemie to peace to the vnion of the Catholike Apostolike and Romaine Church to the King and to his Estate adhering to the conspiracy of Spaine and a fauorer of rebells culpable of the most cruell most inhumane and most detestable Parricide committed on the person of Henry the 3. of famous memory most Christian and most Catholike The Parliament of the League did afterwards condemne and cause those decrees to 〈◊〉 burnt at Paris which were made against the Bulls and ministers of the 〈…〉 So one pulled downe what an other built vppe During this contrarieâ—y of Parliaments there falls out a crosse to diuide the intentions of the Spanyard and Lorraine without the realme and of the Dukes of Mayenne and Nemours at Paris Euery one by diuers practises affected this Crowne and euery one tryed all his wittes to set
nation but pleading the cause of the King of Spaine and the rights of Lorraine The Duke of Feria and Mendosa Ambassador of Spaine had their Agents and aduocates by whome they gaue them to vnderstand that the King of Spaines intention was only to haue a King chosen that might pacifie the troubles of the realme deliuer them from their enemies defend them against all assaylants and restore the Crowne to her first beauty And representing the voluntary bounty of the Catholike King and the great effects of the succors giuen by him vnto France wherein hee had imployed aboue sixe millions of gold he would inferre that now but he was capable of this election or else in regard of him the Infant Donna Isabella to whome the sayd Ambassador durst mayntaine that by the Lawes of nature of God and of the realme it did belong The desseinâ— of Spaine Doubtlesse from the insolent proceedings and proud desseins of strangers the soueraigne author and gardien of Estates caused the preseruation of this monarchie to growe They commended this Ambassage and receiued it with honour But the pretensions of this Infanta were reiected at the first as a proposition contrary to the fundamentall lawes of the realme His Agents seeing themselues frustrate of this first demand they frame a second vpon the election of the Arch-duke Ernest Cross by somâ— men of honour fiâ—st brotâ—er to the Emperour to whome the King of Spaine promised to giue his daughter to wife when as the assemblie had declared her Qâ—eene of France But what should become of so many Competitors growne vp in France So this proposiâ—ion finding no man willing to entertaine it remayned frutelesse Nowe some thinking to giue the last mate to the Kings good fortune 〈◊〉 a third expedient Thaâ— if they giue this Crowne vnto the Noble Infanta and to him of the Princes of France comprehending the house of Lorraine whome the King of Spaine should choose they would cause this election to bee seconded with an army of eight thousand foote and two thousand horse and within fewe monethes to be fortified with the like numbers which soone should redâ—ce â—rance wholy and peaceably to these newe Kings that they would giue a hundred thousand Crownes monethly so long as the warre should last to entertayne ten thousand foote three thousand horse within the realme Was not this to â—eed mens mindes with fancies dreames and imaginations But no man giues his voice to this last proposition Doubtlesse there was no proportion to recompence the succors sent by Philip to the reuolted townes with the Crowne of France Contrariwise many hauing their mindes merely French knew wel that this proposition was to make matters irreconciliable and to bring an immortal warre into France and therefore with a feruent zeale and great affection they opposed themâ—elues against the reception thereof hoping the eternall prouidence who had so often raysed France from most greeuous falls of warre and from greater infirmities would now preuent these latter dangers otherwise then by the subuersion of the lawes which were made to support it The declaration which his Maiesty opposed to that of the Duke of Mayenne The Kings declaration against the Leaguâ—râ— did much preuaile to fortifie those good mindes in their commendable resolution and prepared their hearts generally to conceiue a great hope of a speedy peace For the King discouering the practises of his rebellious subiects namely of their heads the Dukes treachery presuming to assemble the Estates of the realme which may not be called but by royall authority and for matter of religion hee protesteth that besides the Couocation of a Councell if there may be round any better or more speedie meanes to come to the instruction which they â—retend to giue him 1553. to diuert him from the exercise of his religion to that of the Catholike and Romish he will willingly embrace it with all his heart giuing leaue to the Princes Officers of the Crowne and other Noblemen that did assist him to â—end their Deputies to the Pope to deale in this instruction and to be pleased therewith and blaming the Leaguars who had hindred the effects hee layed a good foundation of the obedience which his subiects prepared for him Declaring moreouer this pretended assemblie at Paris to be attempted against the Lawes against the good and quiet of the realme and all that should be treated or concluded therein abusiue and of no force Terming the Duke and his adherents in that case guiltie of high treason shewing that he could maintaine his authoritie against all vsurpers But offering pardon to all Townes Comonalties and persons seduced by the cheefe of the League and exhorting them to remember themselues hee made his subiects begin to tast that great and admirable clemencie whereby he hath won the hearts and brought the affections of the French to a perfect and most voluntarie obedience To this declaration of his Maiestie the Princes and Noblemen Catholikes that were about him added an other which they sent to these pretended Estates and required that some should be deputed on either part to resolue of the fittest expedients to pacifie these troubles for the preseruation of the Catholike religion and the Estate The Duke of Mayenne and his partie accept of this conference so as it may be done by Catholikes only The conference at Surene and it began the 29. of April at Surene neere Paris Whilest the good Cardinall of Bourbon liued he was an instrument for the League now he is dead religion is their onely pretext And the more the King giues them hope of his conuersion to the Romish Church the more violent they are to draw the people from this beleefe Crost by the court of Rome The Legat seekes to crosse it and by a publike exhortation full of iniuries against his Maiestie hee labours to perswade the French that the King long since dismembred from the bodie of the Church was most iustly pronounced incapable of the Crowne Then opposing himselfe against the decrees of the Parliaments of Tours and â—â—â—alons made against the monitories of Landriano he extols his masters praises condemnes the Parliament which had condemned his Bulls magnifies the Estates of the League who reiected an obstinate heretike and relaps with a resolution neuer to yeeld vnto him for said hee such is the Popes will and pleasure But why a relaps and obstinate considering the due submission which our Henry makes to yeeld to better instruction The Pope himselfe will harken soone vnto him and all the Consistorie will blesse his resolution Both the Duke and Legat preuaile little in their deuises Those which held the first place in this assembly had no other care but to preserue this Monarchie found this expedient The answere of the â—stâ—tes to the 〈◊〉 oâ— Spa ne That to frustrat the former propositions they should say to the Duke of Feria and other ministers of Spaine that it would bee now out of
season and dangerous to make this election and that the assemblie reserued the conclusion thereof vntill they might see an armie readie by meanes whereof their resolutions might be supported and put in execution Courage this calme promiseth that wee shall soone anchor in a safe harbour And that which aduanceth the ship of our Estate with a more prosperous gale that great Senat of France remayning at Paris resumes their credit and the beautie of their scarlet robes they exhort the Duke of Mayenne to imploy his authoritie of Lieutenant that vnder colour of religion the Crowne fall not into strangers hands against the lawes of the Realme and to prouide speedily for the peoples quiet A decree of the Parliament at Paris and by a decree of the eight and twentith of Iuly they declare all treaties made or to bee made to that end voyde and of no validitie as being made to the hurt and preiudice of the Salique Law and other fundamental Lawes of State This decree did wonderfully moue the Duke of Mayenne and the agents of Spaine especially against the President le Maistre who deliuered the speech who encountring all their choller 's left them to bite vppon the bridle But see now the fatall blowe which ruines that third party 1593 by the which many Catholikes were readie to thrust the realme into newe combustions and cuts off all dfficulties as well in them which made a scruple to fight vnder the Enseignes of a King of any other religion then their owne as in others which had so long time shadowed their mutinies and rebellions with this goodly pretext The King after the taking of Dreux satisfied in his conscience by the instruction of the Arch-bishop of Bourges of Renè Benoist Curate of Saint Eustache of Paris and of some other doctors desires to be admitted into the bosome of the Catholike Apostolike and Romish Church The Kings Conuersion and the 25. of Iuly made a publike and sollemne profession at S. Denis to the sayd Arch-bishop assisted by Charles Cardinall of Bourbon Arch-bishop of Rouan and Nephew to the deceased nine Bishops with many other prelates and religious men hee protested to liue and die in the sayd Catholike religion swearing to defend it against all men hee made profession of his faith and performed all ceremonies requisite in so sollemne an act and then he receiued absolution and blessing with an admirable ioye and acclamation of the people Presently after this sollemne act his Maiesty sent the Duke of Neuers the Marquis of Pisani and Henry of Gondy Bishop of Paris to the Pope to yeeld obedience by them to the holy sea and to testifie that hee desired no lesse to imitate the example of Kings his Predecessors and to deserue the title and ranke of the first sonne of the Church by his actions then they had beene carefull to get it and preserue it and to beseech him to allowe of his conuersion and to countenaunce it with his owne blessing This is that great action of state which the chiefe of the League most feared for what could they nowe obiect against the King to contradict his right and to terme him incapable of his inheritance See nowe by what suttlety they seeke to crosse his Maiesties affaires and to support the strangers They complayne first of his sodaine change say they may not trust him That his Holines must begin end this worke That the King should make all submissions to the sea of Rome and attend if the Consistory would declare him capable to gouerne the realme of France That hauing commandement from the Conclaue they would aduise to do what should bee reason Vntill the which were effected they could not treat any more with the Kings deputies and till that this change of religion which the King had made were approued by the Pope whereof afterwards they would take aduise for assurance of the preseruation of the onely Catholike religion in this realme The Duke of Mayenne hauing to his great preiudice so often tryed the proude insolencies of the Spaniards and since knowne that their practises tended onely to feede a perpetuall fire of diuision among the French by meanes of the election of a newe King whome they promised to marrie to the Infanta had often protested that when hee should see the King returne into the bosome of the Church from the which his religion had excluded him he would presently yeeld him obedience as his most humble seruant The Kings conuersion doth nowe free him of this imaginarie scruple The King himse fe offring him offices and honorable aduancements seekes to drawe him out off those snares from the which hee would willingly bee freed But he is so farre engaged as hee can hardly retire himselfe and some hope that the decisions of Rome the resolution of the Estates the conclusions of the Colledge of Sorboane and the practises of Spaine would yet worke some good effects in his fauour do withhold him from accepting of his Maiesties offers But on the otherside he cannot digest the aduancement of the Duke of Guise The Duke of Mayenne seekes to crosse his Nâ—pheâ—â— whose marrâ—â—ge with the Infanta the Partisans of Spaine did solicit as being heire to his Faâ— ers prâ—tensions And to ouerthrowe it hee seemes in generall termes to approue so great an honour done vnto his Nephew but requiring for his owne particular so high and dâ—fficult things he giues them easily to vnderstand that he will not subiect his will to the appetites of Pope Clement nor of Philip King of Spaine neyther yet to the decision of Estates in that whilest that he crosseth the propounded election of the Duke of Guise The Conference at Surene giues the subiect meanes to taâ—t the liberty of the fields and the sweetenesse of peace concluding the last of Iuly a generall suspension of armes on eyther side for three monethes a meanes which shall soone reduce whole prouinces withdrawne from their ancient obedience A generall truce In the meane time the more the Agents of Spaine see their practises disapointed the more vehement they are that the Court of Rome should giue no audience to the Kings submission They oppose themselues by the meanes of the Ambassador of Spaine at Rome against the negotiation of the Kings Ambassadors with the Pope They speake of his maiesties conuersion as of a counterfeit thing to deceiue the Church and after his confirmation to ruine the Catholike religion To conclude they do their best to quench these coales of charity which were kindled in the peoples hearts and cause the Pope to reiect this faithfull and willing obedience whereby the King will shewe himselfe a successor of the piety of Clouis Charlemagne and Saint Lewis as well as heire of their scepter But see one of the most violent atteÌ„pts of the league which had almost dissolued this harmony which was prepared by a generall reconciliation of the French among themselues and of them to their lawfull and
then to leaue that willingly which they could not hold by force That the King had expresly forbidden him not to consent to any Treaty nor to the choyse of any place for an Assembly before he had assurance of this restitution That hee held it a wrong done vnto the dignitye of so great a Prince to the honour of his commaundements to the equity of his cause and to his good fortune once to hearken vnto the difficulties they made to yeelde him vp that which was his owne That whosoeuer should treat with this preiudice deserued to be punished as the authors of Treaties that were dishonourable to their Maisters The Generall of the Fryars who could get no other resolutions at his hands returned twise into Flanders to let them vnderstand that among all the reasons of the Treaty that of Restitution was inuincible and that it was in vayne to demaund a Peace of the French if they did not restore all That this Restitution was the soule of the Treaty without the which it was a fantastike body without any naturall proportion and substance That in the ende desiring too much they should haue nothing and thinking to hold all they would loose all The Archduke doth aduertise the King of Spaine that there was no meanes to enter into the Temple of Peace but by opening of the gates of Calais Ardres Dourlans and other places taken in Warre vnto the King of France God inspired the heart of the King of Spaine against the opinion of his Councell of State to yeeld vp all his pretensions for the good of a Peace rather then to leaue the world in this perpetuall Discord and Confusion He did consult with his Councell of conscience vpon the necessity of this Restitution They answered him that he could not liue with a quiet soule nor die in the integrity of his Religion if he did not restore those places The King of Spaine followed this aduice aduertâ—sing the Archduke that he would not for that which he had gotten from an other loose the meanes to leaue a Peace to his owne Estates Vpon this resolution the Generall of the Fryars returnes into France The King of Spain reâ—olueâ— to yeâ—ld all the places and passeth his word vnto the Lâ—gate Sillery for the Restitution so as after an infinite toyle of two moneths these three made all things ready for a Treaty Sillery returnes to the King leading with him the Generall of the Fryars as wel to let him vnderstand from the Kings owne mouth what he had sayd vnto him by his commaundement as also to haue the Generall tell the King what hee had promised and propounded on the Archdukes behalfe The Legate remayned at S. Quintin aâ— Gardien of the words and intentions of two Princes Being assured of eythers faith they agree vpon a place for the assembly of the Deputies and to conclude the Treaty â—he Towne of Veruins being vnder the Kings obedience and neere vnto the â—â—oâ—ters of Arthâ—is was found the most commodious Veruins chosâ—n for the conference and was presently furnished with all things necessary to receiue the Ambassadors The King Deputed Pompone de Belieure Knight Lord of Grignon the chiefe and most auncient of his Priuy Councell and Nicholas Brulart Knight Lord of Sillery Councellour of State to his Maiesty and President in his Court of Parliment For the King of Spaine and the Archduke there came Iohn Richardot Knight President of the Kings Priuye Councell and of his Councell of State Iohn Baptista Taxis Knight Commaunder de los Santos of the Military order of S. Iames and Councellor of State and of the Councel of Waâ— Lewis Verrichen Knight AudieÌ„cer chiefe Secretary Treasorer of the Charters of the Councell of State The Cardinall Medicis Legate of the holy Sea assisted by the Bishop of Mantoua was as it were an Vmper of all difficulties in this good and holy reconciliation The Kings Deputies arriued first and those of the King of Spaine presently after where hauing saluted one another with hearts full of ioy and incredible content they promised to treat Roundly Sincerely Mildely communicating their Commissions one vnto an other and reforming those errors which they found The Precedence yeelded to the French that they might begin to treat more safely and freely After much question and many protestations made by the Deputies of the King of Spaine for the Precedence in the ende they yeelded vnto the French Kings to take what place they pleased after the Legate and the Popes Nuncio At their first sitting the Legate exhorts them to shewe the fidelity and integritie iâ— this action which their Maisters desired The Legate exhorâ—â— the Depuâ—ies whereof he assured himselfe by their experâ—ences as of those which had happily managed the greatest affayres of Europe more then any other men wishing them to consider that hauing the honour to Councell two of the greatest Princes of the world who submitted their wills vnto their Councells as the most diuine thing among men when it is purged from ambitious passions violent thoughts and preiudicate opinions they should omit nothing that might regard the contentment of their good intentions and not to doubt but that God who hath an especial care of Kings and Kingdomes would infuse the light of his sâ—irit into their most seceet thoughts and threaten them with the sincerity of his Iustice if they did not apply all their indeauours to his glory and the good of the Christian common weale Then they entred into Treaty with a mildnesse fit for men of that quality and the merit of the matter It was managed with such secrecie as nothing was knowne before that all was concluded The chiefe poynt of difficulty was for the restitution of Places Many reasons were propounded on eyther side but the Kings Deputies had great aduantages the force of reason the prosperity of affayres in the recouery of Amiens and aboue all the fauour of the time and occasion The King of Spaine would not dye but in Peace he desired his Sonne might raigne in Peace and that his deerely beloued Daughter might be married in Peace The Aâ—chduke languished with a desire to be married and fearing least the promise which he had not taking effect during the life of the King of Spaine the conditions would be made worse he pressed Richardot and Taxes not to proceed in this negotiation after the Spanish manner but to remember that they must not prolong their consultations nor protract an action the praise whereof depended vpon the conclusion So after they had balanced all matters in the treaty to reduce them to a iust proportion of reason all controuersies betwixt the two Kings were reconciled and ended During the Treaty of Veruins the Emperour Rodulphus the 2. as well for himselfe as for some Princes of the Empire An Agent sent from the Emperour to the Stâ—tes of the vnited Prouinces at the instant request of the King of Spaine sent Charles
to bee kept in prison vntill the money were paied and for the second losse of goods and life without hope of remission Allowing all men to stay and arrest all such as should carry such prohibited armes eight daies after the publication of the Edict None were excepted but the foure hundred Archers and the foure companies of Horse-backe of the gards of his person when as they waited in quarter the Archers of the Prouost of his house-hold of the Constable and Marshalls of France and they of the companie of light Horse belonging to the Duke of Vandosme who by the Edict might carrie Pistolls when as they were in seruice And to free his Subiects from the oppression of Souldiars to accustome them to obedience to whoÌ„ it is troublesome in the securest Peace he cut off the companies as well of Horse as of regiments of Foote but this traint was only of that which they might well forbeare It is dangerous to leaue an Estate long without Armes A disarmed Peace is weake The King therefore reserued the places vpon the fronters which remained still fortified with ordinary gards The gards appointed for Gouernors Lieutenants General of Prouinces were suâ—pended and the Companies of men at Armes were reduced to a lesser number Such whose spirits could not liue in the cessation of Armes and which were good Captaines in the time of Warre like vnto Marius but ill Cittizens in peace had leaue to go â—eeke the exercise thereof in Flanders and Hungary Peace doth change the exerciâ—e of Warre into hunting the King made it his daâ—lie exercise Being one day hunting in the great forest of Fontainbleau there was heard about halfe a League off The King hunting in the Forest of Fontainbleau a great cry of hownds and the winding of hornes and sodenly all this noyse which seemed to bee farre off came to his iudgement within twenty paces of his eare Hee commanded the Count Soissons to set out and to see what it was thinking that no man durst presume so boldly to interrupt his sports the Earle aduancing heard the noise yet could not discerne whence it came A big blacke man presented himselfe in the thickest of the bushes crying out Do you vnderstand me and then he sodenly vanished away Mâ—enteudez voâ—s At those words they which were discreet thought it great indiscretion to stay longer there a hunting The Heardsmen thereabouts say it is a spirit which they call the great Hunter who hunts in this forest others hold that it is Sâ—int Huberts chase the which is also heard in other places Many Noblemen and Gentlemen retired themselues now vnto their gouernments and priuate houses the King hauing sayd long before that he would force euery man to liâ—e of his owne and not to importune him any more Neuer any Edict was better obserued then this speech for euen then he resolued to imploy the remainder of his reuenues in publicke necessities and not in the prodigalities of Vitelâ—ius nor â—or the enriching of priuate men 〈…〉 â—00000 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 that of 〈…〉 his 〈◊〉 saying that hee would ease the poore and giue example vnto the rich to content themselues with little and to liue accordingly The Constable went to his gouernment of Languedoâ— hauing obteyned of the King a reuersion of his gouernment for Henry of Montmorency his Sonne The King in his wisedome thought he could not sufficiently grace a house which hath brought forth so many Gouernors Admiralls Marshalls and Constables and which vnder the name of Montmorency comprehends that of Horne and Laualâ— which hath giuen wiues to Kings of France and Dukes of Brittaine The letters-pattents were read and registred in the Court of Aides at Montpellier the Duke of Vantadour being President and the Bishop of Agdâ— and Nismes assiâ—ting The oâ—der which the King did settle for the affaires of his house was a President to all France shewing the religious desire which hee had to see his subiects enioye the fruits thereof His Iustice would not suffer them to be charged and ouercharged with impossible duties seeing that the violence of the Warre had left them nothing but their tongues to complaine being like vnto a skinne laied vpon a dead mans bones Yet notwithstanding they were forced to pay the publike charges for the fruites which they had not gathered And therefore the King did vnto his subiects as Constantin and Theodosius did vnto them of the Empire by a generall discharge of the remainder of their taxe and tributes Hee also sent according to the resolution of the Estates held at Roâ—n many great personages as well of his Councell as of other companies to examine the necessities of his people to order the taxes and tributes Tâ—xes remitted to protect the weake froÌ„ the oppression violence of such as during the ciuill Warres had seene no light of Iustice but through the flamé of Harguebuzes hauing so abused the time as to enioye the priuilege of Nobles they would be so esteemed rather by their shewe then by the vse and seruice of the sword and when as the Lawe which doth chiefely bind Noblemen by reason of their Tenures and titles of Nobility to the duties of armes hath coniured them to succor the necessitâ—es of their Prince and Countries they haue thrust themselues among the people lyuing idely in Townes or in the delights of their houses so long as fire and danger were in field Men â—nworthy of the name of men of Gentlemen and of Frenchmen The Commissioners forced these kinde of gallants to pay who by pretended letters of their Innoling and abuse of the Priuileges had laied their Taxes vppon the people While the King labours to reforme all abuses and to roote out disorders The Clergy of France petition vnto the King the deputâ—es of the Clergy of France being assembled together at Paris with the Kings permission beseech his Maiesty to reforme the disorders of the Church Which speech was deliuered with great reuerence before his M. by the reuerent Francis de la Geusle Aâ—ch-bishop of Tours accompanied with many of the saied deputies of the Clergie The Summe whereof was That it would please his Mâ—iesty that the holy Councel of Trent might be receiued and published in France with such necessary qualifications as concerne the French liberties the Immunities of Churches and the priuileges of Parliaments That his Maiesty would not charge his conscience with the nomination vnto Bishoprickes Abbeyes and other benefices hauing charge of soules That lay pensions giuen in recompence to Noblemen and Gentlemen vpon the sayd nominations may be reuoked That Clergy-men may be suffred to enioy their liuings quietly without charge but only to do their duties in the seruice of God and the Church That Churches may not be prophaned nor the Incumbents houses suffred to go to ruine but to be well and duely mainteyned to the ende they may not pretend any iust cause of non residence and to separate them from
hee did not speedily aduertise the Gouernour All did sweare willingly and the Hungarians with them The Gouernour did also promise neuer to abandon them but to tarry with them vnto the last gaspe The Tuâ—ke continued the siege vntill the 3. of Nouember and attempted it by Assault Sappe and Mine with all the violence that might be but he was still repuâ—â—ed with great losse and dishonour so as in the end they were forced to raise the Siege and go to Zolnoc and so to Buda leauing a great victorie to the Christâ—ans to their great griefe and shame On the other side the Christâ—ans receiued the like repulse before Buda They went to besiege it the 5. of October vnder the command of Schuartzbourg and Palfi Buda attâ—mptâ—d in vaâ—nâ— bâ— the Christians and hauing taken the Suburbes Mathias the Archduke came the Forte oâ— Potentiane vpon the Riuer of Danâ—w was taken and the Turkes so distressed as the 29. â—ay there remained nothing but to yeeld for the Castell of Potentiane being taken a reaâ—onable breach was made to giue an assault vnto the Towne and all the Inhabitants Men Women and Children cast themselues at the Baschaes â—eet seeing the imminent danger wherevnto he was ready to yeeld but he durst not by reason of three other Baschaes that were within the Towne that of Caramania that of Natolia and that of Bosne But there fell such abundance of raine as all their powder was wet and wrought no effect neither by Mine as they tried nor otheâ—wise so as they were forced to giue ouer The Christians retired themselues into Varadin and the Turkes into Buda being well assailed and well defended on eyther side There died 13000. Turkes before Varadin and within the Towne a thousand three hundred Christians and within Buda 1500. Turkes and fewe Christians But the first of Nouember aboue 7000. Peasants with their Wiues and Children came and yeelded themselues vnto the Christians Armie they being Christians and fearing the Turkes reuenge vpon their families In December the Riuer of Tiber at Rome was so strangely swelled as in lesse then three dayes there was nothing but the seuen hills An inondation at Rome and some eminent places free from that fearfull inondation At the first furie and in lesse then foure houres it carryed away S. Maries Bridge many houses all the shops of the Statioâ—ers and Droguists In this inondâ— ion men did lâ—â—pe â—rom oâ—e top â—f a hâ—usâ— to anothâ—â— to 〈…〉 and Storehouses for Wine Oyle that were about the Castell S. Angâ—lo Fortie prisoners were slâ—ine vnder the ruines of the Tower De Noue not being â—ble to resist the violence of the water nor they to be succoured for that this accident happened by night which preuented all foresight On Christmas day the Churches within Rome were without Priests without Masse and without people The Pope praied vpon the Mountaâ—ne and powred out teares for them that trembled and were drencht belowe in the Deluge Hâ— gaue so good order as such as were besieged without by the VVater and withiâ— by Famine were alwaies releeued against the violences of the one and the â—tâ—er Rome was neuer seene in such desolation the inondation during the siege of Pâ—pe Clement the 7. was not so violent Tâ—is yeare the Pope created 16. Cardinals that is to say Baronius of the Oratorie of Rome It is a Congregation of Priests The Pope creaâ—es 16. Cardinalâ— which make profession to liue in common and do exercise themselues in Meditations and Declamations euery one according to his profession He hath shewed by his Annales the greatnesse of his spirit which exceeds the Ordinarie oâ— Doctors Giury Bishop of Lisieux a French man Bellarmine a Iesuite a famous Doctor Dossat then Bishop of Rennes and afterward of Bayeux a man of iudgement who managed discreetly the affaires of the King and State at Rome against the enuious and calumnious practises of the Spaniard hâ—s 〈◊〉 touching the Kings conuersion to the Church was found good and hoâ—soâ—e and hee politikely drew many other Cardinals to his opinion euen the Cardinaâ— Tolet although he were a Spaniard Lucius Saxus a Romaine Petrus Aldobranainus Nephew to his Holinesse De Soâ—rdis Archbishop of Bourdeaux Bartholomeus Caesâ—â—s a Romaine Franciscus Casa Legate of Marchia Pompeius Ballianus Franciscus Manâ—â—câ— Siluius Antonianus Laurentius Blanchettus Franciscus d' Auila a Spaniard Octaâ—â—â—â— Bâ—ndinus and Camillus Burghesius Treatie at Boulogne The King at the conclusion of the treatie of Veruins was desirous that his good Sâ—ster the Queene of England should be comprehended therein But it was an accâ—â—d which the King of Spaine would make a part for the effecting whereof the Kâ—ng did offer the Towne of Boulongne for an enterview of the Deputies where they mette of both sides Suprema lex salus pâ—puli but the Ceremonie for Precedence made it fruitlesse For whereas the deputies of England would not giue place to them of Spaine they returned without dâ—ing any thing neither was there any of them that thought it reasonable to purâ—hase a peace with such a preiudice to his Princes seruice They say that the peoples health is the Soueraigne lawe but that which concernes the respect of the Prince and the ranke which he is to hold before others is alwayes immutable There are some Liâ—eâ— mortall and others which neuer dye Those haue their continuance according to the time Necessitie makes the other alwaies durable for the perpetuall good they fiâ—d in the obseruation as Lucius Valerius said pleading against the Oppian law Of the condition of these mortall lawes is the right of Precedence He that shall suffer the diminution is not worthy of the increase During this dispute for the Precedence the King was at Monceaux to take the dyet The Physitians had giuen him so great liberty to eate Melons of Chenonceau Lion The King 〈◊〉 at Moncâ—aux as he felt it and paied deerely for the taste of his delights for the third day of his diet walking in his doublet in his gallery at Monceaux a feuer tooke him which turned his dyet into speedier remedies and brought him to that estate as many built their hopes vpon the despaire of his health and there were posts attended ready to carry these bad newes But the desseignes of Troubles and Factions dyed when as they saw him recouer his former health The Duchesie of Beaufort serued him in this sicknesse with an affâ—ction and care equall to the loue which makes the louer feele the same greefe that the beloued doth It was at the same time when as she hoped to be aswel Qâ—eene of France as she raigned in the Kings heart They said that our Daulphins should be Caesars or Alexanders and that that which had been but a sport or pleasure should now be made a Contract of necessity A generall estate of the Kings expences Being recouered he came to S. Germaine in Laye there to end the yeare and to resolue
in the mildnesse of his gouernment and that the common feeling of so many miseries which they had suffered and which had continued together should perswade them to grow familiar and friendly together and to haue no more occasion to remember things past then his Maiestie had meaning to remember his owne wrongs Warre is not dead in an Estâ—te whereas Consciences are diuâ—ded it doth but sleepe a small matter awakens it there is nothing more apprehensiue or that doth pierce more violently into the perswasion of Men to bandâ—e them one against another then Religion Euery man thinkes his owne the better and so iudgeth of it more by his owne Zeale and Passion then through Knowledge and Reason The King during the Warre had runne to those things which did most presse him and to the dangers that did most import he had deferred to reconcile this diuision being grieued in his Soule that the impietie of the Warre would not suffer him to make shew of the fruites of his Pietie They of the Reformed Religion made many and great complaints that the Kings Edicts were not obserued nor kept that they were not prouided of all things necessarie for the exercise of their Religion the Liberty of their Consciences Complaints oâ— them of the Religion and the safetie of their Persons and Fortunes They sayd moreouer that they desired not that the order of gouernment of State should bee changed to their profit or of any forraine Prince nor to haue the State torne in peeces to please the Ambition of some fewe Men but onely to enioy their Consciences with Peace and their liues in safetie That so many iust requests being granted vnto them by the Edicts of Kings Predecessors to his Maiestie demanded and defended by himselfe with so great Zeale Vertue had not been hearkened vnto vnder his raigne when as they should best hope and vnder whom and had it not been for the affection which they had vnto his Greatnesse and the foundation which they laied on his good will towards them they might lawfully and profitably haue practised the wayes which they were forced to hold vnder Kings his Predecessors But they could not despaire any thing of him whom God by the Protection of his Church had brought vnto the succession of the Crowne nor obtaine lesse then Libertie and Liâ—e hauing spent their blouds so freelie for him They complained that Preaching was banished from his Maiesties Court to banish them consequently from his house where they could noâ— serue him without seruing of God No good man might remaine there but hee was dayly in danger of murthering or to bee hurt without hope of comfort or assurance of grace That they practise dayly to exclude them of the Religion from all Charges and Offices in the State 1599. Iustice Treasurâ—â—nd Pollicie which they did neuer greatly affect Exclusion froÌ„ publike charges shamefull No man is held a Cittâ—zâ—Ì„ if he be not partaker of the honors of the Cittie as his Maiestie can best witnesse They beseech him to iudge if it be reasonabâ—e they should doe wrong vnto their Children to depriue them by their dulnesse to be held in future ages for Iewes within the Realme in steed of the honorable ranke which their progenitors had left them and which their seruice done vnto his Maiesty should haue purchased them That it was more tollerable to liue vnder the truce of the deceased King who was an enemie to their profession yet he did grant vnto them the exercise of their Religion both in his armie and in his Court allowed the Ministery at his owne charge and gaue them a Towne of retreate in euery Bayliwike With these and such like complaints the King was daily importuned the end of all these assemblies was to obtaine an Edict from the King so cleere and plaine concerning all their necessities as they should not be constrained to sue for any other as they did not cease vntill the King had signed it the last yeare being at Nantes after that hee had reduced that Prouince vnto his obedience conteining a Declaration of the Edicts of Pacification of the troubles growne in France for matter of Religion the which was not established in the Court of Parliament at Paris The last Edict for religion at Nantes in April 1598. vntill the 25. of February this yeare 99 by reason of many oppositions and difficulties that were made At Saint Germaine in Laye Berthier one of the Agents for the Clergie made many petitions vnto his Maiestie and did greatly importune the Lords of the Councell to consider of it In like sort the Bishop of Mâ—dena who was then the Popes Nuncio in France dealt in it beseeching the King so to deale for his Subiects that were gone astray as the honour of God might â—emaine whole and the Church receiue no preiudice In so doing his Holinesse would endure all things for the peace of Franâ—e Berthier demanded that his Maiestie would not suffer the Ministers of the Reformed Religion to haue any other libertie on this side the Riuer of Loire but to liue quietly and not to bee sought after That the Catholike religion should bee generally restored in all places and Churchmen doe their offices without any danger And thirdly that the Clergie men should be wholy freed from the vexations which they had suffred vntill that day in Townes and Places held by them of the Religion where they had taken away their Pensions and Reuenues and in some Prouinces had forced them His Maiestie granted the second and third Article and as for the first the King not being able to make any such prohibition without some trouble it was let alone There was also great conteâ—tion in particular betwixt the said Berthier and some of the Reformed Religion touching the Assembly of their Synods the which they would haue free without demanding leaue from his Maiestie maintaining that they might go freely into forraine Countries Contestation touchinâ— their 〈◊〉 with Strangâ—rs and assist at their Synodes and other Actes and in like sort receiue Strangers into theirs the which the Marshall Bouillon had managed with some who perhaps had not foreseene the danger but Berthier contested it so vehemently against the Marshall in the Kings presence as his reasons being heard and the importance of the thing considered that it was a meanes to continue their Leagues and Intelligences with Strangers to bee ready to take Armes at their pleasures the which could not bee but with the ruine of the State The King hauing heard by their Contestations finding of what importance it was hee presently caused that Article touching forraine Synodes to bee razed forbâ—dding them expreslie to go to any Assemblies without his permission vpon paine to be declared Traitors The Rector for the Vniuersitie of Paris was also a sutor vnto his Maiestiâ—s Councell that none of the Reformed Religion nor their Schoole-maisters and Tutors might bee admitted into any Colledges of the Vniuersitie but to bee excluded
of that name Primat of France Arch-bishop and Earle of Lion The death of M. de Pinac Archbishop of Lion died in the beginning of Ianuary whose life was so famous as it deserues to be breefly set downe in this History The reputation which hee had gotten at the Estates at Blois made King Henry the 3. a great Prince as well in iudging as in recompencing of good wits to call him to his Councell after the death of Monluc Bishop of Valentia whereas hee shewed himselfe to be of that iudgement as he was in short time imployed in the greatest affaires in Councell At that time the Court was in a manner all Gascon there was no entrie into the Kings fauours nor liberality but at the Duke of Espernons pleasure who was the Ephestion of our Alexander Peter de Pinacs heart could not subiect it selfe to that of Iohn Lewis of Nâ—garet He was too much his owne to be any other mans and thought that if he must needes serue it was inough to serue the Master and not subiect himselfe to the will of the Seruant Hee did not affect the tedious seruitude of the Court nor did not much care for that forced kinde of life Writing vnto his friends long before the trouble of the League he sayd that amidest the greatnesse and Honour of charges wherein the King did imploye him he did not leaue to desire the content of a happy retreat But things fell out otherwise then he expected The League burst forth in Champagne The King sent him to pacifie the Duke of Guise In this negotiation hee had a quarrell with Espernon vpon certaine words which blemished both their Honours Hee had written a Poeme against the Mignons wherewith the King was offended commanding him to leaue the Court so as hee retired himselfe to his owne house after the treaty of Peace made at Nemours But as the Kings blowes were but threates Commanded to leaue the Court. so knowing well that this Prelate was not to liue idlely in a corner of the Realme that this great desseine of the League like vnto a Ball of Snowe did increase in manie Townes whereas the Kings obedience was growne cold and that the Princes enemies to this Crowne prepared to gather the Flower de Luce hee neuer ceased vntill hee had called him againe to Court Called backe againe This returne was the beginning of his misery Many others before him hauing fallen into disgrace with the Prince haue not beene raised againe but for a greater fall It is seene in the Courts of all Princes such Tragedies are vsuall Hee was presently called to the Helme of affaires and was followed and reâ—pecteâ— more then any other Read the example of Bernâ—â—â— of Cabrera in the liâ—e of D. Pâ—dro King of Arragon Cuâ—iâ—a in his annals He tuâ—nes to the League Nobleman in Court But as wee may not iudge of the daie by the morning nor of the felicity of man by the good daies of his life this happinesse was but the entry to miâ—fortune which did attend him Hee imbarked himselfe in the same shippe with the Duke of Guise the which being broken at the Estates of Blois â—e had no other meanes to saue himselfe but through the fauour of the Baron of Lux his Nephewe He was giuen in ransome to Gast who kept him â—â—auen or eight monethes in the Castell of Amboise and then set him at liberty for thirty thousand Crownes He went to the Duke of Maine seeing that the affaires of his party tended too much to confusion and to a popular gouernment hee perswaded him alwaies to retaine the forme of a Monarchie to the end hee might oppose a kinde of Royaltie against the King and not be blamed to haue broken the bonds of the Estate So through this aduice they made Officers of the Crowne and gaue him the seals Hee neuer ingaged him selfe vpon the promises of Spaine but sayd alwaies that hee was a true hearted Frenchman He was made keeper of thâ— seales vnder me Cardinal o◠〈◊〉 whome they called Charles the 10. The faction of Spaine knowing him to bee such hindred Pope Sixtus the 5. from giuing him a Cardinalls hat and they disswaded Clement the 8. who had sayd that at the first promotion hee would remember his merits He requited them well when as the Spaniards came to Paris to propound the Coronation and Marriage of the Infanta Isabella of Spaine letting them knowe that the Flower de Luce could not spinne He reâ—urned to Lion leauing the Duke of Maienne intending to settle his affaires and to accommodate himselfe with the Peace and generall good of the Realme At his returne grewe that tumult against the Duke of Nemours the which he vsed ill for his Wisedome did not second the occasion Great vnderstanding failes sometimes in the perfection of Iudgement and Discourse Bâ—â—â—â—cades at 〈…〉 the Duke of Nâ—â—ours He saw himselfe forced to depart the Citty and neuer to returne againe vntill the King made his first entry The King who had shewed effects of his Bounty and Clemency to his greatest enemies could not loue him hauing this impression in his soule that he was the onely Instrument to crosse his fortunes Speaking one day of the Peace of Nemours in the yeare 1586. he sayd vnto him that in that negotiation he had giuen good testimony that hee loued him not and that hee had done him bad seruice My Leege answered he I could not do better for the seruice of the King my Master I had done otherwise if I had beene your seruant as I am now When as the Duke of Espernon returning out of Prouence went to visit him at his Pallace amongest other speeches of the remembrance of things past Hâ—â—rowes 〈◊〉 to be no moâ—e imployed he sayd vnto him that hee did not thinke there was any one in France whose fortunes had beene so crost as theirs the Archebishop answered him as for mine it was neuer crost but by you After the reduction of the Citty of Lion to the Kings obedience this great spirit borne to action grewe discontented to see himselfe no more in the honor and reputation that he had beene He then resolued to appâ—y his minde onely to the affaires of his charge to choose the time most conuenient for the tranquillity of the Hâ—uen wherevnto he approched When as the Duke of Nemours had made his escape out of Pierresize he saied that hee would not vse his liberty well he writes vnto his friend in this manner Remember that I haue alwaies saied vnto you that Monsieur de Nemours will finde himselfe much intangled with the Spaniards who haue led Mounsieur de Maine into an inextricable Laborinth will bring Mounsieur de Nemours vnto a miserable Estate and I dare in a manner Prophesie that in the end the Duke of Sauoy will finde himselfe deceiued as well as the rest The Spaniards Shirt is neerer vnto him then his Doublet and he will rather
one of the Realmes which holds in fee and doth homage vnto the Church of Rome and for that reason besides the eight thousand Ounces of Gold which they owe yeerely they are bound to take armes for defence of the Church They had their part also of the fruites of the Holy yeare during which time many Frenchmen and others of the Religion went to see for curiosities sake without any feare of the Inquisition whose iurisidiction doth cease in the yeare of Iubilé many great personagâ—s from diuers parts of Europe went to this Iubile The Duke of Bar goes to Rome disguized to the Cardinal Aldobrandin and Ossat and to Monsieur de Sillery among the cheefe was the Dâ—ke of Bar who went in a disguised habit to get absolution for that hee had beene married against the rules of the Church and without dispensation of the degrees of consanguinity that were betwixt him and the Kings Sister for which cause the Bishop of Lorraine refused him the holy Sacrament and held him for excomunicate The King assisted this Princes humility and submission with his letters of fauour to diuers Câ—rdinalls The Duke of Sauoy was not pleased with the long delaies of the Court he complained that he was intreated with to great rigour The Duke thought to finde a King â—f Complements And the King a Duke more easie to restore that which he held The Duke couered his discontent with silence and discretion In the end they agree to treat of their affaires and differences by Deputies Deputies for the King and Duke For the King were named the Constable the Chancellor the Marshall Biron the Marquis Rhosny and Villeroy Fâ—r the Duke Bely his Chancelor the Marquis of Lullins Iacob the Earle of Moret and Aâ—â—mes The Kings Deputies demand restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces in the same Estate it was in wheÌ„ the Duke surprized it The Dukes first propositioÌ„ was to haue the King renounce the protection of Geneua the which was not sayd they coÌ„prehended in the Treaty of Peace in speciall words as other Townes This did much offend the King and his Councell The Duke intreated the Popes Nuntio to make this proposition The Popes Nuntio intreatâ— the King to leaue the protection of Gâ—neua who hauing his soule as free from craft and dissimulation as it was full of zeale and integrity found meanes to speake vnto the King without trouble or alteration He sayd that there was a meanes to vnite the extremities of their wills for the same reason which required the Duke to restore the Marquisate did not hinder his Maiesty from the enioying of that which did belong vnto him It is true sayd the King There the Nontio repiled The Towne of Geneua belongs vnto the Duke and nothing hinders him from settling the authority which his Predecessors had there but the power of your protection Is it not then reason that as you will haue him restore the Marquisate which is yours you should suffer him to enioye the Towne of Geneua which is his The King to be speedily freed of this argument answered that things were different that hee had not made the protection of Geneua It was a Treaty whervnto he was bouÌ„d by faith for the reuerence he did beare vnto his Predecessors who had made them selues Protectors of that Common-weale from whom they had receiued seruice in their necessities And he would neuer oppose himselfe against the firmnes of their promises The Nuntio sayes presently vnto the King As you will not leaue the protection of Geneua for that it was made with your Predecessors in like sort the Duke is not bound to yeelde you the Marquisate of Saluces for that he tooke it not from you but from the deceased King Our difference replyed the King although for my part it consists of many points is reduced onely to that which concernes the Marquisate of Saluces The vsurper must restore the Duke of Sauoie hath vsurped my Marquisate there is nothing that doth free him from restitution I hold nothing of his and therefore must not restore him any thing I will neuer hinder him from hauing reason of Geneua so as hee get it without armes for when hee shall come thether with force I will alwaies resolue of that which I ought He thinkes that if I should abandon that Towne he might force them to acknowledge him but I should purchase in abandoning them much blame it being against the honor of this Crowne and the firmenesse of a Kings word The Duke had reason to affect this place he might make a great Bul-warke thereof against the Suisses to recouer that which they did hold from the ancient house of Sauoye and to make all things difficult for the French among the Cantons This proposition of Geneua was razed out of the Duke articles no more spoken of in the Assembly of the Deputies They did presse the restitution of the Marquisate or the exchange of the Countries of Bresse Pigneroll and Sauillan with some valleys for the passage of Piedmont The Deputies assembled but once The Duke fore-seeing what the issue would be They demand an exchange insteed of restititution and hauing vnderstood that the Chancellor speaking of the Restitution or Exchange had sayd that they must passe that way or by the sword he let the King vnderstand that to many delt in the busines and that it should be sooner ended if but one did faithfully report the intentions of either part The Patriarke of Constantinople was imployed therein but the Duke disliked thereof Hee resolued to free himselfe of these difficulties and to runne the hazard and shame of the refusall Then hee presented his first proposition of the Empire and Duchie of Millan giuing him very plausible meanes if they had beene as easie in the execution as in the discourse shewing that for all the fruite of the conquest he desired nothing but to hold the Marquisate of Salusses Whervnto the King answered That he was neither of that age nor his affayres in that estate that King Francis his were when he aspired to the Emâ—ire That there was not a Duke of Saxony nor a Langraue prisoner to giue him the Title of Protector of Germany and other Princes prisoners as vnto King Henry the second If a King of France should bee ambitious of any thing greater then his Crowne it might bee an Empire but not in the estate that it is nowe The Emperor hath little more then the title the soueraignty remaining to the States of thâ— Empire the title of an Emperour beeing little more then that of a Duke of Venice but as it was vnder Augustus when as Rome which commands but 7. hills had reduced all the world vnder one Empire or at the least as it was vnder Charlemagne As for the Duchie of Milan the King said that the enterprise was tedious and the issue vncertaine as of all other desseins and for the meanes which the Duke discouered vnto him there was nothing so
for the Greeke tounge All singular Men in learning and tonges This conference began the 4. of May in the Hall at Fontainbleau in the midest whereof was a Table of a resonable length At the one end sat the King on his 〈…〉 Bishop of Eureux The manner of their sitting at the Conference and on the left right against him Du Plessâ—s 〈…〉 Mercier Secretaries of the Conference were at the lower end 〈…〉 Some what higher on the Kings right hand sat the Chancellor the 〈…〉 Behind the King stood the Archbishop of Lions and the Bishops of Neuers 〈◊〉 and Chastres On the Kings left hand were the foure Secretaries of State 〈◊〉 them which conferred were the Dukes of Vaudemont of Nemours of 〈◊〉 of Mayenne of Neuers of Eibeuf of Aiguillon and of Ionuille the Officers of the 〈◊〉 Councellors of State and other Noblemen of quality After that all were â—â—â—manded to keepe silence his Maiesty hauing said that the Dispute was not betwixt paâ—â—y and paâ—ty but particular betwixt the two Confereâ—ts not for any 〈◊〉 Right and Doctrine but for the literall trueth of some passages and that he 〈◊〉 they should Treat with al Mildâ—es and Moderation without any 〈…〉 but that of the trueth Declaring moreouer that he did not meane that this 〈◊〉 should in any thing alter or disquiâ—t the Peace of his Subiects as the Chancellor 〈◊〉 then declare vnto them at large by the Kings commandement After the first dayes Conference Monsieur du Plessis fell very 〈◊〉 so as they could proceed no further The King did write the same day vnto the Duke of 〈…〉 had past in thiâ— Conference and shewed by his Letter what his iudgement was 〈◊〉 friend the Diocesse of Eureax hath vanquished that of Saumur Wherewith Moâ—sâ—ur â—u Plessis was discontented so as in a discourse which he or some of his friends had 〈◊〉 soone after touching this Conference he termed this Letter A Sparke of fire and that the Bishop of Eureux Fly was made an Elephant The King had particular aduice that the Duke of Sauoy was irresolute what to do The Duke of 〈…〉 and that he had sent vnto the Pope and to diuers Princes and Common weales in Italy to let them vnderstand that he had beene forced to the Treaty of Paris and how much it did import them if this Treaty were effected but he found not their intentions to iumpe with his neither had he the answer which he expected His Maiesty had also intelligence of his deepe dissembling saying somtimes That he would not restore the Marquisate but by force sometimes That he had rather deliuer Bresse then the Marquisate and most commonly hee would say That he would restore the Marquisate and that with a double desseine The one was that the King thinking he proceeded faithfully would graunt him some delay for the Restitution of the Marquisate during the which and before that the King should 〈◊〉 an Army Winter should come the which would hinder the French from attempting of any thing against him this yeare The other was to the end that the King of Spaine and his Councell who apprehended aboue all the Restitution of the Mâ—rquisate for the neighbourhood of the French to the Duchie of Milan should grant vnto â—eâ—y the Dukes Chancellor and his Ambassador in Spaine whither he had sent him expresly to 〈◊〉 the Spaniards who 〈◊〉 offended with the Dukes voyage into France 〈◊〉 of Men and Money in case the King would force him or else that hee might draw some recompence from the Spaniard for the exchange of Bresse with the Mâ—rqâ—isate Bely complaines to the Councell of Spaine The 〈…〉 of the little time which their remayned for the Restitution of the Marquisate to the French to whom they answered That armyes were not so soone leuied in France that hee should assure the Duke his Maister that the Count de Fuentes should be at Milan by August whereas two millions of 〈◊〉 attended him with so many men and other prouision as whosoeuer should seeke to force him should haue inough to do to defend himselfe The King being well aduertised of all these practises The first of Iune beeing past The King 〈…〉 9. oâ— Iâ—lâ— by the which the Duke according to the Treatye of Paris should restore the Marquisate his Maiesty came to Lions where the Duke intreated him by his Letters to giue him some dayes of respite that he would satisfie him by his Ambassadors Whervnto the King yeelded TheÌ„ the Archbishop of Tarantaise the Marquis of Lullins and â—oncas his Ambassadors came to Lions the 16. of Iuly Who sayd vnto the King That the Duke their Maister did complaine of the treatie of Paris that he durst not refuse any thing to his Maistie when as he was in the chiefe Citty of his Realme that he might be more blamed for holding of the accord then in breaking it The Dukes Ambassadors come to Lions for the great interrest of himselfe his Children and his Countries Notwithstanding he was ready to yeeld the Marquisate but he beseeched his Maiesty to graunt him the Inuestiture of it for one of his Sonnes The King answered them The Kings answer to the Ambassadors That the Duke had written many letters vnto him from Chambery and Thurin aduertising him that he was very well pleased with the accord which he had made at Paris promising to effect it as he was bound to doe As for his Demand of the Inuestiture of the Marquisate for one of his Sonnes there was no likelihood he should vse any such Liberalitie hauing so small cause To conclude he was much discontented with the difficulties which the Duke made vpon their accord the which if he did not performe by the first day of August he should prepare to defend himselfe Roncas the Dukes confident seruant returnes to his Highnes to let him vnderstand the Kings discontent resolution but espcially to giue him time to thinke of his affaires At that time Fosseuse returning out of Piedmont assured the King that he had heard the Duke of Sauoy sweare that he would neuer yeeld vp the Marquisate and if the King did attempt to make warre against him he would shew him sport for fortie yeares with such like words which were vnpleasing to the King Roncas returnes speedily bringing news that the Duke was content seeing the King would haue it so to restore the Marquisate of Saluces according to the treatie of Paris M r de Sillâ—ry and the President Iaâ—in deputies for the King The King seemed well pleased with this resolution giuing the charge to Brulart and Ianin to treat with the Dukes Ambassadors how the restitution of the Marquisate should be made The articles were agreed vpon and being readie to signe them Roncas saide vnto the Ambassadors that his master might take it ill if they should signe them before hee had seene them that there were diuers humors about his Highnes that it would be more
much grieued for his death his funeralls weâ—e made in Lorraine and at our Ladyes Church in Paris the whole Court of Parliament did assist and Francis de Sala elect Bishop of Geneua made the Funerall Sermon A Complaint of the third Estate of Daulphine During the publike sports in Court the Kings Councell laboured to end the sute betwixt the Commons or third Estate and the two first Orders of Daulphine The Commons complayning that all the Charges and publike oppressions and all that might be burthensome was layd vpon them without any hope from the other Estates of the Prouince although they made not the sixt part being reasonable that all the charges being common they should bee supported equally by all the Prouince by her first condition beeing declared free from all such charges and with this freedome was giuen at the first to France Euery order pleaded for his owne liberties by the Deputies the which the King hauing heard he set downe a generall order touching the Taxes of Daulphiné as you may â—eade at large in Pierre Mathewe The King hauing pasâ—ed the feast of Easter at Fontainbleau prepared to goe to Blois to Tours and to Poitiers and farther if the good of his presence so required Many beleeued that his intent was to go an other way which agreed well with their humours who breathed nothing but warre The great leuies which were made in Italie the Warlike humor of the Count of Fuentes· the great stirring of the Duke of Sauoye who could not liue in Peace the discontent of the Spaniards for the preiudiciall â—onditions of the Treaty of Veruins and many other considerations gaue some shew of the common opinion of Warre The King also had some intelligence that the Sea Army prepared in the Realme of Naples had an enterprise vpon Prouence although the Spaniards gaue it out that it was for Algier but the cleer-sighted knewe well that without some treason among the French the Spaniards affaires were not in so good Estate as to attempt any thing against France The King was aduertised that the Duke of Biron was strayed from his dutie The Duke of Birons câ—nspiracy discouered and assured moreouer that this disposition of his did not growe in an instant that he had not entred into these bad resolutions sodenly if hee had not had conference with strangers Hee could not beleeue that a spirit so Vigilant so Actiue and so Valiant could suffer it selfe to be transported with such violent furies and it seemed a dreame vnto him that a man which had gotten so much Honour to whome his Father had left so much and who had receiued daylie what hee would from the King should resolue to that which was contrarie to his Honor and the greatnesse of his courage This good opinion made the King not to beleeue the aduice which was giuen him of his badde intentions making no shew thereof but that he would giue him the Gouernment of Guienne and two hunred thousand Crownes recompence with the Castells of Trompette and Blaye to drawe him from the Frontier which was more comodious for conference with them who were resolued to withdrawe him from France or to ruine him They had sought him after the taking of Lan The Duke of Biron refused the Gouâ—rnment of Guienne when as they descouered that hee was come to Paris in choller for that the King had refused him some thing wherewith hee gratâ—fied the Duchesse of Beaufort then they offred him two hundred thousand Crownes yearely entertaynment and to bee Generall of all the Kings of Spaines orces in France As they had found him an Achilles in battayle so they found him an Vlisses to their words stopping his eares at their Inchantments saying that choller should neuer drawe him from his dutie that although his Nature were fire and boyling in the feeling and apprehension of a wrong He refused entertainment from the Spaniards yet his heart would neuer suffer this fire to consume the Faith and Loyaltie which hee ought vnto his Prince Hee retayned nothing of the offer which they made him but onelie the remembrance of the esteeme which they made of his valour and euen then hee suffred himselfe to bee carried away with those motions which doe often transport the minde to insolency and contempt of all things when they see themselues assured of ease howesoeuer the chance fall and that they shall neuer bee vnder the seruitude of necessity He was some-times herd-say that hee would not die He sayd hee would die a Soâ—â—eraigne before he had seene his head set vpon a quarter of a Crowne that hee would rather goe to a Scaffold to loose his head then to an Hospitall to begge his bread that hee would die young or haue meanes to doe his friends good Eyther Caesar or nothing Either a free life or a glorious death but hee had neither of them His desseignes made him to vtter words of a Soueraigne and so absolute as the wise did impute it to extreame arrogancie the which hath alwaies ruined them that entertaine it It is a great happinesse for an Estate to haue great Captaines but there is nothing so hard to entertaine for when as they thinke that they haue bound their Country vnto them although all they doe bee lesse then their duties they are easily discontented and like to Pausanias and Themistocles speeke new allyances and friendship from enemies if they bee not rewarded to their owne wills and to the heigth of their Ambition The Duke of Biron had done great seruice to the King and Realme He was honored with the first charges oâ— the realme so were his recompences so great as no Nobleman of his quality in France but might enuie him For beeing not yet forty yeares olde hee had enioyed the chiefest dignities of the Realme At foureteene yeares hee was Colonell of the Suisses in Flanders Soone after Mashall of the Campe and then Marshall generall Hee was receiued Admirall of France in the Parliament at Tours and Marshall of France in that of Paris Hee acknowledged none but the King at the seege of Amiens and was his Maiesties Lieutenant Generall although there were Princes of the bloud To encrease his greatnesse hee was declared a Peere of France and his Barony erected into a Duchie And yet not content with all this hee sayd hee would not die but hee would straine higher That hee will goe no more to recouer the Townes of Picardie vnlesse the King set vppâ— his Image in brasse before the Lovure vsing still in his brauerie some very dangerous speeches and with such affection as hee was not pleased with them that did not applaude them When hee sawe after the seege of Amiens that Brittaine was reduced and the Warre ended He desires contâ—nuâ—nce of the Warre hee thought that hauing no more vse of his valour hee should haue no more credit that hee should haue no more meanes to play the petty King and to doe all that without
not flâ—e It is easie to perswade a miserable man to flâ—e who feares the paine of his wickednes and cannot endure the testimonie of his confâ—â—ence Hee fled but the euasion of the bodie was his ruine and to saue his head he lâ—st both body soule for the King hauing sent diuers Pâ—ouosts to pâ—uâ—sue him hauing bin ouertaken by him of Meaux at Fay The Traytor Loste drownes himsâ—lâ—e nâ—er vnto La Ferte vnde Iouarre vpon the way to Lorraine the which he tooke to get out of the Realme he cast himselfe into the riuer of Marne and so was drowned A iust reward for such a treachery A miserable dâ—spaire fâ—r him but happie for those who had lost the hope of their safety if â—e had had time to discouer their practises Tâ—e King was sorrie that he was not taken aliue from whome he might haue drawne some light for the good of his seruice But his master was so extremely greeueâ— that he wished a more exemplary Iustice for so great a disloyaltie Villerois letter to La Guiche the 29. of Aprill 1604. and a more peâ—fâ—ct knowledâ—e of the effects and of the complices of this treacherie Doubtles this was a great affliction vnto him the which he did not dissemble in his letters written to his friends thanking the Gouernor of Lions for that hee had kept good gard least this wretch should passe through his gouernment he sayd that hee was â—uch greeueâ— that this disloyal Traytor who had betrayed his King his Country and his Master had wilfully drowned himselfe for he deserued a more seuere and shamefull end in regard of the Kings seruice and his own particular Execution of a dead bodie The bodie of this wretch who had sold himselfe vnto the Spaniards was drawne in peeces by foure horses The punishment was without any fealing for him but it did torment the wicked with a shamefull feare and did trouble the good with a pittiles horror Soone after the King discouered a new practise against his seruice and the Daulphins The winds are inuisible but they that blow them to gather these clouds togither were well knowne and from what coast they came They were but sparkes of fire as soone quencht as kindled The King did write vnto some of his cheefe and principall seruants in these termes You must take it for a good signe that you heare so seldome from me by letter for it is a signe that all is well God be thanked as well for my person as for my affaires The Spaniards would willingly haue more matter oftener for they cannot desist from their ordinary practises to corrupt my seruants I haue of late discouered some newe desseigne in the which my Nephewe the Count of Auvergne and Seigneur of Entragues are named the which they haue willingly aduowed and confessed But I haue taken so good an order as no inconuenience shall happen The ninth of Iune the Pope created eighteene Cardinalls Creation of newe Cardinals not according to the passion of great Princes that had intreated him nor to the liking of his kins-men knowing that his Predecessors had conferred those dignities vpon vnworthy persons set Scarlet hatts vpon heads without vnderstanding and giuen Pasquin occasion to complaine that some approched neere vnto Saint Peters chaire that were more stoanes and had lesse braines then hee had The King had recommended many great Prelats of France to bee remembred at the first promotion to supply their places that were dead Among them that were newly created there were two French and two Spaniards The Spanish Ambassador made great instance to haue more and not to haue his Master equalled by the King of France The first in the list was Seraphin Oliuari Patriark of Alexandria by race an Italian but borne at Lions one of the most Iudicious Prelats of his age Only vertue aduanced him to this dignity and the King made great instance for him by Bethunes his Ambassador Ieames Dauy Bishop of Eureux receiued the like Honor by the Kings recommendations His seruices in reconcilyng the King with the Pope his Lerned writings and his knowledge in Diuinity did worthely purchase him this Honour The rest were all Italians except Bernard Maeziciouuschi Bishop of Cracouia a Polonian Cardinal Aldobrandin did also aduance Herminio his Secretary to this Honour of whome there is so much spoken in the discourse of the Warres of Sauoy Anselme Marzat a Capuchin of Monopoli was forcebly drawne into the number by the Popes expresse commandement hauing once refused this dignity and protesting with teares of the iniury that was done vnto Saint Francis and the strict-rules of his Order Of all the eighteene that were made Cardinalls Troubles bâ—twixâ— the Gâ—isâ—ns and the Count of Fuentes their was not any but this Capuchin but did affect it and many others that did expect it were disapointed There was some feare least the Controuersie betwixt the Count of Fuentes and the Grisons should drawe a ciuill Warre into Italie vnder the pretext of Religion The reason of this trouble grewe for that he would force the Grisons to breake the alliance they had made the last yeare with the Venetians and to make that which they had with France fruitlesse The King aduertised of these practises commanded de Vio his Ambassador to goe vnto Coire and to represent vnto that people the wrong they should doe vnto their reputations in forsaking the faith and obseruation of their Treaties De Vic discouers vnto the Grisons Out of the discours which de Vic did vse vnto them to perswade them to the keeping of their word these points were collected of the inuiolable firmenesse of their Word and oth There must be many acts of vertue to purchase and mainetayne a great and good reputation one onely action to the contrary doth ouerthrowe it and smothers the remembrance thereof It is gotten by many commendable and vertous actions but that which proceeds from Constancy and Generosity in the obseruation of promises is so much the more commendable for that it is grounded vpon Faith and Relligion which bee the two pillers that do assure and maintayne Estates Relligion one of the pillâ—rs of a State The Ancients haue sayd that Faith was the foundation of Iustice the Honour of Heauen and Earth without the which the World could not continue in Peace and they erected her Altar neere vnto that of thundring Iupiter to shewe that God is the reuenger of the breach of Faith And Relligion is so proper to Man and to the society of Men that as Man cannot be Man without it so there is no Nation howe barbarous soeuer that liues without some shadowe of Relligion As they haue the best part of essence and the sollemnity of Allyances and Confederations in the which God is called on as a witnesse and Iudge of their Intentions that doe promise and binde themselues so is hee greatly wronged in the breach of promises And therefore the commendations that
diuers Prouinces and many men â—ol 2â— His cruell pracâ—ises to become great ibid. Horrible murther committed by Clouis ibid. The death of Clouis fol. â—1 His vertues and his vice ibid. The Estate of the Churâ—h ibid. The 6. raigne vnder the â—oure sonnes of Clouis Childebert Clodamir Clotaire Thierry Who raigned together 42. yeares as Kings of France but with particular titles vnder this generall but the eldest beares the name Childebert the 6. King of France HOrrible confusion among brethren fol. 23 Clodamir takes and is taken Crueltie of brethren ibid. Warre betwixt brethren fol. 24 A happie reconâ—ilement ibid. A good and happie warre ibid. Warre rashly vndertaken prooues vnfortunate fol. 25. Austrasia now called Lorraine ibid. A horrible punishment of a rebellious Sonne ibid. Clotaire 1. the 7. King of France PRinces ought not to thrust their subiects into despaire fol. 26 Cherebert 8. King of France DIuision of portions breâ—ds a diuision of harts fol. 28. Horrible confusions betwixt brethren and by their wiues One makes warre against another ibid. Sigâ—bert â—laine fol. 29 Chilperic 1. the 9. King of France THe father kils his sonne through the practises of a woman fol. 30 The husband puts away one wife and kils another ibid. He oppresseth his subiects and the punishment of his crimes ibid. Impietie the spring of all euill fol. 31 Clotaire 2. the 10. King of France THe efficacie of the law of State fol. 31 Notable subtiltie of a woman fol. 32 An imaginarie King ibid. A King in his cradle a Conqueror fol. 33 Tragicall practises of two women ibid. â—redâ—gonde dies with her victorie ibid. Brunâ—hault incenseth one brother against another â—ol 34. The husband against the wife ibid. The brother kils the brother ibid. Brunâ—hault murthers her sonne fol. 35 She is put to a horrible death ibid. Mildnesse fit to repaire a decayed estate fol. 36 The greatnesse of the seruant is a blemish to the master ibid. Too great facilitie hurtfull to an estate ibid. Dagobert 1. the 11. King of France HE forceth his subiects to obedience fol. 37 The Iewes banished France ibid. He was blamed for his adulterie ibid. Hee did great exploits of armes vnder the conduct of Pepin fol. 38 He preferred his younger sonne before the elder ibid. Clouis 2. the 12. King of France THe manners of the idle King fol. 38 The Maior of the Pallace gouernes the whole State â—ol 39 The brethrens portions and their good agreement ibid. The â—eligious life of Queene Baudour ibid. Clouis carefull to releeue the poore ibid. Clotaire 3. the 13. King of France CLotaire a cruell and a wicked King oppressed his subiects fol. 40 Childeric or Chilperic 2. the 14. King of France HE takes his brother and makes him a Monk fol. 41. He growes prowd and cruell The French hate him ibid. He is murthered by his subiects his Queene being with child fol. 42 Thierry 1. the 15. King of France OF a Monke he is made a King fol 42 He is taken prisoner by his subiect iâ—â—d A trecherous murther fâ—l 43 Ebroin Maior of the Pallace growes cruell and â—euengefull hee is murthered by a French Gâ—â—tleman ibâ—d Pepin Maior of the Pallace gouernes with gâ—eaâ— credit ibid. Clouis 3. the 16. King of France HE raigned foure yeares and died without memorie fol. 44 Childebert 2. the 17. King of France HE raigned 17. yeares and did nothing worthy to be spoken of fol. 45 Dagobert 2. the 18. King of France PEpin commanded in a manner absolutely 44. yeares â—ol 46 Princes must looke to whom they commit the charge of affaires ibid. Pepins behauiour during his Maioraltie fol. 47 He was incontinent Charles Martell his bastard ibid. Charles Martell chosen Mayor of the Pallace fol. 48. A second victorie to vse it well ibid. Chilperic 3. the 19. King of France A Prince of no valour simple and voluptuous fol. 49. Thierry 2. the 20. King of France CHarles Martâ—ll chosen Prince of the French â—ol 50. Multiplicitie of Masters a ruine to an Estate ibid. The Sarazens inuade France with 400000. men fol. 50. Martel encounters them and encourageth his men ibid. A memorable defeat of Abdâ—rame the Sarazen and his death fol. 52 The fidelitie of the Viennois to the Fâ—ench fol. 53. The courage of a Bishop ibid. New attempts of the League ibid. A new armie of Sarazens in France ibid. Languedoc seuerely punished by Martell fol. 54 Martel forceth the â—risons to be christened ibid. Childeric 5. the 21 King of France the last of that race THe disposition children and death of Martel fâ—â— 55 Pepin armes against the Sarazens and prescribes them a Law â—â—l 56 He repaires the ruines of the Sarazens ibid. The estate of the Church ibid. Pepin meanes to make himselfe King ibid. The Pope dispenced the French from their oath of obedience to Childeric fol. 57 Pepin the short the 23. King of France and the fiâ—st of the second race PEpin chosen King by the Parliament and Childeric reiected â—ol 60 Soueraigne causes of this change fol. 61 The estate of this second race ibid. Instruction for great men ibid. Pepin striues to win the French by good deeds ib. The Saxons rebell and are subdued ibid. Pepin prouides for the affaires of Italy â—oâ— 62 His wiâ—dome in vndertaking a warre ibid. Astolpho breaks his faith and besiegeth Rome ibid. Pepin confirmes his authoritie by a Parliament fol. 63 He makes a forraine warre to auoide a ciuill ibid. Ieffâ—râ—y of Guienne slaine by his seruant fol. 64 Pepin resignes the crowne to Charles ibid. His children his death and his Manners ibid. The estate of the Empire ibid. Italie made desolate by the Gothes and by the Lombards fâ—l 65 They are expelled by the French ibid. The beginning of Mahomets sect in the East ibid. The estate of the Church at Rome â—ol 66 Contention for Primacie A worthy speech of S. Gregory Dispute for Images At the first but a politicke inuention ibid. Estate of the ancient church Insolencie of Popes at this day â—ol 67 Charles the Great or Charlemaigne the 24. King of France PEpins children diuide the Realme fol. 68 Charles the patterne of a great King ibid. His manners his studies and his armes ibid. The successe of his raigne fol. 69 Carolomans iealousie against his brother ibid. Troubles at Rome 〈◊〉 deeds in 〈◊〉 of his 〈…〉 fol. 70 The Lâ—mbards dissimulation and his presumption in hanging of the Popes Secretaries ibid. Rebellion in Guienne by Hurault ibid. Instruction for Princes fol. 71 Caroloman dies ibid. Charlemagnes wiues and his children ibid. Carolomans widowe ioynes with the Lombards against him 〈◊〉 deeds 〈…〉 â—ntill he 〈◊〉 Empeâ—â—â— ibid. Didier king of the Lombards makes warre against the Pope fol. 72 Charles opposeth himselfe against the Lombard ibid. Charles makes warre with the aduice of his estates and deâ—eates the Lombard twise ibid. He takes Verona and is entertained at Rome fol. 73 Pauia taken and Didier in it ibid. A memorable warre in Germanie and
make a petition vnto the King fol. 827. The Kings answere vnto the Clergy ibiâ— The Iesuits seeke to be restored ibid. The Kings onely Sister fianced to the Prince of Lorraine fol. 828 Troubles for the Duchy of Ferrara 〈◊〉 Duke Câ—â—sar prepares to armes fol. 829. The Popes entry into Ferrara ibid. The Arcâ—-duke Albert meetes with Marguerite of Austria ibid. They passe through the Venetians Countrie fol. 8â—0 The Duke of Mantoua meetes them ibid. The Pope and Legats receiue them ibid. The Duke of Sessa Ambassador for Spaine attended her ibid. The Queens entry into Ferrara ibid. The King of Spaines marriage ibid. Foure of one Family of the same Name and bearing the same Armes married together fol 8â—1 The Popes nuptiall gift to the Queene of Spaine ibid The Admirall of Arragons exploytes in the Duchy of Iuilliers ibid. Prince Mauâ—ice his exploites fol. 832 The Archdukes Answer to the Ambassadors ibiâ— The Earle of Broâ—ke taken by the Spaniards in his Castle and then murthered iâ—iâ— Wezell forced to furnish Money and Come fâ—l 833. The Electors write vnto the Emperor ibid. Warre in Sueden fol. 834. The Turke beeseegeth Varadin in vaine fol. 8â—5 Bâ—da attempted in vaine by the Christians ibid An Inundation at Rome ibid The Pope creatâ— 16. Cardinalls ibid. A treaty at Boulogne fol. 836. The King sicke at Monceaux iâ—id The Deputies of the Princes and States of the Empire assemble at Collen fol. 837. The Electoâ— of Mexiâ— answer to Cardinal Andâ—ew ibid. The Admiralls Letter to the Deputies at Collen fol. 838. He excuseth the murther of the Earle of Brouk and his otheâ— outrages ibid. The Kings Sister marryed to the Duke of Barfoll fâ—l 839. She refuseth to change her Religion and why ibid. The King desires his Sister should become a Catholike fâ—l 840. The Prince of Lorraine comes vnto Paris ibid. Complaints made by them of the Religion fol. 841. Exclusion from publike charges ignominious â—â—l 842. No man is held a Cittizen if he be not partaker of the honors of the Citty ibiâ— The last Edict for Religion at Nantes ibid. Contestation touching their Synode with strangers ibid. The Court of Parliament opposeth against the edict of Religion fol. 843 The Kings speech to the Court of Parliament ibiâ— A Pâ—ince giues no reason of his Edict fol. 844. Necessity the fiâ—st and essentiall cause of an Edict ibid. The Kings sister pursues the establishment of the Edict fol. 845 The Inâ—â—ntas proâ—laâ—ation against the States of the vnâ—tâ—d Prouinces ibid An answer made by the Vnited Prouinces â—â—l 847. The Archduke comes to Genoa with the Queene of Spaine fol. 848. The magnificence at the King of Spaines mâ—rriage at Valentia ibid. Knights of the Golden-Fleece fol. 849 The life and death of Monsieur de Pinaâ— Archbishop of Lions ibid. Barricadoes at Lions against the Duke of Nâ—mours fol. 850. The Duke of Ioyeuze returnes to the Capuchins fol. 851. The seâ—ond Duke of Ioyeuze drowned fol. 852. The Earle of Bouchage left his habit of Capuchin by the Popes dispensation and is Duke of Ioyeuze ibid. His mother desires his returne to be a Capuchin and the King commends his resolution ibiâ— Iesuites incapable of Spirituall dignities fol. 853. The Marquisate of Salusses in question ibid. The Duke of Sauoy seâ—kâ—s to be reconciled vnto the Kiâ—g ibid. The Pope made Iudge of the Controuersie ibid. Brauery of the French fâ—l 854 The Aâ—biteâ—ment broken The King of Spaine repayres all fol. 855. The Duke complaines oâ— the Spaniards â—bâ—d Death of 〈…〉 Marquis of Monceaux and Duchesse of Beaufort ibid. A quaâ—â—ell betwixt D. Phillippâ—n of Sauoy and Monsieur Crequi fâ—l 856. They fought twiâ—e and at the second combate D. Philâ—â—pâ—â— was slaine fol. 857. Aâ—â—igâ—ac demands D. Philâ—ppins life fol. 858. The Estate of the Kings affayres in Suisse ibid. The petty Catholike Cantons allyed to Spaine ibid. Monsieur Sillery Ambassador in Suisse fol. 859. The King sends money to the Suisses ibid. The Duke of Lerma fauorite to the King of Spaine ibid. Asseâ—bly of the Deputies of some Princes of the Empire at Conâ—â—ance fol. 860. The Iustifications of the Vnited Prouinces ibid. Propositions of the Deputies oâ— Westphalia fol. 862. A Decree made at Conâ—â—ance ibid. The Count of Lippe Generall of the Germaine Army they beseege Rees ibid. Prince Maurice assures them of Bommell by his presence fol. 863. The Admirall takes Creuecaeur ibid. The Spanish Aâ—â—ye and that of the States retire out off the limites of the Empire ibid. The Arch-dukes passage into Flanders fol. 864 Isabelle of Valois mother to Isabelle of Austria called the Queene of Peace ibid. The entry of silkes forbidden in France ibid. The King at the Queenes request reuoaked the Edict for silke fol. 865. Martha Brossier possest with a Diuell ibid. The Bishop of Anger 's discouers her to be a CouÌ„teâ—feit ibid. A decree made by the Court against her ibid. An Attempt against the King discouered ibid. Complaint made by the King of Spaine fol. 866 The Archdukes send vnto the King fol. 867. An Army defeated at Dunkerke ibid. The death of the Chancellor Chiuerny Complaints against him ibid. Pompone de Bellâ—â—re Chancellor of France ibid. The death of the Elector of Treues fol. 868. Death of the yong Princesse of Conde ibid. The Marquis of Belle I le becomes a religious Woman ibid. Execution of the Edict of Pacification ibid. The Duke of Iuilliers marries the Daughter of the Duke of Lorraine fol. 869. The Court of Parliament perswades the King to marry ibid. Monsieur de la Guesâ—les speech vnto the King ibid The King of France neuer dies fol. 870. A Letter from Queene Marguerit vnto the King ibid. Her request vnto the Pope ibid Pope â—râ—gâ—rieâ— dispensation was after the Kings marriage fol. 871. The Kings age ibid. The Kings Letter to Queene Marguerit Her answer ibid. â—oure Knights of the Golden-Fleece made by the Archduke fol. 872. The Archdukes Army retires out off the I le of Bommell ibid. The States answer to the Emperors Deputies ibid. The Duke of Sauoy resolues to goe into France iâ—id Hee seemes to bee discontented with Spaine fol. 873. The Councell of Spaine demands the Dukes children ibid. The King of Spaine offended with the Duke ibid. The King giues order for the receiuing of the Duke of Sauoye at Lyons fol. 874. The Duke of Sauoye comes to Fontainbleau fol. 875. The Duke of Mercures voyage into Hungary fâ—l 876. The Tartares demand a Peace fol. 877. They are defeated by Paâ—fi ibid. Redeâ— and â—ebâ—sse made Knights by the Emperor fol. 878 Ambassadors from the Moscouite to the Poland ibid. The great Duke of Moscouie sends presents to the Emperor ibid. Duke Charles hangs vp the Nobles of SuedlaÌ„d that serued the King And makes seauen demandes vnto the Estates of Sueden 〈◊〉 879. The Christians enterprises in Hongaâ—y 〈◊〉 the Turke A Parle of Peace betwixt the Christians Turkâ—â— and Tartares 〈◊〉 Cardinall Andrew Battory defeated and 〈◊〉 by
to assaile the Duchie of Milan on that side and force the enemie to repasse the riuer of Tesin With this dessein the Admirall comes to lodge at Nouare But the ruine of our men approched Sforce sent Iohn de Medicis against the Grisons with fiftie men at armes three huÌ„dred light horse three thousand foot who ioyned with three hundred men at armes three hundred light horse foure thousand foot of the Venetians and stopt their passage so as being discontented hauing no escorte of horse not foot as Ranâ—e had promised them they returned to their Countrie This thorne pulled out of the Emperalls foote Iohn de Medicis takes Carauage baâ—ters downe with his Cannon the bridge which the French had vpon Tesin at Bufalore and nothing remaining of all the Townes betwixt Milan and the Tesin but onely Biagras which lying vpon the great chanell that runnes to Milan did cut off the victuals which were wont to come to the Towne in great aboundance Sforce followed by all the youth of Milan beseeged it accompanied with Iohn de Medicis he battered it foure or fiue dayes was repulsed from the first assault â—orced it at the second and spoyled it A spoile deerely sold to the Milanois Biagras was infected with the plague so all the houses of Milan whether any of the bootie caâ—e were infected with the same contagion which was the death of aboue fiftie thousand persons Biagras taken Biagras taken by the Milanois to stoppe all passages from the French the Viceroy went to lodge at Marignon and the Admirall considering that it was better to hazard the rest of his armie then to perish by famine and pestilence which had greatly diminished his troupes hee tooke the way of Romagnan to ioyne with eight thousand Suisses which were come to Yuree But they strook â—he last stroke They send him word That it should suffice them to retire their compagnions and conduct them into Suisse seeing the King had broken his promise with them by the which they should meet at â—urâ—e with Claude of Longueuille and foure hundred Launces to accompany them Their Countrimen which remained in the campe vnderstanding that their companions were vpon the banks of the riuer of Stesie fled away for the most part to ioyne with them that were newly come In the meane time the Imperials by the perswasion of the Duke of Bourbon followed the Admirall at the heeles The Admirall defeated who to take from the enemie the knowlege of the Suisses disoâ—der endured the shocke with such men at armes as hee could gather togither but being hurt at the first charge with a shot in the arme and forced through the griefe of his wound to leaue the retreate of the armie to the Earle of Saint Paul and to Captaine Bayard Bayard and Vandenesse performing wondrous deedâ— of armes died there Vandenesse presently Bayard thrust through the bodie caused himselfe to be layed at the foote of a tree by his steward his face turned to the enemie as he that neuer turned his backe The Duke of Bourbon poursuing the chase seeing him in this pittifull estate I am sorry for you said hee hauing knowne you so valorous a Knight Sir sayd Bayard drawing towards his end there is no pittie of mee A worthiie speech of Bayard being hurt and dying I die an honest man you are to bee lamented who serued against your Prince your Countrie and your oth and soone after hee gaue vp the Ghost Lorges arriuing with those few French which remayned repulsed such as pursued vnto the bodie of their armie and the Earle of Saint Paul hauing passed the riuer with the losse of few but the brauest of his men deliuered the artillerie to the Suisses who made their retreat by the valley of Aouste and himselfe by Turin Laude Alexandria Nouare and generally all which the King possessed in Italie remained at the victors deuotion The estate of Milan was thus freed from the French and Italie from their present calamities but the roots were not yet cut vppe it was but deferred for a time Then the Duke of Bourbon gaue the Emperour Councell to transport the warre into France The King of Englanâ— did wilâ—ingly giue eare vnto it The fauour the authoritie the many followers and the great intelligence which the Duke of Bourbon presumed to haue in France inuited him thereunto To this end the Emperour treated with the English and the Duke of Bourbon That the Duke should enter into France with a part of his armie which was in Italie That hauing passed the Alpes the King of England should pay him a hundred thousand Crownes for the charge of the first moneth and should continue the same monethly vnlesse hee would inuade the Realme with a mightie armie That France should bee conquered for the English and Prouence for the Duke of Bourbon according to the treatie wee haue before made mention of That the Emperour at the same instant should make warre vppon the confines of Spaine and should procure the potentates of Italie to concurre in this enterprise for the freeing of themselues for euer from the inuasion of the French Marseilles is a commodious port to annoy France and to passe from Spaine into Italy Marseilles beseeged by the Imperiaâ—s According to the Emperours desire and the former treatye the Duke of Bourbon and the Marquis of Pescara march to the conquest of Marseilles The King aduertised of their desseine sends Rance de Cere a man well experienced in warre and the Lord of Brion with two hundred men at armes and three thousand foote for the gard of Marseilles repayred his army and sent to make a leauie of foureteene thousand Suisses and six thousand Lansquenets The Duke and Marquis had now lâ—en six moneths before Marseilles the King hauing vnited his forces marched with an intent to fight with his enemies before Marseilles who seeing so great a power to approch imbarked their great Ordinance for Genes the lesser they laid vpon Moyles and so made a speedy retreat The Marshall of Chabannes who had the leading of the foreward The Imperiallâ— reâ—â—â—e â—n disorder sent foure or fiue hundred horses after them who ouerthrew many and returned with great spoile euery one leauing his baggage behinde him and the Souldiars casting away their armes to bee more light to runne away The King seeing himselfe to haue a goodly army ready and his enemies retyred resolues to cut off their way or to come before them into Italy many disswaded him the season might well diuert him for it was in the middest of October the Regent his mother aduised him to make warre by his Captaines and not in person and the Bishop of Capoua came from the Pope to treate of a generall peace But the heate which transported this good Prince to his owne ruine and dishonour made him to say vnto the Bishop That hee should treat with him by letters and attend him at Auignon with his Mother The