plighted faith Then happie is the man that timelie can beware Of Popish treason which doth seeme great fauor for to beare NOw haue you heard at large the chiefe of bruted broile That lately for the Truth hath bin in France my natiue soil The Lord grant England peace and mercie from aboue That from the Truth no trouble may their fixed heart remoue With wished life and health Lord long preserue and keepe That Noble Queene Elizabeth chiefe Pastor of thy sheepe And that she maie finde out and hunt with perfect hate The Popish hearts of fained frends before it be too late And that in wofull France the troubles that we see To England for to shup the like may now a warning be And where our wound is seene as yet so fresh to bleede Lord grant to England that they maie in time take better heede Now sith you doo perceaue of France the wofull case Good sir I pray you giue me leaue to seâ—ke some other place I feare that I haue staid and charged you too long In warping forth these bloodie broiles in rude rustick song Not so good frend but if with me thou wilt remaine I shall not think it anie charge nor count it anie paine To heare and keepe thee still but if thou wilt depart For thy discourse take this reward thanks froÌ„ frendlie hart And so my frend farewell Lord shield thee from annoy And grant vs al that we may meete with Christ in perfectioy Amen Lord Iesus Christ the praise be thine For blessing of this worke of mine Anna Dowriche Giue God the praise Veritie purtraied by the French Pilgrime FRom Seate supernall of coelestiall Ioue Descended Truth deuoid of worldlie weed And with the brightnesse of her beames she stroue Gainst Sathan Sinne Adams fleshlie Seed Reproouing wrongs bewailing worldlings need Who thinke they swim in wealth blinded by guile Yet wanting Truth are wretched poore vile The World reproou'd in rage attempts hir wracke Sathan assists malicious Men deuise Torments for Truth binde scourges at hir backe Exclaime against hir with blasphemous cries Condemning hir exalting earthlie lies Yet no despite or paine can cause hir cease She wounded springs bedeckt with crowne of Peace FINIS The pitifuâ—… mentation 〈◊〉 godlie Freâ—… Exile whiâ—… for persecuâ—…on forsooke 〈◊〉 Countrie â—emie 9. 12. Samuel 15. Exedus 17. 4. Numb 24. 20. France compared with Iuda Egipt Agipt and Ierusalem a The French â—â—lgrime haâ—â—ng espied the â—uthour comâ—eth to him b The tâ—â—â—g beâ—eene them c The Pilgrim d The Englishâ—â—n the Auâ—â—or e The Exile The FreÌ„ch Pâ—â—grime describeth the causâ— of the Ciuill warrs in Frâ—â—â— Matth. 10. 34. Luke 12 31. The first cratiâ—â—â— of the diuell 〈◊〉 the king the Queen mother â—nd Court of â—aris a In the raigne of Henrie the second Anno 1557. b Philip King of Spaine hauing married Marie Queene of Englande gaue the Constable of FraÌ„ce a great ouerthrow which afterward was called the ouer throw of Laurence Day c The godlie in danger fall to praâ—er as their best refuge d The wicked cannot abide â—nie good exercise e The violent and mad rage of Sathan against the word A certain gate in this assault by the prouidence of God was wonderfullie opened for the sauegard of manie when the houses were on euerie side beset Murder with Sathans Misters findeth more frendship thaÌ„ the truth The exercise of the godlie Commandement was giueÌ„ by the King that some meet men should be chosen to consider the causes of these captiues a The cause of this great tumult â—â—thans wickâ—d policie by â—is ministers to â—â—â—face the â—â—â—uth with â—â—â—ined lies â—he first lie â—â—at Sathan â—readeth aâ—â—inst the godâ—â— The diuels amâ—assadâ—rs Princes are many times abused by lying Parasites The chiefe angels of Sathan which fight against Michael our Christ are the wicked Princes potentates of the world Reuel 12. 7. They that of the Lord haue receiued greater portion of knowledge and faith are bouÌ„d to comfort the weaker The comfortable speeches of the godlie one tewards another Patience a notable token of Gods election and loue Fasting and praieâ— the onelie best weapoÌ„s of the godlie â—n aduersitie The godly captiues write to the King â—â—thaa alwaie â—â—â—idie at a â—â—â—ch 〈◊〉 earnest â—â—â—ters the seâ—â—d time wrâ—tâ—â—n to the king 〈◊〉 the innocent â—â—â—tiues 〈◊〉 his K. Henry 〈◊〉 2 was once 〈◊〉 enimie to 〈◊〉 e Pope and â—â—â—emed to faâ—â—â—r the Gospel â—â—od for his â—â—â—ercie manie â—â—â—â—es giueth â—â—â—yrants little â—â—â—wer The bloud of the Martirs iâ— the seede of the Church Truth the true Phoenix Such are worthie men to be the diuels châ—pions He that haâ— bin once false for sworn is nâ—â— to bee receiue a witnes in a 〈◊〉 matter The wicked make quicke dispatch in 〈◊〉 demning the godlie â—he triumph 〈◊〉 the godlie oâ—â—â—r their eneâ—ies euen in 〈◊〉 midst of 〈◊〉 fire â—m 1. 2. â—b 5. 17. Cro. 32 31 â—ct 4. 28. â—â—ohes 1. 11. 〈◊〉 â—hil 1. 28. â—â—nes 4. 10. â—ct 7. 60. Genes 4. 15. Genes 27. 41. Exod. 14. 27. Nomb. 12. 20. Nomb. 16. 33 Exod 17. 8. Deut. 25. 17. 1. Sam. 15. 33 Wisdom 11. â— 1. Sam. 19. 10. 1. Sam. 31. 4. 1 Sam. 25. 10. vers 38. 2. Sam. 16. 5. 1. King 46. 1. 2. Sam. 17. 1. vers 23. 1. King 13. 4. 1. King 19. 3. 2. King 30. Euse eccl hist 2. booke 7. Chapter Ibid cap. 9. Acts. 11. 23. Matth. 26. 47. Acts. 1. 18. Maxentius 〈◊〉 â—ulianus Vaâ—ens being perâ—ecuters of the â—aithfull had he like end Munerius put â—o open shame and banished its countrie a A Iudge that gaue sentence was strikeÌ„ with sodaine death b O the dedlie sting of a guiltie conscience c Two others cruell in the former slaughter died sodainlie in the sight of all meÌ„ d Other two as they returned from the murder fell at contention and at last were slaine one of an other The second example of the French crueltie Luk. 23. 12. * The graffe that greeued Sathan was the Truth which now in France increased dailie which was the cause of this present Persecution a The speaâ—â—s of the â—â—uell to K. â—enrie the â—â—cond b The King appointed an assemblie to be â—ade to consider of the Edict of Caâ—â—ellobrian c The speaches of the godlie against the Papistes crueltie The speaches of the K. Attornie â—o the Assemblie d This was Sathans subtiltie to bewray such of the Iudges as were suspecâ—ed for Religion which after was the cause of Annas Bargaeus death Acts. 5. 39. 2. Counsellers of the same Senate The Oratiâ—â— of the wicked Counsellors to the K. colourea with lies the more to moue him to wrath The speacâ— of K Hem the second vnto the Sâ—nate a The not aâ—â— Oration â—f Annas Burgaus â—eliuered â—efore the King in the â—â—at house b He setteth â—ut the poâ—er verâ—ue of the â—ord of god and what a â—lessing it â—ringeth to them that
this to vs that doo remaine That God dooth giue to his elect such strength to conquere paine This is the godlie end that blessed man did make VVhom life honor could not beÌ„d his Christ for to forsake He liude with good report his death deserueth fame And he hath left vnto his foes a leaud and filthie shame A rare and passing signe no doubt the Lord did giue To see that noble constancie in him while he did liue VVhose constant death in France and blood did sow the seede VVherby the church did much increase godly yet do feed He came of honest house in learning spent his youth And beeing plac'te in high degree he sought to learn the truth VVhereof when he had felt the sweete and pleasant tast He ioinde himselfe vnto the Church sticks to them at last VVell he is gone before and we that are behinde Lord grant to vs in Iesus Christ like faith and constant minde Amen The iudgements of the Lord which fell vpon King Henrie the second after he had caused Burgaeus to be imprisoned Anno 15â—9 Dilated by the examples of Ahab Amaziah and Zedechiah wicked Kings which vsed the like crueltie against the word THe Lord on Elies sonnes and sinnes this sentence gaue They that doo loue and honor me great honor still shall haue But they that doo despise my word my law and will They shall be sure of euerie man to be abhored still Which sentence of the Lord for euer shall be true As by examples we may see of such as doo insue For when as Ahab was in fond and foolish rage To Ramoth Gilead stoutlie bent vniustlie warres to wage A Prophet from the Lord did tell him verie plaine That if this warre he took in hand King Ahab should be slain But to the prison straight this Prophet then was led The king gaue charge that he shuld be with bread water fed Till he returned safe from Gilead home againe But what befell It came to passe the King indeed was slaine So Amaziah which by idolls did offend Vnto the Prophet would not yeeld his willing eare to bend But did with bitter scoffes and scornes reproue the word For which he was by Iehu spoild and taken by the sword So Zedekiah proud from sinne would not returne But Rebel-like the word of God he did with fire burne And Ieremie by him was oft in prison pent Because he said the King and all to Babel should be sent But let vs see his ende the King of Babel came Who toke him captiue with his men put them al to shame And he that was content Gods Prophet to disgrace Was forc'te to see the murder of his sonnes before his face His eies that would not see Gods truth and shining light The King of Babel put them out as they deserude of right So Henrie King of France which all his force did bend Against the truth did from the Lord receaue a fearfull end For now amidst the ruffe of all their mirth and ioy When euerie man deuised how the godlie to destroie The time appointed came for marriage of the King Which to the Court Courtiers did great mirth pleasure bring And for the greater pompe of all this princely traine A solemne Iust the youthlie King by Crier did proclaime In which he meant to shew his manhood and his might And being horst with limber speare in armor shining bright He chose among the rest the challenge now begun Mongomerie Captaine of his gard against him for to runne Which he did oft refuse and wiselie did withstand Till that the King the fatall speare put in his Captaines hand Where charging with their spears forcing might main A splinter pierst the Princes eie and ranne vnto his braine The King with sodaine wound and bleeding much dismaid Within the next adioyning house to bed he was conuaide Where plungd with grieuous pain his conscience did lament The wrong which he had done to those whoÌ„ he to prison sent I greatlie feare said he least I haue done some ill Against Burgaeus and the rest whose blood I sought to spill But Elimas the witch doth spend his cursed winde From such remorse to keep in thral the Kings afflicted minde It is said he thy foe that doth assault thy faith In which take heed that thou remain stil constant to thy death This heauie hap befell as manie men haue tolde Nere to the place wherein as then Burgaeus was in hold And manie did obserue that he did kill the King Which was commanded to the Iaile Burgaeus for to bring The King did often brag those eies of his should see Burgaeus burnt but loe the Lord did alter that decree For ere Burgeus was vnto the fire led Mongemerie had those eies of his thrust cleane out of his head Now here we plainlie see the life and heauie end Of theÌ„ which persecute the truth which God doth often send And let vs warning take by this most fearfull fate For to returne and loath our sinne before it be too late Amen The bloodie marriage or butcherlie murder of the Admirall of France and diuers other noble and excellent men at the marriage of Margaret the Kinges owne sister vnto Prince Henrie sonne to the Queene of Nauarre committed the 24. of August in the Citie of Paris Anno 1572. NOw haue you heard before of faggot fire and sword Inhaunst by Sathan for to quell Gods truth and blessed word But now I must begin such treason to vnfold As former times for crueltie And ages new and olde Haue neuer seene the like in Christendome till now When sacred faith by flatterie and oath of Princelie vow By treason did contriue to shed the guiltlesse blood Of theÌ„ which now by peace did seek to do their couÌ„trie good For when the Lord did send his truth into the land He raised vp some Noble men to take this cause in hand Among the which as chiefe and souereigne of the field There was Prince Henrie of Nauarre with such as would not yeeld Vnto the Guisian race the Prince of Condee next The Admirall and D' Andelot with others that were vext By bloodie Guises band who daily did inuent How to oppresse the word of truth which Christ had thether sent But when as Sathan saw by words and dealings plaine That manie Princes were in armes this truth for to maintaine It galde him to the heart that where he did deuise To choake the word that euen there the more it did arise He summons all his mates these matters to debate How they might choak this springing seed before it were too late Where all within a round they come without delaie To whom this bloody captaine then these words began to say There is a subtill veyne that feedes this cankred sore For now the deeper it is launcte it riseth still the more Vve see that fire and sword cannot at all
THE French Historie That is A lamentable Discourse of three of the chiefe and most famous bloodie broiles that haue happened in France for the Gospell of Iesus Christ Namelie 1 The outrage called The winning of S. Iames his Streete 1557. 2 The constant Martirdome of Annas Burgaeus one of the K. Councell 1559. 3 The bloodie Marriage of Margaret Sister to Charles the 9. Anno 1572. Published by A. D. All that will liue godlie in Iesus Christ shall suffer persecution 1. Tim. 3. 2. Imprinted at London by Thomas Orwin for William Russell dwelling at Exeter 1589. To the right worshipfull her louing Bro-Master Pearse Edgecombe of Mount Edgecombe in Deuon Esquier mercie and peace from Iesus Christ RIght worshipfull and my louing Brother I haue heard it often truelie reported That Lawes maie be broken but Nature cannot be forgotten I finde the force of this in my selfe if I finde not the like in you I blame not your nature but the contrarie crossings of those politique affections that hinder the working of it VVhen I had ended this present Pamphlet I saw that the simplicitie of it required a Patron the often remembrance of your former curtesies inforced me to make bolde with you Consider not therefore the worthinesse of the worke but rather the will of the worker for though the one maie iustlie be condemned yet the other deserues to be accepted This Booke which proceedes vnder your protection if you consider the matter I assure you it is most excellent and well worth the reading but if you weigh the manner I confesse it is base scarce worth the seeing This is therefore my desire that the simple attire of this outward forme maie not discourage you from seeking the cōfortable tast of the inward substance You shall find here manie things for comfort worthie the considering and for policie the obseruing This hath beene my ordinarie exercise for recreation at times of leasure for a long space togeather If I were sure that you would but take halfe so much pleasure in reading it as I haue in collecting and disposing it I should not neede anie farther to commend it If you finde anie thing that fits not your liking remember I pray that it is a womans doing The thing it selfe will sufficientlie prooue this to be true Thus committing the patronage of this my recreation vnto your protection and you withmy good sister in law your wife all your children to the Lords tuition I cease to troble you Honiton the 25. day of Iulie 1589. Your louing Sister Anne Dowriche PEARSE EDGECOMBE The sharpest EDGE will soonest PEARSE and COME vnto AN end Yet DOWT not but be RICHE in hope and take that I doo send A. D. P PVt not your trust in fading earth puft vp with fainting staies Possesse the Lord so shall you still persist in godlie waies E Exalt your eies from common shapes esteeme not of this pelfe Expresse in deeds what faith you haue examine wel your selfe A As windes disperse the wau'ring chaffe and tosse it quite away All worldlie pompe shall so consume and passe without delay R Repleated oft with wandring change recount your life to be Remember wel no blessed fruite remaines on cursed tree S So shal you trace the perfect path saluation to attaine So shal you see this glittering glose set out to be but vaine E EXtinguish then the carnal course exempted from aboue Expell the qualmes of fond delights excell in godlie loue D Depart not from the liuing Lord delight to read his word Delaie no time for he doth still defend vs with the sword G Giue to your God your soule life good gain insues thereby Grieue not the Spirit that warneth you great dangers for to flie C Cast all your care on him alone care for no other praie Considering he your greatest griefes can quicklie take awaie O Of all things lent vnto this life one thing accompt the best Onelie the truth feare of God on which our souls must rest M Make no accompt of trustles trash molesting misers minde Mark how these maskers oftētimes much care sorow finde B Beware betimes of had I wist be not these pleasures vaine Beleeue in Christ and so you shall be sure to liue againe To the Reader AMongst manie excellent precepts which Saint Paul gaue vnto the Church this is to be considered Let al things be done vnto edifying If this had been of all men well considered manie things which now flie abroad might well haue been spared That my onelie purpose in collecting framing this worke was to edifie comfort and stirre vp the godlie mindes vnto care watchfulnesse Zeale feruentnesse in the cause of Gods truth you shall easilie perceiue by the chusing and ordering of these singular examples which hereafter insue In which these speciall circumstances are to be considered First The great furie and rage of Sathan likelie to bee displaced from his Kingdome of error and blindnes the franticke madnes of the ignorant possessed people delighting in darkenesse and striuing to vpholde the Kingdome of their Master and the prompt facilitie and readines of Sathans ministers to put in execution anie kinde of wickednesse al which is to be seene both in the first example of The winning of Saint Iames his Streete in all the rest of the booke Secondlie The power maiestie dignitie of the Diuell possessing the chiefest States of the earth seeming to the outward appearance to weild the Truth vnto his obedience in suppressing the strongest that dared openly to withstand him in the Storie of Annas Burgaeus Thirdlie The policie and crafte of Sathan and his members in deuising by subtiltie to circumuent the godlie vnder the shadow of trust to exercise tyrannie vnder the colour of courtesie to practise crueltie and vnder the vaile of a sacred oath to couer most shamefull villanie This is to be seene in the third example of the miserable Massacre at the bloodie marriage We had need therefore to be watchfull strong and wise watchful in praier that we be not taken sleeping strong in faith that we be not ouerthrowen by Sathans might wise as serpents that we be not deceaued by the diuels allurements We are to learn also what trust we ought to repose in the promises and oaths of professed Papists what shewe so euer they make of loue and frendship Here as in a glasse you shall plainlie see the picture of all the morall vertues most liuelie described in the strange patience the godlie perseuerance the comfortable orations sweete speeches and the constant and famous endings of these sacred Martires Wheresoeuer thou shalt finde the Diuel brought in Poëticallie to make any oration to the King and States of France as in manie places he is then vnderstand that vnder those speeches are expressed all the subtilties villanies cruelties and policies that were deuised and by diuelish meanes put in practise against the godly more liuely to set them down in their colors
frets he fumes he raues And of the King some speedie helpe in present danger craues The fate that files my fall ô King faith he is this Your Senate fauours truth too much your Iudges too remisse They are not sharpe inough to shred appearing ill They suffer impes of Luthers sect too much to haue their will The King not well content prouideth out of hand Some new assemblie to be had to haue this matter scand The Senate being set the Kings Attorney first Doth grauely shew vnto them al how that the K. doth thirst To haue them all agree in matters touching faith And to consent that Luthers brood should all be put to death For that some strife of late there was betweene them found Cōcerning this But to their shames this iarring would redoūd Because for Heretikes some first would haue them tride And some would haue them banished some would haue thē fride And therefore wisheth all with him to giue consent That death might end this strife which thing the king hath alwaie ment This was a subtill slight the godlie to betray That such as spake against the same their cōscience should bewray But yet amōg the rest some freely spake their minde That reason for so cruell act as yet they could not finde The King would haue saie they but Heretikes to die And what are they but such as dare the Scriptures to denie If anie such be found let them be wroong to death Because the word is all our staie and Author of our faith But if for Heretikes the godlie should be slaine God would reuenge their blood and we by this should reap no gain And those which you do think the truth do now denie Their reasons deeds faith we see wherein they stoutlie die Therefore if from the Lord this counsell doo proceede To striue against the same it were a vaine and sinfull deede Thus did the better sort their godlie thoughts bewraie Which being crost with coūter cranks was cause of their decaie For Satan fearing least their sentence would preuaile Sent two in post vnto the King these dealings to reueale The limbes of Pluto which this bloodie message went Egidius and Minardus were fit hounds for such a sent Who comming to the King most falselie did declare That in the Senate such were found which stoutly now did Religion to deride and speeches let to fall dare That for his Lawes and Edictes past they made no count at al. Now therefore is the time your Grace must looke about That springing showes of future ill your wisedome may roote out For if you should permit these rebels thus to thriue Great perill is least of your crowne your Grace they would depriue The King inflamed thus doth make no long delaie But to the Senate where they sate he takes his readie waie Where placed in his throne and hauing pausde a while Thus spake in presence of them all in high and princelie stile THe Lord that lendeth all and weeldes the golden spheare Hath sent vs now a wished peace deuoid of forreine feare Which peace is aye confirmde by bande of solemne vowe And plighted faith of solemn match which none can disalow Yet one thing there remaines to perfect this my State That in Religion one consent might banish all debate Which is the onelie cause that moues my pensiue heart In this your meeting for to ioyne and beare a carefull part This is therefore in few our craue and eke request That euerie man doo shew his minde as he shall thinke it best Here some that had before in words been verie rife Began to staie and doubted much the danger of their life Yet there were some which now a noble courage take Annas Burgeus as the chiefe this doubtfull silence brake Who lifting vp his hands in heart began to praie With thankes to God that he did liue to see that happie daie Wherein the Lord had wrought such care within his grace That he would bēd his willing eare to iudge so weightie case The cause saith he is Christs which we haue now in hand For which the Lord wil surely blesse both you eke your lād This is the blessed Arke that came to Edomes hall For which the Lord hath blessing sent on him his house al. This is the dustie booke which good Hilkiah found Which read before the King did giue a sweet siluer sound This is the Angel which to Gedeon did appeare This is the deaw vpon the fleece which set him void of feare This is the sword that made blinde Balaams Asse to speake This is the flame the Prophet forst his silence for to breake This is the liuelie spring which cooles the thirstie heate This is the shining lanterne which giues light vnto our feete This is the flame that earst by night did shew the way This is the blessed cloud that led Gods chosen in the day This is Elgathes flake that made his offering fume And this the blast which frō the Lord great rebels did cōsume This is the mightie voyce that makes the mountaines shake This makes the Liban cedars stoop fearful hindes to quake And this the pleasant wine to weake that comfort giues And this the wholsom milk wherby the sucking Infant liues Now as the Lord doth blesse the land that loues the same So for contemners of his truth he still prouides a shame For why came Ashur vp Gods chosen to molest And led the King with Commons all in Babel for to rest But for because they all their God did often grieue Which hated truth were content their faith to idols giue And if he doo not spare a King ô King take heed If people all to thraldome goe this land ô Lord had neede To weigh the cursed cause of this their finall fall Least for the like the like consume our King and Cōmons all Now is the Angell come with open booke in hand Which long ere this was sealed close from vs eke our land Now must the godlie craue of this to eate their fill So God with plentie will not faile to loue and feed them still Now see this Angel which to vs doth offer grace Is Iesus Christ which by his death our sins doth quite deface If we by liuelie faith of him can take good hold Then voide of feare before the Lord to come we may be bold It's he that shewes the way the truth to intertaine It's he that cleares the blinded eyes it's he that parteth plaine The truth from popish lies the sonne from mystie shades It's he that cals our straying steppes from Sathans sinfull trades O well is he that can this booke this truth imbrace O ill is he that shall refuse when Christ doth offer grace And though this booke at first be sweete vnto our tast Yet Sathans rages makes the
this thing Yes sir you doo refuse with vs to Baal your offrings bring O mercie now good Lord what wicked times are these How long shal these vngodlie men keep these vngodlie waies How long wilt thou forbeare to bridle this their lust And when shall all their fleshlie pride be raked in the dust Why doost thou winke so long whie dost thou so delaie Why dost thou not cut off those Impes that stir this fierie fray But if it be thy will that they should longer raigne And if thou thinke it best for vs that they should yet remaine Restraine them yet good Lord least they doo go too farre For they against thy godlie Saints intend a cruell warre And till thy pleasure be for to destroie them quite Withhold their cruell iawes ô Lord with thy most mightie Bitt Haue mercie still on vs ô louing Father deere Maintaine vs in defending thee from danger fals and feare And make them Lord to know that they those Rebels are That froÌ„ the simple which do seek the light truth debarre And while that I haue breath I will declare the same That Sathan may not with his lies thy blessed truth defame Is this a Rebels part when men to Princes giue Their bodies goods and al things els without repine griefe Is this a traitors pranke vnto the Lord to praie That he will keepe both Prince Land from troble decaie And that he will vouchsafe to take from them the myste Which keeps theÌ„ from the knowledge of their sauior their Christ Or rather is not this a most rebellious part To seeke by all rebellious meanes Gods glorie to subuart To giue the honor due vnto the Lord alone To Saints that you haue made or els to senseles stock stone To vse blasphemous oathes to suffer common stewes To iustifie your owne deuice and such like filthie vse Your Conscience shall be iudge to you I doo appeale Hath God deliuered you the sword against his truth to deale If not beware betime and marke what I shall saie This mallice which you beare to Christ will be your own decaie And what are you so blinde that you perceaue not this How in this sentence you pronounce that you are none of his Recount within your selues and call to minde at large Where anie sinne or wickednesse be laid vnto our charge If not then iudge againe and tell me if you can VVhich is the best to serue the Lord or follow sinfull man Now if you loue your goods your credite and your life If you preferre before your God your houshold child or wife Then know you are not fit with Christ to haue a part But feare least for your sinne in hell you finde a lasting smart But if you doo not feare the iudgements of the Lord Yet know your deeds in forreine lands to straÌ„gers are abhord How manie sinfull actes and deedes deuoyd of wit That ruddie purpled Phalaris hath made you to commit Who for his cursed gaine hath set about the King Such as wil Prince and Commons all to deadlie ruine bring And when that Beast doth bid you runne at euerie call You racke teare Gods knowen truth not caring what befall To please him you doo yeeld the godlie to torment With such outrage as you are forc't the same for to lament But what me thinkes I see the teares tril downe your cheeke What haue I spoken that which now your conscience doth misllike Well then beware betime for yet the time is wel But if you shun this profered grace beware the paines of hell Your conscience must be knowen your deeds must al appeere Then call for grace and so repent while yet you tarrie heere But if you quake in rest as Felix did before And if you feare without remorse your paine wilbe the more You see how they reioice whom you condemne to die No terror can assaile the heart on Christ that doth relie We waie not all your force your mallice and your strife We doo accompt this cruell death to vs a happie life Why should it grieue my heart for Christ to hang or burne For little paine I know the Lord great pleasâ—re will returne But they vnhappie are and cursed from aboue Which from theÌ„selues others seek the truth for to remoue But this I know from Christ nothing shall me depart And from assured hope in him none shall remoue my heart For though you teare my flesh and heart to pouder grinde Yet this shall neuer so preuaile as once to change my minde And when that you haue done the worst you can deuise Vve know that in the latter day with Christ we shall arise This death therefore to vs we recken little paine For we beleeue assuredlie that we shall liue againe Now hap what maie befall to hang to burne to frie I haue professed Christ and so a Christian I will die Vvhy therefore doo we staie Come hangman doo thy part Thy fact in this loe heere I doo forgiue with all my heart And this he did repeate Come hangman doo the deed Till that the stoutest heart that heard for griefe began to bleed Put out put out said he your franticke fierie brands That Christ may onlie rule reign set to your helping hands Repent your wicked thoughts forsake your filthie waies And if you hope to haue release then vse no more delaies But why doo I so long draw this forsaken breath Farewell my mates for now behold I goe vnto my death Thus hauing said his minde and readie to depart The hangman takes and ties his hands and laies him on a cart In which he was conuaid vnto a place fast by Where chained to a stake it was ordainde that he should die The streetes of Paris towne were kept with watch and ward There went with him of armed meÌ„ foure huÌ„dred for his gard The waies on euerie side that lead vnto the place Were stopped vp as if they had foreseen some doubtful case And where we plainlie see these tyrants all afraid The godlie man for all this broile was not a whit dismaid For when he was vnbound there was in him no feare He put his clothing off himselfe with bold and constant chear Where standing naked then and stript vnto his skin With cheerefull voyce he did at last this heauie speach begin The cause why I am come good people to this death Is not for murder theft or wrong But for a liuelie faith Which said he held his peace and kneeling on the ground VVith sighes he praid til to the stake by hangmaÌ„ he was bouÌ„d VVhere he did oft repeate O Lord forsake not me Least by the frailenesse of my flesh I hap to slide from thee O Lord receaue my soule into thy blessed rest Giue me thy strength while I doo liue O Lord I thee request Thus with a quiet minde and heart deuoide of strife For Christ amidst the fierie flame he yeelded vp his life BVt what a ioy is
stand awaie For that he had some secret thing vnto the King to saie Which done he thus began O King this life to saue Is not the thing I thank the Lord that I do greatly craue For this I know is true we all must pay a death To God our maker which hath lent this vse of liuelie breath But to your Maiestie the great good will I bare Is it which now aboue the rest dooth most increase my care To see you now beset with such as wish no good Vnto your health your crown life such as seek the blood Of you and of your frends to spill your noble race That so they may in future time your Princelie stocke deface And so at length ingraffe a strange Italian weede VVhich may in France most furelie choake the Princes royall seede This is the onelie marke to which they doo aspire This is the onelie wood ô King that doth mainteine the fire Of these your ciuill warres although they doo pretend Religion and some other thing this is the chiefest end Of all their drift Therefore ô King beware by time Mark this Eclipse whilst yet ye see the Moone is in her Prime I saie the lesse because I know your Grace is wise You shall in time most plainlie see this plot of their deuise Your wisedome dooth perceaue I hope whom I doo meane For of the same with griefe before I heard you oft complaine For though that I doo lie heere wounded as you see The chiefest treason they intend is not alone to me But to your noble Grace whose death they daily craue Whose life by treason long ere this now desire to haue I know when God shall take this fraile and wretched life Some will not sticke to say that I was cause of all the strife But God that is aboue and you my witnesse be How deare the safegard of my Prince peace hath bin to me God grant you see in time your frends from fleering foe That still in safetie you may reigne deuoide of griefe and woe Now I can saie no more but God preserue your Grace And shield you from your fained friends which beare a double face And this amidst your mirth I praie remember still That they that seek to haue my life do beare you no good wil. Vvhich said the King did giue such speach as he thought best And then in loud and solemne words in hearing of the rest He did with frendlie cheere request the Admirall Vnto his Court for to remooue what euer should befall And others spake likewise vnto the same intent His simple meaning could not see the treason that was ment But yet vpon aduise his frends did thinke it best Not knowing what may there betide the K. he should request That he would them assigne some of his Graces gard Before his gates both night day to keep their watch ward The motion being made the King was well content And said to this their good deuise he gladly gaue consent And that he would prouide to haue it surelie knowne That of his life he made accompt no lesse than of his owne And that he would preserue with care more tenderlie The Admirall than he would keepe the apple of his eie For that he did admire the valure of his minde Vvho little thought in mortall man such courage for to finde The Duke of Aniow then commanded out of hand One Câ—ssin Captaine of the gard to ward with Princes band The gates and streates wherein the Admirall did lie Vvhich was no sooner said but was performed presentlie This Câ—ssin that was set with watch to ward the gate Vvas one that did the Admirall in heart most deadlie hate And farther for to put the matter out of doubt They did consent that he should haue his trustie frends about The place where he did lie which came of no good will But hoping rather all by this the easier for to kill And this among the rest a bloodie practise was Vvhich cloaked guile by Sathans art too soone was brought to passe BVt heere the Prologue endes and heere begins the plaie For bloodie mindes resolued quite to vse no more delaie The Mother Queene appeares now first vpon the Stage Vvhere like a diuelish sorceresse with words demure and sage The King she cals aside with other trustie mates Into a close and secret place with whom she now debates The great desire she had to quit them all from care In planting long a bloodie plot which now she must declare O happie light quoth she ô thrice most happie daie Which thus hath thrust into our hands our long desired pray We haue them all in hold we haue the chiefest fast And those for whom we waited long we haue them all at last Vvhie should we longer staie what can we farther craue Vvhat are not all things come to passe which wee doo long to haue Doth not our mightiest foe lie wouÌ„ded in his bed Not able now to helpe himselfe which others long hath led The Captaines captiue are the King of Nauarre sure The Prince of Condee with the rest that mischiefe did procure Are close within our wals we haue them in a trap Good fortune loe hath brought them al laid theÌ„ in our lap By force or flight to saue their liues it is too late If we to cut off future feare and cause of all debate Doo take the profered time which time is onelie now And wisedome matcht with policie our dealings doth allow Vve neede not feare the spot of anie cruell fame So long as we maie feele some ease or profite by the same For wisedome doth allow the Prince to plaie the Foxe And Lion-like to rage but hates the plainnesse of an Oxe Vvhat thogh ye do forswear what thogh ye break your faith Vvhat thogh ye promise life yet repay it with their death Is this so great a fault Naie naie no fault at all For this we learne we ought to doo if such occasions fall Our Masters doo perswade a King to cogge and lie And neuer keep his faith whereas his danger growes thereby Cut off therefore the head of this infectious sore So maie you well assure your selues this Byle wil rise no more The Captaines being slaine the soldiers will be faint So shall we quicklie on the rest performe our whole intent Plucke vp therefore your sprites and play your manlie parts Let neither feare nor faith preuaile to dant your warlike harts What shame is this that I a woman by my kinde Neede thus to speake or passe you men in valure of the minde For heere I doo protest if I had bene a man I had my selfe before this time this murder long began Why doo you doubting stand and wherefore doo you staie If that you loue your peace or life procure no more delaie We haue them in our hands within our Castle gates Within the wals of Paris
Against poore Naboth she at last came to a fearfull ende Looke well therefore ô King before you leap too farre Least in the end this testie scab do breed a lasting scarre Well I can saie no more but God preserue your Grace And graunt your soule when breath is gone with him a resting place But this could not preuaile this noble man to saue For bloodie Doeg did attend his office for to haue For which an Auernois a man of cused fame Made offer there before the King that he would do the same The King was well content this office for to giue To him so that this Noble man of life he would bereaue We see how Sathan doth by glorie mixt with gaine Worke to procure this worthy wight the sooner to be slaine There fell in this assault for mallice to the truth Theligni famous for his wit a rare and passing youth Who for his manlie heart and courage did excell For which the King in outward shewe did seeme to loue him wel Now when the time was come that martird he shuld be With courage bold he smiling said O welcome death to me It grieues me for to liue since faith from Princelie seate Abandonde is and in her place raignes falshood and deceite It grieues me for to see this sad and irksome daie Wherein so great and famous King a traitors part shuld play It grieues me for to heare poore soules deceiued crie Too late for that they did too much on Princes oath relie Woe worth my harmlesse heart too soone that did beleeue And to the kings dissembling words too soone did credit giue Woe worth the wicked time when first I did begin To worke the meanes for to perswade my father to come in Woe worth my lying tongue which first assaid to bring My fearfull Father in the minde that he should trust the King How oft did I commend the Kings assured loue How did I thinke that nothing might vs frō the same remoue How oft did I recount the Kings repeated oath How many frendly signes were seene of force to bind vs both How often did I vrge there was no cause of feare Because for this we saw the King most willing for to sweare But sith it is too late this error to lament My trusting hath deserued death and therefore am content Sith I am not the first whom trust hath thus betraid To suffer death for no offence I am the lesse dismaide And since my greatest hope hath wrought me most despite What shall I saie I saie no more but Lord receaue my sprite Thus came this noble impe vntimelie to his graue For that he to a Papists oath too great afliance gaue And thus fell manie moe of Nobles here and there Whose names valiant acts were now to lōg for to declare Thus did those lawlesse bands go raging vp and downe From house to house they sought to spoyl the welthiest of the town So they that beggers were when first this stirre began At last with rich and flowing welth the chiefest credit wan This while the Duke of Guise these words repeated still With crying voice Kill kill the knaues this is the princes wil. And least the souldiers should waxe faint with bloodie toile Now rid thē al my frēds quoth he you shal haue the spoile Thus did they all a day from morning vnto night With bloodie swords runne vp and down no doubt a heauie sight They spared none they knew no sex could pitie finde The rufull crie of tender babes could not asswage their minde In great triumphing ioye of this their warlike feate The bodies slain frō windowes hie they throw into the streat So that there was no way no lane or passage by Vvhere murdred men you might not see in heaps together lie Now whilst within the towne these things a dooing were The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee did appeere Before the King For so before it was agreed To saue these youths to farther hope the counsell had decreed For they their lodging had within the Castle wall Vvhich for defence is alway thought the surest place of all These Princes being gone and onelie had awaie The rest were left vnto the sword to die without delaie Their seruants their frends their tutors with the rest Could not preuaile to saue their liues by sute ne yet request But thrust without the dores and kneeling in the place The gard of Switzers slew them all before the Princes face And still betweene the stroke they cried all amaine Vpon the Kings fidelitie but faith was calde in vaine Yet none amongst them all so much lamented was As Mounsieur de Pilles that he should come vnto so hard a passe Because among the rest he past them all so farre For godlie zeale in truth and eke for prowesse in the warre Vvho lying in his bed somwhat before the day And hearing noise of armed men leapt out to see the fray And marking well the voyce in place and time of truce Of cries and killings euerie where it made him much to muse Vvhich dump De Nance did break who did this message bring That straight to void the place he was cōmanded by the king And that he should depart his weapons left behinde From out the Court and Castle gate ful sore against his minde Vvhich was no sooner said but Pilles was forced out Among the bloodie weapons of that rude vnrulie rout To hope for longer life he saw it was but vaine He saw such cruell rage and eke the bodies that were slaine Vvhere lifting vp his voice so that the King might heare These words he spake before them al deuoid of fainting feare O false vnworthie King ô whelpe of sauage kinde O traitrous heart in kinglie breast ô base polluted minde Is this a Princelie part by treason to procure The murder of thy chiefest frends Is this thy Popish lure To traine vs in by trust to thrust vs thus to death Is this thy solemne Kinglie oath is this a Princes faith Is this thy frendlie cheere Is this thy fawning face Is this the fruite of Romish faith ô false dissembling race And doost thou honor so thy sisters spousall daie And couldst thou finde no other time thy treasons to bewraie Is this the trust that is in mother sonne and kinn Let France thē curse the man that did first bring this kinred in How are thy wits bewitcht what furie doth inrage Thy tigers heart that nothing can thy thirst but blood asswage And wast thou not afraid to giue thy leaud consent To murder them which to beleeue thy promise were content Vvhere are thy frendlie words where is thy feined loue Vvhat hath thy flintie heart forgot there is a God aboue And thinkst that thou shalt shed our guiltlesse blood in vaine Shall not the Lord ô wretch of thee require the same againe How darest thou to behold the creatures of the Lord Vvhen for thy