depart from Corbeil and enter Champagne in hatred of the Earle who had forsaken them to follow the Kings partie But Lewis taking him into his protection and marching towards them with his men at armes all their desseignes came to nothing And yet they had imbarked the Duke of Lorraine and the King of England in this quarrell Lewis hauing expelled them Champagne followes his course takes Angiers without any contradiction belonging then vnto the Brittons and from thence hee marcheth into Brittanie Terror opens the Gates of all the Citties The Earle of Dreuz leaues his Brother who seeing himselfe abandoned of them all but first of iudgement confesseth his fault and doth homage to the King for Brittanie The League broken and by this rebellion he gets the name of Maâ—clerck hauing so ill imployed his time as to suffer himselfe to bee vanquished by a Child and a Woman These troubles thus pacified to the dishonor of the Authors the young King wonne great reputation and his Mothers wisdome was generally commended Lewis makes a progresse throughout 〈◊〉 realmâ— who thought it fitte that her Sonne should bee seene of all his subiects As hee went this progresse hee receiued homage from all his Nobilitie and ordained many things according to occurrents It chanced that hauing erected Poitou to an Earledome and giuen it to Alphonso his brother Hugh Earle of Marche which lyes within Poitou would not acknowledge Alphonso for his Lord His Wife Isabell Mother to King Henry of England who had beene first married to King Iohn was the motiue scorning to subiect her selfe to an Earle of Poitou This ambitious passion was the cause of great Warre First shee drewe in the Earle of Lusignan vnder the same pretext for that there had beene Kings of Ierusalem and Cipres issued out of this Noble house and afteâ—wards the King of England The first tumult not preuented had almost surprised Lewis within Saumur and this Woman transported with pride and hatred sought to make him away eyther by poison or sword kindling the Warre in England by hired Preachers In the end after the two armies had made great spoile in Poitou Xantonge and Angoulmois both of friend and enemie a peace was concluded with the English vpon condition that La Marche should remaine in France This was the end of that feminine rage ridiculous in the issue but lamentable for the poore people who alwayes pay for the folly and malice of Princes Prouence was gouerned by the Berengers as wee haue sayd since the ouerthrow of Lewis the Sonne of Boson and then in the hands of Raymond Berenger Prouence comes to Charles of Aniou a sonne of France a fierce and cruell man who had so incensed his subiects being impatient and turbulent of themselues as they had recourse to Raymond Earle of Tholouse his neerest Kinsman to install him in their Earles place with whom they would haue no more correspondencie Being ready to arme the felicitie of Lewis pacified all Raymond Earle of Prouence had foure Daughters Marguerite which was wife to our Lewis the ninth and Queene of France Elenor which was married to Henry King of England Sanchia to Richard his brother Duke of Cornwaile and Beatrix which was to marry Daughters of great hapines hauing had three Kings and a Royall Prince The Earle of Prouence would hardly haue beene comptrould by Lewis but GOD who meant to plant a generall peace in France by the hand of this good King buried Raymond with his rage in one Tombe taking him out of the world whome a whole world could not containe Lewis after the decease of Raymond pacified the Prouençals in marrying his brother Charles the Earle of Aniou with Beatrix the Daughter of their Earle to their great content adding in fauour of this marriage Maine to Aniou And since this Charles was King of Sicilia Robert the yonger brother was Earle of Arthois By this meanes his bretheren remained satisfied Alphonsus being Earle of Poitou and Tholouse by his portion and mariage Charles Earle of Prouence and Aniou and Robert Earle of Arthois and the Realme continued in happy peace These things thus happily performed by Lewis hee imployed his care in the reformation of the Realme beginning first with himselfe and his houshold Lewis his disposition then did he plant Religion and Iustice the principall Pillers of a State for the good and ease of the people Hee lead a life worthy of a King louing and honoring Religion with much zeale and respect taking delight in the reading of the holy Scripures the which hee cauâ—ed to be Translated into the French tongue which I haue seene in a Gentlemans custodie carrying this title He did greatlie honor Clergie men being worthy of their places and was a seuere censor of them that did abuse it whom hee charged to liue according to their Canons and to shew themselues patternes of good life to the people That they should bee preferred to Ecclesiasticall dignities according to order in all libertie and should enioy their reuenues without lett That the exactions and insupportable charges imposed by the Court of Rome these are the words of his Edict on the realme of France by the which it was mâ—ghtily impouerished and which hereafter might be leuied should not in any sort be leuied without apparent cause his expresse command and the approbation of the French Church He had a good soule being iust sober modest The Patterne of an excellent Princâ— temperate in his eating and drinking in his talke habits and conuersation neither melancholie nor exceedinglie merry circumspect of a good iudgement staied charitable moderate vigilant and seuere in the obseruation of that he had decreed And as the Prince is the rule of his house he either chose seruants of his owne humor or else his seruants framed themselues vnto his disposition so as his Court was like vnto a well ordred Church His traine was royall and stately according to the times but there was nothing superfluous not lost so as hee had his Treasurie replenished to giue to such as deserued He paied his seruants wel yet he gouerned his treasure in such â—ort as his officers could hardly steale from him and such as offended he punished with so exact a seueritie as the rest feared to commit the like The orders for his treasure are registred in his Ordinances where you may see them at large He loued learning and learned men and delighted to read and heare good workes fauouring his Vniuersitie of Paris and drawing the Parisians to lâ—ue Scholleâ—s so as in his time the Vniuersitie of Paris had great prerogatiueâ— as the eldest Daughter of our Kings The realme was corrupted with the iniustice extâ—â—sion of former raignes by the sale of offices being most certaine that what we buy in grosse we must sell by retaile He did therefore expresly prohibite these sales and supplied such places as were voide according to the merits of persons after due examination to draw good men and
in their words countenance appaâ—ell the Castillian of the plainnesse of the French attire for Lewis had short garments of bad stuffe the which the Spanish nation did impute to miserablenesse wherewith he was neuer blemished So as from that day these Kings did neuer loue but both nations conceiued such a mutuall hatred one against an other as they haue left it hereditarie to their posteritie and we haue felt the bitternesse of this old leuaine in our late and more then vnciuill tumult So perilous shall the enterview be of our Lewis with Charles of Bourgongne who shall hereafter come often in place at Peronne as we shall see Lewis being returned to Paris as by the purchase of Roussillon he had fortified his realme towards Spaine so desired he to assure it on the other side redeeming the townes lying vpon Somme the which had beene ingaged by the treatie of Arras to Philip Duke of Bourgongne for foure hundred and fiftie thousand crownes with this condition that the King should maintaine all the officers aduanced by the Duke in the said Townes a promise without performance for after the oath taken to serue him against all persons at the first he tooke away the Captainship of Amiens of Arras of Dourlans from Saueuse that of Mortaigne from Haut-bourdin a bastard of Bourgongne and the Bailâ—wike of Amiens from the Lord of Creuecoeur whose lands he did confiscate soone after aduancing to these offices Launoy the Nephew of Croy 1463. whereby he did greatly discontent the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne more who in despite of the said redemption did afterwards chase away the Lord of Croy with his whole family and confiscate their goods they beeing the meanes thereof Beeing retyred into France Lewis gaue him the county of Guynes with the office of Lord Steward of his house A discontent which shall hasten the Charolois to arme against our France Moreouer Lewis to tye the Pope vnto him by the meanes of Iohn Balue Bishop of Arras who since was made Cardinall in recompence of so good a seruice done to the court of Rome sends Godfrie Bishop of Albi Cardinall of Abbeuille vnto him to renounce all rights of the pragmaticall sanction So doing the Pope promised to send a Legat into France that should giue all benefices to the ende that all the money which should bee raised thereby might remaine within the Realme and be no more transported to Rome But the Pope beeing seized vpon the charter of the said Sanction made no accompt to performe his promise and to please the Romans he caused it to be dragged through the streetes So as Lewis being thus deceiued did forbid to carry any more money to Rome nor to bring any Bulls from thence He made Sforce Duke of Milan his vassall giuing him Sauonne which the French held a heauy motiue of lamentable warres which followed and receiued his homage But whilest he labours to purchase friends abroad he procures himselfe insensiblie mighty enimies at home The princes and Noblemen to whom the first places in court The League of the common â—ecale and offices of the crowne did appertaine seeing themselues with great indignity supplanted by these mushromes growne vp in one night put from the Kings fauour they sound one another both by mouth writings and by diuers messengers being assured of their mutuall loues they open their mindes discouer their conceptions and conclude To defend and maintaine their dignities For say they to what end do we suffer the indignities and braueries of these new vpstarts we should shew want of courage not to apprehend the wrong the King doth vs. Wee haue armes men friends money to force him to reason seeing we are debarred his preseÌ„ce by these base people that posâ—esse him The cheefe were Charles Duke of Berry the kings brother The chiefe of the league Iohn Duke of Bourbon who had married Charlotte the kings sister Francis duke of Brittaine Iohn Earle of Dunois bastard brother to Lewis Duke of Orleans the Duke of Nemours the Earle of Armaignac and the Lord of Albret The Duke of Berry was easily drawne into this league discontented to haue no better portion then Berry The Duke of Bourbon had not yet receiued his marriage money The Britton could not digest foure hard conditioÌ„s the which Lewis hauing an army ready in case he refused required of him That he should no more intitle himselfe By the grace of God Duke of Brittaine That he should coyne no more money without his permission That from thence foâ—th the King should leauie taxes and subsidies in Brittaine and not the Duke And that all that were beneficed within the Dukedome should acknowledge him immediately for Patron soueraigne Priuileges which till then had bin alwayes expresly reserued to all the Dukes his predecessors in the homages they did to the crowne The Earle of Dunois had alwaies bin of the chiefe of the army Lieutenant generall to Charles the 7. and now is depriued of all his offices and dignities by Lewis his sonne So euery one pretended diuers causes of complaint Charles of Berry must carry the bable a young Prince credulous an age which doth easily make men bold â—ash for they would vse him as the reuenging instrument of their passions But it is the means to draw him from Court without iealousie Behold an occasion is offred After that Lewis had visited the Townes of Picardy lately redeemed hauing crossed Normandie and Touraine he passeth to Poitiers leading Charles his brother with him Lewis going one day to his deuotion Iohn of Rommillé Tanneguy of Chastel Nephew to that Tanneguy that was charged for the death of the Duke of Bourgongne agents for the Britton in this action vnder colour to carry Charles Duke of Berry to the huntiug they lead him into Brittayne Tanneguy was discontented for that hauing disbursed fifty thousand franckes at the funeralls of Charles the 7. in the absence of Lewis he had neither recompence nor any thankes of the king and was not satisfied for the space of ten yeares There remayned nothing but to be assured of Philip Duke of Bourgongne 1464. who euen then had great cause of discontent for during the partialities of England betwixt the houses of Lancaster and Yorke Lewis supported Henry against Edward he being of Lancaster and this of Yorke for that Henry had married the daughter of René King of Sicile and by consequence was neere kinsman to Lewis In fauour therfore of this Queene he makes a proclamation in the territories of the Duke of Bourgongne forbidding them to aide or assist Edward terming himselfe King of England And for a greater disgrace King Lewis would impose a custome vpon the Salt in the Duchie of Bourgongne The Bourguignon opposeth he protests that Edward King of England is his allie and that he could not deny him succors being required As for the custome he shewes forth the ancient priuileges of
by the decree of Clement But this was not all those which were opposite to the Emperour chose in the place of Gregory Vrbain the 2. and their party growing strong the confusions increased opposing oâ—e Emperour against another Herman of Luxembourg to Henry and after him Egbert Marquis of Saxony the which were taken by Henry and slaine one after another Vrbain hath other practises against Henry hee animates his owne sonne by his first wife against him forcing all the lawes of nature The Pope incenseth the sonne against the father who takes from him both his Empire his life And as Henry had suppressed the practises of this his eldest sonne Pope Paschall who succeeded Vrbain the 2. succeeds him euen in the like monstrous practises incensing his other sonne Henry whom the father intended to make Emperour relying on him as on his child beloued aboue all the rest So this sonne bewitched by ill councell found meanes to seaze on his Father depriuing him first of the Empire and then of his life The Pope added to this death a new disgrace causing by his thundring Bulls The Popes malice against the Emperour being dead the body of Henry to be digged out of his graue These were the fruites of their serious controuersies for preheminence not onely vnknowne to the ancient Church nor practised by the Apostles but expreslie forbidden by the holy mouth of the sonne of God The Popes one after another troubled with these crosses had recourse vnto our Philip so had Henry the 4. being a prisoner to his sonne but the respect of his coÌ„mon friends made him to keepe the stakes and to be a spectator of these lamentable confusions And yet many orders were erected by the Popes amiddest these disorders that of the regular Chanoines for a difference of the secular the Charteaux Templiers Benedictins and Carmes Thus Philip a witnesse of others miseries raignes peaceably during this age full of confusion both in Church and State The Emperour had reduced the realme of Bourgongne to the Imperiall iurisdiction distinguished as wee haue sayd but during these disorders The begining of the estaâ—es of Daulphiné Sauoy Prouence and Francâ—e Conté the whole body was dismembred and reduced to an other forme as when one is wearie of an old garment The industrie of such as held the Citties and Countrie in their possession made foure peeces of this garment The one was for Otho of Flanders which is the Countrie about Besançon with the title of an Earledome whereof it carryes yet the name The other for Berald of Saxony who enioyed Sauoy The third for Guigue the fatte Earle of Grisiuaudan who from little grewe so great in the confusions of times hauing taken the chiefe Citties of the Country and in the end Grenoble the capitall Citty as he became absolute Lord of all that Prouince the which hee called Daulphiné in fauour of his Sonne who hauing married the Daughter of the Earle of Albon and Vâ—ennois named Daulphin would carry the same name holding himselfe honoured by so worthy an allyance The fourth peece is Prouence one of the goodlyest and richest both for the fertilitie of the Countrie and commoditie of Ports most conuenient in all the Mediterranian Sea this was fallen into the hands of Berengers successors by the meanes before specified So the Empire lost the command of these foure Prouinces which fell to foure diuers Lords leauing yet in Daulphiné some traces of the ancient name without any effect for they yet call it the Empire in their common language as wee haue sayd elsewhere But as during the raigne of our Philip these confusions were notable Voyage to the Holy Land so that great and renowned voyage to the Holy Land made by our Argonaâ—tes Christians â—s worthy to be carefully obserued The proiect was to deliuer the Christians of Asia â—ormented by the furious tyranie of the Mahâ—metaines and to repeople the land the which God had honoured with the first fruits of his Church This zeale of Christians was commendable I would to God they had at this day changed their disordered passions glutted with their owne bloud into so holy a resolution vniting their mindes and forces against the common enemie of all Christendome The occasion was giuen by a French Gentleman called Peter the Hermite The motiâ—â— of this enterprisâ— who hauing long trauelled in the East and seene the miseries of the Christians among the Barbarians the maners of the Leuantins and the commodities and discommodities of the Prouinces of Asia neerest to the Holy Land he laide a pâ—ot with Simeon Patriarck of Ierusalem to solicite all Christian Kings and Princes to imploy their forces for the conquest of the Holy land The euent was answerable to the proiect for being come to Rome to Pope Vrbain the 2. he did so well lay open the estate and importance of this action as being satisfied by him he resolues to inuite all the Kings Princes Potentates States Comoâ—altieâ— Lords and Gentlemen of Christendome therevnto To this end hee calls a Councell at Clermont in Auuergâ—e where he assisted himselfe and induced the whole assemblie by his perswasions with so great efficacie as they resolued neither to spare their persons nor estates in the execution of so important a worke Godefroy of Bouilâ—on sonne to Eustace Earle of Boulogne vpon the Sea being Duke of Lorraine by his Vncle Godefroy the Crooke-back the sonne of Gothelon a great and a generous Prince ofâ—â—ed himselfe the first to this expedition and was chosen chiefe of this famous action The Emperour and all Christian Princes promised to contribute their meanes some their persons A troupe of all the selected Nobilitie of Europe did willingly consecrate themselues The names of such as went to the Holy land The most apparent were Eustace and Baldwin brothers to Godefroy Hugh the great Earle of Vermandois brother to Philip King of France Robert the Frison Earle of Flanders Robert the second sonne to William the Bastard Duke of Normandie and King of England Stephen Earle of Blois and Chartres Aimar Bishop of â—uy William Bishop of Oranges Raimond Earle of Tholose and Saint Gilles Baldwin Earle of Hainault Baldwin Earle of Retbel Bohemond Duke of Apouâ—lie Garnier Earle of Grez Harpin Earle of Bourges Ysoard Earle of Die Rambaud Earle of Oranges William Earle of Forest Stephen Earle of Aumal Hugh Earle of S. Pol Rotron Earle of Perche and many others worthy to be registred in this Historie I haue onely noted such as I could finde out All Europe was moued with this voyage France Germanie Italy England Scotland Hongarie Denmarke and Sueden Spaine onely failed being at that time much troubled to keepe their owne home from the Sarrazins who were lodged euen in their bowels France did contribute more then all the rest of Christendom The zeale which moued these generous and valiant men made them to hazard all Dukes Marquises Earles Barons Knights and Gentlemen sold and ingaged their Seigneuries
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
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
parties being hard the widow of Charles of Blois being called King Charles reconciles the pâ—eâ—endants for Britâ—aine and the matter debated he reconciles them vpon these conditions That for the interest which Ioane pretended for her and hers to the Duchie of Brittaine she should haue the Earldome of â—onthieure the Seigneuries of Auaugour Guello Gincamp Rochedorie Lauuton Chaâ—â—eaulin in Cornwaille Dualt Vhelgost and Rospreden to the value of twentie thousand Eures or franks of rent 2000 pound starling and if Iohn of Montfort died without lawfull heires the Duchie of Brittaine it should returne to Ioane and her issue male or female This accord drew Iohn of Montfort to Paris where hauing done his fealtie and homage as well for the Duchiâ— Brittain as the Earldome of Montfort and other Lands hee had in France the widow of Charles of Blois ratified it by vertue of the decree Oliuer of Clisson at the same treatie was restored to the possession of all his Lands forfaited when his father was beheaded as we haue saied He shal be Constable and shall giue vs good cause to speake of his life This accord was made in the Towne of Guerande in the yeare .1365 but it continued not long for Lewis of Aniou the Kings brother sonne in lawe to the Duchesse of Brittain was not pleased with this agreement whereby he saied he was greatly wronged Iohn of Montfort distrusting King Charles had his recourse to the King of England to whome he went in person to require ayde against the forces which he pretended would come against him The warre reuiued in Brittanie leauing Robert Knowles an Englishman in Brittaine who not attendâ—ng Iohns returne began to make warre vpon the French with all violence Charles being pressed both by the Duches Ioane and by Lewis of Aniou his brother declares Iohn guiltie of high Treason for that he had broken the accord would noâ— appeare vpon sundry summons dayly made vnto him So the warre began againe the successe whereof we wil note heere after Thus there passed six or seauen yeares with varietie of accidents in Brittaine In Fâ—anders Whilest that Brittaine was thus shaken with sundrie stormes Flanders was not without trouble by the accustomed practises of the English Lewis Earle of Flanders sonne to that Lewis which was slaine at the Battaile of Crecy had one only daughter named Marguerite who remayning heire of this great and rich estate was the Lâ—uaine of the antient iealousie betwixt the two Kings Charles and Edward striuing who should haue her The Citties of Flanders of greatest power in this purâ—ute held stoutly for the Engliâ—â— Conâ—e Lewis father to the maide was in suspence feaâ—ing both the English and the Freâ—ch for diuers respects and yet hee loued the first and feared the last But in the end by the meanes of Marguerite of Arthois mother to the Earle a marriage was concluded in fauour of Philip the hardy brother to Charles King of France to Edwards great griefe both father and son who in disdaine of this refusal sought al meanes to breed new troubles in France The treatie of Bretigny ministred a newe subiect and apparent cause of discontent to the King of England who complayned that hee had beene deceiued by Charles vnder a shewe of faithfulnesse hauing restored vnto him all his hostages receyuing onely the sommes promised for the ransome leauying vpon his simple word the reuenues of those Seigneuries granted him by the treatie The cause of new warre 〈…〉 and â—nâ—â—and Charles had retyred all his hostages in good time paying readie money and making knowne vnto Edward the sundrie charges he had giuen to the Countries and places comprehended in the treatie to yeeld them selues whollie into his power he likewise signified vnto him his subiects answers who in the beginning excused themselues ciuilly by honest delayes but in the ende the generall Estats giue Charles to vnderstand That the question being for the generall interest of the States they were not to bee forced to yeeld to an vnlawfull action directly contrarie to the fundamentall lawe of the realme which suffers not the King to preiudice the Crowne nor to alienate the reuenues thereof which were not to be alienated That tâ—is accord made in prison for the Kings redemption was forced and so by consequence vneiuill and not to be allowed by the Lawe of nations The effects followed this resolution with such an obstinacie of the Countries Citties Noble men which were charged by this treatie to yeeld as they protest freely to Châ—rles that they wil willingly spend goods liues rather then fal into the king of Englands hands coÌ„trariwise wold imploy al their meanes to liue vnder the subiectioÌ„ of the king of Fraâ—ce This faithâ—ull constancie of the interessed subiects must needs be pleasing vnto Charles 1366. but to that he himselfe had made this treatie his honouâ— was greatly ingaged the which he must 〈◊〉 by good and auaylable reasons and make it â—nowne vnto all Europe who haâ— tâ—eir eyes fixed vpon these two Princes playing their parts vpon so famous a Theater 〈◊〉 complaines by a sollemne Ambassage to the Emperour Charles the fourth 〈…〉 the paines to come into France The Emperor seâ—kes to reconcile theiâ— two Kings with an intent to imploy his authoritie and 〈◊〉 to reconcile these two Princes but it was in vaine The cause of this fruitlesse 〈◊〉 pâ—oceeded from Edward being resolute to haue his part tryed by armes being 〈…〉 by his victorious successe in the former raignes Châ—rles â—ad alwayes protested to obserue the treatie of â—retigny inuiolable But hauing 〈◊〉 the geneâ—all resolution of the States and of the countries and Noblemen 〈◊〉 bâ— the said treatie he resolues to protect them and hauing excused himselfe both to the Emperour and forraine Princes by a publike declaration he sends a Gentleâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Bâ—â—ussâ— called Chapponeau to the Prince of Wales being at Bourdeaux summoning 〈◊〉 to appeare before him at Paris Câ—arlâ—s proclaimes waâ—â—e against the Kinâ— of Eâ—â—â—lâ—nd at the instance of the Nobilitie and commons of 〈◊〉 complaining of him He also sent a Herald to the King of England to proclaime wâ—rrâ— against him The Earle of Armagnac the Lord of Albret who had newly maried 〈…〉 Boâ—rbon and by this alliance was become French the Earles of Perigort Cominâ—â— and Carmaâ— the Lords of Barde Condon Pincornet Pardaillan and Agenois began 〈…〉 against the King of England followed by all those Prouinces protesting 〈◊〉 the crowne of France At 〈◊〉 example all the Townes of the Countie of Ponthieure yeelded to Guy Earle of 〈◊〉 and to 〈◊〉 of Chastillon Maister of the Crosbowes Then the Kings armies marche 〈◊〉 parts vnder the commands of the Dukes of Aniou and Berry the Constable 〈◊〉 to whose wisedome especially to the Chancellor Dourmans The successe oâ— the Frâ—nâ—â— armie in Gâ—â—â—nne they attribâ—â—e the obedience of the people of Guienne discreetly practised by them Limoges and
declared capable to gouerne the estate alone be freed from Tutors But oh the weakenes of mans wisedom he did not foresee that his son should be ill gouerned by his Tutors in his minority that the age of 14. should not free him from Tutors and that euen his sonne coming to mans estate should giue more scope to the ambition of his owne vncles more worthily to be called murtherers then tutors then his weakest youth had done He had a Fistula in one arme by the which those ill humors were drawne away which grewe by poison and gaue him great ease when it did run It chanced this Fistula stopt and then his maladie encreased much Charles resoluing by this sharpe alarum to go the common way of all flesh calls for his three Bretheren Lewis Iohn and Philip and hauing recommended his children and subiects vnto them he giues them particular aduise for the gouernment of the Realme leaâ—ing the custody of his sonne and the Regency of the Realme vnto them He died the 16. of September .1380 in the Castle of Beauty seated vpon the Riuer of Marne He commaunded that Oliuer of Clisson should be Constable hauing commended his fidelity and sufficiency and that they should carefully preserue the amity of Germany Thus died Charles the wise wonderfully beloued and lamented of his subiects leauing his Realme in good estate Charles dies after so horrible a desolation And although the confusions passed had wonderfully impouerished the subiects and wasted the Kings Treasor neyther was his raigne free from warre yet did he leaue the Prouinces of his Realme very wealthy and an infinite tresor in his cofers although he had built the Louure S. Germaine in Laye Montargis Creill the Celestures and some other Churches Of such power is good husbandry in this realme as in riches it yeelds not to the treasors of Peru not in â—eâ—tility to any country vnder heauen to subsist amidst so many storms and to be presently restored by good husbandry An example for Princes to imitate and not to despaire in like confusions but to hope for all that may be wished for in the restoring of an estate by paâ—ience and dexteâ—ity vertues proper to our wise Charles A Prince so much the more praise worthy hauing preserued this Estate when it seemed lost His dispositioÌ„ religious wise modest patient stirring and stayed when need required able to entertaine euery man according to his humor hauing by these vertues wonne a great reputation both within and without the Realme and honourable to his posterity as he to haue saued France from shipwracke He loued leaâ—ning and learned men Nicholas Oresme was his schoolemaister whom hee honoured with great preferments He caused the bible to be translated into French imitating S. Lewis I have seene the originall in the Kings lodging at the Louure signed by King Charles and his Brother the Duke of Berry A goodly obseruation of the auntient simplicity of those royall characters I haue likewise seene a Manuscript of the translation made by the commaundement of S. Lewis He delighted in the reading of the holy Scâ—iptuâ—e Phâ—losophy hauing likewise caused the Eâ—hicâ—s and Politicks of Aristotle with many bookes of Tully to be translated into French The fauâ—ut he shewed to learned men stirred vp many good witts who began to draw the Muses from their graues both in France and Italy The History doth paâ—ticulaâ—ly note that he did often vâ—sit his Coâ—rt of Parliament and his chamber of accompts gaue audience vnto sutors read their petâ—tions and heard theâ—r complaints and reasons imploying some dayes of the weeke euen in his greatest affaires to do those fatherly and royall workes of Iustice. He tooke greaâ— delight to aduance his houshold seruants giuing them meanes secretly and without the pâ—iuity of any to instâ—uct their sonnes and to marâ—ie their daughters A testimonâ—e of a good conscience and of a wise man This bond of loyaltie could haue no better foundation then in transpoâ—ting it from the Father to the sonne nor almes be better imploied then from the maister to the seruant Royall vertues and worthy of eternall memory But alas what shal be the successe of this bounty and wisedome The raigne oâ— his sonne Charles shâ—lbe most miserable 〈◊〉 hath done the part of a good Brother of a good master a good Father and a good 〈◊〉 but God the Soueraigne of Kings had limited the euents of his cares To â—each vs 〈◊〉 a notable example That vnlesse the Lord build the house the worke men lâ—bour but â—n vaine if the Lord keepe not the citty the watchman watcâ—eth but in vaine for an eternal maxime of â—â—uernement and state ConsideratioÌ„s worthy to be obserued by Princes Whosoeuer glories let him glory in the Lord. But vertues are noâ— herâ—dâ—â—ie Iohn not very wise begat Charles a wise and happy Prince and he begets a frantâ—ke man vnhappy both in youth and age We may on the other side oppose other considerations very disputable Profit aduised him to marry the heire of Flanders not onely to pacifie that country but also to inlarge his owne dominions adding therevnto that great and rich estate of Flanders from whence so many mischiefes haue sprong to France but his delight made him preferre the fayre before the rich Moreouer the rules of State did not permit him so to aduance his brother making him in a manner equal to himselfe in power the which must needes be the cause of many inconueniences as it after happened The cause of his brother Philip Duke of Bourgongne is ordered by the same rule for who can with reason mislike that Charles giues a portion to his brother by his fathers will and that in the rich marryage of a Prince his vassall and of a neere estate whereby his realme was dayly annoyed he preferres his brother before his capitall enemy But God had reserued the honour to himselfe Bourgongne since Robert the Grandchild of Hugh Capet had beene successiuely in the power of Princes who had alwayes done faithfull seruice to the crowne and now it shal be a scouâ—ge vnto it yet in the ende it shal be vnited vnto the crowne againe and taken from such as had abused it Experience doth teach that in matters of State the ende is not alwayes answerable to the beginning nor the successe to the desseine to the ende that Princes may depend of him who is greater then themselues who hath made them and can marre them without whom they cannot do any thing Behold the life death race raigne and manners of Charles the 5. called the wise But before we enter into the troublesome raigne of Charles the 6. The Estate of the empire Let vs obserue the estate of the Empire and of the Church We haue saide that Charles the sonne of Iohn King of Bohemia had beene chosen Emperour and called Charles the 4. Hee held the Empire 32. yeares beginning in the yeare 1350. So the raignes of Iohn and Charles
giues him the offiâ—â— of Loâ—d Steward and marâ—ies his eldest sonne to the sister of the Lord of Albert his Constable although Montagu were but of a meane calling The shew of his trayne exceeded Princes houses and made him odious to all in generall so as they accused him to haue robbed his Prince and the publike Treasure The Bourguignon beginnes with him in the reformation of the State The Princes of the bloud were easily drawne to allow of his proceeding Montagu put to death so as Montagu was taken examined condemned speedily beheaded Whether this were done by commissioners or iudicially as it was said to be iustified after his death it is not certaine This is a good lesson for meane men that growe rich by the publike treasure not to abuse their wealth by excessiue pompe to keepe their credit in Court and to flie the fury of great men vnder his protection that hath power of life and death arming themselues with a good conscience and vnreproueable in their charges But the Bourguignon had a farther reach then Montagu for vnder colour of the publike good he reuenged himselfe of him who else might haue crost his desseines Hâ—s meaning was not to reforme the State but to gouerne it absolutely Thus he seekes to vsurpe all and in the ruine of Montagu he will haue all men knowe that he hath power to hurt and helpe This first insolencie furthered his enemies beeing in a manner forsaken of all men euen of their owne bloud for Iohn Duâ—e of Berry carried away with the vent of this newe fauour had subiected himselfe to the Bouâ—guignon But finding himselfe contemned by him who tooke all to himselfe and reiected such as had serued him to â—ise Iohn resolues to ioyne with the house of Orleans and to oppose themselues against the Duke of Bourgongnes greatnesse This is the bâ—ginning of the tâ—o factions of Orleans and Bourgongne which troubled all France during this raigâ—e This league wherof the house of Orleans bare the name as the first and most interessed was concluded at Gyen in the yeare 1410. the tenth of March beeing defensiue and offensiue against the house of Bourgongne The chefe were Charles Duke of Orleans and his bretheren Iohn Duke of Berry Lewis Duke of Bourbon The League of Armagâ—aâ—s and Iohn Earle of Alencon Francis Earle of Clermont Bernard Lord of Armâ—gnâ—â— and Charles Lâ—rd of Albreâ— Constable of France with their friends and followeâ—s â—n gâ—eat numbers Of the Bourguignon faction were Iohn Duke of Bourgongne with his brethren Charles King of Nauarre sonne to that wicked of whom we haue made mention the Dukes of Lorraine Bourgâ—iâ—nons Brabant and Brittain the Marquis of â—ont the Earls of Neuers Vaudemont S. Pol. Ponthieure and many others This mournefull diuision continued vnto the yeare 1419. in the which Iohn was slaine but it endes not so During these eight yeares wee shal see diuers changes one in and an other out as they could enable themselues with the Kings authority which is the strongest battery of ciuill warres Now the Duke of Bourgongne is in quarter and plants his ordinance against the Orleanois as guilty of hightreason but shortly hee shal be dispossessed and they of Orleans shall take their turne The 〈…〉 Orleans complaines 1410. that they are not respected according to their 〈…〉 to be admitted to the priuileges due to Princes of the bloud The house of Oâ—lâ—anâ— coâ—plains of their wrongs and that â—he Dâ—ke 〈◊〉 â—oâ—râ—orgne should not command absoluâ—ly holding as they saied both the bodies aâ—d wâ—â—es of the King Queene and Daulphin in captiuitie They assemble in great â—roupes fiâ—st at Chartres and after to manage their affaires with greater shewe neer vnto tâ—e capitall Cittie of Paris they lodged at the Castell oâ— Wincester then called Bicâ—stre buâ— now ruined The Duke of Burgongne accuâ—ed the Duke of Orleans for practâ—siâ—g to take the Crowne from the King and Daulphin in forcing the King to what he plâ—asâ—d against them as against rebels and disturbeâ—s of the publicke quiet This fire câ—â—â—â—nued but seuen or eight moneths wherein there chanced no memorable accident buâ— only the death of Lewis the good Duke of Bourbon who died for greefe in the beâ—â—â—ning of thâ—s warre being accused as the motiue of these troubles Qâ—eene â—sâ—bell labored to reconcile these Princes but she preuayled not being suspected by the Orleans faction whom she had left without cause to ioyne with the Bourgâ—â—gâ—â—n Afâ—er some Edicts of confiscation not executed like Canon shot spent in the 〈◊〉 a peace was made by meanes of the Duke of Berry vpon condition that he and â—he Duke of Bourgongne should ioyntly haue the Daulphin in gard and the house of Orleans shâ—uâ—d be respected in their degree and that Peter of Essards a sworne enemy to theiâ— parâ—e and a most passionate seruant to the Duke of Bourgongne should be no more Prouost of marchants This was concluded at Wincester The peace of VVincâ—sâ—er whereoâ— it bears the name â—he twentith day of Nouember in the same yeare hauing contended this sommer abâ—ut Pâ—ris only to the hurt of the poore people discontented cheefely with the Gâ—sâ—oâ—s that came out of Armagnac who gaue their name to the troupes of the Orlean â—action called for this occasion Armagnacs wearing for their colours a white scarfe the which they haue vsed in our last troubles This first peace continued not long neither were al promises performed The Burgâ—â—gnon did eate the â—ake alone and yet he complayned first as hauing to doe with 〈◊〉 He sends the Lords of Croy and Douries to the Duke of Berry to disioyne him 〈◊〉 the Duke of Orleans his Nephew who hauing intelligence of their negotiation and pasâ—age caused them to be suâ—prised in Sologne and brought prisoners to Blois But 〈…〉 backe Douries and deteyned Croy as suspected to be guiltie of his fathers death and by conâ—â—â—uence punishable by the treatie of peace The King commands him to set 〈…〉 and he demands iustice of his fathers murtherers Here vpon they go al to 〈◊〉 They cauâ—e the King to summon him by his Edicts wherevnto Charles Duke of 〈◊〉 answers by a challenge to the Duke of Bourgongne as the murtherer of his father and â—he author of all the miseries which then rained in France Beginning of the sâ—cond Waâ—â—â— Thuâ— beâ—an this second warre the twentith of Iuly the yeare following 1411. 〈…〉 passions giuing the poore people scarce seuen monethes respit to breath in so many calamities which they suffered through their voluntary dâ—uisions The Orleâ—◠〈◊〉 assembles at Gâ—rgeau vpoÌ„ the riuer of Loire to resolue of the meanes to make 〈◊〉 against Iohn Duke of Bourgongne whome they challenge by a publike cartel as â—he murâ—heâ—er of a Prince of the bloud the Kings only brother and as vsurper of the â—â—â—all authoâ—iâ—y holding the persons and wills of the King and Daulphin Captiue Ioâ—n Duke of Bouâ—gongne had great aduantages the Kings
with the Burguignon being their neighbour with the Kings good liking In the meane time the Duke of Bedford leuies what men and money he can both in France and England for some great attempt Charles hath intelligence from diuers parts but what could he doe in so deepe dispaire of his affaires and in so visible an impossibilitie The famous Siege of Orleance ALL the Citties of this side Loire from the Ocean Sea were lost with the whole countries of Normandie Picardie the 〈◊〉 of France Brie and Champaigne He had nothing left but the Townes lying vpon the riuer of Loire from â—yen to Anger 's for La Charité held for the Bourguignon The chiefe was Orleance this being wonne what could hold out long for the French Bourges could make small resistance if the English had forced Orleans The enemies of our State who called Charles King of Bourges threatned to take from him this small and languishing royaltie Orleans then was the marke whereat the Duke of Bedford aimed who hauing wonne the Britton it greatly fortified the English affaires in France As for the Bourguignon he had in a manner recouered the Estates of Holland Hainault Zeland and Namur And although ambition and couetousnesse may neuer be bridled yet these Princes nothing friendly among themselues but as coÌ„mon enemies to this Câ—owne agreed well in this to make their priuate profit by the ruine of our state But man purposeth and God disposeth we shall soone see how much he scornes their vanities In this lamentable time mans reason could not discerne by what means Charles should resist so mighty enemies But in the weakenesse of this Prince I read with ioy the words of the Original which saith During the time that the English held their siege before the noble Citty of Orleans King Charles was very weake beeing abandoned by the greatest part of his Princes and other Noble men seeing that all things were opposite vnto him yet had he still a good trust and confidence in God He was not deceiued in this hope as the sequele will shew The charge of this siege at Orleans was giuen to the Earle of Salisbury a wise valiant Captaine hauing giuen good testimonies of his sufficiency for the well managing of this siege he resolued to take in all the forts neere vnto Orleans that obeyed the French beginning with the weakest parting from Paris taking his way through the Countrie of Chartâ—es he seizeth vpon all the smal Townes wherein our Captaines had so much toyled but a fewe monethes before Nogent le Retrou Puiset Rochefort Pertrancourt Ianuille Toury Mompipeau the Castell of Pluâ—eâ—s and la Ferte of Gaules The Earle of Salisbury sets downe before Orleans and approching neere the Cittie both aboue and beneath Meung Baugency and Iargeau In the ende he plants himselfe before Orleans the 6. of October in the yeare 1428. A day to be obserued for that the 12. of May the yeare following was the last fit of our disease which changed the estate of our miserable country like vnto a pleasant spring after a long and sharpe winter when as a goodly summer crownes all our labours with aboundance of peace and plenty So this siege continued iust 7. moneths The bruit of this great preparation did wonderfully disquiet both court and country vnder the French obedience in the weakenesse and confusions of the state The King after the taking of la Charité was commonly resident at Poitiers he now retires to Chinon to bee neerer to Orleans The townes willingâ—y contrâ—bute men money Charles his diligenâ—e to relieue Orleans and victualls Many great personages flie to this siege to defend the chiefe strength of our King and Kingdome Lewis of Bourbon the sonne of Charles Earle of Clermont the Earle of Duâ—ois bastard of Orleans the Lords of Boussaâ— and Fayette Marshalls of France Iohn Steward Constable of Scotland William of Albret Lord of Orâ—all the Lords of Thouars Chauigny Grauille Chabannes The Captaines la â—ire Xaintrailles Theolde of Valpergue Iohn of Lessego Lombards with many other gâ—eâ—t personages There were not any of the Prouinces of Daulphiné and Languedoc for that the Dukes of Bourgongne and Sauoy at the same instant prepared a great army by the meanes of Lewis of Chaalons Prince of Orange to invade those Countries being wholly in the Kings obedience The Orleanois resolues to defend himselfe He presently beates downe all that might accommodate the enemy suburbs howses of pleasure wine presses yea and the temples themselues Salisburie doth likewise vse great dexterity and diligence to plant his siege The Earle of Salisbury builds up sorts towards Beausse and the port Banniere he builds a great Bastille which he calles Paris Another at the port Renard which he names Rouen Towards S. Laurence another to the which he gaue the name of Windsore At the port of Bourgongne he fortified a ruined Temple called S. Loup and neere vnto it an other named S. Iohn the white At the Portereâ—n hee built a great fort vppon the ruines of the Augustines Church calling it London from the which hee wonne the Towre vppon the bridge and all with â—onderfull speede All the cittye is inuironed hauing neyther issue 〈◊〉 but with sore fighting And in these toyles they spend the rest of the yeare The first day of the new yeare the English for a new yeares gift to the citty bring their scaling ladders couragiously to the Bulwarke at the port Renard but they were valiantly repulsed by the defendants the next day the Admirall of Cullant hauing passed the riuer of Loire at a foord winter being very drie this yeare visits them of the cittie brings theÌ„ diuers necessaries vpon his returne he incounters some English troupes which came stragling from forrage 1429. He chargeth them cuts them in peeces and so retires without danger Thus the moneth of Ianuarie passeth without any other memorable exploite The battaile of Herings vnfortunate for the French But there happened a strange accident the 20. of Februarie following The Duke of Bedford sent Lenten prouision to the Earle of Salisburie with some munition of warre vnder the conduct of Iohn Fastall and Simon Bowyer with 1700. men for their garde The Duke of Bourbon brought a goodly succour of foure thousand men to the besieged He resolues to charge this English troupe hauing well viewed their numbers It was likely the stronger should haue the victorie but the issue was contrary to the desseigne For it chanced as his men marched confidently as it were to an assured victory without any iudgement the English seeing them in doubt how they should fight either on foote or horseback and irresolute in the end they resolue to charge the French it falling out many times in this exercise that he which begins winnes To conclude without any farther aduise the English imbracing this occasion charge our troupes who were so surprised with this vnexpected impression as they presently giue way to
your countrie be not obstinate for you shall not hold France of the King of heauen the Sonne of Saint Mary but Charles shall enioy it the King and Lawfull heire to whom God hath giuen it he shall enter Paris with a goodly traine You William de la Poole Earle of Suffolke Iohn Lord Talbot Thomas Lord Scales Lieutenants to the Duke of Bedford and you Duke of Bedford terming your selfe Regent of the Realme of France spare innocent bloud and leaue Orleance in libertie If you doe not reason to them you haue wronged the French will doe the goodliest exploite that euer was done in Christendome vnderstand these newes of God and of the Virgin This Letter being deliuered to the Earle of Suffolke was read with laughter Charles and his Councell were scorned as seeking remedies without reason The English laugh at Ioans letter and transported with folly in following of these vanities They now assure themselues of a speedy victory seeing that Charles is vncertaine what to doe The Trumpeter is imprisoned against the lawe of Nations ready to be burnt in the sight of the besieged when as sodenly there was other worke prepared for them A new supply of victuals is made at Blois through the care of Renold of Chartres Chancellor of France and Archbishop of Rheims a great personage in his time The Virgin goes to field for the safe conducting thereof to Orleans but with a greater troupe then before for the fame of her actions and of this new successe had drawne together seuen or eight thousand men like vnto a cheerefull Spring which causeth tree being dead in shew to sprout and spring againe The commanders were not greatly moued with these popular brutes giuing but cold beleefe to the Virgins visions and promises so as they passe an other way for their greater safetie The Virgin lets them go forbearing to speake any thing before their comming to Orleans Then she said You hide your selues from me as if I were ignorant of your intentions but you must not doubt of the performance of that which God hath decreed This was the 20. of Aprill Orleans being thus fortified both with men and victualles the Earle of Dunois Pothon and Xaintrailles holde a councell what was to be done they call her and intreate her to deliuer her opinion My aduice is sayth shee that without any farther delay wee charge the English that besiege vs for that GOD being on our side they cannot escape vs but before we proceed O leâ—ns releeued the secoÌ„d time by Ioane let euery man dispose of his conscience and banish all lewd and naughtie persons out of the Armie Although there were small hope or likelyhood to vanquish a Conquerour yet the Commanders resolue to accept and imbrace her councell as an Oracle from God The Earle of Dunois made choise of fiueteene hundred strong and lustie men for the fight meaning to beginne with the Forte at Bourgongne gate called Saint Loup The besieged â—allies foâ—th by the Virgins perswasion takes a Forte The Virgin goes in the formost ranke with the chiefest Captaines of the Armie The souldiers incouraged by her presence 1429. assaile this fort furiously beeing garded by fowre hundred English neither arrowes pikes nor halberds could stay the planting of their ladders The virgin enters the fort first crying Mountioy S. Denis the fort is wonne The English abandon their defences and suffer themselues to be slaine by the French who seeing themselues maisters of the fort and wearied with the execution take many prisoners The attillery and munition beeing drawne forth they set fire on the fort This chanced the 4. of May a remarkeable day being the first fruites of the deliuery of Orleans and the generall restoring of this Realme Thus the Virgin returnes into the Citty with her victorious souldiers All the people followe her with cries of victory she can hardly retire to her lodging All the world runs to see her and to commend her both men women and children all crie out confusedly with a ioy mixt with teares Blessed be the Virgin which comes to deliuer vs. The English grow amazed at the Virgins exploits On the other side the English seeing their men carryed away like Chickens before the Eagle and their force consumed as with fire from heauen were greatly amazed being in so great possibilitie to vanquish the French on all sides Suffolke and Talbot make Orations to their men to reuiue their spirites daunted at this new and strange spectacle But we must proceed and not suffer the courage of the victorious Souldiars to growe colde The Virgin goes to councell with the chiefe of the Cittie causing them to resolue to continue the next day what they had so happely begunne At the breake of the day the Virgins colours are carried through the Cittie she resolues to passe the riuer and to take the Fortes on the other side She passeth happily betwixt the Forte of Saint Loup that was ruined and the new Tower where she furiously assailes and winnes the Forte called Saint Iohn the White and cuts all the Souldiars in peeces The Virgin winnes the rest of the English forts from thence she marcheth to the Portereau where the great Bastion of London was built vpon the Augustins Church This place was valiantly combated through the resolution of both parties but in the end it was forced The victorie was double in vanquishing of the enimie and in deliuering of friends for there were manie French prisoners found therein There now remained the Tournelles and the Bastion vpon the bridge being the dungeon of their principall defence The Virgin held this exploit sufficient for that dayes worke leauing the rest vntill the morrow to giue the Souldiars breath So the Fortresse being besieged they prepare for the last assault The next day being Saterday the sixt of May ended this dangerous siege which had continued seuen moneths The sharpest Thorne remained yet behinde the Tournelles adioyning to the bridge was kept by Glacidâ—s one of the most resolute Captaines among the English hauing well incouraged his men to defend themselues and to fight for their liues The skirmish begins at nine of the clock in the morning and the Ladders are planted A storme of English Arrowes falles vpon our men with such violence as they recoile The Virgin incourageth the French which recoâ—le How now saith the Virgin haue we begun so well to end so ill let vs charge they are our owne seeing God is on our side So euery one recouering his forces flocks about the Virgin the English double the storme vpon the thickest of the troupes The Virgin fighting in the formost ranckes and incouraging her men to doe well was shotte through the arme with an arrowe She nothing amazed takes the arrowe in one hand and her sword in the other This is a fauour saies she let vs go on they cannot escape the hand of God At this womans voice amidest the sound of warre the combate
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
King of England had a lawefull 〈◊〉 Gâ—iâ—â—ne bends all his forces to driue the English out of Guienne the which hee had inioyed by a lawefull title aboue a hundred yeares Charles assembles his great Councell with the chiefe of his Prouinces at Tours 1451. for the performance of this voiage of Guienne and to finde meanes how to maintayne his army This done he giues the gouernment of Normandie to his Constable and setled Peter of Brezay at Rouen for the well preseruing of that which he had happily gotten And to bee the neerer to his affaires he resolues to remaine at Tailbourg for all occurrents He had then a small army in Guienne vnder the commande of the Earle of Foix who had not onely kept the enemie in breath during the warres of Normandie but also had wonne part of the Country by the taking of Mauleon in Sole and Guisans Three French armies in Guienne Charles giues the commande of the army to the Earle of Dunois and Longueuille a bastard of Orleans but the Earle of Ponthieure and Perigort haue an other part to molest the English in diuers quartes yet these three armies shall make but one bodie vnder this lieutenant general to his Maister when the necessity of his seruice shall winne them all in one The Earle of Ponthieure did happily begin the conquest of Guienne in taking of Bergerac the which was well defended and then Gensac Saint Poy and Montferrand with their dependances by the terror of his victorious armes Our braue Gascons did no lesse on their side About the same time Amalon d' Albret Lord of Oruâ—ll was in garrison at Tartas a Towne of good presage being the beginning of many blessings which God gaue vnto France Hee had scarse six hundred men at armes and some good footemen of the Countrie but he was well accompanied with Toleresse Robin and Epinasse wise and valiant Captaines and with his generous resolution the hereditarie ornament of his noble house He shewed by the effects that we must not number the men but weigh their valour for with this small troup he presumes to braue Bourdeaux euen at their gates and giues a Lawe vnto the Country of Medoe making not onely the whole Country to contribute but also to bring their commodities to Tartas The â—ourdelois to free themselues not onely from these brauadoes but from their ordinarie toyle and charge thrust on by the authority and commande of the Eâ—gâ—iâ—â— who were then their superiors leauie eight thousand men vnder their Maâ—ors commande The Cittizens promise themselues an assured victorie but this troupe incounters them defeats them kills and takes them prisoners The neere retreate preserued many but there remayned two thousand vpon the place and the victor led two thousand two hondred prisoners to Tartas the which were taken like sâ—ares in a nett from whome he drewe great ransomes with the honor to haue vanquished a great multitude with fewe men This onely was memorable during that yeare The next shall bring vs in an absolute victorie of all that held in Guienne for the English Charles hauing giuen some respit to his Nobility and men of warre 1452. appoints the first day of May to go to field The army was verie faire the Earle of Dunois had the chiefe commande as we haue sayed the which did not hinder Iohn Earle of Angoulâ—â—me brother to the Duke of Orleans from ioyning with the army with a goodly troupe of the Nobility as the Lords of Taillebourg Pons Rochefoucault Rochechouard and â—â—â—terre Duke Chaâ—les was then in Italie for his priuate affaires whence he shall returne with an other traine when he shal be King Philip Duke oâ— Bouâ—gongne was much troubled in pacifying a mutinie of Gantoâ—s who molested 〈◊〉 when he had most neede to succour France in the conquest of the two Prouinces whereof we nowe speake To auoâ—de tedâ—ouâ—nâ—sse in the priuate relating of all these seeges the Kings army did first attempt Montguyâ—â— and takes it then the Earle of Ponthieure arriues with his troupes and ioynes with the Earle of Dunois the generall and so the army being increased both in men and courage beseegeth Blair one of the goodliest fortresses of Guienne a Towne seated at the mouth of Dordonne Blaie taken and enriched with a goodly hauen of the sea the which was well assayled and well defended but in the ende the Towne is taken by force and the Castell by composition although the Cittizens of Bourdeaux labored to releeue it with a fleete of fiue armed shippes Bourg was added to this victorie of Charles and in this amazement Liborne being summoned to yeeld vnto the King obeyes without any contradiction Bourg and Liborne yeeld But their chiefe force was prepared against Fronsâ—c and in the meanes time the Earle of Ponthieure beseegeth Castillon a Towne in Perigort seated vpon Dordone the whiâ—h shal be famous in the warres of our time and takes it by composition Saint Million by their example yeelds obedience In the meane time all march to Fronsac a place renowned since Charlemagne and one of the strongest forts of Europe being belaeguered of all sides Fronsac beseeged demands a truce as all prepare for some great force they within demaunded a parle Their request was to haue a truce vntill Midsommer if they were not succored by that day they would yeeld the place and submit themselues to the Kings seruice and imploy all their meanes to draw Burdeaux to obedience These offers pleased the Princes and the Earle of Dunois being generall The daie being come no succors appeere It yeelds and so Fronsac is yeelded vnto the King to the incredible content of the whole armie which expected great resistance from this inuicible fort If the Earle of Dunois preuailed wel on this side the riuer of Garonne on the other side the Earles of Foix and of Armagnac failed in no point of their duties hauing taken Rion they ioyntly beseege Acqs a towne of importance in that Countrie These happy exploits performed in lesse then two monethes did as much incourage the French as it did daunt the English who could not keepe the Townes which yet held for them from affecting of the French and much more in the champion Countrie hauing more libertie So as the Nobilitie together with the Townes resolue to expell the rest of the English that the King might bee wholy obeyed Bourdeaux makes a composition and yeelds Onely Bourdeaux and Bayone remained the most important Townes of that Prouince whether the whole force of this royall army doth march but the Cittizens of Burdeaux loth to bee forced resolue to obey Beeing thus affected they treate and make a profitable accord as it is set downe at large in the Originall Their fredomes and priuileges were confirmed vnto them by Iohn Iuuenall of Vrsins Chancellor of France they brought their keyes to the Earle of Dunois as Lieutenant generall to the King in his armie and receyued the French into
day of their iourney they had certaine aduice by a messenger which the Lord of Craon sent to the King Abbeuille made the way to the rest The Admirall and Argenton had sent a man before to treat with the souldiers Townes in Picardie yeeld to the king who atteÌ„ding the coÌ„ming of these noble meÌ„ there came forth to the number of foure hundred Lances Being come forth the people open the gates to the Lord of Torâ—y they spare the King those crownes pensioÌ„s which the Admirall by vertue of his warrant had promised the Captaines This was one of the Townes which Charles the 7. had deliuered by the treatie of Arras the which should for want of heires males returne to the Crowne Dourlans followes They summon Arras the King pretending this Towne to be his by confiscation for not performance of duties and in case of refusall they threaten force The Lords of the Rauastein and Cordes make answere to Maister Iohn of Vacquerie afterwardes chief President of the Parlement at Paris that the CouÌ„tie of Arthois appertayned to Mary of Bourgongne and came to her directly from Marguerite Countesse of Flanders Arthois Bourgongne Neuers and Rhetel married to Phillippe the first Duke of Bourgongne son to King Iohn yoÌ„ger brother to King Charles the 5. Beseeching him to mainteine the truce made with Duke Charles deceased So they returne without doing any thing but onely wonne some men that soone after serued the King well who resoluing to reduce such places by force as should disobey his commaund goes into Picardie In this voyage he causeth his Court of Parlement at Paris to come to Noyon with the masters of requests and some Princes of the bloud to resolue vppon the processe of Iames of Armagnae Duke of Nemours and Earle of Marche prisoner in the Bastille at Paris and taken in the yeare 75. at Caâ—lâ—t by Peter of Bourbon Earle of Beauieu at what time the Dukes wife died partly for griefe and partly by childbirth She was daughter to Charles of Aniou Eaâ—le of Maine By which Court being found guiltie of high Treason he was condemned by a sentence pronouÌ„ced by master Iohn Boulenger the chief president to loose his head vpon a scaffold at the Hales at Paris on munday the 3. of August The Duke of Nemours beheaded and was by the like grace buried at the gray friars as the Constable had been He was one of the chiefe of the warre for the common weale whome the King laboured to bring to his end all hee could Lewis is exceeding glad to haue surmounted his most malicious aduersaries the Duke of Guienne his brother the Earle of Armagnae the Constable the Duke of Nemours All the house of Aniou was dead René King of Sicile Iohn and Nicholas Dukes of Calabria and their Cousin the Earle of Maine afterwards Earle of Prouence whose successions he had gotten But the more the house of Bourgongne exceeded all the rest in greatnes and power hauing with the helpe of the English continually shaken the estate of this realme for the space of thirty two yeares vnder Charles the 7. and their subiects being alwaies readie to trouble this Crowne by warres so much the more pleasing was the death of their last Duke vnto him knowing well that being now freed of his greatest incomber he should hereafter finde greater ease Yeâ— he erred in his proceedings not taking so good a course as he had forecast in the life of Charles of Bourgongne Lewis his error after the death of Charles in case he should die for allying him selfe by the marriage of the Daulphin his sonne with the heire of Bourgongne or at the least with some of his Princes for that there was a difference of age betwixt them hee had easily drawen vnto him the subiects of these large and rich Seigniories and had preserued them from many troubles the which haue afflicted both them and vs by the same meanes and freeing them from war he had greatly fortyfied his realme recouering with small toyle that which he pretended to be his The which he might easily effect for the Bourguignons were very humble without support without forces notable to make aboue fifteene hundred horse foote which were preserued at this generall ouerthrow But these are humane discourses wherein he had done better then thus resolutly to haue sought the ouerthrow of that house and by the ruine thereof to purchase to himselfe friends in Germanie or elsewhere as he pretended but without effect Presently vppon his arriuall Han and Bohain yeelded Saint Quentin takes it selâ—e and calls in the Lord of Mouy Maister William Bische borne at Mâ—lins in Niuernois a man of base qualitie but inriched and raysed to great authoritie by Duke Charles Gouernor of Peronne yeelds the place and the Lord of Cordes inclines to the french party They fayled of their enterprise at Gand but yt succeded at Tournay The King had sent Maister Oliuer le Dain his SurgioÌ„ borne in a village neere vnto Gand not onely to carry letters of credit to Marie of Bourgongne who then was in the possessioÌ„ of the Gantois that suffered no man to speake vnto her but in the presence of witnesses perswading her to yeeld vnto the kings protection seeing that both by father mother she was issued from the bloud of France being well assured that hee should hardly obtaine her whilest that hee prouided her a husband fitt for her qualitie as also to worke some alteration in the Cittie discontented with the Priuileges which Philip Charles had taken from them the rigorous exactions they had made Oliuer hauing staied some daies at Gand is called to the Town-house to deliuer his charge The Surgions 〈◊〉 He deliuers his letter to the Infanta assisted by the Duke of Cleues the Bishop of Liege and other great personages She reads it and they call him to deliuer his message He answeres that hee hath no charge but to speake to her in priuate They reply It was not the custome especially to a young gentlewoman that was to marrie He insists that he will deliuer no thing but to her selfe They threaten him with force Hee is amazed and going from the Counsell considering the qualitie of the person they doe him some disgraces and if hee had not speedily escaped hee had been in danger to haue had the riuer for his graue Doublesse it is a great hazard when matters of importance are managed by men of meane estate and the people thinke themselues contemned if they bee treated withall by men of base qualitie This barber knewe something for to preuent this inconuenience he termed himselfe Earle of Meulan others write of Melun whereof he was Captaine But Lewis reposed great trust in two men of the same sort Being gone from Gand hee retyâ—es to Tournay the which lies vpon the frontiers of Hainault and Flanders a strong and a goodly Towne but free and at that time a neuter seated fitly to
there they cut off his other eare whipt him likewise Moreouer Dâ—yâ—c whipt and lâ—st his eares the excessiue rewards which Lewis had giuen to some peâ—sons were reuoked and they constrayned to make restitution To teach meane men raised by the bountie of Kings that man is mortall but the memorie of indignitie is immortal with great men At the same time the Duke of Brittaine was wholy possessed by Peter Landay his Treasorer of whom we haue formerly spoken by whose slanders and suggestions he had suffered his Chancellor Chauuin to die miserably in prison of hungar and cold being a very honest and a reuerend man Landays was the sonne of a poore Taylor in the suburbs of Rachapt 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 insolent at Vitry in Brittaine as it appeareth in his proces quicke witted and busie headed His first accesse vnto the Duke was in the qualitie of a Taylor and after hee vsed him to carrie his loue letters the said Duke being of a very amorous disposition In the end he makes him master of his wardroppe and finally his Treasorer generall then hee begun to manage the Treasor Iustice and affaires of State at his pleasure to many and preferre Officers by his letters without the Dukes appointment to place or displace whome he pleased proud treacherours reuengefull implacable to such as had offended him Presumptuous His proud proceeding against the Nobility declaring such Noblemen of Brittaine as could no longer endure his arrogancie guiltie of high Treason for that they had attempted against his personne forfeites their goods banisheth their persons and arming his maister to their distruction the which they could not auoyd but by a generall pardon and remission In the end their patience is mooued Iohn of Chalon Prince of Orange sonne to one of the Dukes sisters and Iohn of Rieux Marshall of Brittaine the principal of his Court hauing layed a plot with the other Barons of the Country at all aduentures to seize vpon Landays they enter the Castell of Nantes being secreatly armed seeke for Landays and finde him not being gone to Pabotiere a house of his vpon Loire An attempt against him which succeeded not neere vnto Nantes The Duke is amazed at this insolent proceeding and beleeues it is some practise against his person One of his seruants goes vp to the batlements towards the Towne and cries out aloude That they seeke to force the Duke The archers of his gard storme the Officers and gentlemen of his house flie thether the people troupe togither They plant such Cannons as they finde in the Towne against the Castell readie to batter downe the gate The vndertakers who had not foreseene so dangerous a consequence shewe forth the Duke vpon the batlements and cause him to speake He assures them that they haue not attempted any thing against his person and to satisfie the multitude Philip of Montauban enters by agreement hee aduiseth these Noblemen to absent themselues for a time in the meane time the people would be pacified and the Dukes wrath appeased Landays on the other side hauing escaped a troupe that was sent to surprise him in his house Landays escapes and comes to the Duke saues himselfe through the ditches of his garden alone and on foote and so in the night recouers the Castell of Poënté and giues the Duke notice of his aduenture The Duke sends a Conuoie for him and is more ruled by him then before So Landays assembles all the Officers and men of Counsell in Brittaine hee sends to the Vniuersities of Italy layes open the violence done to the Duke in his owne house by his vassalles and subiects He condemnes the Noblemen of high Treason and demands what punishment this offence deserues The Assemblie answers as Landays desired That they found them guilty of high treason yea in the highest degree and therfore deserued death and losâ—e of goods A decree followes with condemnation of death houses beaten downe woods cut vp at the wast with al the rigours which men condemned for such a crime might deserue They flie into France offer their seruice to the couÌ„tesse of Beauieu the kings sister coÌ„playning of the insolencies of Landays without making further mentioÌ„ of their quarel with the Duke Landays discouers their retâ—eat he vnderstaÌ„ds of the discord betwixt Lewis Duke of Orleans the said Ladie causeth his master by letters written to Lewis to accuse the disobedieÌ„ce treachery of his nobility Lewis causeth his master to incense the Duke of Orleans against the Countesse of Beauieu who acknowleding Anne for Regent of the Realme depriued him of the honor right that was due to him rather then to a womaÌ„ as the first Prince of the bloud he exhorts him not to relinquish his iust title promiseth to assist him with his best meanes The Duke of Orleans had against his minde as we haue heard married Ioane the yongest daughter of Lewis XI deformed and vnfit for conception and followed the onely aduice of the Earle of Dunois â—onne to Iohn bastard of Orleans a man of great foresight aduised a good and a valiant captaine This Earle did presently forecast that by the meanes of Landais who did so secretly inuite Duke Lewis forsaking Ioane he might marrie with Anne the eldest daughter of Francis Duke of Brittain This hope drew him soone to Nantes where hauing heard the coÌ„plaints of the French and contented theÌ„ with words and promises without any meaning to accoplish theÌ„ mooued rather with desire to gouerne the state The Duke of Oâ—leans goes into Briâ—tain The Kings Coronation he returnes into France to assist at the Kings coronation at Rheims whereof the day approched There were present at the Kings coronation the Dukes of Orleans Alenâ—ccedil on Bourbon Lorrain the Earles of Beauieu Angoulesme Vendosme la Roche sur-Yon MoÌ„tpensier Longueuille Foix Dunois and those that were fled out of Brittain the Prince of Orange Iohn Lord of Rieux Ancenis the Earle of Aumale Poncet de la Riuiere who was created Mayre of Bourdeaux the lord of Vrfé who was created master of the horse others of their troupe al which brought him with pompe to make his entry into Paris and to prepare for a generall Parliament to bee held at Iours 1484. with more free accesse then had beene vsuall yet not so effectuall as was expected euery one seeking rather to mainteine his priuate authoritie then to procure the peoples case The Pragmatik Sanction was restored to vse it as they had accustomed The Constables sword was giuen to the Duke of Bourbon the gouernment of the Kings person to his sister a cunning woman The Countesse of Beauieu the Kings sister hath the gouernmeÌ„t of his person Lewis put from the Regencie and somewhat of her fathers humour but the name of Regent was forbidden to them all to preuent iealousies There was a Counsell erected of twelue by whom matters should be dispatched
this pattent to the Chancellor Francis Chrestien to be sealed brings a coÌ„mandement from the Duke to that effect the which the Chancellor refused to do Behold Landais hath purchased two enemies for one both haue sworne his ruine but they must countenance it with justice They depute the Lord of Pont Chasteau to summon the Chancellor to do iustice vpon Landays to appoint Iudges for his triall and to force him to appeare They make informations against him wherevpoÌ„ they decree to appreheÌ„nd him It is bruted throughout the toâ—ne that Landays by sentence should be committed prisoner The people runne by heaps they fill the Castle yard will not depart vntill Landays bee deliuered He â—aues â—imselfe in the Dukes chaÌ„ber The Nobilitie doth force the ChaÌ„cellor to repaire to the Castle and to demand this man The Duke being constrayned deliuers him but vpon condition that he shâ—uld not be vsed coÌ„trarie to Iustice The Duke forced to deliuer Landays Lâ—ndays hanged commands vpon paine of death that he suffers no outrage be done vnto him vnder colour of Iustice. The Nobilitie being aduertised of his taking posts to Nantes and offer themselues vnto the Duke like humble subiects suing for his fauour Landays pâ—ocesse being made with that of Iohn of Vitry one of his seruants by certaine Commâ—ssioners they were hanged This done the people were pacified and the Nobilitie by the intercession of the Earle of Comminges returned into fauour The Earle of Dunoys causeth â—ew combustionâ— obteyned letters of pardon Then returnes the Earle of Dunois to his Towne of Parthenay in Poictou but without the Kings permission The King that is to say the twelue vnder his authoritie suspect his returne and fearing least the Duke of Orleans had sent for him or that he practised some newe worke sends for the Duke Hee sends backe the messenger with promise to followe vpon a second charge by the Maâ—shal of Gie doubting the humour of the Countesse of Beauieu and moreouer mad at his ill vsage keeping 〈◊〉 as it were confined within Orleans without libertie to go forth in safety he parts from Orleans vnder colour to go a hauking he takes the way to Fronteuaux and from thence to Nantes A league made by the Orleannois whether the Earle of Dunois went to meete him This departure was presently knowen and Parthenay was sodenly beseeged taken and razed with many other places in Guienne belonged to the Earle of Cominges and others that were in Brittain These men slept not A league is presently made vnder the Dukes of Brittain and Orleans whereinto there enters the Prince of Orange Francis of Laual Ladie of Dinan and Chasteaubriant Iohn Lord of Rieux Earle of Aumale Marshall of Brittain the Earles of Angoulesme and of Dunois The Duke of Lorrain who fiâ—des no great satisfaction of promises is easily drawen into it Maximilian King of the Romains gaues his consent Charles opposeth Lewis of Bourâ—on Earle of Roche-sur-Yon great grand father to the Duke Montpensier that nowe liueth and makes him his Lieutenant general in this war with Lewis of Bourbon the yongest brother of the Earle of Vendosme he giues them for assistant maister Lewis of Tremouille Viconte of Thouars who had married Gabrielle of Bourbon sister to the sayd Conte Lewis Francis Duke of Brittain had no great reason to be a Sanctuary for these mutines by receiuing them to drawe all the forces of France vpon his decaied age attending nothing but his graue But supposing to protect himselfe from the Kings surprises he must ruine his Country his Nobility and his subiects But then falles out an other accident The Lords lately reconciled grewe in iealousie that the French were come to reuenge the wrong done vnto their Duke or else with their ruine and the Dâ—kes to make their peace in France They desired to send them home for two respects the one to content the King and his Sister the other for that they should not growe in any such credit with the Duke as in the end he might imploy them against themselues wishing in a manner for Lanâ—ays to oppose him against them Moreouer they feared Iames Guibé a Captaine of the Dukes men at armes and in good credit Nephew to Landais and his seruant The King seekes to diuide the Brittons from theâ—r Duke least hee should seeke some reuenge for his Vncle death If it should be so how could they subsist The King discouers this secret iealousie and findes a good expedient to thrust them on to their owne mutuall ruines To this end he sends Andrew of Espinay Cardinall of Bourdeaux and the Lord of Pouchage with instructions to Rieux Marshall of Brittain and commission to offer them men and meanes to expell the French out of Brittain The best aduised discouer the Kings intent that acceptiâ—g of this offer they make the way open for the King to enter into Brittain A secret treatie of the Nobility of Brittain with King 〈◊〉 But in the end they agree That hee should not send into Brittain for this succour aboue foure hundâ—ed lances and foure thousand foote and that at the Barons request That the King should pretend nothing to the Duchâ—e whilest the Duke liued That he should nor beseege nor take any towne Castell or fort within the Country and that his soldiars should take nothing without paying That when as the Duâ—e of Orleans The Conditions the Earle of Dunois and others should retire out of Brittain the King should â—ee bound to withdrawe his forces And for the Brittons That the Noblemen of Brittaine should arme with him and accompanie his armie to expell the French The confirmation of these Articleâ— is seconded with foure hundred Lances and fiue or six thousand men led by the Lord of Saint André The French enter Brittain who enters Brittaine on the one side the Earle of Roche-â—ur-Yon on an other and the Vicont of Tours on the third All the Country is sodenly filled with Frenchmen at armes and the Orleanois are amazed being vnfurnished both of force and counsell to resist The Earle of Dunois beeing of more iudgement then the rest considers that the company of a hundred Lâ—nces belonging to Alain of Albret was a part of those foure hundred commanded by Saint André that it was conuenient to winne him and with this desseine to put him in hope of the marriage of Anne of Brittaine An inuention according the necessity of the time but this was not the Earles intent who labored to winne her for the Duke of Orleans neyther the Prince of Orange 1487. who vnder hope oâ— this alliance had drawne the Arche-Duke Maximilian into this league whereby he should enter into Bourgongne with a mighty army led by the Duke of Lorraine whilest that he himselfe should annoy the King in Flanders and Picardie But great shewes and smal fruits He was so poore and needy as the King might easily disappoint all his pracâ—â—â—es and
of Brittain by the meanes of the Vicont of â—ohan This Admirall armes some shippes to keepe the Brittons from beseeging of Brest by sea and Maurice du Mené of whome we haue made some mention with the Lord of Chastel newely reduced to the Kings seruice by the Lord of Kaerisac tooke the gard of the sea coast to hinder the enemies landing In the meane time the Brittons lodge their strangers at Lamballe and assemble all into one bodie The Marshall of Rieux impatient to haue beene left Tutor vnto Anne by testament and not to haue her in his possession being too weake to take her by force in regard oâ— Alain The Marshall of Rieuâ— seekes to win the English hee seekes to the English and sends Sourdeac to Henry to let him vnderstand that Albret might assist him much in the recouery of Guienne That it were good to binde him vnto him by the marriage of Anne of Brittaine and to sequester those from her that were opposite If he please hee hath the meanes to drawe her into his Captaines power vnder colour to perswade her to visit these great and goodly succours that were come to serue her Yet could he not preuaile in this pointe She had already conceiued some iealousie of the English for her Treasorer carrying them six thousand Crownes which they had reqâ—ired attending their pay had discouered that they treated with the Kings men that they were now in speech of a truce Beeing mooued herewith she doth aduertise Henry beseecheth him to giue order beleeuing that this dealing was not with his coÌ„sent She complaines moreouer that the Marshall of Rieux detayned Nantes from her kept her reuenues â—laced and displaced her officers Beseeching the King to command the Lieutenants of his army to giue no support nor fauour vnto Rieux against her but to pursue him as a rebell and dissobedient to his Princesse attempting against her and her authority Henry wonne by the Marshall assures the Duchesse of the contâ—nuance of his great loue and that hee will answer at large to that which her Ambassadors had propounded by some that hee would send vnto her In the meane time he desiâ—es his army should go to Rennes to the Duchesse or that she might go to them to the ende she might visibly see if those forces were sufficient to succour her And he giues her to vnderstand by â—usbourche Secretary of state that he had sent his army to succor her against all men and especially against Rieux so as the army with the commanders may come to her to Rennes or that she may go to the army as she shall thinke best A grosse policie easily discouered at the fiâ—st sight that this was but a practise to put her and the chiefe of her Counsell into strangers hands to rule her at their pleasure Anne findes this condition of hard digestion And Henry fearing least this distrust should make her to sue for an accord with the King The Marshall reconciled to the Ducheâ—se aduiseth that the surest meanes to fortifie the Duchesse partie against the French was the Marshalls reconciliation with her and wrought therein so politickly that by mediation of Iohn of Coëtman and other Noblemen of Brittaine an accord was made betwixt the Duchesse the Earle of Cominges and others of that party with the Lords of Albret and Rieux the Lady of Lauall So as in the beginning of Ianuary all quarrells were pacified and all were vnited in the common seruice of their Country During this treaty of re-union the Marshall well informed that Brest and Concq wanted both munition victualls went to beseege the fortresse of Brest by land with his troupes by sea with threescore Britton ships the English went to Concq The King knowing how much these places did import sends S. Pierre and Chazeron with 〈◊〉 thousand foote to ioyne with the forces of Rohan Saint André the Senesâ—als of 〈…〉 and Careâ—ssonne and to draw forth part of the garrisons of Vitré Fougeres and Dinan and fiue and twenty shippes by sea 1490. which put all the galleis of Brittaine to fight and after their example the army at land retires so hastily And succored as they leaue part of their Cannon wherewith the Towne was furnished victualed and releeued with fresh men and Concq likewise was freed from the seege of the English Winter approched and the cold raynie wether forced both armies to leaue the field And therefore a newe truce was concluded during the which Truce accorded Iudges should be appointed to examine the interest of all parties who for that effect should be sent to Auignon a newter Towne and they should name a newter Prince who according to the report of the Iudges should decide the controuersie Maximilian was chosen Doubtelesse it was a folly to dispend much in spies and want good intelligence The King being vpon the point to consummate his marriage with the Arch-dukes daughter relyed on him Maximilion made Arbitrator betwixt King Charles and Anne of Brittaine But in whose fauour should he giue sentence being in no good tearmes with the king and hoping on the other side to ioyne vnto his ordinarie titles the quality of Duke of Brittaine Charles and Anne send their deputies vnto him who are referred to Francford The Iudges come and pronounce a sentence but not definitiue That the King should deliuer all such places as he held vnto the Duchesse except S. Aulbin Cormier Dinan Foâ—geres and Saint Malo which should be sequestred into the hands of Maximilian and the Duke of Bourbon to yeeld them vnto him to whome the Duchie should be adiudged and all French men that bare armes should leaue the Country and the Duchesse likewise should dismisse the English and other strangers Taking a newe assignation of Tournay to iudge definitiuely of the cause but all this was but to winne time Maximilian makes his peace with the King for his owne regard whereby many places he held in Flanders were deliuered and during these treaties Isabell the sister of Anne of Brittaine dies at Rennes the X. of Iune Anne remayning sole heire the King of Romains loue increased and the Duchesse desire to bee supported against the King made her willingly to yeeld And for that Maximilian could not go in person he deputes the Earle of Nassau Isabell sister to Anne of Brittaine dies Wolphgang Baron of Polhem in Austria Iames Condebaut his Secretary and Lopian Stuard of his house with authority to treat and conclude the marriage and to wed the sayd Duchesse Notwithstanding the truce no man will leaue his hold neyther will the King giue ouer the places hee holds nor the Duchesse dismisse her strangers but some part of them and puts the rest into garrisons She sends not to Auignon Anne married to Maximilian fearing perhaps the surprise of her writings The garrison of Nantes runnes ouer Poictou Aniou and other Countries The Kings troupes commit the like acts of
of Naples â— and did he not apprehend him who had publikely protested That he would neuer suffer the oppression of his cousin for Charles and Iohn Galeas were sisters chiâ—dren Doubtlesse now the time was come when as that should bee verified which Laurence of Medicis spake a little before his death vnderstanding of the vnion of Bâ—ittanie to the Crowne That if the King of France knew his owne forces Italie sâ—ould suffer much and the pubâ—ike predictions of Friar Ierosme Sauonarola whereof wee will speake heâ—eafter The King now takes his way to Lions to assemble his forces and diuides them into twâ— armies at land and at sea 1494. In that at land were about sixteene hundred men at â—rmes two archers to a Lance sixe thousand Archers on soote The voyage to Napâ—â—s six thousand cross-bowmen sixe thousand pikes eight thousand hargrebusiers carrying two hundred swords twelue hundred pieces of artillerie of iron and brasse sixe thousand two hundred pioners two hundred expert Canoniers six hundâ—ed maister Carpenters three hundred masons eleuen hundred men to cast bullets to make coale cordes cables The Kings army foure thoâ—sand carters and eight thousand horse of the artillerie The armie at sea consisted of eighteene gallies six galeons and nine great shippes The chiefe commanders that did accompany the King were Lewis Duke of Oâ—leans Lieutenant generall for his Maiestie by sea the Earle of Angoulesme the Earle of Montpensier the Pâ—ince of Orange the Duke of Nemours Iohn of Foâ—x Vicount of Narbonne the Earles of Neuers Ligni Boulongne Bresse the Lord of Albret Lewis of Tremouille Vicount of Thoâ—aâ—s the Marshals of Gié Rieux and Baudricoâ—rt the Lords of Crusol Tournon Piâ—nâ—s Silli Guise Chandenier Mauleon Prie Montaison d' Alegre Bonneual Genouillac Frainâ—â—eles Chaumont Chastillon Palice Vergi d' Hospital Beaumont Myolans Mattheu bastard of Bourbon the bastard of Bourgongne with a great number of Noblemen voluntarie gentlemen The Lord of Cordes so famous in our historie for his singular valour wisdome and loyaltie died at Bresse three leagues fâ—om Lions The Lord of Vrfé master of the Kings horse prepared all things necessarie for the fleete at Genes Some infection transported the King from Lions to Vienne from whence the Duke of Orleans parted for Genes and there the voyage was fully concluded for vntill that time the disswasion of the best aduised and the defect of the cheefe sinewes of warre had held them in suspence for that a hundred thousand Frankes borrowed vpon great iâ—terest in the banke of Soly at Genes could not long maintaine the ordinary charge of his house Yet fifty thousand Ducats lent him by Lodowike Sforze and the liuely impression of the Cardinall S. Pierre the fatall instrument of the miseries of Italie did somewhat reuiue the fainting courage of Charles What shame saith he what infamie to giue ouer so honorable a resolution an enterpâ—ise published throughout all the world the Popes amazement the terror of Peter of Medicis the ruine of the Arragonois who can stay the violent descent of this armie euen vnto the marches of Naples Doth he doubt the want of money At the fearefull thunder of his artillerie yea at the least brutâ— of his armes the Italians will bring vnto him and the rebels spoiles shall feed his armie what shadow then what dreame what vaine feare doth cause this inconstant change where is that magnanimitie where is that courage which did but euen now brag to ouer runne 〈…〉 forces of Italy vnited together In the end the King maâ—cheth the 23. 〈◊〉 Augâ—st â—eauing Petâ—r Dâ—ke of Bourbon his brother in law foâ— Regent who conducted the Queene fâ—om Greâ—oble â—â—to France Dâ—â—bâ—lesse we must obâ—erue a singular and fauourable prouidence of God 〈◊〉 vnâ—eâ—takes this 〈…〉 money in the câ—â—dâ—ct of this voiage vndertakeâ— vpon borroâ—ed money but where God workes all â—â—inâ—â— are eâ—sie For a thâ—â—d prâ—ofe of his need being at Turin the King borrowed the 〈◊〉 of the Dâ—chesse of Sauoy daughter to William Maâ—quisse of Montferrat wiâ—â—w to Charles Duke of Sauoy pawned them for 1200. Ducats for a fourth being at Cassal he pawned the iewels of the Marquisse widow to the Marquis of Montferrant for the like summe women woâ—thy doubtlesse of our historie hauing loued our France with a singular affection At Asâ— the King was toucht with the small pocks a Feuer which did hazard his liâ—e but within sixe or seuen dayes hee was recouered Thether came Lodâ—wike Sforze and Beaâ—rix his wife daughter to the Duke of Ferrare to â—aâ—â—te and withall came very â—auâ—urable newes Ferdinand was lately deceased Alphonso his Sonne had two Armies iâ— field one in 〈◊〉 towards Ferrare the which Ferdinand his Sonne Duke of Calabria â—â—â—manded accompanied by Virgil Vrsin the Earle of Petilliano and Iohn Iaâ—ues of Triuulce who afterwards serued the King This Armie had to incounter them the Earle of Caiazzo and the Lord of Aubigni a Scottishman who stopt their passage The other at Sea led by Don Frederick brother to Alphonso accompanied by Obietto of Fiesque a Geneuois and others by meanes whereof they were in hope to drawe the citty of Genes into their faction But the Bayliffe of Dijon entring with two thousand Suisses assâ—red it for the King Obietto with three thousand men had taken Rapale twenty miles from Genes The two S. Seuerins brethren and Iohn Adorne brother to Augustin Gouernor of Genes ioyned with the Duke of Orleans and a thousand Suisses charged them The first ouerthrow of the Arragonois ouerthrew them and slue a hundred or six score It was much in that age for then their warâ—es were not bloudy tooke some prisoners and all that escaped were stript by the Duke of Milans people so as Fredericke could neuer gather them againe together A disgrace which did much distast the Florentines being alwaies more inclined to the house of France then to that of Arragon incouraged the king to proceed â—nimated therunto by the perswasions of Lodowick My Lord â—aith he doubt not of this enterprise Lodâ—wiks perswasions to Charles there are three great parties in Italy you hold the one that is Milan the other stirs not those be the Venetians you haue no businesse but at Naples hauing conquered that realme if you wil giue me credit I will assist you to become greater then euer was Charlemagne and we will expell the Turke out of Constantinople He spake well if Christian Prince had bin well vnited Finally Charles makes his entry into Pauia in quality of a king vnder a Canopy the streets hanâ—ed the People crying God saue the King Then grew there some iealousie they wold haue the King rest satisfied with the towne for his lodging but in the end the castle was opened vnto him where he did visit Iohn Galeas his cousin being sicke at the point of death not without great compassion of such as thought the course of his life would be soone
with other Princes his confederates so as that right had not beene possessed by the Romaine Church within a hundred yeares Thaâ— if the Pope would not accept this honest and lawfull offer but contrary to order and right should giue sentence against any such Prince mainâ—aining his right not to dâ—pend vpon the Church neither he nor any other by opposing should incurre the censure of that sentence seeing that Prince had no free accesse neither to go nor send to Rome to defend his rights That if the Pope vniustly the due course of lawe not obserued should by maine force pronounce any censures against any such Princes their allies and subiects resisting in such a case the sentence were of no force neither could it by any meanes binde These conclusions taken the King according to the resolution of the Councel sent Ambassadors to Iulius in the name of the French Church to admonish him by brotherly spirituall correction that leauing his desseins he should attend to peace concord loue and charitie and reconcile himselfe with the foresaid Princes vpon reâ—usall they should summon him to cal a CouÌ„cel according to the decrees of the holy Councell of Basil. That his answere heard things should be ordered according vnto reason In the meane time fortie light horse fiue hundred foot hauing at the first summons of a Trumpet yeelded Carpie to Albert Piâ— were incountred by foure thousand foote led by Palisse defeated and in a manner all slaine And Chaumont desirous to charge the Church forces before they should ioyne with the Venetian Companies and three hundred Spanish Lances which Ferdinand had sent him in consideration of the inuesting of Naples but not able to drawe them but to some light skiâ—mishes by the perswasion of the Bentiuolâ—s he turned his forces against Bologne where the Pope remayned sicke both doubtfull of the peoples faith being beseeged The sâ—ege of Bologne and so discontented with the long stay of the Venetians as he protested publikely to Ierâ—sme Donat their Ambassador that if their succors entred not the next day into Bologne he would agree with the French And at that instant sent Iohn Francis Pic Earle of Mirandole to treat with the Lord of Chaumont Chaumont not to alter this good disposition vnderstanding the Kings pleasure keeps his troupes within their lodgings and sent backe the Earle with these propositions That Alphonso of Este and all those the Pope had comprehended in his Censure should be absolued That in regard of the Venetians nothing should be done contrary to the treatie of Cambray That the controuersies betwixt Alphonso and the Pope should be decided within 6. moneths by Iudges chosen by their â—oÌ„mon consent That Modene should be restored to the Emperour Cotignole to the King the Cardinal of Auchx set at libertie that the gift of all benefices within the Kings dominions should be according to this nomination But Chiappin Vitellâ— entring into Bologne with 600. Venetian light horse and a squadron of Turks which they had in pay made the Pope to sing another note That there was no meanes of accord if the King did not absolutely abandon the defence of the Ferrarois And Chaumont seeing that neither by treaties of peace nor by force he preuailed any thing the people of Bologne holding themselues quiet at the Popes deuotion being also afflicted with the 〈◊〉 want of victuals he returned to Chasleaufranc Spilinberte the which he had lately taken Chaumont is no soner gone but the Pope woÌ„derfully incensed exclaimes against the king to all Christian Princes as thirsting after his bloud the territories of the Church hauing caused him to be beseeged with all his Cardinals Prelats in Bologâ—e and returning to his former course with more vehemencie he sends his troupes 〈◊〉 augmented by fiue hundred men at armes sixteene hundred light horse fiue tâ—ousand foote and three hundred Spanish Launces But whilest this armie soiournes 〈◊〉 Modene some squadrons running towards Rhegium being defeated by the French they lost a hundred horse and the Earle of Matelique was taken prisoner Moreouer the Dâ—ke of Ferrare with the Lord of Chastillon incamped vpon the Po betwixt Hospitalet and â—ondâ—n opposite to some other Venetian companies that were on the other 〈◊〉 of the riuer they sunâ—e nine of their vessels and forced the rest to returne to Venice Tâ—ese smal victories were crost by the taking of Sassuole Forminge whilest that Chaumont refâ—â—sâ—t himselfe within Pauia and Aubigne at Rhegium These conquered townes 〈◊〉 Iulius more violently against Ferrare the which he knew was well furnished with men and things necessarie for defence and the French through the continuall toyle of the warre were tyred both in bodies mindes And presuming to make the eâ—terprise more easie he went himselfe in person the second day of Ianuary before Mirandole aduertised that Chaumont had made an escape to Milan drawen thether as they said with the loue of a yong gentlewoman A iourny which did greatly quaile the câ—urage and hope of them that defended Mirandole who see themselues abandoned not so much by the negligence as by the dissention betwixt Chaumont and Iohn â—aques of Triuulce who then was gone into France whereby it may be he was not â—â—ch displeased to see the Earles Mirandole grandchildren to Triuulce by reason of Francis their mother 1511. his bastard daughter depriued of that place In the end after all the duties that might be performed by men beseeged Mirandole taken dispayring of succours seeing a breach made and the water of their ditches so frozen as it bare the souldiers they obtained in the ende by the intermission of the Cardinalls which assisted the Pope to depart with bagge and baggage vpon condition that Alexander Triuulce Gouernour of thetowne and all the Captaines should remaine prisoners and to redeeme the towne from sacke which he had promised to his souldiers they should pay a certaine summe of money After the taking of Mirandole two things were propounded in Councel by the French whether they shold assaile the enimie or besiege Modene or Bologne to draw the Popes forces out off the Estate of Ferrare by that meanes to draw them into a conuenient place for a battaile Great Captains hold it for a firme maxime experience hath alwaies taught it That we ought neuer to vndergo the hazard of a battell but for some great aduantage or when as vrgent necessity doth constraine This was the aduice of Triuulce newly returned to the Campe accordingly resolution was taken to go to Modene But let vs obserue a Spanish trick The policie secret aduertisements of Ferdinand did more harme to the King his vncle then the Popes open force He thinkes this to be a meanes to pacifie the Emperours spleene and to sowe some diuision betwixt the King and him Modene was held time out of minde to be a fee of the Empire and the house of Esté had not inioyed it but by
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
intelligence that warre was proclaimed against him prepared his forces to withstand the Emperour and to this end he gaue a commission to Francis of Bourbon Earle of Saint Paul to leuie six thousand foote to the Constable of Bourbon eight hundred horse and sixe thousand foote and to the Duke of Vendosmâ— the like charge And to reuenge the disgrace receiued by Esparre he sent six thousand Lansequenets of whom Claude of Lorraine Earle of Guise was generall vnder William of Gouffiers Lord of Bonniuet Admirall of France to whom he gaue fiue companies of horse and commission to leuie what number of Gascons and Basques he should thinke necessarie The Lord of Lescut was in like sort â—eleeued with French and Suisses Open warre for the warre of Italy The armies on eyther side were in field there remaines nothing but for the one to make a breach the imperialls begin There had beene a long and a great quarrell betwixt Lewis Cardinall of Bourbon and the Lord of Liques a Gentleman of Hainault for the Abbie of Saint Amand which the Cardinall enioyed Liques takes this occasion to assault the Abbie which being of no strength was deliuered vnto him by Champeroux Lieutenant for the King in Tournaisis in the which de Loges Gouernour of Tournay was surprised We might pretend that these were but priuate quarrels but Liques aduanced with his forâ—es to Mortaigne a place subiect to the King the which he said he had some times enioyed In the end Pranzy Captaine of the sayd place hauing no hope of succours yeelded it Seege of Tournay not to Liques but to the Lord of Portien vpon condition to depart with their liues and baggage But contrary to the lawe of armes and honestie they were pursued stript and hardly escaped with their liues On the other side Fiennes of the house of Luxembourg Gouernour of Flanders besieged Tournay with a thousand horse eight thousand foote and six Canons continuing there fiâ—e moneths whilest that the Bourguignons did take spoyle and raze Ardres the Lord of Teligni in exchange did charge defeat and cut in peeces six hundred Bourguignons that were entred the realme to spoile it In the beginning of these garboyles Henry King of England did offer himselfe an Arbitrator betwixt these two Princes Charles and Frances and Calis was named for the treatie of a good peace But what meanes was there to yeeld to the Emperours vnreasonable demaunds to restore him to the Duchie of Bourgongne with an abolition of the homage which hee ought vnto this Crowne for the low Countries beeing vnreasonable as he pretended that an Emperour should doe homage to a King of France as if wee did not commonly see Princes hold their lands by homage of simple gentlemen So this parle tooke no effect Hitherto the Imperials dealt vnder had protesting not to make warre against the King· but now they discouer themâ—elues and come with enseignes displayed to beseege Mouzon they batter it in two places the one by the medow towards the Port of Rheims the other from the mountaine going to Iuoy The footmen newly leuied and not yet trayned grew amazed and force Montmort the Captaine of that place to demaund a composition for the obteyning whereof hee went with Lassigny his companion to the Earle and obteined That euery man at armes should depart Mouson takeâ— with a â—urtall vnarmed and the foote men and archers without armes and a white wands in their handes what policie was this to see two Lieutenants to a King go forth off a place to capitulate with the enemie without doubt they diserued the shame which many haue suffered â—or the like rashnesse to be detained prisoners put to ransome and forced to yeeld the Towne at discretion The taking of all these Townes without opposition drew the Earle to Meâ—â—eres commaunded by the Cheualier Bâ—yard Seege of Mezieres but hee found a more valerous resolution then at Mouzon The experience and valour of the Captaines and the desire which Anne Lord of Montmorency had to doe the King some notable seruice in his youth had drawne him into the Towne with many well minded gentlemen of the Court amongst the rest the Lords of Lorges d'Annebault Lucè Villeclair Iohn de la Tour Lord of Bremont Iohn Dureil Lord of Berbee Nicholas of Thouâ—rs Lord of Suilly Mathurin and Charles des Cleres whose valours and fidelitie deserue a place in our Historie Anthony Duke of Lorraine whose Lieutenant Bayard was and the Lord of Orual gouernour of Champangne commaunded either of them a hundred men at armes Boucart and the Baron of Montmoreaâ— had either of them a thousand foote This might seeme too much for a small place but it was strong and of importance The Canon did no sooner begin to batter but most of the foote grew amazed and in despight of their Captaines â—â—ed some by the gate others ouer the wals Bayard by the basenesse of them that fled tooke occasion to assure the resolutions of such as remained For said hee preseruing the Towne with the helpe of few men wee shall haue the more merit and reputation our troupes are of the more force being discharged of this vnprofitable burthen The Earle comming neere to Mezieres sent to summon the Commaunders to yeeld the Towne vnto the Emperour The Valianâ— resolution of Bayard He reports to the Earle of Nassau sayd Bayard to the Trâ—mpeâ— That before hee shall heare mee speake of yeelding vp the Towne which the Kâ—ng hath giuen mee in charge I hope to make a bridge of my enemies carkases ouer the which I may march Henry makes two batteries and shakes the wals for the space of a moneth But fiâ—ding by sundrie sallies in the which the beseeged did most commonly carrie the honour and profiâ—e the resolution of the Commaunders men at armes and souldiers hauing also intelligence of the defeat of a hundred choise horse of the Eâ—perours Campe and two hundred foote led by Earle Reinfourket to spoile Attigni vppon Aisne all which Francis of Silli Baylife of Caen Lieutenant to the Duke of Alenson had put to the sword except fiue or six which were carried prisoners to the said Earle to Rheims the Towne hauing beene also releeued the first of October with a thousand foote led by Lorges foure hundred horse by â—â—â—gni and some munition hee abated the first furie of his aâ—tâ—llerie and despayring to 〈◊〉 the Towne by force or famine he raised his Campe and made his retreat by Mont-Coâ—â—et in Ardennes Maubert fontaine and Aubenton to Verâ—in and Guise spoyling burning and killing The Earle of Nâ—ssau leâ—ues Meâ—â—ers men women and children without distinction a mournefull beginning of the cruelties which haue beene committed in the succeeding warres Bâ—yarâ— for a worthie reward of his vertue was honored by the King with a companie of a â—undred men at armes and the order of Saint Michell In the meane time the King assembles his forces at Fernacques to cut off the enemies way about
Guise and to fight with him during whose retreat the Cont Saint Paul recouered Mouzon for the King Mouzon recouered Such was the estate of Picardie and Champaigne whilest the Admiral of Bonniuel arriued at Saint Iohn de Luz The enterprise of Nauarre for the enterprise of Nauarre His purpose was to surprise Fontarabie To hold the enemie in suspence hee first tooke the Castell of Poignan vpon the mountaine of Ronceuaux then making shewe to take the way of Pampelune hee turned head through the mountaines towards the Towne of Maye and whilesâ— he lodged his artillery he caused the Earle of Guise who commanded the Lansquenets to take the way by the riuer of Behaubiâ— running at the foote of the mountaines which come from Nauarre and so passeth into the sea before Fontarabie and in the morning he followed with his army Hauing some Spaniards in front which camped on the other side of the water hee passed the riuer at a ford the sayd Earle marching before them with a pike in his hande Don Diego de Vere chiefe of the enemies armie beeing equall in number and hauing an aduantage ouer those that came wett from the passage of a riuer amazed at the resolution of our men left the field and fled with his men through the mountaines The Castell of Behaubie kept all victualls from our Campe and held it in great distresse But the first Volee of the Cannon hauing split one of their best peeces and slaine the gouernour with some others that did assist him the soldiars beeing amazed force their Captaine to yeeld at discretion whereof the Admirall sent the best prisoners to Bayonne the rest hee turned away beeing disarmed The way beeing thus layd open to Fontarabie a place which they held impregnable and one of the keyes of Spaine fortified on three parts Fontarabie taken with the sea riuer and mountaine in fewe daies hee made a breach but not assaltable Notwithstanding the Gascons Basques and Nauarrois demanded the assault the which was defended with as great resolution as it was assayled but the beseeged hauing discouered some peeces which the Admirall had planted on the mountayne to beate them the nexâ— day in flanke at the second attempt and knowing the resolution of the assaylants by the proofe they had formerly made caused them to yeeld vpon condition to depart with all their bagge and bggage Iames of Aillon Lord of Lude was made Captaine Let vs returne to Fernaques where we haue left the King preparing to fight with the enemy To this end hee giues the foreward to the Duke of Alançon who had married Marguerite of Valois the Kings sister accompanied with the Marshall of Chastillon this was the first motiue of the Constable of Bourbons discontent the which place was due vnto him as Constable of France He tooke the battaile himselfe taking the sayd Duke of Bourbon vnto him and committed the rereward to the Duke of Vendosme Bapaume did much annoye the frontier towards Peronne Corbie and Dourlans The Earle of Saint Paul The ruine of Bapaume the Marshall of Chabannes and the Lord of Fleurâ—nges tooke it beat downe the defences and burnt it to ashes The Duke of Vendâ—sme had Commission to do the like vnto Landrecy who arriuing late foure or fiue enseignes of the bands of Picardie march without commandement and withoâ—t ladders and fire furiously to the â—ort where they plant their Ensignes vppon the drawe bridge Landrecy but they were repulsed by seauen or eight hundred Lansquenets and some of their Ensigne bearers slaine This fury of the Picardes did so amaze the Germaines as without attending batterie breach or assault they retyred into the next forrest where they could not pursue them by reason of the riuer running thorough the Towne Thus Landrecy vnfurnished of men was the next day taken razed and burnt The Emperour was retyred with his army towardes Valenâ—iennes the King makes a bridge ouer the Riuer of Escau beneath Bouchain eyther to fight with him or to make him abandon the country with dishonour Charles hauing intelligence of this bridge sent twelue thousand Larsquenets and foure thousand horse to stop the passage but the Earle of S. Paul with those six thousand men which he commanded was already in battell on the other side of the water in a marsh towards Valenciennes and the King followed him speedily with all his army which were about sixteene hundred men at armes and six and twenty thousand foot with the light horse The which the enemye perceiuing he left seauen or eight hundred horse The Emperours dishonorable retreat to recouer the retreat of his footemen taking the way to Valenciennes Tremouille and the Marshall of Chabannes offer to charge them in the reere the Suisses cried out for battell to giue a testimony vnto the King that they desired to seale the confirmation of their new alliance with some notable seruice and if their aduice had beene followed the Emperour had that daye by all likelihood lost his honour and the flower of his army So the enimy retyred without any losse except the bastard of Aimeries and some prisoners GOD doth often minister occasions the which beeing once neglected are neuer recouered with so great aduantage But howsoeuer the Emperour retyred by night into Flanders with a hundred horse leauing all the rest of his armye behinde him The next day Bouchain yeelded at the first summons of the Duke of Bourbon This shamefull retreat of the Imperialls drawes our armie to Hedin being vnfurnished of souldiers when as the Inhabitants feared no enemie beeing busied at the marriage of the daughter of the Receiuer generall of Arthois The Dukes of Bourbon and Vendosme and the Earle of S. Paul with the troupes commonly called the blacke bands notwithstanding the continuall raine were at the Towne gates before the Cittizens had anye intelligence of their departure from the armie The Towne being resolutely attempted was taken by assault Hedin taken and was spoyled by the footmen the which abounded in wealth for that in old time the Dukes of Bourgongne had made their chiefe residence there But in the midest of the spoile one quarter of the towne was fired contrarye to the Constables expresse commandement the which depriued the souldiars of part of their bootie The Lady of Reux and the garrison of the Castle departed with their baggage but all the inhabitantes that were retyred and come into it were put to ransome The Lord of Biez had the gouernement of the Castle and Lorges of the Towne with a thousand foote This happened on all-Saintes day Winter was come and the enemy appeared no more the King dispersed his army and giuing the most of the Gentlemen that had followed the Dukes of Bourbâ—n and Vendosme the command of twenty fiue horse a peece putting his companies into garrison and disposing of the rest of the armie hee retyred to Compiegne about Christmas not able for the distemperature of the weather to releeue Tournay
Duke of Bourbon and to fauour his rebellion against the King the letters of congratulation he had written for his taking at Paâ—â—a his pursute to withdraw the Suisses from the alliance of France the purchase of the Countie of Ast his refusall to lend Nice for the enterview of Pope Clement and his Maiestie and to giue him passage against Sforce the detention of his Mothers inheritance which the King could not by any amiable meanes drawe his Vncle to restore This must be tryed by the sword The King therefore sent Francis of Bourbon Earle of Saint Paul who before the Duke could oppose his forces conquered all Sauoy Conquest of Sauoy except Montmelian where Francis of Charamont a Neapolitane commanded who wanting victuals and without â—ope of succours in the end yeelded vp the place to depart with baggage and aftâ—râ—ards contemned by the Duke he followed the victors fortune in the end did good seruice to the Crowne Then the Emperor granted by the Lord of Cannes and Granuelle the Duchie of Milan to the Duke of Orleans But when it came to demand the securitie and conditions of his instalment they made ansâ—er to the Ambassador de Velly That it was sufficient for that time to haue granted the principall the rest should be treated of with Philip Chabot Earle of Busançois Admirall of France who should presently arriue they supposed he should first make a voyage without any forces and that they must keepe this conclusion secret from the knowledge of his Holynesse All this discouered plainely that it was a tricke of their ordinary craft and dissembling to lull the King asleepe in the beginning of his course At the same instant the King hath newes The Emperours practisâ—â— vnder hand sufficient to giue hâ—m a certaine impression of the Emperours desseins That the Pope had beene duely aduertised by the Emperours ministers of all these practises which hee would haue secretly managed That the Venetians at the vrgent request of the Emperour were entred into a defensiue League for the Duchie of Milan in fauour of any one hee should inuest That he offered great matters to the King of England to drawe him to his dâ—uâ—tâ—on That Du Prat passing by Milan had deliuered speeches quite contrarie to the hopes and promises which the Emperour had giuen and that in 〈◊〉 he had made great preparation for warre That the Emperour tooke vpon him 〈◊〉 protection of the Duke of Sauoy And for the sixt point the preparations made 〈◊〉 Andrew Dorie It was therefore resolued to proceed in Sauoye and farther without breaking off on his part this negotiation with the Emperour To this end the King sent for his Lieutenant generall the Earle of Busaâ—sâ—â—s Admirall of France with eight hundred Launces whereof the seuerall Captaâ—â—â—s weâ—e Iames Galeat The Kings armie maister of the horse and maister of the Ordinance of Fraâ—ce Robert Steward Maâ—shall of France René of Montiean Francis Marquisse of Salussâ—s Claude of Annebault Anthonie Lord of Montpesat Iohn d'Estouteuille Lord of Villebon Prouost of Paris Gabriel d' Alegre Charles Tierâ—â—lin Lord of Roche du Maine and Iohn â—aul dâ— Cere A thousand light horse vnder the command of the Lords oâ— Esse Terme Aussun Verets of Sauoy Twelue thousand of his Legionarie men that is tâ—o thousand Picards commanded by Michel of Brabançon Lord of Cany and Anthonie of Mailly Lord of Auchy Two thousand Normans vnder their Captaines La Sale and Saint Aubin the Hermit Two thousand Champanois lead by Iohn d' Arâ—lure Lord of Iour and by the Lord of Quinsy A thousand of Languedoâ—s vnder the Knight d' Ambres Foure thousand out of Daulphiné vnder the Lord of Bresâ—â—â—x and others And a thousand vnder the Lord of Forges the Kings ordinarie Câ—pbearer of all which bands René of Montiean was Colonell sixe thousand Lâ—â—â—quenets lead by William Earle of â—ursâ—emberg Two thousand French not Legionaries lead by their Captaines Lartigue-Dieu Blanche Anguar and Warâ—â—s a Nauarrois Two thousaâ—d Italians vnder the command of Marc Anthonie of Cusan a Gentleman Milâ—nois and a thousand vnder Captaine Christopher Gâ—â—â—o eight hundred Pioners sixe hundred and foure score horse for Artillerie and the charge thereof appointed to be â—â—der the gâ—uernment of Claude of Couâ—is Lorde of Burie Count Philip Torniel and Iohn Iaques of Medicis Marquis of Marignan marched before to stoppe the passage of Suze but Annebâ—ult aduancing with the troupes of Daulphiné Beginning of the warres in Piedmont pâ—euented them with speed chased them before him from lodging to lodging and at the first summons putâ— into the Kings handes the tâ—wnes of Turin and Chiuas Don Laurence Emanuel Iohn Iaques de Medicis and Iohn Baptista Caslaldo camped vpon the riâ—er of Doaire The French and Lansquenets impatient to attend the making of a bridâ—e wade thrâ—â—gh the water euen vnto the brestâ— repulse the Imperialls and make them retâ—re towards Verceil A gallant Legionarie to whom the Historie ought his name â—wimming through the riuer brought away a Boate in despight of the enemies shotte for the building of a Bridge The Admirall to incourage the rest according to the Kings command caused a gold â—iâ—g to be giuen him in view of the whole armie The Emperour was vpon termes of his departure from Naples to make his entrie into Rome when as these happy beginnings made him to renue the treaties of an accord but with such slow proceeding as a man might easily iudge that his onely intent was to staye the King in his course labouring to entertaine him with doubts hopes and delayes In the meane time hee sollicites the Pope to declare himselâ—e on his partie hee assured the Duke of Sauoye to cause all hee had lost to bee soone restored to him againe hee hastened the leuie of his Lansquenets causeth his horsemen to aduance drawes Artillerie and Munition out of Imperiall Townes makes them to march towards Italy protests againe to the Pope that he would neuer yeeld Milan to the King nor suffer him to possesse one foote of land in Italy hee sollicited the Court of Rome the Senate of Venice and all other Potentates of Italy to oppose against the inuesting of any stranger in the Duchie of Milan These were vehement presumptions to shewe that the Emperour meant not to treate but armed which caused the King to command his Admiral to proceed in his first course he had temporised by his Maiesties commaundement attending the issue of this new parle and to march against Verceâ—lâ— and if hee encountred his enemies with equalâ—tie to â—ight with them There were three thousand men to defend Verceil and foure miles 〈◊〉 Anthonie de Leue camped with about six hundred horse and twelue thousand 〈◊〉 not as Lieutenant to the Emperour but as Captaine generall for the League of Italâ—e cutting off the passage to Caguin and Hanniball Goâ—sâ—gue Guy Earle of â—â—â—gan anâ— some other pensioners to the King who had brought for his seruice fiue hundred
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
erected to a Duchie in the yeare 1329. Lewis Duke of Bourbon and Mary the daughter of Iohn the 18. Earle of Hainault had Peter Duke of Bourbon and Iames Earle of Ponthieu Constable of France Peter had by Isabell the daughter of Charles Earle of Valois Peter Lewis Lewis and Iames. Lewis surnamed the good Duke of Bourbon had by Anne Countesse of Auuergne Lewis Earle of Clermont who died without children Iohn Iames. Iohn Duke of Bourbon had by Bonne Duchesse of Auuergne and Countesse of Montpensur Charles Iohn and Lewis Earle of Montpensier father to Gilbert of whome issued Charles the last Duke of Bourbon Câ—â—â—les Charles Duke of Bourbon had of Agnes the daughter of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne Iohn and Peter Iohn the second of that name married Ioane of France daughter to Charles the 7. and dying without lawfull heyres of his body the name and armes of Duke went to Peter his yonger brother Peter the second of that name Peter Duke of Bourbon had of Anne of France the daughter of Lewis the eleuenth one onely daughter Susanne the generall heire of Bourbon Châ—â—les the last Duke of Bourbon who was wife to the aboue named Charles the youngest sonne of Gilbert who likewise was the youngest sonne of Lewis aboue named Earle of Montpersur and brother to Charles Duke of Bourbon But no children growing from this marriage the branch of the eldest sonne of Lewis created Duke of Bourbon ended in this Charles Duke of Bourbon and Constable of France who died at the seege of Rome and the Duchie of Bourbonoâ—s beeing incorporate to the crowne Iames the yonâ—est son of Lewâ—s duke of Bourbon Iohn we must seeke the line of Iames of Pontieu they also giue him the titles of Earle of Charolois and la Marche Constable of France the yongest sonne of Lewis the first Duke of Bourbon Iames had by Ioue the daughter of the Earle of S. Paul Iohn his successor Earle of la Marche Iohn had of Katherine the onely daughter and heire of Iohn Earle of Vendosme issued from the Dukes of Normandy and Earles of Aniou Iames King of Naples who leauing none but daughters Lewis Earle of Vendosme transported his right of inheritance to Lewis his yongest brother Lewis had no children by Iane of Roussy his first wife the daughter of Ralfe Earle of Montfort and of Anne of Montmorency but of Iane the daughter of Guy Lord of Guare and of Anne heire of Lauall and Vitry in Brittany or of Mary the daughter of Engerard Lord of Coucy and of Isabel his wife the daughter of Edward King of England according to some opinions By his second marriage he had Iohn his successor and Earle of Vendâ—sme Iohn the second of that name Iohn the second had of Iane of Beauieu or of Isabel of Beauuais Frâ—nciâ— daughter to the Lord of Pressigni Francis his successor and Earle chiefe of the Nobility le ts them vnderstand the deceassed Kings will touching 〈◊〉 by a generall or nationall Councell whereof he protests to followe the instruction I giue leaue said he to all such as would leaue me so to doe Yet I am sorry they are no better Frenchmen for their owne good and safety I haue friends enough 〈◊〉 out them to mainteine my authority God hath neuer left mee and will not nowe abandon mee He hath not begun this so miraculous a worke to leaue it vnperfect 〈◊〉 for my sake alone but for his owne names sake and for so many soules affâ—â—cted in this Realme whome I desire and promise by the faith of a King to releeue so 〈◊〉 as God shall giue mee the meanes But how grieuous is this to mee that am your lawfull King and who leaue you in the liberty of your religion to see you go about to force mee to yours by vnlawfull meanes and without former instruction This declaration reteyned them that were least scrupulous in their duties and his promise not to alter any thing in religion might haue shaken many of the League To crosse him the Duke of Mayenne publisheth an Edict of the 5. of August iâ—â—is name and the Councells of the holy vnion established at Paris attending a generall Assembly of the Estates of the Realme to vnite said he all Frenchmen that were good Christians for the defence and preseruation of the Catholike Apostolike Romish Church and the mainteynance of the royall Estaâ—e in the absence of their lawfull King Charles the 10. of that name For whose liberty he inuited them all to armes But he desired no more the liberty of his pretended King then our Henry did to force religâ—on the support whereof serues them for a goodly cloake Some Parlements growe iealous of these sodaine changes in the State and seeme to entertaine the people in doubt and feare of the subuersion of their religion Violent decrees That of Bourdeaux commaunds all men vnder their Iurisdiction by a decree of the 19. of August to obserue inuiolablie the Edict of vnion to the Catholike Apostolike and Romish Church and declarations were thereupon made That of Tholouse is more violent They decree that yeerely the first day of August they should make processions and publike prayers for the benefits they had receiued that day in the miraculous and fearefull death of Henry the third whereby Paris was deliuered and other Townes oâ— the Realme forbidding all persons to acknowledge Henry of Bourbon the pretended King of Nauarre for King declaring him incapable euer to succeede to the Crowne of France by reason said the decree of the notorious and manifest crimes conteyned at large in the bull of excommunicatioÌ„ of Pope Sxtus the 5. Without doubt the authority of the Soueraigne court is much blemished in pronouncing a decree which they must reuoake by a contrary sentence Thus the League kindled anewe the fires which the seege of Paris had somewhat quenched The King raiseth hiâ—â—eâ—ge from Paris the Kings troupes decreased hourely sicknesse diminished their numbers and the Duke of Mayennes increased The King therefore diuides his armye into three one vnder the commaund of the Duke of Longueuille into Picardy the other into Champagne vnder the Marshall d' Aumont and he is aduised to passe himselfe into Normaâ—dy with twelue hundred horse three thousand French foote and two regiments of Suisses as well to receiue succours out off England as to assure some places passages fit for his desseines but with direction to ioyne at neede In his passage he causeth the Kings body to bee conducted and left at Compiegne and reduceth to his obedience His conquests Meulan Gisors and Clermont he receiues from Captaine Roulet both the place and the hearts of the inhabitants of Pont de l' Arche foure leagues from Rouan a passage very commodious for the trafficke betwixt Rouan and Paris He visits Deepe confirmes the towne of Caen forceth Neufâ—hastel to yeeld hauing by Hallot and Guitry his Lieutenants ouercome the
and comes to incampe at Mollettes halfe a league from Montmelian the riuer of Isere beeing betwixt them The Duke passeth the riuer vpon a bridge of boates made nere vnto that of Montmelian and lodgeth at the Castell of Saint Helâ—ne right against Molette places some-what high and within Cannon shot one of an other separated by a great medow and a fenne at the first they salute one an other by skirmishes and if the Sauoisiens had done what they might they had greatly annoyed our men who were not lodged nor scarse arriued The night approching ended the combat with the losse of a hundred good men and gaue meanes to the Kings troupes to take breath and prepare to be reuenged with vsurie The next day the Duke shewes fifteene thousand foot and fifteene hundred horse in battaile in this great medow but with such aduantage as no man might charge them Les Diguieres intrencheth himselfe at the foote of the medow euery master of the campe euery Captaine takes his quarter and by the care of the Lord of Crequi commaunding the foote the Kings campe was in short time out of present danger which seemed to threaten their ruine In the meane time they faile not on either side to trie their swords and pistolls two to two three to three troupe to troupe and nothing buâ— a simple ditch yet deepe and full of water keepes the two armies from a bloodie fight Thus for some dayes these warriours inflamed their resolutions when as the Duke of Sauoie propounded to his Councell a great desseine for the execution whereoâ— the foureteenth of August by eight of the clocke in the morning he secretly drawes three thousand men into a great wood neere to the trenches of the Kings armie lodgeth his Suisses with a battaillon of foot on an other side sets his horse in a vallie and encouraging them by his presence causeth about two of the clocke a Canon to be discharged for a signe of a cruell and blodie battaile but fuller of passion then of iudgement The losse fell vpon himselfe the Kings troupes both horse and foot were wâ—th a firme resolution prepared to withstand their force They come to skirmish the noyse of the Cannon drownes all other sounds the fire of the shott inflames the ayre and seemed for fiue houres togither to dazell the light of the Sunne The medow is couered with dead carcases the enemies bloud dies the brooks and inflames our men to fight The Seigneur of Crequi receiues a musket shot in the right arme but the Lion is chafed and stormes at the sight of his owne bloud So retyring himselfe apart vnder a tree to be drest hee returnes speedily to his companions and burning with a generous heat of reuenge shewes that he is a right heire both in bloud and vertue to that braue Lord of Pontdormy who hath so often heretofore died his sword and arme in the bloud of the stranger being enemie to this Crowne Aboue twelue hundred men slaine or hurt made the day famous The Duke of Sauoie defeated at S Helene Molettâ—s and made the Sauoisien loose all desire to trie any more the firme resolution of our men grounded vpon the right of a most iust offensiue warre If all this great armie neither by the thunder of their Cannons nor the furie of their shot neither by the force of their men at armes could any thing shake the constancie of our men doth Colonnel Ambrose thinke to preuaile more with fiue hundred natural Spaniards assailing a Corps de gard placed on the side of a fenne but he doth increase their shame in stead of reuenging their publike losse The Seigneur of Baume and Poet receiue him with such resolution as they kill a hundred and fiftie vpon the place and take many prisoners the rest they force to cast away their armes to bee the more light to flie The Duke spent the night to burie his men and to carrie away the wounded then he dislodged the sixteenth and went to lodge at a village called Barraux beyond Isere at the entry of the valley of Grisiuaudan towards Grenoble and there begins a fort busying himselfe in the building thereof vnto the end of Nouember This change of lodging inuited our men to do the like Les Diguieres comes to lodge at Castel Bayard and his armie at Pont-Charra halfe a League from the enemie At PonÌ„t Chaâ—ra the riuer being betwixt them hee keepes his men in continuall skirmishe to the enemies losse and by this placing of his campe makes the enemie doubt that hee would attempt the passage of Eschilles To crosse him the Duke sends many troupes to enter by the valley of Pragelas into the Countrie of Brianson and to shut vp the passage in case he were beseeged The check he receiued counteruailed the first The water the 〈◊〉 and the steepe mountaines deuoured a great number of his men then the skirâ—ishes of S. Helene and Molettes Beâ—old a third which shewes that God doth fauour the iust cause of armes and makes their effects happie against the iniustice of vsurpers The eight of September the Lord Les Diguieres who lets not slipp any occasion is aduertised that Sanches Earle of Salines to draw him to succour his owne Prouince and to leaue Sauoâ—e goes to spoyle about Grenoble with fiue hundred maisters diuided into two 〈…〉 horse To adde this victory to the former hee sends two houres before day the â—eâ—gneurs of Baume Authun and Saint Ieure with two hundred horse and a hundred Câ—â—bins to lie in ambush in an Island in the midest of the riuer of Isere At the breake of â—ay the Earle passeth in sight of them they suffer him to aduance about halfe a Leâ—gue then they issue forth of their ambush and wade through the other part of the 〈◊〉 to their sadle skirts At Lâ— Frette they ouertake the Earle at La Frette charge him furiously kâ—â—l Dom Iâ—hn de Sequano first Captaine of the horse Dom Roario Dom Probio with maâ—â— other Commaunders and men at armes to the number of two hundred and by the taking of Dom Euangeliste who led the second troupe of the Earle of Gatinari of Dom Iohn Toc brother in law to the Earle and threescore others they end the combat and returne with honour At Chaparâ—â—â—llâ—n hauing lost but sixe men in this bold incounter Some dâ—yâ— after the Lord Les Diguieres passeth the riuer with most part of his horse at Chaparouillon and there charging a troupe of the enemies which made a good shew by the fauour of some trenches gaue the Seigneurs of Crequi and Buisse the second honor of this victorie The last of October the Kings armie ill lodged at Pontcharra retyred about Grenoble from thence Les Diguieres sent foure regiments towards Barselonne and surmounting the toyle of the way being of most hard accesse for the Cannon tooke Allosi then in the end of Nouember Saint Genis to disapoint the intelligences which the Duke
A GENERAL INVENTORIE OF THE HISTORY OF FRANCE From the beginning of that MONARCHIE vnto the Treatie of VERVINS in the yeare 1598. Written by IHON DE SERRES And continued vnto these Times out off the best Authors which haue written of that Subiect Translated out of FRENCH into ENGLISH by EDWARD GRIMESTON Gentleman HENRY·IIII·KING OF FRANC ' AND NAVAR · · Imprinted at LONDON by GEORGE ELD 1607. TO THE RIGHT NOBLE AND MOST WORTHY OF ALL HONOVRS AND ALL TITLES THOMAS EARLE OF SVFFOLKE ROBERT EARLE OF SALISBVRIE MY MOST HONOVRED LORDS I dare not so much trespasse against the publicke as after the solemne and tedious manner of Epistling to vsurpe your time with a barren Preface it is my gaine if I be but heard to say I dedicate my selfe in which I vnderstand my vtmost abilities and of those doe here offer vnto your Lordships a small part being rather the redemption of my life from the note of idlenesse then any fruitfull course of liuing For being after some yeares expence in France for the publike seruice of the State retired to my priuate and domesticke cares it was yet my couetousnesse to winne so much vpon them as the leisure of Translation to this generall Historie of France written by Iohn de Serres an Author whom aboue mine own particular knowledge of this subiect I haue heard vniuersally esteemed for the most faithful and free from affection that euer toucht at that Argument able to teach the vnlearned to delight the learned and draw to him as many Commenders as Readers The Maiesty Graces and Strength of whose worke if I in my traduction haue any way vnsinewed or defâ—rmed I confesse a sinne against his graue yet in my consecration of him to your Lordships I haue made him plenarie satisfaction which presumption of mine though he may glorie in I haue no other meane to expiate but by naked professing my selfe to both your Honours bound in all obligation of dutie seruice no lesse then your selues are each to other in the faith of loue freindship For which sacred respect I haue thus prefixed you joyned in the face of my Altar where I omit to speake more of your mutuall and knowne merites except I had volumes to fill not pages and desire onely that where I am studious to be gratefull I may not deserue to offend Your Lordships deuoted in all dutie and seruice EDVVARD GRIMESTON To the Reader I Could not Courteous Reader neglect an vsuall complement in the publishing of this worke to recommend the worthines of the Author and to excuse my weakenesse To free my selfe from the imputation of Idlenesse I vndertooke the Translation of this Historie of France and to giue some content vnto such as either by their trauell abroad or by their industrie at home haue not attained vnto the knowledge of the Tongue to read it in the originall Where you may see the sundry Battailes woon by our Kings of England against the French and the worthie exploits of the English during their warres with France whereby you may bee incited to the like resolutions vpon the like occasions I doubt not but those which haue conuersed most familiarly with the Histories of France will concurre in that generall approbation of his writing to be as freâ— from affection and passion as any one that euer treated of this subiect He hath digested into one Worke whatsoeuer hath beene written by many touching the French History since the beginning of their Monarchie And if he hath not dilated at large the great attempts of Strangers in France employed eyther for their Kings or against them he is not therefore to be blamed nor to be held partiall for that the subiest whereof he treats being great the time long and his style short and succinct he had vowed to note euery accident of State and Warre briefely and truely Besides you must consider that he was a Frenchman and although hee would not altogether smother and conceale those things which might any way eclipse the glory of his Nation least he should be taxed to haue fayled in these two excellent vertues required in an Historiographer Truth and Integritie without passion yet happily he hath reported them as sparingly as he could The History of Iohn de Serres ends with the Treatie at Ueruins betwixt France and Spaine in the yeare 1598. I haue been importuned to make the History perfect and to continue it vnto these times whervnto I haue added for your better satisfaction what I could extract out of Peter Mathew and other late writers touching this subiect Some perchance will challenge me of indiscretion that I haue not translated Peter Mathew onely being reputed so eloquent and learned a Writer To them I answere first That I found many things written by him that were not fit to be inserted and some things belonging vnto the Historie related by others whereof he makes no mention Secondly his style is so full and his discourse so copious as the worke would haue held no proportion for that this last addition of seuen yeares must haue exceeded halfe Serres Historie Which considerations haue made me to draw forth what I thought most materiall for the subiect and to leaue the rest as vnnecessarie But now I come to my last though not my least care how this my labour shall be accepted the which must vndergoe the censure of all humors Some I doubt not regarding the content and profit they may reape thereby will allow of mine endeauors though others do but prie into it with a curious eye to note what is defectiue obseruing more the elegancie and choise of words then the worthinesse of the Historie But let me intreat as much kindnesse of these curious Surueyors as a graue Senatour of Rome did of one of his companions who had found him playing in his garden with his yong sonne The Father somewhat abashed to see himselfe so surprised requested his fellow Senatour not to publish his folly vntill he had a yong Sonne Euen so I intreat them not to detract nor to maligne that which is well meant vntill they haue produced the like Concluding with the Poet Carpere vel noli nostra vel ede tua I must craue your patience in regard of the Presse intreating you to supply with your iudicious reading such errors as you shall find committed For that I my selfe could not attend it being drawne away about other imployments And so referring all to your kind acceptance I rest Yours Edward Grimestone IOHN DE SERRES TOVCHING THE VSE of this his Inuentorie AS an Historie is the Theater of mans life whereby all may learne one common lesson The generalâ— vse of Histories by the goodly examples she represents vnto their eyes eares and vndeâ—standings Euen so she inuites all men to view heare and to conceiue them well what language soeuer she speakes what subiect she 〈◊〉 of what time shee notes and what person soeuer shee represents Thus offring her selfe to all with this
of gold pretious stones dedicated to his Crowne by a Holy humility and a religious acknowledgement of the victory which the Son of God hath gotten by his bloud to giue vs in Heauen the Crowne of immortall life This famous act chanced in the yeare 1099. in the moneth of March. Hauing put Godefroy and the Christians in possession of the Holy Land let vs returne into France to our Philip not without griefe to see the dissention betwixt the Emperour and Pope who were nothing reconciled by the voiage to the holy Land The increase of this newe power purchased in England to the Sonnes of William the Conquerour gaue him no small occasion to looke to his affaires and the rather for that this newe King of England had begonne to make a breach in his Estate taking Xaintonge and Poitou Countries very important being members of one of the principall Prouinces of his realme The sonnes of VVilliam King of England foreseeing also that Normandy would bandy it selfe against France without all respect William had leâ—t three sonnes of great hope William surnamed Rufus King of England Robert Duke of Normandie whome wee haue left in the holy Land and Henry Earle of Maine withall his treasure Philip therefore to secure his Estate following the example of his Ancestors caused Lewis his sonne whome hee had by Berthe daughter to Baldwin Earle oâ— Flanders to bee Crowned King Philip dies There was a scandalous breach in this marriage for Philip falling in loue with Bertrade the wife of Foâ—ques Earle of Aniou puts away Berthe and afterwards hauing reiected Bertrade hee receiued Berthe againe His disposition being mother to King Lewis to whome hauing resigned the crowne at Orleans hee died at Melun in the yeare of grace 1109. of his age 57. and of his raigne 49. hauing raigned long to settle his Estate but not without a leuaine of much trouble to come hauing degenerated from the vertues of his grand-fathers and father He was disloyall couetous louing nothing but his owne profit pittilesse ingrate and one who sowed dangerous seeds of much mischiefe which began to bud in the raigne ensuing LEWIS the 6. called the grose the 40. King LEWES .6 KING OF FRANCE XXXX AS wee foresee a storme by the clouds that rise 1110. by the darke mists of the thicke ayre The estate of this raigne pierced through with sparkles like the shining of a close fire and by the motiues of the water driuen with a violent and sudden wind euen so there be simtomes fits in an estate which foretell the alterations which shall insue the which fall not all at one instant but the subiect being gathered togither in processe of time breakes forth when it can no longer hold There is this difference betwixt naturall things and those which belong to man for that men can well discerne what the wether will be but he is blind in that which concerns himselfe and neuer beleeues vntil he feeles the blow falling into the danger which he flies by his owne fault neuer wise but after danger France had inioyed peace aboue a hundred yeares vnder these forepassed raignes shee now growes wearie This raigne is a preamble to a mornfull song which shal make them to weepe that reioyced in the fruition of so long rest The name of royall authoritie held all those great men backe which had any interest therein the wisedome of Capet Robert Henry and Philip had so bridled them as they willingly obeyed Now they are of an other humor The Duke of Normandie who since Capet had beene obedient and affectionate to the Crowne The French begin to fall from their obedience seeing himselfe strengthened with the Realme of England hee frames all his practises to ouerthrow this order by rebellions and tumults Lewis had scarce performed his fathers funeralls before the fire of rebellion kindled in diuers parts of the realme and as if the Kings youth had beene a blemish to his dignitie euery one will play the pettie King The places neere vnto Paris began these first reuolts by reason of the many great horses thereabouts Corbeil had an Earle 1109 Chartres an other Piseaux in Beause had one Crecy had his Lord Marle his Pompone his and so diuers other Seigneuries had euery one their particular Lord. But as a disease stirres vp all the humors in a weake bodie so all that were discontented with Lewis gather togither into one head to afflict him vnder the countenance of the King of England They were for a time suppressed yet this was but to open a vaine and not to cure the feuer Guy of Crecy the Lord Piseaux 〈◊〉 Earle of Dammartin Thibaud Earle of Champagne and Brye Pean of Louure in Parisi Milon of Montlehâ—ry and Philippe the bastard of King Philippe all ioyntly play the mutines and rise against their King At the same instant Henry King of England goes to field his priuate quarrell was for the Towne of Gisors seated vpon the riuer of Epre on the confines of Normandie Rebels suppressed and punished But this small processe was soone ended for Lewis hauing defeated the English neere vnto Gisors hee forced Henry to retyre and afterwards punished all these rebells increasing his reuenues by their confiscations But the quarâ—ell betwixt the Emperour and the Pope did hatch a more dangerous proces for France We haue sayd that Henry the 5. banded against his father Henry the 4. who had associated him to the Empire and had cast him into prison by the Popes Councell where this poore man died for greefe Henry the 5. wonderfully troubled in consciâ—nce and vexed with daily approches that hee had violated the Imperiall rights resolued to haue his reuenge of Pope Pascall the author of this cruell and vnkind Councell To conclude he aâ—mes and that with so great a resolution as in few dayes The Emperour 〈◊〉 for his 〈…〉 hee assembles threescore thousand foote and thirtie thousand horle with this army hee goes into Itâ—lie and hauing taken and spoyled Noâ—arre Pontremolo and Arezzo hee comes a Conqueror to the gates of Rome the which were opened without any resistance Being entred the Cittie and causing the Pope and Colledge to assemble he makes knowne vnto them the rights of the Empire as Pope Leo the eight had acknowledged them to Otho the second Emperour The Emperour comâ—s to Româ— and 〈◊〉 the â—oâ—e to take an oth and before him Adrian to Charlemagne according to the decâ—ee of the Councell at Rome conteined in the sixtie third distinction and to conclude he forced him to take the oath of fidelity as to the true and lawfull Emperour and then returnes with his army Pope Pascal extremely moued with this 〈◊〉 calls a Councell wherein he protests to haue beene forced by 〈◊〉 so by consequence pronounceth that whatsoeuer he had promised was of no force and after all these toyles he died Gelisais succeeded him both in place and hatred against the Emperour
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
Christians affaires in Asia declined still The Pope perswaded the Kings of France and England with many reasons The Christians â—stâ—â—â— in Asiâ— very miserable and the zeale of the common interest of Christendome made them resolue They became good friends with an intent to make a voyage together to the Holy Land to the incredible content of all their subâ—ects But whilest they prepare for this voyage let vs passe into Asia to visit the afflicted Christians After the fruitlesse returne of the Emperor Conrad and of Lewis King of France things went from bad to worse hauing caused the Christian forces to loose their reputation with the Turkes being growne proud with this vaine shew of Armes Baldwin dyes after the fruitlesse attempts of these great Princes Amaulry his Brother succeeds him who toyled himselfe in Egipt against Sultan Sarracon and Saladin his successor Hee was releeued by the comming of Fredericke Barbarousse who failed not to performe what he had promised to Pope Alexander But the Christians found small comfort in his comming The forces of the Empire which were great being dispersed by the death of the Emperour Amaulry likewise dyes who leaues one Sonne named Baldwin both yong and a Lepar so as hauing voluntarily resigned the charge finding himselfe vnfit he did inuest his Nephew Baldwin the sonne of William Long-sword Marquis of Monâ—errat and of Sibell his Sister and considering the weaknesse of his age he appoints Raimond Earle of Tripoli for his Tutor 1121. Hence sprung a horrible dissention among the Christians for Sibille by whom the right came to Baldwin her sonne after the death of Marquis William was married to Guy of Lusignan who was seized of the yong Infant Hee is now his Tutor by force the child dyes and Guy of a Tutor becomes a King The Christians in Asia at Ciuill warres not without great suspition of treacherie against the Infant and in the end they fall to warre Euery one doth strengthen himselfe for this goodly realme and they are incensed with greater fury then when they ioyntly made warre against the Infidels Guy seekes for succour of Saladin Sultan of Egipt who embraceth this occasion and runnes with a great Armie to besiege Tiberiades The Christians assemble and are defeated in a set battaile The Crosse is taken by Saladin and carried in triumph Then was Tripoly deliuered into his hands The Infidels make their profit by their dissentions and the Earle Raymond found dead in his bedd when as hee should haue raigned to teach all men how to trust Infidels Saladin passeth on he beeseegeth takes and sacks Ierusalem and in this amazement Ptolomais Azot Baruth and Ascalon yeeld vnto him These victorious conquests of Saladin were accompanied with great mildnesse to the people whome he had subdued that by this wise course the Miscreant might incounter the Christians disorders by a notable example of vertue Moreouer there happened another tragicall confusion Alexis a young man of fifteene yeares The Emperor of Greecâ— murthered by his Tutor sonne to Emanuell the Emperour issued from that Alexis of whom wee haue spoken in the beginning of this Easterne warre was cruelly slaine by his Tutor Andronicus and he himselfe afterward by Isaac and the people of Constantinople who had called him to the Empire Such was the sick estate of the East when as our Kings were solicited to go and visit it in the yeare 1190. Philip calles a Parliament at Paris to settle his estate they disswade him from the voyage but zeale transported him and made him fight with impossibilities So great efficacie this resolution had to go to this warre which seemed to be the gaine of their soules health as the Historie saith King Philip Ricâ—aâ—d King of England made a voâ—age to the East great charges were imposed vpon such as went not the voyage to pay the tenth of all their reuenues both spirituall and temporall called for this occasion the Saladins Tenths Richard King of England came with manie Dukes Marquises Earles Barons great Lords and an infinite number of young Gentlemen The Kings sweare a brotherly and inuiolable League The great 〈…〉 among Kings breeds contempt and hatred but the continuall and priuate entercourse by the way bred a familiaritie and this familiarity engendred a contempt and contempt hatred as the course of the History will shew A notable lesson for Kings and Princes to teach them how farre they should conuerse familiarlie Hauing crossed the Seas with some difficulties in the end they come into Syria The losse of the Crosse made them to besiege Acon the which they take very valiantlie after great losse of their men but the Crosse would not bee found As the Originall saieth The plague fell among their troupes euery one talkes of returning Philip speakes 〈…〉 indisposition Richard made some difficultie least that Philip in his â—bâ—ence should attempt some thing in his territories of France Philip hauing assured him by othe returnes and passing by Rome comes safe into France Hauing left the greatest part of his forces in the East vnder the command of Odo Duke of Bourgongne Richard remaining alone was better obeyed of the Armie and atchiued great and memorable exploits against Saladin being already amazed by the taking of Acon Richard King of Englandhis exploits in Asia 〈…〉 Gaza and Iaffa hauing repeopled them with Christian Colonies and vainquished Saladin in battaâ—le From thence he resolued to besiege Ierusalem but as hee was kept from this enterprise by reason of the Winter so was hee forced to leaue Asia vppon this occasion and returne into England During his voyage and Philips there had passed some vnkinde speeches by reason of Alix Sister to Philip and the wife of Richard who in great disdaine said That he had neuer toucht her that she should neuer come neere him blaming her as if shee had beene prodigall of her honour by a monstrous Incest with his Father Notwithstanding all shewes at their parting yet this did sticke in Philippes stomake 1061. who at his returne found his Sister Alix at Saint Germaine in Laie whether she was retired expecting his returne who failed not to seeke all means of reuenge Richard had left his brother Iohn in England to gouerne the State in his absence Philippe solicitts him and promiseth him all his meanes with his Sister Alix being vnworthely reiected for a gage of his loue Philippe stâ—rs vp Iohn against his brother Richard King of â—ngland But Elenor the mother of these Princes kept Iohn in awe from ioyning openly with Philip against his absent brother yet could she not restraine Iohn from giuing his word to Phillip who failes not to seaze couertly seing his faith plighted and the reuerence of the cause which held Richard from his house would not suffer him to worke openly So he takes Gisors by intelligence and all the other Townes of Vexin which were in controuersie These newes gaue Richard iust cause to resolue vpon
hee allyed himselfe with this Fredericke the second Emperour who hath filled some leaues in our discourse and made his peace with the Pope vpon condition That hee should succour and ayde the Christians in the East Fredericke hauing recouered Ierusalem by the truce hee made with the Sultan as we haue sayd left it to Iohn of Breyne his Father in Lawe and returned into Germanie to make the end which wee haue before set downe On the other side as Christian Kings and Princes laboured what they could to repaire this their decayed estate Andrew King of Hungarie the Sonne of Bela assisted by the Dukes of Austria and Neuers whose names are not specified went into the East with a goodly Armie and to make worke for the Christian enemies hee besieged Damiette in Egipt where being succoured by Iohn of Breyne after a long siege hee takes it but it was soone after recouered by the Mammelucks Lewis therefore vndertooke this voyage of the East when as extreame necessitie called him to succour the afflicted Christians The Popes Innocent the third Honorius and Gregorie had one after another vehemently perswaded him to this voyage but the affaires of his realme had stayed him from attempting rashly to settle the generall estate and ruine his owne particular Yet being fallen extreamly sicke hee resolued to delay it no longer preparing for this expedition vpon his recouerie Hee assembled his Estates and by their free consent left the Regencie of the Realme to his Mother Blanche who was gladly receiued of all men vpon the conceit of her first gouernment Lewâ—s goes with an armie inâ—o the East Hee parts accompanied with Alphonso Earle of Tholouse and Poiters and Robert Earle of Arthois his Bretheren Hugh Duke of Bourgongne William Earle of Flanders and Guy of Flanders his Brother Hugh Earle of Saint Paul and Gautier his Nephew Hugh Earle of Marche the Earles of Salbruke and Vandosme of Montfort of Dreux and Archibauld of Bourbon very renowmed in the course of this Historie being Father to the Mother of our King now raigning the Lord of Ioinuille who hath worthily written this Historie Hugh Brun and his Sonne Gauberd of Aspremont William Morlet William of Barres men of great esteeme in their times the Lordes of La Voute Mont laur Turnon and Crusol men of accoumpt in the Countrie of Viâ—arez intouled with Count Raymond who dyed vppon the point of their departure and the rest passed on This was in the yeare 1258. about the twentith yeare of the raigne of Saint Lewis The Queene accompanies the King The Armie consisted of two and thirty thousand fighting men Queene Marguerite his Wife bare him company in his voyage but more faithfull then Elenor was to Lewis the seuenth the Countesses of Tholouse and Arthois did also goe with their husbands after the Queenes example Blanche his Mother bare him companie to Lions where Innocent the fourth attended him Hee imbarkes at Marseilles From thence hee went to Marseilles where hee imbarked with the Geneuois that were hired by him His departure was the 25. day of August to the best voyage vnder heauen Hee arriued happily in the Iland of Cipres held by Guy of Lusigâ—an where attending the rest of his Armie the plague wasted many of his men euen of the chiefe of his Court Archibauld of Bourbon Iohn of Montfort and others dyed The fame of his Holinesse moued the King of Tartaria to send his Ambassadors vnto him to offer him his friendship 1260. and to acquaint him with the desire he had to become a Christian Lewis sends him Preachers to instruct him in the Christian religion The Tartares refuse the Christian religion by reason of the Christians ill life But the Tartarians vnderstanding that the Christians liues were not answerable to their profession they returne without any better fruite then the shame of their ill life whose doctrine was so famous At the releefe of Cipres Lewis had conference with the Christians of Iudea where they resolued to recouer the Cittie of Damieâ—te as most riche and very important for their state The Mammâ—luckes sought to hinder Lewis his discent but to their great losse and also of their Commander the Satrape of Canope Behold Lewis is now landed and from thence he goes to Damiette the which hee speedily besiegeth yet not with so great foresight Lewis takes Damieâ—te but the stranger garrison hauing made shew to yeeld at the first summons had meanes to make a hoale in the night and to saue themselues This happy taking of Damiette gaue sundry Councels both to Lewis and to the Mammeluâ—ks To Lewis to pursue his victory to the Mammelucks to defend themselues and the rather for that soone after the losse of Damiette Meledin Sultan of Babilon died leauing his Sonne Melexala for his successor a young man of great hope The proiect of Lewis was to pursue his victory to keepe his enemy busied in attempting Caire the capitall Citty of Egipt anciently called Memphis Beâ—iegeth Caire indiscreetly but the ignorance of these strange places where he was not onely depriued him of the fruite of his first conquest but gaue Melexala meanes not onely to preserue himselfe but to defeat Lewis his armie and to take him prisoner Whilest they attend Count Alphonso his Brother with new forces and spend too much time vpon the passage of Nilus behold the miscreants forces flie into Egipt from all parts to succour the yong Sultan from Arabia and Siria The iealousies betwixt the Satrapes of Halape Damas were by this occasion conuerted into vnion and firme loue to expell a common enemy whose victory would proue their generall ruine Lewis ingaged beyond Nilus in an enemies country where he must either vanquish or die behold a great and mighty armie of enemies against him assembled from all parts Lewis a braue and resolute Commander desired nothing more then to imploy the first furie of the French in battaile Melexala a politike Commander incouraged by the happy successe of Damiette But Melexala who was within his owne Countrie and prepared rather to defend himselfe then to assaile resolued to weary Lewis his forces the which he knew would be more anoyed by the foggie aire where they were lodged and by the want of all kind of victuals then by his sword The successe answered his desseigne the Campe is presently full of diseases those contagious The common souldiers the NoblemeÌ„ The plâ—gue in Lewis his Campe. and in the end the King is sick all is disordred with this infectious sicknesse The Gards and Sentinels stand in feare all are amazed Melexala well informed of their estate surchargeth them with an other discomodity he takes from them the passage of Nilus by the which victuals came from Damiette to the Christians Campe. And to braue these poore sick men who had neither hands to fight nor feet to flie he sends troopes hourely to their trenches to prouoke them and cuts them in peeces
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
Daughters whose names are buried in the confusion of times troubled by the pâ—etences of Males and Females and his wife with Child as wee haue sayd A wombe which shall breed many long and perilous controuersies Charles dyed in the yeare 1328. leauing the Crowne to the second royall branche of Capets wherevnto the order of the fundamentall law did lawfully call them THE SECOND PARCELL OF THE THIRD RACE OF CAPETS CONTAINING THIRTEENE KINGS in the second royall branche called of Valois from Philip of Valois to Henry the third THE NAMES OF THIRTEENE Kings of the second royall branch of Capets called of Valois Philip of Valois Iohn Charles the 5. Charles the 6. Charles the 7. Lewes the 11. Charles the 8. Lewis the 12. Francis the first Henry the 2. Francis the 2. Charles the 9. Henry the 3. the last of this royall branche From the yeare a thousand three hundred twentie eight vnto the yeare a thousand fiue hundred eightie eight PHILIP of VALOIS the 50. King of France PHILLIP KING OF FRANCE L. THe doubtfulnesse of the issue which was expected from the royall wombe of Iane 1328. widow to Charles the faire held the beginning of this raigne in great suspence and perplexitie Controuersie for the realme betwixt Edward the 3. King of England Pâ—iâ—iâ— of Valois euen for the regencie it selfe for Edward the 3. King of England the sonne of Edward the 2. and of Isabell of France the daughter of Philip the faire and sister to the three Kings last deceased pretended it as his right and in case the child died whatsoeuer it were the realme also by the title of royall consanguinitie according to the lawes of England 〈◊〉 Philip of Valois the first Prince of the bloud of France maintained that 〈…〉 of the male if any were borne as the realme if it were a daughter oâ— the sonne died belonged directly vnto him without all controuersie holding the first 〈…〉 among the Princes of the bloud after the decease of the three brethren who had bin 〈…〉 aâ—ter another For Philip the hardie had left two sonnes Philip the faire and 〈◊〉 Earle of Valâ—iâ—â— of whom it is said That he was the sonne of a King brother to a King 〈…〉 father to a King and yet no King 〈◊〉 Philip and Charles had succeeded to the Crowne one after another so as after 〈…〉 the right came to Charles and his children according to the fundamentall law oâ— State To decide this controuersie the generall Estates were called at Paris Philip of Valoâ—â— preferâ—ed to the â—â—owne with great solemâ—iâ—â—e where they decree That Philip of Valois should be Regent of the realme if Queene 〈◊〉 had a sonne and King if it were a daughter 〈◊〉 was delâ—uered of a daughter the first of Aprill at Bois de Vincennes the which was caâ—â—ed Blanche This quaâ—rell thus decided Philip installed King Philip of Valois was saluted and proclaimed King of France and within few daies after was annointed and crowned at Rheims accordiâ—â— to the vsuall custome And â—hen being well accompanied with his Princes Peeres Officers and an infinite number of his nobility he made his entry into his chiefe Citty of Paris with an incredible ioy and pompe this was in the yeare .1328 Being thus in possession of the Realme he studied to settle his estate much disordered by the ill gouernement of the forepassed Kings 〈◊〉 settles his 〈…〉 France and likewise to satisfie the daughter of Lewis Hutin in regard of the Counties of Brye and Champâ—gne lying too neere to his good Citty of Paris to be diuided from the crowne So he treated with her and held them by his prerogatiue giuing vnto her as much in exchange as the said Earledomes were worth lying farther off in the counties of la March Rouergue and Languedoc But Flanders troubled him much more the Earle and his subiects were greatly incensed one against an other by reason of some exactions of money made by the Earle for the payment of his old debtes due by the accord so as they made warre against their Earle and tooke him prisoner Beeing the stronger they controlled their Lord but soone after they payde for their folly for the Earle being deliuered had recourse vnto Philip as to their soueraigne Philip takes the Earles cause in hand He suppresseth the Flemings rayseth a great armie against the Flemings takes sacks and burnes Cassel where they had made the body of their army after the defeate of two and twenty thousand Flemings in a pitched field Hauing subdued this mutinous people hee aduised the Earle to vse that aduantage modestly to win theÌ„ by mildenes not to thrust them into errors by despight or dispaire the which are sooner preuented then repayred in popular tumults Beeing returned from this voyage Philip found newe worke at Paris The Courts of Parlement and all the Soueraigne Iudges assembled from all the Prouinces made a general complaint against the Clergy of France A notable sute of the Patlements against the cleargie they accuse them ofsundry abuses namely that against the due of their charges they intermedled with the politike iurisdiction The sute was vehement famous for the greatnes of the parties The King to reconcile this quarrel calles a general assembly of his whole realme at Paris The cause was pleaded before him with great liberty by Peter of Cugnere this is he who by derision they called M. Peter Cugnet whoÌ„ at this day they finde in the great Temple at Paris noted with a little Monkeys head placed betwixt two pillers to put out the candles being odious by reason of his pleading and as coldly defended by Peter Bertrand both famous Aduocates in those times The issue was doubtfull but Philip foreseeing the euent of so important a busines after that he had seriously exhorted the Prelates to reforme themselues in reforming the abuse to auoide these popular complaints he referred the matter to a further hearing But he had other worke in hand Edward the 3. King of England for that he was not receiued King of France practised great and new desseines against him studying onely vpon reuenge He had purposely refused to assist at his coronation makes no shew of any intent to do homage for Guienne whereunto Philip did cal him Edward hauing no colour to refuse so apparent a duty came to 〈◊〉 with so great and extraordinary a traine as it seemed plainly not to be done to honour the king but rather to strike some feare or admiration into the French of his great forces To check this bold brauâ—do Philip shewed himself a King at his first enteruew with Edward who euen then champt vppon the bit and smothered his choler Edward appeares at the place and time prefixt royallie attired with a long roabe of crimson veluet pouldred with Leopardes of gold a crowne vpon his head a sword by his side and golden spurres on his heeles He presents himselfe standing before Philip
Philip of Valois as an vsurper of the realme of France and labours to stirre vp both the French and Flemings to maintaine his title as the lawfull heire being the sonne of a daughter of France against an vnlawfull King pretending the realme to appertaine vnto him 〈◊〉 sends Ambassadors into Flanders and Germany Moreouer hee sends an honorable stately Ambassage into Flanders and Germanie to incense those Prouinces against Philip. These Ambassaders went with a goodly and an honorable trayne great in expences shewe bankets and presents They began in Hainault to take directions there from Conte William father in Lawe to Edward The Earle doth cause them to be accompanied throughout all the Citties of Flanders and Brabant doth countenance them with the fauour of his friends in all those citties They spare nothing in good cheer Iames of 〈…〉 leader to the seditious 〈◊〉 nor goodly preseÌ„ts according to the popular humor of this natioÌ„ One of the chiefe Tribunes or Colonells of this people was Iames of Arteuille a brewer but in effect he had more credit with the flemings theÌ„ the Earle himself They begin to vndermine the flanke of this fort by the means of this artisan He becomes an EnglishmaÌ„ by vertue of the Angels of Englâ—d He shal act his part in this tragedy but in the end he shal leaue his skin in this peoples hands whom he had inchanted as after many turns the keeper is deuoured by his lion Lewis Earle of Flanders stood stifly for the King his soueraigne Lord but he preuailed nothing in exclayming against this ringleader of the multitude who were the more incensed by Lewis his choler against their captaine For Arteuille making it knowne to all men that he was hated The Flemings 〈…〉 tooke occasion to demaÌ„d a gard the which he choose among the most seditious being entertained by him at the charge of England and so hee mayntained and augmented his seisure of this confused authority the which he had vsurped ouer the Flemings in Edwards fauour There was an occasion which made this popular humor to breake forth being yet somewhat restrained by the respect of soueraigne authoritie a bridle for the most audacious A french gentleman being at Gand was too familiar with this multitude The Earle suspects him to be traitor and without any other proofes but only the deuotion he had to the Kings seruice he cutts off his head The coÌ„mon people were so incensed with this execution An vnseâ—sonâ—â—le execution as the Earle could hardly recouer France to auoide the outragious crueltie of this furious multitude which pursued him to death without any respect Arteuille being then without controule sets vp his ensigne openly for Edward who presently sends a fleet into Flanders 〈◊〉 practises in Flanders and Germany He comes himselfe to Antwerp with his wife and children and giues his sister in marriage to the Duke of Gueldres the better to confirme his loue And leauing his wife in Flanders for a gage of his faith hee comes to Cologne where he is honorably receiued by Lewis of Bauiere Emperour by whom hauing made an offensiue and defensiue League hee is declared Vicar of the holy Empire both in Germanie and France to haue thereby a title to force the Vassalls and subiects of that Empire to succor him both with men and money against Philip of Valois as an vsurper of the realme of France and sworne enimie to the Empire In his absence the Queene his wife had so politikely managed his affaires as at his returne he did but passe and with an incredible celerity sent an army 1335. the which he found ready vnder the conduct of the earle of Salisburie But it chanced Equall losses as this Earle hauing ioyned with the Flemings went inconsiderately to the siege of Lisle he was defended by the Lord of Rombats which surprised him in this disorder being drawne into an Ambuscadoe This first checke did import Edwards affaires very much and euen with the Flemings being subiect to alterations To repaire this error hee departs presently from England with his fleet yet he must fight for the passage with Philips Nauy the which attends him with great forces and with a resolute intent to stay him The English armye was not lesse neither were their courages any thing daunted with this first losse The coÌ„bate was fierce but the victory remained to Edward Who notwithstanding bought it deere by a great losse of his Nobility and an honourable hurt which he receiued for a testimony of his valour Philip lost thirty thousand men Battaile of Seluse in fauour of the English French and Flemish and his Admirall Hugh of Quieret with the aduantage of a good beginning This battell fell out in the yeare 1337. in the moneth of Maie noted by the name of Scluse where it was giuen It was seconded with a greater losse the which made the way open to Edwards desseins who being receiued with great ioy by the Flemings resolued to trie his fortune and to inuade France by Tournay and S. Omer measuring the courage and not the number of his victorious armie ordayned to greater and more famous exploits Philip was nothing amazed at this first checke but relying in his great forces 1337. hee thought himselfe assured of a victory against Edward to the ende that hee might haue no competitor in his hereditary Kingdome nor France any English Prince to trouble it againe He had leuied an armie worthy the possession of this new inheritance of a hundred thousand fighting men and many great personages The Kings of Bohemia Nauarre Scotland Philips Army The Dukes of Normandy Brittaine and Lorraine The Earles of Alanson Sauoy Flanders Armagnac Eu. and others to the nuÌ„ber of twenty six with an infinit number of the nobility He diuides his armie into three to answer the enemy in all places One part for Tournay vnder the conduct of the Earle of Eu Constable of France the Mareshall of Montmorancy the other for S. Omer vnder the Duke of Bourgongne and Earle of Armagnac and he himselfe remaines with the battell betwixt them and Arras The English armie had neither so many men not so great personages being but threescore thousand men The English Army but the tryall made proose that it was nothing inferiour to the French neyther in courage nor valour It consisted of English Flemings and Germaines the which was the fruite of his Embassage and voyage The imperiall Eagle appeared in the formost ranckes in great shewe and the title of vicar of the sacred Empire sounded out in all their military proclamations Edward desires nothing more then to fight All his men had the same will being nothing amazed with the number nor brauery of the French armie not with the fame of their commaunders Such is the force of the great God of armies who disposeth of the hearts of such as shal be conquerors or conquered drawes the motions that are in
part the realme of Naples and the Earldome of Prouence and left one sonne named Charles who had two daughters Iane and Magdalene Iane by the death of her sister remayned sole heire of these two great Estats and was married to Andrewe the sonne of Charles King of Hongarie The subiect of our discourse will not suffer mee to speake of the other children Philip the yongest sonne of Charles the Lame had one sonne named Lewis Prince of Tarentum verie faier but of a violent and bold spirit Iane began to loath her husband and preferring the filthy loue of her Cosin before the honour of marriage Iane Queene of Naples kils her husband shee caused her husband Andrewe of Hongarie to be slaine cloaking this horrible and tragike acte with an impudent hipocrisie for she takes vpon her the habit of mourning after the death of her husband whome she her selfe had slaine and writes letters to Lewis King of Hongarie brother to Andrewe full of lamentations Lewis knowing the detestable dissembling of this mastiue The kingdom of Naplâ—s taken by Lewis king of Hongarie prepares his forces against these fayned teares and without any dissembling hee marcheth towards Italie with a mightie armie resolute to take an exemplary punishment of these wretched heads but Iane and Lewis flie into Prouence before the storme Lewis fauored by the reuenging iustice of God takes the Realme of Naples easilie with Charles Duke of Durazzo left for the gard thereof and Lewis Robert and Charles Princes of the bloud The first hee beheads the rest he sends into Hongarie to perpetuâ—ll 〈◊〉 and leauing Stephen Vayuoida gouernour of his newe conquest hee returnes 〈◊〉 to his realme In the meane time the hatred betwixt the two Princes growes violent Warre renued betwixt the two Kings both by forme of 〈◊〉 by open force Philip makes diligent search both in Normandie Picardie 〈◊〉 â—oâ— al the nobility which fauored Edwards faction He caused Oliuer of Clisson to loose his head whose sonne shal be Constable vnder Chales 6 with Bâ—con Persy and Geossroy of 〈◊〉 Knights of marke in whome he notes no other crimes but that they were Englishmen Geossroy of Harcourt was sommoned but in steed of appeering at Paris he retired 〈…〉 to London to kindle the fier in France Yet in these preparations for warre Edward gaue scope to his loues for in the beginning of this warre he instituted the order of the garter with this motto Hony soit qui maly pense in honor of the Countesse of Salisbury honoring in her the chastitie which he could neuer 〈…〉 by all his amorous practises He armes on both sides in Guienne and Normandie The Duke of Lancaster general of the army in Guienne takes Vilefranche of Agenots 〈…〉 S. Bâ—sâ—â—e with many other townes Castells In Guiennâ— to whome Philip opposeth his 〈◊〉 Iohn duke of Normandy who recouers Angoulesme Villefranche froÌ„ the English But the greatest burthen of the warre fell vpon Normandie whether Edward led the flower of all his Nobility landing in the Countrie of Cotantin with aboue a thousand saile At hâ—â— entrie he puts all to fier and sword takes the Towne of Carentan In Normandy by force kills al he 〈…〉 or disarmed spoiles burnes and razeth the Towne In the champian 〈…〉 puts all to the sword saying that he did offer those sacrifices to Bacon Persy his other seruants being vniustly massacred by Philip. The reason was for that the heads of these men stood vpon the cheefegate of Carentan Then he takes and spoiles S. Lo and after a great fight he becomes master of Caen with such a terror as Falaise Lisieux 〈◊〉 yelded vnto him without any resistance These townes being taken he marcheth into the I le of France to drawe Pâ—ilip to battaile proclaiming generally that he called him to fight in the view of all France 1346. at the great Theater of his chiefe cittie of Paris At the same time by the like practises Flanders rebelled by means of Iames of Arteuille who was more then a passionate partaker of Edwards So the disordred passion of this desperate seditious man was a trappe for his owne ruine For as he not onely laboured by all meanes to shake off the French yoake but also grew so audacious as to perswade the Flemmings to leaue their naturall obedience to their Earle and to receiue a new Lord such a one as the King of England should appoint the Flemmings much displeased with this insolent proposition of Arteuille Arteuille slaâ—n by the Flemingâ— as the bloud of a faithfull subiect can neuer denie his Prince they fall furiously vpon him in open assembly and without any further processe they kill him reuenging vpon him the mischiefes they had committed by his pernitious councels Thus in the end this Tribune receiued the guerdon due to such as abuse the furie of an inchanted multitude making them the instruments of their passions against their superiours This iust execution crossed Edwards desseins in Flanders and gaue the Earle meanes to repaire to Philip with his forces and to consecrate his life to him the which he lost in this voyage Philip slept not during these proceedings of Edwards he had gathered together one of the goodliâ—st armies that euer was seene in France consisting of French Lorraines Germaines and Geneuois he which he led towards Meulan where Edward said he attended to fight with him Edward retires vpon this alarum They imagined that he fled for feare but the issue will shew that the great God of armies had appointed his victorie in another place He retiers and Philip followes who in the end ouertakes him at a village called Arenes a remarkable name to shew that all the trust of humane forces and all the desseignes of mans pollicie are like vnto a quicksand Phâ—lips great armie hauing the aduantage of being at home presumed of an assured victorie Edward retired to get the riuer of Somme at Blanquetaque but he must fight for the passage Philip had already seized thereon by Gondemar of Fate with a thousand horse and 6000. foote the most part of them Crosbow men yet Edward resolued to passe or dye With this resolution he leapes into the water and cryes out He that loues me let him follow me At this speech they all plunge into the riuer without any stay so as presently the English recouer the banke Gondemar troubled at this gallant resolution The French defeated at â—lanque taque amazeth his men with his terrified countenance All giue way to the English who incountring our men in disorder charge the rereward but the retreat was neere at Abbeuille and S Riquiâ—r places vnder our obedience The losse was not so great as the disgrace yet was it a presage of a greater mischiefe which followed France These poore men arriue at Abbeuillâ— in a throng all distempered with the amazement of this shamefull and vnfortunate flight Philip exceedingly transported with this disgracefull
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
vertue Philip of Arteuille their leader was slaine he was found breathing among the dead carcases whom the King commanded to be hanged and so he had the reward of his imagined Empire This double euent may serue as a lesson both for great and small for great men in the Earles person for small in that of this Tribun For the first to command well for the others to obey well and forall not to passe the bounds of their duties God punishing the great for their tiranny and crueltie and the lesser for their disobedience dangerous plagues of mankinde the which cannoâ— stand but by order and authoritie well gouerned and well applied They calâ—thâ—s ouerthrow the battaile of Rosebecqâ—e which chanced in the yeare 1582. in December it was the more remarkable for that the vanquished had soone their reuenge Charles thus victorious could not manage his victorie for in steed of surprising the Gantois in this amazement he lingers too long at Courtray to seeke out the remainder of those miserable mutynous which remayned in this defeate whereas in pardoning the vanquished the victor getts a double victoâ—y This place also being infamous by a great ouerthrowe which chanced in the yeare 1312. mooued him to choler for that this ill aduised people to noaâ—e the memory of that day did ceâ—ebrate a â—ollemne feast yearely An vnworthy reuenge taken by King Charles and had reserued fiue hundred paâ—er of gilt spures which they had taken from the French in that battaile Charles was so transported with the memorie of this audacious indignitie as he caused this poore Towne to be burnt An vnworthie reuenge of so great a monarke who should hold it the greatest reuenge vpon his enemies to pardon when he may reuenge The Duke of Bourgongne in all this confusâ—on did not forget to seeke for goodly mouables whereof there was abundance He carried away that goodly clock and that exquisite tapistry which is now at Dyion in the Kings house The Gantois seeing their ruine flie to Richard King of England The Gantois flie to England for succore they choose Francis Artremâ—n one of their Cittizens for their head and renue the league of white caps more obstinatly then before being resolued to die rather then to trust their Earle to whome they imputed the cause of all their miseries the which had continued fiue yeares and deuoured two hundred thousand men So fatall are ciuill dissentions betwixt the Lord and his subiects Lewis their Earle hauing labored to settle his affaires both by the French and English against the Gantois fealing daylie the inconueniences of this rebellious people as thornes in his sides fell into such a melancholie as hee died Leauing his whole estate much troubled to his sonne-in-lawe Philip Duke of Bourgongne who beeing faâ—re ingaged in his Father-in-Lawes quarrell was nothing pleasing to this his people The warâ—e was reuiued both by practises of the English and by meanes of Artreman the head of that faction who hauing tasted the sweete of popular commaund desired nothing more then to maintayne this diuision but there fell out a sodaine accident which pacified all this great trouble as a little raine doth a great winde Two Cittizens of Gand whose names deserued well to be registred in this historie discoursing one day of their common miseries A strange meane to pacifie Gand. and noating the true causes of these calamities within their Cittie as feeling the wound they sought the meanes to cure it the which had continued so long and cost their miserable Countrie so deere The Kings pleasure and the Duke of Bourgongnes must be knowne they were not ignorant of the peoples humour being verie weaâ—ie of so many miseries Their enterprise was not without exceeding danger by the absolute authoritie of three or fower who had most credit with the people being susceptible of any mischiefe when they are thrust forward with a shewe of good It was requisite in the managing of so important a busines to vse wisdome and silence vntill the foundation were well layed and for the execution thereof there needed one which had both credit and authoritie with both parties The God of peace presented one vnto them which gouerned this action discreetly Iohn Delle a gentleman of Gand but bred vp in the Court of France He that seekes peace finds it This Delle goes to the King and Duke of Bourgongne hee layes open his dessâ—ine and is well entertayned He returnes with a good answer both by letters of credit and priuate instructions to the Gantois At his returne the matter is so well furthered by those two Cittizens who were in great reputation with the people as without the priuitie of Artreman or the English Negotiators the banner of Flanders the signall of their popular power is sollemnly planted in the great market place Al the people flocke thether where hauing signified vnto the chiefe Magistrats that they would haue peace and obey the Duke of Bourgongne their Prince Deputies are appointed with power to negotiate conclude a peace with him This was effected after a long confusion to the content both of the Earle and Flemings Of a light beginning God performes a great worke when it pleaseth him Thus the Duke of Bourgongne pacified Flanders in the yeare .1384 when as he feared greatest tumults by meanes of some seditious persons to whose great griefe a peace was proclaymed throughout al the Estaâ—s of Flanders 〈◊〉 in Flanâ—â—â—â— which gaue an incredible content to all the people after so manie miseries Nowe King Charles grewe great and although he were but sixteene yeares of age yet was he desiroâ—s to marry The Duke of Aniou his Vncle according to the aduice which King Charles the wise had gâ—uen on his death bed thought good to seeke him out a marriage in Germanie in the house of Bauiere to counterballance the credit of the Emperour Wâ—nceslaus no friend to the house of France what shewe soeuer he made He therefore marrieth with Isabel the daughter of Stephen Duke of Bauiere a Princesse from whom they expected much good but shee brought infinit troubles to France as we shal see hereafter Thus mans wisdome is deceyued when as hee hopes for best that God might bee knowen for the author of al good both in the family and State This imperious Proserpina verâ—fied the prouerbe That a woman raiseth or ruines a house She had almost ouerthrowne the State But shortly there shal an Italian woman be ioyned to this Germain to augment the confusions of this raigne reasonable good in the beginning but verie miserable in the ende This yeare likewise concluded a peace in Brittain after many troubles Iohn of Montfort hauing renued his homage to the King and sworne fealtie which shall not long continue to the great preiudice of the King and his realme The truce was continued in shewe betwixt France and England but with no more loue of the two Kings then betwixt capitall enimies who sought to annoye
one another by new attempts Charles hauing pacified Flanders and Brittaine resolues to bee reuenged of Richard who had sought all meanes to annoy him in eyther prouince besides the ordinary brauadoes he gaue him within the hart of his realme Charles sends men and mâ—nition into Scotland He therefore sends a thousand men at armes to Dauid King of Scots and threescore shippes well appoynted with furniture to arme twelue thousand men of his country vnder the command of Iohn of Vienne Admirall of France Their entry into Scotland was pleasing but the Scottishmen grew soone discontented with our men eyther through their fault or our they accusing vs of insolency and loosenesse and we them of barbarousnes and cruelty to their friend a stranger who came to succour them This diuision caused Dauid to make a peace with Richard and our Admirall of Vienne to returne speedily home with his Frenchmen but not without obseruing the manners strength and commodities of this Iland diuided into two kingdomes And least he should seeme to haue made a fruitlesse voyage yeelding an accompt vnto the King of what he had done seene and learned in Scotland he lets him vnderstand that the strength of Scotland consisted but in fiue thousand horse and thirty thousand foote halfe armed and that of England in eight thousand horse and threescore thousand foote This relation were it true or false gaue aduice to assayle the King of England in his own Country where he might be vanquished with more facility then abroad the which so moued the minde of this yong Prince transpotted with the great harmes suffered with much indignity by the English as it was easie for the Duke of Bourgongne â— whom it much concerned to haue the English molested being often disquieted by him in his country of Flanders Charles resolues to make war in England to perswade the King to vndertake this war Oportunity did likewise seeme to inuite him for that the Duke of Lancaster pretending right to the realme of Castile by his wife had exhausted England both of men and money and the Gantois being pacified all Flanders would be held in subiection by this check The Regent acquainted with the Duke of Bourgongnes humoâ— being his brother who for his priuate interest would hazard the whole and noting the eminent dangers in the Kings person who would imbarke himselfe in this action the great want of money the peoples exclamations the great danger of tumults by the great exactions which must be made and in the action it selfe the inconueniency so apparant to any one that would open his eyes the impossibility of so great an enterprise to assaile a great King so oft a Conquerour within his owne Realme not holding any land there The Regent dislikes of thâ—â— enteâ—prise he was vtterly against it yet he spake soberly least he should offend the King who greatly affected it Lewis Earle of Touraine the Kings brother who soone shal be Duke of Orleans the Constable Clisson the Earle of S. Pol the Lord of Coussy and others in whom Charles had most trust had beene so perswaded by the Duke of Bourgongne as they had nothing else in their mouths nothing sounded in this yong Princes eares but the necessity profit honour and facillity of this voyage What my Liege say they are you lesse then the King of England shal the French yeeld to the English in valour courage or force what an indignity is it to haue this people alwayes at our gates to nourish them in our bosomes and to furnish them with armes to beat vs what a benefit wil it be to take their nest from them and leaue them no place of retreat Your Countries of Guienne Normandie Picardie and Flanders are wholy yours How much doth that import for the honour of your Maiesty and the good of your Realme to returne them their owne who haue so often defeated your armies taken your ancestors spoyled your Estate braued it in your Townes and beseeged your chiefe citty of Paris As for the facility of the execution who sees not but you may effect it if you please The Saxons conquered England with a handful of men far from their own home and with small meanes and William the Conquerour with his sword alone And you my Liege hauing a realme ful of men victualls monie euen at your enemies gate shall not you preuaile England opens her armes vnto you your Realme inuites you which without doubt will imploy both heart and purse for so great generous a desseine the which imports both the honour and quiet of your Maiesty Such and like speeches they did continually buzz into Charles his eares but from his Chamber they were published in the Court and so through out the whole realme as that which pleaseth the King doth commonly please all The desseine was to bee wished against a capitall enemie of the State and the proceeding had a fayre shewe At the generall instance of all the French the King decrees in counsell to leauy a great armie for the voyage of England letters are sent out to all parts Subsidies Taxes Loans imposed greater then during the imprisonment of King Iohn but all was shadowed with this reason That they must endeauour once for all to roote out the English who vndermined this estate and sought to ruine it This decree was put in execution with great applause of all men as if France had layed new foundations of her greatnesse both to warrant it selfe from danger at hand to haue a reuenge of former losses and to build a newe Estate at the cost of the common enemy of the French nation The Nauie is prepared at Scluse and Blanguerge to the great content of the Flemings They armed fower hundred eighty seuen Shipps for warre with an infinite quantity of victuals the which came from all parts like to a flowing streame The nobility striues who shal be best appointed Strange Princes are inuited The King of Spaine then a friend to our King the Earle of Sauoy Preparation for the warre of England The Dukes of Saxony and Bauiere send men Our Princes will not yeeld one to another in costly showes they adde superfiuous curiosity to necessity They paint and gild their shippes All glisters with goodly ensignes penons banners standards and streamors The masts painted with rich grounds shining with leaues of Gold gaue notice to all men that they went not onely to a certain victory but to some ioyfull nuptialls But all this feast was made without any reckoning with God who laughs from heauen at these ants that striue to climbe without a Ladder and at Princes who made these brauadoes at the poore peoples cost who remembred not that God hath a soueraigne court and a register to controll their actions and to oppose against their vanities The armie was prepared in two places in Flanders and in Brittaine It consisted of twenty thousand Knights and Squires as many Ganouois archers on foote and fiue
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
he would not accept of this gouernment without the good liking of the Duke of Berry so as all the punishment fell vpon Betizac his chiefe Treasurer who 〈◊〉 burnt at Beziers Betizac the Dukes treasurer burnt purging in the fire the extorsions he had committed vnder his maisterâ— authoritie At that time Charles King of Nauarre died so often blemished in the truth of this historie we haue noted how he had retired himselfe from Court into his realme of Nauarre As this retreat was vnto him a reprochfull banishment so this shamefull solitarinesse was a ciuill death But the Catastrophe of his tragicall life was a famous proofe that God doth often reuenge notable sinnes by notable punishments euen in this life He was much broken by the excesse of venery and all sorts of dissolutions the which he had exceedinglie vsed with his wonderfull tyrannie and crueltie As they did anoint him with medicines fit to warme and comfort his benummed members some say they had chafed him with Aqua-vitae The tragicall 〈◊〉 of the Nauarroâ— and wrapt him in a sheete but behold fire takes hold of this sheete with such violence as being vnable to quench it he was consumed by degrees liuing some daies as suruiuing his paine and that which encreased the horror of Gods iudgement his death made both great and small to reioyce and was receiued in France with as great content as the winning of a great and famous battaile Great robbing during the truce There was a generall truce betwixt the French and English so as the garrisons lying stâ—ll the Souldiars bred vp and nourished in armes fighting no more by order vnder their eâ—sâ—gnes sought now their prey by disorder vpon the labourer and marchant The countries of Rouergue Perigort Limosin Auuergne and La Marche had English garrisons who spoiled these countries and did runne vp into the neerest parts of Languedoc Velai Geuaudan Viuarez and Suenes where the villages are for the most part walled in to preuent these sodaine incursions There were many theeues amongst them Teste noire or Black-pate in the Castell of Ventador Amerigor Marcel at Roâ—h-Vandais who breaking the truce sought to be supported by the King of England but in the end they all fell into the hang-mans hands or perished miserably by some strange death an Image of our late confusions Libertie had bred vp these warriours with so great aboundance as the English passed the sea to make Turneys and to fight at Barriers as they vse at great Triumphes There was a Tilt set vp betwixt Calais and Saint Iaquelvuert where the Nobilitie made triall of their valour as in a Schoole of Fence To take away this troublesome aboundance they tooke occasions to make long voyages into Castille and Italie but in the end there was a very famous one offred against the miscreaâ—ts of Barbarie at the Geneuois request who suffred many discommodites in their traffick by these barbarous Affricans Charles granted them succours willingly and gaue the charge of this warre to Peter duke of Burbon assisted with the Earles of Auuergne and Foix the Lords of Coucy Guy of Tremouille A voyage into Affâ—â—â—ke by â—he Frenâ—h English together Iohn of Vienne Admirall of France Philip of Arthois Earle of Eu Philip of Bar Harcourt Antoing Linge Pyquiny and many other great men from all parts of the Realme which ranne to so famous an action vnder so worthy a commander and at so great leysure more painfull then the toyle of warre to men that desired nothing but imployment Richard King of England to imitate Charles granted succours to the Geneuois vnder the command of the Earle of Salisburie accompanied with many Noble men and Engâ—â—sh Gentlemen moued with desire like vnto the French in the enterprise of this pleasing paine The Deputies of the Kings of France and England assembled to treate of a generall peace but not able to effect it they continue a truce for foure yeares with goodly pâ—ouisions against robberies for the safetie and quiet of their Estates Charles gaue free passage to the English by the Countries of Langâ—edâ—â— and Daulphiné to passe the Alpes safelie All come to Genes to the great ioy of the Geneuois Being shipt they land within fewe dayes in Barbarie Presently they beseege the Citty of Affricke So our histore termes it as bearing the name of all the vast and barbarous counâ—ry They call the Afâ—ricanic commanders Agadinquor of Oliferne and Brahadist of Thunes But our Argonautes found them which stayed their fuâ—y The Barbarians defended themselues with an obstinate resolution But their foâ—ce did them lesse harme then the ayre and diet beeing very contrary to theiâ— complexions so as our armie decreased dayly especially of men of accompt This siege conâ—inued six weekes with much losse no hope to preuaile The 〈◊〉 noated alwaâ—es to be â—aithlâ—sse The Geneuois hauing conceiued a hope of a sodaine victorie began to grow cold and slacke in furnishing of the armie The Duke of Bourbon foreseeing the difficulties which might grow in continuing obstinaâ—e at this siege fearing the winter and not trusting the Geneuois who are famous for that they haue no faith remembring the example of the King S. Lewis resolued to returne wiâ—hout any greater losse He trusseth vp his baggage bringes backe his troupes into France coÌ„tinuing the example to al such as are capable of reasoÌ„ how difficult it is for Christâ—ans to performe these strange attempts after the experience of many ages The â—rench and the English hauing liued louingly together in this voyage returned to their houses without doing of any memorable act but to haue endeauored to doe sometâ—ing worthy of memory to auoide idlenesse during so peacefull a time â—ritâ—aine did then conceiue and afterwards bring forth more preiudiciall effects then Bâ—rbary iâ— selâ—â— and the way was made by light occasions to horrible and monstrous efâ—ects to the great preiudicâ— both of the King and Realme for a notable tesâ—imonie to posterity what Councellors Enuye and ambition be in a state we like wretches seeke for peace and when God gâ—ues it we flie from it we maligne an other mans good and depâ—â—ue our selues of our owne But alas it were a small matter for a great personage to hurâ— himselfe by his owne passions if this poison did not spred abroad to the preiudice of â—he common weale We haue said that Iohn of Montfort remained peaceably Duke of Brittaine by the death of Charles of Blois and the agreement he made with his widow Hatred betwixt the duke of Briâ—â—â—ine the Constable Clisson whose eldest sonne Iohn of Brittâ—ine Earle of Ponthieure was redeemed from prison out of England by the constable Clisson who gaue him his daughter in marriage payed his â—ansome The constable was a Briâ—ton and so a subiect to Iohn of Montfort Duke of Brittaine his ancient and capitall â—nimy and yet by this newe succession was become his Lord. Doubtlesse in this quality Clisson could not
like a puppet vntill she came to age satiâ—fying his humor by some other wayes howsoeuer it were it proued to the dislike oâ— his subiects and scorne of neighbour nations Isabell being returned to her father shal be married to Charles Duke of Orleans sonne to this Lewis who is now in quarter and from her shall spring a goodly plant which in the end shall giue vs many Kings in their order to preserue this Monarchie But as if France had beene the store-house or rather the common Sanctuarie of all Christendome to whom the afflicted Christians might repaire in their greatest extremities It happened in those dayes that Sigismond King of Hongarie intreated Charles â—o succour him against the Turke the common enemie to the Christian name The King of Hongarie craues succoâ—â— of K. Câ—arleâ— who got footing in the Empire of the East For the schisme in the Church the confusion of the Empire and the dayly warres betwixt France and England had so mortified all Christians zâ—ale from all care to support the affaires of the East against the Turkes our sworne enemies as the way was made easie for the planting of themselues there to our ruine But all the fault was not in the Westerne Prouinces the Christians of the East were in horrible confusions and euen at Constantinople whereas the Paleologues had in some sort maintained the name of the Empire of the East since the bad gouernment of our French All the Lords of Greece vassalles to the Empire ioyning with the Despote of Bulgaria against the Emperour did striue to ruine one another This ciuill watte drew the Turke out of Asia where he was yet confined into Europe ouerthrew all the rest of the Empire and in the end shal burie the whole body of this great estate with the Christian name in the ignominie of our disordered passions as in a common sepulchre It sufficeth to note the motiue of this war which was to expell Raiazet of the race of the Otâ—omans who yet hold the Empire of the East being called in by Iohn Palcolog Emperoâ— but seeing so mighty an enemy entred within his dominions vnder a colour to succâ—â—â— him he sought to be freed from him by meanes of Christian Princes his friends The neerest was Sigismond King of Hongarie who had reason himselfe to sâ—are this oueâ—flowing deluge the which in the end hath ouer-runne Hungarie being at this day for the most part vnder the Turkes tyrannie But the euent was not answerable to his deâ—â—eigne Charles being solicited for succours granted them as freely as his infirmitie would suffer But the Duke of Bourgongne made the prouision the charge of the armie was giuen to his sonne Iohn Earle of Neuers being two and twentie yeares olde and married to the daughter of Albert of Bauiâ—re Earle of Hainault Holland and Zeland by whom he had then one sonne who shall succed him The armie was goodly beautified with the presence of many great personages as Phâ—lip of Eu Constable of France the Earles of La Marke Saint Pol and Bar The Frencâ— passe into Hongarie the Lords of Coussy Tremouille Vienne Bouciquault Roye Monterel S. Py Brezay to the number of a thousand Knights and Squiers Being ioyned to Sigismonds armie which consisted of many Hongariens Bohemiens and Germains they desired at any hand to haue the vangard to march in the face of an vnknowne enemie of whose discipline they were ignorant and to make proofe of their valour 1395. Against the aduise of Sigismond they cast themselues desperately into the midest of the Turkes auant coureuâ—s all the Christian armie being too farre behind to second them The French deâ—eated in Hongarie but it chanced that Baiazet followed by a farre greater troupe then theirs compassed them in easilie as with a Net so as after they had fought valiantly and made a great slaughter of Turkes not able to withstand so great a force they were all cut in peeces or taken prisoners Iohn of Bourgongne and all the aboue named Loâ—ds were either slaine or taken not one escaped the sword or slauerie Faiazet moued with the great losse of his men would haue slaine all the prisoners but the greedie desire of ransome was helpfull to some few of the Noblemen The historie of â—ermanie notes but fiue all the rest were murthered after their taking by the commandement and in the presence of this Barbarian who hauing resolued to kill Iohn of Bourgongne as the head of the armie was disswaded by an olde Turkea Necromaâ—cien who sayd vnto him Preserue this young man who shall kill more Christians then thine armie A Prince borne to the spoile and ruine of his countrie whereof he shall be shortly a more câ—uell scourge then the Tuâ—kes They spared him but he spared not the bloud of his cousine germaine to defile his incestuous hands and to prophane the bosome of France whâ—ch had so greatly honoured him Engâ—errand oâ— Coussy a great man in his time dyed in prison and Philip of Eu Constable of France by whose death the Earle of Sancerre was aduanced to this great dignitie but after him there shall be other Constables in this confused raigne This defeat chanced in the yeare 1396. before Nicopolis a Cittie in Misia neere to the which Traian vanquished the Danes This victory of the Turkes had proceeded farther by the terror it gaue to those countries but God gaue those Christians some time of breathing before the last stâ—oake the which came but too soone for the scorneâ—s of God yâ—t afâ—er this ouerthrow as Baiazet prepared to pursue his victorie against the Christians Tamberlan another scouâ—ge of mankinde ouerflowing Asia like a great deluge ouerthrew him and tooke him pâ—isoner and so God stayed the Ottomans force for that time but the Christians malice abusing the patience of God prouoked his wrath which being iustly kindled against them he suffered the Turkes to take Constantinople the capitall Cittie of the Easterne Empire as we shall see else where but let vs returne to France Charles had some truce with his infirmitie who notwithstanding this indisposition of his bâ—aâ—â—e was in reasonable good health of his body so as he had children during this time The Kings children during his infirmitie Before his sicknesse he had Isabell of whom we haue made mention and Lâ—wis the Dâ—ulphin Duke of Guienne But Iohn Duke of Touraine Charles Earle of Ponthieu Michelle Marie and Marguerite two sonnes and three daughters a goodly issue to keepe the Crowne from being an Orpheline were borne to him by Isabell of Bauiere duâ—ing the weakeâ—esse of his spirit And much happâ—nesse befell him After the taking of Bâ—iazet and the returne of Iohn of Bourgongne into France Happy successe â—or the Frâ—nch hauâ—ng payed his ransome the Lord of Bouciquault being sent to Genes to receiue it to the Kings obedience to whom they had willingly giuen themsâ—lues he made a voyage to Constantinople with a new armie more happy then
but we sought our owne decay The Constable Albret comanded â—he foreward that day and with him were the Dukes of Orleans Bourbon the Earles of Eu and of Richemont the Lord of Bouciquault Marshal of France the Lord of Dampierre Admiral The Battaile was led by the Duke of Bar and the Earles of Alenson Vaudemont Neuers Blamon Salines Grandpre and Roussy The Reerward by the Earles of Marle Dampmartin and Fouquembergue The King of England forced â—o fight Henry being denied pasâ—age by the Constable resolues to fight puâ—ting his trust in God and in his owne valour determining to vanquish or to die He made choise of a place of hard accesse and the better to fortifie his archers euery one had a sharpe stake planted before him The French ordered as before attended their enemies either looking who should begin the game Impatiencye forceth the weaker like desperate men the English Archers being in fight with such a furie as the French foreward cannot endure the violent fal of this furious storme the CoÌ„stable Albret was slaine fighting in the foremost ranke The Duke Anthony of Brabant brother to Iohn Duke of Bourgongne seeing this disorder leaues his troupe to redresse it but he was also slaine by the English bowe men And gets the victorie with his bâ—other Philip Earle of Neuers The battaile was likewise foâ—ced after a great fight The reerward fled and saued them selues in the neerest places of retreate So as the losse was not so great as the shame and ouerthrow They number ten thousand men slaine but their rashenes was inexcusable The head smarâ—ed for it and the Bourguignons brethreÌ„ had there an honorable tombe Charles Duke of Orleans Lewis of Bourbon the Eaâ—ls of Eu Richemont Vendosâ—e the strongest pillers of the Orlean faction with many Noblemen and Gentlemen were taken and led into England This deâ—eat chancâ—d the 20. of Ocâ—ober in the yeare The Battaile of Agincourt 1415. called the euill Battaile of Agincourt And as one mischief comes neuer alone the bodies at this defeat were scarce buried before Lewis the Daulphin dies This Lewis eldest Sonne to our Charles Sonne in Law Lewis the Daulpâ—in dies and a terror to the Bourguignon was little lamented of the people and lesse oâ— his father in Law who hated him to the death A Prince of little valour and much toâ—le more busied with himselfe then with the affaires he managed the which he made troublesome by his insufficiencie presumptioÌ„ to know much His disposition vnwilling to learne fâ—om others what he vnderstood not for the good of the State and his owne duty Iohn Duke of Touraine his brother succeded him in the first degree of the Prince of the bloud The Duke of Berry dies and the Earle of Armagnaâ— was made Constable in the place of Charles of Albret who shall minister good occasion to speake both of his life and death Iohn Duke of Berry brother to our Charles the 5. augmented these losses A wise Prince and louing Learning coÌ„mendable in al things but for his couetousnes the which made his vertues of lesse fame A blemish very il beeseming a generous and heroicke spirit These great losses should haue made the Bourguignon humble but he became more insolent making new practises to raise him selfe hauing no competitor Imbracing this ocasion he gatheâ—s togither what troupes he can with an intent to go to Paris The Queene and Constable of Armagnac vnwilling he shoud come armed comand him in the Kings name not to aproch The Parisiens were not then so well conceited of the Bourguignon being restrained by the court vnâ—uersitie but especially by the Kings authoâ—ity being present who spake whatsoeuer his wife the Constable would haue him being then alone in authority in the Kings Councell The Bourguignons troupes kept the field 1416. committing all kinde of insolencies and spoyles against whom the King made Edicts as against common theeues The Bourguignon renewes the warre giuing the people liberty to kill them But this did nothing mollify the heart of this reuengefull Prince borne for his Countries misery hauing no other intent but to afflict it wâ—th new calamityes To this ende as in the Kings sicknesse the Daulphin had the name and authority of the State he sought to winne the fauour of Iohn succeeding in the right of his brother deceased This occasion was offered but the issue was contrary to his desseine The misery of our France was such as the common duty of humanity moued forraine nations to pitty foreseeing our ruine if the warre betwixt France and England continued In this common desire The Emperor Sigismond comes into Francâ— the Emperour Sigismond by the consent of the Germans came into France His traine and the good worke he vndertooke deseâ—ued an imperiall Maiestie but the ende will shew hâ—s intent to be other then he protested Being arâ—iued in France to the great content of all the French he findes our Charles at his deuoâ—ion who receiued him with all the pompe he could giue to so great a Monarch making shewe of the great desire hee had to make a peace betwixt the French and the English for the generall good of both estates But this accord was but halfe made The Emperour hauing remained some time with Charles goes into England where he findes Henry of an other humour puft vp with the happy successe of his affaires the weakenesse of ours and in trueth the measure of our miseries was not yet full So Sigismond hauing perswaded Henry in vaine returnes into France Charles to honour him sends his sonne Iohn Duke of Touraine and Daulphin of Viennois into Picardie to meete him hauing married the daughter of the Earle of Hainault as great a friend to the Bourguignon as ill affected to the French The Emperour seeing his labour lost in seeking this reconciliation takes his shortest course into Germany leauing a reasonable subiect to the cleare-sighted The Daulphin Iohn fauours the Bourguignon to iudge that he had an other intent then to settle a peace in France by countenancing of the Bourguignon the instrument of her miseries for after this yong pâ—â—nce had spoken with the Emperour he is wholy changed in fauour of the Duke of Bourgongne and resolues to â—andy with him against the Duke of Orleans This foundation beeing laid by the Emperours pollicy it was fortified by the Earle of Hainault father-in-law to Iohn the Daulphin Nowe he imbraceth the greatest and most dangerous enemie of all true Frenchmen with a wonderfull affection But the subtill is taken in his own snate the end doth often bewray the intent As all things tended to a manifest change by meanes of this yong Prince inchaunted by his charmes hauing a spirit like vnto waxe apt to receiue any impressions from so subtill an artisan as the Bourguignon behold death cuts off all these hopes The Daulphin Iohn dies cast in the mould of
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
but too late for la Baume not able to take the Castle abandons the Towne In the meane time the bruite thereof drawes forces thither from al parts as a cupping glasse doth humors The Dowager of Bourgongne mother to duke Philip sends a goodly troupe vnder the conduct of Toulangeon Marshall of Bourgongne The Duke of Bedford doth sodainely furnish a notable supplie for the respect hee bare to the Duke of Bourgongne his brother-in-lawe Charles feaâ—ing least his Constable should miscarye assembles what forces hee can with all speede and sends them vnder the conduct of the Lord of Senerac Marshall of France the Earle of Ventadour the Lord of Fontaines Velay and Gamaches The notable battaile of Creuant vnfortunate for France The number was very equall but the incomber fell vppon our armie And this was the occasion The Constable hauing made his choyse of a little hill a place of aduantage to attend his enemy 1423. The English come with a conqueâ—ing brauerie as he that was accustomed to gaine euery where without any stay he forcech our gard placed vpon the bridge to keepe the passage Hauing thus passed in vewe of our army impatience seizeth on our men by this proud contempt and they crie to the Constable who galled with despight for this affront resolues to the combaâ—e So all with one furie leaue the hill march towards the English and offer him battayle The Earle of Salisbury makes a stand to temper the heart of our French who durst not approach very neere fearing the furie of their English arrowes This first motion thus slackt the Earle of Salisburie giues the signe to battell Those of Creuant halfe madde hauing beene some dayes beseeged issue forth and charge on the one side On the other side the bodie of the English army doth maâ—ch with such violence against the Scottes which were in the first battaillon as not able to withstand this storme they open and giue them entrie against the French who hauing â—ought resolutly in the ende they leaue the place to the victors All are in route The Marshal of Senerâ—â— forgetts his honor and flies in this disorder They accompt the losse about three thousand men Of marke the Lords of Fontaines Guitry and la Baulme of Scottishmen the Lord of Karados nephew to the Constable Thomas Seton William Hamilton The ouerthrow at Creuant with his Sonne Dauid and Iohn Pillot all worthy of the memorie of France seeing they died for her in the bed of honour There were many more taken prisoners then slaine by the resolution of the Captaines who in this generall ouerthrow rallying their troupes intrenched themselues and fought for their liues with the English and saued themselues honourablie with their armes The chiefe prisoners were the Constable of Boucqham and the Earle of Ventadour It is a thing worthy remembrance that either of these two lost an eye in the battaile this was the 29. of Iuly The gaine of this victorie to the Bourguignon was that Mascon a Cittie of the French obedience yeelded vnto him without any foâ—ce but feare This continuance of so many losses was exceeding greeuous but as God ment to chastise France and not to ruine it so he counterpeised these great losses with some small gaine These victorious troupes returning without feare all disordered Some English ouercome were defeated by the Earle of Aumale sent by the King to preserue the rest of Champâ—gne eight hundred English were slaine But this checke awaked the Earle of Salisburie Gouernour of Champagne for the English who hauing recouered new forces goes to field to cleere the countrie He besiegeth and taketh the strong Towne of Sedan in the Countie of Vâ—rtus and then Rembouillet in Brie and Neele in Tartenois Then the tide flowes for the French The Bourguignon exceeding glad of the seizure of Mâ—scon a Towne very important vpon Saone commanded Thoulangeon his Constable to rid all that the enemie held there abouts and to leaue the trafficke free La Buissiere a most strong Castell betwixt Tournus and Mascon did much annoy it He resolues to take it by one meanes or other But he did not foresee that in seeking to take hee should be taken He had some familiaritie with the Captaine of the place And trusting to the vsuall practises of those times he did confidently hope to corrupt him with money He sounds him and findes it pregnable They agree vpon the price but hee was ignorant of the Captaines meaning to haue more then his money A faithfull seruant to the King and worthy to be named in this Register The Captaine doth aduertise Imbert of Croslee the Gouernour of Lions of this trafficke who wisely prouides to take him Lewis of Cullant Admirall of France was then happily at Lions attending some horse for the King from Philip Marie Duke of Milan The plotte is laide to surprize 〈◊〉 Constable of Bourgongne and the successe is answerable Thoulangeon comes to 〈◊〉 at the appointed houre and brings with him men and money The Constable of Bourgongne taken by his owne practise He enters the Castell with as many men as he held sufficient and coumpts the money to the Captaine He hauing leâ—t his troupe in the field behold the Lionois issue forth their Ambuscado like Lions indeed some seize vpon the Castle gate and assure the place others charge his troupe which was easilie defeated The Constable with the chiefe that had followed him into the Castle were taken a countercharge which shall deliuer the Constable of Boucqham and the Earle of Ventadour soone after the battell of Cullant And almost at the same instant Stephen of Vignoles called la Hire and Pothon of Xaintrailles â—oused themselues Vignoles surprised Compiâ—gne and Pothon Han vppon the riuer of Some But this ioy lasted little for Iohn of Luxembourg gouernour for the Dâ—â—e of Bourgongne in Picardy flies thither besiegeth and recouereth both the one and the other with a happy celerity Pothâ—n saues himselfe with much difficulty in Guise being pursued by the Bourguignons to their cost that were ill mounted Luxembourg managing his victory wisely attempts other places he takes Oysi Broissy and other smaâ—l Townes of Tirasche Pothon of Xaintrailles taken prisoner and in the ende he besiegeth Guise where Iohn Proissy commanded for the King Pothon to anoy the besiegers issues forth of Guise but beeing too farre ingaged in the fight he is taken prisoner to make the siege of Guise the more easie but Proisy doth his best indeauour to defende it The Towne belonged to René of Aniou Duke of Bar and brother to the King of Sicile He intreats the Duke of Bourgongne to leaue it him in peace but it was in vaine The siege is vehemently continued so as in the ende Guise falles into the Bourguignons hands and so hee remaines maister of all Picardy And as if this storme had fallen vppon Charles from all parts la Charité a very important Towne vpon the riuer of Loire is surprised by
first motions put Charles in some hope of a better estate but behold a newe checke which cooles his courage At the same time that hee made his leauie in Scotland the Duke of Exeter prepared a great armie in England to releeue the Duke of Beford his brother that hee might haue meanes to contynue the warres in France There comes vnto him eight thousand archers and eighteene hundered men at armes For the imploying of these men Nâ—we forces â—aised in England he beseegeth Galardon taketh it at his first approch and without the losse of any houre hee plants himselfe before Yury and at the same instant all his forces come to him vnder the commande of the Earle of Salisburie The army being thus increased he presseth the seege Girault of Paliere held the Towne for the King The Duke of Bedford summons him to yeeld it â—iraud demandes respit to aduertise the King Charles was then at Tours well accompanied both of his subiects and forraine friends for after the defeat of Creuant foreseeing that the English would pursue the cause with more violence hee had prouided men to oppose against them The Marshall Du-glas Duke of Touraine by his newe pourchase â—ad brought him succors from Scotland The Vicont of Narbonne a goodlie troupe from Languedoc the which was the flower of the whole army The Duke of Alencon the Earles of Aumale Ventadour Tonerre Du-glas Moiry the Viconte of Mardonne the Lords of Fayette Tournon and other Noble men of Marke with their followers were readie to do their best endeauor So as hee had eighteene thousand fighting men The rendez-uous is in Perche and they were shortly to march to Yury The King stayes at Chastecudun The Constable of Bouâ—qhingam sends to vewe the enemies countenaÌ„ce The skouâ—s report the greatnesse of the English army and their dilligence at the seege who being discouered and pursued hardly escape They resolue that in steede of charging the English army they should beseege Vernueil a Towne obeying the English eyther to take it or to make a diuersion from Yury The first succeeded for our men approching to Vernueil with a victorious countenance and bragge as if the English army had beene defeated Vernueil yeelded to the French Yury yeelded Vernueil opens the gates without any question and yeelds to the Kings seruice But this shewe of victory cost our French men deâ—re who had done better to succour Yury then in loosing it to hazard their owne ruine as it happened afterwards Girault of Paliere hauing long and in vaine expected succors and doubled the prefixed time hee yeelds to the Duke of Bedford who hauing nowe no other impediment he resolues to fight with our army at his aduantage for the effecting whereof he had the better meanes by their long stay Hauing intelligence of the Estate of our Armie he resolued to drawe them to battaile knowing howe much it did import to send a victorious soldiar against one whome he hath vsually beaten Hee therefore sends a herauld to defie them giuing him charge to direct himselfe to the Duke of Touraine The Duke of Bedford sends a challenge to the French army a Scottish man being Marâ—shall of France To whome he saies The Duke of Bedford my maister commanded mee to tell you that he comes to drinke with you Du-glas answers him That he should be welcome but hee must make some hast for that diner was readie Vpon this brauado they go to Counsell The mischiefe was the army had no head hauing indeede too many A multitude of commanders and commaundements is a plague to all good order and especially in militarie discipline which consists wholy in authoritie Euery one had varied in his opinion Some were of aduice to attend the enemie A diuision among the heads of the French army others thought it fittest to take him at his worde without induring of these brauadoes Thus their diuided opinions diuided the armie and those which in shewe made the armie ouerthrew it Du-glas and Narbonne Du-glas sayed Seeing the army is well lodged hauing a good Towne to backe it to what ende should they runne rashly against a victorious enemie The Narbonnois replies To endure these brauadoes were to take away the hearts of the French Soldiars and to coole their courage without any reason and what greater indignities might a vanquished man beare The Duke of Alenâ—on and the Constable were of the first opinon but the contention grewe so great as the Viconte sayed That if the wiser had no minde to fight heewould go and defend the honor of France with the hazard of his life so being retyred to his quarter he coÌ„manded to sound a marche notwithstanding the Duke of Alensons intreatie to stay and march together On the other side the Duke of Touraine discontented at the Visconts choller keepes back the Scottes But necessitie drew forth the whole armie The French armie one Battaillon after another This disorder was the cause they could not choose a sit place of armes nor dispose of their Battaillons All were in grosse confusedly without any vantgard The chiefe of the armie were on foote They place two wings and to euerie wing a thousand horse The Italians had the right and the French the left In the â—ore-fronte of this battaile they planted foure hundred horse to beginne the skirmish The Duke of Bedford had oportunitie to dispose better of his armie The English armie he makes abode all on soote where he placeth his chiefe force and lodgeth there himselfe In the front of this body he placeth great store of Archers and euery Archer hath a stake stâ—câ—t in the ground to withstand the chaâ—ge of the horse Vpon either wing he plants the choise of his most resolute Archers Behind are his vnarmed people with the bagage the horses being tyed close together taile to taile with two cordes or wit hs but for their gard he left two thousand choise Archers In this order he attends the French whom he discouers comming a farre off resolute to fight with the countenance of conquerours They were long before they could set their troupes in order aâ—d ranne a full gallop to their death So as in these stirres and in their hast to fight they were out of breath before they came to blowes All the morning is spent in approches the two armies fronting one another a little after noone a signall is giuen to the battaile our aduenturers go to the charge to trie if they can force the grosse of the English armie The foure hundred Italian Lances lead by Cameran with one eye made the point and at the first charge beate back the English Archers that were in the front At the same instant our two wings of horse charge the English armie in flanke seeking to breake their ranckes The finy of the fight was violent on either side our men striuing to enter into the body of the English foote and the English labouring to withstand our men with a continuall
storme of Arrowes Then behold our Launciers hauing forced one side of the battaile begin to crie Victorie but the first rancks being forced they are seconded by the rest without disorder and with the like impression the whole body of the English armie raise a great crie and aduance to the combate Thus the two armies ioyne with a horrible conflict which continued aboue an houre one fâ—eshed against another with a cruell and bloudie furie And sayes the originall there were neuer seene two parties of so great power fight so long without knowledge who were victors But behold a new change in our Armie our French and Italian horse appointed to force the English battaile being valiantly repulsed flie and leaueâ— our footemen open to the English shot Both the battailes had continued long in fight and that which had made it equall The battailâ— of Vernuâ—il was not onely the equalitie of their forces but the counterpeize of horses which serued honourably But the English had a supply of 2000. Archers reserued at the taile of his armie to garde the bagage The Duke of Bedford seeing our foote naked of Launces resolues to imploy them So as this fresh squadron doubling a fearfull cry fall violently vpon this wearied troupe and being halfe disordered disperseth them Then all are in a route some flie others kill The French defeated The massacre was exceeding great in this first furie kindled by the obstinacie of the fight Yet after this first heaâ—e the English accustomed to our bloud sell to take prisoners Vernueil was the neerest reâ—treat but the gates were shutte fearing least the English should enter pel mel with them that sied so as the Ditch serued for a graue or a prison to many Thus the English had the victorie but they bought it full dearely for they lost aboue fiâ—eteene hundred men our losse was farre greater Our Histories confesse fiue thousand the English report fiueteene thousand Yet all was not lost for Xaint-railles and La Hire gathered togither a good number of them that fled and saued them in Mans the neerest place of retreate There happened a memorable thing in this route The Italian troupe which had fled being intrenched in a neere village A braue retreat of Italians to fight for their liues hauing a false aduertisement that our men had wonne the victory they presently part and come to the place of battaile being knowne they are charged by the English but their retreat was exceeding hardy for in despight of their armie they saued themselues Being to passe a riuer at the end of certaine hedges by so narrow a passage as they could go but one after an other these Lombards plant their Cornets there as the marke of their way with sixteene armed men to make a stand while the troupe should passe All escape this way without any other harme then feare So much order preuailes euen in disorder This ouerthrow chanced the sixt of August The losse was the greater for that it did aggrauate the former many great personages were slaine The Earle of Boucqinqham Constable of France The Noblemen that were slaine the Marshall Du-glas a short time Duke of Touraine the Earles of Aumale Harcourt Ventadour Tonerre Moyry the Lords of Grauille Montenay Combrest Fontenay Bruneil Tumblet Guitry Peisy Mathe Rambels Lindesay Gamaches Malestroict Boyn Rembouillet Harpedane la Treille Fourchouinere la Salle Lappe Roche-baron la Tour and many other in great numbers The Vicount of Narbonne a rashe instrument of this misfortune was taken by the Bourguignons and presently hanged for a punishment The prisoners hauing assisted at the massacre of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne The chiefe prisoners were Iohn of Bourbon Duke of Alenson and the bastard of this house the Marshall of Fayette the Lord of Hormid Peter Herisson Lewis of Vaucourt Roger Brousset Hiues of Saint Marc Iames du Puys and many others from whom the English drew great summes of money Vernueil takeÌ„ Vernueil to augment this misfortune was yeelded by Rambures vpon an honourable composition with their liues and bagage freed except that which belonged to the armie The insolent English spoiled the poore Souldiars when as the Earle of Salisburie arriuing slue one of these treacherous wretches causing these poore vanquished men to bee conducted into Berry or Tourraine in good safetie With many other places After this notable victorie the Duke of Bedford hauing triumphed at Paris managed this profitable accident to our losse Hee presently deliuers these victorious troupes carrying in their hearts and foreheads the fortune of England to the Earle of Salisburie one of the wisest and most valiant Captaines of his armie who imploied them with great successe for he tooke from Ambrose de Lore a braue and valiant Captaine the Fortes of Saint Susanne Mahannes la Hines la Ferté-Benard as the remainders of this Shipwracke and in the end he carried it to the Towne of Mans although the fidelitie of the inhabitants yeelded him their obedience more slowlie and with greater difficultie The English insolencie increased daily and apparently like the swelling of a riuer Watches were set to obserue all such as did but mutter for their libertie The Lords of Maucourt and Rocomp were put to death as guiltie of high treason The goods of such as were absent were confiscate In France it was a great crime to be a Frenchman But as one mischiefe comes not alone and griefe vpon griefe procures no health these misfortunes which touched the members had almost ruined the head for this lamentable battaile of Vernueil which made all France to mourne had almost thrust Charles into his graue The miserable estate of Charles in diuers sorts Besides these generall losses this poore Prince was surcharged with many difficulties the incredible burthen of his pouertie and the reproches of his subiects accusing him as the author of these banquerout losses which chanced daily to his armies and Townes Thus he was abandoned both of himselfe and his subiects his great and many afflictions hauing killed his courage and lost his credit with the people In this disgracefull necessitie there was no speach but of ingaging the reuenues of the Crowne to pay the garrisons of places which else would be lost The Kings table failed daily he eate no more in publike but sparingly in his Chamber attended on by his domesticall seruants The Historie notes that as Pothon and and la Hire came to him to Chasteaudun to require succours they found him at Table with a rumpe of Mutton and two Chickens and yet in this extreame pouertie of his the great men snatcht on all hands The Duke of Alencon had Niort in Poitou and the bastard of Orleans the County of Gyan for money they said had bin lent for the Kings seruice who auowed all and paide all for nothing But that which was of harder digestion was the continuall discontent of his subiects against him as if neglecting his affaires he had abandoned himselfe to the
good Iohn Louuet President of Prouence disputed his departure with some bitternesse and obstinacie What iniustice is it saith hee to condemne a man without hearing What breach to vse the Kings seruants thus for an others pleasure But not onely the Bourguignon and the Britton hated him to the death but also the Court and people did detest him A man of a high minde cunning obstinate reuengefull cruell Great men hated him as crossing their affaires with the King abusing his tractable disposition and meane men as the horse-leech and the spunge of the publicke treasure and a man without mercie The Bourguignon hated him as the first motor of his Fathers murther and the Britton as hauing giuen counsell to the Earle of Ponthiure to take him prisoner at Chantonceaux Hauing gotten great welth and impouerished the King and the Realme hee had matched his Daughters in good houses The one with the Earle of Dunois a bastard of Orleans the other with the Lord of Ioyeuse The respect of this alliance saued his life He was safely conducted to Auignon and from thence hee retyres into Prouence without any other fame then to haue gouerned the King ill His daughter of Ioyeuze died with thought for her fathers disgrace Gyac returnes into grace more then before hauing purchased the fauour of the Queene of Sicile But hee shall soone pay for these imaginations of his happinesse not onely succeeding the President in his misfortune but also loosing his life after an ignominious sort These men thus chased away the Constable of Richmont went for his brother Iohn Duke of Britaine The Duke of Brittain comes to King Charles who came to Charles to Saumur he tooke the othe of fidelitie offring him all seruice The Burguignon speakes not yet one word for the King onely he forbeares to make warre against him hauing a plausible excuse for his not leading any more men to the Duke of Bedford being busied for the Brabantine against the Glocestrian in the warre of Haynault and Holland So this accident bred some ease to Charles but no â—eleefe During these confusions in Court Mans was lost and after it the rest of Mayne obeyed the Earle of Salisburie But the Constable of Richemont being freed from those domesticall crosses which might hinder his credit with the King would make proofe of his valour The Britton armes against the English in arming the Brittons against the English And as in the beginning all is good at this first command all Brittaine riseth and runnes to this warre But these troupes being raised and not yet ioyned to frame the body of an armie behold the Earle of Warwicke marcheth sodenly with a goodly armie gathered out of all the garrisons of Normandie the inhabitants of Townes and the Nobilitie of the Countrie with great speed who besiegeth and taketh Pontorson a towne vpon the conâ—ins of Normandie Brittaine neere Saint Michels mont This prickt forward the Constable to whome this scorne belonged After that Warwicke was retired hauing left a garrison in his conquest The Constables â—ll successe behold the Constable comes to Pontorson with his Brittons he beseegeth it beats it and takes it by force making a great slaughter of the English This successe gaue him courage to passe on the Towne of Saint Iames of Beuueron did much disquiet that Countrie Hee attempts it hoping to be succored with men aâ—d mony from France But hauing words alone without effects his Brittons being for the most part voluntaries slippe away dayly notwithstanding any preuention of the Constables who resolued before this warlicke multitude had abandoned him to make profit of his presence and to giue a generall assault The neerenesse of Auranches where the Earle of Suffolke with Scales famous captaines among the English 〈◊〉 with goodly troupes gaue him occasion of feare least they should change â—is men in the heate of the assault To this ende he sends forth two thousand men ouâ— oâ— the body of his army to meete with these imagined English The Comanders hauing discouered euen to the gates of Auranches 142â— and found nothing they resolue to returne to the army not giuing the Constable any other aduertisment The Brittons being at the assault seeing those men come suppose them to be English and fearing to be coopt in hauing an enemy both before and behinde they resolue to leaue their ladders and retyer to their Campe. Their retreat was very difficult by reason of a poole with a narrowe Causey which they had wonne with great labor and paine The beseeged seeing the Brittons forsake the walls sally forth couragiously after them recouer the quarter abandoned where there was a point that flanked the poole in the which they plant threscore archers There were eight or nyne hundered Brittons shut vp betwixt the walles and the poole so as from this recouered point they might choose them one after one The 〈◊〉 deâ—eâ—â—ed â—y thâ—◠〈◊〉 erâ—or The rest of the English garrison issuing forth the Towne furiously put these amazed Brittons to the sword who are eyther gauled with English arrowes like beasts in a toyle or with a disperate courage leape into the people Thus lesse then fiue hundered men ouerthrewe aboue eight thousand The Campe was abandoned and spoyled eighteene ensignes lost with the banner of Brittain Many prisoners were taken after the English had beene wearied with killing The principall that were slaine were the Lords of Molac Coitiuy la Motte many captaines of marke The artillery enginâ— and all the rest of the munition remayned for a pawne This vnseasonable alarum greatly troubled the Constable who was now become all the hope of the French as if hee carried all France vpon his shouldiars like an other Atlas To repaire this ridiculous disgrace he raiseth newe forces in Brittain with all speed he ioynes vnto him the troupes of Ambrose of Lore to be assisted with his valour and hauing giuen them their pay hee causeth them to march into Anton where hee takes â—a la Flesche Galerande Ramâ—fort Malicorne Richmont sâ—irs vp new troubles in Court and so reuiues the hearts of his men after so notable a losse and kept his enemy in awe From thence he goes to Court where there were other desseings then to fight with the English A man fitter to braue it in a counsell of State then to dispute a battaile or the seege of a Towne He came to Court to be the author of many confusions during thâ—s yeare and on the other side his brother the Duke of Brittain before it passe shall leaue the party of France and reconcile himselfe vnto the English that the honour of our deliuerance might bee giuen to God the gardian of this Monarchie and not to these Princes of Brittaine to whome Charles was too much affected in buying their friendship so deere being euen then vnprofitable when as hee had greatest neede yet in their season alâ— these instruments worke to restore our decayed estate But these were
best meanes to honour her This great liberty gaue her meanes to make an escape from this goodly cage so as hauing practised some for her guide shee disguiseth her selfe in the habit of a man and retyres fâ—om Gand to Breda where shee doth assure the riuer of Garide and doth solicit the Townes of Holland by her Agents The Bourguignon foreseeing by these beginnings a long countinance of trouble flies thether with his army He enters the Countrie She escapeth from Gand. at the fiâ—st they all resist him for the respect the subiects bare to their Lady But as the inconueniences of warre increased dayly and that Philip did shewe by publike writings and priuate practises that whatsoeuer hee did was to maintaine the right of the lawfull husband many Townes yeelded vnto him At this time Iohn Duke of Brabant the lawfull husband of Iaqueline dies in the Castell of Leneuure Philip of Bourgongne made heire of Braâ—â—nt 〈◊〉 Holland and â—â—land hauing instituted Philip of Bourgongne his heire The Citties seeing the Bourguignon supported both by force and right followe him by a common consent as twise a Conquerour and perswade their Lady not to oppose her selfe obstinately against so reasonable a necessity So without any other force but the happy successe of the stronger an accord was made betwixt Philip Duke of Bourgongne and Iaqueline Contesse c. Hainault and Holland vpon these conditions That Iaqueline doth acknowledge her Cousin Philip Duke of Bourgongne for the lawefull heire of her Countryes and from thence forth doth make him gouernour of Hainault Holland and Zeland All these Estaâ—s should take their oath and do homâ—ge of fealtie vnto Philip. All fortressâ—s should bee dâ—liuered into his hands and she promiseâ—h neuer to marrie without his consent This Philip was honorably receiued throughout all these Estats to the content of some and discontent of others according to their diuers humours but force controwled all Iaqueline made a good shewe yet greatly discontented to see him her maister Such was the Tragicall Comedie of this long sute for the quiet of these Estats and the greatnesse of the Duke of Bourgongne who made his profit of all sides He is made heirâ— of Nâ—maâ— for soone after William Earle of Namur left him the Earldome of Namur whereof he takes possession to the great disconâ—ent of the Liâ—geois as wee shall see heereafter This greatnesse of the Duke of Bourgâ—â—gne bred iealousie in the Duke of Bedford hee being assisted by the Duke of Brittain his open enemy and the Earle of Richmond Constable of France whome he sees hourely to growe great in his authority Thus â—earing more mischeefe to fall vnto him by that meanes hee resolues to 〈◊〉 himselfe with newe helpes and to this ende hee goes into England leaâ—â—ng the affaires of France in charge of the Earles of Warwike Suffollke and Salisburie His stay was not long necessitie pressed him Hee obtaines both men and money fit remedies to preuent a storme The Duke of Bâ—â—ford bâ—ingâ— newâ— forces out of England Hee returnes into France with ten thousand men and a notable summe of money for their pay For the good imployement of these newe forces hee resolues to beeseege Montargis a dangerous thorne both for the neerenesse to Paris and the conuerse of the Bourguignon who continued his desseâ—ngs notwithstanding the stil iealousie of these Princes The charge of this seege was giuen to the Earles of Warwicke and Suffolke with three thousand men the rest were dispersed in Normandie and in Townes bordeâ—ing vpon Picardie for feare of the Bourguignon in whome he had no confidence Montargis is beeseeged and although the waters hindered their approach to the walles yet within â—ewe dayes it was fiercly battered by the English and valiantly defended by the French The seege of Montargis happie for the French They câ—ie out for succour but the affaires in Court were so wonderfully confused by the inâ—estine icalousies of the great men that one gazed vpon an other yet no man stirred although Charles continually cried to armes In the ende they beegin to march and although the Constable had busied himselfe in this leuie yet feating the example of Saint Iames hee would not hazard himselfe in the leading thereof The Constable loth to go to the releese of Montargis alleaging many colours to saue himselfe from blowes For want of him the charge was giuen to the Earle of Dunois a bastard of Orleans to William of Albret Lord of Oruall to the Lords of Gaucourt Guitry Grauille Villar la Hire Gyles of Saint Simon Gaulter of Frossard Iohn Stuard a Scot and other valiant Captaines who led fifeteene or sixteene hundered fighting men Their purpose was onely to vitteil the beseeged whilest the King raised greater forces in the Countries of his obedience The Constable remayned at Iargeau attending the issue which succeeded more happily then the desâ—eine of so flight a succour The Earle of Dunois doth aduertise the beseeged of his approach The riuer forced the English to make three lodgings those within the Towne had cunningly surprised the bridges vpon the riuer of Loing and after the succours had secreatly recouered the Rendez-uous those within the Towne stopped the course of the water so artificially Montargis releâ—ued and the English defeated as the riuer ouerflowes the bridges At the same instant all the troupes charge the English la Hire leading the first troupe chargeth the quarter where the Lord de la Poole brother to the Earle of Suffolke commanded crying Montioye S. Denices he fills all with confusion killing burning and spoyling de la Poole with much adoe saues himselfe with seauen more in his brothers lodging in the Abby without the Towne vpon the way to Nemours The Earle of Dunnois whose rendez-uous was towards the Castle hauing ioyned with the Townesmen who were issued forth with great resolution chargeth the body of their Campe the which he wholy ouercame The slaughter was great for so small troupes for they numbred sixteene hundered slaine vpon the place In this charge the Earle of Suffolke fauored by the waters gathers togither al he can in his quarter and recouers the hilles to make his retreat to Chasleau-Landon and Nemours places vnder the English commaunde and of neerest retreat The honour of this happie successe was attributed to the Earle of Dunois whereat the King recâ—yued an incredible content as a refreshing to this buâ—ning â—euer and the Constable Richemond a greeuious discontent being absent and so this yeare ended But the newe yeare will shewe what fruits Brittain yeelded to France during her great necessities This châ—â—ke at Montargis did somewhat coole the Duke of Bedfords heat The Constable seekes all meanes to crosse the King but the Constables ambition nothing at all who hauing vndertaken to play the King with the King sought to crosse all the humors of this Prince hee hated what hee loued disallowed what hee allowed and dispraysed what hee commended After the
the English Bowe-men All fâ—â—e some here some there without order without command and without courage and few fight Such as made head were slaine The rest saue themselues within Orleans There were fiue or sixe hundred of our men slaine vpon the place The English lost but one man called Brisanteau The chiefe of our side were the Lord of Oruall of the Noble house of Albret Iohn Stuard Chasteaubrun Montpipel Verduisant Larigot La Greue Diuray Puilly with better then a hundred Gentlemen This ouerthrow was called the battaile of Herings for that they carried them to the besiegers The amazement was greater then the losse for that the Earle of Clermont a Prince of the bloud who should haue beene a ring-leader of resolution and magnanimitie in these extreame accidents was so amazed with this losse as he retired with his men leauing the Cittie to the bastard of Orleans who resolues to attend the end of this siege at what price soeuer In this gallant resolution he was vertuouslie seconded by the Lords of Guitry Gaucourt Grauille Villars La Hire and Xaintrailles lights of great hope in this cruell storme and worthy of eternall memorie in that they dispaired not of this monarchie in so apparent dispaire And that which is chiefely to be obserued herein The King in dispaire of his aâ—â—aires the King vnderstanding this retreate of the Earle of Clermont said that he did see no meanes to saue the rest from shipwrack To increase this feare the Duke of Bourgongne comes to Paris at the same instant with a troupe of six hundred men at armes richly appointed Our Commanders being full of resolution were not onely to incounter with the English but with the confusion of times the Kings mâ—sfortune and which was worst of all the amazement of the men of warre who discouered plainly the disorder of the State They were loth to cast the helme after the hatchet but sought the most assured meanes to saue the Cittie in this storme Orleans stands vpon termes to yeeld to the Duke of Bourgongne They aduertise the King hereof who was so irreâ—olute as he referres all to their discretions They resolue to deliuer the Towne into the Duke of Bourgognes hands to keepe it for the Duke of Orleance or the Duke of Angoulesme his brother being then prisoners in England with the Kings good liking Pothon Xaintrailles and Peter of Orson wiâ—e and valiant men go to Paris to the Duke of Bedford vpon his assurance The Duke of Bedford refuseth the Deputies and discontents the Bourguignon He heares them and returnes them presently both for that he distrusted the Duke of Bourgongne and held the conquest assured The Burguignon was greatly discontented with the Duke of Bedford for his refusall whom after that time he neuer loued The English triumphed thus as a victor so as our Ambassadors could hardly saue themselues with their pasport Then the English saith the originall being in great prosperitie had no consideration that the wheele of fortune hath power to turne dayly But the holy veritie of the church which drawes vs to the wise prouidence of God cries I haue said to the fooles play not the fooles and to the wicked Lift not vp your hornes speake not with so great pride for greatnesse comes not from the East noâ— West neither from the Northâ—â— is God that raiseth vp and casteth downe He holds a cup of Wine in his hand he imparts it tâ— euery one as he pleaseth Truely the pride of the English who possessed of this Monarchy being drunke with his good fortune was nowe come to his height there remained nothing but the hand of the soueraigne Iudge to suppresse him but he shall not long hold it O my country forget not the time of thy visitation reade in this true discourse the estate of thy predecessors Remember their afflictions behold their feare see the image of that time wherein thou hast borne a part and iudge if now onely thou beginnest to be afflicted In this extremity as the French were exceedingly distressed so the English were transported with ioy for their late victory The estate of the French desperate and reioycing with a new hope as if all were wonne they cry to the besieged Will you buy my faire herings At the same instant the townsmen issue forth vpon the shoare The Earle of Salisbury stoode at a window in the tower vppon the bridge beholding the skirmish when as one of his Captaines named Glacidas said vnto him My Lord behold here your citty here may you view it plainely But behold a Cannon charged with stones was shot from the Towne The Earle of Salisbury slain before Oâ—leans which aymed at the Earles head strooke him and left him dead in the place This vnexpected blow comming as it were from heauen changed this exceeding ioy of the English into mourning being a man of great valour who by his carriage had wonne great credit among them beloued honoured of all for the mildenesse of his manners So this losse troubled both the wits and affaires of the English armie The Lord Talbot commandâ— in his place the which had greatly disbanded if the Earle of Suffolke Talbot Iohn Fastoll and Scales famous Captaines had not happily beene there to reuiue their spirits and forces attending the Duke of Bedfords pleasure who gaue the charge to Talbot beeing the choise of their best men with new foâ—ces So as the siege is continued with more vehemencie then before with great presumptions that all would go worse with the besieged In this occurrent Charles knewe not what to doe to whom should he flie his Princes forsake him Orleans beeing taken whether should he retire Bourges was ready to yeeld and withall the Country adioyning King Charles his miserablâ— estate He had no whole Prouinces vnder his obedience but Languedoc and Daulphiné And at the same instant the Bourguignon and Sauoyard prouide worke for him in those countries The taking then of Orleans which in reason seemed vnavoydable was the ouerthrowe of Charles and his estâ—te There was no winking at that which was too apparent That considering the estate of his affaires in generall and of his house in particular If Orleans should be lost all the citties vpon the riuer of Loire and in like fort the rest already varring would abandon him Amidest these fearefull considerations what could the braue and Noble Commanders within Orleans doe but plant their hopes in God and in themselues A soueraigne remedâ—e in extreame daungers So to purchase an honourable and profitable composition they set a good face on it giuing the English to vnderstand that if they desired their liues they should buye them deerely France reduced to so great an extreamity and truely such as men could doe no more behold God raiseth vp an extraordinary meanes the which meanes reason could not foresee and much lesse prouide A meanes which reuiued the daunted spirits God raiseth vp a newe meanes
the Prince He recouers it againe by the meanes of his subiects he came to Oranges his cheefe house whereof hee carries the name as soueraigne Prince He takes both Towne and Castell and all that he held in Daulphiné vnder the Kings obedience yet the Cittizens of Orange wonderfully affected to their Prince within fewe monethes after chase the French out of the Castell and become masters thereof for the seruice of their Prince to whome they yeeld it Such was the ende of this enterprise shamefull for the Authors and shamefully preiudiciall for the instrument Amedee Duke of Sauoie fallen from so visible a hope to fishe in a troubled water and seeing on the other side the happie successe of Charles hee growes so much discontented as his whole discours is to abandon the world but heereafter wee shall see his actions At this time hee returnes in the midd-way without effecting of any thing Out Bourguignon flewe a higher pitch and had more then one desseine in his head But let vs now returne to our King to Bourges The preparations for this Coronation were royall and verie admirable after so great affliction but aboue all it was beautified with great personages Preparatiuâ—s for the coronation of King Charles There were present Iohn of Bourbon Duke of Alançon Charles of Bourbon Earle of Clermont Princes of the bloud who had faithfully and profitably accompained the King in his greatest afflictions Arthur of Brittaine Earle of Richmont Constable of France Charles of Aniou sonne to the King of Sicile and brother to the Queene The Earle of Dunois bastard of Orleans Charles of Aâ—bret Earle of Perdriac a yonger brother of the noble house of Armagnac the Lord of Câ—llant Admirall of France the foure Marshalls of France the Lords of Boussac Loheac Rieux and la Faiette The Lords of Tremouille Laual Chauigny Chaumont Lamesan d' Aulin Serrant Crusol Saint Chaumont and many others with Pothon la Hire and the virgin excellent peeces of this triomph Many could not come in time to this solemnity great troupes came posting from all parts notwithstanding the danger of the enemy which was great in diuers places Such was the desire of the French to assist at this wisshed acte loyaltie remayning in their brests as the seede doth in the bosome of the earth during winter But Charles before he parted from Bourges to Reims prouided for the publicke safety least the English should attempt any thing during this solemnitie Hee sends his Constable into Normandie and the Earle of Perdriac into Guienne with some troupes and reserues ten thousand men for his Coronation as weâ—l to make his passage through Townes that should resist as to honour the ceremony A very doubtfull iourney yet most happie Thus he begins his voyage The first Cittie that was summoned by his commandement was Aâ—xâ—rre All Champaâ—ne yeeldâ— to King Charles they excuse themselues by reason of the truce lately obtained by Tremouillâ—s interâ—ession A presumption very preiudiciall in the example euen now in this first triall of obedience vpon this fame of victorie whereof none could make any question without apparent danger Euery man did see this error but no man durst open his mouth for that the King did countenance Tremouille euen with the preiudice of his affaires So Charles entred not into Auxerre he onely tooke their words that at his returne they should doe as the rest and furnish the Kings armie with victualles for their money From Auxerre the King comes to S. Florentin which yeelds without any question Troyes was summoned next at the first they refused like vnto Auxerre through the practises of such as were of the English faction but as Charles prepared for the siege behold a notable troupe of the choise Cittizens assemble themselues assure the Cittie and giue the King to vnderstand that they are ready to receâ—ue his commandements and without attending any answer from the King a goodly company goes forth to meete him and to offer him their obedience Charles then enters into Troyes to the vnâ—peakeable ioy of all the people being wonderfully glad to see their Princes face after so long captiuitie Chaalons followes their example and all the rest of the Townes with great alacritie and willingnesse But the chiefe combate must be at Rheims the chiefe Rendez-uous of this voyage The Lords of Chastilion and Saueuze with their Partisans of the English humour did what they could to â—inder the Kings entrie But the good Cittizens preuaile who being stronger then the English faction could hardly keepe the people from tearing them in peeces being loth to shed any bloud They agree and sweare by common consent to obey the King and to that end send him the Keyes to Chaalons The way being thus made and the gates of Rheims open he goes thether with the beautie of his Court and is receiued with the vnspeakeable ioy of all the people who come to meete him in great troupes the fields gates and streetes sound out God saue the King Charles accompanied with his Princes and officers appeares like a goodly Sâ—nne after a sharpe Winter But in the greatest beautie of this triumph Ioan the Virgin is beheld with admiraâ—ion and loden with popular blessings Two dayes being spent in the prepararion of the ceremonie King Charles crowned at Râ—eims Charles was annointed and crowned Kâ—ng the eight day of Iuly in the yeare 1429. by Renold of Chartres Arcâ—bâ—shop of Rheims Chancellor of France a date to be obserued being the beginning of great good to this realme This was the seuenth yeare after the law of State had called Charles to the Crowne whereof he was heire but the violence of Strangers restrained and held most of the French from their obedience So this coronation was added to confirme the generall approbation of this lawfull authoritie not onely in their common beleefe but in the tongues of the French as the sequell will shew that this â—ollemne publication did greatly aduance the Kings affaires against his capitall enemie But as the Sunne rising higher in his Horizon The fruites of this solemnitie increaseth both in brightnesse and heate so the beames of the French libertie were more apparent and the subiects deuotion to their naturall Prince kindled dayly after the long and sharpe Winter of the English command This was a reuiuing both to their hearts State and manners the image of a golden age after the horrible tempest of a long and mortall confusion The French did straine to receiue their King and the King to receiue them with a fatherly loue The Kings commandements generally proclaimed to liue modestly without oppression of the people were freely executed and the people made the best cheere they could to so pleasing guests This acte did greatly daunt the English all the Prouinces taking a new resolution to submit themselues vnder the obedience of their naturall Prince as the sequell of the Historie will shew But before we ingage our selues in so long a discourse order
of the Curat of S Eustace and al S. Houores street ioynes in this hardy resolution In the meane time the Vniuersity beyond the bridge doth the like Lewis of Luxemâ—ourâ— Bishop of Therouenne Chancellor for the English the Bishops of Lisieux Mâ—â—aux the Lord Willoby with others deuoted to the English aduertised of these mutinâ—e 〈◊〉 diâ—ers parts of the Citty fearing some sedition retire towards S. Anthonies gate hauing carried all their best furniture into the Bastille and fortifie the houses adioyning All being thus prepared at Paris the Constable of Richemont guided by Lisle-Adam parts 〈◊〉 Pontoise comes to S. Denis in the night where hauing rested some houres â—e marcheth early in the morning accompanied with the Earle of Dunois a bastard of the house of Orleans the Lords of Suze and Bueil with a great company of resolute souldiers approching nere the Citty Lisle-Adam with a choise troupe goes before S. Iames gate the appointed place for the Rendez-uous where he finds all in a readines so as Laillier hauing planted ladders for him at the lowest part of the wall he mounts with his troupe Beeing entred the citty the people of that quarter who were assembled for his comming begin to crye A peace a peace God saue the King and the Duke of Bourgongne Lisle-Adam beeing ioyned to the chiefe of the citty goes directly to the Gate The Constable is receiued into Paris the which was set open by the captaine of that quarter and the Constable who was before it with his troupes entred in good order Then the people redoubled their cries They all stand at a gaze being aduertised of this entry and exceeding glad to see themselues ready to recouer their ancient liberty they prepare to march where they should be commanded to expell the English All run to the Bastille The Tournelles are presently seized on and al approches vnto the Bastille are soone won Such as were within it at the first made some shewe of defence but as all things were prepared to force them they demand a parle and agree to depart with their liues and baggage They are conducted about the Towne beneath the Louure to imbarke vpon the riuer of Seine and so to passe to Rouen They could not well haue passed through the citty The people aduertised hereof run to the walles and cry out with great shoutes bayting the English like dogges Paris obeyes the King whom a little before they had feared and honoured as their masters This happened the 27. of February in the yeare 1436. Thus Paris returnes to the obedience of this Crowne hauing passed seuenteene yeares vnder the gouernement of the English which made the fatherly command of their King more pleasing vnto them and them more willing to obey him hauing tasted the imperious commande of a stranger Charles aduertised of this happy successe parts from Montpellier and returnes slowly by Auuergne The Kings entry into Paris to giue the Parisiens time to prepare for his entry the which was performed with great pompe six moneths after the reduction of the citty but with so extraordinary an affection of the people as drinking after a great thirst All the townes within the Realme had followed this example if Charles had imbraced this goodly â—ccasion all being drawne vnto their duty by a naturall instinct He was of a milde spirit plyable to all windes flying toyle but patient when he had vndertaken it We haue hitherto seene him constant inough in his afflictions Câ—aâ—les his humour although the waight of blowes so often doubled had made him senselesse so as he bare his crosses with lesse feeling as a mortified member doth the rasor or corrosiue but prosperity had so reuiued his spirits as he recouered himselfe returned to his owne disposition He wanted authority to command well and iudgement to make choyse of his seruants for he often iâ—braced and rewarded vnnecessary men and put back such as were profitable This proceeding discontented such as seruing him faithfully did see themselues contemned These discontents gaue them liberty to speake and doe things which offended the King The nature of tâ—actable humors Experience teaching that these tractable humors are as soone moued as pleased and aboue all are suspitious and cholericke for impressions creeping into these weake spirits makes them to fall into another extreamity of vnmeasured passion We haue seene the like in the life of Lewis the gentle but we shal not find the like excesse in our Charles yet shall we see that by the like indiscreet facility he disordered his owne affaires The inconueniences of Charles his facility discontented his bloud grieued many of his best seruants filled his life with languishing in the prosperity of his affaires to cast him headlong in the midest of his greatest triumphs into the gulph of a fearefull graue what we are to represent in this discourse shall be the comentary of this trueth As soone as the spring appeares the Duke of Bourgongnes army goes to field to besiege Calais it consisted for the most part of the commonalties of his estates He easily ingaged them in this warre both by his authority and the shew of profit to haue a Towne so conuenient for trafficke The Bâ—â—rguignâ—n attempts Calais in vaâ—ue This army had scarse continued in field ten dayes but they looke homeward to their houses shoppes and fieldes besides the Engliâ—â— wrought them vnder hand and sent a great supply to defend Calais This humour did so possesse this armed multitude as the Bourguignon had no power to hold them All passe away like to a violent streame and this his desseine came to nothing although he chafed in vaine like vnto the Persâ—â—n that threatned the tempest whipt the sea So all enterprises succeede not The Duke of Bourgongne being thus retired the English hath his reuenge of this affront spoiles the marches of Boulongne and Grauelins to the great losse of the Countrie The Lord of Croy sought to make head against the English being followed by a goodly troupe but he was defeated and saues himselfe with diâ—ficuâ—tie in Ardres The Flemings stirre at this losse The Lord of 〈◊〉 dâ—â—eated by 〈◊〉 and march vnder the Duke of Bourgongâ—es commande but they returne with shame for Calais was reserued for an other season We haue sayed that Charles had a sonne named Lewis borne in the midest of his greatest crosses the first yeare of his raigne in the yeare .1423 Being thirteene yeares old he married him to Marguerite Stuard the only daughter of Iames King of Scotland a Princesse of excellent vertues The Daulpâ—iâ— Lewis married to a daughter of Scotland and a gage of the faithfull seruice which Scotland did to this Crowne in her greatest dangers who suruiued not much this felicity of France Charles was desirous to returne to Montpellier where hauing called an assemblie of that Prouince he heard many complaints of the outrages his soldiars had committed running vp and downe
you haue yet done So the accord was made without comprehending of these three The Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson sweare to serue the King and yeeld vp Loches Corbeil Bois de Vincennes Sancerre Sancouins Erie Conterobert and other places which they held The Daulphin remaynes with his father who changeth all his trayne except his confessor and Cooke But all this is but counterfeit you shal soone see other broyles This phrensie of state bred in the Kings house against the King himselfe was by our Ancestors called the Pragâ—â—â—y Nine monthes of this yeare being spent in these garboiles Charles returnes to Tours to prouide for the raysing of the seege at Harfleu where the Earle of Somerset had lien long but it was in vaine for the Towne was taken in the end after a long and painfull constancie of the Inhabitants who could not be releeued in time by reason of these home-bred troubles and yet there was a second mischiefe The Lord of Gaucourt gouernor of Daulphiné a most profitable seruant of the King returning from the seege and causing some of his baggage which was scattered from the troupe to retire he was surprised by a companie of English and led prisoner to Rouen to the great griefe of Charles who loued him hauing giuen good testymones of his loyaltie in his greatest extremities But in exchange Charles takes Conches and Loâ—â—iers Townes of importance in Normandie from thence he came into Champaigne to subdue a part of these aduenturing theeues who had surprized some places in this Prouince Musse l'Euesque Montagu and others The Kings army led by the Constable takes them and razed them by the Kings commande pardoning most of these theeuish Captaines the bastard of Vergy and the Lord of Commercy A memorable execution but he caused Alexander bastard of Iohn Duke of Orleans to be drowned a notable theefe who hauing followed the discontented Princes had spoken vnworthilie of his maister This execution of Iustice is memorable vpon one of so high a birth being followed the same yeare with the exemplarie death of Gylâ—s de Raiz Marshall of France issued from a great and famous house The Marshall de Raiz burnt for sorcerie who beeing found guilty of Negromancie and Sorcerie was condemned by the Court of Parliament of Brittaine and burnt at Nantes with some of his seruants culpable of the same crymes He was honored for his valour but neither his armes nor his bloud could stay the hand of diuine Iustice meritoriously exâ—cuted by this iust decree of the magistrate Priuate actions worthie to be registred in the historie to shew that the greatest cannot flie the hand of God after they haue long abused his patience But the treaty of peace betwixt France and England being discontinued aboue a yeare was againe reuiued by the industrie of the Duchesse of Bourgongne a Portugall but much affected to the quiet of the Realme and a very sufficient woman who had great credit with her husband She followes it so wisely as in the ende two Kings sends their Ambassadors to Calais On Charles his behalfe were the Archbishops of Rheims Narbon A treatâ—e betwixt the two Kings for a peace but 〈◊〉 and the Earle of Dunois bastard of Orleans For Henry King of England the Cardinall of Yorke and the Duke of Exeter who brought with them Charles Duke of Orleans so being longe kept prisoner in England This poore Prince after the languishing of so long a prison was exceeding glad to see some meanes to returne to his house hauing felt the aire on this side the Sea and imbraced the Earle of Dunois one of the branches of his house hee who â—ad so faithfully serued him in his afflictions but hee greeued to see himselfe presently carried backe into England for that they could not agree vpon the foundamenttall points the English being resolute not to leaue one foote of that which they held in France And although the King were content they should freely inioy what they possessed so as they held it as they had done in times past of the Crowne of France by homage yet would they not yeeld in any sort being loath to relinquish their pretended souerainty But he refuseth which afterwards doth sue At this time they were inforced to retire with this resolution That without infringing any thing of the treaty begun euerie one should go home and consider of his affaires to assemble againe when neede should require The Duke of Orleans deliuered the which eyther part desired And this is al could be done for the general They proceeded farther for the duke of Orleans but as in these trafficks such as hold the possession do coÌ„monly vse policy the stronger giuing lawe to the weaker so in so precious matter as life the English must bee sued vnto making no hast to deliuer him for that they drewe great profit yearely for the pension of this great Prince Moreouer Charles had no great care of his deliuerie for that some malicious spirits had seasoned him with some bad impression against this poore Prince perswading him that his long imprisonment was not without some mistery and that it hatched some mischiefe against the King and his estate The which being miserable in so great a person gaue all men a iust cause of compassion But notwithstanding all these difficulties yet must this Prince one of the goodliest plants of this Crowne be now deliuered to leaue a successor for the realme of France The diuers aâ—flictions of the Duke of Orleans and God who would honor his race with the Crowne had prepared an admirable meanes for his deliuery by his helpe from whom in reason he might least hope euen when his owne friends had abandoned him A notable example for all men in many respects a prison of fiue and twentie years was a great affliction to a Prince borne to commande and yet captiue to an other The losse of all his goods gaue him a sufficient occasion to resolue to perpetual miserie and to leaue it for an inheritance to his posterity In the ende sclander a most cruell sting to a generous minde which hath honour for his assured Treasor had beene able to suppresse him But God who goâ—erns the rodde wisely giues him libertie goods and honour in due season in despight of this deuilish enuy which seeking to afflict the afflicted and controuling aduersitie as well as prosperity is then corrected when it seekes to correct an other but God doth neuer send helpes too late The Duke of Bourgongne vndertaks for the Duke of Orleans ransome Philip hauing resolued to do this good turne for the Duke of Orleans and to withdraw him out of prison compouÌ„ds for his ransome with the King of England for three hundred thousand Crownes He giues his word for it and payes it and so Charles Duke of Orleans being honorably conducted comes first to Calais where the mony beeing payed hee comes free to Grauelin to the Duke of Bourgongne his deliuerer
who receyued him with all the good chere hee could desire Hee was taken at Azincourt in the yeare 1415. and was deliuered in 1440. the 25 of Nouember by the meanes of his sonne that had slaine his father and had done all hee could to ruine his house Beeing come to Philip hauing thanked him for this good will and protested to hold him for his father he swears a perpetuall league with him the which is confirmed by the marriage of Marie of Cleues the niece of Philip with the Duke Two great enemies become great friends and then he swears to the troaty of Arras except the article of the murther committed on the person of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne whereof he was innocent and for confirmation of this sollemne league he takes the order of the golden fleese from the hands of Philip and is admitted into the number of his Knights Behold two great enemies are become great friends by so memorable an occasion The reason that mooued the Duke of Bourgongne to do this good turne The Duke of Bourgongne had his priuate considerations for the safety and quiet of his house he sees himselfe raised to greaâ—nesse But as it is no lesse vertue to keepe then to get and that his bloud profit dutie and necessitie commanded him to hold firme for the French partie as the greatest and most assured for the good of his affaires so likewise hee considered that he should neede some trustie friend neere the King on whome he might confidently relie And what greater personage then the Duke of Orleans the first Prince of the bloud and what greater bond then to free him from Captiuity necessitie also forseeing him thereunto for it was verie apparent that this Prince being freed from prison had the like action against Philip that Philip had against the King for although Philip had not slaine his father yet was he son to the murtherer and the quarell must needs be hereditarie in these great houses where discontents and wrongs go from father to sonne being also likely that the King discontented to haue beene forced by his subiect to aske him forgiuenesse in the viewe of al Europe would mayntaine the right of his bloud in a Prince that had neuer wronged him against his reconciled enemy whose friendship he had so deerely bought wherein he noted well the Kings humor being suspitious iealous and impatient of any new authority which being able to oppose it selfe hee would neuer faile to crosse in all occasions Philip wisely foreseeing all these difficulties preuented them in assuring himselfe of the Duke of Orleans loue vpon so good consideration suppressing thereby all doubt of danger which he might hereafter feare Herein we see a notable example that we must neuer despaire in the greatest crosses of this life that quarrells must be mortall whereas they die friendship must be immortall That the best meanes to vanquish an enemie â—s to do him all the good we can The honour of this good worke was not attributed to the Duke of Bourgongne alone but to the Duchesse his wife who woone as great credâ—t in drawing her husbaÌ„d to this reconciliation as her Predecessor did dishonor by the incensing of her husband against the house of Orleans whence grewe that infamy which poluted these two houses with two tragicall murthers The wiues honour is to pacifie quarrells betwixt the kinsemen and Allies of the house whereinto she is matched and contrariewise it is an importune iealousie to sowe dissention among kinsemen God also blest the mediation of this worthy Princesse in the marriage of Marie of Cleues Neece to her husbaÌ„d with the Duke of Orleans by whome he had Lewis .12 which shal be King of France two daughters the one Elenor which was married into the house of Nauarre of whome is issued Ioane Queene of Nauarre mother to our good valiant King Henry the 4. now raigning This yeare shal be full of warre and succesfull for Charles yet in the ende it shall minister occasion to enter into the former treatie of peace which hauing begunne the yeares before and little aduanced shal be ended in the following yeares after another manner then the English expected Charles seeing that the King of England by his cold delayes sought not onely to make his conditions better being sought vnto but also to drawe him into some inconuenience he resolues to armes The English had taken Creil vpon Oyze and could not bee dispossessed of Pontoise a Towne of importance for the neernesse of Paris The King resolues to take them both The Admirall of Coytiuy beseegeth Creil and forceth it in the Kings presence The memorable seege of Pontoise Thus the way is made to Pontoise the seege was memorable being well assayled and well defended but in the ende it was taken by Charles for the good of France He lodgeth at the Abbie of Maubuisson accompanied with his sonne the Daulphin of Viennois Charles of Aniou the Earle of Clermont the Constable of France the Marshalls of Loheaâ— and Soloigne Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Saint Paul and of Pigney who brought vnto the King a goodly troupe of men from the Duke of Bourgongne with them of the Cittie of Tournay who sent a gallant squadron of their Cittizens Thus vnitie brought both French and Bourguignons vnder the same enseignes against the common enemie of France There were also the Earles of Eu Albret and Vaudemont the Vidame of Chartres the Lords of Chastillon Tancaruille Ioigny Morneil in Brie Bueil Mouy la Tour Angesi Longeuall Moyencourt Suze Chabannes Flauy S. Symon Mailly Penesac Blanchefort and those braue Captaines la Hire Pothon and Floquet with an infinit number of the Nobility who added their valour to the number of the soldiars which they had brought vnto the King The Citty of Paris sent a goodlie troupe so as Charles had twelue thousand fighting men At the first approch the bastion vpon the bridge next to Maubuisson was taken by la Hire on the other side against the Abbie of Saint Martin they make a bridge with a great bastion where they lodge three thousand archers yet the Towne was not so straightly beseeged but Talbot sent in both men and victualls 1441. Whilest that Charles stood discontented with this error behold a greater brauado for the Duke of Yorke Lieutenant generall for Henry King of England comes to Cenery and Hotonuille places very neere to Pontoise with a goodly army of eight thousâ—nd men and sends his heraulds vnto Charles to offer him battaile Charles who by the aduice of his Councell would not commit this succesfull beginning of his affaires to the hazard of a battaile returnes them with no other answer The Duke of Yoâ—â—e goes with an army to â—eleeue Pontoise but that he should haue his bellie full sooner then he liked The riuer of Oize was betwixt both armies Charles resolues to keepe the passages from Pontoise to Beaumont and the Duke of Yorke to passe the riuer in
despight of the French and to this ende he caused many small boats of Leather wood cords to be brought with other stuffe fit to make bridges The bridge of Beaumont was garded by the French but the English passe at an Abbie beneath the bridge and with such danger in their arteficiall boats as ten resolute men might haue stayed a great army but the silence of the night so fauoured their passage as a great part of the English army was past before our Sentinells had discouered them Then was there no remedy but to aduertise the Kinge of the enemies passage The Duke of Yorke hauing thus happely passed the riuer and rested his soldiars that night marcheth in goodly order towards Charles meaning to charge him Charles takes Councell of his feare couered with this resolution not to hazard a generall battaile but hee was likely to haue fallen into an other inconuenience for without attending of the enemy â—e puts all the waightiest of his carriages into the fort of Saint Martin Charles retiers from Pontoise vnder the gard of Charles of Aniou and the Admirall of Coitiuy with two thousand men with them la Hire Rouhault Estouteuille with other resolute Captaines and so leauing his lodging of Maubuisson he retyers to Poissy The Duke of Yorke takes vp his lodging at Maubuisson being abandoned and makes a shewe to attempt the forte of Saint Martin but hauing tried it in vaine he takes his way to Poissy and lodgeth before the Towne in viewe of the King and his army There were some skirmâ—shes without any great successe Charles continuing his resolution to hazard nothing and Yorke his proiect to vittaile and saue Pontoise So the English retyers to Mante to send refreshingâ— from thence to the beseeged but this great brauado came to nothing The beginning was dishonorable for the King but the end was both happie and honorable Being retyred to Saint Denis and hauing sent the Constable vnto Paris he resolues to send to Pontoise and to wine it or to die The reason was that this his retrait or rather flight was so infamously spoken of by the greatest in Court and so odious to the Paâ—isiens who had defrayed a great part of the charge at this seege as it was to be feared they would make some mutiny against him if the successe were not good His spies did likewise assure him that the Princes of his bloud especially since the returne of the Duke of Orleans were resolued to make some extraordinary assemblie and to admonish him touching the gouernment It chanced then that the Earles of Saint Pol and Vaudâ—mont notable partisans of the Duke of Bourgongne left the King when he had most neede of succours and they of Tournay were of the same party He had the Daulphin with him whom he caused to watch diligently both day and night But howe could he doubt that these tricks came not out of the Bourguignons budget Choller banished feare so as being resolued to repayre this error and to preuent his enemies practises he runnes to Pontoise for he was but ten dayes away and giuing the Duke of Yorke no leasure to releeue the beseeged he resolues to take it by force This indignation succeeded happily He caused three assaults to bee giuen on three parts and at the first he woone our Ladies Church which is without the Towne whereby he might greatly annoye the beseeged He tooke this quarter for him selfe accompanied with the Earles of Marche Albret and Tancaruille The Daulphin was at the Port Friche ioyning to the riuer of Oize with the Earle of Maine the Admirall and the great maister of the Crosbowes On the other side of the batterie was the Constabâ—e the Marshall of Loheac the Lords of Moâ—y Touars Suze Serran Sanzay and the vidame of Chartres The Canon beeing planted of all sids and a reasonable breach made the French enter furiously and the King with the first of such force is resolution in a great Prince to animate a whole army as the head doth the whole bodie Pontoisâ— â—aken by assault The English were consumed like to strawe in the fire fiue hundred were slaine at this entrie and fowre hundred taken prisoners The Inhabitants were spared by the carefull command of Charles who acknowledging the happinesse of this victorie to come from God goes to giue him thanks offring him the first fruits of this victorie for without doubt if he had failed his enemies were readie to conspire against him He calles togither all the Princes Noblemen and Captaines of the armie hee thankes them for the good and faithfull seruice they had done him in this notable occasion He makes the Lord of Ialonges Marshall of France and many Knights He called for him that first entred the breach commends his valour and rewards him with an honorable pension But why hath the Historie concealed this honest mans name Happy exploits for Charles his reward had beene immortal Such was the issue of the seege of Pontoise remarkable for many circumstances but then very considerable for the Kings affaires who had an honorable reuenge of the English brauadoe But as one good happe followes an other when it pleaseth God so Charles receiued many good aduertisements at the same instant The English drewe togither many garrisons in the Country of Maine from Mans Fresnoy and Mahinne la Iuhez and had sackt Saint Denis in Aniou The French which were in Sablâ— Laual and Saint Susanne led by the Lord of Bueil meete them laden with spoile and very ioyfull they charge them defeat and kill them leauing fower hundred vpon the place Peter of Breze issues out of Conches and surpriseth the English at Beaumont le Roger sleeping without feare hee awaks them with the sword kills them and takes the Towne Iohn Flocquet doth likewise about the same time take Eureeux a Towne of verie great importance in Normandie The meanes is memorable a fisherman makes a hoale in the wall wherby he enters in the night and becomes maister of the Towne But in exchange they receiue a check The Captaines and soldiars which had taken many prisoners at Pontoise had compounded with an English Captaine for their ransome who had taken the debt vpon him The prisoners were kept at Cornilâ—e a Castell neere vnto Chartres While they expected money this mediator hauing free liberty to go and come obserues all the passages so well as he soone finds meanes to pay al these ransomes for one morning he surpriseth the place frees the prisoners and takes all them that had them in gard The Parisâ—ens honor Charles at his returne whome they were readie to deuoure if the successe of Pontoise had not beene good The Duke of Bourgongne sends his wife vnto him for many respects who returned with no great satisfaction and Charles Duke of Orleans who had not yet seene him since his returne from prison comes vnto him with a goodly trayne the King receiues him verie gratiously and allowed well the
excuses of his long delay and to crosse the Duke of Bourgongne hee giues his Cousin of Orleans towards the payement of his ransome a hundred and fiftie thousand frankes a very great some in those dayes the which was not giuen for nothing in so great a necessity of the Kings affaires Lewis of Luxembourg and the widowe of Iohn of Luxembourg partisans to the Bourguignon do homage to Charles and yeeld the Towne of Marle vnto him these be fruits no doubt of the victorie at Pontoise In the meane time the Princes assemble at Neuers the Dukes of Bourgongne Bourbon and Alençon with the Earle of Vendosme The Duke of Brittain sent his Ambassador not able to come himselfe for that he was not yet in the Kings good fauour There were for the most part priuate discontents The Princes admonitions to the King and their demands tending to euery mans priuate interest As not to be maintayned in their degrees to be called to Councelles respected in their aduises honored in their charges payed their pensions and eased in their lands But the zeale of the publike good shadowed all with a shewe of Iustice peace order and releefe of the people That it was fit the King should proceede more speedily in the treaty of peace with the English the which had beene too coldly followed That he should supplie his Parliaments with good and sufficient men and thereby prouide for the offices and not for the persons that by their faithfull diligence suites might be shortned and speedie â—ustice administred without delay or respect of eyther of the parties That he should prouide for the ease of the subiect ouercharged rule the soldiars preuent robberies ransomings and extortions the which were daylie committed vnder too apparent an excuse that the soldiar was not payed That he should giue honors without respect of forepassed diuisions and declare alâ— his subiects capable of Offices and dignities indifferently not remembring what was past That he should haue a competent number of graue men in his great Councell worthy of that charge not to coÌ„mit the gouernment of the affaires of the Realme to two or three as had beene done in former times These are the chiefe points of their demands drawen word by word out of the Originall Charles was nothing pleased with these Assemblies made both in his absence and without his priuitie whereby many inconueniences must ensue all being done without his authority But being taught by his owne experience he digested this kinde of affront quietly being loath to alter any thing at such a season when as he had no neede of newe enemies and hauing eyther excused what had beene done or contented euery priuate person he proceeded to the principall which was the establishment of the affaires of the Realme The disorders of men of warre were insupportable the which must be reformed but that which troubled the King was the seege of Tartas remarkable by this circumstance Tartas is a Towne in Gasconie belonging to the house of Albret This Towne was beseeged by Captall de Buch a great Nobleman of that Countrie and of the English faction It was concluded for the extreame necessitie of the Country that there should be a surceasse of armes and lâ—bertie of free trafficke in that Prouince vntill midsomer following vpon condition that if the King did not succour the Towne by that day it should yeeld to the English or else the French should remayne in free possession without any controuersie And for assurance of this treaty the eldest sonne of the Lord of Albret should remayne in hostage The matter was of great waight being not onely a question of the losse of a place of great importance but of the Kings reputation who leauing his subiects was in danger to be abandoned by them so to loose all Gascoâ—â—e where the English had gotten many paâ—tisans Charles prouiding carefully for his affaires giues two blowes with one stone wherewith he strooke both the theeues and the English He armed with exceeding speede hauing drawen togither foure thousand horse eâ—ght thousand archers and eight thousand other foote An infinit numbeâ— of great personages and voluntarie Noblemen posted to this iourney as to a solemne assignation whereon depended the quiet and honour of France The Daulphin did accompany him in this voiage Charles of Aniou Earâ—e of Maine the Constable of Richmont the Earles of Marche Eu Castres Foix Lomaigne the eldest son of the Lord of Aâ—maignac the Lords of Albert Gaure Cominge Estrac Tartas Tancaruille and Montgascon the eldest son to the Earle of Boulongne Auuergne Philip of Culant Admiâ—aâ— of France with an infinit number of gallant Nobility Thus Charles parting from Parâ—â— comes first to Saumur whither Iohn Duke of Brittaine sent his Ambassadors to offer him homage and men Shame to haue so often lest him in al his extremities would not suffer him to see the King although the Constable were a good mediator for him He restored to the King the forts of â—ssars Palluau which annoyed al the CouÌ„try of Poâ—â—tou and Charles gaue them in gard to the Constable from thence he passed into Poiâ—tou and prouids that Marueil and Saint Hermine should no more trouble the people he then comes into Xaintonge which had beene much tormented by the Lord of Pons who humbled himselfe vnto the King promising to liue in peace Taillebourg was taken by force and the theeues punished Bretueil was taken and razed Thus Charles spent this yeare against theeues who had surprised some Townes The next yeare was haâ—pilie imployed against the English our open enemies making a great breach in Gasâ—â—nie and there abouts where the English had gotten deepest footing by the ancient and lawfull possession of his Ancestors In the ende by this breach the whole Prouince remained his but the prouidence of God imparts his blessings by degrees 1442. Hauing thus pacified Poitou and Xaintonge he comes to Limoges and so to Tholouse which was the Rendez-uous of all his troupes Being arriued hee giues notice to them of Tartâ—s that they should continue firme and that they should be releeued by the prefixed day but as he labors on the one side to settle his affaires so the English on the other side seeke to ouerthrowe them Behold Talbot comes out of England into Normandie with two thousand men and the Duke of Yorke hauing leuied men in the Countrie it selfe and places of their obedience goes to field with foure thousand men With these forces he thinks to take all that Charles held in that Prouince where he had left the Earle of Dunois and the Vidame of Chartres for the gard of those places but this enterprise had small successe Talbot beseegeth Couches and at the same instant the Earle of Dunois Galardon a place holding for the English to cause a diuersion Talbot hauing taken Couches the Earle leaues Galardon hauing no reason to hazard his small troupe against so great forces and putts them into garrison
making a defensiue warre attending the successe of Tartas Talbot fearing least Galardon should be surprised by the French doth raze it and this was all Let vs now returne to Tholouse to conduct Charles from thence to Tartas Taâ—taâ— releeued by King Chaâ—les for there lies the waight of his affaires Assignation is giuen it must be held To conclude the King comes at the appointed time with a goodly and mighty army the condition is performed he demands his hostages and the effect of accord So young Albret is deliuered Tartas continues vnder his obedience the day honorably kept and all the Prouince in quiet Tartas thus victoriously assured Charles resolues both to husband the occasion with his forces and to proceed farther Saint Seuer was held by Thomas Rameston with a hundred men at armes and fouerteene hundred Cros bowes and fortified what might be in those dayes Charles takes it by force slewe the greatest part oâ— the English and takes the Commander prisoner Acqs hauing endured a seege of sixe weekes is yeelded by composition The Earle of Foix was with the King and imployed both his person men and meanes to do him seruice but the impatiency of the French thrust them vpon his Country where they committed many insolencies The Bearnois discontented with the French assembles his forces and chargeth them as enemies but they had their reuenge for they fell vpon this ill armed multitude and slue seuen hundred to the great griefe of Charles fearing that this escape might alter his affaires but the Earles discretion couered this excesse and Charles continued his course Agâ—n held for him from thence he summons Toneins Marmande Port Saint Marie which yâ—eâ—d him obedience Reole being obstinate was beseeged and assayled with dâ—fficultiâ— but in the ende it was taken The shaâ—pe winter hindâ—ing the course of Garonne for the vitteling of the army made the seege both long and difficult and gaue the English meanes to recouer Saint â—â—uer and Acqs not very well garded but the Earle of Foix winnes Saint Seuer againe The deaâ—h of Potâ—oâ— and la Hire and the Earle of Lomaigne Acqs. A great number of the Nobility of the Country forced to make a good shew during the English force submit themselues to the King as the Lords of Puiols Rauson Roquetaillade and Pelegrue Thus Charles hauing made the Lord of Coitiuy Seneshall of Guienne gouernor of that conquered Countrie he makes his returne into France Being at Montauban he lost those two great Captaines so famous in his raigne Pothon and la Hire more rich in vertue honor then in substance yet Pothon was maister of the Kings horse and his sonne was Marshall La Hire left for his chiefe welth the immortall memorie of his loyaltie and valour the which hee happily imployed in the greatest necessitie of this Crowne Names in truth most worthy to be consecrated to the perpetuall memorie of posterity for a president to such as manage armes and make so great profession of honour with what title were these most hâ—nored for their vertues or for their Castells A happie exchange to change perishing gold which oftentimes makes him hatefull that loues it with the pleasing smell of immortall praise An vnreprouable ambition amidest the reproches of this golden age which loueth gold more then honour So Montauban was a tombe for their bodies and the whole world the Epitaphe of their praises At that instant and in the same place Charles ended the controuersie for the Earldome of Cominge Ioane daughter to the Earle of Cominge and Boulogne married at the first to Iohn Duke of Berry soone to King Iohn was after his decease married to Mathew Earle of Castel-bon of the house of Foix. She had one daughter by this Mathew but for that there was no good agreement betwixt them she makes a will to bridle her husband that by vertue of the authority of a father he should not enioy her lyuing instituting King Charles the 7. her heire in case her daughter died without lawfull heires In disdaine of this testament Mathew much yonger then she and who had not taken her but for her Crownes kept her prisoner an aged woman of foure score yeares The Daughter of Ioane of Cominge beeing dead the Earldome belonged vnto the King as lawfull heire by the donation of Ioane the lawful heire So Charles was bound by a double bonde to defend the gray haires of this old woman against the insolencie of her cruell husband who finding himselfe supported by the fauour of the Earle of Foix and Armagnac his Cousin hauing alreadie seized vpon some Townes of Cominge and playing the pettie King during the confusion of times and the neighbourhood of the English thought all things to be lawfull The King adiournes them both to appeere at Tholouse The Parliament of Tholouse erected wheras then he established a Parliament for all the Countries of Languedoc Foix Cominge Gaure Quercy Armaignac Estrac Lomaigne Mcgnaoc Bigorre and Rouergue Mathew deliuerd Ioane his wife into the Kings hands and it was decreed by the Court of Parliament the which they noate to be the first of this sollemne assemblie that Ioane should liue in free libertie out of Mathews power and should enioye the moity of the reuenues of Cominge and the rest should go into the Kings cofers The Earle of Foix and Armaignac yeelded vp the Townes of Cominges which he had vsurped and was adiourned vnto Paris to yeeld an account of many rebellions whereof he was accused especially for that he set in his titles â—ernard by the grace of God Earle c. A marke fit for soueraintie the which appertaines not to Seigneuries subiect to this Crowne Thus Charles remembers Lawes in the heat of warre but it requires an other Comissioner to execute this decree by force of armes after the death of Ioane who being conducted to Poictiers liued not long in this libertie Charles bâ—ing returned to Poitiers about the moneth of Maâ—ch resolues to imploy his sonne Lewis both to fashion him to affaires and to drawe him from suâ—h as would seduce him He giues him the gouernment of those Countries which lies betwixt the riueâ—s of Suze and Seine For the well imploying of this newe authority there were two goodly occasions presented one vpon an other Deepe was reduced to the Kings obedience this was a great annoyance to Rouen for the freeâ—ng whereof the Duke of Yorke doth beseege it raising forts to keepe them from all releefe This seege had continued nine monethes very tedious to the beseeged The Dâ—ulpâ—ins happie exploicts when as behold the Daulphin accompanied with the Earles of Dunois and Saint Pol and the Lord of Gaucourt assailes these forts and forceth them killes three hundred English and many Normaines either by the sword or water and so frees Deepe This occasion was followed by an other which chanced in a manner at the same instant Ioane Countesse of Cominge dies at Poitiers soone after she had tasted the aire of
libertie and the good cheere which Charles made her Vpon the report of her death Bernard Earle of Armaignac seizeth vpon the Townes of Cominges Duret Lile in Dodon Samathan and Lombres The Earle of Armaignac seizeth vpon the County of Commings and preparing to warre he leuies troupes in Arragon by Sâ—lezard a Captaine of that Countrie causing Iohn of Lescun a bastard of Armaignac to inuade the Kings teâ—ritories This excesse might haue proued verie preiudiciall when as Charles sends Lewis his sonne into Languedoc with a thousand horse to quench this mischiefe in the breeding Being arriued at Rouuergue all yeelds vnto him Euerie thing is opposite to the Earle of Armaignac The Earles of Perdriac and la Marche the chiefe supporters of his insolence leaue him in the plaine field Salezard doth likewise abandon him of such force is a royall maister against a bad cause The Earle of Amargnac seeing himselfe thus abandoned shuts himselfe into Lisle-Iordan 1443. to dispute his pretensions with more aduantage The Earle of Armaignac taken by the Daulphin but he thrust him selfe into the toyle for he was taken by Lewis and led prisoner to Carcassone These happy exploytes did greatly recommend the Daulphins iudgement and valour whom all men held worthy of a great commande Charles hauing commended him for so well doing would haue sent him backe against the Earle of Somerset who had raised a great armie on the frontiers of Normandy Brittain the which was like vnto a fire of straw for hauing taken la Guierche by force he left it as soone for money so retired with his army without any other exploit The heate of the English grewe more temperate touching the chiefe points of their affaires They stood vpon tearmes in the two first fruitlesse asseÌ„blies made for peace but nowe they seeke the King The Earle of Suffolke writes vnto him that he hath commandement from the King his Master not onely to renue the treaty of peace discontinued but also to finde meanes to marry him in France hee receiues a fauourable answer from Charles and vnder his safe conduct comes to him to Tours Charles continued still in an humor to loue peace and to seeke it but the Earle of Suffolke the Lord Rosse had no charge but to treat of a generall truce A generall truce the which they concluded for a yeere a halfe but this shall be a goodly occasion to send home the English After a shower comes a sun-shine and euen experience teacheth that after a great raine comes a long drought Now we shall see nothing but truces one after an other marriages and aliances during fower yeares which is a preparatiue to a ciuill peace for aboue a hundred yeares This truce being made they must now seeke warres else where so fruitefull is our vanity of change so as we cannot liue without suffering or doing harme to others The French impatient of rest when as they treated of this truce it was demaunded by the Ambassadors of both Kings what their men of warre should do This truce say they will be more chargeable vnto vs then warre for they must liue They haue not beene accustomed to work and yet they will make good cheere neither can the poore people endure any more Moreouer if they haue no worke they will fight with themselues we must therefore calme this storme and send them to such as loue vs not The French English sent to warre in Suizerland This was the cause of the war in Suizerland whereof Lewis was Generall leading both French and English vnder the same Ensignes Matago was Collonell of the English forces for the King of England vnder the Daulphins command He entred with his armie into the territory of Basill the country of Elsas betwxit Basill and Strasbourg one of the goodliest and most fertill prouinces of Germany they terrified Metz tooke Montbeliard filled all those countries with feare and combustion The motiues of this extraordinary enterprise may well be obserued by that which I haue said but these causes were farre fetcht and not to be imbraced by two Kings who but euen now tormented one an other especially by Charles who hauing suffred so many crosses should haue horror to cause others to feele the like without constraint yet he found a pin for all these holes Charles would haue his sonne take Montbeliard to be reuenged of the Gouernour for the wrong hee had done him spoiling his country as farre as Langres in his greatest necessity The motiues of this war in Suizerland He assayled the Suisses and namely them of Basill being fauourers of Eugenius against Felix his compettitor that is to say against that Amedee Duke of Sauoy who had so crossed him in his affaires whom he could neuer loue what shewe soeuer he made in pollicy And for that Germany that quarter nere vnto Suisserland supported Felix against Eugenius he therfore hated theÌ„ And to gratifie René King of Sicile who had a priuate quarrell against the citty of Metz he turned his forces against it But what meaning soeuer Charles had herein he imbraced this voluntary warre with an incredible affection as if it had bin to defend the hart of his Realme He himselfe came to Espinall hauing sent his army before to Metz he continued the siege fiue moneths vntill the Cittizens had paide two hundred thousand crownes for the charges of the warre and acquitted king René of a hundred thousand florins of gold which they had lent him in his necessity Lewis the Daulphin parting from Montbeliard ruines Portentru in disdaine of the Bishop a great sollicitor against Eugenius from thence he enters into the territories of Basill with this goodly and florishing army 1444. tyed togither with so many strings hee incountred foure thousand Suisses being resolute to defend their Countrie The greatest part of them were cut in peeces but they sold their liues deere for the Germain histories report that we lost aboue fiue thousand men although wee had the victorie The Emperour Frederic the 3. a Prince which otherwise loued peace vpon the complaints of the Citties lying alongest the Rhin The Suisses fight valiantly and are defeated caused them to arme so as Lewis returned into Lorraine fearing to be too far ingaged in an enemies Country whome he had incensed against reason yet Frederic sent his Ambassadors to Charles to renue their ancient allyances So this cloude of people-eaters passed falling vpon diuers quarters like a shower of haile in a field of ripe corne leauing nothing memorable but a notable example of rashenesse making a warre which was neither necessarie nor iust afflicting quiet peaceable people without any occasion Whilest that France EnglaÌ„d made Suiserland to weepe Henry the 6. King of England married with Marguerite of Aniou daughter to René Duke of Aniou and of Lorraine and King of Sicile and Naples The Earle of Suffollk fetched her froÌ„ Nancy
prisoners and artillerie deliuer vp Arques Caudebecq Tancaruille Lisle-bonne Hâ—nnefleu and Monstreuille The Conditions granâ—ed to the English at Rouen they should pay fiftie thousand Crownes presently and discharge their priuate debts in the Cittie before they departed for assurance whereof they should leaue Talbot the flower of all their men with fiue other hostages such as the King should demande So Talbot remaynes for a pledge After ten dayes all articles agreed vpon beâ—ng performed except Honnefleu all the hostages haue leaue to depart except Talbot who stayes vntill Honnefleu is deliuered But Talbot must haue more time to tast the bountie clemencie of our King and the fruits of French couâ—tesie Thus Charles enters Rouen with great pompe Câ—arles enâ—ers Rouen but the peoples ioye exceeded the statelinesâ—e of his traine Their showtes drowne the Trumpets and Clarons all crie God saue the King 1450. This poore people greedie to see their Prince after so long and cruell a seruitude weepe for ioy men and women young and olde all runne many bonfiers are made but the fire of publike deuotion burnt more cleare This was the tenth of Nouember in the yeare 1449. a notable date for so singular a deliuerance There yet remained some Townes in Normandie to conquer Charles loth to loose any opportunitie or to giue the enemie any leisure to bethinke himselfe would scarse allow of any time for the publike ioy and content of his good subiects but goes presently to field with his armie Honnefâ—eu would not obey the Duke of Somerset the which he must deliuer vp according to the treatie there were fifteene hundred English resolute to defend the place but after fifteene dayes siege they yeelded vpon honourable termes King Charles deales honourablie with Talbot their goods and liues being saued Charles for an increase of the good cheere he had made vnto Talbot during his imprisonment giues him his libertie without ransome with meanes to retire himselfe into England with great gifts but he shall make him no due requitall of this good and honourable entertainment Fougeres the subiect of this last warre and the chiefe cause of this good successe returnes to the obedience of the Crowne through the valour of the Duke of Brittanie and Belesme with the Castell of Fresâ—â—â— by that of the Duke of Alançon As all things succeeded happily for our Charles so all went crosse in England The Earle of Suffolke gouerned King Henry the 6. quietly being a young man and of a weake spirit As all the affaires of England depended vpon this Earle The estate of England so did the reproches The Duke of Somerset a Prince of the English bloud very iealous of his credit and reputation and ashamed to be blemished with these losses in France layes the chiefe fault vpon Suffolke and others that had the gouernment and so incensed the people of London against them The Londoners mutinie and kill the Lord Keeper as the Londoners transported with choller for so great a losse meaning to punish the offenders fall vpon the Bishop of Chichester Lord Keeper of the priuie Seale and kill him in a mutinie they intend the like to Suffolke â—â— by the fauour of some of his friends he had not beene put into the Tower of London to yeeld an accoumpt of his actions Henry who loued him deerely takes him forth The English Chronicle reports quite contrary and sent him into France for his better safetie But it chanced that Suffolke seeking to auoide one danger fell into another where he made his last shipwrack for being met by Somersets people being his capitall enemie he was taken and beheaded his head body were sent to London those cruell spoiles set vp to publike view in places most frequented In the meane time all England troubled for the losse of Rouen and the greatest part of the Prouince resolues to hazard all to saue the rest of their conquests in France They had yet in Normandy the Townes of Caen Vire Auranches S. Sauueur leVicont Falaize Damfront Cherebourg with the strong places of Tombelaine Briquebec New forces sent out of England into France and a great part of Guienne With this remainder the English imagin to recouer the possession of what they had lost So Henry sends speedily 4000. men vnder the command of Thomas Tiâ—el one of his most renowmed Captaines Being landed at Cherebourg without any losse of of time he besiegeth Valonges a strong place and of importance At the brute of these forces all the English garrisons assemble to augment his armie and to fortifie the siege so as being together they make about 8000. men Our armie was lodged in diuers places to refresh themselues since the siege of Honnefleu the season being wonderfull moist in the thawe of the spring when as newes came to Charles of the landing of the English and the imminent danger of the besieged the losse whereof were a foule blemish to his victorie To preuent this he presently sends the Earle of Clermont with sixteene hundred Lances whereof the Earle of Castres the Admirall of Raiz the Seneshall of Poitou and the Lords of Montgascon Couuran and Rouhault were the commanders The English armie was lodged at Fourmigny a village betwixt Carentan and Bayeux in a place of aduantage to keepe themselues free from such forces as they might doubt should be sent from the King being then in the country Matago an old English Captaine came vnto him with a thousand Archers The English being thus fortified set their backes to a Riuer being flanked with diuers Orchards and Gardines before them they make trenches to stoppe their approche and in this sort they attend the enemie The neerenesse of Charles made them to imagine our French to be more in number then they were for this troupe did not exceed sixe hundred fighting men whereof a hundred onely commanded by Geoffray of Couuran and Ioachim of Rouault charged the English vantgard hauing slaine three or foure hundred put the rest of their armie in disorder yet the Earle of Clermont seeing the danger he was in with his troupe if the enemie had discouered his aduantage hauing so great an army against his small troupe sends presently to Charles for speedy succours By good hap as the messenger came vnto the King the Constable of Richmont arriues from Brittaine who marcheth presentlie not giuing his souldiers any leisure to breath exhorting them to go couragiously to an assured victorie His comming strack the stroake and swayâ—d the victory He had 240. Lances and 800. Archers and with him Iames of Luxembourg the Cont of Laâ—all and the Lord of Loheac Marshall of France with the good fortune of Charles He aâ—riues euen when as the Earle of Clermont was farre ingaged in the fight the English had taken two Culuerins from him and in despight had passed S. Clements-forde preparing to discharge these Culuerins when as behold the Constable comes with his troupe with a victorious
their Cittie with exceding ioy the first day of August to the great greefe of the English who see themseues expelled out of the whole realme but they shall yet make a new attempt The oathe of fealtie was autentically made to Charles the All Guâ—enne swear vnto King 〈◊〉 7. both by the Cittizens of Burdeaux and by all the Estates of Burdelois to their naturall King and lawfull Prince renowncing the English The Nobilitie held vp their hands first in this oath namely the Lords of Esparre Montferrand Duras Rosan Pugeols Lansac Lisle Anglade amongest the which how many proued treachers The Archebishop also did take the same oth of homage and fealtie to the King with Gaston de Foix only Captall de Buch would not take the oath for his person but he submitted all his Lands to the obedience of the Crowne an error which shal be preiudiciall to the whole Prouince Thus all Guienne was made subiect to the Kings obedience except Bayonne for the reduction of which Towne being needlesse to keepe togither so great an armie euery Nobleman was commanded to returne to his howse and that the Earle of Dunois should contynue there to imploie the forces of the Country at this seege So the Princes of the bloud depart accompanied with twenty thousand men whom they dismisse euery one into his Countrie The Earle of Foix ioyned with the earle of Dunois they beseege Bayonne the seege was long painefull and dangerous Bayone yeelds vpon hard conditions the which might haue bene more easie and spedie by means of the armie which was redie But in truth the nigard spends more then the bountifull man in euery degree yet in the end Bayonne submits to the obedience of the Crowne vpon these conditions That the tounesmen of Bayonne should deliuer Iohn of Beaumont their Captaine into the Kings hands with their own persons and their goods to be at the Kings wil discretion and to repaire their disobedience to purchase the Kings fauour they should pay fortie thousand Crownes whereto they are referred by the earle of Foix generall of the army This accord was coÌ„firmed by the entrie of the said Earle into the Towne who tooke a sollemne othe in the Kings name Charles forgiues the inhabitants halfe their fine and confirmes halfe their priuiledges The three Estates of the Country of Burdelois send their deputies vnto the King who was then at Taâ—llebourg 1453. to confirme their othes and homages already taken by his Chancellor and the Kâ—ng lâ—kewise doth ratifie their priuileges and receyues them into fauour so as Guienne â—eemed to be reduced to the Kings obedience All Guienne reduced to obedience to the incredible content of the whole realme and so this yeare ended with an vniuersall ioy But seuen or eight moneths were scarse spent in this publike ioy such as the French might haue in euery corner of their country enioying peace the which they had not tasted these hundred yeares and which in outward appearance there was no hope to recouer the English and Bourguignons hauing taken such firme footing in all parâ—s when as behold a great surge which seemed to expose France to the mercie of a more horrible and dangerous storme For Talbot comes to the gates of Bourdeaux with goodly â—roupes of English Talbot enters 〈◊〉 with new Englâ—sh troupes where he was receiued and tooke the Seneshall of Guienne prisoner being gouernour of the Towne and Iohn de Foux deputie Maior of Bourdeaux and in a maneâ— the same day the Nobilitie which had giuen their faâ—th vnto the King noted befoâ—e by their speciall names deliuered all the chiefe places of the countrie to the English Fronsac Coloeuures Casâ—illon Chasteauneuf in Damedoc Cadillac Langen S. Macaire Libâ—rne and Saint Millâ—on Many townes yeeld to the English And after Talbot who came but to discouer there arriued the next day in safetie foure thousand fighting men from England with foure score ships laden with Meale and Salt meates to victuall the Towne The amazement of this losâ—e was as great as the ioy had beene of gaine Charles was then at Tours the Earle of Clermont sonne to Charles Duke of Bourbon was gouernour of Guienne He commands him to haue a care to the preseruation of the rest of Guienne and presently he sends six hundred men at armes vnder the command of three Marshals of France and the Lords of Orual and Rouhault who were then neere the King and sends for the rest of his forces with all speed The motiues oâ— the reuolt in Guiâ—nne But whilest that all prepare to repaire this losse may we not examine the motiue of this great and sodaine change Some new writers accuse the ill vsage of the French to this people newly conquered which made them to wish for the English being more milde and temperate Lords others blamed the negligence of our French vnfit to keepe that which they had so valiantly gotten But who is he that can finde this first cause truly noted hearing the whole History speake and representing the discontent of the French nation against the gouerment of the English And why did the King dismisse his armie but to ease his people euen with the preiudice of his owne affaires As for our negligence in keeping of that which we haue gotten with much paine it is too well knowne by memorable examples but seeing the affâ—ction of the people of Bourdelois had bin confirmed by many proofes in this voluntary obedience to what end had it serued to put them in fetters as a people vanquished by armes and force them to obedience But to find out the causes we must examine the effects L'Esparre Montâ—errand Duras Anglade Rosans and others specified in the register of the oath will bee found straight waies reuolted in these places Captal de Buche protested openly that he was not the Kings seruant so as he might without reproch carrie armes against him for the King of England his maister He might remaine peaceablie within the country inioying his houses being vnder the Kings protection and so make his traffick for the English at his pleasure Iohn King of Nauarre an Arragonois both by birth and humour was an enemy to Charâ—es for two respects as hauing maried the heiâ—e of Nauarre and with that mariage the quarrels hatred of that Charles which was Grandfather to his wife The King of Nauarre an enemie to K. Câ—arles who had so much troubled the raignes of Iohn and Charles the â— and as an Arragonois by reason of the quarrels of Naples against the house of Aniou These were two instruments to moue many mens mindes It could not otherwise be but the authoâ—itie and command of two hundred yeares had purchased England many seruants and such as had alwayes held the English party against France and were not reclaimed to the Kings obedience but by force could not beleeue that they had any such part in the Kings fauour hauing brought
to Peter of Bourbon Ioane the wife of Lewis Duke of Orleans after King of France the 12. of that name Charles his successor and Francis who died likewise in his infancy In the end Charles going to suppresse the practices of his sonne in Daulphiné and the neighbour Prouinces Lewis abandons the country and retyres to Philip Duke of Bourgongne at whose charge he was entertained six yeares Charles being deceased Philip of Bourgongne to perfect this good office ofhospitality to Lewis accompanied with Charles Earle of Charolois his sonne Iames of Bourgongne Earle of Estampes Adolfe Duke of Cleues the Lord of Rauestin his brother nephewes to the said Philip the Earles of Nassau and S. Pol and with many other Noblemen of the lowe countries conducted him into France with foure thousand horse well appointed chosen among a hundred thousand fighting men the which Philip had leauied vppon a brute that some Noblemen of the country would aduance Charles the younger brother of Lewis to the Crowne Iohn Duke of Bourbon the Duke of Orleans as well for his old age as for that he mourned for King Charles deceased came not from Paris Peter and Iames of Bourbon brethren the Earles of Armaignac Eu Vendosme Dunois GraÌ„dpré Philip of Sauoy with the greatest part of the Princes Noblemen and Officers of the Crowne go to meete him and conduct him to Rheims where he is solemnly annointed crowned by Iohn Iuuenall of Vrsins Archbishop of that place assisted by the Cardinal of Constance the Patriarke of Antioch the Popes Legat 4. Archbishops 17. Bishops 6. Abots the 15. of August 1461. being about 38. yeares of age Two daies after Philip did him homage for his Duchy of Bourgongne as Peere and Deane of the Peeres of France for the Earledom of Flanders as a peere of France and for the county of Artois all other lands he held of the crowne TheÌ„ made he a sumptuous stately entry into Paris with very ioyfull acclamations of the people as you may see at large in the Originalls He lesome admonitions of Philip to Lâ—wiâ— After mâ—â—y sports tourneies publike feasts Philip taking leaue of the King exhorts him to lay aside all hatred and splene conceiued against some of his fathers ancient seruants from â—hom he should draw as many good seruices as they had giueÌ„ testimonies of their loialties to their lawfull Master to liue in loue and vnity with his brother Charles and to aduance him according to the degree he held within the realme Lewis was no sooner installed but the Inhabitants of Rheims minister an occasioÌ„ to imploy the first fruits of his forces About S. Remy the collectors of imposts were slaine their contracts burnt in open street The King sends thither many souldiars disguised like mâ—rchants laboreâ—s who entring secretly at diuers gates become the stroÌ„ger and aâ—e preâ—ently followed by some troupes led by the Lord of Mouy who seize vpon the towne takes 80. or a 100. of the most culpable puts theÌ„ to death suppresseth the mutinie About the end of the yeare Lewis made a progresse into Touraine where the Earle of Charolois comÌ„ing fâ—oÌ„ the pilgrimage of S. Claude did visit him the King in regard of the kindnes he had receiued froÌ„ Philip giueshim the gouernmeÌ„t of Normandy â—uery Franck iâ— worth two shilliâ—gs The Duke of Aâ—â—nson inlarged with 36000. frankes yearly pensioÌ„ for the non paiment wherof there wil soone grow great dissentioÌ„s ciuil wars In sooth the words of a prince shold be held for Oracles neyther shold he be lesse iudicious then coÌ„nstant in his promises The Duke of Alencon was set at liberty whoÌ„ Charles the 7. had restrained But oh the vanity of man we shall him hereafter a prisoner condemned vnder his authoritie 1462. who now giues him both life and libertie Then the King gaue to his brother the Dukedome of Berry for his portion and assigned the Queene his Mothers dowrie who shall not long enioy it but dies in the yeare 1463. in the Countie of Xaintonge with the towne and gouerment of Rochell Chinon Pezenas and other places Then he went in pilgrimage to S. Sauueur of Redon in Brittanie where the Duke did homage for this said Duchie the Countie of Monfort and other places he held of the Crowne But deuotion did not so much draw Lewis into Brittanie as a desire to discouer the Dukes affection his country and his forces whom he held in iealousie the which shall easily draw the Duke into the vnion of malcontents as we shall soone see which will fall out happily for him to disappoint the King of the prey he haunted after in Brittanie Lewis in the meane time carelesse of Philips aduise not able well to endure the sight of his fathers spies whom he accused as the motiues of his disgrace changeth the gouernours of Prouinces and most of the Officers both for Iustice and warre he placeth new being chosen out of those that had beene companions of his fortune the which to agrauate they called a banishment imputing it to them that were displaced Moreouer he prohibited all Princes Noblemen and Gentlemen the sport of Hawking and Hunting vnder great and odious punishments no further then he should permit a second fire-brand of the following combustions Now the King of Arragon seeking to reduce his rebellious subiects of Barzellone to their duties by force ingageth the Countie of Roussillon to Lewis for three hundred thousand Crownes whereof he receiued fiftie thousand presently being followed with a goodly and mighty armie Lewis purchaseth the Countie of Roussillon to succour the said King vnder the command of Iames of Armaignac Duke of Nemours Henry King of Castill complaines by his Ambassadors of these succours giuen to his aduersarie which was a breach of the League betwixt France and Castill The King as well to end this quarrell as that which Blande the onely daughter and heire of the King of Nauarre wife to the said King of Arragon had with the King of Castill by reason of some places in Nauarre he goes to Bourdeaux and there concludes the mariage of Magdaleine of France his sister with Gaston the eldest sonne to the Earle of Foix and presumptiue heire of Nauarre who lay hurt at Libourne with a Lance at a Tourney whereof he dyed leauing a sonne and a daughter Francis Phoebus his successour who raigned but one yeare and Katherine who succeeded him and was married to Iohn of Albret then he goes to Bayonne where the King of Castill comes vnto him and ends all controuersies A dangerous and fatall enteruiew for these two great Princes the most strictly allied of all Christendom of ancient from King to King from realme to realme and man to man bound by great curses to maintaine this necessarie league the which neuer yet had any breach and they now conceiued a contempt disdaine one of an other The â—rench of the Castillians sumptuousnesse and pride
Bourgongne and intreats the King to forbeare in the excution of this charge Behold a sharpe touch which might easily open the Dukes eares to harken to these malcontents yet would he not enter but suffers the Earle his sonne to vse all his meanes for this effect beeing discontented for the gouernment of Normandie taken from him and his pension not payed for the redeeming the Townes vpon Somme and the aduancement of Croy in France Lewis discouers the League And although the passing and repassing of the Agents and factors of these Princes were very secretly performed by men disguised like religious men pilgrims beggars yet could they not worke so secretly but the King had intelligence that the Britton had sent to practise the loue and association of the King of England that by Iohn of Rommilli vice-chancellor of Briâ—tanie he had made a strict allyance with the Earle of Charolois a violent valiant Prince Thus the King sends the bastard of Rubempré a sea Captaine to surprise such as hee should finde passing out of Brittanie into England or from the Bourguignon to the Britton This bastand lands at La Haye in Holland hee enters the Towne with three in his company where then the Earle was resident Being examined of his quality and of the cause of his landing he makes some difficultie to discouer himselfe He is put in prison as a pirate sent saied they by Lewis to surprise the Earle trecherously and so to preuaile more easily with the Duke his father This brute was dispersed through the Countrie and made the King odious At the first report of these newes Philip being at Hedin dislodgeth without taking his leaue although he had promised not to depart without speaking againe to the King Lewis aduertised of the bastards detention sends the Earle of Eu the Chancellor Moruilliers and the Archbishop of Narbonne to Philip beeing at Lisle Ambassadors from Lewis to Philip. they accuse his son of treachery and infidelitie for that he had made a League with the Duke of Brittanie a friend and confederate with the English he complaines of the restraint of Rubempré his seruant and demands amends for words blowen giuen out against the Kings honour that the prisoner should be inlarged and for expiation of the crime that the authors of this slander should be deliuered into the Kings hands especiallie Oliuer de la Marche one of the chiefe in the Dukes Court to bee exemplarily punished The Chancellor who deliuered the speech being but a blunt man made it as bitter as he could and omitted nothing that might make the fact odious and criminall for the which he shall in time and place bee disauowed by the King and loose his office adding moreouer that he could not conceyue the cause of the Earles discontent if it were not for the pension and gouernment which the King had giuen him and since taken away Philip answers that Rubempré being charged with many crimes was iustly taken and in a Countrie where Lewis had no right If the informations did acquit him Philip answers to the Ambassadors he would send him to the King That la Marche was of the Country therfore the King not to be his coÌ„petent Iudge yet if he had done or sayed any thing against the honor of his maiestie he would punish him to his liking Moruillier insists vrging that Philip should not deny the King and that he should command his sonne not to entertaine any bad conceite of his Maiestie nor beleeue the sclanders imposed vpon Rubempré The Duke replies That till then hee had neuer denyed the King anie thing and contrariwise the King had failed of his promise 1465. in that contrary to their transaction he had fortified the Townes redeemed with great garrisons the which he should haue inioyed during his life taking an oathe of the Nobility to carrie armes indiffereâ—tly against all he should command That if his sonne were iealous and distrustfull hee tooke it of his mother who had often suspected him to go to other Ladies not from him who suspected no man The Earle of Charolois toucht with the Chancellers speech would haue taken the defence of his honor and the Duke of Brittaines but Philip fearing least choller should transport him beyond reason commands him to prepare for the next day The night brings Counsel The Earle hauing considered well of his plea answers very respectiuely yet he maintaynes that the proces of Rubempre would shew that his imprisonment was both iust and duly made That hee had made an allyance and strict league with the Duke of Brittain being brothers in armes but their association did nothing preiudice the Kings seruice nor the good of his realme but rather their common forces should be alwaies ready for the preseruation of his crowne and the publicke good As for the losse of his gouernment and pension whereof he had neuer receyued but one quarter hee was nothing displeased that as for any welth and honours the fauour of the Duke his Lord and father did suffice him Thus the Ambassadors returne nothing to Lewis but threats from the Earle who charged the Archebishop of Narbâ—nne particularly with this speech That within one yeare he would make the King repent the iniurious words he had caused his Chaunceller to giue him in the presence of the Duke his father And hauing spedily assembled a great armie out of Artois Henault Boullen Flanders Holland and Brabant consisting of foure thousand men at armes The warres of the Common weale and eight or nine thousand archers vnder the enseignes of Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Saint Paul and afterwards Constable of France the Lord of Rauestin brother to the Duke of Cleues Anthonte bastard of Bourgongne Haut-bourdin bastard brother to the Earle of Saint Pol Contai and Lalain valiant and wise knights with many other Noblemen and gentlemen and great store of artillery and carriages hee enters into Picardie as Lieutenant generall to the Duke of Berry taking armes to releeue sayes he the people surcharged with taxes and subsidies The Earle of Câ—arolois enters Picardie and to recouer their ancient freedomes and liberties to restore the Nobilitie to their honors and ancient dignities and to gâ—ue vnto the Clergie their rights and preheminences In truth these were goodly shewes able to perswade the credulous and to supplant the affections of the simple For the first fruits of his forces he takes Nesle a little Castell neere vnto Noyon in the which there was a garrison Roie He takes Nesle Roie and Mondâ—dâ—er Montdidâ—er Beaulieu and Pont Saint Maxence then hauing passed the riuers of Somme Oise he comes with little spoile of the Country to S. Denis where all the confederats should meete but they failed of their appointâ—enâ— Hauing presented himselfe before Paris and skirmished at the gates with some losse to the Inhabitants supported onely by the companies of men at armes of Charles of Melun Baylife of Sens
of the Marshall Ioachim Rouault and the Lord of Nantouillet afterwards gâ—eat Master he seized vpon Saint Cloud where his army passed the Seine to drawe towards Estampes and to ioyne with his confederats whome the Kings army stayed in their march In the meane time the Duke of Bourbon seizeth vpon the Kings reuenues and treasor of the chiefe officers from whom he might draw any money Then did Anthonie of Chabannes Earle of Dampmartin escape out of the Bastille at Paris whom Lewis held prisoner for that he had made warre against him in Daulphine by the command of Charles the 7. vntill he had prouided such caution as he demanded for the preformance of the condition for the which he had giuen him his life That hee should passe the remainder of his life an Exile at Rhodes Who going through Gastinoâ—s tooke spoiled the Castells of S. Forgeau S. Maurice and carried away the captaine prisoner â—effroy the son of Iames Coeur he seized vpoÌ„ S. Poursain being aduertised that the King sent to beseege him by the Baylifs of Sens Melun he retyred him selfe to the Duke of Bourbon This flight did sodenly drawe the King vpon Duke Lewis The places of Bourbonâ—nis were in a maner all taken assured hauing intelligence that the Duke of Nemours with the Earles of Albret Armaignac did march that succors came to the Duke of Bourbon out of Bourgongne leuied by the Earle of Beauieu and the Cardinall of Bourbon brethren to the said Duke the which were of more shew theÌ„ profit he willingly harkens to an accord with these Princes An accord by the meanes of Iames Duchâ—â— of Bourbon wrought by his sister being wife to the Duke of Bourbon that they should beare armes for the King labor to win their confederats vnto him A coÌ„uention ill obserued by means wherof Lewis had caused the siege of Rion in Anuergnâ— to be raised the which was at their deuotioÌ„ this done he goes towards Anger 's to trie if by mildenes good meanes he might reclaime his brother being in â—ritain Not able to effect it hearing the Earle of Charolois approched with great expedition to Paris he leaues René King of Sicile and Duke of Aniou Charles Earle of Maine his Vncles by the mother side vpon the fronters of Brittain to hinder these great forces from ioyning with the Bourguignons And least the Parisiâ—ns abused with this goodly shewe of the coÌ„mon weale should receiue them he being so far from them he makes his Vncles to go forward who dislodging alwayes before the Britton did greatly anoye him for want of victualles and hindred his march and he himselfe posts to Orleans with speed and from thence to Chartres vnder Montlehery with no intent to fight vntill he had visited Paris and gathered a greater power but necessitie forceth him vnto it The Earle of Charolois hearing of the Kings approch marcheth towards him goe forward with the Bastard of Bourbon coÌ„manding the rereward The battailâ— of Monlâ—hâ—â—â— to ioyne with the Earle of Saint â—ol who led the foreward and takes his place of battaile in the plaine of Monâ—lehery where they appeere at the breake of day the 27 of Iuly Hauing discouered the Kâ—ngs army led by the Lord of Brezey great Senâ—shall of Normandie hee commands all his archers and the greatest part of his men at armes to leaue their horses and euery man to plant a stake before him in the formost rankes to withstand the furie of the horse behind he compasseth himselfe in with his carriages and on the fâ—ank he fâ—rtifies himselfe with a forest adioyning hauing resolued to sight on foote in a place of aduantage for the foote before that all Lewis his troupes were ioyned Lewis had about two thousand two hundred well appointed Lances besides the Nobility of Daulphiné and some gentlemen of Sauoie and Bresse a great number of Archers and other men of warre but not equall to the Bourguignon God who disposeth of battailes would now chastise our King but not to his ruine The Earle Charolois like a great commander in war vsed a good stratagem seeing the French army could not descend into the valley of Tourfou but by smal troups fâ—r wheÌ„ as tâ—e fâ—reward appeered they were not aboue 400. Lances yet hee gaue respit to tâ—eÌ„ that were farthest off to set forward whilest the two armies spend the time in light 〈◊〉 â—â—shes and Canonshots Hauing past some foure houres the Earle aduertised that the 〈◊〉 being sent for by the King might come and compasse him in behind he 〈◊〉 fâ—â—st our foreward doth likewise march but he beats them backe vnto the 〈◊〉 and to dislodge them from thence hee fiers certaine houses so as the winde 〈◊〉 the slaâ—e and smoake into our archers faces who did likewise fight on foot â—â— forceth theâ— to abandon the place and to recouer their horses The Bourguignons 〈◊〉 mount gallop after our runn-awayes but they had recouered a long large â—â—tch â—hich they found by chance in the field with a strong quickset hedge behind the which they breathed whilest the enemy labored in the pursute but issâ—ing aâ— eyther 〈◊〉 troup vpon the Bourgongnons they charge them so resolutly as they turne their 〈◊〉 ouerthrowing their owne archers in the flight some recouer their carriages and soâ—e the â—orest â—mongest others the Earle of S. Paul his bretheren the Lords of Rauâ—â—â—in Haplaincourt d' Aâ—mâ—ries d' Inchi Rabodenges many others The nobility of Daulphine Sauoiâ— Bresse had the chiefe honor of this defeate The archers thus broken reâ—ained at the mercy of the French But being pestred with the baggage some Bourguignons rallied togither turne their carts compasse them in beat them downe with great bettles of lead And to increase the losse Charolois fighting on the right hand towards the Castel had an easie victory ouer our men chasing theÌ„ back aboue a thousand paceâ— But hauing intelligeÌ„ce that they were ioyned againe that if he passed but two arrow shoots farther he should be taken he returned sodeâ—ly incounters an amazed troâ—pe of footemen flying in the village He chargeth them but no man turnes head sauing onlie one soldiar who strooke him on the brest with a borespeare but the foote man lost his life with some fewe others who could not in time recouer the gradens orchards As he passed against the Castell he met by chance with a troupe of men at armes which saued themselues from the route at the cariages one of them in the charge giues him a dangerous wound in the throat with his sword by reason of his beuer that was fallen Iefferie of Saint Belain called la Hire Baylife of Chaumont and Gilbert of Grassay knewe him they presse him to yeeld and not to be slaine but behold the sonne of a Physitian of Paris called Iohn Cadet the historie in truth owes his name for so worthy an act being big and mighty of body
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
great troupes of men O light and inconstant people how easâ—y is it to moue thy affections and to make thee in an instant to applaud that partie which euen now thou diddest abhorre But let vs leaue them in this good humour and see what remedy the King had for these garboyles attending the succors the Duke of Milan sent him Lewis being after the battayle retyred from Corbeil to Paris flatters the peoples humours treates popularly with them erects a priuie Counsell of six Counsellors of the Court sixe Doctors of the Vniuersitie and sixe Burgesses to gouerne his affaires according to their aduice and direction he leaues sixe hundred Lances in Paris vnder the command of the bastard of Armaignac Earle of Cominge of Maister Gilles of Saint Simon Bayliffe of Senlis la Barde Craon Charles of Mares and Charles of Melun his LieutenaÌ„t in the said towne Then he goes into Normandy to assemble al the Nobility and men of warre he could from whence he sent the Earle of Eu to haue the commande of the war and of the Cittie followed with two hundred archers well in order The Earle being arriued he sends the Lord of Rambure to the Leagâ—rs offring to bee a mediator for their discontents vnto his maiestie but it was without effect The King hauing intelligence of the confederats trafficke with the Parisiens knowing that this people doth easily change their affections with the successe and foreseeing that this baâ—te of the commonweale would soone bewitch them displeased also that the Bishop had without his knowledge treated of an accord he hastens his returne accompained with the Earles of Maine and Ponthieure and the forces of Normandie And for the first fruits of loue to his subiects hee confirmed all the priuileges they inioyed in his fathers life he abolished all new impositions and retayned none but the ancient and ordinary farmes of marchandise that is sold by great Meanes to pacifie a people that wauer then did hee punish eyther with banishment or death such as had yeelded to the reception of the heads of the League into the Cittie He doth sharpely blame the Bishop and at the Instigation of the Cardinall of Albi to haue beene a dealer in his absence for his enemies with an inconstant and il-aduised people and hauing prouided for the surety of the Cittie hee prepares to offend and defend The Bourguignoâ— likewise vseth all force great and daylie skirmishes with the Parisiens Lewis his proding at Paris Newe succors to both parties sometimes chasing and sometimes chased And therevpon comes newe supplies to the Leaguers the Dukes of Bourbon and Nemours the Earle of Armaignaâ— and the Lord of Albret notwithstanding the former treaty with about six thousand men On the other side the King receiued from Francis Sforze Duke of Milan fiue hundred men at armes and three thousand foote commanded by Galeas his eldest son with this Counsell of State A Politâ—ck aduice That to diuide this company hee should yeeld to all conditions and onely preserue his men An aduice which Lewis shall cuningly put in practise speedily Thesâ— Milanois were imployed in Bourbonois vntill newes of the peace shall come The Earle thus fortified offers battaile but the King would not hazard any thing desiring to disperse this mistie cloud without effusioÌ„ of bloud And to annoye them of Conâ—â—â—ns Charenton he sends foure thousand frank-archers about foure hundred pioners supported by the Nobility of Normandie and some at armes who plant themselues vpon riuers side right against Conflans at the English port where they make a large and a long trench vnto the Cittie with a bulwark of wood and earth whereon they plant many peeces of artillery the which at the first driues the Duke of Calâ—brâ—a out of Charenton with great losse of his men and an extreame terror to the Earle of Charolois who lodged at Conflans in a house belonging to his Father Two Cannon shot passed through his Camber being at dinner and slewe his trompetor carrying a dish to his table This amazement makes him go downe with speed he fortifies his lodging pierceth the walles and plants a Cannon for a counterbatterie But they must dislodge these frank-archers preuent the losse they receyued from the other side of the water A bridge of boats at Charenson For the effecting of this he obtaines a truce for two dayes in which time he made a bridge of boats The bridge almost finished the franke-archers leaue their trenches carrie away their artillerie and retire to the suburbes into the Carthusians cloister A part of the Bourguignons army passeth the water they enter the suburbes of Saint Marceau and skirmish but with little losse on eyther side Herevpon our Captaines resolue to assaile the enemy in diuers parts A page sent by night giues them intelligence At the breake of day some horsemen charge home to the artillery and kil a Canoniere This was in shewe the effect of the pages aduertissement All arme they make barricadoes and stand firme The artillery thunders the Kings answers them They send forth two hundred horse to discouer who see a troupe issuing forth the Cittie to learne the cause of this tumult and moreouer a great number of Lâ—nces in conceit and so they report that all are come forth in battaile but the daye breaking they proue but thistells So this alarme turnes to laughter In the meane time they treate of peace but the demands of the Confederats were excessiue The Duke of Berry demands Normandie for his portion The Earle of Charolois the Townes of Somme lately redeemed For the better effectâ—ng hereof the two commanders conclude of an enteâ—uiew An enterview of the two heads The King mounts vp the water right against the Bourguignoâ—s armie accompanied with the Lords of Montauban Admirall Nantouillet Du Lau and few others The Earles of Charolois and S. Paul come to receiue him He then offers to giue his Brother the Prouinces of â—rie and Champaigne excepting Meaux Melun and Montereâ—u the which he would not accept He graunts the Charolois his desire disauowes Moruilliers in certaine speeches wherein he saith he had exceeded his charge and for the Earles sake he promiseth to giue the office of Constable to the Earle of S. Paul These entercourses of either side proue lamentable for the King Fatall for the King for besides that the Princes doe daily suborne more of his men then he can draw from them behold Pontoise is deliuered to the Britton by Sorbier commanding there vnder the Marshall Ioâ—câ—â—m and to finish so notable a treacherie he marcheth towards Meulan to the same intent but the inhabitants being aduertised he returnes without effect There growes an other vpâ—ore in Paris the Souldiers vaunt insolently The 〈◊〉 ready to mutine that the Cittizens goods are at their free disposition that they will take the Keyes of their houses from them and for a need will pull the cheines out of their streetes Herevpon the
dissention had already ruined the one so might it easily ouerthrow the other accordâ—ng to the saying That by concord small things increase but by discorde great are ouerthrowne In trueth it is a hard matter for great men to entertaine friendship long and for the State it is necessarie to haue one soueraigne head ouer all who by his iudgement wisedom and credit may retaine the subiects in obedience So the Duke of Normandie begs helpe of the Britton being poore ouercome and abandoned now in his aduersity of all them that during his prosperity had grounded the anchor of their hope vpon his fortunes and had newly made their peace with the King The Duke of Brittanie receâ—ues him in his fauour sends an Ambassage to the King giuing him to vnderstand that for the honour of his bloud and respect of his Maiestie 1467. he had receiued him seeing him a fugitiue and vnprouided of necessarie meanes to entertaine his estate Therevpon Lewis makes answer that he could not dismember Normandie the goodliest flower of his Diadem from the Crowne of France whose demaines are inalienable The Duke replyes That to giue a portion to his brother grounded in part of the successiue right was an alienation of long time receiued in France seeing that many held it euen then by the same title But they commonly say it is in vaine to preach to them that care not to doe well Lewis could not yeeld to the preferment of his brother and the Brittons Ambassadors returned with no other answer but a bare confession that it was reasonable to giue him some portion and that he would consider of the quantitie thereof Thus Rouan wanting their Duke some fewe dayes Rouan returns to Lewis yeeldes the King obedience with small adoe who sodenly causeth many to bee executed of his brother Charles faction The Lord of Esternay taken by Charles of Melun great Maister in a Friars weed accompanied with an Augustine was beheaded yet some write that both were drowned in the riuer of Vre Lewis discontented with the Duke of Brittanie The King offended with the entertainment the Duke of Brittaine had giuen to his Brother and aduertised that Iohn Duke of Calabria was dead beyond the Mountaines he calls home the troupes he had giuen him to haue the greater forces to assaile the Britton for receiuing of his enemies and practising intelligences within his realme And euen then the Duke of Alencon promised to giue the Duke passage through his country if he would enter into Normandie Moreouer so many Ambassages from the King to the Duke and Earle of Charolois and from them to the King from the Earle to the Dukes and from them to the Earle were but to discouer their humours and vnder colour of faith to with-draw mens affections So the Duke of Brittaine not able to perswade the King to reason enters into Normandie takes Caen The Brittons forces in Normandie Bayeux and Auranches he burnes Meruille and some other places whilest that the King assembles the forces of Aniou Poictou and Normandie and the Earle of Charolois resolues to succour his confederates hauing supprest them of Liege and Gant And for that our Lewis hath beene so confusedly incombred amidest the combustions of those people let vs leaue France to learne briefly the cause the proceeding and the end of these warres The Liegeois hereditarie and capitall enemies to the house of Bourgongne seeing all tend to open wat betwixt the King and the Earle of Charolois The Liegeois allyed with the King seekes the Kings friendship and alliance and they obtaine it vpon condition to enter presently into the countries of Hainault and Namur belonging to the Duke of Bourgongne with all acts of hostilitie the King promising vnder his seale to succour them with two hundred men at armes euery one hauing three horses at the least and not to treate any accord or peace with the Duke without their consent and to comprehend them in it puft vp with this fauour and imagined succours they send a Herald to Philip being at Bruxels The Liegeois defie â—he Earle of Charolois with letters defying the Earle his sonne with fire and sword and thereon demand an answer The Duke hauing read these Letters deliuered them vnto the Herauld willing him to carry them to his sonne So he returnes to Liege but he is presently sent backe with other Letters defying the Duke himselfe and all his allyes And sodenly they breake into the Dukes countrie they spoile rauish burne and omitte no outrage that one enemie may doe to another Philip assembles the forces of his Countries and sends for the Dukes of Cleues and Gueldres the Earles of Nassau and Horne the Marquesse of Rothelin and others that were neighbours to Liege But this multitude finding the King to faile them of his promise and that they were not able to resist so great forces they shutte themselues vp within the walles of Liege Then at the first and false newes of the ouerthrow of the Earle of Charolois at Montlâ—heri as the passions of a disordred minde doe easilie make men to beleeue what he wisheth they take a subiect of new follie Those of Dinan especially The peoples light beleefe a people of Liege proud and arrogant to haue at sundrie times endured seuenteene sieges of Emperours and Kings yet neuer conquered make an image very like to the Earle of Charolois and attired with his armes they carry it in troupe neere to Bouâ—ines in the Countie of Namur they set vp a high gibbet in the sight of the Cittizens and there they hang this Image crying with open throate See there the Sonne of your Duke that false traytor the Earle of Charolois A horrible outrage committed by them of Dinan whome the King of France hath or will cause to be hanged as you see heere Hee termed himselfe the Sonne of your Duke he lyed he was a villaine bastard changed in his infancie with the Sonne of the Lord of Hainseberghe our Bishop Did he thinke to ruine the Noble house of France From these and such like insolent speeches they come to deedes armed against the subiects of Philip with fire and sword the instruments of their horrible outrages This was not all the father must receiue the like disgrace by his picture the which they carryed to the Dung-hill before Bouuines and setting it vpon a peece of wood See heere say they the Seate of the great Toade your Duke Those of Bouuines exhort these madde men to performe the duties of good subiects to the Duke before that matters grew more bitter Buâ— the beater of this good and holsome counsell returned without his head they send an innocent child with the like Letters hoping his tender age would mooue some respect and mollifie these cruell and vnnaturall minds but in despight of the Duke and of their neighbours they killed him most barbarouslie and tare him in peeces O insolent people which hast not yet learned That
there is no vice whereon God doth more often shew his iudgements then vpon pride The great wealth thou hast gathered together during thy long felicitie hath it so furiously transported thee beyond the bounds of obedience and to what end is thy great wealth but to draw thee headlong to thy ruine Philip takes his reuenge by the defeat of foure thousand Liegeois fortified within Montenac a village fiue leagues from Liege The Earle of Nassau did this exploit but the Duke would be present in person with the Earle his sonne at the taking and vtter desolation of Dinan He besiegeth it with aboue twenty thousand horse beside foote which were in great numbers takes it spoiles it and destroyes it and draggs eight hundred prisoners chained together to be drowned in the Meuze before Bouuines an expiation for the tyrannicall extorsions they had endured by the Dinanâ—ois Those of Liege did for this time escape the like fortune but it was but deferred and behold an other cause of indignation which they procure to themselues Lewis of Bourbon Bishop of Liege by resignation and admitted to the dignitie by the intercession and fauour of Duke Philip to the Pope beginnes to preferre the most confident and trustie seruants of the said Philip to all offices and dignities within the Towne The people are grieued thereat they mutine and expell the Bishop This reuolt against their spirituall and temporall Lord procures the Popes excommunication against them Philip after the destruction of Dinand turnes head against them but terrified with so sharpe a punishment they flie to the Earle of Charolois who is a meanes for their peace and pardon paying six hundred thousand Florins of the Rhin in sixe yeares and three hundred hostages for a securitie of their deeds and promises specified by the Bishops Thus this people restored to fauour with their Prince A Florin is about three shillings and seuen pence and reconciled to their Bishop were absolued of the excommunication by Onofrie a Romaine Cittizen and Bishop of Troye Whilest that Philip subdues the Liegeois Lewis imployes his whole studie to ruine the house of Brittanie Lewis supports the Liegeois against their Duke and to confirme a truce with the English who threatned France with a new descent during our diuisions and hee practiseth the Bourguignon by all meanes And to presse him to renounce his Brother Charles and the Duke of Brittanie he takes the Liegeois into his protection against their Duke in case hee shall hereafter wrong them the which he doth signifie vnto him by the Constable of S. Paul and the Cardinal Balue offering notwithstanding to renounce their alliance if he will likewise abandon his brother and the Britton This Brauado proceeds to effects He sendes them foure hundred Launces of his ordinarie vnder the conduct of the Earle of of Dammartin the Lords of Salezart Conyhem and Vignolles with sixe thousand Archers The Earle of S. Paul but without the Kings authoritie lead them some troupes speedily leuied vpon the frontiers of Picardie The first act of his Tragedie which in the end shall make him leaue his head at the Greue in Paris Philip of Bourâ—gongne dies But it was now time for Philip to leaue the troubles of this world to enioy an assured and euerlasting rest in heauen This inconstant and mutinous people supposing by the decease of their Lord to be at libertie they breake out go to field recouer all the Townes chase away the garrisons placed by the deceased Duke spoile and sack the places they take by force The Liegâ—oiâ— â—ebelll againe without any care of their ingaged hostages who were all readie to be sacrificed by Charles the new Duke of Bourgongne to require the madde insolencies of their countrimen yet he reserues the reuenge for a more famous memorie Hee partes from Louuain in armes and well accompanied and goes to besiege Saintron The Liegeois to raise the siege issue forth with thirtie thousand men some fiue hundred horse and great store of Artillerie The Duke turnes head againe chargeth them and ouer-comes them They are defeated he killes about nine thousand the approching night saues the rest Presently after this charge the Duke puft vp with this good successe speakes bigge he writes vnto the Constable like a Rodomont answerable to the speeches he had with him at Louuain That he besâ—eched the King for his sake to attempt nothing vpon the State of Brittanie aduertising him of the memorable battaile which he had wonne After the which Saintron yeelds vpon conditions and the tenth man is chosen out at the Dukes pleasure and then beheaded Tongres was no better intreated and these miserable wretches thus tithed were for the most part of those hostages which hee had freely sent home vpon condition to imploy themselues to pacifie the seditious humours of their fellowe Cittizens In the end as he turned all his forces against Liege premeditating with himselfe of a lamentable and bloudie reuenge The Liegeois submit themselues to their Duke behold three hundred of their best Cittizens come forth in their shirts bare headed and bare legged bringing the Keyes to the Duke He enters the Cittie by a great breach of twentie sadome beaten downe in the wall disarmes the inhabitants takes from them their artillerie which remained razeth all the Towers and Towne walles and chargeth them with heauier impostes then euer his father had done A worke of heauen which quencht the fire of sedition which began to flame at Gand a stirring people and second to the Liegeois in inconstancie of whome it is commonly sayd That they loue the sonne of their Prince but not the Prince himselfe So the Gantois bring vnto him on foote as farre as Bruxelles the seuentie and two banners of the occupations which he had graunted them at his entrie with all the priuileges and letters they had tumultuously wrested from him Charles sent the sayd Banners to Bologne la grasse to accompany those which his father had in like sort taken from them he disanulled their priuilege of the law whereby the people had right of 26. Sheriffes of the Towne to choose euery yeare two and twenty and the Prince but foure he condemned them in thirtie thousand Florines to himselfe and sixe thousand to his officers and followers All other Townes compounded for money and then he made his entrie armed into Gand. Thether came Ambassadours to him from Lewis labouring to drawe him to consent to the warres which he preâ—ended to make in Brittanie the which not able to obtaine the Winter was spent in sending one to another and Summer being come Lewis enters the said Duchie with an armie of fiftie thousand men and at his first arriuall he takes Chantoâ—â—â— and Ancenis and after some other militarie exploites he forceth both his brother and the Duke of Brittanie to accept such conditions as he would prescribe vnto them That they should renounce all alliances and especially that of the Duke of Bourgongne
and friends Moreouer Lewis had iust cause to be greeued for the brauado done him at Peronne The nobility thrust him on therto namely the Constable of S. Paul foreseeing that the continuaÌ„ce of peace would be a hinderance to his great offices and pensions He had a pay without checke for foure hundred lances of forty thousand franks yearely besides the fee for his office and allowance for many places where he coÌ„manded Men fish most easily in a troubled water The Constable labors to deuide Lewis and the Duke of Bourgongne Hee offers the King to take S. Quentin by meanes of the credit hee had in the Country most of his lyuing lying there abouts and vants to haue great intelligence in the lowe Countries The Duke of Guienne offers both his person and his meanes 1471. with fiue hundred men at armes for this warre but it was the least of his desires for he was corrupted with the infections of that age in the which all great men sought to maintaine themselues with the ruine one of an other The Duke of Bourgongne takes the alarme putts the greatest forces he can to field entertayned with halfe their pay Lewis suffers him to runne on foure or fiue monethes entertayning him with sundrie Ambassages to free him from all feare so as troubled with that great charge in a season when as money was scant he dissolues this army and leauing his frontier Townes vnfurnished retyres into Holland In the meane time Arthur of Longueuall takes Saint Quentin S. Quintin taken from the Duke of Bourgongne Amiens yeelds to the King the Constable enters it with two hundred Lances and takes an oath for the King They practise Amiens the Kings army comes before it one part holds for the King an other for the Duke who might haue assured it if hee had sufficient forces ready to enter but foure or fiue hundred horse with the the which he came posting would not suffer him to hazard his person The Kings friends discouering this brag double their courages let in the kings army Abbeuille meanes to follow wheÌ„ as the Lord of Cordes enters for the Duke assures the place The Duke vnprouided of men and doubting the intelligences which the Constable bragged of retyres with feare and speede to Arras to hasten a leuie both of men and money Thether notwithstanding the promise which Charles of Guienne had made to the King comes a secret messenger vnto him with this aduise written and signed by the sayd Charles Labour to content your subiects and then take no care for you shall finde friends but these were but iests This letter makes the Duke breathe he sends to the Constable to let him vnderstand that this warre was without defie or summons intreating him not to deale against him according to the rigour of his present forces The proiect of the Dukes of Guienne and Brittain with the Constable was to imbarke these two great Princes in mutuall warre in a season of aduantage for Lewis that the Bourguignons necessity being abandoned of his allies might force him to giue his only daughter to the sayd Duke of Guienne the which he had often promiâ—ed but without performance The Constables malice whom as Oenomaus did his Hippodamia hee promised to many gaue her not to any So this Constable who tooke a delight to nourish these Princes in feare and mutual distrust answers the Bourguignon That the King had a strong and florishing army and great intelligences in his Countries that hee knewe no better expedient to auoide this storme then to accomplish that to the Duke of Guienne which he had so often reiterated which done the Dukes of Guienne and Brittain would declare themselues for him and would succor him with their forces But what shall the Constable get to entertaine these Princes in distrust and iealousie one of an other Charles of Bourgongne abandoned of his friends eyther of them being too cunning to discouer his policies Within short time both of them hauing ioyntlie conspired against him shall set his head to sale and in the ende plant it vpon a scaffold for a spectacle The Britton writes to him in the like and more rigorous tearmes suffring the Lord of Lescut to lead a hundred men at armes Brittons to the King This proceeding caused Charles of Bourgongne to conceiue a great hatred in his heart against them all but misfortune is good for something It made them the more affected to the Kings seruice during this warre so as at this time the Bourguignons estate was in great danger whereas by the sayd marriage he had wonderfully weakened the King but man purposeth and God disposeth It is commonly sayed that halfe the world knowes not how the other liues the ordinary custom of maÌ„ is to be cleere sighted in other mens affaires but blind in his own Behold two Princes incensed one against an other Lewis his army in Picardy yet who so should examine their consciences they could alleage but friuolous pretexts Lewis hauing put fourteene hundred men at armes and foure thousand franke-archers into Amiens commanded by the Constables other chiefe Officers of the crowne he assembles the body of his army at Beauuais hauing with him the Duke of Guienne his brother Nicholas Duke of Calabria the eldest son of Iohn duke of Calabria and Lorraine the onely heire of the house of Aniou a great number of Nobilitie whereby he recouers Roye Montdidier Abbeuille all the Countie of Ponthieu Charles passeth the riuer of Somme takes Piquigny plants himselfe betwixt Bapaumes Amiens keeps the field about six weeks with a firme resolution in shewe to fight with the King if he presented himselfe But blockt vp within his Campe and seing himselfe ready through want to be forced to yeeld at the Kings wil and discretion his Maiesties army in Burgongne comanded by the Cont Daulphin of Auuergne sonne to the Earle of Montpensier in the which were the Earle of Cominges the Lords of Combronde and Charente Maister William Cousinot others hauing likewise vanquished all the enemies forces Charles submâ—ts himselfe taken many prisoners and some places Charles by a letter of his owne hand humbles him selfe to the King he is greeued that he had so wronged him for an others pleasure not being duly informed of all things Vertue finds some respect euen in an enemie Lewis who vnder a simple bait to rerecouer the Townes vpon Somme had not so hotly kindled this quarell And obtaynes a â—ruce without the great intelligences wherewith the Constable had abused him especially in the Towneâ— of Antwerp Bruges and Brussels he graunts a truce for one yeare This was the 4 of May. An vnseasonable truce for the Constable who then serued his maister without dissembling and other horseleches whome neither troubles oppression of the people nor the tediousnes of affaires did any thing touch New troubles by the Duke of Guieâ—ne but as
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
â—n Vermandois he spoiles burnes makes all desolate besiegeth the Towne batters it and takes it he killes the greatest part of fiue hundred Archers commanded by one called Little Picard takes some and amongst others the Captaine and cuts off some of their hands His crueltie Many souldiers and Townsmen flying into the Church are barbarously slaine by the altars imbracing the images the Duke enters himselfe into the Church on horseback and seeing these carcases Behold sayes he this is goodly I haue good butchers then he burnes and raseth the place Fifteene hundred franke-Archers being in Roye vnder the command of Peter Aubert bailiffe of Melun and Nugnon are amazed and at the Dukes first approach abandon the Towne and yeeld vnto him Loiset of Balagni Mouy Rubempré and others of the artierban with about 200. lances they compound leauing horse and armes euery man at armes only hath a horse The Duke puts a garrison therein likewise into Montdidier Thus he hotly pursues his conquests but Beauuais cooled this heat He did beleagar it being vnprouided of men of war the inhabitants were coÌ„manded then by the foresaid Balagny and some few men at armes so as they were not able to saue the Towne without the present assistance of him who doth loose and restraine the raines of his iustice at his pleasure At their first approach the Lord of Cords leading the vantgard plants two Canons against the gate makes a great hole but for want of munition the battery ceaseth they come to blowes the one to enter the other to defend the entrie and they presse the duke to set forward the defendants ready to be forced set fire on the portall which makes the assailants to retire The Duke arâ—iâ—es and suffers the fire to take his course hoping in the end the towne would be his And indeed if he had lodged a part of 〈◊〉 army towards Paris there had bin small hope of safetie But God had otherwise decreed for in sight of the enemies troupes he giues courage to the Earle of DaÌ„martin to the Marshals of Ioachim Loheac to William of Valleu the Seneshals Lieutenant of Normandy 〈◊〉 besâ—â—ged and â—â—leeued to the Lords of Crussoll Ruhempré to Beine Torcy brethren to Bueil Salezâ—â—d â—heuenot oâ— Vignoles Meri of Croy all braue worthy of memory in this siege to thrust themselues into the towne with a good number of foot about 200. lances who at their first entry give their horses to the women who take them set them vp looke vnto them and present themselues vpon the walles incouraging the Beauuoisins discouraging the Burguignons The Duke being inraged makes all his canons to approach and thunder 15. daies together he makes a breach and giues a sharpe assault but well defended Six score men are slaine 1000. being wounded leaue the place so as the Duke retires his companies appointed for the assault and being frustrate of his conceiued hope The Duke of â—â—â—â—â—ongne retires from before Beauuais pressed by extreame famine he raiseth the siege retires in good order fearing a charge But these valiant Captaines knew that the best course was to make a bridge of gold to a flying enemy This was on S. Magdelins day the 26. of the siege A small ayde doth sometime great good Beauuais wauered and was readie to compound But what curtesie might they expect of a passionate enemie who breathed nothing but bloud and fire For the auoiding whereof louing and kinde dealings were of great moment which this Towne receiued of those two mighty neighbour Citties Paris Orleans assisting them with pioners victuals canon pouder bowes arrowes pâ—kes tooles apparell and other necessary refreshings but especially from Orlâ—ans with a hundred pipes of wine a meanes whereby the eternall prouidence preserued them from sack spoile and a generall desolation by fire wherewith the Bourguignon threatned them it force had preuailed Beauuais freed the Duke marcheth into Normanâ—ie and presently takes Eu S. Valery by Crotoy Rembures and being the scourge of this desolateâ— calme leaues in all places behinde him the pittifull and cruell markes of his passage he spoiles burnes all the country of Caux Neufchastel of Nicourt a good and a great Towne of warre but vnfurnished of men Longueuille le Fachy euen vnto the gates of Rouen being little annoyed or hindred by the Constable The Constables diâ—sâ—â—bbling who lead 400. Lances whose winking serued as a Whetston to sharpen the Kings displeasure hatred against him and the iealousie of both these commanders hauing of purpose entertained this warre betwixt them who cunningly smother a secret dislike which cost the said Constable his life Then winter approching he returnes into Picardy had no sooner turned his back but these braue Captaines in Beauuais recouer Eu S Valery Rembures so casting themselues into Noyon they frustrate the Dukes purpose who ment to besiege it The Bouâ—guignons fire flames yet farther A swarme of his partizans led by the Earle of Roussy the Constables sonne falls vpon the Countie of Tonnerre spoiles the countâ—y runnes as farre as Ioigny and vnto Troyes burnes both farmes villages without resistance For reuenge wherof the Daulphin of Auuergne flies to Bourgongne drawing after him where he passeth a burning besome Pittifull exploits of war the witnesses of reuenging spirits alwaies the people smarts for the error of great men Lestore surprized the cause oâ— new troubles But behold other troubles Peter of Bourbon Lord of Beauieu being at Lestore as Lieutenant generall for the King in Guienne was surprised by the Earle of Armagnac who was lately dispossessed of his lands who by this meanes recouers the said Towne Lewis moued with this affront causeth his armie to march and followeth himselfe in person but the Cardinall of Arrâ—s commanding the troupes receiues the towne by compositâ—on makes the Earles appointment the better to confirme it he breakes the sacrament in two The â—â—rle of 〈◊〉 much 〈◊〉 by the â—arâ—â—nal treacherie takes the one halfe giues the Earle the other either of them sweaâ—ing this accord Trusting therein he abandons the Towne to the Cardinall who brings in the armie by some sâ—ldiers suborned he caused the Earle to be murthered saying of his praiers not in the Castell but in a priuate house neere to S. Geruais church and then sacked the Towne Gâ—ds iustice is slow but in the end it payes home This Earle had vnder a false Bull of dispensation purchased for money of Ambrose of Cambray Referendary to Pope Calixtus maried his owne Sister and after by sundry rebellions purchased the Kings displeasuâ—e and made himselfe guilty of diuine and humaine treason But abhorring the Earles life let vs likewise abhor the Cardinals proceeding selling vnder the holy communion his bloud to them that trusted in his oath The King put many Gentlemen in prison at Loches who had followed the said Lord of Beauteu whom the Earle had sent
home but the chance fel vpon Iohn Deymer being quartered at Tours who dying charged the Lord of S. Basill a yonger brother of Albret with this treason being nourished and bâ—eâ— vp in the house of Bourbon for which crime he lost his head at Poâ—â—iers the 7. of Aprill 1473. And to increase Lewis his crosses Parpignan a towne in the Countie of 〈◊〉 is by treason deliuered vp to the King of Arragon the ancient Lord Paâ—pignan deliuered by treason to the King of Aâ—â—agon where he enters with his sonne about the end of Aprill But the Kâ—ng had an armie ready the which he sends thither and besiegeth it hotly the French were yet maisters of the Castell by the faithfull valour of maister Iames of Fou issued out of the house of Bâ—ittanie he recouers it gâ—ues the gouernment to Tanneguy of Chastel Thus the troubles raised by the Earle of Armagnac and the King of Arragon were like to a fire of Straw Let vs obserue in the same course the apprehending of the Duke of Alancon so shall we see the carriage of our Lewis He is accused to haue offred the sale of his Duchie and other lands in Perche and Normandie 1473. to the Bourguignon and then to follow his fortune a crime which shall put him in minde of his condemnation pronounced at Venâ—â—sâ—e he was seized on by Tristan the Hermite Prouost of the Kings house a speedy execâ—tioner of his Maisters will and lead before the King The Duke of Alanson apprehended condemned to dye but pardoned by the King who sends him to the Louure at Paris where by a sentence giuen by the Chancellor of Oriole the 17. of Iuly 1474. he was condemned to loose his head reseruing notwithstanding the Kings good pleasure who in the end of the yeare 75. shall binde him vnto him the second time for his life Lewis hauing recouered Guienne reduced Lestore punished some and pacified Parpignan he assembles all his forces vpon the Marches of Brittanie to the nuÌ„ber of 50000. men ready to imploy them in that country But the duke by reason of the death of the Duke of Guienne being frustrate of the intelligences he had in France too weake to auoid this storme that threatned him Warre in Brittanie pacified sent vnto the King lodging at Pont de See Philip of Essars a gentlemaÌ„ of his house WilliaÌ„ of Soupleinuille a follower of the Lord of Lescut His maiestie giues eare to an accord The duke of Brittany being possessed of so wise valiant a maÌ„ as Lescut might much annoy him For in Brittany there was neither iudgmeÌ„t nor vertue but what proceeded from him so saies the History Moreouer he had alwaies during these partialities shewed himselfe a Frenchman and would neuer yeeld that any places of Normandie should be giuen to the English he must therefore be dealt with To thiâ— end the Kiâ—g commands Souplâ—inuille to giue him the demands in writing which his maister made as well for the Duke as for himselfe He doth it and obtaines them all fortie thousand Frankes pension for the Duke the which was paid two yeares For his maister The conditions of the peace six thousand Frankes pension the moitie of Guienne the two Seneshalships of Vannes and Bourdelois the Captainship of one of the Castles of Bourdeaux that of Blaie the 2. Castels of Bayonne of Dax of S. Seuer foure twenty thousand crownes in guilt payable in foure yeares the Kings order and the Countie of Comminges for Soupleinuille six thousand Crownes payable at like termes twelue thousand Franckes pension the Mairaltie of Bayonne the Bailywike of Montargis and other small preferments in Guienne for Phillip of Essars foure thousand Crownes in reward and twelue hundred Frankes pension the Baiâ—iwike of Meaux and to be maister of the waters and Forrests of France which things they should enioy during the life of Lewis who was alwayes well and faithfully serued by Lescut Now the Britton is satisfied and sequestred from the alliance of Bourgongne against whom Charles now turnes head but the season in the which the Duke of Bourgongne retired into Picardie caused a truce for one yeare ending the first of Aprill 1475. A truce which while the Bourguignon shall giue our French leaue to breath shall imbarke him in so many quarrels The causes of the King and Boâ—â—guâ—gâ—ons hatred against the Constable as in the end the most important shall swallow him vp A truce likewise concluded to the Constables great preiudice for both the King and the Duke hated him deadly as the motiue of these diuisions He had lately seized on Saint Quintin expelling the Lord of Curton and a hundred men at armes which he had in enteâ—tainment from the Kiâ—g Charles had likewise many causes of hiâ— dislike he was the instrument to take Amiens and S. Quentin for the King he sought to reduce him to that estate as to force hiâ— to marry his daughter with the Duke of Guienne but the câ—iefe â—round was that during the seege of Amiens by the Duke of Bourgongne the Constable had made a roade into Hainault spoiled the Country and burnt among other exploit the Castle of Seure belonging to Master Baldwin of Launai of whom the Duke made good accompt for reuenge whereof he passed into Picardie and Normandie as we haue seene Moreouer he had mighty enemies both with the King and Duke who all iointly conspired his destruction and animated their maisters with all their creditâ— So all this yeare of truce is spent chiefely in making marchandise of the Constables life Himbercourt Hugonnet Chancellor of Bourgongne had some priuate splene for in a conference held of late at Roye where the Constable was imployed for the King they grew so bitter in words as the Constable had giuen them the lie to whoÌ„ the Bourguignons modestly answered That they did not impute this iniurie done vnto them but to the King vpon whose word they were assembled and to their maister whose person they did represent to whome they would make report In the end at the instance of either part a day is held at Bouuines 14â—â— for the King there came the Lord of Curton Gouernour of Linosin They 〈◊〉 his death and Maister Iohn Heberge afterwards Bishop of of Eureux and for the Duke the two aboue named They pronounce tâ—e Constable an enimy and guilty to both Princes they promise and sweare one to an other that the first that may apprehend him shall put him to death within eight daies or deliuer him to his compagnion to doe his pleasure That he should be proclaimed by Trumpet an enimy to both parties with al those that should serue assist him and confiscate all his goods mouables and immouables The King promiseth to giue S. Quintin Han and Bohain to the Duke with all the money that might be found within the Realme appertaining to the Constable and all his lands holding of the Duke and at
a certaine day the King and the Duke should meet before Han and therewith these 〈◊〉 forces besiege the Constable But some wil say Charles of 〈◊〉 â—eckâ—s to pâ—ison the king to what end serue all these voiages and so many assemblies whereto so many complots to intrappe the Constable must the King to be reuenged of his seruant make an agreement with his capitall enimy who euen of late had sought to take away his life by poyson promising a marchant named Ithier fifty thousand crownes to effect it who hauing imparted it to Iohn Hardâ— hiâ— seruant sometimes in houshold with the Duke of Guienne he suffered the said Hardy to loose his life and to be quartered publikely at the Greue of Paris Lewis iudged oâ— the future by the present and with one stone gaue many blowes He â—â—saâ—med his enime or at the least gaue him meanes to transport his armes farther oâ—f whether the great desseines of his ambition did draw him as we shal see hereafter and moreouer the King could hardly seize vppon the Constables person without the Dukes intelligence for he was seated directly betweene both He held S. Quintin had Han and Bohain his owne places very strong and neere he might put in men from whence and when he pleased Hee had intertainement for foure hundred men at armes well paied whereby he got much in not keeping his companies full He exacted a crowne for euery pipe of Wine passing through his country into the lowe countryes He had fine and forty thousand frankes of ordinary entertainement from the King very rich seigneuries and great intelligences both within the Realme and in the Dukes countryes He was a man of action and could both helpe and hurt much To conclude he knew well that flying from the one he should be well accepted of the other Moreouer the personage and the places he held deserued a good peace eâ—tâ—er of the two Princes would gladly haue enioyed him absolutely if he had beene câ—nstant and not dissembling to either Yet for all this hee auoydes all danger He is aduertised that his head is set to saâ—e whereupon he sends to both princes speakes big and saith That he vnderstands all their practises but especially to the King That the Duke by tâ—is conuention sought onely to drawe him to his party and to put him in disgrace with hiâ— Maiesty and this did Lewis apprehend most In trueth these two Princes laboured exceedingly who should deceiue his companion most According to man it is better to deceiue Lewis and Câ—arles of Bourgongne seeke to circumuent one another then be deceiued Lewis presently countermands his Ambassadors giues them charge not to conclude any thing against the Constable but to prolong the truce so as the foure Ambassadors who had already mutually giuen their seales conteyning their resolution taken against the Constable deliuer them vp and returne without any conclusion The king fearing least this affront might force the Constable to make his peace wiâ—h the Duke and so deliuer vp vnto him S. Quintin and other forts that were in his power preuents him giuing him to vnderstand that an enteruiew shall make his peace Lewis reconciled to the Constable They appoint a day and place three leagues from Noyon towards la Ferre vpoÌ„ a little riuer The Constable came first but as a conscience prickt with the feeling of his misâ—â—edes wants no distrust and feare he demaunds hostages A presumptuous comming of a subiect to his Soueraigne The King seemes to like well therof On the riuers side they make a strong bar with grates very high towards the Constable there he presents himselfe accompanied with three hundred Maisters hauing armes vnder a loose cassocke The King approacheth accompanied with aboue six hundred men at armes and amongest others Chabannes Earle of Dammartin Lord 〈◊〉 and a mortall enimy to the Constable But oh Lord Stuard but for thy presence with what colour could the Constable haue shadowed his excuses At the first entrance he kneeles downe and beseecheth his maiesty not to hold it strange if hee appeere in armes and thus followed considering the quarel he had with Dammartin Then they treate togither the King grants him a generall abolition of all that was passed he leaues him the gard of S. Quentin and contâ—nues him the pay of his men at armes being before restrayned of some quarters pay The Constable promiseth to serue his maiesty against all men without exception and so he opens the barre and passeth to the Kings side Wherewith Lewis inwardly discontented who reconciles him with the Lord Stuard and the next day suffers him to returne to Saint Quentin A presumption of too hard digestion for so iudicious a Prince as Lewis was to see his officer present himselfe like a Prince that were his enemie yea his equall in power But all comes to one end if we wiâ—l haue patience The Court could not endure this manner of proceeding and the murmuring which Lewis heares makes him remember that it is too great a presumption in a seruant to plant a barre before his master and to present himselfe vnto him accompained with men at armes all being his subiects and vnder his pay and too base in him to go and receiue the submâ—ssion of his Constable A folly approching neere to that of Peronne An act which shall much incense the Kings hatred against him and breede a worme in the Constabâ—es conscience the which shal gnawe him with coÌ„tinual disquiet doubtfull howe to maintaine himselfe betwixt two such mightie enemies Good obseruations for subiects but in the ende he must fall to teach vs That neyther our merits nor any seruices wee can do to our Princes should cause so great presumption as to thinke they could not liue without vs or that we haue meanes to prescribe them a lawe For naturally they hate such as thinke they are beholding vnto them and dispatch them at length that haue braued them Good deeds are pleasing whilest that he which receiues them hath meanes to recompence them but when they are so great or we wil esteeme them so as they are beyond all compasse of requitall in steed of thankes we receiue nothing but hatred and ill wiâ—l It is therefore better to be loued then feared Let vs now see what passed durâ—ng the truce Lewis hauing â—is minde free and his bodie discharged of armes hee resolues to prouide for his heires Doubtlesse the choise which he made of two Princes of his bloud Lewis marrieth hiâ— two daughters did testifie how much he did cherish his house giuing them two precious perles out of his Ieâ—ell house Anne his eldest to Peter of Bourbon a goodly Princesse and Ieane the yongest to Lewis Duke of Orleans being yet very yonâ— and afterwards the 57. King of France whereunto he did not yeeld but to please the King for she was foule and crooked This season is likewise 〈…〉 a notable Ambassage from Arragon touching the
forty Lances to draw forth the Townsemen who sallying out as an assured victorie are compassed in like partriges in a net defeated chased and slaine to the number of foureteene or fifeteene hundred many are taken prisoners and of the better sort Iames of S. Paul the Constables brother the Lords of Centay Carency and others At that time the King did set the Prince of Orange at liberty being of the house and bearing the armes of Chalon taken in warre being set at thirty thousand Crownes ransome the which the King did moderate to ten thousand and caused it to be presently payed to the gentleman that held him by meanes whereof he became the Kâ—ngs Liege man and did him homage for the sayd Principality So as the King gaue him power to intitle himâ—eâ—fe by the grace of God Prince of Orange Priuileges granted to the Prince of Orange by Lewis and to coyne money of gold and siluer of as high a standard as that of Daulphiné to grant all graces remissions and pardons but for heresie and treason This transaction with the former prises did wonderfully discontent the Constable iealous of the Kings good successe and fearing likewise some checke by so mightie an army which the Admirall and the Earle of Dammartin had at his gate The Constables malice For the auoyding whereof he giues the King a false intelligence that the English were at sea reâ—die land at Calais he perswades the King to prouide for the places of Normandie he promiseth faithfully to defend the marches of Picardie and in his Masters absence to reduce Abbeuille and Peronne to his obedience But let vs heare an other notable part of trechery hee seekes by all meanes to weaken the King 1475. and yet would he not fortifie the Bourguignon but that the English should crosse both their Estats that his owne might stand firme in the miâ—est of their confusions With this desseine he procures the Duke of Bourgongne to send Philip Bouton and Philip Pot Knights to the Duke of Bourbon and he for his part sends Hector of Escluse The Constable seekâ—s to suborne the Duke of Bourbon to signifie vnto him that the English would soone land that the Duke of Bourgongne and he the Constable ioyning all their powers togither would easily conquer the Realme exhorâ—iâ—g him for the auoiding of his owne ruine and his Countries to ioyne with them the which if he refuse and that it fall out ill for him he was not to be pittied The Duke of Bourbon sends the King two letters of this tenor brought to him at diuers times by Escluse who makes answer to the Duke and Constable that neyther promises nor threats should drawe him from the obedience and faithfull seruice hee did owe vnto his maiesty Lewis will produce these letters to the Constables confusion in the end of the next yeare For the present hee must assure his frontiers There is no newes yet of the English Lewis markes well this chase and will cause the Constable who supposed himselfe to haue the aduantage of the game to loose the partie Poore Nobleman Mournâ—ul presages to the Constable howe many misfortunes foretell they approching ruine Thy Brother prisoner Thy wife dead at the same instant one of the chiefest pillers of thy house who as sister to the Queene might at neede haue preserued thy head Thy Nephewe Scales prisoner with the instructions he brought from England to the Bourguignon And to fill vp the measure thy sonne the Earle of Roussy defeated at Grey in Bourgongne and prisoner with the Duke of Bourbon who shall not leaue him vntill the end of the yeare for fortie thousand Crownes ransom with the losse of two hundred men at armes Lombards the Baron of Couches and many others The Marshall of Bourgongne sonne to the Earle of Saint Martin two sonnes of the house of Viteaux whereof the one was Earle of Ioâ—gny the Lords of Longey Lisle Digoine Montmartin Ragny Chaligny the Bayliffe of Auxerre the Enseigne bearer to the Lord of Beauchamp and many others escaped death but not imprisonment Sufficient warrnings to amaze a resolute minde Hereafter the Constable is afflicted with strange distemperatures fed with the neighbourhood of the Earle of Dammartin being lodged neere S. Quentin whome he knewe to be none of his friends And fearing least the King should assault him he sends to take assurance of the Duke of Bourgongne intreating him to send him his brother Iames of Saint Paul the Lord of Fiennes and some other his kinsmen and friends to put them into Saint Quentin and to keepe the Towne at the Dukes deuotoÌ„i without bearing the Saint Andrewes crosse the which he promised to restore vnto him within a prefixed time They come they present themselues within viewe of Saint Quentin once twise and thrice The Constable seekes to the Duke of Bourgongne deceiues him but the Constable suspects them and sends them backe They came still eyther too soone or too late so as at the bruit of these forces the Admirall casts himselfe into Arras whereof followed the taking of Iames of Saint Paul who being brought before the King hauing liberty to speake he confessed that at the two first iourneyes hee came onely with an intent to comfort his brother but at the third time seeing the Constable had deceyued both his Master and him if he had beene the stronger hee would haue kept the place for his Master without offering any violence to his brother wherevpon his maiestie set him at libertie very well appointed seruing him vnto his death Lewis dissemâ—les with the Constable And although the Constable had lately done a notable disgrace vnto the King yet his maiesty dissembled it wisely and to take from him all cause of iealousie he willes him to go and make warre in Hainault and to beseege Auennes whilest that the Admirall was busied in Artois He goes but very loath and with exceeding feare and staies but little he retyres betimes being aduertised as he informed the King of two men in his army whome he described by apparent signes suborned to kill him He accuseth 〈◊〉 that he â—ought to kill him This newe feare accompained with distrust bred a terrible distemperature in the Constables head who hauing lost his credit both with the King and Duke will yet entertayne himselfe by both and perswade them that he is seruant but to one He sent often to the Bourguignons campe to drawe him from the seege of Nuz that he might ioyne fitly with the English at coÌ„ming on land then vpon the returne of his messengers he gaue the King some plausible intelligence to cause him to like of his conference with the Duke sometimes disgracing his affaires to winne the credit of an affectionate seruant with Lewis sometimes extolling the Duke to terrifie the King But oh policie simply shadowed On the other side hee knewe well that he had greatly offended the King by his last action He sees
a corrupt conscience who in the beginning of the warre of Lorraine entred into practise with Duke René heire apparant to the house of Aniou after the death of King René his grandfather by the mother promising to prolong the seege of Nancy cause defects in necessary things touching the seege He might wel do it Camâ—obassâ— a traitor to Charles of Bourgongne hauing more authority in this army theâ— any other captaine But behold an other act of notable villany The duke of Bourgongne had giuen him forty thousand ducats before hand to raise his câ—mpanie Passing at Lion to â—o into Italie he grewe familiar with a Physitian named Simon of Pauie giuing by him the King to vnderstand that for an hundred thousand crownes in ready money his company entertained and a good Earldome at his returne 1476. he would deliuer him the Duke of Burgongne and confirmes the same to S. Prye He offers to kill the Duke who then was Ambassadour for the King in Piemont Being returned and his troupe lodged in the Countie of Marle he reiterates his offer to the King to kill the Duke when he should come to the Campe if he desired not to haue him brought prisoner vnto him assuring himselfe to execute it easily for saith he he is accustomed to visit his armie mounted vpon a Nag and ill accompanied Or if the King and the Duke should at any time fight a battaile hee would turne to the King with his companie Lewis discouers his treason to Charles Lewis abhorres the treacherie of this wicked wretch and to shew the Duke his franke and royall disposition he giues him intelligence thereof by Contay In the meane time Campobasso diuerts the Bourguignon all he can from the warre of Lorraine and makes the taking of Nancy prooue more difficult The Duke is so much incensed therewith Charles strikes Campobasso as from iniutious words he proceeds to blowes and strikes him A blowe which the Earle will reuenge in time and place Hee dissembles for the present and Charles either thinking the Neapolitane had forgotten this outrage or supposing that his hired souldier had been bound not to reuenge it or happily fearing if he lost him his affaires would receiue some dangerous check he entertaines him still in his seruice yea euen contrary to the Kings aduice he loued or made shew to loue him better supposing that Lewis his intention was to set diuision betwixt him and his most trustie seruants But let vs rather say that he which sounds euen to the deepest thoughts of man had by a iust iudgement altered the sense of this Prince not to taste the holesome counsels that were giuen him with most apparent reasons This proud presumption like vnto Nembroth made him conceiue a world of Chimeres and bring forth a shamefull confusion as we shall read hereafter Hee is now puft vp with the new purchase of Lorraine by the taking of Nancy with the possession of S. Quentin Chaâ—les puft vp with his new conquest Han and Bohaâ—n and with the Constables moueables but he would not make this the limits of his conquests The Suisses had incensed him redeeming of the Countie of Ferreâ—e for Sigismond Archduke of Austria Moreouer they had spoiled Iames of Sauoy Earle of Rhomont Hee makes warre against the Suisses brother to the Duke of Sauoy of the Countrie of Vaux and the Lord of Chasteanguion brother to the Pâ—ince of Orange of many places lying 〈◊〉 their marches These Noblemen were allied and partakers to the Duke and thrust him on to reuenge On the other side the King desired to parle with him after the manner of Picquigny wishing him to lodge and refresh his troupes tired both with the siege of Nuz and the reuenues of Lorrain and to graunt a peace to this mountaine nation being poore but yet froward But Charles prefers the violent passioÌ„â— of his ambition The Suisses craue peace of Charles with great submission before the honest and holesome counsell of Lewis and enters into Suisseâ—land The Cantâ—ns hearing of his approach intreate for peace they offer to yeeld vp the place in question and by a second Ambassage to renounce all alâ—iances that should dislike him especially the Kings to serue him against all men yea against the King with six thousand men for what pay he would giue them and as often as he would call them If he did triumph ouer them by an absolute victory there were no profit to be found seeing the spurres of his horsemen and the bittes of his horses were of more value then all their countrie He proudly refuseth it But he refuseth all accord no preuention can stop this streame He marcheth and after thiâ— imaginarie conquest of the Cantons he passeth the Alpes and layes holde of Italy for that Frederick Prince of Tarentum sonne to Ferdinand King of Naples was lately come to him with hope to marry his daughter Moreouer old René King of Siâ—ile and Duke of Aniou and Vncle to the King seeing his sonne Iohn and his Grandchild Nicholas were deceased promised to resigne vnto him his pretensions of Sicile to adopt him for his sonne and heire and soone after to put into his hands the Earledome of Prouence But wee shall soone learne the causes that mooued him to this attempt hee gaped aboue all other things after the goodly estate of Milan where hee presumed to haue great intelligences The Suisses arme for their defence The Ambassadours being returned the Suisses protest of their submission and of their desire to pacifie all things calling God and the world to witnesse then they prepare for their defence Charles for the fiâ—st fruits of his army fortified with fifteene thousand men from the Duke of Milan fiue thousand from the Duchesse of Sauoy for now he loues strangers better then his subiects and the troubles of his mind makes him conceiue a hatred and iealousie against them takes Lozâ—â—na a mountaine Towne seated vpon the Lake Leman with other places in the Countrie of Vaux causing the garrisons for the most part to be hanged Then he brings the whole body of his armie being about fiâ—tie thousand men and fiue hundred peeces of Artillerie of all sorts before Gransson lying neere to the Lake of Yuerduâ— Câ—arlâ—s his great forces which belonged to Rhomont being defended by seuen or eâ—ght hundred Suisses of the Canton of Berne He batters makes a breach and giues an assault with the losse of a hundred men But the batterie continuing the defendants not able to hold the Towne fire it and recouer the Castell where hauing many Towers beaten downe they compound to haue their liues saued An accord treacherously broken Granssâ—n taken and the souldiers cruelly and treacherously slaine for he cauâ—ed foure score to be hanged some write fiue hundred and twelue he drownes two hundred and puts the rest in prison A detestable crueltie and so odious vnto all the Citties vpon the Rhin as
yeelds the Towne The King for his reward gaue him a chaine of twenty linkes and euery linke worth twenty Crownes in gold and a good peâ—sion for his mainteynance The taking of Hedin brought the King to Therouenne and Montreuil the which easily yeelded to his obedience Theronâ—nne Montreuil Bouâ—loâ—gâ—e beeing summoned refuseth but beeing battered it yeeldes the fift or the sixt day The Towne belonged to Bertrand de la Tour Earle of Auuergne the King finding it commodious for the State of his Realme compounded Lâ—â—is purchaseth the couÌ„â—â— of Boulogne and doth homage for 〈◊〉 giuing him a sâ—fficient recompence and as newe Lord of the Towne he did homage without sword or spurs bare headed on his knee before the virgin Mary offâ—ing as a duty to the sâ—ydimâ—ge a heart of massie gold weighing two thousand Crownes vpon condition that he and his successors Kings after him should hold the County of Boullen of the sayd virgin do homage vnto her image in the Church dedicated to her name paying at euery change of a vassal a heart of pure gold of the same weight While the King remaines at Boullen those of Arras seeing themselues enuironed on all sides Dissimulation of the Aâ—tesians write to their friends of Lisle and Douay to succour them with some numbers of men and moreouer they send to the Duchesse of Bourgongne to furnish them with some succors meaning to put themselues into her hands The Deputies beeing two or three and twenty in number make shewe to go to the King to treate with him and vnder this colour they obtaine a pasport of the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France Bâ—t being discouered vpon the way to Flanders they were taken brought to Hedin deliuered to the Prouost of Marshalls condemned and eighteene of them beheaded the rest were saued by the Kings arriuall The Deputies of Aâ—ras taken and many of them executed Amongest them that were executed there was one Oudard of Bussy borne at Paris and married at Arras The King had in former time offred him the place of a Counsellor of the Court of Parliament at Paris then voide and since he gaue him the office of maister of the accounts at Arras Hee caused his head to bee vnburied and set vpon a pole in the market place with a red hoode furred with meniuer like to the Counsellors of the Parliament A worthy punishment for so malitious an ingratitude There were some fewe horsemeÌ„ at Douay of the remainders of Nancy they arme three hundred good bad and some fewe foote and march at noone day in the sight of Arras The Lords of Lude and Fou with the company of the Marshall of Lâ—heaâ— aduertised of their approch go to meete with them they fight with them kill and take in a manner all of them The King at his arriuall caused foure score of these prisoners to be executed to terrifie those fewe men of warre that remayned in the Country Some of them enter the Towne The succors of Arras defeated but they were not able to stand out against so great forces So as after a hard battery they yeeld by composition That they should remaine vnder the Kinges obedience as their Soueraigne for want of heires male rights and duties being â—ot performed That the subsidies and tributs should be leuied by the Kings officers and deliuered by them to Mary the heire of Bourgongne vntill she had doone homage and taken her oath of fealtie to the King her Soueraigne Lord. Arras yeelded During which time the Inhabitants should reuiue no garrison from the King This was the 4 of May. These things thus concluded the King sent the Cardinall of Bourbon the Chancellor of Oriole de Cordes gouernor of the Towne and Guiot Pot Bayliffe of Vermandâ—is to take the oath of fealtie of the Inhabitants But after this oath holily and religiously receiued by the Deputies who tooke their repast in the Monastery of Saint Vast behold an insolent troupe of desperate people comes crying kill kill yet they were but terrified A mutiny at Arras and the Deputies in danger and saued themselues presently in the Citty This terror togither with the greedinesse of the Commanders was the cause the composition was but ill obserued for in the presence of Lude and Cerisay many good Ciâ—tizens and other rich meâ— were spoiled and slaine and the Citty set at threescore thousand Crownes fiâ—e of the King the which they say was afterwards restored And to keepe these mutines in awe the King transported most of the Inhabitants of Arras and planted it with a new Colony of French commanding it should be called Ville Francoise At the same time the King aduertised that the Flemings were in troupe and lodged at Blanc-fosse he sent to charge them but they dislodge at the brute thereof yet not so spedily but they leaue about two thousand men slaine at the first charge and the like number in the chase being pursued eight Leagues within the County of Flanders The French in their returne razed Mont-Cassell Fiennes and some other places The Gantois whome the seuere punishment of the Liegeois had kept in awe nowe breake They make a ward of their Duchesse force her to restore their ancient priuileges Insolency of the Ganâ—ois which Philip and Charles had taken from them and sodenly they resolue a deadly reuenge vpon such by whome they say they had beene controuled They lay hold vpon those whom they called their twenty six Lawiers whom Charles had established in the gouernement of the Citty and puts them all or the most part to death They haue saie they cut off ones head without any authority for their power ended with the death of Charles Their barbarous crueltie And moreouer they slew many good men within the Cittie that were wise and faithfull friends to Charles in his life But they proceed yet farther The happy course of Lewis his Conquests doth much amaze them wherevpon they assemble some foâ—me of a Parlement by aduice whereof they make a motion of peace to the King by an Ambassage giuing him to vnderstand that the Infanta of Bourgongne is determined to gouerne her selfe hereafter by the aduice and Counsell of the three Estates of her Countries they request the King to desist from making of warre and to appoint a daie when they may quietly pacifie all controuersies There was nothing at that time able to withstand the violence of the Kings army The lowe Countries were left naked of soldiars those which suruiued being inconstant had forsaken the Inâ—antâ—es seruice He was well acquainted with the inconstancie of this people not able to digest any man of iudgement that had bin in any authority with their deceased Prince Hee knew that their inclination was to loue the declyning of their Lord â—ed by Lewis his policie so as it were not with the preiudice of their Countrie And therefore he forecasts if he might to sow some seeds
fiue and which was worse the gates were shut vpon them The Senators seeing these rascalls thus handled put their heads out at the windows they see this tumult and heare Iames Pacis and others crying Liberta Liberta and Popolo popolo words to moue the people and to make them follow their faction but they moued not so as Pacis and his companions fled from the place and those that were entred were presently hanged at the barres of the Pallace windowes Francis Saluiat Archbibishop of Pisa The mutinie appeared and the murtherers hanged hauing said masse with a cuirasse on his backe was taken and hanged in the same habit The Gouernours seeing the whole Towne to stand firme for them and the Medicis they send presently to all the passages to apprehend all such as should be found flying Iames and Francis Pacis were presently taken with an other Captaine of the Popes troupes vnder the Earle Ieronimo and hanged instantly with other great personages to the number of fourteene some groomes and other base people were knockt downe in the streets Nicholas Cardinall of S. George nephew to the Earle was a long time prisoner The King aduertised of this hurliburly sends the Lord of Argenton both to take in his Maiesties name the homage which Bonne Duchesse of Milan ought for the duchie of Genes in the behalfe of the yong Duke Iohn Galeas her sonne and to receiue the men at armes which they had granted in fauour of the Medicis The Pope aduertised of the execution done at Florence doth excommunicate the cittizens and with the same breath commands his armie to march to ioyne with that of Naples being great and faire It was commanded for the Pope by the Duke Vrban Robert d' Arimini The Pope and the king of Naples send their forces against Florence Constantin of Pesaro and many others and for Ferdinandâ— by his two sonnes the one Duke of Calabria the other Don Frederike They take many places about Florence and almost ruine the whole state There were few Commanders of smal experience and weake forces The Kings assistance did somewhat comfort them beeing after much war absolued and reconciled to the church as also to terrifie the Pope Lewis had called a councell of the French Church at Orleans for the restoring of the pragmatick Sanction in France and to abolish the custome to carry money to Rome for the obtayning of Bulls yet the assembly brake off without any conclusion was referred to Lions the next yeare but without effect Thus passe the affaires of this world but many doe oppresse at the length Our Lewis hath in a manner out-liued al his greatest enemies Lewis begins to decline and now he begins to decline Troubles care waywardnesse call him mildly to his graue the vigor of his spirits faile him hereafter wee shall see a strange alteration in his humors The truce ended and seeing we must returne to warâ—e let vs begin it by some notable stratageme The Archduke Maximilian hath nowe the Flemings hearts at his deuotion To imploy theÌ„ he camps before Therouenne with aboue twenty thousand Flemings some Germaine troupes and three hundred English ledde by Thomas Abergeiny an English Captaine The Lord of Cordes Lieutenant generall for tâ—e King in Picardy assembles what troupes he can out of the neighbour garrisons eight thousand franke archers eleuen hundred men at armes and makes haste to relieue it Maximilian vnderstanding of their approch raiseth the siege marcheth towards theÌ„ affronts them at Guynegaste The battell of Guinegaste Des Cordes was the stronger in horse but the weaker in foote The forwards ioyne without any stay the Archdukes being ledde by Rauestein doth not mainteine the fight but is soone broken and chased euen vnto Aire by Cordes Torci The foote stand firme supported by the Archduke himselfe the Lord of Rhomâ—nt the Earle of Nassau two hundred Gentlemen all on foote the franke Archers of the French supposing that these footemen would flie with the foreward and fall vppon the baggage The Duke doth charge them forcing them to leaue their booty and fall to armes The slaughter was great but most of the enemies 1479. Eleuen thousand Bourguignons were slaine sayeth the History and nine hundred prisoners Many slaine on both sides but the French left the field amongest the which was a Germaine Earle and the King of Polands sonne of the French there died fiue thousand and the small number of the Kings army made the enemie continue master of the field who gathering togither the remainders of his troupes tooke the Castell of Malaunoy by assault where Captaine Remonet notwithstanding the faith which was giuen him when he yeelded was hanged For satisfaction hereof fiftie of the aboue named prisoners Cruelties against the lawe of armes were hanged by ten in a place ten whereas Remonet was executed ten before Douay ten before Saint Omer ten before Arras and ten before Lisle Des Cordes did runne rashly to this battaile and without the Kings commandement who was somewhat amazed with the first newes thinking they had concealed the truth that it was quite lost for him If it be so saith he farewell all my latter conquests he was not accustomed to loose but alwayes verie happie being loath to hazard much in fight Lewis much perplexed But if any Captaine had meanes to sell him a good place he was a liberall purchaser at what price soeuer but the seller must afterwards take heede to his gossip Tristam the Hermit This blast made Lewis resolue to treat a peace with Maximilian so as it might bee profitable vnto him and that he might thereby curbe the Arche-duke and by the helpe of his owne subiects so as afterwards he should haue no meanes to annoy him For this effect the King seekes to the Gantois that by their mediation a marriage might be made betwixt Charles the Daulphin and the Daughter of the sayd Arche-duke Lewis seekes for a peace of Maximilian vpon condition to leaue him the Counties of Bourgongne Auxerre Mascon and Charolois and to quit him Arthois reseruing Arras in the estate hee had setled it the Citty commanding the Towne the which hereafter should be held of the crowne by the Bishop As for the Duchie of Bourgongne the Earldome of Boulongne the Townes lying vpon Somme and other places in Picardie there was no mention The Gantois and by their soliciting those of Bruges with some other chiefe Townes of Flanders and Brabant who desired rather to suppresse then to fortifie their newe Lord gaue eare to this transaction ill intreating Maximilian and his wife all they could The Gantois and those of Flanders and Brabant hate their newe Lord. being loath to submit themselues to his commande first for that he was a stranger secondly for that they knew more iudicious Princes but not any more couetous then his father whose son was seasoned with the same base couetousnesse which carries
〈◊〉 in the King if he heard thereof he caused them to be trussed vp in packes of silke with cotton These armes passing vpon moyles through Aâ—uergne The Duke of 〈◊〉 armes 〈◊〉 Doyac Gouerâ—or â—f the Country had some intelligence and aduertiseth the King thereof who dâ—clâ—reâ— them forfeited to the benefit of Doyac This buying of armes made Lewis to gâ—pe more then euer after Brittain but he defâ—r the execution to practise the Gouernors of Gand by the Lord of Cordes and treats tâ—e mâ—rrâ—age of the Daulphin his son with Marguerit the daughteâ— of Maximilian and 〈◊〉 lately deceased The late suâ—prise of Aire by de Cordes amazed the Flemings and 〈◊〉 made theÌ„ willing to seeke an agrement with the King To this end Maximiâ—â—â—n they togither send a great Ambassage to Arras managed for the Arche-duke bâ— the Lords of Bâ—rgues and Launoye â—iâ—h some Secretarâ—es and for the Comonalties bâ— the Abbots of S. Bâ—rtin and Saint Peter of Gand. â—he King appoints his Lieutenant generâ—ll in Picardie to heare theÌ„ with la Vacquâ—rie lately created first President of the 〈◊〉 of Paris and other graue peâ—sonâ—ges A peace is concluded by meanes of 〈…〉 marriage in fauor whereof they giue as a portion to the sayd Marguerit the 〈◊〉 of Arthois Bourgongne the Lands and Seigneuries of Mâ—sconois Auxerrois Châ—rolois Salins Bar Sens and Noyon to enioye them for euer A peace betwixt the King and Maximilian And in case that young 〈◊〉 Earle of Flanders should die Marguerite should succeed him in all the Lordships that belonged to her deceased mother the souerainty of Flanders remayning to the King By meanes hereof the Artesiâ—ns that haâ— beene confined returned to Arras and the Citty recouered her ancient name Thus Marguerite was conducted into France by the Lady of Rauastein the bastard dâ—â—ghter of â—hilip Duke of Bourgongne and receiued by the Duke Duchesse of Bourbon who lâ—d her to Amboise the place of the Daulphins abâ—ade where the marriage â—as solâ—emnly celebrated Eâ—ward King of England was wonderfully inceâ—sed at this maâ—riage seing himâ—elfe depriued of hâ—â— peâ—sion The Dâ—ulphins mâ—rriage with Maâ—guerite and fearing least this disgrace should bâ—eed him great contempt yea a rebellioÌ„ of his subiects seing the effects of that which he would not beleeue Moreouer he did finde the King had newly planted strong defences betwixt them two and his conquests did stretch very neere vnto him He concâ—â—â—ed so great a griefe vpon all these considerations as soone after he died partly for 〈◊〉 and partly of an Apoplexie Soonâ— after the death of Edward Lewis recâ—â—â—es letters frâ—m the Duke of Glocester Edward of England dies who by the murther of his two Nephewes tâ—e sonnes of Edward his brother had vsuâ—ped the Crowne of England and was called Richard This Richard sought the Kings friendship but Lewis abhoring so barbarous a câ—uelâ—ie would not vouchsaâ—e to answere his letters nor to heare his message But he enioyed not long this tirannous vsurpation Troubles it England Richard murthers his two Nephews vsurpes the Crowne God raised vp that Earle of Ricâ—emont whome we haue seene so long prisoner in Brittain who with some little money froÌ„ the King and 3. thousand men leuied in the Duchie of Normandy passed into Walles ioyned with his father in law the Lord Stanley with 26. thousand English with which forces he encouÌ„tred Richard fought with him and slewe him in the field then waâ— câ—owned King of England At the same time William of Marche brother to him whom tâ—ey commonly caâ—led the Boare of Ardenne to install his sonne in the Bishoprike of Lâ—ege leaues a great number of foote and horse and beseegeth Lewis brother to the Duke of Bourbon being Bishop there The Bishop craues succors froÌ„ the Arche-duke of Austria and the Prince of Orange his brother in lawe who not able to come in time anâ—â—â—est by some secret partisans of la Marche he goes forth in armes to fight with his enemy was slaine whereby la Marche entred into Leige but soone after he was surprised by the Lord of Montaigni aided with some troupes froÌ„ the Archduke sodenly beheaded 1483. Our Lewis is now well satisfied touching the affaires of Flanders there remained nothing but a reuenge of Brittaine The last act of Lewis his life But oh how doth suspition feare distrust and finally death breake off his great desseins He is now at Plessis neere Tours priuate solitarie and shewing himselfe to few He feares a decay of his estate and yet is become vnable to gouerne a great Estate The opening of a doore feares him his owne shadow amazeth him death terrifies him but the worst is his conscience troubles him Hee puts his most trustie seruants from him hee doubts his neerest kinsmen hee abhors them he suspects them suspects al the world Those whom he doubts most hee dismisseth His disposition in his declining age with a couple of his gard to guide them pensiue sad dreaming froward peeuish and cholerick euery thing displeaseth him all is vnseasonable all offends him he knowes not what is fittest for him either life or death and yet would he liue raigne He knowes that he hath many enemies and hath offended many that the greatest of the Princes loue him not that the meaner sort murmured and that the people hated him for he hath ouercharged them yea more then any of his Predecessors and hath not meanes to ease them and although he hath a will yet it is now too late Oh what a greeuous testimonie is the conscience of our misdeeds fewe enter at Plessis Consciencia mille â—â—â—tes but his houshold seruants and the Archers of his gard whereof there are fouâ—e hundred daily in gard at the gate No Nobleman lodgeth there none come there but his sonne in law Peter afterwards Duke of Bourbon by the death of Iohn his brother and few of his followers and yet he thinkes still that some one enters in to offer vâ—olence to his person or that by loue or force they will pull his scepter from him He causeth his sonne to bee straitly garded and will not suffer many to see him least hee should be made the head of a faction His daughter hath no accâ—sse to him His son in law no credit His sonne in Law returnes from the Daulphins marriage Lewis with a deuise makes the Captaine of his gard to search such as are entred with the Duke to see if they were not secretly armed He commands him to hold the Counsell then he dissolues it for in his abseÌ„ce they would make Monopoles Who did euer see a mind more distract more vnquiet and fuller of cares Hee distrusts his sonne his daughter his sonne in law and generally all those that may commaund The Castle gate is safely garded but they may leape ouer the walls they must bee planted with gadds of iron with many points and so thicke as no man might
in the Kings name of the which Lewis Duke Orleans should be president Lewis discontented with this deuice seeks to hold his ranke hee pretends that being the chief Prince of the bloud the Regencie belonged vnto him assists at the Counsell in Parliament and in the assemblies in Towne and notwithstanding the last wiâ—l of King Lewis and the decree of the Estates yet will hee by force haue the name and effect of Regent But our Kings who may not to preiudice the elder or for want of issue their neerest kinsman being a male and legitimate dispose of their Crowne haue they not then power to comit the gard of their children being yet pupils the Regencie of the Realme to whome they please Moreouer was it reasonable that hee which was not yet fiue and twentie yeeres old who liued vnder his mothers wing who by right had yet need of a gouernor should bee declared capable for the gouernment of this Realme So want of yeares depriued his grandfather of the same dignitie during the phrenesie of Charles the 6. This discontent is nourished by a newe accident Lewis playing one day at Tenis where the Ladies were present there fell a blowe in controuersie the which Anne iudged for the aduerse part Lewis otherwise mooued casts out some word The Duke of Orleans discontented leaues the Court. The Duke of Loâ—â—aines pretension importing a lye Anne discontented herewith causeth it to bee decreed in Counsell that the Duke should bee committed prisoner hee is aduertised thereof by Iohn Louen or Louuaine a gentleman of his house and so retires to the Duke of Alançon The Duke of Lorraine was come to demand the Duchie of Barre the which Lewis the eleuenth had possessed and the Earldome of Prouence which hee pretended to be his as sonne to the daughter of René King of Sicile Duke of Aniou and Earle of Prouence and by consequence the neerest kinsman to Charles Duke of Aniou who by transaction and testament had made Lewis the eleuenth his heâ—re who was but nephewe to René and sonne to Charles of Aniou Earle of Maine his brother Bâ—rre was restored and the Loâ—raine had a hundred men at armes entertained with thirtie sixe thousand fâ—anks for foure yeares during the wâ—iâ—h tâ—ey should looke into the title of the said Earldome During this terme some well acquainted with the Estate of Prouence produce certaine testaments of Charles the first of that name brother to Saint Lewis and Earle of Prouence by his wife and of other Kiâ—gs of Sicile which had beene of the house of France by the which the house of Lorraine was not onely excluded from the succession of Prouence not lyable to the daughâ—er while there remained a sonne of the race but that also the Realme of Sicile and all other Seigneâ—ries possessed by the house of Aniou belonged to the King That King Râ—né hauing regard to the said testaments A League made by the Duke of Orleans had at his death preferred his nephew Charles before the â—aid Duke of Lorraine sonne to his daughter The Duke oâ— Orleans greeued to bee thus excluded from his pretensions and that Anne alone gouerned the King her Brother he practiseth the Dukes of Bourâ—on Alançon and Brittaine the cheefe support and refuge of the discontented French the Earle of Angoulesme â—ohn Vicount of Narbonne Francis Earle of Longueuille and maâ—y others Alain Lord of Albret hoping by the meanes of Lewis whome he found to haue great credit with the Duke of Brittaine to manie with Anne A foolish warre the eldest daughter of the said Duke hauing not duly examined the heart of Lewis enters easily into this faction Thus all things threaten a horrible and pernitious war but more in shew then effect Lewis with his allies assembles some troupes and thinking to put them into Orleance the Inhabitants giue him to vnderstand by the Lord of Ioyeuze deputed there on his behalfe that hee might wel enter with his houshold but not with his souâ—dâ—rs Boâ—sgencie was then his retiring place 1485. Anne the twelue Counsellors cause him to be besieged by Francis Earle of Vendosme Lewis his brother Earle of Roche-sur-Yon René Duke of Lorâ—aine whom the sayd Ladie had wholy woon vnto her knowing him to be resolute vehement of faction 〈◊〉 Peter of Rohan Lord of Gâ—é Marshall of France In the end this warre was pacified by this agrement That the Duke oâ— Orleans should come to Court An accord and inioy the place that belonged vnto him but Francis Earle of Dunois the Dukes right hand a busie-bodie the first author of the trouble should retire himselfe into the Countie of Ast belonging to the said Duke or to what other place he pleased without the realme Must Lewis then bring his confederats in disgrace with the king now abandon them Behold the Duke of Bourbon the Earle of Angoulesme leading .300 Lances To the preiudice of his Confederatâ— 8. thousand foote and about eighteene hundred gentlemen of Auuergne Bourbanois Forest Beauieulois and Angoulesmois Alain 8 or 9. thousand fighting men If Lewis had attended them in some place of strength how dangerously had he shaken the new Estate of Charles not well setled during his minoritie But hee had too good a mind to teare out his owne bowels in their persons whom the law in time should submit vnto him and dismember the Crowne which he should weare in his turne Anne disperâ—â— this storme causeth the Earle of Beauieu her husband to incounter their troupes force the Duke of Orleans to march in person against those that came to his seruice They were all Frenchmen as they were lightly armed so were they as lightly disarmed the Marshal of Gié and the Chamberlane of Grauille shall easiâ—y reconcile them Alain being stopt in his passage of Garonne at S. Basille by the Earles of Vendosme Roche-sur-Yon was admtted to the same accord vpon charge to furnish the King a huÌ„dred men at armes for his seruice the which he deliuered vnder the command of S. Cyr and Forcais They are all dispersed the King at Amboise Lewis at Orleans Alain in Bazadois and all the rest to their houses the Vicont of Foix and Peter his brother being Cardinal at Nantes vnder colour to visit their sister wife to the Duke of Brittaine They find their brother in law much incensed against his Nobilitie they resolue to defend theÌ„selues But as both armies were ready to ioyne Troubles in Brittaine an accord is made by some medâ—ators That considering the Dâ—kes age weakenes of iudgemeÌ„t the State should be gâ—uerned by the aduice of his neerest kinsmen and friends Landais is reiected They are reconciled to the ruine of Landays and stormes he drawes letters pattents in the Dukes name declares al those of the Dukes army that had entered into capitulation with the enimies troupes guilty of high treason forfeiting all their goods as traitors he carries
stratagems Nowe are we deepely ingaged in warre The Duke of Brittaâ—io accompanied with Lewis of Orleans the Earles of Dunois and Cominges the Lords of Mâ—â—lmorency Ioyeuze du Lis Saint George The Duke of Brittaines army Dampâ—erre and Beauuau tooke a viewe of 〈◊〉 army at Malesâ—roit consisting of six hundred Lances and sixteene thousand foote good and bad iâ—l armed and ill trained whilest the French and Brittons being ioyned tâ—gither â—ake Redon to terrifie Rennes they spoile the Country euen vnto Maçaye beseege Ploërmell batter it and in three dayes take it spoile and ransome it The Dâ—kes armie marched to succor this Towne when as Maurice of Mené being great of bâ—th and courage â—ayd Whether go we my friends Our Duke is onely gouerned by the Fâ—ench by whose perswasions we march against the French who at their first incounter will betraâ—e him to their nation whereof I am well aduertised Were we not better to remaine in our houses with our wiues and Children then to be thus led by the humours of others A speech of great consequence He was of the best allied in Brittanie issued out of the house of Guerlesquin and had well serued Lewis the Xâ— as gouernor of Guise and Captaiâ—â— of a hundred men at armes in the warre against the Flemings a man of valour and â—ounsell and well aduanced by the sayd King hauing the proffits of la Ferté-Bernard Aâ—guesmortes Beuuurage and Gorlonniere but very in constant in his changing of parties At this speech they all scatter so as of sixteene thousaÌ„d scarce the fourth part keepe the field the Duke amazed here with leaues Malestroit and recouers Vennes but he was pursued so speedelie as he looseth his baggage being fauored in his retreat by the Prince of Orange who had posted from Nantes to his succor ' very happily for otherwise hee had beene beseeged and taken Vennes being beleagard yeelds for feare The Duke at his departure had left two thousand eight hundred horse in it vnder the command of Coetquen Lord Stuard of Brittany of Amaulry of Moussay for Captaine of the Towne Iames le Moine who vnable to maintaine the seege retired in hast Coetquen went to Dinan where he commanded la Moussaye with his horse to Nantes where the Duke was and the Kings army did bend that wayes Adrian de l'Hospital a Captaine of men at armes meetes him vpon the way defeated him killes a great number of his troupe and takes many prisoners some six hundred recouer Nantes This was about Witsontide The Duke thus pressed being weake in his person weake in his sâ—bâ—ects being diuided weake in friends weake in those who had ingaged him in this warâ—e for their quarrell Moussayâ— dâ—feated sends the Earle of Dunois and Oliuer of Coetman who soone after fell to the French and was made gouernor of Auxerre to craue succors froÌ„ Henry King of England But to increase his misery Henry was not yet in quiet possession of his Realme crossed by some remainders of Richards party the which he must suppresse The King resolued to beseege the Duke in Nantes he comes in person to Ancenis thether come the associat Brittons repenting their indiscretion for that they had taken Townes spoiled the Country contrary to their promise and their owne Lands suffâ—ed the like extremities Thus Nantes was beseeged the 19. of Iune well battred wel assayled as well defended The deputies of England were foure times shipped to crosse the seas foure times put back by tempest of wether In steed of English they brought fiftie thousand Brittons of the commons greeued to see their Duke beseeged The Kings army eyther holding themselues vnable to fight with them Nâ—ntes beseeged or neglecting them free passage and holding it likewise impossible to force a Towne well furnished with Commanders men and victualls they raised the â—eege the 6. of August to go without losse of men to Dol the which was taken and spoiled without resistance the Brittons and other soldiars were put to ransom During the seege of Nantes Peter of Rohan Earle of Quintin of the French faction surprised Montcontour summoned Guingâ—mp a passage for succors that came to the Duke from the Bishopriks of Treguer Montcontouâ— taken Leon and Cornouaille Iohn of Coetmen Loâ—d of Chasteaugui Captaine of the Towne was at Nantes He flies thither and furnisheth the place with men sufficient to defend it and hauing intelligence that Plusquaelâ—ee with about fiftie Gentlemen Bretons of the Kings armie spoyling the countrie and drawing the Nobility to their partie dined in the Abbie of Begar hauing called togither the neighbour parishes and assembled some troupes he charged them ouerthrewe them and led them all prisoners to Guingamp where the Iudges of Goellâ— and Guincamp by the Dukes expresse commandement began to informe against them and had finished their processe if some friends and kinsmen had not found meanes of delay vntill the Dukes death ended that proceeding This prise gaue courage to the Captaines of Dinan They assemble about fiue thousand men and beseege Montcontour But the Vicont of Roâ—an and the Earle of Quintin offring to succour it and moreouer the seege of Nantes requiring force and expedition they retire to Rennes to ioyne with the other forces consisting of six or seauen thousand men At the same instant Youn of Rocerf Lord of Bois de la Roche Peter Long Lord of Kaeruegues inticed with the great welth which the Earle of Quintin had left in his Castell assemble some soldiars with many pesants and beseege Quintin they take it and against the composition sworne spoile the Towne and Castel and in hatred of the Earle who followed the King burnt it to ashes The Earle by meanes of his subiects recouered it soone after The Briâ—â—ons reconciled to their Duke and Gouiâ—quet captaine thereof before expelled them againe and spoyled the Towne But to what end serued this cruell stratagem seeing that Rocerf had a house in the country and the Earle good meanes to be reuenged as he was a yeare after by the taking of Rocerf himselfe and the spoile and burning of his house The Phrigiens grow wise too late sayeth the Prouerbe The Nobility of Brittain finding their error by drawing their Kings forces into the country to their owne ruyne they send to the Duke protesting to be no way associat with the King but to defend themselues against the French that were neere his person who they doubted had beene drawne in to preiudice them they offer to serue him hereafter and against all men so as he will pardon them The Duke receiues them and graunts â—iâ— letters of abolition deliuery and restitution of al their goods and dignitâ—es as before the warres namely to the Vicont of Rohan to the Lords of Auangour and Rieux lately put from the Office of Lieutenant generall and Marshall of Brittaine as well for themselues as their assistants Rieux enioyed it Rieux reuolts from the King but the
rest persisted in the Kings seruice In the meane time the Kings armie prepares to go into Base Brittanie and to beseege Guingamp but the Marshall of Rieux changing his partie makes them to change their proiect Rieux was at Ancenis wonderfully perplexed to see the French entred the Countrie by a breach which the Nobility of Brittain had voluntaâ—iâ—ie made them deuising some meanes to repaire these confusions drawne therevnto by his reception into grace The Earle of Cominges going Ambassador to the King passed by Ancenis and confirmed Rieux in this good resolution perswading him to go vnto the Duke with assurance that he should be gratiously receiued Rieux thinking to strike two stroakes with one stone sends Francis du Bois to the King who at that time was at Font de Larche giuing him intelligence that the Duke of Orleans the Prince of Orange and others retired into Brittaine were willing to leaue the Country so as they night rest safely in their houses without touch for that was passed Which being concluded he beseeched his Maiesty to retire his men at armes according to the tâ—eaty he had signed with his owne hand Anne hearing this proposition My friend sayed she vnto the gentleman say vnto my Cousin the Marshall of Rieux your master that the King hath no companion and seeing he is entred so farre he will make it good The Earle had no better satisfaction An answer discouering the Kings intentioÌ„ which was to incorporate this Dutchie to the Crowne the which caused the Marshall to yeeld to his Prince without dissembling He drawes some souldiers from Nantes in October and deliuers his Towne of Ancents into their hands swearing they should keepe it for the Duke In the end Francis of Baâ—al Baron of Chasteaubriant sonne in law vnto Rieux suffers him to enter the Castell holding him to be the Kings seruant Being the stronger lodging his troupe within the Towne hee commands 〈…〉 yeelded to the Duke seeing that the King had broken the contract all those that would not sweare fidelitie and seruice to the Duke to retire the next day with bag and baggage Could he be ill receiued of his maister carrying with him the deliuery of two so good places The Prince of Orange hauing ioyned with some Germaine succours sent by Maximilian and lead by Baldwin bastard of Bourâ—gongne and some three thousand men of the countries Cornouaille Leon Trâ—guer â—oello resolued to besiege Quintin where the Brittons ioyned with the French that â—ere commanded by the Baron of Pont-Chasteau did wonderfully annoy Guingamp who being in a towne vnfit for warre left the place and gaue the Prince meanes to campe before la Chaize a Castell belonging to the Vicount of Rohan But weakened by the losse of many of his men part of them going daily to the â—rench The Prince of Orange army breakes off it selfe part disbanding by reason of the winter he retired his armie to Montcontour resolute to take a view to punish such as were departed without licence Yet notwithstanding all his care and the Dukes seuere command to the gentle men to returne to the Campe within two dayes vpon paine of the losse of their goods and honors and to others of corporall punishment those few forces which remained vanished sodenly Thus the Duke wauers betwixt hope and feare fortified on the one side but weâ—kned on the other seeing his estate incline to ruine He had two pillers Compâ—tiâ—oâ—s for the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 which in his conceit might raise him or at the least support him Anne and Isabell. The Prince of Orange wooed Anne for Maximilian Rieux the Lady of Laual and the greatest part of the Nobilitie for Alain of Albret The first promised greater conditions yet the King had incombred him much in Flanders supporting the Gantois against him so as he could not succour his pretended father in law neither with his person nor his subiects hauing small credit amongst them and lesse money for that they would nor assist him to preiudice the King Alain whom others call Amand had some forces in hand and fed with this plausible hope he brought about a thousand men out of Castile three thousand Gascoins The Duke would willingly haue made two sonnes in lawe of one daughter vrgent necessity forced him like vnto Charles of Bourgongne to promise her to many whom he could giue but to one euen as Erisichtâ—on satisfied his glutto◠〈◊〉 and continuall hungar whervnto Ceres had condemned him hauing cut downe her groue by the many sales of his daughter Mnestra In th' end Anne is promised to Maximilian who should come to marry in Brittanie withall he should bring great troups of men to succour the Duke against the oppression of the French But hee abuseth no lesse then he is abused Herevpon Alain comes with his Castillians and Gascons At his first arriuall he went to salute the Dâ—ke at Nantes and then his Mistresse thiâ— king to haue the greatest interest in her loue But oftentimes two braue Grey-hounds coursing of a Hare a third crosseth them and carries away the game as we shall â—oone see The Marshall of Rieux being arriued gaue his consent in fauour of Alain at the Countesse of Lauals request sister in law to the said Alain It was no time now to leaue this Marsâ—all newly reconciled idle The Duke giues him the charge of his armie with commâ—ssiâ—n to take Vennes where Gilbert of Grassai Philip of Moulin of whom we shall make mention in the battaile of Tournoue commanded He marcheth thether batters iâ— and takes it by composition the third of March Then S. Cir Forsais who led the hundred men at armes of Alains company declared themselues Brittons by their Captaâ—â—es commandement Vâ—nnâ—s taken for the Brittâ—â— building friuolously vpon this marriage yet some of the comâ—â—â—â—â— reâ—iâ—ed to the King The Kings armie wintered Aâ—ceâ—â— and 〈◊〉 tâ—ken for thâ— King but Lewis of Bourbon aduertised of the taking of Vennes by Rieux requiâ—es him by the surprise of Ancenis and Chasteauâ—â—â—â— places razed neere the riuer to make the siege of Fougeres more easie on the 〈◊〉 being a frontier towne and of good defence and on the other side that of S. 〈◊〉 Cormier The Brittons army had bin eighteene moneths in field without â—est to make head against the French 1488. but now they must shew what courage is in them The Duke of Orleans Alain of Albret the Earle of Dunois the Marshall of Rieux the Lord Scales an Englishman commanding some 300. men of his nation sent by Henry King of England by the meanes of the Lord Maupertuis the Seignior of Leon eldest sonne to the Vicount of Rohan the Seigniers of Chasteaubriant Crenetes Pont â— Abbé Plessis â—aliczon Montigni Baliues Montuel and other Captaines of bands go forth of Nantes with an intent to raise the siege Their armie was 400. Lances 8000. foote besides 300. English and 8000. Germaines sent by Maximilian
some there the Brittons horse into the wood and likewise their foote The Duke of Orleans and Earle of Dunois fighting â—nhappely on foote doe what possibly may be expected The Duke of Orleans and Earle of Dunoâ—â— taken prisoners from such gallant Princes but the Duke flying among the Germaines was taken in the wood the other seeing this generall ouerthrowe toare of his blacke crosse the liâ—â—â—ie of Brittaine and hid himselfe among the dead bodies an Archer that had beene of his company knew him and both of them were led prisoners to Saint Aulbin whence the Duke of Orleans was soone after carried to the great Tower of Bourges The Marshall of Brittaine and the Lord of Albret saued themselues in Dinan by the swiftnes of their horses All the counterfeit English with red crosses were slaine without remâ—ssion The Lord of Leon sonne to the Vicont of Rohan Pont l' Abbé the Lord â—â—ales an Englishman issued from that braue Talbot The cheefe that were slaine Monfort kinsman to the 〈◊〉 of Orange with six thousand souldiars of their armie were slaine Mosen â—ralla a â—â—me sauouring of the Iewe Lord Steward to Ferdinand King of Castill and chiefe of the Spanish troupes was taken prisoner Of the French Iames Galeot a Neapolitaine a valiant and renowned Captaine and others to the number of a thousand or â—â—elue hundred men but few of any marke This was on monday the 28. of Iuly A day of great import for the State the which did wonderfully shake the Dukes affaires being troubled in mind and his subiects tired with toyle and terror whereoâ— dotâ— follow practises of places yeelding vp of Townes and finally euery one frames himselfe to follow the CoÌ„querors fortune a day eternising the happy memorie of that noble Knight Lewis of Tremouille great great grandfather to Claude Lord of Tremouille now liuing Duke of Thouars Prince of Talmund Earle of Guines c. and of the noble Princesse Charlotte Katherine of Tremouille Princesse of Condé Countesse of Taillebourg Baronesse of Suille Craon Bousmiers S. Hermine la Chaise in the Vicountie c. mother to the most high and mighty Prince Henry of Bourbon Prince of Condé first Prince of the bloud and first peere of France c. hauing at the age of 25. or 26. yeares by his incomparable valour and vertue wonne the honor of so memorable a victory The next day the Lord of Tremouille turnes towards Rennes summons the Towne and to terrifie the inhabitants he lodgeth his armie in the Villages of Acigné Chasteaugiron Veru S. Supplice and others thereabout The Heralds returne an answer That the King had no right to the Towne and that he wrongfully made warre in Brittanie That notwithstanding his forces and happy suceesse God the gardian of their right might well doo vnto him as he had in former times to King Iohn before Poictiers and to Philip of Valois at Crecy That if Tremouille come he shall finde twentie thousand men to resist him Dinan yeelds So the armie leauing Rennes marcheth to Dinan vnder the command of the Vicount of Rohan Amaulry of Moussay gouernour of the Towne compounds at the first summon to deliuer it into the Kings hands vpon the accustomed conditions in like cases to commit the gard thereof to whom he pleased and the inhabitants to sweare vnto the King which done the French armie should retire On the other side Guy the 15. of that name Earle of Laual causeth some French troupes to enter by night into his Castell of Vitré and so they became maisters of the Towne and by the same meanes he drew his brother Francis Lord of Chasteaubriant and Montafilant to the Kings party The Baron of Pont-Chasteau brother to the Vicount of Rohan followed the example of Francis of Auaugour the Dukes base sonne who had already deliuered the Towne Castle of Clisson into the Kings hands Clisson yeelds and the greatest part of the Nobility followed the same course Hereafter we shall see a ciuill warre rather then a forreine And for the last worthy exploit of this army Tremouille besiegeth S. Malo both Towne Castle S. Malo yeelds by composition one of the strongest places in Brittany beautified with a goodly hauen It was able to hold out against the forces of a mighâ—y army as well for the seat thereof as for the fortification but they easily enter into composition The Kings affaires aduanced thus as the Dukes declined his Maiesty being at Anger 's hee propounds in counsell whether he should proceed to an absolute conquest of the duchie seize vpon the dukes person The Kings proposition in Councell and his daughters giue them some pension and marry them at his pleasure He wanted no fire-brands in Court to kindle these combustions dispersed throughout all Brittanie My Liege say they if you once get the father and his daughters into your hands you shall easily obtaine the whole country without striking stroake reduce the nobility at your discretion Guy of Rochefort Chancellor of France a iust man and of a good conscience shewes That the Duke of Orleans retreat into Brittanie had bin the cheefe motiue to draw downe the Kings forces That his Maiestie hauing now the said Duke in his power The Chancellor disâ—wades him from the inuasion of â—rittanie the cause ceassing the effect should cease That the Duke was somewhat to be excused if by the bond of alliance affinitie he had bin intangled in the disgraces of these noble men fled vnder the shadow of his wing Moreouer the King had no iust cause to pursue his owne vassall with such violence to ruine his estate to inuade a pupils patrimony to spoile her of her grand-fathers inheritance If the King were not satisfied to haue the chiefe motiues of these confusions in his power he armed himselfe with a transport made to K. Lewis by the Lord of Boussac and Nicole of Brittanie his wife that he must then examine the titles and appoint men to looke into the rights of the one the other if the Kings pretensions were iust it was in him to put them in execution if not the people would exclaime against this violence and God the protector of the oppressed would soone or late raise vp some to reuenge it for the peoples voyce is the voyce of God who cries to Princes Doe right to the needy and Orphelins do iustice to the afflicted and poore This aduice made the Lords of the Counsell pause a while and many in the end conclude That it was more conuenient to agree vpon Iudges to decide this controuersie iudicially Doubtlesse God holds the heartes of men in suspense and makes them yeeld to what he pleaseth But our Countesse of Beauâ—eâ— was not well pleased with this resolution hoping to haue the Earledome of Nantes for her share They let the Duke vnderstand what the Counsell had decreed The crosses distemperatures age and weakenes of iudgement hindred the apprehension of his affaires
demand was iust that it was a pittiful thing to see the hard subiectioÌ„ that did oppresse theÌ„ Fauoured indiscreetly by the King The king who did not coÌ„sider the importance of this action breaking the treaty of Serezane that he câ—uld not giue liberty to a towne that was not his into the which hee was receiued onely by curtesie rashly le ts slip these words I am content 1494. Prick forward a strong headed horse and he will runne at randoâ— This multitude doth presently change their crie of liberty into cryes of ioy and running to the bridge vpon the riuer of Arne they beat downe the Mazorco this was a great Lion planted vpon an high pillar of Marble with the armes of Florence and cast it into the riuer and in the same place they set vp a King of France holding a sword in his hand and treading this Mazorco vnder their feete But oh the lightnesse of Italians fewe yeares after at the entry of the King of the Romaines they shall deale with the King as with this Lion This ignominious and rashe wound giuen to the estate of Florence by Peter of Medicis contrary to the example of his predecessors without the aduise of the Cittizens and without any decree of the Magistrates had wonderfully incensed his fellow Cittizens Being returned to Florence to prepare his lodging for the King going the 9. of Nouember to enter the Palace of the Seigneurie to treat of the Kings arriuall behold Iames Nerli a yong man Noble and rich with other Magistrates being armed offer him the entrie alone Peter de Medicis and his bretheren expelled Florence but denyeth it to all his followers Hee retires home to his house and resolues to get that by force wâ—iâ—h hee could not willingly obtaine Hee armes and causeth Paul Vrsin to apprâ—acâ— with his troupe the which was in the Florentins pay The State proclaimes hiâ—â—rebeâ—l the people flie to armes and cryes Libertie Peter recouers the gates and witâ— him were the Cardinall Iohn and Iulian his bretheren they flie to Bolongne and from tâ—ence to Venice Peter had no cloake but one of his groomes being hated of his fellow Cittizens disdained of his domesticall seruants his house spoiled with losse of aboue a hundâ—ed thousand Ducats in moueables His miserable estate at Venice and to increase his misery a factor of his at Venice refused him for the value of a hundred Ducats in cloath A notable example of the inconstancie of worldly affaires Thus by the rashnesse of one yong man lately equall in a maner to great Princes the house of Medicis fell for that time which vnder colour of ciuill administration had gouerned the common-weale of Florence three score yeares peaceably and with a respected authority The Kings entry into Florence Charles entred the next day triumphantly into Florence himselfe his horse armed and his Lance vpon his thigh The Florentines were not ignorant of his discontent for that they sought to crosse him in his enterprise and that many of his followers thrâ—st on by couetousnesse gaped after nothing more then the sack of so rich a Citty hauing first of all resisted the power of France and that others also did solicite the restitution of Peter of Medicis especially Philip Earle of Bresse And although the Citty might worthily iustifie that violence whereof Peter and his complices were the onely motiues The Florentines fortifie themselues in their houses for feare of the King yet did they wisely foresee that the King would not let slip this oportunitie to become their Lord. But being vnable to stop this violent streame by any force they had secâ—etly filled their cheefe houses with resolute men receiued their entertained Captaines into the citty and did giue order that euery man both within and without neere the Citty should arme at the sound of the Pallace great bel Thus fortified with men they stand stiffely vpon the termes of composition Oft times we loose the eeâ—e by ouer-gâ—iping The fauour they did see some beare vnto Peter the insupportable summes of money that were exacted the absolute Seigneurie of Florence which the King demanded as hauing conquered it by the law of armes considering in what maner he entred made them refuse these rigorous demands with a firme resolution to mainteine their publike liberty with the perill of their liues Who makes vnreasonable demands Thus they grew angry on eyther side and for a conclusion of the last conference the Kings Secretary reading the articles which his Maiesty would resolutely haue concluded behold Peter Caponi one of the 4. deputies for the Citty a violent man and one of the mightiest families in the State puls the articles from the Secretary and teares them Seeing you demand of vs saith he so outragious conditions A bold acte you shall sound your Trumpets and we our Bells This audacious brauery did moderate the excesse of their demands for how lamentable had it beene to haue fallen to any tragicall decision of their controuersie The King calls him back and containing himselfe within the bounds of reason passeth this capitulatâ—on That the Cittie of Florence should be a friend confederate and in the perpetuall pâ—otection of the Crowne of France That at the end of the enterprise of Naples The Articles of the agreement the King should yeeld vp without any charge to the Florentines Pisa Liuorne Pietresancte Serezane Serezanelle and all other places taken or reuolted and in case of deniall they might recouer them by force that they should giue the King fiftie thousâ—nd Ducats in fifteene dayes forty thousand in March and thirty thousand in Iune following They should pardon the Pâ—ans their rebellion and other crimes They should free Peter of Medicis from banishment and confiscation vpon condition that he should not approach within a hundred and fifty miles of their confines nor his bretheren neerer then a hundred miles This accord was sâ—orne vpon the great altar in the Church of S. Iohn at Florence But matters succeeded otherwise as we shall see so the Florentines changed their red Lillie into a white Two dayes after the King parted towards Sienne a Citty well peopled seated in a fertile country in ancient time rich mighty and the second Citty in Toscane which yeelded in many factions to the stronger party so as they enioyed more the name then the effects of liberty They tooke off their gates for the Kings entry notwithstanding the Citty being suspected of him for that it had beene alwayes at the deuotion of the Empire he left a garrison and tooke his way to Rome The Venetâ—ans Mâ—lanâ—is growe iealous of the Kings proceedings Aigue-pendenté and Montâ—â—â—scon places belonging to the Pope receiued him with royall pompe and laid the way open to Viterbe The Florentine fortes which the King held and the garâ—â—son left in Sienne made the Venetians and Milanois to feare that hee would hardly end his conquests with Naples To preuent this
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
in France In the meane time the soldiars sacke Ferdinands lodging and his stable the men at armes disperse themselues theresome here some Virgilius the Earle of Petellano craue a safe-conduit from the King and retire with their companies to Nole Ferdinand thinking by this iourny to haue assured the Neapolitaines returnes at the time perfixt when as the Capuans aduise him not to set forward seeing they were other wise resolued Auerse a Towne betwixt Capua and Naples sends their keyes to the King Auerse yeelds and the Neapolitains determyned to followe them Ferdinand retyred into the Castel knowing that fiue hundred Lansquents ment to take him prisoner he giues theÌ„ the mouables of the said Castell and as they were busie to diuide it he slips from them setts the yong Prince of Rosane at liberty whome by loue or force he carried with him and the Earle of Popoli Ferdinand King of Naples flies he causeth the ships that remained in the port to be burnt and sunke and saues himselfe with the Queene Don Frederick his vncle his daughter Ioane and some few seruants in the I le of Ischie and whilest he was within sight of Naples he often repeated this goodly Oracle If the Lord keepe not the Citty the watchmen watch but in vaine Thus all wauer at the Conquerors fame and with such cowardise as two hundred horse vnder the command of the Earle of Ligny going to Nole tooke both Nole Virgilius Nole taken and the Earle of Pettilano without resistance being retired thether with foure hundred men at armes attending the safe conduit they had obteyned from the King being amazed like to the rest of their army and from thence they were led captiues to the fort of Montdragon Naples yeelds and all their men stript In the meane time the Neapolitans Ambassadors come with their keyes desiring a confirmation of their ancient exemptions and priuileges The King enters the 21. of February and is receiued with such excedâ—ng â—oâ— both of great and small of all ages all sexes and all qualities as euery one runs as to their deerest redeemer from a hatefull insupportable tiranie Thus Charles without planting of tent or breaking oflaunce in foure moneths and a halfe with an admirable happines The whole Kingdome of Naples conquered by Charles came sawe ouercame They saie commonly that the poyson lies in the taile and that the hardest part to flea of an eele is the caile The perfection of the victorie consisted in the taking of the Castels of Naples The Tower of Saint Vincent built for the defence of the port was easily taken The new Castell the lodging of their Kings seated vpon the sea strong by nature by art plentifully furnished with victuals and munition and manned with fiâ—e hundred Lansâ—â—enets but abandoned by the Marquis of Pescare to whome Ferdinand had left it in gard who seeing the garrison bent to yeeld the place had followed Ferdinand was after some small defence yeelded vpon condition to depart in safetie to carry what they could away And see heere the first and greatest error which the King committed in this exploit himselfe wanting experience but his minions and fauorits no couetousnesse Hee gaue all these victuals and other moueables to the first that begged them who furnished themselues with the munition He committs a great error whereon the preseruation of the Towne and place depended The Castle de l'Oeuf built vpon a rocke hanging ouer the sea being battered with the Canon the which might onely indamage the wall but not the rock it selfe compounded if they were not releeued within a certaine time and after foure and twenty dayes siege it was deliuered into the Kings hands The King made his entrie into Naples the 12. of May in an Imperiall habit and was receiued as King of France and of both Siciles whereof the realme of Naples makes a part Emperour of Constantinople Charles makes a royall entry into Naâ—â—es But herein he made no iust accoumpt with him that gi es and takes away Kingdomes The Barons and commonalties sent away their Captaines and troupes dispersed into diuers parts of the realme Those which depended most of the house of Arragon do first turne taile The Caraâ—ses who enioyed forty thousand Ducats of inheritance The Dukes of Mâ—lfe Grauina and Sora. The Earles of Montorio Fundi Tripalda Celano Monteleon Merillano and Popoli come to doetheir homage and generally all the Noblemen of the Realme except Alphonso Auolo Marquis of Pescare the Earle of Acre and the Marquis of Squillazzo whose liuings the King gaue away An other rigour which shall be a great cause of the following reuolts Calabria yeelds willingly to the Lord of Aubigny sent thether with a small troupe except the Castell of Rhegium but they wanted meanes to â—orce it the Towne held for the King Abruzzo yeelds of it selfe Apulia erects the Standard of France except Turpia and Mantia who notwithstanding had planted the Flower-de-Liz yet refusing any other command then of the King himselfe who had giuen them to the Lord Persi d' Alegre and they returne to their first maister The Castles of Brundusium and Gallipoli were neglected with too gâ—eat confidence but they shal serue shortly as a leuaine to stirre vp a masse of rebellion The rocke of Caiette well fuâ—â—ished with all things necessary yeeldes at dâ—scretion after some light assaults Tarentum Otrante Monopoli Trani Manfredonne Barle and in a manner all other strong places yeeld at the first brute But some holding themselues wronged for that they had in a manner disdayned to heare their deputies others for that they had sent no man to receiue them will soone returne to their first demand The I le of Ischia remained yet and Ferdinand vpon the first intelligence of the yeelding of the Castles of Naples had abandoned it to Ianick d' Auolo brother to the Marquis of Pescara both most faithfull to their Prince and was retyred into Sicile The King sends thether his armie at sea the which was cast by a tempest vpon the 〈◊〉 of Corse yet in the ende they anchored vpon the realme but after the last acte of this expedition This armie holding it selfe too weake to force the foote of â—scâ—ia would not assaile it and therefore the King resolued to send into Prouence and Genes formore shippes and to assure the Sea the which Ferdinand scowred with foureteene galleys ill armed Bâ—t prosperitie doth oft times make vs become insolent and without considering the consequence wee easily let matters passe at aduenture Our French are now well lodged they dreame of nothing but feasting dancing and Turneys and the greatest about the King haue no other care but to make the victorie profitable to themselues without any regarde neither of the dignitie nor 〈…〉 of their Prince who not satisfied with the conquest of these goodly and riche estates determines to aduance his victorious forces Let vs leaue them gâ—â—tted
â—odowiâ—e the which his father Charles had taken after the death of Philippe Maria visoâ—nt That he should not suffer any new forces to come from France into Italie That he should send thâ—sâ— into Francâ— that were in Ast. And for the assurance of â—hese things hâ— should deliuer the said Towne into the hands of Galeas S. Seuerin who should keepe it faithfully for â—he King A wretched man who by a proud â—stâ—ntation thinks to amaze a noble courage aâ—d cannot instâ—ntly hide the basenes of â—is owne But by the aduice of the Loâ—d of Argenâ—on Ambassador for the King at Venice the Duke of Orleans had from the beginning furniâ—â—ed the place with foure â—uÌ„â—red men at armes fiue thousand foote two thousand Suisses and fiue hundred men which Lodowike Mâ—rquis of Saluces had sent The Dâ—ke of Bouâ—bon had leuied this armie to ioyne with the King vpon the Thesâ—n to helâ—e his passage Art well furnâ—sâ—ed with mâ—n But the Duke of Orleans imâ—loyed it in the Marquisate of Salâ—câ—s to take Galâ—inieres the which Anthonie Maria of S. Seuerin held And althoâ—gh he had expresse commaundement from the King to lay aside all enterprises and go to meet with him yet did he accept the offer made him by two Opizins gentlemen of Nouarre who hated Lodowike Sforce Hee passeth the Paâ— by night at the bridge of Sture accompanied by the Marquis of Saluces Nâ—uaâ—â—e taken and was let into Nouarre by the conspiratours without any resistance In this place the Duke of Milan tooke his greatest delight being most pleasant of all others for hauking and hunting This stratagem had beene dangerous in an other of meaner qualitie seing the question was to succour the Kings person whom the French â—steemed no lesse then a KingdoÌ„e But seeing the Duke of Orleans had thus begun why did he not proceed Milan opened her armes Pauia offered it selfe and to that end sent twise vnto him Lodowike as deiect in aduersitie as proud in his prosperitie shewed the basenes of his courage The Nobilitie people desired nothing more then the ruine of this house of Sforce Milan and the whole Duchie ready to reuolt against Lodowike The Venetians had let the King vnderstand that if he made warre against the Duke of Milan they would succor him with all their meanes Thus Charles foreseeing that by the taking of Nouarre hee should soone haue the enimies vppon him and that the Duke of Orleans should need succours he goeth on from Sienna to Pisa. Then Sauonarola comes to him to Poggibonse and the next day to Castel Florentine and vsing as hee was wont the name and authoritie of God he declared vnto him That if hee yeelded not to the Florentines the places whereunto hee was bound by oth he should bee rigorously punished The King excusing himselfe vpon that which hee had promised to the Pisanes to maintaine them in libertie before hee had taken any oth in Florence gaue both the Monke and the Florentine Ambassadors hope of restitution after his coming to Pisa. At Pisa the Cittizens teares both of men and women beseeching them that lodged in their houses to intreat the King not to suffer them to fall againe into the Florentines tyrannie made Charles to forget the promises and oth hee had taken vpon the altar of Saint Iohn at Florence but most of all the importunate sute of the Earle of Lignâ— that the King would leaue him Pisa and Liuorne at his deuotion Those which had impugned this resolution in Sienna did likewise contradict it in Pisa for said they if by the opposition of enimies any disorder should chance or any difficultie to passe through Lombardie we should haue a sure and fitt retreat at Pisa whereas if we restore them to the Florentines when as they haue recouered all their places we shall finde them as inconstant as the other Italians Moreouer they gaue the King to vnderstand that for the safetie of the realme of Naples it were expedient to hold the port of Liuorne for if the estate of Genes should change for the Kings good hee should be in a manner Lord of all the sea from the port of Marseilles vnto that of Naples Finally the King changed the Captaine of the Cittadell and left one called Entragues a man saith the Originall ill conditioned seruant to the Duke of Orleans whom the Earle of Ligni had recomended with some footmen of Berri Entragues wrought so as he had Pictresancte Mortron and Librâ—facta neere vnto Luques Serezane was giuen by meanes of the said Earle to a bastard of Roussy his seruant and Serezanelle to an other that was at his disposing Thus the King did willingly weaken his forces the which he must distribute into these places to make his fauorits great And as hee suffered himselfe to be too easily carried away by the rash counsell of those hee fauored behold vppon a hope giuen him by the Cardinals of Rouere Fregose Obietto of Fiesque and other banished men on a sodaine alteration at Genes he sends with them against the aduice of his Counsell who did not approoue the weakening of his armie A dishonorable enterprise vpon Genes for if hee should win the battaile Genes would yeeld of it selfe but if he lost it he had no need thereof Philippe Earle of Bresse afterwards Duke of Sauoie the Lordes of Beaumont Polignac and Ambeiou of the house of Amboise with sixe score men at armes fiue hundred cros-bowmen newly come out of France sending after them the company of men at armes of Vitelli those men which the Duke of Sauoie had sent fortified by the army at sea reduced to seuen galleys two galeons and two barkes commanded by Miolans gouernour of Daulphiné to countenance that at land But how easily doth man deceiue himselfe in his owne conceits All these that went to take are taken euen at the same place where we haue seene our men defeat King Alphonsoes troups and by the same men that they had beaten Iohn Lewis of Fiesque and Iohn Adorne were led Captiues vnto Genes where they lost the fruit and honour of a famous battaile in the which they might haue done good seruice But who will not thinke the predictions of Sauonarola to bee very true That God would guide the King by the hand into safetie taking away his enemies iudgement not to molest him in the most painful straights of his voyage Our French are now betwixt Luques and Pietresaincte inuironed on the one side by high mountaines and on the other by deepe marishes and boggs They must passe a causie which a cart set crosse with two peeces of cannon might easily gard Pontreme lying at the entry of the mountains was held for Lodowik by three hundred foot The Marshall of Gié arriuing with the foreward they presently open the gates in fauour of Triuulce vpon promise to saue their liues and goods But alas the Suisses had not yet forgotten that when as the armie passed to Naples
from the Fâ—ench Presently Capoua Auerse Nole the Castle of Montdragon and many other places follow this example and the greatest part of the realme turnes to Ferdinand Some one must needs pay for all Caiete hauing taken armes for Ferdinand the French garrison enters the Towne with furie Caiete sacke by the French makes a horrible slaughter of the rebels and sacks it The Venetian army at sea besiegeth Monopoli a Citty of Apulia both by sea and land giues a hote assault they take it by force and the Castle by composition and afterwards the Towne of Pulignan Charles aduertised of these reuoltes being parted from Ast towards Turin he sends away Peron of Basche his Steward to hasten away an army at Sea from Vâ—llefranche neere vnto Nice the which carryed two thousand fighting men with store of victuals vnder the command of the Lord of Arbaâ— a valiant Captaine and well experienced at sea yet very vnfortunate in this expedition for hauing discouered Ferdinands fleete about the Isle of Poreze consisting of thirtie saile and two great ships of Genoua they presently turne taile to the enemie leauing him a small Biscaine ship for a pawrre and recouer the Port of Liuorne The French fleete flies voluntarily where the Captaine could not stay the greatest number of his souldiers from landing who tooke the way to Pisa. In the meane time the Arragonois imployes all his forces against the new Castel the Castle de l' Oeufe other forts held by the French And to make the way the more easie he fortifies the Hippodrome mans the Mont S. Herme and Puisfaucon and assailes the Monasterie of the Crosse. Bâ—t being at the first greatly annoyed by the Artillerie he conuerts his force into pollicie which prooues vnfortunate for the Author There was in it a Moore sometimes seruant to the Marquis of Pescara The Marquis sounds him and hee promiseth to giue entrance For this effect The Marquis of Pescara slaine he mounts in the night by a Ladder set to the Abby wall to conclude of the conditions the manner and the time but he discouered not an other Paris who lying behind the battlements of the wall cut the throate of his Achilles with a Crosbow The Marquises death was repaired by the reuolt of Prosper Fabricio Colonnes The reuolt of the Collonnes who notwithstanding the great aduancements they had from the King carryed away with a light beleefe spred abroad by certaine lying letters of Lodowicke Sforce that the King was dead at Fornoâ—e and seeing moreouer that the French affaires declined they returne to Ferdinands pay The Castels thus beleaguered the sea shut vp by Ferdinands fleete famine encreasing daily and all hope of forraine succours cut off by the voluntary route of Arbans nauie made the Viceroy to yeeld vp the new castle to Ferdinand after three moneths siege with promise to go into Prouence if hee were not releeued within thirty dayes The new Castle at Naples compounds with Ferdinand departing with bag baggage and for assurance of this capitulation he gaue for hostages Yues of Alegre la Marche of Ardenne lâ— Chapelle of Aniou Roquebertin Catelan Ienlis this was the 6. of October If any releefe came vnto them it must be of those forces that were dispersed within the realme So the Lord of Persi d' Alegre brought the Suisses with many of the companies of men at armes accompanied by the Prince of Bisignan and diuers other Barons persisting yet in their fidelitie Monteleone put to flight by the French Ferdinand aduertised hereof opposeth the Earle of Monteleone They incounter at the Lake of Pizzale neere to Eboli where our French had a reuenge of that braue flight of their armie at sea For the Earles forces exceeding Persi in number flie at the first approch without any fight leauing Venantio sonne to Iules of Varane Lord of Camerin prisoner but being not pursued for that our men came to an other end they retire without any great losse to Nole and after to Naples This victory thrusts forward our men to the execution of their desseigne Ferdinand to hinder their approach casts vp a trench from Mont S. Herme to Castle d' l' Oeuf and plants artillerie vpon the hils adioyning the which doth greatly indomage the French and takes away all meanes to enter the Castle This side wanting fresh water made them retire in disorder leauing behind them some peeces of Artillerie and part of the victuals they had brought for the releefe of the Castels being discontented with the small endeuour the besieged had vsed to receiue them He that giues ouer looseth the game The Viceroy frustrate by this dislodging of all hope of succours leauing three hundred men in the Castle Neuf Castle Neuf abandoned by the Viceroy a number proportionable to the victuals that remained a conuenient garrison in that of de l' Oeuf he imbarkes by night with the rest of his souldiers being 2500 and takes his way to Salerne Ferdinand complaines that the accord is broken That it was not lawfull for the Earle of Montpensier to depart sodenly without taking leaue and with such a company before he had consigned him the Castles threatning to be reuenged of the hostages for this iniury deceit the which were yeelded a moneth after the prefixed time when as the garrisons compounded for their departure being vnable to endure the famine any longer Those of Castle Neuf vpon condition the hostages should be deliuered Those of de l' Oeuf if they were not succoured by the first day of Lent ensuing But let vs leaue Ferdinand confirmed in his throne and returne to Nouarre Nouarre was at the last cast they had no more Corne no more horses but for few dayes some died of hunger some languished of sicknesse Mugnes Brione Camarian Siege of Noâ—arâ—e Bolgare and other neere places with the forts built by the French were taken by force and the enemie lodged in the Suburbes were so many Block-houses neither was there any meanes to succour them without a battaile But how The King tooke his pleasure at Turin and at Quiers he had no will to hazard another battaile for one Towne onely which the Duke of Orleans would keepe and no man would fight but in the Kings presence The Prince of Orange who in matters of warre had great credit with the King and all the other commanders desiâ—ed rather to end the siege by some friendly agreement then by the hazard of a battaile Winter approched euery one sees his store spent many are sick some retire without leaue others obtaine it The enemy giues â—are to a peace His armie was newly increased by a thousand Reisters led by Frederick Capelare of the Countie of Ferrete and by eleuen thousand Lansquenets commanded by George of Abeâ—â—ing borne in Austria The leuie which the Bayliffe of Dijon went to make in Suisserland was not yet ready Why then considering the consent of both parties are
of S. Paul to restore those places to the Florentines which they commaunded But these gentlemen are good marchants they sell that which they are commanded to giue Entragues interprets the Kings letters pattents according to his owne couetousnesse The treacherie and couetousnes of Entragues and excuseth himselfe with a secret charge he sayd he had receiued not to deliuer it without the Earle of Lignies hand writing in whose name hee commanded Pisa. But this was the cheife cause hee must haue money Florence did not offer any Pisa must pay it or else fall into their handes whom they hated to the death To draw them vnto it he hath an other wicked practise He sends to the Florentine Commissaries to bring their armie to the port of the suburbes of S. Mare that if the Pisans would not receiue them friendly hee would force them to abandon the sayd gate being so commanded by the Cittadel as it could not resist without the Captaines sufferance Hee did not beleeue the Florentines should so easily haue taken the bulwarke of the said suburbes But when as he sees the assailants enter pel-mel kill some and take others prisoners he turnes his Artillerie vpon the Florentines kills and hurts them and forceth the Florentines to abandon the place In the end prest by the Kings commanding letters both to the Earle of Ligni to him and to all the garrisons to leaue the said places hee deliuers them for twentie thousand Ducats and after sels Pietresanta to the Luquois and Librefacta to the Venetians And the aboue named bastard as good a marchant as the other sels Serezane and Serezanelle to the Geneuois And al to the Kings dishonour his subiects shame and the absolute losse of Naples The King dishonored by two of hâ—e subiects Saillant who commaunded in the port of Liuorne is commanded to haue yeelded the place to the Fâ—orentines at the first summons and Entragues banished the Realme of France by a decree of the priuie counsell Yet the Duke of Orleans his maisters credit caused this sentence to be repealed The Pisans being masters of their Câ—ttadell razed it to the ground And rather then they will submit their neckes to the Florentines yoake they implore ayd from the Pope Emperour Venetians Geneuois Siennois and Luquois But whilest that Lodowike consults whether hee should receiue them into his protection the Venetians preuent him So many dogges fighting for one bone pull one another by the throat whilest the most politicke carries it away The Viceroy in the meane time gathers together the remnant of his shipwracke And as the reuolt of the Colonnois had greatly weakned the Kings partie Virgile Vrsâ—â— in the Kingâ— pay so hee hoped to repaire it by the meanes of Virgilius Vrsinus who seeing the Colonnois his enemies newly aduanced to great authoritie with Ferdinand hee accepted of the Kings enteâ—tainement 1496. being agreed that he with the rest of the house of Vrsin should make a leauy of six hundred men at armes and with the Vitelli crosse Ferdinands attempts who by diuers euents laboured vehemently to recouer that which the King held yet And let vs now see the successe of their affaires The successe of armes is variable but God holds them in ballance and giues the aduantage to whome hee pleaseth Our men had sometimes the better and sometimes the worse But this is but a languishing fit Our French being incamped at Nocere had by an intelligence giuen taken and slaine seuen hundred Arragonois going to surprise Gisone neere to S Sâ—uerin but seeing Ferdinand fortified with the Popes troupes they leaue Nocere to take S. Seuerin and Gosenze which was lately rebelled against them Abruzzo continued firme through the valour of Gratian de Guerres against the attempts of the Earle of Popoli and the comming of the Vrsins and the Vitelli did greatly molest the lands of Montâ—assin and the neighbour countrie of Labour Calabria although the long sicknes of the Lord of Aubigni had stayed the course of his prosperity remained yet at the Kings deuotioÌ„ The Viceroy had mounted armed such as came with him from Naples All these considerations gaue courage to our men and made the way to a battaile which the Viceroy and Vrsins greatly pressed But the want and necessity of money to pay their strangers doth cast an aple of discord in the army eight hundred Lansquenets for want of pay go to the Arragonois who fortifiyng the enimie makes our French so much the weaker Behold a rough shaking for a house that threatned ruine And now comes the blowe which in few monethes shall strike vs dead Ferdinand At the first admitted â—â—to the leagâ—e the Venetians would not receiue Ferdinand into the league of the Potentates of Italy to the end that vrgent necessity might force him to yeeld theÌ„ something watching so long for an oportunity as in the end they finde it Ferdinand had a great action in hand he must hazard all to become as they say a rich Marchant or a poore pedler He accords with the Venetians and in regard of a succour of seuen hundred men at armes He capitulates with the Venetians fiue hundred light horse and three thousand foote led by the Marquis of Mantoue and their nauie intertained which lay then vppon that coast with a loane of fifteene thousand ducats he deliuered vnto them Otrante Brudusium and Thrane and consents they should retaine Monopoli and Pulignane which they then held vpon condition to deliuer them vpon paiment of such money as should bee imployed in the gard thereof so as it amounted not aboue two hundred thousand ducates Moreouer the Pope they and the Milanois sent other companies of men at armes leauied in common And Lodowike who would not directly breake the treaty of Verceill agreed secretly to pay ten thousand ducats monethly towards the warres of Naples If the Earle of Montpenesier were in want Ferdinand was as needy and the Venetian succors could not be so soone ready So the weakenesse of both parties being sicke of one disease kept them from attempting much yet idlenesse makes the souldiers slothfull To keepe them in exercise the Viceroy practiseth an intelligence vpon Beneuent but he was preuented by Ferdinand who had notice thereof he leaues it to take Fenezane Apice and many other neigbhour townes wanting victualls and the season approching to collect one of the most important reuenues of the realme which was the custome for cattle in Apulia he marcheth to frustrate the enemie it mounted yearly to fourescore thousand ducates Ferdinand followes to stay the Viceroys course attending his succours At that time there arriues a French nauy at Caiette of fifteene great ships and seuen lesse A new French fleet in the kingdome of Naples wherein they had shipped eight hundred Lansquenets at Sauone and the troupes appointed for the great ships that should haue beene armed at Genes This armie takes Itri at their landing with other neighbour places Don
dayes seege they obtayned of Ferdinand a truce for thirty dayes and necessary victualls for that time during the which none of the beseeged should go forth Licence for the Duke Montpensier to signifie this accord vnto the King the soldiars their liues and goods saued with the which they might retire into France by land or sea and the Vrsins with other Italian soldiars whither they would out of the Realme Impunity to the Barrons and al others that had followed the French faction and restitution of their goods and offices so as within fifteene dayes they returned to Ferdinand All this is good A dishonorable composition made by the French but there followes a very dishonorable promise That if the Earle of Montpensier bee not releeued within thirtie dayes he shall deliuer Acelle and all that he holds within the Realme of Naples into Ferdinands hands with all the artillery Thus reason yeelds where force commands The time expired all were conducted to the Castell of Stabbie vpon the sea and the Viceroy was summoned to yeeld vp all the other places which the King possessed But pretending that his authority did not extend to the Captaines which commanded in Calabria Abruzze Caiette and other places which the King himselfe and not he had giuen them in gard the Arragonois making shewe to dismisse them caused them to be conducted but more properly confined them vpon this controuersie to Blaie and Puzzol where vnder colour that shipping was not yet readie part of them by the wants they had endured and part by the indisposition of the aire beeing hot and vnholsome and part feeding intemperatly vpon Grapes and other fruit halfe ripe but with more likelehood hauing as some write seasoned their meates mixt their wines with drugs insupportable for the stomake the Earle of Montpensier died and of fiue thousand men The Earle of Montpensier dies with most of his troupes scarce fifteene hundred returned safe to their Country There is but one hazard to loose all A battaile although very disperate had beene far more honorable and lesse fatall But let vs rather note the examples and errors of other then reproue them Virgilius and Paul Vrsin by the Popes commandement who had sworne the runne of that house were shâ—t vp in the Castell del'Oeuf their men led by Iohn Iordan the â—on of Vrsin and Bartholmewe of Aluiane were stript in Abruzze by the Duke of Vrbin and these two commanders called by Ferdinand to Naples were likewise imprisoned Aluiane escaped soone after the rest died in prison Now all things smile vpon the conquerour but hee pursues the victory otherwise then wee can doo and in these garboiles euery one flies to the stronger and makes his peace as he may Ferdinand â—ends Don Frederic his Vncle and Prosper Colonne before Caiete and Fabricio Colonne into Abruzze who receyued Aquille for the Arragonois tooke the rocke of Saint Seuerin by force and caused the Captaine and his sonne to be beheaded to terrifie the rest then he went and incamped before Salerne where the Prince of Bisignan made his peace for himselfe for the Prince of Salerne for the Earle of Cappacie and some other Barons Gratian des Guerâ—es forced to giue way to this violent streame leaues Abruzze and retyre himselfe with eight hundred horse into Caiete where don Frederic doth presently inuest him Gonsalue returned into Calabria where the Lord of Aubigni after such resistance as his forces could make being gotten in to Groppoli in the end promiseth to leaue all the Prouince hauing liberty to returne into France by land The other Captaines eyther for that they had filled their bagges with the prouisions of their places or had by disorder consumed that in fewe dayes which in time of necessity might haue serued long or through feare or impatiency of the discomodities which followe a seege were forced to yeeld them at the first summon But shall Ferdinand long enioy the happy successe of his armes Behold hauing not yet tasted the sweetnes of his Conquests remayning nothing for the recouery of the Realme but Tarentum Caiete and fewe other places held by Charles of Sanguin Mont Saint Angelo where Don Iulian of Lorraine commanded who caused the neighbour Countries to feele both the greatnes of his courage and the weight of his arme 1497. death comes and cuts off both the course of his victories the threed of his life and transports his Crowne to Don Frederike his vnkle King Ferdinand dies Thus the state of Naples felt the diuers humors of fiue Kings in three yeares Ferdinand Alphonso or King Charles the eight Ferdinand the incestuous hauing married his Aunt sister to Alphonso his father and Frederike Frederike leauing the seige of Caiete comes to enioy his Nephes succession and those which had before followed the French partiâ— as the Princes of Salerne and Bisignan the Earle of Cappacie and others were the first to proclaime his name in Naples and to 〈◊〉 him to finish the remainder of the warre against our men Tarentum beseiged by the Venetians was forced to yeeld through famine who hauing held it some dayes noâ— without suspect that they would appropriate it to themselues in the end they consigned it vnto Frederike at the Popes intreate and the King of Spaines Caieâ—â— might haue held out some monethes but iudging the King would haue as little care to succour them as many other places negligent lie lost to the preiudice both of a great number of the Nobilitie and also of the Crowne they compounded with Frederike by the meanes of the Lord of Aubigni giuing them leaue to returne by sea into France with bagge and baggage And consequently all other places did quite reiect the French commaund in the state of Naples And Frederike hauing obteyned the inuestiture of the Realme from the Pope was sollemnly crowned Thus King Charles was freed from the care hee had for the recouerie thereof but the losse and infamie thrusts him on to reuenge vpon the next neighbour The Princes of Italie incâ—nse the king against the Venetians and Duke of Milan Many Poâ—eâ—rates of Italie perswade him thereunto the Duke of Ferrara knew well that the Venetians hauing taken Polesan from him sought his ruine and amidest these diuisions he was like vnto a sheepe betwixt two wolues that is to say the Venetians and Duke of Milan his sonne in law who preferring his safetie and his childrens before the loue of the Duke of Milan offered the King fiue hundred men at armes and two thousand foote The Marquis of Mantoua being discontented with the Venetians fel from them with 300. men at armes Iohn Bentiuole offered a hundred and fiftie men at armes the companies which his two sonnes led with a good number of foot The Florentines not to loose Pisa and other places and to warrant themselues from the wrongs which the Venetians practised against them promised eyght hundred men at armes and fiue thousand foote at their
of Pisa the Venetians practises whose greatnesse Lodowick did much feare in Italy might bee crossed by the Florentins they purchasing fauour credit with the King he might imploy them to mediate some accord betwixt the King him the which he desired with all his heart Lodowick did foresee the storme and laboured to auoide it but in vaine for the time of his shipwrack was at hand 〈◊〉 comes to Court Then Caesar Borgia the new Duke of Valentinois came vnto the King with the Bull of dispensation where he was no sooner arriued but as the soâ—ne of his Father he plaid the first act of a bloudy Tragedie vpon the alliance which the King did contract with the Pope his father Caesar following the instructions of Alexander dissembled the bringing of this Bull iudging the Kings disposition to be like vnto those who desire that most which is refused to make him the more plyable to his desseignes But the Bishop of Sept hauing sent intelligence vnto his Maiestie of the truth the King thinking it sufficient to haue the Bull dispatched concluded the marriage with Anne giuing for a portion to his wife diuorced the Duchie of Berry Caesar hauing discouered the author of this aduise He commits a trâ—â—cheâ—ous murther caused the Bishop to be soone after poisoned The peace with other Princes which might somewhat disturbe the proiects of Lewis was no lesse expedient he therefore concluded with Ferdinand King of Castâ—le and thereby did associate him in the conquest of the realme of Naples Peace with the 〈◊〉 he confirmed that which his Predecessor had with the English and renewed the alliance with the Suisses granting them the pensions which Lewis and Charles were accustomed to giue Maximiâ—ian alone working vpon the old leuaine of his Ancestors shewed some bitternesse amidst these contents Troubles in Bourgongne casting the coales of diuision in Bourgongne Champâ—gne by the Lord of Vergi Comtois when as they least doubted it seeing that Lewis being taken prisoner at the battaile of S. Aubin and hauing aboue all others imploied Maximilian for an intercessor to Charles the 8. they thought that Maximilian should reioyce at this new succession more then any other Prince and that the discontent he had against Charles hauing forsaken his daughter and married with Anne of Brittaine his Spouse had beene mortified by the death of the said Prince The Emperour was thrust on by the Duke of Milan who being perswaded that the King busied at home should haue no leisure to attempt any thing in Italy or any accord being made betwixt them he should be comprehended therein This war put the realme in alarme but Lewis opposed so great a power vnder the commaÌ„d of Iohn of Foix Vicount of Narbonne his brother in law as it was quenched as soone as kindled by a tirce of many moneths without any mention of Lodowike Sforce And to the end that Phillippe Arch-Duke of 〈◊〉 and Earle of Flanders sonne to Maximilian might reape the fiâ—ites of their rereâ—oâ—â—â—â—ement he did homage to the King for the places hee held of the Crowne and those of Artois were restored vnto him In the meane time they consult at Venice vpon the tearmes of confederation with the King The chiefe difference was The Kings association with the Venetians the holdâ—â—g of â—isa The Venetians offering all other conditions would not haue this string tâ—â—cht and the King being resolute to haue it restored vnto him in fauour of the Floâ—â—â—tines refused to treat vnlesse this article might be granted But the Duke of Valenâ—inoiâ— and other Agents for the Pope the Cardinall of S. Pierre Triuulce and all the 〈◊〉 who for their owne priuate interest perswaded him to warre hauing layed beâ—â—re him the losse he should receiue by the want of the Venetians ayde considering their power and meanes to annoy the Duke of Milan hee yeelded without any more â—pâ—ech That at the same time as he should inuade the Duchie of Milan they should doe the like vpon their frontiers That hauing wonne the rest of the Duchie Cremona and Guiaraâ—add should be taken by their common forces for the Venetians except the bredth of fortie fadome along the riuer of Adde That after the conquest of Milan the Venetians should bee bound to defend that for a time with a certaine number of horse and foote the King should doe the like for Cremona and other places which they possessed in Lumbardie euen vnto the marshes of Venice This conuention tooke all hope from Lodowike both of peace with the King and reconciliation with the Venetians Being thus left naked hee resolues to defend himselfe and beginnes by the fortification of Anon Nouarre and Alexandria Townes lying neerest to the French meaning to oppose against their violence Galeas of S. Seuerin with the greatest part part of his forces and the rest against the Venetians vnder the command of the Earle of Caiazzo. He commands Galeas to passe the Pau with sixteene hundred men at armes fifteene hundred light horse ten thousand Italian foote and fiue hundred Lansquenets but rather to defend his places then to keepe the field hoping that the prolonging of the warre would breed him some aduantage for that he expected an issue of the accord which he did mediate betwixt Maximilian and the Suisses the which effected he had promise of notable aide On the other side the King caused Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Ligni to march with Eâ—erard Stward Lord of Aubigni Iohn Iaques of Triuuâ—ce leading 6. thousand horse The first exploits of this voyage and twentie fiue thousand foot The Castle of Arazze vpon Tanare was the first obiect of thier armies a place kept by 500. foote assayled the tenth of August and taken within few dayes Seuen hundred men being lodged in Anon did likewise suffer it to be lost in two dayes and all those put to the sword that were retired in armes into the Castle Donat Raffagnin a Milanois Captaine of the Castle of Valence well furnished with men artilerie corrupted by the promises of Triuulce gaue entrance to the French the same day as he had by the like treacherie twentie yeares before deliuered one of the gates of Tortone to Lodowike Sforce to the preiudice of Bonne of Sauoy and of the little Duke Iohn Galeas All the souldiers were slaine or taken amongst others Octauian brother to S. Seuerin was prisoner The same deluge ouerflowed euen vpon the very brute Basignagne Voguere Chasteauneuf and Poâ—t Coronnâ—e Antonie Maria Palauoism yeelded vp Tortone not attending any assault Alexandria makes head against the armie and whilest they presse it Lodowike shuts himselfe into Milan and seeing his estate lost by peece meales he flies to those remedies which are vsuall in greatest dispaire He inroules all that could carrie armes assembles the people dischargeth them of a part of their ordinarie impositions shewes them with most vehement wordes That if happely hee had ouercharged 〈◊〉 not any desire to
of his person would force him vnto he parted out of Siene The King discontented with the Pope and his sonne leauing the same gard the authority with his friends so as his departure bred no alteration in the gouernment Tâ—is enterprise displeased the King for although he were not sorry to see Vitellozze his adherents punished yet desired he not their totall ruine the which with the conquest of so great estates made the Pope and his Borgia too mighty He desisted therefore froÌ„ this attempt not so much to obey the King as finding the taking of Sienne difcult being a great Towne strong conuerting all his forces to the totall destruction of the house of Vrsins Iohn Iulio Francis Fabian and Organtin who hauing ioyned with the Sauelli were in Ceruetre had takeÌ„ the bridge of Lamentane scoured al the country When he had restrayned their courses he inuaded the possessions of Iohn Iordan who was then in the Kings protection and pay bearing armes for his seruice at Naples The King was greatly mooued here with and to controule the presumption insolencie of the Vâ—lentinois he coÌ„mands him to forbeare to molest the estate of Iordan to restrain his excessiue couetousnes he procures an vnion betwixt the Florentins Sienois Bolognois for their coÌ„mon defence to take from the Pope his son all means to extend theÌ„selues any farther into Tuscane The Spaniard fortifies himselfe in the meane time in the realme of Naples and our affaires decline The Earle of Meleâ—e the Princes of Salerne Bâ—â—ignan were incamped at Villeneufue Don Hugues of Cardone passing from Messina into Calabria with 16. hundred foote Spaniards Calabriens and Siciliens and a hundred men at armes marched to succour it going through a narrow plaine betwixt a mountaine and a litle â—iâ—er ioyning to the way with a causey desiring rather to enter into Villenefue then to fight The Earle incounters them beneath the riueâ— not able to draw them into the plaine he passeth the water to cut of their way to Villenefue to charge them But very indiscreetly for being troubled with the causey they were easily defeated and the Towne releâ—ued And behold Manuel of Benauide The French defeated hauing Anthony de Leue with him who of a simple soldiar became a braue Captaine and shall win many victories leading two hundred men at armes two hundred Genetaires and two thousand foote takes Losarne at the second assault where the Lord of Ambricourt was lately entred with thirty Lances and the Earle of Melete with a thousand foote Ambricourt was taken but the Lord of Aubigni approching with three huÌ„dred Lances fiue thousand foote â—orced the victors to retire to Villeneufue and gaue the Earle means to saue himselfe to keepe the Castel Aubigni following them in the tayle to the foote of a high mountaine cut off threescore men at armes some thousand foote with 13 hundred prisoneâ—s taking 15. enseignes But this was with the death of Grigni abraue captaine wholed the company of the Earle of Caiazzo being dead of sickenes a little after the taking oâ— Capoua At the same time Porta Carrera brought two hundred men at armes The Spaniaâ—ds defeâ—ted two hundred light horse two thousand foote who dying at Rhegium left the command of his troupes to Fernand Andrade his Lieutenant Fewe daies after Gonsalue departing from Barlette set vpon the Lord of Palisse who lodged in Rubos with a hundred Lances three hundred foote as securely as in an assured peace hauing surprised him sodenly battred it furiously and made a breach he forced him to yeeld the place and to remaine prisoner with his troupe and then he retired safely to Barlette notwithstanding the Duke of Nemours companies lodged for their ease in diuers places about Barlette whilest Gonsalue endured with an admiâ—able patience both hungar pestilence within the same Citty Moreouer fifty French Lâ—nces sent to surprise some money which was brought from Trani to Barlette were defeated by such as Gonsalue had sent for the conduct thereof All these petty losses were without doubt foretellings of a change of our good fortune But what neede was there in the beginning of this so visible a Catastrophe to hazard a fruitlesse coÌ„bate for falling to our disaduantage it must needs greatly diminish our reputation make the whole nation to be scorned although the honor valour of a whole country consists not in the combate of a fewe priuate persons A Trumpeâ— returning from Barlette where he had treated of the ransome of some prisoners reports some speeches which he had heard to the preiudice of the French who displeased therewith they defie the Spaniards and Italians Thirteene French make offer to fight with thirteene of theirs The field was chosen betwixt Barlette Andrie and Quadrate It chanced that hauing broken their lances The French defeated in combaâ—e with no aduantage to either party falling to their other armes a Frenchman ouerthrew an Italian and aduancing to kill him he himselfe was slaine by an other Italian that came to rescue his companion In the end after a rough and bloudy fight of some houres the Italians hauing slaine many of the Frenchmens horses remained maisters of the field and bodies leading their enimies prisoners to Barlette While a State stands firme euery one feares to attempt against it but vpon the first disfauour euery one seekes to pull a plume Some Cantons of the Suisses seeke to fish in a troubled water Troubles by the Suisses and to obtaine by force what they could not get by fauour which was the case of Bellinzone the which they had surprised in Lombardy To this end they come before Locarne camping towards the wall vpon that great Lake which stops the descent from the mountains into the plaine and the other Cantons seeing the enterprise succeed well in fauour of the first assailants run to ayde their companions to the number of fifteene thousand These were too many mouthes in a straight barren country whose fury must soone faint for want of artillery victualls money and horse The Lord of Chaumont did wisely fore-see al this who furnishing his castles vpon the mountains keeping his troups in the plaine kept this great swarme from comming into open places whilst that he assembled al the forces of Lombardie and the allies of Bologne Ferrare and Mantoue The Venetians being required to send the succours which they were bound vnto for the defence of the State of Milan sent some companies but so late as they were vnprofitable Thus the Suisses wanting victualls the French hauing sonke many barkes which brought them prouision vpon the Lake and the Suisses themselues beginning to be diuided for that the whole gaine of of their armes redounded to them alone that possessed Bellinzone they retyred in the ende vpon condition to deliuer what they had taken of the Kings except Musocque as not belonging to the Duchy of Milan and
to labour for the Popedome building chiefely vpon Cardinall Ascanius promises whome two yeares before he had drawne out of the Tower of Bourges But so many ambitions braines fraught rather with diuisions and partialities euery one for his owne priuate proffit then assisted with the holy spirit to whome notwithstanding they giue the first voice in their election Election of a newe Pope did in the ende frustrate both the French and Spaniard to install Francis Piccolomini Cardinall of Siene beeing old worne sickely to the which the whole Colledge agreed both for that this neutrall election might disperse the diuers pursuits of the pretending nations as also for that the newe Popes infirmity gaue them hope to proceed shortly to the subrogation of another To reuiue the memory of Pius the second his vncle who had made him Cardinall hee was called Pius the third Yet this election did not pacifie the troubles within Rome The Valentinois and the Vrsins being within the walles fortify in themselues daylie with newe companies resolued to obtaine by force the Iustice which their reasonable demandes could not get of the Colledge of Cardinalls when as their Partisans were arriued This contention did greatly trouble both the Court and the people of Rome did mightily preiudice the French affaires for this vehement affection wherewith they see the Valentinois supported by France drewe the Vrsins to the Spaniards pay whose forces were of no small consequence for an absolute victory But the desire the Venetians had to see the King disapointed of the Realme of Naples The Vrsins Colonnois reconciled â—bandie against the Valentinois and the liberty they gaue the Vrsins to leaue their pay made the world to iudge that eyther they had perswaded this family to the Spanish party or at the least they had coÌ„sented thervnto And this was an other cause of discontent to be reuenged of them in time The Vrsins being entertayned by the Spaniard and reconciled with the Colonnois by the mediation of the Ambassadors of Spaine and Venice and ioyntly resolued for a common reuenge vpon the Valentinois they fall vpon his troupes in the suburbes the which beeing vnable to withstand so violent a charge were forced to giue way vnto their violence and the Commander to saue himselfe in the Castell Saint Angelo hauing likewise with the Popes consent taken the Captaines oath to depart when hee pleased The tumult beeing thus pacified it gaue them free liberty to attend a newe election for Pius nothing deceyuing their conceyued hope of his shorte Popedome died the twentie sixt day after his creation But alas Alexander had serued but as a scourge for that great Iudge but nowe hee takes his rodde in hand to breake Italie in peeces The Cardinall of Saint Pierre mighty in friends in reputation and in wealth was chosen the last of October and named Iulius the second by nature factious and terrible vnquiet and turbulent but stately Iulius the 2. chosen Pope a great defender of the liberties of the Church and a most franke receiuer of the loue and fauour of all those that might aduance him to this dignity The Valentinois flight to the Castell of Saint Angelo and the dispersing of all the troupes hee had with him made the Townes of Romagnia which had till then continued constant firme in his obedience to call home their ancient Lords or to imbrace sundry parties And the Venetians good fishermen in a troubled water aspiring to the coÌ„mand of all Romagnia had seized vpon the Castels of the vally of Lamone of the Towne of Forlimpople of Rimini Faenze Montefiore S. Archange Verruque Gattere The vsuâ—paâ—ions of the Venetians Sauignagne Meldole and in the territorie of Imole Tossignagne Solaruole Montbataille and had easily seized vpon Imola and Furli if by the new Popes complaints whom they had strangely discontented they had not put their men into garrison The Venetian vsurpations did wonderfully displease Iulio but what could he doe being newly aduanced to the chaire vnprouided of forces of money or of any hope of succours from the Kings of France and Spaine being not yet resolued whose Ensignes to follow To retaine in fauour of the Church some places which the Valentinois yet held and to oppose him in some sort against the Venetians although he loued the Valentinois heeles better then his face he agrees with him that he should go to Ferrara and Imola to receiue such forces as he could leuie But he is no sooner parted but a new desire of command sugests that it should be good the Valentinois should deliuer vnto him such Castles and places as he commanded to the end the Venetians should not inuade them in his absence And to this end he sends vnto him the Cardinals of Volterre and Surente Vpon the Valentinois refusall the Pope being offended sends to arrest the Gallies wherein hee had imbarked at Ostia and causeth him to be brought from Magliana to Vatican honoured and much made of but safely garded Thus you see the Valentinois power reduced to nothing spoiled in a manner of all he had vsurped The Valentinois a prisoner his troupes stript by the Florentins and himselfe at this instant so well watched as he could not go the length of himselfe But let vs see what becomes of so many great and goodly desseignes of our Lewis He intends not onely to recouer his losses in the realme of Naples but also with one breath to crosse the affaires of Ferdinand in Spaine The Lord of Albret and Marshall of Gié marched towards Fontarabie with foure hundâ—ed Lances among the which Peter of Foix Lord of Lautree and the Lord of Lâ—scun so famous in our Historie made first shew of their vertues and fiue thousand foote Gascons and Suisses And to make warre in the Countie of Roussillon was sent the Marshall of Rieux accompanied with Geston of Foix Duke of Nemours by the death of Lewis of Armagnac the Vicounts of Paulin and Bruniquet the Earle of Carmain The attempts of the French against Spaine the Lords of Montaut Terride and Negrâ—pelisse leading eight hundred men at armes and eight thousand foote French Gascons and Suisses And at the same instant an armie was readie at sea to inuade the coast of Catalogne and the realme of Valence but he that ouergripes himselfe holds little these were but shewes without effect For the Lord of Albret being entred into the Prouince of Guiposcoa whether that the enemies forces were greater then his or fearing least the Castillan should be reuenged of the King of Nauarre his sonne he retired and went into Languedock to the Marshall of Riâ—ux to besiege Saulses with their ioynt forces But the King of Spaine hauing assembled a great armie at Parpignan from all his realmes and marching in person with a resolution to raise the siege by some notable stratagem ouâ— men finding themselues too weake retired to Narbonne with a successe contrary to the Lord of Albons in
them downe they take from the Empire Triesle Portonon and Fiume then passing the Alpes Possonia On the other side the Germaine armie towards Trente had put to sword three thousand Venetian foote set to garde mount Bretonic The Bishop of Trente incouraged by this small stratagem with two thousand foote and some troupes of horse went to besiege Riue Trente a great bourgh vpon the Lake of Garde but as he did batter it two thousand Grisons which were in the Germaine Campe fell into a mutinie by reason of their pay and spoile the victuals of the whole Campe. So all being in disorder without respect of command and without obedience the Grisons being gone all the rest of the armie being about seuen thousand men were forced to retire Thus ended all these great shewes and Maximilian hauing rashly giuen credit to the Popes suggestions reaped nothing for his indiscretion but shame losse contempt Being thus perplexed he seekes to withdraw himselfe out of the country A truce betwixt the â—mperour and Venetianâ— and finding the Venetians well disposed to make an end of this warre and to preserue by meanes of a truce the places which they had conquered in these garboileâ— he easily obtaines a truce for three moneths whereby they laid downe aâ—mes to resume them soone after but with more dangerous effects This was the xx day of Apâ—il In corrupted bodies the remedies we apply to diuert one inconuenience do commonly ingender another more dangerous So the truce made betwixt Maximilian the Venetians wherein they had exceedingly neglected the King in steed of quiet and rest which they expected bred more horrible calamities then the former warres The Venetians sought it by their insolent manner of proceeding The Emperour studied by what meanes he might repaiâ—e the infamie and losse he had newly receiued New moâ— ues of warre and now they incense him more receiuing Aluiane into Venice in a triumphing manner And the King found himselfe much wronged for that presuming to name him in this truce and to comprehend him as an adherent they had notwithstanding prouided for their owne safetie and left him charged with the cares and troubles of the waâ—re seeing that in their fauour he had opposed himselfe against Maximilian as wee haue seene The Emperour being then so weakely assisted by the forces of the Empire and finding his owne too feeble deuised to vnite himselfe with the King against the Venetians as the onely remedie to recouer both his estates and his honour lost Moreouer this new disdaine reuiued in the King the ancient remembrance of the wrongs he had receiued by them in the warres of Naples and since in diuers other accidents thrust forwaâ—d with an exceeding desire to wrest out of their hands Verona Cremona and many other townes possessed of long time by the Dukes of Milan And the Pope crossing them possessed with that first desire to recouer those places which they vsurped of the Church taxing them that the banished men of Furlâ— had of late dayes by meanes of their Sâ—â—ate sought to enter into the said towne discontented moreouer that the Venetians had in contempt of the authority of the Romane Court giuen the Bishopricke of Vincence to a Venetian Gentleman contrarie to the collatâ—on wâ—ich the Pope had made to his Nephew Sixius he perswaded the King against theÌ„ desiring rather to remaine a newter in the middest of these coÌ„tendents be a spectator then to inuade In the end vnder a colour to treat a peace betwixt the Archduke Charles sonne to Philip the Duke of Guildres they must meet at Cambraie For the King came the Cardinall of Amboise and for the Emperour Marguerit his daughter Gouernesse of Flanders assisted in this treaty by Matthew Lange a trusty Secretary to the Emperour and for the King of Arragon an Ambassador of his A league betwixt the French King the Emperouâ— Ferdinand against the Venetians The 9. of December they conclude a peace betwixt their Maisters and a perpetuall league against all men euery one to recouer from the Venetians the placâ—s which they had taken from them and to spoyle them of the territories of the Church vâ—urped by them whatsoeuer we treat the Church must be one but more with a colour then any deuotion The Emperour did solemnely confirme this new league The Arragonois feared the increase of the King his Vncles greatnesse and preferred the safety of the realme of Naples before any thing which the Venetians enioyed yet dissembling his conceyts hee performed all solemnities reqâ—iâ—ed The pope was more scrupulous hee had â—ent his commission but had not yet consented Many considerations moued thereunto a desire to recouer the Townes of Româ—gna and a disdaine against the Venetians Moreouer he feared to incense the King reiecting this association yet he held it a very dangerous thing for him that the Emperour should extend himselfe in Italy Thus troubled in mind he resolues for the mildest course to obtaine a part of his desires by an accord rather then all by warre He lets the Venetians vnderstand that the storme which threatned them by the vnion of these princes would proue farre more tempestuous if they forced him to giue his consent That yeelding willingly the places they had taken from the Church it should make him refuse to ratifie the treaty of CaÌ„bray made in his name but without his approbation without the which their alliances would easily turne to smoake if they refused he would pursue theÌ„ with spirituall and temporall armes Oft times those which haue the name the age and countenance of wise men conclude to the ruine of their country The Pope enâ—ers into the league The King goeâ— into Italy The Venetians at this time followe the worst aduice And the Pope ratifies the treaty the which he had deferred vntill the last day assigned for the ratification The King armes and passeth the Alpes in person followed by the Princes of his blood Charles of Bourbon Earle of Vendosme Charles of Bourbon afterwards Constable of France sonne to the Earle of Montpensier Lewis of â—ourbon Prince of Rochesur-Yâ—n René Duke of Alençon and his sonne Charles the Duke of Longueuille Gasâ—on of Foix Duke of Nemours Peter of Foix Vicount of Lautrec Lewis of Tremouille Vicount of Thouars the Earle of Montmorencie grandfather to the Constable that now liues the Lords of Palisse Andouins Grandmont Curton Boissi Coligni Eâ—â—â—uteuille and almost all the Nobility of France which followed as to a certaine victoâ—y their King and so many braue and generous Princes with ioy and courage â—mâ—unting to forty thousand fighting men besides three thousand horse six thousâ—nâ— foote which Chaumont brought out off the Duchy of Milan and the troupes of Anthony Duke of Lorraine who accompanied his Maiestie in this voiage The King hauing passed the Alpes sends Montioye his Herauld presently to proclaime warre against the Senate oâ— Venice And for that the Pope complayned that the time specified
Lords of Lantree and Lescut brothers to Arual a yonger brother of the 〈◊〉 of Alâ—ret Tremouille Renè bastard of Sauoye who was afterwards Lord Steward of France and gouernour of Prouence whose dâ—ughter Anne of Montmoreâ—ce the Coâ—stable married and Captaine Bayard to whome the King did that honour the day of the battaile as to receiue his knighthood at his hands hoping that the happinesse of so gentle and braue a Knight would accompanie his armeâ— The Reereward was committed to the Duke of Alanson who had married with Marguâ—rite of France afterwards wiâ—e to Henry of Albret King of Nauarre granâ—father by the mothers side to our King happily raigning at this day At the first brute of this armie the Emperoâ—r the Arragonois Sâ—orce and the Sâ—â—sses contract a League togither A League â—gainst the King to force the King to renounce his rights to the Dâ—â—hie of Milan the Suisses receiuing thirtie thousand Crownes a moneth of the other confederates should keepe the passages of the mountaines and inuade Bourgogne or Daulphinè and the Catholike King of France by Parpignan or Fontarabâ—â— The Pope although the King made some accompt of his friendshippe for that Iulian of Medicis his brother had lately married with Philiberte sister to Charles Duke of Sauoy and Aunt by the mothers side to his Maiestie in the end ioyned with them The Duke of Genes swomme betwixt two streames and as they say held the Wolfe by the eare Both the French forces and the confederates victorie were fearefull vnto him namely the Popes Genes yeelped to the King who vnder colour to keepe this Duchie from any Stranger desired exceedingly to vnite it to the Church In the middest of these contrarieties hee yeelds Genes to the King vpon condition That he should lay aside the title of the Duke of Genes Genes yeelded to the King and take that of Gouernour of Genes perpetually for the King with power to giue the offices of Genes this was to retaine some markes of Soueraigntie That the King should giue him an hundred men at armes the order of Saint Michel and a yeerely pension during his life That the King should not repaire the Fort of Todisa and should restore vnto the Cittie all the priuileges which King Lewis had disanulled That he should giue certaine Ecclesiasticall liuings to Frederick Archbishop of Salerne brother to Octauian and to himselfe if hee should bee expelled Genes some places iâ— Prouence The armie approched neere the Alpes which dâ—uide France and Italy and the Suisses according to their capitulation had stayed vpon the pasâ—ages of the mountaines vallees aswell of Montsenis which is of the iurisdiction of Sauoy the shortest way but the most vneasie as of the mount of Geneure which is of the iurisdiction of Daulphiné the longer way but the lesse painfull being the ordinary passage of the French armies The King had intelligence that Prosper Colonne was at the foote of the Mountaines within Piedmont with fifteene hundâ—ed horse which the Pope had sent to succour Milan not fearing any enemie for that the Suisses as he thought had seized vpon all the approches But some guides belonging to Charles of Soliers Lord of Morete hauing shewed them a passage neere to Roâ—que Espierre the King sent Palisse whom hereafter we will call the Maâ—shall of Chabannes â—mbercourt Aubigni Bayard Bussi of Amboise and Montmorency at that time highly fauoured by the King leading foure Corners of light horse vnder the charge of the said Morete and his guides who hauing waded through the Po beneath Villefranche whereas Colonne lodged they came to the gates not discouered but by some inhabitants who runne speedily to preuent their entrie but two hardie men at a mes of Imbercourts company which led the Scouts whose names were Beauuais thâ— braue a Normand and Hallencourt a Picard set spurres to their horses so as Hallencourt was carried into the Ditche and amazed the inhabitants Prosper Colonnes surpâ—ised Beuuais thrusting forward his Launce kept the gate open vntill the troupes arriuing surprised both Villefâ—anche and Colonne as he dined they made bootie of the baggage and about twelue hundred Neapolitane horses and carried away the Commander and his troupe pâ—isoners to â—â—ssan In the meane time the forces passe some with the Artillerie betwixt the Alpes towards the Sea and the Coctiennes descending towards the Marquisate of Saluâ—e the toile of men exceeding all the dâ—fficulties King Francis his first passage ouer the Alpes which the steepie and craggie mountaines and the â—ough downefalles in the deepe valleys of the riuer of Argentiere did present vnto them where the artillerie not able to passe in those straights the horses being vnprofitable in fiue dayes it was foâ—ced vp with roapes by maine strength in those places where as neuer Canon noâ— horseman was seene to passe Others with infinite paines and difficulties recouered the pace of Dagonniere some the high toppes of the rock of Perrot and Cuni passages lying towards Prouence where the Marshall of Chabannes had passed Thus the Suisses deceiued of their hope abandoned the Straight of Suze where they defended the passages of Mont Senis and Geneure and that of Coni returning with shame toward Milan spoyling and sacking Chinas Verteil and other places where they entred whâ—lest that Ainard of Prie hauing passed with the first had with the helpe of Octauian Fregose reduced Alexandria Tortone and all that lyes beyond the Po to the Kings obedience who hauing passed the Po at Monâ—callier and presenting himselfe before Nouarre receiued the Towne at his deuotion and then Pauia The Milanois sent Ambassadors to the Kings lodging at Bufalore to beseech him to rest satisfied with victualls and a promise from the people to remaine affected to his Crowne and so to march on against his enemies· assuring him that Milan should most willingly giue him entrie when hee should be maister of the field It is an ordinarie stratageme of inconstant Townes to set vp the Ensignes of the stronger paâ—tie The King hauing a mightie armie in front granted their demands for that time Then the Duke of Sauoy did mediate an accord betwixt the Suisses and the King his Nephew wherein he preuailed so much as they concluded That the King paying vnto them foure hundred thousand crownes promised by the treaty of Dijon and aâ—l which they pretended to be due for their ancient seruices they should yeeld vnto the king his Duchie of Milan and the vallees which the Grisons enioyed and the king should giue vnto Maximilian Sforce threescore thousand Ducats of yeerely pension But some hope to gaine who loose all especially in these cases A new supplie of Suisses fierce and bold Inconstant treachery of the Suisses by reason of their forepassed victories being dissuaded by the Cardinall of Sion breake this treaty and bring matters to the same estate they were beâ—fore Thirty fiue thousand take the way of Monse to lodge in the suburbes of Milan vnâ—â—ll
house of Austria the Suisses in the French armie and those in his which refused plainly to fight one against an other vniting their forces should deliuer him to the enemie for that Iames Stafflet Colonell of his Suisses had with much arrogancie demanded their pay he secretly departs from his armie in the night Maximilian retires with two hundred horse so as he was twentie miles off before they were priuie to his departure His armie wanting both a commander and money tooke the same course The Earle of S. Paul with the Lords Montmorencie and Lescu pursuing them defeated a great number whereof three thousand part Germaines and part Spaniards yeelded to the French and Venetians being in Campe and our Suisses notwithstanding they had beene paied for three moneths went home to their houses except some three hundred which remained with Peter During these garboiles the Pope smothering his conceits laboured to be as pleasing as he could to either party yet was he grieued the Emperour had brought so great forces for he could not remaine a victor but he must afterwards seeke to oppresse all Italy or put Leo from the Papall seat to hold it himselfe according to the common report On the other side as we iudge of causes by the effects the King had many reasons to suspect the Pope He had consented to the Emperours descent Colonne the Popes pensioner did accompany Maximilian He refused to send fiue hundred men at armes for the defence of Milan and to pay three thousand Suisses as he was bound by the treatie of Bologne So as the King to let Leo know that the brightnesse of his Miter did not so dazell his eyes but he discouered his practises he made him Brewiste of the same bread· declaring that seeing the league they had made was fruitlesse in time of warre he would contract a new one which should not tye him but in time of peace The Emperours armie being dissolued the Duke of Bourbon returnes into France and of his owne motion resignes his gouernment into the Kings hands by whose command the Lord of Lautrec Bresse yeelded taking the charge of the armie to free the King from that bond ioyning with the Venetians returned to Bresse which pressed with two batteries one by the French the other by the Venetians yeelded to the King their liues goods saued and Lautrec deliuered it to the Venetians Verona had a harder issue for beâ—ng battred by the French towards Mantoua Verrona yeelded and by the Venetians towards Vincence giuing two assaults afflicted with want of victuals and munition and troubled by the hurting of Marc Anthonie Colonne gouernour of the Citty yet being assured of eight thousand men led by Cont Roquendolfe that came to their succour they held out vntill Christmas at what time famine forced the Spaniards to yeeld the Towne the which was in like sort deliuered to the Venetians The Pope to make profit of the Kings victory and forces solicits Lautrec to aide him to dispossesse Francis Maria of Rouere of the Duchy of Vrbin The motiues of this warre which Leo pretended against him were for that Francis had denied the Pope those men for the which hee had receiued pay of the Church and had treated secretlie with the enemie That hee had slaine the Cardinall of Pauia and committed many other murthers That in the hottest of the warre against Pope Iulius his Vncle hee had sent Balthasar of Chastillion to the King to receiue his pay and at the same instant he denyed passage to some companies that went to ioyne with the army of the Church and pursued in the estate Francis Maria chased from Vrbin and. Laurence of Medicis inuested in the Duchie which he held as a feudatarie of the Church the soldiars which saued themselues at the defeate of Rauenna Lautreâ— desyring to please Leo sent Lescun his brother the Lord of Chifle the Knight of Ambrun the Lords of Aussun and S. Blimond and many other Captaines with good numbers of horse and French foote Who in fewe daies reduced the sayd Duchie to the Popes obedience who did inuest Laurence of Medicis his Nephew in the sayd Duchie Moreouer the Kiâ—gs friendship was very necessary for the Catholike King Charles the Archduke tooke vpon him that title after the death of Ferdinand his grand-father by the mothers side to make his passage more easie from Flanders into Spaine and to assure himselfe of the obedience of those realmes Fitting therefore his resolutions according to the time and necessitie by the aduice of the Lord of Chieures his gouernour hee sent Philip of Cleues Lord of Rauasâ—ein to the King to make choise of a place where their deputies might meete to decide all controuersies betwixt them Noyon was named and for the King there came Arthur of Goufiers Lord of Boissy Lord high Steward of France for the King of Spaine Anthonie of Croye Lord of Chieures both gouernors of their masters nonage and both assisted with notable personages Who concluded That within sâ—e moneths the Catholike King should yeeld the realme of Nauarre to Henry of Albret A peace concluded betâ—wixt the King and the Archdukâ— Charles sonne to Iohn of Albret and Catherine of Foix deceased the same yeare or els should recompence the sayd Henry within the sayd terme to his content els it should be lawâ—ull for the King to aide him to recouer it That the King should giue his daughter Lowise who was but a yeare olde in marriage to the Catholike King and for her dowrie the rights he pretended to the realme of Naples according to the diuision made by their Predecessors vpon condition that vntill shee came to yeares of marriage Charles should pay vnto the King a hundred and fiftie thousand Ducats yearelâ— towards the maintanance of his daughter That shee dying if the king had any other daughter hee should giue her to the Catholike king vpon the same condiâ—ions If hee had none then Charles should marrye with Renee Daughter to the deceased king To propound and conclude marriages so disproportionable of age is it not properly to mocke one an other Seeing that onely two yeares time bring forth occasions which make Princes to alter their courses whose wills are often inconstant This treaty was respectiuely sworne by both Kings who appointed an enteruiew at Cambray attending the which they sent their orders of knighthood one to an other And sence the Emperour ratified these conuentions but wee shall see small fruits theâ—eof France reaped an other benefit of this peace The Suisses seeing a surceasse of armes betwixt the Emperour and the King compounded as the former had doone That the Kâ—ng should paie vnto their Cantons within three moneths three hundred and fiftie thousand ducats and after that a perpetuall and annuall pension That the Suisses should furnish him whensouer hee demanded a ceraâ—ue number of men at his charge But diuersely for the eight Cantons bound themselues to furnish against all men indifferently and
of Hierges in Ardennes yet through the fauour and credit which Aimeries had with Charles of Austria and the greatest in his Court hee was releeued although hee had not appealed from the said sentence in time grounding the causes of his reliefe vpon the lets and hinderances hee had had during the former warres at the which hee had alwayes assisâ—ed in person So as a Commission being granted before the great Chancellor of Brabant and a day assigned to the heires of Symay 1521. to come to heare the reasons of Aâ—mâ—ries releefe and if neede were to see the former sentence giuen to their behoofeâ— reuoked They found this commission so vniust and vnreasonable seeing that both their father and they had beene in long and quiet possession of the said Towne and that this decree was not subiect to appeale as they repaired to Robert de la Marke Duke of Bouillon as to their Lord and Protector that with their right hee might defend the liberties and priuileges of his Duchie Robert discontented that his companie of men at armes had bin cassierd for the extorsions and robberies they had committed in Italie and else where had left the King and was retired to the Emperour But seeing that iustice was denied him as well for the priuate interest of puâ—â—ls whose vnkle and Tutor hee was hauing married their Aunt sister to the Prince of Symay hee made his peace with the King by the mediation of his wife and his sonne Fleuranges being daughter to the Earle of Brenne with the Kings mother A bold and insolent â—act Robert hauing assured his affaires with the King sent to defie the Emperour at Wormes where he had called a Diet of the Princes and free Townes of Germanie against the new-bred troubles by reason of Luther A bold attempt of a pettie Prince against an Emperour mightie in meanes men and courage A great riuer runs quietly betwixt the bankes that bound it but at the first breach it ouerflowes the whole Countrie so there is nothing more easie then to incense Princes but being once moued they are hardly appeased This defie giuen Fleuranges the eldest son of Robert notwithstanding the Kings expressed prohibition made leuie as well in France as in other places of three thousand foot and foure or fiue hundred horse with the which hee beseeged Vireton a small Towne in Luxembourg belonging to the Emperour But soone after he retired his armie by the Kings commaundement and dismissed it But their spleens were wonderfully incensed vpon new occasions The King for that the Emperour fayled in the payment of the pension for the Realme of Naples and in the restitution of Nauarre and withall his preferment to the Empire had greatly discontented him The Emperour was greeued for the enterprise of Nauarre and the attempt of the Duke of Bouillon being also well informed Lâ—os ordinary dissembling that the King sought the meanes to recouer the Realme of Naples Francis had sent a gentleman to the Pope to know when it should please him to performe his part for the execution of that which they had concluded togither the which his Maiestie knewe according to the disposition of Leo to bee more counterfeit then currant And Leo giuing to the gentleman a note of the horse foot and artillerie that was necessarie for this enterprise assigned the King two and twentie dayes to arme whilest the Venetians might enter into this League The Pope had no meaning that Naples should bee subâ—ect to the French If the King had not in the meane time neglected his affaires Leo had beene forced to runne another course And the Pope glad to haue some colourable shew of disdaine accuseth the King either to be carelesse or ill affected hauing not drawen the Venetians into the sayd League for the defence of Italie He complaines that his maiestie had not payed but the first moneth for the leuie of Suisses which they had beene forced to make against the Spaniard who a little before had inuaded the territories of the Church whereof the King should pay a moitie and makes a shew as if the King had treated some thing with the Emperour without his priuitie and to his preâ—â—dice Thus Leo seeming iustly dspleased receiued into Regium contrary to his agreement with the King all the banished men of Milan hee inuested Charles of Austria The Pope capitulates with the Emperour in the Realme of Naples made a defensiue League with him including the house of Medicis and the Florentines and deuising how to conquer Milan they agreed That Parma and Plaisance should remaine to the Church to hold them with the same rights it did before That Francis Sforce brother to Maximilian should bee put in possession of the Duchie of Milan as hauing right from his father and his brothers renunciatâ—on and that the Emperour should ayd the Pope against his subiects and feudataries namely to conquer Ferrara This mutuall resolution of allyance was a meanes by Gods prouidence to shew his wonderfull iudgements and a scourge to punish both French Italians and Spaniards for many yeares whereby followed so many euersions of Townes oppressions of people desolations of Prouinces and the death of so many men of valour La Marks estate ruined The Emperour in the meane time leuies a great armie of horse and foote vnder the command of Henry Earle of Nassau who tooke Longnes from Robert de la Mark rased the Towne and hanged the Captaine with twelue of the chiefe of his troupe The Captaine of Musancourt deliuered by some of his souldiers with the place to the said Earle escaped the gallowes at the intreatie of the chiefe of his armie but twentie of his Souldiers were hanged and the place likewise razed and spoiled to the ground About this time there was much controuersie touching the Duchie of Milan the Emperour pretending it to belong absolutely to him not onely by conquest but much rather by inheritance concerning which the most learned in the lawes of the Empire produced many and very probable reasons and arguments These two prises caused Fleuranges and Sansey his brother the sonnes of Robert to put themselues into Iametz with a resolution to die or to keepe it The Earle after foure dayes siege hauing seene the garrisons firme resolution raised his campe to take the way to Fleuranges The Germaines which kept it yeelded vp both the Towne and their Captaine the Lord of Iametz the sonne of Robert into the Earles hands who hauing ruined it did the like vnto Sansy Bouillon was afterwards yeelded vnto him by intelligence After this Robert obtained a truce of the Emperour for six weekes But the Emperour Charles dreamed of a more important warre If his spleene had beene onely against the house of La Marck why should he grant them a truce being almost ruined The Kings armie against the Emperour and being a conquerour and strong enough to subdue the said Robert why did he still increase his armie The King hauing
transported with ioy as he falls into a quotidian with a Catarre amidst all his iollitie the which carried him within three dayes after to the graue being the first of December This death did greatly impaire the Emperours affaires in Italy and bred new gouernments new Councels and a new estate of affaires in the Duchie of Milan The Cardinals of Medicis and Sion Alterations after this death went to assist at the election of a new Pope The imperialls reteined fifteene hundred Suisses and dismissed the rest The Lansequenets likewise departed The Florentine companies returned into Tuscanie Guy of Rangon lead part of those of the Church to Modena the other remained with the Marquis of Mantoua in the Duchie of Milan And the Duke of Ferrara making his profit of this occasion recouered with the liking of the inhabitants Bondene Final the mountaine of Modene and Garfagnane he tooke Lugo Bagnacaual and other Townes of Romagnia Likewise Francis Maria being expelled his Duchie of Vrbin by Leo 1522. and called home by the people recouered it in few dayes Our Commanders slept not but the chance was turned The Admirall of Bonnaue with three hundred Launces Frederic of â—ossoâ—e and Marc Anthonie Colonnet leading fiue thousand French and Italians Paâ—ma beseeged in vaine went to beseege Parma the which after many distresses incident to the Townes beseeged was pâ—eserued by the wise resolution and singular direction of Francis Guiciardin gouernour thereof In the meane time the Cardinalls at Rome did striue for Saint Peters chaire The Cardinall of Medicis for the reputation of his greatnesse for his reuenues and glory gotten in the Conquest of Milan had alreadie gotten the voices of fiâ—teene Cardinals But the rest could not endure two Popes togither of one familie which might haue beene a President to vsurpe a right of succession in the Popedome The most ancient Cardinals opposed themselues against his nomination euery man pretending that dignitie for himselfe which an other sought so greedily During their controuersies Cardinall Adrian Bishop of Derthuse borne at Trect and somet me scholemaster to the Emperour Charles was put in the election not with any intent to install him in the place of the deceassed but onely to spend that morning and by delayes coole the heat of the most violent sutors But the Cardinall of Saint Sixte hauing by a long 〈◊〉 amplified his vertues and knowledge some yeelded vnto him it may bee the Eâ—perour would haue beene displeased if they had reiected his election others followed them so as all the Cardinals agreeing A new Pope called Adrian the sixth by a common consent hee was created Pope when as he least dreamed of it being absent a stranger vnknowne hauing neuer seene Italie and without thought or hope euer to see it Being loth to change his name he was called Adrian the sixth But what shall this poore Fleming get to runne so far to sit in a chaire so much enuied He came from Spaine where the Emperour had made him gouernour in his absence to seeke his death at Rome He shall bee little esteemed during his Popedome and they will bee glad to send him speedily after his Predecessor The winter passed and our souldiars scattered their harnesse to arme againe The warre â—â—uiued the one sort to preserue their Conquests and the other to recouer their losses To this end the King sent Renè bastard of Sauoie Earle of Villars Lord Steward of France the Maâ—shall of Saint Chabannes Galeas of Saint Seuerin maister of his horse and the Lord of Montmorency newly created Marshall of France to make a leuie of sixteene thousand Suisses for to succour Lautrec And to crosse him the Emperour by meanes of the King of Englands money estranged from the loue of France sent Ierâ—sme Adorne to make a leuie of sixe thousand Lansquenets to put into Milan with Francâ—s Sforce Adorne coming to Trent vnderstood that the Milanois had alreadie entertained foure thousand foote with the which hee retired to Milan whilest the other sixe thousand did arme In the meane time there wanted no practises at Milan by Ierosme Moron and his partisans to kindle the peoples hatred against the French It is not alone in our late troubles that wee haue tried with what efficacie seditious sermons touch the peoples hearts Andrew Barbato an Augustine by profession preaching with a great concurse of people did wonderfully incourage them to defend their religion goods families liues and Countrie A vehement Preacher and gratious to the people leads them as hee pleaseth and it is the ordinarie mask of the wise men of this world to settle their affaires It is no lesse honour to preserue then to get Tenne thousand Suisses were alreadie come and Prosper Colonne to keepe the French from entring into Milan by the Castle and to furnish it with victuall and munition hee caused to bee made after the manner of the ancient Romaines without the sayd Castle betwixt the gates that go to Verceil and Come two trenches distant twentie paces one from another about a mile long and at the end of either of the sayd trenches a Caualier or Mount verie high and well furnished to indammage the ennemie with Cannon if hee approched on that side so as the succours could not enter nor the beseeged go forth Lautrec hauing by chance surprised and defeated the troupe of Lewis of Conzague repayred his Companies and the Venetians assembled theirs about Cremona who being ioyned with the Suisses passed the riuer of Adde the fiâ—st of March and Iohn de Medicis with them who perswaded by the Kings great and certaine entertainment was newly drawen to his seruice They march like men resolued to assaâ—â—e the rampaâ— but the trenches stay them the third day Marc Anthony Colonne and Camille bastard sonne to Iohn Iaques of Triuulce Milan beseeged walking togither in a house and deuising to make a mount to shoot from with their artillerie betwixt the enemies two trenches a voâ—ce of Cannon shot from the Towne did beate downe the sayd house and buried them in the ruines thereof Thus Lautrec despayring to take Milan by assault conuertâ—th all his thoughts to vanquish it in time by famine he wasts the Countrie stops the victual breaks the miâ—s and cuts off theiâ— water But not to fall into their hands whome they feare they dread not death The peoples hatred against the French and the desire of their new Duke whome they expected makes them to endure all distresses patiently Francis Sforce comes to Trent with six thousand Lansquenets who by the taking of the Castle of Croare hauing opened the passage of Po arriued without any let at Pauia The way was dâ—fficult from Pauia to Milan for at the first brute of their approch Lautrec went to lodge at Cassin and the Venetians at Binasque vpon the way to Pauia There fâ—ll out an accident which helpt Sforce The Marshall of Foix came out of France with money and some troupes of footmen Lautrec sent
Frederike of Bâ—ssole to receiue him into the estate of Milan with foure hundred Launces and seuen thousand Suisses and Italians Noâ—are taken being ioyned togither they went to Nouare and through the fauour of the Castle tooke it at the third assault with the slaughter of most that defended it A small gaine which shall cause a great losse For Lautrec wanting a great part of his forces hee gaue Sforce meanes to enter into Milan Pauia beseâ—ged in vainâ— with his Lansquenets and three hundred horse with an incredible ioy to the Milanois The comming of a new Prince is very pleasing to an estate whereby the people hope for ease Lautrec seâ—ing Sforce dislodged from Pauia and receiued into Milan resolues to beseege Pauia where the Marquis of Mantona commaunded wiâ—h two thousand â—oot and thre hundred horse Lautrec batteâ—s the Towne and makes a breach of thirtie fadâ—me hee giues two assauâ—ts and is repulsed There was a posterne in the Towne ioyn ng to the riuer of Tâ—sâ—n where they watred their horses which by reason of the riuer was ill garded whilest they did busie the Imperialls at the breach Saint Colombe had charge to passe the riueâ— at a foard with two thousand foot and Riberac and Rocheposay with foure hundred horse of the companies of Lautrec and the bastard of Sauoie who marched along the wall where there was no flankers should by the swiftnesse of their horses seize vpon the Posterne and â—old it vntiâ—l theiâ— foote came Riberac and Rocheposay execute their dessein they â—â—ter the Towne plant a Guidon vppon the posterne but Saint Colombe was content to bring his â—en to to the riuers side without wetting of his foote So that the Cittizeâ—s had leisure to come to succour it and to repulse our men who if they had beene followed had taken the Towne Riberac was slaine fighting and Rocheposay had a leg broken with a musket shot This attempt did wonderfully amaze the Inhabitants considering their want of men and munition and the Marquis made it knowne that without succors he should in the end bee forced to yeeld the Towne Prospâ—r knowing the danger sent twelue hundred Corses and Spaniards who marching by night speaking Gascon were taken for Gascons by the Venetians and passed theiâ— fiâ—st gards and meeting with some French scouts speaking Italian were taken for Italians So as deceiuing the companies by this Stratageme they passed without discouerie but very late by the horsemen who charging them behind slew some smal number The death of Riberac kinsman to Lautrec made him to double the furie of the Canon and all prepared for an assault when as Colonne fortified with Sforces troupes goes to field and comes to campe at Chartrousse three miles from the French What meanes then was there to giue an assault hauing a mightie armie behinde them and all things else succeeding crossely The money which Lescut had brought was spent and that which came from France was stayed in Arone by the Vicount Anchise who was sent to that end from Milan to Buste The continuall raine had ouer-flowed the riuer of Tesin and small brookes grew to be great riuers so as the victuals which came from Omeline to the campe could no more passe whereby they were forced to raise the siege and drawe towards Monce to enioy the commodities of Laudesan and Cremonois The enemie seeing the French armie take the way to Monce fearing they would recouer Milan went to lodge at Bicocque a Gentlemans house but of so great a circuit as twentie thousand men might easily be put in battaile vpon the way from Laude to Milan Without doubt the valour and wisedome of Prosper gaue the fiâ—st wound to the French affaires but the impatience of the Suisses did vtterly ruine them Their Colonnels gaue Lautrec to vnderstand that their companions were wearie of camping so long without any profit thâ—t they demand of three things the one eyther money leaue to depart or a battaile Our Commanders hoped by famine to driue Colonne out of his borrow And what reason was there to assaile a mightie enemie in a Forte intrenched with Trenches flanked with great platformes well furnished with artillerie But neither perswasions prayers promises nor authoritie could diuert them from their first resolution Seing then there was no other meanes to reteine them Lautrec forced to fight by the Suisses Lautrec resolued rather to hazard his armie by a battaile then to giue any occasion to be suspected of cowardise An vnfortunate condition of a commander who sees himselfe a slaue to those whom he should command and what a greefe is it to be forced to doe that which must needs bring shame and confusion but where force raigneth right hath no place The day of Quasimodo the armie marcheth towards Bicocque The marshall of Foix led the foreward Lautrec the Marshall of Chabannes the bastard of Sauoy and Galeas of Saint Seuerin the battaile Francis Maria Duke of Vrbin with the Venetian armie the reerward Count Peter of Nauarre marched before to make the way The Lord of Montmorency should assaile them on the one side with eight thousand Suisses Lescut with three hundred Launces and a squadron of French and Italian foote should charge at the Bridge entring into the enemies lodging and Pontdormy should marche before the Marshall of Foix with a troupe of horse to watch least the Imperials should come behinde and disorder the armie and likewise to succour where neede should require Besides force Lautrec vsed this pollicie to raise the men at armes to set red crosses vpon their Cassocks the marke of the imperiall armie in steed of a white the liuerie of France But the prouidence of Colonne made this deuise fruitlesse as we shall see On the other side Colonne had sent for Sforce who hauing sodenly assembled foure hundred horse and six thousand of the commons was set to garde the bridge and all the troupes were put in battaile vpon the Trench Montmorency accompanied with a gâ—eat number of the Nobilitie was come close to the enemies rampar intreating the Suisses to attend the Artillerie The battaile of Bicocquâ— and that the Marshall of â—oix should be ready to assaile them on the other side that Colonne being charged on all sides might be constrained to diuide his forces But a rash furie transporting the Suisses to their owne ruine all runne furiously to the enemies Fort. The Canon entertaines them before they approach and kills aboue a thousand of them A vollee of small shotte kills most of theiâ— Captaines and chiefe Souldiers and the Rampar being aboue a Pike in height stayes them sodenly The Earle of Montfort eldest sonne to the Earle of Laual Miolans of Sauoye Grauille brother to the Vidame of Chartres Roquelaure la Guiche the Lords of Tournon and Longa Launay a Gentleman of the Kings Chamber and many others dyed there Colonell Albert Peter who aboue all others thrust them into this furie suffred the paynes of his rashenesse
peeces Hereupon the English arriue at Calais The English land in France and at their first entry they become maisters of the Castle of Comtes betwixt Monstreuil and Hedin To preuent these incursions the Duke sent the foresaid Earles into the trench of Bologne Ardres was then ruined and desert who by the recouery of the said Castle put all to the sword they found within it except the Captaine and afterwards ouerthrew many other troupes that were dispersed in the land of Oye while the two armies English and Bourguignons assembled betwixt Ardres and S. Omer consulting vppon the first obiect of their forces Hedin seemed the easiest to be attempted yet it must needes cost blowes Hedin beseeged by the Imperialls and English The Lord of Biez commanded there with thirty men at armes and thirty Dead-paies Sercu with a thousand foote and La Lande with fiue hundred The battery continued fifteene dayes and a breach was made of forty fadome but no assault giuen the enemy beeing diuerted by continuall alarâ—â—es The Earles of Guise and Pont-dormy vnderstanding one day amongst others that foure hundred English were gone towards Biez and the Commander of Oison they part from Monstrueil with their companies and some of the Duke of Vendosmes they ouertake them charge them and kill or take them all Some fewe dayes after Pont-dormy incountring some other troupes which had burnt Fressin a house of his elder brothers Exploits of war he put them al to the sword Thus kept within their lodgings by continuall enterprises and afflicted with a generall flux which went through their army proceeding in part by the continuall â—aine after six weekes seege they raised their Campe with shame to march towards Dourlans which was not defensible At that time there was no Castle and from the mountaine where it is now built they discouered the towne on all sides The Earle of S. Paul preuented the enemy and least the enemy should make vse thereof hee spoyled the victualls and tooke off the gates then hee retyred to Corby to withstand the attempts of the English Then arriued the Marshall of Montmorency bringing with him the two hundred Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber with authoritye from his Maiestie to rule and commaund at Corby if the enemy did beseege it But there was too great resolution in Corby the wayes were too foule the infirmities were many in the English and Bourguignons armies and winter approching it was about all Saints inuited theÌ„ to set saile Being able to do no worse they burnt Dourlans and the Villages about and retyred into Arthois putting the Bourguignons into Garrison and the English tooke their way for England Let vs conclude this yeare with an ignominious and fatall losse for the Christians The English turne hoâ—e Soliman did not forget to make his profit of these horrible confusions who by the painefull and constant siege for the space of eight moneths brought the Isle of Rhodes vnder his obedience Rhodes taken by the Turke where to the great contempt of our Religion he made his entrie the day of the birth of our Lord and Sauiour 1123. In the beginning of the following yeare The Casteâ—l of Mâ—ielan yâ—eâ—ded the Castell of Milan prest with diseases and want of all things compounded to depart with bag and baggage if they were not releeued by the fourth of Aprill But death preuenting most part of the garrison hindred them from enioying any benefit of the Capitulation At the same time Liuet a soldiar of the garrison of Guise treated with the Duke of Ascot to deliuer him the Towne but not according to the buyers intent by the consent of Nicholas of Bussu Lord of Longueuall Captaine of the Castell The party was well made and the plot cunningly layed to take the marchants when they should come for their possession The Lord of Fleuranges with three hundred men at armes and foure or fiue thousand foote should lie betwixt Auennes and Guise to stoppe the enemies retreat The Duke of Vendosme with fiue hundred men at armes foure thousand Germains and foure thousand French should cut off their way betwixt the Abby of Bonhourie and Guise so as the enemy seeking to retire had the one before him and the other behind The chiefe of all their troupes would be partakers of this enterprise When as newes comes vnto them that the King who would countenance this exploite with his presence was come in post to Genlis neere vnto Chaunis This made them turne head without any effect giuing him the strappadoe that sold it was their guide the which Longueual requited with the like to the hostages which the Duke of Arescot had giuen him for the performance of couenants His maiestie to make vse of these troupes which hee had assembled commanded them to victuall Terouenne the which â—iennes beseeged with fifteene thousand Flemings and sixe hundred English the King had a little before repayred it Bailleul vpon the hill a strong place betwixt Arras and Dourlans and defended by three hundred Spaniards Bailleul beseeged by tâ—e Frâ—ncâ— was a hinderance to this desseine The Duke of Vendosme tooke charge of the armie whereof the Duke of Norfolke led the Germains the Lords of Sercu Bournonuille la Hergerie Fontâ—ins and Heilli commanded the French Brion had foure hundred archers of the Kings gard and la Fayete commanded the artillery he made his approches at noone day without any trenches but with the losse of three gunners that were slaine and the Lord of Piennes shot into the arme hee battred it the same day gaue them their liues that were within it and razed the Castell The enemy lodged in Andincton and Dellente halfe a League from Therouenne and le Lude Marshall of the Campe hauing lodged his army at Fouquemberg to haue victualls more commodiously from Montreuil and to keepe them from the enemy did cut off the way to Saint Omer and the garrison of Terouenne that of Aire â—iennes seeing them approch so neere dislodged in the night and went to campe at Elfaut The Duke of Vendosme followed with an intent to fight whilest that Brion marcking directly to Terouenne releeued it with such victualls as were brought from Montreuil The Earle of Dammartin and the Lord of Esguilly began the skirmish when a soden feare surprising the Flemings puts them in route towards the riuer of Coldes where many were drowned in the passage not able to be stayed although no man followed them for that Brion returning from Terouenne The Flemingâ— put to â—ouâ— brought commandement from the King to the Duke of Vendosme not to hazard a battayle but to keepe his forces whole for the voiage of Italie which his maiesty pretended to make in person But he must likewise prouide for the frontier especially for Terouenne being onely refresht for some dayes The victuall and carriages being ready and the troupes camping before Andincton vpon the riuer of Lis the foreward led by the Marshall of Montmorency was
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
commonly the better The 17. of Februarie Iohn de Medicis to be reuenged of a disgrace which his troupes had receyued by a former sallie layed a bayte for them of the Towne seconded with a double ambush the one in the trenches nere vnto the Towne the other farther of The Spaniards drawen on by their former victories pursuing them which had charged them they discouer the farthest Ambush and began to retire when as the nerer cuttâ—â—g off their way putts them all to the sword But this small victory did greatly preiudiâ—e the generall Iohn de Medicis had the boane of his heele broken with a shot and was carried vnto Plaisance His troupes were so dispersed after his hurt as the armie was deminished aboue two thousand and his absence did coole his soâ—diaâ—s courage and heat in skirmishes and assaults for he was a great soldiar and the good successe of a battaile doth partly depend of the presence of such personages The Imperialls had no more meanes to maynteine themselues within their fort want of money had soone driuen them forth yet they considered that by their retreat Pauia would be lost and they were out of hope to preserue the rest which remayned in the Duchie of Milan To assaile the French within their lodging were a â—angerous and vaine attempt Also the enemies resolution was not to giue battaile vnlesse â—ome aduantage were offred them but onely to retire their men that were within Pauia and to man it with newe troupes the which they could not do without passing in vâ—â—e of the French Caâ—pe They therefore prepare themselues to two effects eyther to execute their desseine or to fight if the King issuing out of his fort would stoppe their passage The night before Saint Mathias day the 25. of February the day of the Emperour Charles his natiuity they disquiet and tire our men with many false alaâ—ums Batâ—aille of Pauia and make two squadrons of horse and foure of foote The first vnder the commande of the Marquis oâ— Guast consisting of sixe thousand Lansquenets Spaniards and Italians The secoÌ„d vnder the Marquis of Pesquaire The third forth of Lansquenets led by the viceroy and Duke of Bourbon They come to the Parke wall cast downe about threescore â—â—dome enter within it take the way to Mirabel leauing the Kings army vpon their left hand The artillery planted in a place of aduantage doth much indomage their battaâ—lons and forceth them to runne into the valley for shelter Here impatience transports the King He sees the enemy disordred and thinkes they are amazed moreouer he had intelligence that the Duke of Alanson had defeated some Spaniards that would haue passed on the right hand and had taken from them foure or fiue Cannons Thus the King loosing his aduantage seekes his enemies and passing before his owne Cannon hinders their execution The Imperialls desired nothing more then to haue the King out of his forte and to be coâ—ered from his artillery They now turne head against him which was directed to Mirabell The King supported with a battaillon of his Suisses beeing his chiefe strength marched directly against the Marquis of Saint Ange who ledde the first of the horsemen ouerthrowes them killes many and the Marquis himselfe But oh villanie The Suisses in steed of charging a battallion of the Emperours Lâ—nsquenets which did second their men at armes they wheele about and go to saue tâ—em selues at Milan The Marquis of Pescara came to charge the King with his battaâ—â—ons Francis Brother to the Duke of Lorraine and the Duke of Norfolke who lâ—d about fiue thousand Lansquenets marched resolutly against him but they are sodâ—â—â—â— inuironed with two great battallions of Germains defeated and cut in peeces 〈◊〉 Suisses thus retired the Lansquenets lost the whole burthen of the battaile lay vpon the King so as in the end being hurt in the legge face and hand his horse slaine vnder him charged on all sides defending himselfe vnto the last gaspe he yeelded vnto the Viceroy of Naples who kissing his hand with great reuerence receiued him as prisoner to the Emperour At the same instant the Marquis of Guast had defeated the horse that were at Mirebel and Anthony de Leue issuing out of Pauie charged our men behinde Thus seeing the pittifull estate of the Kings person all giue way all seeke to saue themselues by flight The Duke of Alanson seeing no hope of recouerie preserues the rereward in a manner whole Slâ—ine in the battaile and passeth the riuer of Tesâ—n The vantgard for a time maintayned tâ—e fight but in the ende it shronke by the death of the Maâ—shall of Chabannes This day depriued vs of a great number of the chiefest Noblemen of France amongest the which the Marshalls of Chabannes and Foix the Admirall of Bonniuet Lâ—wis of Tremouille about threescore and fifteene yeares old a worthy bedde for so valiant a Nobleman whose Councell deserued to be followed Galeas of Saint Seuerin master of the â—orâ—e Francis Lord of Lorraine the Duke of Norfolke the Earle of Tonnerre Chaumont Soâ— to the great master of Amboise Bussy of Amboise the Baron of Buzansois Beâ—uprâ—â—â— Marafin the chiefe Quirie of the Kings stable and about eight thousand men The bastard of Sauoie Lord Steward of France died of his wounds being prisoner There were taken Henry King of Nauarre The Eaâ—le of Sâ—int Paul Lewis Lord of Neuers Fleuranges sonne to Robert de la Mark the Marshall of Montmorency Laual Brion Lorges la Rochepot Monteian Annebault Imbercourt Frederic of Bossole la Roche Du Maine la Mâ—â—lleray The Regâ—nts foreâ—ight Montpesat Boissy Curton Langey and many others Of the enemy there died about seauen hundred fewe men of Marke besides the Marquis of Saint Ange Triuulce and Chandions who remayned at Milan aduertised of the ruine of their army returned with their men in to France so as the very day of the battaile all the Duchie of Milan was freed from the French forces The next day the King was led to the Castell of Pisqueton vnder the gard of Captaine Alarson alwaies intreated according to the dignity of a royall person but so farre forth as the quality of a priâ—oner would permit The Duke of Albanie was farre ingaged in the realme of Naples and all passages by land were by this disgrace stopt To drawe him out of danger the Regent mother to the King giuing order for the affaires of the realme sent Andrew Dorie generall of the Kings gallies vnto him with la Fayete the Viceadmirall beeing at Marseâ—â—les who without any losse of men but of some â—couts chased by the Colonnois euen to the very gates of Rome returned safely into France The estate seemed nowe neere a shipwracke as well by the imprisonment of the head as by the death of many worthy personages who might haue serued greatly in the preseruation thereof But God by many corrections would often chastise France but neuer ruine it The Kiâ—g of Englaâ—d
men of warre should yeeld and deliuer vppe their enseigns guidones banderolles armes horses and baggage but such as had commande might eueryone carrie away a horse or a moyle at their choise The French army whoâ—ly â—â—ined That the strangers should not beare armies against the Emperour for six monethes So all the companie were defeated all the Captaines dead taken or fled and this accord was a conclusion or â—eale of the misery of the French in the realme of Naples and a confirmation of the Spaniards greatnesse in Italie Things hauing thus passed the Marquis was â—arâ—â—ed sicke in a Lâ—tter to Naples where within fewe daies after hee died During the â—eegâ— and after there died the Earles of Lautrec and Vaudemont Charles Prince of Nauâ—rre Candalles the Barons of Grandmont Buzansois de Conty the Lord of Touâ—non and his brother The nobâ—e men that died at the seege of Naples Claude of Eâ—â—ampes Lord of la Ferte Nabert Charbonnieres la Vall a Dâ—ulphinâ—is â—ruffy Moriac â—O Pomperant Montdragon Louppé Cornillon Grutture Maunourier the elder Iarnac Bâ—â—iuet Hughe Earle of Pepoli Cont Wolfe with so great a number of others as of so manie men at armes there remained not a hundred and of so many thousand of foote there hardly escaped foure thousand but let vs see the successe of our forces in the estâ—te of Milan The Duke of Brunswike hauing passed the riuer of Adice the x. of May with ten thousand Lansquenets and sixe hundred horse well armed hee marched to the succour of Naples And the King to crosse his desseins opposed the Earle of Saint Paul The estate of Milan brother to the Duke of Vendosme with fiue hundred men at armes fiue hundred light hoâ—se vnder the commande of Boissy six thousand foote led by Lorges and three thousand Lansquenets by Montiean The Earle had commandement from the King to 〈◊〉 this Germaine Duke at the heeles if hee directed his course to Naples and to engage him betwixt the two armies but necessarie prouisions for his troupes causing the Earle to make a fruitlesse stay at Ast gaue the Duke libertie to take by composition Pescara Riuolte Lunate and almost all the other places vpon the Lake of Gardâ— This little successe drewe him to the seege of Laude but in vaine the valour of the beseeged the plague among the beseegers the policie of Anthonie de Leue who would haue no companions of the bootie nor so great forces as might prescribe him a lawe in his gouernment tooke from them all hope to recouer any money considering the pouertie of Milan and the difficultie of victualls whereof there was great want in Lombardie the Lansquenets mutyning returned home in disorder the 13. of Iuly The Earle beeing thus freed from this throne and ioyned with the Dukes of Vrbin and Milan recouered what the Imperialls had seized on and all that they held betâ—ixt the Po and the riuer of Tesin vnto Pauia which then obeyed the Emperour for after the passage of Lautrec to Naples Anthonie de Leue aduertiâ—ed that it was carelesly kept by Peter of Lungene with foure hundred horse and a thousand Venetian foote and by Hannibal Pissinard a Cremonois with three hundred foote hee scaled it in tâ—e night and surprised it by assault Biagras and Arone were by the same meanes brought vnder his obedience The confederats meaning was to assaile Milan hotlie but a continuall raine breakes their way to the Port of Verceil by the which they should enter so as they change aduise and went to campe before Pauâ—a They battred it with twentie Cannons and made a reasonable breath where they disputed who should haue the point of the assault the French and the Venetians affecting this honour equally A braue act of Lorges which caused The lot fell to the Venetians who gaue it but skiâ—mishing coldly and farre off Lorges mooued â—ith choller and impatiencie to see them so faintly pursue the aduantage which fortune had given them thrusts himselfe betwixt them and the breach and takes it by force before the Venetians could approch Florimond of Chailly and Gransay who did second Lorges on eyther side if neede should bee were there slaine and the enseigne which marched before them Peter of Birague died being shot in the thigh The taking of Pauia There were slaine within about seauen hundred almost all Lansquenets The towne being taken the Castell yeelded by composition But this victorie is crossed with a notable losse The plague was great at â—enâ—s and for this reason the Towne was almost desolate Andrew Dorie imbraceth this occasion hee approcheth neere the Towne with some gallies enters it with 〈◊〉 resistance ruines the Chastelet spedilie and in the end â—eceiues it by a compâ—sitâ—â—â— made with Theodore Triuulce being vnfurnished of money and meâ— The Genouois being restored to their liberty raze the Chastelet establish a 〈◊〉 forme of gouernment name a Councell of foure hundred Cittizens by whome 〈◊〉 the officers and dignities of the Cittie should be chosen they abrogate the 〈◊〉 whereby all gentlemen were excluded a good expedient to bannish all 〈◊〉 they reserue in their important affaires the preheminence which Aâ—drew Dorie had deserued in recompence of the libertie which hee had purchased for them 〈◊〉 râ—couered from the Fâ—ench who neyther medling with the election of their Duke nor any other magistraâ—â— neyther yet with the gouernment of the treasor made his authoritie lesse lâ—â—â—full and this newe policie more pleasing Afterwards they tooke Sauonne and the better to hold it in subiection they ruined the fort and filled vp the hauen wâ—th stones The Earle of Saint Paul relying on the word of some Cittizens who promised to giue him meanes to surprise the Towne parted with speed out of the Dâ—chie of Mâ—â—an with three thousand foote and some horse to second them but hauing no 〈◊〉 of victualls but for foure and twentie houres and no artillery with him all turned to smoake and he retyred into Alexandria to winter the rest of his troupes his 〈◊〉 being alreadie retired and the French halfe diminished of their numbers 〈…〉 of pay The spring being come the Earle of Saint Paul goes to field with those small troupes he could gather togither he takes Mortare a strong towne well flanked with double ditches full of water Nauare abandoned by Conte Philippin Tormiel Vigeue and almost all other places on this side the riuer of Tesin yet all this was nothing seeing the Towne and Castell of Milan with other chiefe places were in the Emperours power The Dukes of Vrbin and Milan aduertised that the French army kept the field came and ioyned with them at Marignan yet all these armies vnited were not sufficient to assaile Milan the Venetians hauing not the moiâ—ie of twelue thousand men which they should entertaine by the articles of the League Moreouer Anthonie de Leâ—â— was newely releeued with three thousand Spaniards which came from Naples They resolue therefore that to cut
in steed of making his entry into the Realme shall shamefully make him retire into Castille Manye inticements drawe him into France Wee haue had said hee almost for these twenty yeares a continuall victory against the enemy The Duchie of Miâ—an which we now possesse The Emperorâ— conceit of his pasâ—age into France is a certain testimony of our triumphs we haue reason to retaine the same resolution in this warre and the same hope which conquerors ought to haue and leaue vnto the French terror and dispaire which commonly doth accompany the vanquished We are superiors in number men of better constitution more practised in the art of warre and leauing some part of our forces on this side the mountaines we haue sufficient remaining to incounter the enemies power But that which will giue vs the victory we march against one that hath broken his faith the iudicious reader may consider which of these two Princes had most right whether the Emperour taking vpon him the protection of the Duke of Sauoye or the King seeking his right by force of armes which he could not obtaine by reason from hiâ— Vncle Doubt not but we haue God for vs he is a iust Iudge and a rigorous reuenger of the breach of faith Moreouer let vs not feare that the king of France can fortifie himselfe on this side the Alpes he wiâ—â— prepare all his forces against this armie but I haue an other ready to inuade Picardy and besides tâ—e Empresse prepares one in my kingdomes of Spaine which shall come by Laâ—guedoc to iâ—yne with mee I leuy an otâ—er to assaile Champagne and Bourgorgne in the hottest of these warres the which shall performe as much for my seruice as tâ—e rest Hauing so great pâ—eparatiues and in so maâ—y placeâ— and the king so surprised as he cannot â—n time assemble sufficient forces to encounter so many armies it is impossible but on some one side we should make a paâ—sage by force euen into the heart of his Realme Wee haue good intelligences and manage great practiâ—es This spake the Emperour But Doest thou know the decres of heauen saith the Eternall reprehending man and wilt thou dispose of the gouernment thereof vpon earth What were these great practises and secret intelligences which the Emperour vaunted to haue in France A politike Commaunder doth commonly vse this kinde of speech to giue courage to his men and breede iealousie and distrust in his enemye against his subiects Hee had some secret practiser vppon the Towne of Langres bâ—t the Inhabitants were too faithfulâ— to their King and since in these latter dayes haue giuen sufficient testimony of their obedience to the Crowne Some helâ— that the Marquis of Salusses had partakers of his treachery and William Dâ—ke of Bauiere said oâ—enly that many in France holding the same party would discouer themselues at need The death of Fâ—anciâ— the Daulâ—â—in poâ—â—oned But whatsoeuer it were that which gaue a more liuely impression Francis Daulphin of Viennois the Kings eldest sonne whom his maiâ—stie going from Lions to see his army which he ment to oppose against the Emperour had left sick at Tournon dies the fourth day of his sicknesse being about tâ—eâ—ty yeares old bred vp by his father in siâ—gular expectation of all the world to proue in â—ime a great and most excellent Pâ—ince And Sebastian Earle of Monte-câ—câ—llo found guilty of poison and for that cause was drawne in peeces with foure horâ—es within Lions had by his confession declared that the Emperour had once enquired If he knew the order and manner of the kings eating and drinking An attempt so wicked as it is scarse credible that so wretched and damnable a treason should enter into the heart of so generous a Prince Notwithstanding when Don Ferdinand of Gonzague presented the sayd Sebastian to the Emperour saying that he was ready to execute that which hee had promised vnto him and to Anthony de Leue if the desseine extended vpon any places of the French obedience why did he informe himselfe of the Kings eating and drinking Besides during these practises why did Don Lopes of Sora Ambassador fâ—r the Emperour at Venice inquire who should reigne in France and against whome the Emperour should pursue these wars in case the King and his children should die If he had not bin acquainted with some fatall practise against the said Priâ—ces Thus the Emperour resolute to passe against the opinion of the clearest sighted as he afterwards confessed vnto the King with his owne mouth who hauing till then seeâ—ed to follow Councell did now rashly follow his owne head and now by diuers and many expeditions of diuision of places offices Captaineshippes gouernments gifts of Townes and Castells deuouring by presumption the goods of the Kings subiects and seruants hee left ten thousand men to continue the seege of Turin and for the affaires of Piedmont hee diuided his armie into three bands for the greater commoditie of the passage and appointed their Rendezuous at Nice and there abouts In the first were the men at armes with the Lansquenets of the Lord of Thamise conducting the artillerie and the baggage who tooke their way by the riuer of Genes In the second Don Ferdinand of Gonsague The Emperouâ—s passage into Prouence generall of the light horse and with them some Neapolitane men at armes the Lords of Iselsthein Dietriâ— Spech Wolfe Dietric of Kuttringhem Colonells of the Reistres then the Marquis of Guast with the Spaniards and the Emperours household and at their tayle Anthonie de Leue with the Lansquenets of Marc Ebensthein after whome marched the Emperour in the midest of a troupe of Spaniards followed by the Lansquenets of Gaspar of Fronsberg taking the direct way froÌ„ Fossan to Nice In the third were the Italians which tooke their way by Cony On the other side the King made his necessarie prouisions at Lions and prouiding for all parts where the enemy might land hee sent Claude of Sauoie Earle of Tende and the Lord of Bonneuall his Lieutenants generall in that army to ioyne with William Earle of Furstemberg Colonnel of his Lansquenets other Captaines placed towards Cisteron The Kings order against the Empeour vpon the passages of Roquesparuiere Terreneuue and other approches to spoile the corne eyther standing or in the barne to drawe all that might be into strong places to beate downe all ouens and milles which might any way helpe the enemie to burne the horsemeat to beate out the heads of their wine vessells if they did not speedily retire them and to cast corne into their wells to corrupt the waters All the people both great and small were so wonderfully affected to the publike good as euery man forgets the greefe of his priuat losse The Lords of Mas Calds Carses and many others pricke them forward by their example themselues setting fire on their corne barnes and mills and causing fellowes to drinke their wine And for that the King had not yet all
his forces vnited to present himselfe with honour and reason in persoâ— before the Imperialls his maiesty appointed the Lord of Montmorency at that time Lord Steward Marshall of France his Lieutenant generall as well on this side as beyond the Alpes to seize vpon Auignon But for that the King would consult with him more at large of these great affaires he sent Robert Steward Lord of Aubigny Marshall of France to that ende with eight thousand Suisses who kept the enemy from the sayd towne Montmorency hauing in Auignon imparted to the Marshall d' Aubigny and other Commanders the meanes which seemed most conuenient for the managing of this warre hee came to Aix vewed thesituation of the place and finding it hard to fortifie by reason of certaine little hills neere at hand which looking into the Towne Aix abandoned might serue as a Caualier or Mount for the enemie to plant his ordinance on hee caused all that might be to bee transported razed the portalls and such defences as it had and abandoned it leauing it emptie and vnprofitable for the enemy The Emperour was nowe in the plaine of Cannes and the next day Don Fernand Gonsague who led the foreward should aduance with eighteene hundred horse and six thousand Lansquenets whereof the master of the Campe marched sometimes three or foure Leagues before the whole army Montiean a hardie and aduenturous Knight seeking oportunity in the beginning of this warre to do the King some notable seruice resolued to see if hee could surprise this Master of the Campe. Boisy no lesse couetous of glorie would bee his Companion in this enterprise they part with about eight score horse and three hundred foote and encounter Don Fernand with his horsemen who came to take lodging for the forward in the Towne of Luc on this side the riuer of Argence and gaue him an alarme but vnable to fight with so greâ—t a troupe they sound the retreat and all tired come about the shutting of the euening to Brignoles Don Fernand aduertised by them that went and came of the small number of our men takes a number of choise men marcheth speedily after them 〈…〉 all the rest of his forces to follow hee passeth on the one side of â—rigâ—oles 〈…〉 a great ambush where our men should passe the next day and doth 〈…〉 in betwixt his troupe and the ambush at the breake of day hee chargeth 〈…〉 village some Barricadoes which the Captaines had made stay them 〈…〉 arme and goe to horse backe The defeat taâ—ing of Monâ—iean Boisâ— they kill some at the first and loose aboue â—ortâ—e â—â—â—â—iean and Boisy take the field they place Caâ—taine â—artis with hâ—s 〈…〉 the wings of their horsemen marching close couered with their 〈…〉 Aix maintaining still the shock of the enemie they kill and hurt many in 〈…〉 wayes whereas the enemy could not stretch forth his troupes 〈…〉 the open champain assailed by their whole force charged by the 〈…〉 one of their flankes the Lansquenets approching this present supply 〈…〉 to the enemie and the perill without hope of fâ—ccour mâ—kes the French 〈◊〉 faint they all giue way all are ouerthrowne and of all this troupe but three men at armes escaped but were slaine or taken Montieâ—n Boisy the oâ—her Capâ—â—iâ—eâ— and many Gentlemen which had followed them desiâ—ous to make proâ—â—â— of their persons are taken prisoners There were slaine of the enemies besides tâ—e wounded sixe score men and two hundred horse but the number preuaiâ—ed aboue valour The Emperour hearing of this victory did not forget to make a triumph pubâ—ishing it throughout all the world as if he had defeated all the Kings Foreward Withâ—ut doubt this lightnesse allowed by Montmorency at the importunate request of the vndertaker purchased to the enemie those which were doubtfull and vnceâ—â—â—â—ne what partie they should take confirmed his adherents and strack 〈◊〉 iâ—to them that were contrarie This first incounter might giue courage to the Impeâ—â—â—l to seeke the Constable in Auignon yet he sees no reason to hazard a battaile in open fiâ—â—d before hee had sufficient forces to encounter so great a power To put 〈◊〉 â—â—to Auignon were to hazard himselfe in a Towne not defensible and hardly to be â—ortâ—fied so â—peedily as necessitie required Marseilles was the onely fronter Towne sufficientlie furnished with all things necessarâ—e to endure an Imperiall siege but to leaue all the rest of the way open to tâ—e enemy had beene to giue him meanes to â—ortâ—fie on eyther side of the â—iâ—er of Rosâ—â— at his pleasure and to draw vpon him without resistance a flourishiâ—g and 〈◊〉 armie It was therefore better to let the Emperouâ— knâ—w that for an vnfortuâ—â—te encouâ—ter they had neyther lost courage nor hope with tâ—iâ— dâ—ssâ—ine Montmorâ—â—cy lodgâ—th his men in field and chooseth the place for his Campe betâ—ixt the riuers 〈◊〉 Rosne and Durâ—nce the one did furnish his armie with victâ—als and oâ—her câ—mmâ—ditiâ—s the other â—erued as a Rampar and barre against the enemies â—pproach Aâ—d to 〈◊〉 off all meaâ—es and libertie to runne to forrage to learne newes of the Fâ—â—â—ch Campe and to sound the passage of the riuer at his pleasure without contâ—â—dâ—â—tion hee pâ—aced garâ—isons in all Townes and places to bee held on the other side of the water The King on the other side was at Valence where like the Maister of a ship commanding from the Helme to the â—rowe hee sent dayly new forces to the Coâ—stâ—bâ—e forâ—â—fied the Towâ—e and aâ—â—embled such a power as if any mischance had ruiâ—ed this fiâ—st armie the Emperour had had the King presently ready to giue â—im a second battaile Let vs now change our Climate and make an escape into Picâ—rdie Heâ—ry Earle of Nâ—ssau The Eaâ—le of Naâ—â—au in Picardie and Adrian of Croy Earle of Reux Lord Steward of the Emperours house being entred into Picardie did at the same instant spoile all places â—n their passage which were of weake resistance but besides the taking of Bray vpon Somme they did more great exploites but being repulsed from before Saint Riquier they lost some of their Artillerie and a great number of their men for a â—leight enterprise â—harles Duke of Vendosme with three hundred men at armes and six thousand foote hauing forced them to repasse the water reuenged the wrong they had done vpon the â—â—â—ntier hee tooke and spoiled some small Townes Castles and Villâ—ges vâ—on their Mâ—rches But seeing the enemy fortified with two thousand men the which he hoped to surprise at Marolles an open Towne hee repassed the water not to hazard his forces rashly attending the comming of Claude Duke of Guise his brother in lawe Among other places vpon the frontier not defensible hee had appointed to abandon Guise The Earle aduertised by his spies of the hast they made to carry away their moueables and victualls and to driue away their cattell and that the garriâ—on of the Castell carefull to free the Towne and to beat
place of his named Baux The King gaue money to repaire the losses Amongst his chiefe champions the Emperour lost Anthonie de Leue Marc Busthein another Captaine of Lansquenets his kinsman the Count Horne Baptista Castalde and many other men of accoumpt Let vs apply here that holy Oracle speaking of Senacherib King of the Assirians Thy bragging hath come vnto mine ears I will put my ring into thy nostrils and my bitt into thy mouth and will make thee returne the way thou camest And Thus sayed the Eternall touching the King of the Assirians he shall not enter into this Cittie neither shall â—e shoot an arrow therein he shal not present himselfe before it with shield nor cast c. Behold the Earle of Prouence in imagination who had lately threatned the Prouinces of this Realme with fire and sword and swallowed vp the Crowne thereof by presumption ashamed and confounded in his retreat hauing lost halfe of his troupes turmoyled by the pesants who vsing the armes of his sicke men and of those that were dead seize vppon the passages and straights beat downe the bridges vpon the riuers which were then very violent charge them in front in flanke and behind and the light horsmen led by the Earle of Tende Bonneual Langey and Iohn Paul de Cere follow them so close as they had no meanes to forrage leauing the waies from Aix to Freius couered with dead carcases and men languishing harnes lances pikes harguebuses and all other armes pel mel on a heape The King resolued to march after them and wheresoeuer he should ouertake them to giue them battale and so passe into Italie where at that instant he had a mightie armie in field But he is diuerted from his desseine by letters from the Marshall of La-Marke Hee had no more meanes to hold Peronne long the walls were beaten downe in many places famine pressed the beseeged they wanted harguebusiers and poâ—der So the King caused some part of his men at armes to march speedily and tenne thousand French foote Of the Earle of Nassau resolute to follow after by great marches to raise the seege or to recouer the Towne before the enemie should fortifie it and furnish it with victuals God would preserue him from this toyle and giue him lâ—isure to take breath The Imperials being alwayes repulsed with losse of many and sundry assaults the myne wherin they had long labored prouing fruitlesse besides the death of Phillip of Boâ—linâ—illiers Earle of Dammartin ouerwhelmed in the ruines thereof in a countermine he made to blow vp the enemies myne whose death was reuenged with the slaughter of three hundred Lansquenets and twentie of their men at armes at the last assault giuen by the Tower that was vndermyned and the Towne being releeued with fiue hundred shot euery one carrying ten pounds of powder entring by meanes of a General alarum giuen by the Duke of Guise with two hundred horse and al the trompets he could recouer they dislodged in the night about the middest of September continuing their burning as they had begun France by the grace of God is now free from enemies But nothing is now perfectly happie There are crosse newes which trouble the Court. The English Ambassadors that were neere the King ill affected to his Maiestie and without doubt no faithfull seruants to their master giue him intelligence That the Emperour seeing that hee could neither by spoyle or any other meanes prouoke the King to battaile made shew of a retreat to draw him to poursue him and so to fight or else retyre to take a geeater leape and to inuade Prouence sodenly when as the French forces should bee farthest off That the Emperour himselfe the better to colour his departure gaue out that famine and mortalitie had diminished his forces of one third part and the rest had runne the like danger if he did not retired yet notwithstanding he had no such want of victuals as was supposed and since his comming out of Italie had not lost aboue two thousand men That since the taking of Montiean and Boisy no man durst giue any alarume to the Emperours Campe nor yet follow it at their dislodging These impostures and false impressions had wrought such effects with the King of England as Pomeray being sent from the King to three ends To satisfie him of the truth touching the enterprise of Prouence To procure his liking of the marriage of Magdaleine a daughter of France with the King of Scots and to learne the King of Englands intention vppon the motion before made touching the marriage of the Duke of Orleans with Marte of England daughter to the said King hee had much a doe to alter him any thing from the opinion hee had conceiued But the marriage of Scotland did so incense the King of England as hauing layed open vnto Pomeray his greefes and the causes of his discontent vpon this article hee sent him backe without any conclusion being loath to haue his neighbour so highly allyed The cause of warre betwixt England and France There comes an other matter of greater importance the Country of Tarenâ—aise in Sauoy had lately shaken off the French yoake To reduce it to his obedience the King sent the the Earle of Saint Paul Duke of Esâ—outeuille by his wife with French troupes of horse and foote and the Earle of â—â—rstemberg with his companie of Lansquenets to whome for the purging of their offence the Country was abandoned to the spoile with the Towne of Conâ—â—ans Beeing thus punished they afterwards performed the dutie of subiects and the Duke returned into France with much honour and glory Let vs now discharge our promise and conclude the yeare with the exploits of the assembly made at Mirandole by the Italian Captaines pensioners to the King Their first desseine was vpon Genes and to this effect they came speedily and closely hoping eyther by surprise or by the partisans of Caesar Fregose to become masters of the Towne but a Luquois of the troupes of Cont Guy stealing away in the night had discouered the enterprise to the Cittizens So the Earle retyring his campe halfe a League from Genes betwixt two mountaynes hee suddenly caused many ladders to bee made which prouing too short made the successe fruitlesse These Captaines had no Cannon to make any batterie moreouer Turin being beseeged required their presence They therefore turne head The Imperialls aduertised of the Earles approch abandon the seege and leaue the field at the deuotion of this newe army The Lord of Annebault seeing the Campe disâ—odged sallies out after them and in passing takes the Tower vpon the bridge of Pau by composition the taking whereof the Emperour had so highly commended and the Lord of Burie tooke Groillan the come and wine that was found there serued to refresh Turin The Towne of Quiers was taxed by the Imperialls at fiue and twentie thousand Crownes but whilest the soldiars were busie to force the Inhabitants to pay this
summe Annebault sent certaine Captaines who surprised the Towne from foure hundred soldiars which kept it in the Emperours name Montcallier sent presently to offer obedience and the Castell of Carignan yeelding did furnish Turin with about three thousand sackes of meale packt vp readie to send to the Campe. Salusses Quieras and many other places of the Marquisate and of Piedmont did homage vnto the victors The King sent to refresh Annebault and his troupes both with horse and foote hee drewe them out of Turin sending two thousand French â—oote vnder the Command of Captaine René and la Godiniere and two thousand others vnder the Cheualier Birague and for gouernour he sent Burie to whome he gaue the company of men at armes which Francis of Salusse being reuolted did command But behold an act as remarkable as it is rare proceeding from a singular affection and what will not a braue Knight do for his mistres Vnexpected succorâ— froâ— Scotland Vpon the first newes of the Emperours descent into Prouence the King of Scotland did arme sixteene thousand men to come and succour the King without his request or priuitie saies the Originall and nothing stayed him from comming in time vpon the generall hope of a battaile but a contrary winde which had put him backe twise The King had assured him selfe of his newe conquests and hauing giuen order to the frontiers of his realme returned into France The King of Scotland came to meete him at la Chapelle betwixt Tarare and Saint Saphorin in Lionois and theâ—e he demanded one of his daughters in marriage The ancient alliance of the realme of France and Scotland was considerable The Father of this King had beene slaine in battaile against the English for the partie of King Lewis the twelfth and should his kind affection bee denied So the marriage betwixt him and Magdaleine of France was concluded in Blois and sollemnized the first day of the yeare following Great prosperities are oftentimes accompanied with some crosses else the vanity of our senses would easily transport vs and we would attribute that to our owne valour which belongs to the great Iudge and moderator of battells behold 〈…〉 fruits in the gouernement of the Lord of Bury at Turin Oftentimes hee is taken that thinkes to take The Emperour had adiudged Monferrat to the Marquis of 〈◊〉 against the Duke of Sauoy and Francis of Salusses who pretended it and those 〈…〉 would not accept of him Bury during these garboiles practiseth Damian 〈◊〉 Captaine in the garrison at Casal for the Emperour Damian promiseth to deliuer him a gate Bury leads thither Christopher Gouast with twelue hundred Italians wherof he was Collonel and some number of horse vnder the Lord of Tais and at the first becomes maister of the towne But the mattocks shouels and other instruments for Pyoners which VVilliam Earle of Biendras should haue prouided with the money hee had receiued to that ende to make a trench sodainly betwixt the Towne and the Castle whilest that Cont Guy should come to succour them with the artillery to batter the Castle were yet to buy Whilest they seeke for others to make trenches the Marquis of Guast had leysure to assemble his forces within Ast and to enter into the Castle by the field-gate and so into the towne Twelue hundred men were not able to withstand the furie of this vnexpected storme Bury taken prisoner He mainteins the shock and enters fight but in the end beeing forced by the enemy he is taken prisoner Tais Guast and all the rest were slaine or taken Biendras Damian and other marchants saue themselues We finde the fault when it is done It is good to obserue it to make vs wise He should haue imparted this enterprise to Cont Guy who should haue drawne his armie neere vnto Ast. The Maâ—quâ—s fearing to loose the one and not to saue the other had conteyned himselfe within his walls Guy Guiffroy Lord of Boutieres was appointed gouernor by the King in Buâ—â—es place The snow yce and slipperines of the winter stayed the courses of the garrisons in Picardy And whilest the season kept them from doing any memorable exploits the King laying open in his Court of Parliament at Paris in the presence of the Peeres of France Pursute against the Emperour in iustice and Princes of the bloud forty 〈…〉 Bishops many officers of the Crowne and other great presonagâ—s of all Estates the lawfull armes of a Lord against his vassall that hath committed a trespasâ— he sent to suÌ„mon the Emperour vpon the fronters by a Herald to come and plead what he should thinke good against the demands of his maiesties Aduocate and Proctor generall concluding that in regard of the rebellions treacheries of the said Emperour against the King his naturall Prince and Souereigne Lord by reason of the Earledomes of Flanders Arthois Charolois and other places holding of the crowne of France they should be adiudged confiscate and vnited to the Crowne And no man appearing for the Emperour the demaund of the Kings Councel was registred according to the forme tenure vsual in those cases For the execution of this sentence the Lords of Annebault Tais Termes Aussun Frenchmen More of Nouate Francis Bernardin of Vimercat Italians George Capâ—ssement and Theode Manes Albanois eyther of them commanding two hundred light horse de Bies Seneshall and Gouernour of Boullen and De Crequi Gouernor of Monstrueil Captaines of fifty men at armes hauing victualed Therouenne in viewe of the Earle of Reux who issued forth of S. Omer with six hundred horse to preuent this Stratagem the King parting from Amiens whereas Charles Duke of Vendosme then died much lamented of the King and Realme a braue Prince and well deseruing of this Crowne for his many notable seruices the king in the end of March sends VVilliam Earle of Furstemberg to field with eight thousand Lansquenets the Lords of Seâ—eâ— and Auchi who were slaine at the first approches at Hedin Heilly S. Seual Picards Bacqueuille la Salle S. Albin Normands Quincy a Champanois Haraâ—court a Lorraine either of them leading a thousand men and many other bandes of Germains and French amounting all to fiue and twenty thousand men wherof Montmorency Lord Steward was Lieutenant generall for his maiesty Hedin of consequence to the King 1537 for the preseruation of his other places in Picardie and being in his power did wonderfully annoy the enemy Heâ—in taken The towne abandoned by the garrâ—son they retyre into the Castell the which was taken without resiâ—tance but the Earle of Reuâ—â— had well furnishâ—d the Castell for the deâ—ence of a place of importance Captaine Samson an old Knight of Namurs a great soldiar commanded there with fifteene hundred men vnder the enseignes of Bouâ—eâ—s and Vaudeuille They make their approches many Captaines perswaded that the thicknes of the wall mayntained wich a great rampâ—r would neuer aâ—mâ—t any breach tâ—ey come to vndermine The
Prince of Milphe the Lâ—â—ds of Barbesâ—â—â—â— Burie Viâ—lâ—ers Corneilles vndertake the worke and cast downe â—alfe a Tower pâ—ssiâ—g from the Towne to the Castell but that 〈◊〉 whicâ— ioyned to the Castell stâ—â—ding firme the place was not much weakened Tâ—e King then 〈◊〉 to attempt it by batterie and hee himselfe shewes the place where to plant the Cannon At the approches Lâ—sarches and Pont-briant 〈◊〉 experienced Commissaries of the artillery with many Caâ—â—oniers and others loose their liues The Cannon planted vpon the brinke of the â—â—ench plaies two daies togither and the third they make a breach of thirtie fadomes The Kings presence being the rewarder of vertue setts many yong gentlemen on fire being desirous of reputation and before that order be giuen â—or the assault carries them to the toppe of the breach But they find the like valout in 〈◊〉 them some are slaine vpon the place others returne â—ore wounded Charles of 〈◊〉 among others Earle of Sincerre a yong Noble man who followed the â—â—â—ppes of his 〈◊〉 vertue Aubigny Lieutenant to Sercu and Damiâ—te enseigne beâ—â—er of the sayd Company testified by their deathes the hope of their youth if the chance of armes 〈◊〉 â—ent them a longer life Haraucourt a Lorraine and his â—rother his Lieutenant sons to the Lord of Paâ—oy Lieutenant to the Duke of Guise in the gouernment of Champagne and of his companie of man at armes Fâ—leâ—eres soâ—nâ— to Mardicoque and many others returned backe lame Yet this attempt amazed thâ— beseeged and helpt the generall For when as they see the order the King had giuen to assaile them in the morning a great number of men at armes on foote with fiue or six hundred light horsemen all the rest on horse-backe the whole army readie to be put in battaile if the enemy approched some appoynted to march first others to second them and some to releeue them that went to the assault the resolution and courage of the night past made them enter into composition whereby they departed with theiâ— baggage leauing the artilleâ—ie munition victualls The King committed it to the gard of Sercu The Castell of 〈◊〉 â—â—ken giuing him a company of fifty men at armes and a thousand foote Saint Paul neere vnto Hedin might much annoy him and reduced to the Kings obedience crosse the garrisons of Betune Arras Liliers and other places there abouts Annebault did this exploit and Anthonie of Castell an Italiâ—n Ingenâ—ur vndertooke the fortification of the Towne and Castell Saint Paul and Lilâ—iers taken Lilliers abandoned by Lieuin Captaine of the Towne was by the Lord Steward and Duke of Guise visiting the Country added to the former Conquests and left vnder the commande of Martin du Bellay Captaine of two hundred light horse ioyning vnto him la Lande with a thousand foote to keepe them of Saint Venant and Maruille from annoying the forragers victuallers of the French Army The Bourguignons had fortified an Iland at Saint Venant vpon the riuer of Lis. The Lord Steward vndertakes to force it and takes with him the Earle of Fursâ—emberg with eight thousand French and Germains At the first the beseeged repulse the Lansqueâ—ets kill some and wound many And now the day began to faile when as Charles Martâ—l Lord of Bacqueuille la Lande discouering one part of the trench worse manned then the rest they crosse it with their Normands and Picards and come to handâ—e bâ—â—wes they loose some men and kill many of the enemies force the trench the â—ampar and the bastion they compell them to abandon and leaue their defeâ—ceâ— and make way for the rest of their companies and troupes to enter who châ—â—ing the enemies make a great slaughter of men to reuenge the death of their companions They presently set vpon the second fort the bridge whereof was crâ—st with great long peeces of wood ioyned one to another and betwixt manned with good shott defended with a mill of stone well perced and furnished with harguebuses of Crocke and other shot But nothing is difficult to a resolute mind and the fâ—â—st flying to the second fort strooke terrour into them they force them and put them all to the sword The number of the dead was estemed twelue or fifteene hundred on both sides the place spoyled the bootie carried away and the houses burnt There passed no day without an enterprise of one side or other courses and recourses prises and reprises of men victuals and places ill garded or not gardable The King seeing the Emperour had no armie readie able to crosse his new conquest content for that yeare to haue taken Hedin and fortified Saint Paul he caused Liliers to bee burnt reseruing the Abby of Nunns and the Churches and the walls to bee beate downe that the enemie lodging there should not annoy Therouenne and Saint Paul he gaue the gouernment of S. Paul to Iohn d'Estouteuille Lord of Villebon Prouost of Paris with his coÌ„pany of men at armes that of Moyencourt named de Hangest to Martin du Bellay with his two hundred light horse and two thousand foot coÌ„manded by the Captaines la Lale and Saint Aubin Normans Blerencourt and Yuille Picards euery one fiue hundred and in the Castle a thousand men vnder the charge of René of Palletiere He left the Earle of Furstemberg in garrison at Dourlans with his Lansquenets and a hundred men at armes vnder the guidons of the Lords of Estree and la Roche du Nâ—â—ne But these bands were so ill compleet as they made not halfe their numbers then hauing in like sort prouided for other places hee brake vp his campe and dismissed his troupes to giue order for the affaires of Piedmont where the enemie grew strong The King thus disarming the Earle of Bures armes fower and twentie thousand Lansquenets six thousand Walons and eight thousand horse and resolues to charge the Lansquenets lodged neere to Dourlans to make the seege of Saint Paul more easie which he ment to attempt By the surprise of some letters he learned that the fortificatioÌ„s of the place required yet 2 c. dayes time to make it able to repulse the enemie He changeth his opinion and truning head to Saint Paul makes his approches the tenth of Iune notwithstanding the many sallies and skirmishes of the beseeged hee recouers by meanes of a great hollow way which the sodaine arriuall of the Imperials would not suffer them to make euen the point of a great Bulwarke vpon the way to Mouchy they vndermine day night shoot sixteene or eighteene hundred canon shot make a breach of three or foure paces Saint Paul beseeged by the Imperials and by the furie of seuen or eight peeces of artillerie force Martin de Bellay Blerencourt and Yuille to abandon the breach which lookes towards Dourlans their cheefe and almost only defence hee giues an assault with fiue or sixe hundred men onely to vew the breach and by the thunder of their Canons which battered all along the
Here begins the combat and so violent as the greatest checke falls vpon the Imperials Annebault defeated But in the end all the horsemen arriue Annebault is ouerthrowne taken prisoner and neere vnto him the Earle of Villars the Lords of Piennes d' O and Sansac Captaine George Capussement Francis Bernardiu and almost all but some which had before passed the bridge Those amongst the which was Aussun retyre to Hedin change their horses post to the place of combat find the Imperials in disorder dreaming no more of any enemie The Imperialls charged and beaten they charge them defeat them take a great number and recouer many of their companies that were prisoners and so cut off a great part of the glory which they did challenge for such a victory In the meane time the Daulphin and the Lord Steward had gathered togither about sixteene hundred men at aâ—mes two thousand light horse tenne thousand Germaines and twelue thousand French with the which they pretended to succour the beseeged or to force the Imperials to fight with disaduantage when as the treatie which Mary Queene of Hongarie sister to the Emperour had made by the meanes of the Duke of Ascot for the procuring of a peace A truce for three months or truce caused a suspension of armes for three monethes betwixt the King and the Emperours countries of the Netherlanders vntill that matters being pacified there might be a general peace concluded betwixt these two great Princes and their allies Let this truce now carrie vs beyond the Alpes to see the estate of the forces in Italie The ordinary iealousies diuisions and partialities of Captaines which thinke themselues equall in authoritie Diuision among the 〈◊〉 commaunders and reputation of like vse for seruice is commonly of dangerous consequence The composition which Caguin of Consague made with the Imperialls at Carignan without the priuitie of Guy Earle of Rangon Lieutenant generall for the King on that side the Alps had discontented the Earle and on the other side Caguin complayned that they had cassiered some of his footmen in case Cont Guy should die or leaue the place the King had substituted Cesar Fregose his brother in law without any respect of the ancient seruice of his house and his breeding in the Kings seruice from whom he had not fallen as the Earle had done although he had beene sought vnto with many profitable conditions These quarels did so increase that after many complaints and reproches vpon the point of honour Guy and Cesar banded ioyntly against Caguin framed a challenge vpon some writings published to the disgrace of the said Cesar vnder the name of Aretin whereof they held Caguin to be the chief author William of Bellay Lord of Langey sent by the King to heare the greefs of either partie hauing giuen Cont Guy and Cesar Fregose to vnderstand what preiudice their quarrell with Caguin would be vnto his Maiesties seruice and that by the articles of the Kings order the Knights may not without the leaue of their superiour which is the King send nor accept of any challenge one against an other Caguin offred not to wrong the Kings seruice and to deferre the combat vntill the seruice were ended so as after the answere hee had made vnto the challenge Caesar had not written or sayd any thing that should come vnto his knowledge wherevnto he should be bound in honour to answere and vnder colour to go to the bathe for his health he obtayned a pasport to retire himselfe to his house with promise that if it pleased the King to giue him an honorable charge hee would returne with a troupe fiâ— to do him seruice And that howsoeuer hee would neuer weare a read crosse During these contentions the Imperiall army fortified daylie and the Kings decreased so as the Lord of Humieres sent by the King for the affaires of Piedmont could not be master of the field without a bodie of foure or fiue thousand Lansquenets or Suisses and some supply of men at armes To this end the King causeth his light horsemen to march into Piedmont after the conquests of Hedin and Saint Paul and sent to Christopher Duke of Wirtemberg who brought ten thousand Lansquenets to passe the Alpes and to ioyne with Humieres But vpon the comming of the Imperialls before Saint Paul the King being forced as wee haue seene to countermand his light horse he sent the Baron of Curton la Fayete Brissac and others leading three or foure hundred men at armes and two hundred light horse Lassigny and Allegre either of them commanding a thousand foote The Marquis of Guast had at that time deliuered into the Marquis Francis hands all the Marquisate of Salusses except the Castells of Verculo Carmagnole Two hundred Italians held it for Cont Guy the Marquis of Guast doth summon it vpon their refusall approcheth the artillery Francis Marquis of Salusses knowing the place brings two Cannons on the right hand going from the Towne to the Castell breakes two houses to couer himselfe in steed of gabions himselfe plaies the gunner Francis Marquis of Salusses slaine shoots two volees A soldiar of the Castell discouers him but knowes him not and shoots him through the body starke dead with a musket The Marquis of Guast causeth him to be couered with a cloake and then againe sends to summon the beseeged promising them an honorable composition they depart with bagge and baggage and the Marquis seeing them passe commended their good endeuours But when hee came to demand what he was that had shot so well from one of the windowes ouer the port the soldiar both ignorant of the Marquis intention and of the effect of his shot presents himselfe vnto the Marquis who against the Capitulation caused him to be hanged at the same window The King hauing afterwards reduced the Marquisate to his obedience did inuest Gabriell Bishop of Aire in Gasconie who married the daughter of the Admirall of Annebault and dying without heires left the sayd Marquisate to the Crowne The coming of Humieres and the Lansquenets had shut the Marquis of Guast with his troupes into Ast and Verceil who by his retreat left Pignerol Chiuas Montcallier and other places abandoned to these newe Conquerors But at the first want of the chiefe siâ—ewes of warre makes the Italian bands to mutine whereby our men loose ten or twelue dayes during the which the Marquis had leysure to hasten his Lansquenets leuied by the elder brother of William Duke of Furstemburg Humiâ—res had no soonâ—â— pacified the Italians with a portion of their pay but hee frames an enterprise vpon Ast where the Marquis had left his brother in lawe Don Anthonie of Arragon Lieutenant for the Emperour with two thousand foote and two hundred horse The Lansquenets require the charge to make the approches and take it from Iohn Paul de Cere who had a meaning to discharge it well About midnight Humieres comes speedily to see
their lodging and finds nothing done Some exclayming first would haue made their cause good Others storme their pay being nowe out and protest that if it bee not satisfied they will wrappe vp their enseignes A fruitlesse attempt vpon Ast. and sound a retreate They had reason it is an ordinary course when as the chiefe foâ—â—â— of an army consists in a mercenarie nation Humieres searcheth all the purses in the campe makes for euerie Companie fiue hundred Crownes and with this boane did somewhat satisfie their greedinesse But in the meane time the beseeged giuing the alarume to the Campe they bring in seauen companies of foote 1534. and three hundred horse to their succors Thus the small likelyhood to force the Towne and lesse to famish it seeing that for want of pay the strangers were no men of resolution Humieres leaues the Towne of Ast to surprise that of Alba. About eight hundred Spaniards were parted from Alexandria to enter into it Iohn Paul de Cere meetes them Alâ—a and Quers taken chargeth and defeats them so as at the arriuall of the French the Câ—ttâ—zens of Alba vnfurnished of soldiars yeelding to the yoake of obedience gaue occasion to them of Quiers to follow their example This absence of the army made Caesar of Naples gouernour of Vulpian a man actiue and Vigilant A dangerous attempt against Turin but vnfortunate in his enterprises to attempt Turin Turin had in it but two companies of foote vnder de Wartis and d' Angart weake forces for a place of such importance yet the Inhabitants were well affected to this Crowne Caesar â—ubornes a Corporal a GascoÌ„ to deliuer him the next day of his gard a bulwarke of the Towne right against our Ladies Church Such base people should neuer knowe the day nor houre of their watch The night being come he brings ten enseignes of foote and some three hundred horse the soldiar giues him notice by a signe of the most conuenient place to plant his ladders he settes them vp before the alarume was in the Towne he putts fiue enseignes into the bulwarke two or three base soldiars whom the traytor had of purpose drawne in with him saued themselues by flight Boutieres gouernour of Turin hearing the alarume goes into the streete followed onely with the Suisses of his gard and some gentlemen hee finds the Townsmen armed and resolute to do their duties he marcheth directly into the bastion with no armes but a halberd shutts the gate by which they came from the sayd bastion into the Towne the darknesse of night had hindred the enemie from seeing it open the which preserued the Towne for whilest that Caesar made fit his ladders to enter into the Towne the alarume grew hot Wartin arriues with two hundred shot and forceth the enemie to abandon the bulwarke The Imperialls râ—pulse at Tuâ—in hauing lost seauen or eightscore men at whose departure the soldiar payed for his offence with his life This attempt the bad inclynation of the forren forces the quarrels betwixt Caesar Fregâ—se who led the foreward and Iohn Paul de Cere Colonnell of the Italian foote the controuerses of Brissac with Anniball of Gonsague Earle Laniuolare six thousand Spaniards and twelue hundred horse being entred into Montcallier and thâ—eatning Turin but weakly furnished with men made Humieres to leaue Iulio Vrsin in Alba with a thousand foote vnder his charge and a thousand more vnder Artigue-Dieu and Peter Strossy in Quieras Caesar Fregose with the like number of men such as he would chose with the rest of the army turnes head towards the enemy to surprise him at Montcallier The Marquis of Guast aduertised of this desseine puts the rest of his troupes into the sayd place This enterprise prouing fruitlesse and Humieres not able any longer to hold his strangers without pay he sent Francis Earle of Pontreme with sufficient forces to make good Pignerol against the Marquis who threatned to surprise it to take froÌ„ tâ—e French all meanes of retreat succours in keeping the passage of Suze Then hee supplied Turin with two thousand French foote commanded by Allegre and Laâ—â—gny Quiers with a thousand men of the bands of Aramont besids eight hundred which the Knight Assall gouernour of the place had Sauillan with a thousand Italians vnder the command of Iohn of Turin leading the Lansquenets and the rest of the troupes into the Marquisate of Salusses to attend newes and money from the King for their pay for want whereof this army serued to small vse The Marquis of Guast seeing Humieres retired into Pignerol whether the violence of the Lansquenets had driuen him there to attend their pay he sent thirteene enseigns of foote to Siria a small Towne vpon the mountaine to keepe the valley of Suze in subiection and by the taking of the Castells of Riuole and Villane to take from them of Turin all meanes to heare newes out of France So the way by the valley of Suze being cut off and that of Pignerol by the meanes of Montcallier Carignan and Carmagnole which the enemy enioyed Humieres being ill obeyed by the Lansquenets whome they forced to pay vpon their olde rowle although their number of ten thousand were halfe decreased and those of Turin prest with want of victuals and money 1537. which they could not endure after Saint Andrews day Piedmont in danger to be lost for want of money the King was in danger to loose all Piedmont The Marquis hauing taken the Towne of Quiers by assault with Albe and Quieras by composition was become master of the field and held Pigneroll a great and vast Towne so straightly begirt as no victuals might enter when as the King by a supplie of fiue and twentie thousand Crownes which he sent to Boutieres made an entrie for the Countrimen to bring victuals to Turin which before was shut vp for want of payment for their wares then he caused the the bands of the Earle of Furstemberg and of Nicholas de Rusticis to march to Lions vnder the commaund of the Daulphin his son and of the Lord Steward with ten thousand French foot commaunded by Montiean followed by fourteene hundred men at armes and light horse attending a leuie of fourteene or fifteene thousand Suisses which the Earle of Tende made for his Maiesties seruice resolute to march after himselfe in person And not to leaue his realme vnfurnished he left the gouernment of Paris and the I le of France Picardie Normandie and other Countries about to the Duke of Orleans his yonger sonne hee sent backe the Duke of Guise into Bourgogne and Champagne Henry King of Nauarre his brother in law into Guienne and Languedoc and the Lord of Chasteaubriant into Brittanie The Daulphin accompanied with Anthonie Duke of Vendosme parts from Lions about the tenth of October The Daulphins voiage into Piedmont gathers togither in Daulphiné some three thousand Legionaries and the remainders of Humieres armie which were
come out of Albe and Quieras he forceth the passage of Suze against Cesar of Naples who kept it with ten thousand men chaseth them two miles wins all their baggage makes the Marquis to retyre all his forces to Riuole and Montcallier leauing Pignerol at libertie opens a way by the taking of Villane from two hundred Spaniards which were cut in peeces addes to his conquests Riuola abandoned by the Marquis turnes head to the enemie incamped on this side the riuer of Po right against Montcallier but hauing the bridge to fauour him to retyre when he pleased he begins the skirmish with his light horsemen against theirs kills many takes some and looseth few he chaseth all their troupes beyond the bridge who breaks it after them but with the hazard of their liues that remayned behind Those of Montcallier come with a great shew of affection and repaire it and then receiue into their Towne all the souldiars which the Daulphin had left to guard the riuer whilest the armie passed at Carignan The Marquis dislodging still left in Quiers Don Anthonie of Arragon his brother in law with foure thousand men and himselfe recouered the Countrie of Ast. Thus our men being at libertie on all sides become masters of Poirien Riue de Quiers Villeneufue d' Ast Montafié Antignan and of all other forts vnto the gates of Ast of Quieras Albe and Fossan whether they retyred all the Corne of the Country which did serue for the victualing of the Campe and places of conquest About thirtie thousand sacks of corne which the Marquis had gathered togither but had not leysure to bring from Montcalier and much other munition found in diuers places supplyed Turin for a yeare During these actions the King comes accompanied with the Earle of Saint Paul the Cardinall of Lorraine and many other great personages And as his Maiestie tooke councell at Carignan with the Daulphin and the Lord Steward newes comes vnto him that the garrison of Vulpian kept the valley of Suze The King comes into Piedmont and for that Riuole nor Villare had any horsemen to stay their incursions they did wonderfully annoy those that followed the Campe. Hee presently sent away Martin du Bellay and very happily They had newly seized vppon six moyles laden with money for the payment of the armie driuing the moyles and the treasorers in the midest of them Du Bellay passeth the riuer of Doüaire intercepts their way and ouertakes them three miles from Vulpian he makes them to leaue the moyles and only with the losse of the Treasorers which they carried away brings them safe to Riuole The conclusion of this Councell was to beseege Quiers where the King would imploy the first fruits of his last forces But the great commander of battailes 〈◊〉 him a more fauorable issue Truce betwixt the two Princes The truce of Picardie had giuen libertie to the 〈◊〉 of Hongarie and likewise to the King to send some gentlemen into Spaine to 〈◊〉 a peace or a generall truce and the deputies had so well performed their 〈◊〉 as a suspension of armes was concluded on either side from the eight and 〈…〉 of Nouember vntill the two and twentith of February following whereby euery oâ—e enioying that whereof hee should bee found seized at the time of the pubâ—â—cation the garrisons of Turin Vorlin Sauillan Montdeuis and other frontier places were no t slacke to inlarge their limits as farre as they could nor to put men in the Kings name into all the small places and castles there about Three dayes after the truce was proclaymed the Marquis of Guast came to â—â—sse the Kings hand whome he receiued very gratiously and the king making the Lord of Saint Montiean gouernour of Piedmont he left William of Bellay his Lieutenant generall in Turin Francis Earle of Pontreme at Pignerol the Baron of Castell-pâ—â—s 〈◊〉 Sâ—uillan Charles of Dros a Piedmentois at Montdeuis hee had surprised and kept the place from the Imperials when they were the strongest in field Lodowike of â—â—rague at Vorlin and Nicholas of Rusticis at Carmagnole he dismissed his Suisses and taking his way to France he sent the Cardinall of Lorraine from Lions with Montmorency the Lord Steward to Locate where the Emperours deputies should meet concerning a peace betwixt their Maiesties The confusions had bin great their splene not easily to bee pacified which made them to prolong the truce for sixe moneths more After all these toyles and painfull endeuours the loyall seruice of the most worthy deserued reward which make the King being at Molins to aduance Anne of Montmorency to bee Constable of France the place being void by the reuolt of the Duke of Bourbon he gaue his place of Marshall to Montiean and that of the Marshal la Marke deceased to Claude of Annebault It was now time to suppresse these infernall furies An enteruew at Nice which had so long troubled the quiet of Christendome with such fatall combustions and that the Pope doing the office of a common father should therein imploy his authoritie Hee procures an enteruew of these two great Princes at Nice and himselfe assists being about threescore and fifteene yeares of age in the beginning of Iune Their mutuall hatreds had taken too deepe roots in their hearts and that fatall and bloudie checke which his brother Ferdinand King of Hongarie had lately receiued from the Turke had nothing mollified the Emperour Time doth pacifie discontents Ten yeares were sufficient or neuer â—o dispose both the one and the other to a generall peace A truce foâ— ten yeares The Pope therefore seeing that by the full deciding of their quarrels he could not confirme a finall peace he propounded a truce for tenne yeares the which they concluded betwixt their Countries and subiects and then euery one returned home But Charles was borne to bee a perpetuall scourge to this realme and many yeares shall not passe before â—e put vs in alarum with an vnworthy and base motiue of new confusions Let vs now see how he worketh like a foxe to produce effects for his owne benefit The Emperors polâ—icy The Gantois being opprest with many extraordinarie tributs had spoyled the Emperours officers who growing desperate and seeking to fortifie themselues against the reuenging wrath of Charles they secretly offer obedience to the King as to their Soueraine Lord. The King performing the dutie of a good brother and faithfull friend giues the Emperour intelligence thereof The Emperour deuiseth by some notable examples to suppresse the Gantois insolencies But the passages thither were not very certaine By Germanie the protestants might somewhat hinder him By sea a storme might as well cast him vpon the coast of England as vpon Flanders the diuisions he had with the King of England by reason of the diuorce of Queene Katherine his Aunt would not suffer him to take any assurance from him France was very comodious for him to this end he demaunds the Kings word for his
and not couetous The Duchie of Luxembourg and the Countie of Rousillon were worthy motiues in generall besides the priuate interest of inuasion which the King had against his enemie The causes of a new warre The Emperour did possesse them both without any lawfull title Luxembourg by the succession of Charles and Philippe Dukes of Bourgogne his great grandfather and his father who had by force dispossessed the true and lawfull Lords of the said house who had substituted our Francis by a new grant into their rights and actions besides the ancient rights which the Kings of France haue euer pretended thereunto and especially since the purchase which Lewis Duke of Orleans brother to King Charles the sixt made Besides that the Lords of la Marke had of late transported their pretensions vnto him of the said Duchie Rouâ—â—llion by the two scrupulous restitution of Charles the eight being abused and deceiued saith the orriginall by friar Oliuer Maillard his confessor a man in shew holy but in effect an Hypocrite and corrupted with money by the King of Arragon to sell and deceiue his maister King Charles hauing no power to make this alienation in preiudice of the Crowne neither the King of Arragon nor his successors accomplishing the conditions annexed to the Contract Charles now Emperour was but an vsurper and a violent possessor The situation of Luxembourg was commodious to receiue the Germains that came vnto the King Warre declared in Luxemburg but more by this approch to fauour the Duke of Cleues whome the Emperour did threaten to make the poorest man in Christendome So the King sent Charles Duke of Orleans his yongest sonne accompanied with six hundred men at armes six thousand French and tenne thousand Lansquenets and Claude Duke of Guise commaunding the armie vnder him Francis of Bourbon Duke of Anguieâ— brother to Anthony Duke of Vendosme the Earle of Aumale eldest sonne to the Duke of Guise the Lords of Sedan â—amets Roche du Maine la Guiche and many others men of resolution valour and experience And for the enterprise of Roussillon Henry his eldest sonne Daulphin of Viennois Warre in Rousâ—llon assisted by the Marshall of Annebault for the chief conduct of the warre and for an assistant in those militarie toyles the Lord of Montpesat Lieutenant for his Maiestie in Languedoc Parpignan is the chiefe Cittie of this Countie the onely barre and bulwarke of Spaine towards the South the Conquest whereof drew after it not onely the losse of that which the Emperour possessed on this side the mountaines but laied open all the Prouince beyond it and the King conceiued that assayling it being vnfurnished of many necessaries for the maintayning of a great seege either honour or feare of losse would draw the Emperour to fight and with this hope he prepared the rest of his forces to march in person But this was but a great shew without any effects The Duke of Orleans hauing assembled his troupes betwixt Verdon and Dun le Chasteau Exploits in Luxembourg he beseeged battered and tooke Danuillier a place of Luxembourg where there came to ioyne with him the Baron of Hedecq sometimes LieutenaÌ„t to the Earle of Furstemberg the Earles of Mansfeld and Piguelin and the Colonel Reichroc with their regiments of Lansquenets making about ten thousand men Then came Comte Reingraue to the Kings seruice a yong Nobleman and well resolued who promised in his person many good parts as we shall hereafter see Danuillier being burnt as not defensable had opened the way to Luxembourg but news comes that a part of the wall was falne at Yurye the Duke turnes the head of his armie thither makes his approches plants three Cannons and a halfe vpon the brinke of the trench 1539. but vndiscreetly without gabions without trenches this was to contemne the enemie too much and without any couering for them that garded the artillery The garrison â—allies forth in the open day in vewe of the army and tie roopes vnto the ordinance but the weight of them was the let they could not drawe them into the trenches whervpon they burnt their carriages and dismount them They make trenches and batter it towards Ardennes they make a reasonable breach but it was not assayled In the midest of the breach the beseeged had a Casemate in the bottome of their trench thâ— which could not bee taken from them without great slaughter of them that should attempt it They drawe from Sedan Mouzon and other neere Townes a supplie of artillerie and munition and make a neâ—e battery the beseeged being amazed demand a parle The bastard of Sombret the Lord of Noyelles Hannuyer Captaine Famas Gyles de Leuant and others vnto the number of two thousand men defended the place the which could not be assaulted without hazard and losse of men So it was concluded Iuoâ—e taken they should depart with their baggage and to carrie with them six faucons with munition to discharge them sixe times a peece Then William Duke of Cleues fortified the Kings armie with ten thousand Lansquenets and sixteene hundred horse led by Martin de Rossan Marshall of Gueldres William had lately espoused but without any consummation of marriage by reason of the Infants base age Ioan Daughter to Henry of Albret and of Marguerite the Kings sister whome hereafter we may see by the nullitie of this contract to marrie with Anthonie of Bourbon Duke of Vendosme and of their marriage was borne Henry the fourth King of France and of Nauarre nowe lyuing and raigning vnder the fauour of heauen for the happie preseruation of this monarchie Iuoye which men held the strongest place in the Country best furnished with men artillerie and munition by their yeelding caused Arlon to open her gates at the first summons Luxemberg seemed of a harder issue It was kept by three thousand fooâ—e and foure hundred horse But the trenches the approches and a breach made although not reasonable to giue an assault considering the trench was very deepe cut out of the rocke did so amaze the beseeged as they yeelded to depart with their baggage The Earles of Manâ—eild and Piguelin promised to defend it against all men but wee shall shortly see how they will discharge their duties Montmedy a small place situate vpon a mountaine so as they could not approch but on the one side mooued with this happie successe yeelded at the first vewe of the Cannon To conclude such was the successe in this expedition that onely Tionuille remaâ—ned in the Emperours hands of all the Duchie of Luxemberg But the great â—esire the Duke of Orleans had to bee at the battell which in shewe was to bee giuen before Parpignan drew him to Montpellier where the King remayned attending the progresse of the sayd seege of Parpignan to be readie to receiue the Emperour if hee came to succour it The Duke had no sooner dismissed his army and turned his backe to Luxemberg leauing the Duke of Guise
all the rest were razed The Lansquenets hauing ioyned with Annebault he beseegeth Cony ouerthrowes a peece of the wall and giues an assault but it was the place which was best fortified a great rampar behind the breach stayes our men the which after an howres fight they are forced to abandon with the losse of many men of seruice and the night following two hundred horse and eight hundred foot being entred made the Admirall to sound the retreat eight Canons diuided into two batteries had so troubled the defendants as not able to answere the diuers assaults the Towne in shew had beene wonne But errours are knowne after they are committed Vpon the retreat the Earle Maxime Anthonie Maruille and Theode Bedaine an Albanois encounter two hundred Imperiall horses neere to Bra they charge them defeate and take the most part of them and the enemie hauing abandoned many small peeces the Admirall reduceth to the Kings obedience Villeneufue of Ast Poring Cambian and Riue de Quiers Winter did cut off all meanes of more happie successâ— So dismissing his armie and sending the Lansquenets of Colonnel Reichroc into France he tooke his way to Mont-Cenis Mont-Cenis is subiect to tempests as wel as the sea The way is straight Annebaults dangerous retreat restrayned by two mountaines when any storme ariseth the gusts of wind do gather togither balls of snow vpon the tops of the hills which growing great as they roule downe ouerthrow all they meet and they to whome the straight is knowne for oft times the guides are lost runne many times into caues full of snow Annebault was in this danger most part of them that did accompanie him found their graues vnder the snow some loose their eyes other die with cold some returne benummed of their feet others of their armes and hands and few of this whole troupe inioyed his perfect health himselfe was neere vnto a fatall end if some men attending the end of the storme in little caues had not preserued him from the iniurie thereof At that time the King determined a reuenge against the inhabitants of Rochelle the neighbour Ilands which were mutined against the Kings officers for the custome of salt Being arriued at Rochell they assembled all in the gardein Rebellion of the Rochellois where his Maiestie did lie confessed their rebellion publikely and most humbly craued pardon for their offence The furie of a King saith the wise man is the messenger of death but a wise man will pacifie it And the cheerefull countenance of a King is life his fauour is like vnto a cloud bringing raine in due season The King mooued with the pittifull noyse of this people crying for mercy with their hands lift vppe kneeling on the ground and teares in their eyes did graciously remit their offence The Kings clemencie freed the prisoners â—or this offence deliuered their armes and the keyes of the Towne commanded the garrisons both of foot and horse to retyre receiued them into grace and restored their liberties and priuileges without doubt A King maintains his throne by clemencie In the meane time many practises and enterprises are made against Turin The Marquis of Guast did at sundry times send vnto the Iudge of Turin An Enterprise vpon Turin being borne at Quiers a number of carts laden with wine and within the vessels which were as long as the carts many armes harguebuses pertuisans and corselets to arme fourescore men the which he should receiue into his house disguised like couÌ„trimen bringing victuals to the market who at the first tumult they should heare at the Towne gate should issue forth armed and seise vpon the Court of gard in the market place whilest that other souldiars armed with Iacks and shirts of maile morians swords daggers and targets brought in fiue carts of haye sixe in euery one the haye being so cunningly layed as cutting a cord within the bundels would fall downe should fight with the gard at the port and fauour the entrie of eight hundred horse 1543. and fiue thousand foote which should be ready at the alarum But the enterprise being discouered made the Iudge to loose his head The enemie notwithstanding le ts not to proceed to the execution of his carts of haye in the absence of Bellay whome his priuat affayres had called into France after the death of his brother and the twelfth of February Boutieres Lieutenant for the King at Turin was well aduertised of some carts which were preparing at Ligâ—â— an imperiall Towne neere vnto Vulpian but not of the maner of the former enterprise They hazard their haye Raimont commanding at the gate causeth Perrichon his Lieutenant to thrust a pike through the first cart he drawes it out all bloudie the souldiars leape forth and the first thrusts Raymonet through the bodie with his sword Raimonet takes him by the throat and stabs him his companions likewise come forth force the gard seise vpon the armes that hang vp and become maisters of the port Valiantly without doubt but somewhat too soone for them their succours were a mile or more from the first bridge Captaine Saluadeur d' Aguerre who deserues to be named hauing a great share in the preseruation of the Towne who had then the gard of the place hearing the alarume at the gate and crying Sauoye turnes head with his troupe repulseth the fiue that were slipt out off the first cart and goes directly to the gate A well aduised Smith who dwelt neere the gate goes vp and with a great hammer breakes the chaine and le ts downe the Portcullis so as the Imperialls could not enter Boutieres and Moneins arriue they shut the gates kill some of the souldiers that were betwixt the gate and the Portcullis the rest creepe vnder the Portcullis being too short and Cesar of Naples who not many dayes before had left three of his souldiers hanged at Turin being executed for an other conspiracie against the Towne seing his enterprise made frustrate retyred without the losse of any but of his Lieutenant who was slaine with the Canon On the other side the Duke of Cleues made warre in Brabant and had wonne some places from the Emperour So as the Bourguignons turning all their forces against him giue the Duke of Vendosme meanes to victuall Therouenne to take Lilliers by composition being a strong place betwixt Aire and Betune at the entrie of the marish to burne the Towne beat downe the gates and to make it and many other places about Therouenne Saint Omer Aire Betune altogither vnprofitable for the enemie And to the Earle of Aumale eldest son to the Duke of Guise accompanied with the Lords of Laual Saint André Escars Dampiere Chastaigeray Esguilly and a great number of other yong gentlemens occasion Exploits in Picardie to quicken the enemie with continuall skirmishes and assaults most commonly carrying away the aduantage The happie successe and the fauorable season inuited the King in the beginning of Iune to go
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
an army to ioyne with the Duke of Anguien There was some likelyhood after so furious a battaile to depriâ—e the Emperourâ— the Estate of Milan But he armed vpon the Rhin his troupes were readie to inuade the frontier The English were at sea and the King had rather neede to drawe forces oâ—t of Italie then to supplie them The Duke therefore to drawe them speedily to the Kings deuotion sends the Lord of Tais with the French bands two hundred men at armes sixe great Cannons with some other peeces to force some places vnder the Emperours obedience Effects following the victory Saint Damian a place of Montferrat had not planted the French nor the Spanish Enseignes notwithstanding beeing without hope of succors they yeelded to the Yoake vpon condition that they should haue none but a French garrison Montcallier followed being a strong place Vigon Pont d' Esture Saint Saluadour Fresenet of Pau to conclude all Montferrat except Casal Trin and Albe yeelded their neckes to the French obedience And the Duke going to campe at Carignan did by many forts so restraine the sallies of the beseeged and the entrie of victualls as extreame necessitie hauing forced them to demand composition they departed with their armes onely without enseignes or drums Carignan yeelded taking an oath not to carrie armes of sixe monethes against the King nor his allies This done the Duke sent vnto the King sixe thousand French soldiars of the olde bands and sixe thousand Italians to oppose against the Emperours inuasions On the other side the Duke of Somme with the other of the French faction hauing leuied ten thousand foote but fewe or no horse came to ioyne with the Duke of Anguien and the Princes of Salerne and Sulmone attended with a number of horse and foote to fight with them at the passage of a riuer They send to the Lord of Tais to demand a Conuoie of horse Hee promiseth but performes nothing And they not able to retire without shame charge the foote which were farre from their horsemen and put them in route But they consider not that leuing a place of strength The Italians of the French partie defeated they giue the enemie the aduantage they had of them The horsemen come and charge them in flanke as they had broken their rankes thinking to haue gotten the victorie and put them to flight they take many prisoners of qualitie kill fewe and no man of marke except Valerius Vrsine the rest saued themselues at Quieras and Carignan Wee commonly say that a small ayde doth a great good The footemen being ouercome a hundred men at armes had made the victorie absolute This checke doth not daunt them The Duke of Somme beeing newely deliuered from prison the Prince of Salerne his Kinseman had freed him fearing least the Emperour should do him some disgrace and Peter Strossy gathering togither sixe thousand men of this shipwracke at Miaandole meaning to ioyne with the Duke of Anguien at what price soeuer hee being vnfurnished of forces for besides the twelue thousand men hee had sent vnto the King all his Suisses except two thousand had beene for want of pay dismissed They giue ouer the playne and passe out of Parmesan with much toyle by the mountaines of Genes The Marquis aduertised of this newe assembly gathers togither what forces he could of horse and foote drawes forth his garrisons and to stoppe to their passage attends them at the fooâ—e of the mountaines They aduertise the Duke Who hauing no men but for the gard of his places resolues notwithstanding to effect two things at once and both to surprise Alba where they had left no men but for the gards of the gates and to succour Strossy and finding meanes to aduertise him that hee should march towards Alba whereof the enemie was left in doubt The Duke comes thether on the one side and Strossy on the other hee makes a hoale in the gate towards the mountaine on the other side of the water about ten foote long prepares to giue an assault and Strossy the scalado which the beseeged seeing Alba taken they growe so amazed as they yeeld the place and depart without carrying away of any thing The Marquis makes hast to succour them but knowing the Towne to be lost frustrate of his hope he retired and the Duke hauing taken many places about returned to Carmagnole Within fewe daies after the Marquis practised a suspension of armes which beeing confirmed by their two maiesties Truce in Piedmont there followed a truce for three monethes Let vs nowe see the enemies attempt inuading the realme The Emperour had no sooner found the King of Englands discontent whereof the marriage of the King of Scotland had beene the chiefe motiue but forgetting or rather dissembling the iniuries he had receiued he winnes him to his deuotion although he had assured the Pope neuer to treat any alliance with him vntill he had repayred the offence done vnto the sea of Rome intitling himselfe supreme head vnder God of the Church of England and punishing them which maintayned the authority of the Pope and the Church of Rome Thus two grey-hounds tearing one an other in peeces lay aside their choller to runne after the wolfe their common enemy And for that during the warre of the Dukes of Wirtemberg by the bond of the Princes of Germanie with the King the Emperours desseins had beene greatly crost nowe perswading them and aboue all the Protestants that he hath done more then his dutie to the King of France for the calling ofa Councell to call backe them that were strayed from the vnion of the Church and to reforme the Pope and his ministers but the King only had hindred this assembly to giue him prouision of men and money and ioyntly to bande with him to the destruction of this realme So hee sends the Earle of Furstemberg with an army before Luxemberg Warre in Picardie which hauing mayntained the seege to the extremity for want of victualls the Viconte of Estauges was forced to capitulate and to depart with baggage Commercy was the second triomphe of his victories Ligny in Barrois the third beeing the way for victualls which came to him from Metz Lorraine The Castell is commanded by two or three mountaines and the beseeged not able to stand to their defences came to parle when as the Imperialls entring behind compassed them in that were come to the breach attending the assault and take them prisoners with small slaughter Without doubt the place was not to withstand the force of an Emperour beeing in person neyther was it so contemptible but it deserued an honest composition But the Earle of Brienne Lord of the place and Roussy his brother Eschenais Gouzolles who commanded about a hundred men at armes and fifteene hundred foote wonne small reputation Doubtlesse the Earle of Sancerre wil winne farre more honor in the defence of Saint Disier a place ill flanked ill rampared and
treate with him So as hee begins to taste of some proposition of peace moued before Saint Disier by the Lord of Granuelle and his Confessor a Spanish Monke of the order of Saint Dominike and of the house of Gusmans A â—reatie of peace A day is appointed for the meeting of the Deputies at La Chaussee betwixt Challons and Vitry For the King there came the Admirall of Annebault and Chemans Keeper of the Seale of France â—or the Emperour Fernand of Gonzague and to know if the King of England would enter into it they sent the Cardinall of Bellay Raymond chiefe President of Rouan and Aubespine Secretarie of the State and Treasurer As the Emperour camped towards the riuer of Marne a league beneath Chalons and within two leagues of the French armie a riuer being betwixt both William Earle of Fursiemberg parted about midnight with a guide onely to view a â—oard which hee had in former times passed when as he came into France for the Kings seruice Being come to the foard he leaues his guide vpon a banke sounds it findes it easie and passeth the riuer But he discouered not some Gentlemen of the Kings house and part of the Admiralls company who had the gard that night who without giuing any alaâ—â—m put themselues betwixt the riuer him take him without resistance lead him to the Campe know him and send him to the Bastille at Paris from whence he shall not depart vntill he hath payed thirtie thousand Crownes for his ransome In the meane time the Emperour sees his armie ready to breake for hungar they cutt off his victuals behinde and on either side And if that goodly Captaine whom the Daulphin had sent to draw into Espernay the victuals thereabouts to breake the bridge vpon the riuer and to spoile the Corne Wine and other prouisions which could not be saued had carefully executed his commission the Emperour disappointed of the munition and victualls which he found in Espernay and hauing no meanes to passe the riuer had not in the end enioyed those commodities which he found in Chasteau Thiery an other Storehouse of the French campe whereby his troupes languishing for hungar recouered some strength In the end the Daulphin being come to campe at La Ferté vpon Iouarre and hauing sent a good number of men to Meaux to hinder the Emperours passage who deuising to make his retreat by Soissons he takes his way by Villiers-coste-Retz vnder hand reuiues the proposition of peace with the King The King knowing that a battaile could not be giuen in the heart of his realme so neere vnto his capitall Cittie without a verie doubtfull and dangerous consequence and the losse of men and in case he should vanquish the King of England and the Earle of â—ures would encounter him with as mightie an armie as his owne that by the losse of one and perchance two battailes his realme were in danger that winning them hee should get little especially vpon England being an Iland Moreouer the Marshall of Biez was almost forced to yeeld vp Montrueil to the English â—or want of victualls and succours the sufficiencie of the Lord of Verâ—ein gouernour of Boullen as we shall shortly see was not without cause suspected and without a conclusion with the Emperour hardly could these two important Townes be releeued The King therefore sent the Admirall of Annebault againe to the Emperour being in the Abbie of S. Iohn des Vignes in the suburbes of Soissons where in the end was concluded A peace concluded That Charles Duke of Orleans should within two yeares after marry with tâ—e Emperours daughter or his neece daughter to Ferdinand King of Roâ—aines and at the consummation of the said mariage the Emperour should inuest the said Duke of Orleans in the Duchie of Milan or in the Earledome of Flanders and the Low Countries at the choise of the said Emperour And in exchange this done the King promised to renounce all his rights pretended to the said Duchie and the Kingdome of Naples and to restore the Duke of Sauoy to the possession of his Countries when as the Duke his sonne should eniâ—y the said Duchie of Milan or the Earledome of Flanders and all things during the terme of two yeares as well on this as the other side the Alpes should remaine in the same estate as they were at the truâ—e made at Nice So the Emperour deliuered vnto the King on this side the mountaines Saint Desier Ligny Commercy and the King Yuoy Montmedy and Landrecy Steâ—â—â— was deliuered into the Duke of Lorrains hands and the fortifications razed On the other side the Alpes the Emperour had nothing to yeeld but Montdeuis and the King Alba Quieras Antignan Saint Damian Palezol Cresentin Verruë Montcal Barges Pont d' Esture Lans Vigon Saint Saluadour Saint Germaine and many other places which he possessed These treaties thus concluded and pâ—oclaimed beyond the Alpes the Duke of Anguien returned into France with as great glory and honour as a wise and valiant Prince could enioy and the Emperour retired his armie which the Earles of â—eux Bures lead ioyntly with that of England he dismissed his owne and parting from Soissons tooke his way to Bruxelles accompanied beyond the frontiers by the Duke of Orleans the Cardinals of Lorraine and Meudon the Earle of Laual la Hunauday others The Emperour is now out of the realme let vs also seeke to send the King of England beyond the seas Henry the 8. King of England according to the League he had with the Emperour landing at Calais with an armie of thirty thousand men fortified with ten thousand Lansequenets and three thousand Reistres which the Earle of Bures lead and the troupes of the Earle of Reux chiefe of the army of the Low countries for the Emperour he found Picardie very much vnfurnished of men the King had withdrawne his forces towards Champagne to oppose them against the Emperour and the Duke of Vendosme being weake in men had fiue places of importance to furnish Ardre Boullen Therouenne Montrueil Hedin all equally opposed to the inuasion of the English Henry therefore seeing no armie to withstand him making his accoumpt to carrie a legge or an arme of the body of this realme sent the Duke of Norfolke and the Earles of Reux and Buries to besiege Montrueil The King of England besiegeth Boullen Montrueil and himselfe went and camped before Boulen The Marshall of Biez was gouernour But when hee saw the enemy turne the point of his armie towards Montrueil he left the Lord of Veruein his sonne in lawe to command in Boullen from which he was disswaded by some to whom his sufficiencie was well knowne assisted by Philip Corse a Captaine very well experienced in armes the Lords of Lignon and Aix otherwise called Renty young and without experience with their regiments and halfe the company of a hundred men at armes of the sayd Marshall and he put himselfe into
to Rome for the Duke of Guise presuming vpon the conuention lately made betwixt the King the Pope and the Duke of Ferrara whereby the Pope should furnish twentie thousand foote a thousand horse and the charge of the armie the King the like number of foote and two thousand horse the Duke six thousand foote two hundred men at armes sixe hundred light horse and twentie peeces of battery But the Popes haue commonly aduanced their affaires at their costs that haue beleeued them and then haue abandoned them very lightly that haue assisted them at their neede The Dâ—ke of Guise comming to Boullen findes no men in field neyther were the Popes cofers open· and it may be if they had not toucht this string the expedition had beene more succesfull In the meane time the French army decreased for want of pay the Spaniards increased and the Ferrarois in steede of assisting craued aide of the Dâ—ke of Guise his sonne in Lawe What could our men do but studie of their returne into France but the Pope had not yet firmely setled his affaires and if hee had long remayned a lone betwixt two stooles without doubt the Spaniard would haue ouer-ruled him And therefore to stay the Duke of Guise hee sweares Not to treat any accord without the Kings consent and that for assurance thereof hee would send his sonne the Duke of Palliane for â—ostage into France But it was rather to attend the successe of the affaires of Picaraâ—e where they prepared a Theater to play a bloudie Tragedie then with any intent to diâ—charge his oath The Admirall hauing by the taking and spoile of Leâ—s in Artois begonne the warre in Picardie the Duke of Sauoye accompanied with Ernest and Henry Dukes of Brunswike the Duke of Aâ—scot newly come our of prison the Earles of Mansfeld Aiguemont Meigue and Barlemont leading fortie thousand foote and fifteene thousand horse ten English â—oote and fifteene hundred horse came soone after that to his succour The Qâ—eene of England hauing newely proclaymed warre against the King came threâ—â—ned Guise but in effect it was to belegar Saint Quentin beâ—â—â— vnâ—urnâ—shed of men The Admirall enters into it with such men as the present necessâ—â—y could furnish and the Coâ—stable desyring to saue Saint Quentin vndertooke to lead sufficient sorces to withstaâ—d the enemy As he returnes the x. of August being iâ—â—eriour in number and thereâ—ore without any intent to fight Philips army followes 〈…〉 neere as he is forced to fight The 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 in the which the Constable is hurt and taken 〈◊〉 with the Dukes of Montpensier and Longueuille the Earle of Rochefoucault Lodowike Prince of Mantona the Marshall of Saint Andrew the Lords of Aubigny Vasâ—é Curton Roche du Maine Rochfort in Brie Biron Saint Heran Neufuy Mouy Molinont Monsalez and many other Noblemen and gentlemâ—n of account There were slaine Iohn of Bourbon Duke of Anguâ—en the Vicount of Turaâ—e 〈◊〉 Constables sonne in lawe the elder brother of Roche du Maine Pontdormi Chanâ—â—mer the most part of the Captaines on foote and fiue thousand men some say eight thousand with many souldiars prisoners This fatall battel caused the losse of S. Quentin the beseeged being but eight huÌ„dred indured a generall assault S Quentin taken but vnable to defend eleuen breaches being forced at a tower which was vnfurnished of men they remained the 27. of August a lamentable pâ—â—y to the Conquerour The sonnes of Fayete the Captains Saleuert Oger Vicques la Barre Estang Gourdes and almost al the souldiars were slaine The Admirall D' Andelot his brother but he soone escaped Iarnac S. Remi Humieres and many others of marke were prisoners The successe of the Spanish army Castelet was the Spaniards third Trophey Han Chauny and all other places that might annoy them made their victory absolute Thus the Spanish forces had a happy season and the Pope resolued to leane to the stronger Theâ—e losses make him easily forget the speedy succors he had found in France so as at the first approach of the Duke of Alba he sends him a blanke by the Cardinall Caraffe and renouncing in September following the league made with the King The Pope reconciles himselfe to the Spaniards he made frustrate all his deâ—â—eines against Italy Doubtlesse the Councell of the Constable the Admirall and many others aduising to maintaine the truce was farre more expedient then this light and painefull enteâ—prise in fauour of a Pope who was content to haue imbarked vs in a newe Labirinth of confusions whereof we shall not be freed without a mournefull and exemplary spectacle To teach Princes That an accord confirmed by a reciprocal oath ought to be holy and inuiolable So this reconciliation was made famous by a strange wonder The same day and the day after this peace was concluded almost a third part of the buildings of Rome A great inundatioÌ„ at Rome and a great number of Christians perished by a sodaine and violent inundation of Tiber. There was some likelihood that Philip would haue entered further into the realme with his army but vnderstanding that the King expected a supply of foureteene thousand Suisses and prepared his campe at Laon hee was content to fortifie his last Conquests and so gaue the King meanes to stay in Bresse and Lionois the troupes which the Dukes of Guise and Aumale brought out off Italy to chase the Baron of Polleuille from Bourg in Bresse the which he beseeged in the Duke of Sauois name witâ— twelue hundred horse and twelue thousand foote Should the King then suffer the courage of these forces newely arriued to quaâ—â—e with idlenesse when as he might profitably imploye them The English had held Calais from vs two hundred and ten yeares the Constables imprisonment had hindred the execution of a desseine which he and the Admirall his Nephewe had vppon this towne by the meanes of Senarpont Gouernour of Boullen But nowe they win that by force which they could neuer get by policy or industry His Maiesty declares the Duke of Guise his Lieutenant Generall in all his countries he leauâ—es two armies the one he giues to the Duke of Guise the other to the Duke of Neuers The first aduanceth vnder colour to hinder the victualing of S. Quentin The other turning towards Luxembourg drawes the Spaniards and Wallons to the defence thereof then sodainely he sends his forces to the Duke of Guise who marcheth with all speed against Calais In this army among many others were the Princes of Conde and Roche-sur-yon the Duke of Aumale and the Marquis of Elbeuf brethren the Marshall Strossy Montmorency eldest sonne to the Constable the Lords of Aâ—delot Termes Grandmont Creuecoeur Piennes Randan Allegre Sansaâ— Tauanes Senarpont Estree maister of the Ordidinance and Gourdan who lost a legge in this action The French army appeared the first day of Ianuary and at the first arriuall takes the fort of Niâ—ullay and the next day that of Risban Thus the waye
one abandons the treâ—câ—es The second â—eege euery man flies and stayes not vntill they haue recouered the marches of Sauoy Crusol had recouered Serignon and Auranges in base Daulphiné la Coche surprised the Tower of Lemps in the beginning of the yeare 1563. whilest those of Grenoble victualed their place and prepared to indure a second seege About the end of February there comes against them eight thousand men foote and horse two great Cannons and three field peeces la Coche had to make head against them besides the Cittizens six hundred good souldiars nine braue Captaines and some voluntarie gentlemen who hauing repulsed the assaylants at the first assault preserued with the points of their swords both the sacke of their Cittie and the bloud of their Cittizens Prouence was betwixt the fatâ—er and the sonne Let vs passe into Prouence The Earle of Tande was Gouernour and of his two sons Sommeriue issued of the first ventre was Lieutenant for the King in his fathers absence Cipierre being then very yong borne of the second wife and the Lord of Corâ—eâ— of the house of Salusses sonne in Law to the said Earle were as many others did vant in those dayes mastiues which did defend the Protestants troupe Sommeriue a violent man and too bloudie did sodenly incense all Prouence against them and being aâ—med with force he made his gouernment famous by a horrible and generall execution of men dismembred hanged burned fled cut in peeces being aliue drawne through the streets cast downe headlong stabbed starued and such like miseries The Earle his father abhorring this generall desolation and not able by his authoritie to diuert his sonne from this wicked proceedings gathers togither what force hee can giues the command of the horse to Cipierre and of the foote to Cardet who by their armes kept all the Townes beyond the riuer of Durance except Pertuis vnder their command On the other side Sommeriue after the executions of Auranges before described Firâ—â— seege of 〈◊〉 hauing taken vewe of fiftie enseigns of foote and some Cornets of horse flâ—es fiercely to the seege of Cisteron being full of many Protestant families that were retyred thither and manned with eleuen companies vnder the Lord of Beauieu nephew to the Earle of Tande and three hundred men commanded by Furmeier The eleuenth of Iuly Sommeriue giues three assaults continued from three of the clocke in the after noone vntill night Most of the month was spent in skirmishes The prisoners on either side finding no mercy nor grace of the souldiars In the end Sommeriue fearing some new checke by the hands of Adrest who had lately wonne the battaile of Vourdas he went and intrenched himselfe three Leagues from Cisteron Cardet approcheth but he cannot by any deuice draw his brother in law out of his trenches So the Earle of Tande distâ—â—st for victuals rayseth his Campe puts some of his troupes into Cisteron and sends the rest to Adrets Sommeriue doubles his courage and force and the 27. of August followed by a hundred and two enseigns of foote The second seege and many horse beseegeth Cisteron anew on three parts and vpon an intelligence that was giuen him that Mombrun approched to succour the beseeged as we haue before specified Suze marcheth against him chargeth Mombrun Mombrun defeaâ—â—d kils about a hundred and fiftie of his men puts the other in route and wins two peeces of Canon which hee had lately lost This victorie was to Sommeriue a foâ—etelling of a good successe The 14. of September he ouerthrowes a hundred and fortie paces of the wall he planted two small peeces to batter the friars Three and thirtie enseignes of foot supported by a troupe of horse go to the assault and continue it with a wonderfull furie vntill seuen of the clock at night that pouder failing them on either side they fall to stones swords and handie blowes the greater number preuailing the beseeged abandon the breach retyring themselues with great losse and des Adrets returned into Daulphiné Senas Mouuans other Captaines seeing themselues vnfurnished of munition without hope of succours charged with a multitude of men not trayned vppe in warlike affaires togither with the enemies obstinate resolution they preferre the safetie of their liues and persons before the place and in the night recouer the straights the deseâ—ts of the mountaine and so come safe to Grenoble from thence they were conducted to Lions and there liued vntill the Edict of pacification Sommeriue at the breake of day sends some troupes after them but the difficultie of the waies and feare to loose their part of the spoyle stayed the pursute So the victors enter into this abandoned Towne and put to the sword about foure hundred women and children without distinction of age or religion Sommeriue is now master of Prouence leauing in all places pittiful signes of a bloudy victorie whereof the originall notes as principall instruments Carcez Mentin Flassans thrust forward especially by Bagarris Chesne S. Marguerite and others of the most seditious of the Court of Parliament of Aix who with all impunitie gaue libertie to all thefts spoyles and murthers so as after the Edict of pacification the Kings priuie Councell gaue commission to the President Morsan and some Councellors of the Court of Parliament at Paris to suppresse such disorders who by an examplarie punishment of many caused the following warres to bee managed with farre more moderation But the qualitie of some and the credit of others saued many heads which were prepared to vomit vp in open vew the bloud which their hands had too prodigally spilt As for the Duchie of Bourgogne Bourgongne Dyion Tauannes Lieutenant for the King in the Duke of Aumals absence loued siluer better then the bloud of the Protestâ—nts and the Parliament of Dyion hauing by vertue of letters obteyned the first of March 1562. forbidden the exercise of their religion Tauannes disarmes them puts the cheefe in prison forceth some to depart with threats others he expels violently The Maior and Sâ—erifs proceed farther they thrust forth wiues maids and children commaunding the pesants by proclamation the 7. of Iuly to set vpon the rebels not to receiue lodge nor feed them that are expelled the Townes a rigour which humanitie neuer vsed to the most barbarous they condemne them as guiltie of high treason that had carried armes or assisted them with ayd or counsel and they giue libertie to kill them all with impunitie that should hereafter assemble in any other places but in their ordinarie Churches This libertie bred many thefts and spoyles at Aussonne Autun and Beaune yet the people are commended to haue conteyned themselues within the bounds of modestie Chalon vpon Saone Mascon and Belleuille seized on by the Protestants serued them for a time as a Sanctuary and refuge Mombrun commanded at Chalâ—n with fiue hundred hargubusiers but being sodainly belegard by Tauannes and finding not the Towne furnished or defensable by
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
An other meanes did greatly ease the beseeged the diuision in the Dukes campe and the aduertisements they receiued from their friends following the armie So the ende of this seege beeing of exceeding charge and the graue of aboue twentie thousand men slaine in skirmishes encounters surprises assaults and dead of hurts hungar and diâ—eases caused the King to make great desseins for the repayâ—ing of many errors into the which the priuate ambition of some abusing the youth and the violent passions of this Prince had drawne him But too late for him for hee sees his Realme inflamed with the same fire which they perswaded him should haue beene wholie quenched with the bloud that was shed at Saint Bartlemewes and the warres of ciuill diuision vtterally extinct So the fealing hee had in himselfe of these actions whereinto they had drawne him shall soone lodge him in the sepulchre of his Predecessors The other exploits of warre done else where in diuers Prouinces of the Realme Warre in diuers Prouinces require some place in our historie The Baron of Serignac a wiseman vertuous and louing martiall discipline with some others of Quercy Foix and the neighbour Prouinces hauing caused Montauban to resolue to armes go to field with their troupes put garrison into Terride whereof Serignac named himselfe Baron tooke Buzet vpon Tar three Leagues from Tholouse by scaldo assure themselues of Villemur seize vpon many other places fortifie those they had held during all the former troubles warrant the passages then at an assemblie held at Realmont in Albigâ—â—is they made a diuision of their charges and gouernments The Vicounte of Goâ—rdon had a part of Quercy towards Cadenac and Serignac the other towards Montauban and Gasconie the Vicounte of Paulin Lauragais the Vicounte of Panas and his brother Rouergue the Vicounte of Caumont the Countie of Foix and the mountaine Countrie They were equall in their Commands but to auoide â—ealousie they decreed that one of them wanting succour the other commanders should succour him with all their forces and be commanded by him So they all retire to their gouernments In Languedoâ— euery one giues order for the preseruation of their estates Serignac occupies some neighbour places then hee campes with two thousand shot and some horse before Monricou makes a breach giues three assaults and one scaldoe is repulsed with losse Viouâ—e and Realuille make him receiue the like disgrace and kill many of his men But hâ— is reuenged to the benefit of one of his Captains beseeged in a village with foure score men he slue aboue two hundred men and put the rest to flight The Earle of Villars In Quercy Admirall of France and Lieutenant for the King against the Protestants in Quercy and the Countries there abouts gathers togither his troupes dispersed into garrisons beseegeth and takes Saint Geniez in high Quercy carries away the Lord of the place notwithstanding the coÌ„position made to depart with their liues and goods who was sent prisoner to Cahors It is better to hunt a farre off then nere at home The pursute of many against whome he had made cruell warre brought him to a scaffold as a spectacle and triumph to his enemies Brifenell in high Rouergue had a capitulation better obserued but the Admirall lost in counterchange in the moneth of May Soreze Montesquiou two Leagues from Tholouse Lodeue a Bishoprike and riche in the mountaines of Languedoc and Mas Saintes Puelles nere to Castelnaudarry The Marshall d' Anuille did likewise arme against the Protestants sixe Cornets of horse and ten thousand foote with foureteene peeces of battery pretending to beseeâ—e Nismes and then Vzez but the surprise of Sommieres nere to Bezieres and Montpellier called him from his enterprise He beseegeth it makes a breach and giues two assaults which were defended to the losse of the beseegers The Earle of Candale brother in Lawe to the Marshall arriues with a hundred horse and twelue companies of Gascons who desire to haue the forward at the third assault but with the losse of three hundred of the most resolute This checke amazeth the Earle What fooles are wee The seege of Sommecres saieth hee to the Marshall his brother in Lawe to cause our selues to bee thus beaten murthered and slaine for their pleasure who haue murthered our kinsmen friends and allies and will one day paie vs with the same money He had reason and the issue will teach vs soone the effect of this true deuinatio◠〈◊〉 if the Marshall of Montmorency had beene present this fatall 24. day o◠〈◊〉 the same furie had interred him with all his house vnder this common ruine as â—anie others yea Catholikes suffred the like violence by the practises of their priuâ—â—â—â—nemies to whome the time and force gaue meanes to reuenge their priuate 〈◊〉 vnder an other pretext There were foure moneths alreadie spent at this seege aboue fiue thousand Cannon shot had beaten the walles of Sommiers to powder victualls fayled and the beseeged demanded nothing but composition But the Marshall would haue it by force He exhorts his brother in Lawe to reuenge the death of his Captaines and soâ—diars who suffers him selfe to be perswaded but as he goes resolutely to the breach pâ—rfoâ—ming the dutie of a braue Commander and a resolute soldiar hee sees the place couered with a great number of his men and himselfe in the ende ouerthowne dead vpon the carcases This hens roust might haue beene the sepulcher of many more but Greâ—â—â—n to whome the honour of the taking and keping of Sommiers is chiefely due after they had performed the duties of valiant men accepted the composition was offred by the Marshall To depart their droms sounding Enseignes displayed their marches light in their cockes with seauen daies libertie to carrie away their bagage and to retire where they pleased So the Marshall seeing the resolution of them of Nismes and hauing lost two thousand fiue huÌ„dred of his best men dismissed his troupes and proceeded afterwards against the Protestants by seisures and sale of their goods within his gouernâ—ent The Admiralls army had an other successe Terride Flaignac and generally all which the Protestants held beyond the riuer of Garonne In Gasconic recompenced the losses he had receiued But Caussade stayed the course of his victories and made him vnable to do any thing worthie of fame La Motte-Puiols kept the Towne with sixe hundred â—arguebuziers and the repulse the Admirall receiued after a long wasting of his forces caused in the end the ruine of his army the which the Viconte of Gourdon shortned of a companie at the passage of Dordonne chasing the rest which marched to the seege of Rochelle The King of Nauarre had lately inuited his subiects of Berne to returne into the bosome of the Catholike Church They answered their Prince with excuses thinking it proceeded from an other motion then his owne and protest to other Churches of that partie to perseuer and maintaine themâ—elues
Councell to assure her selfe and to destroy such as would follow any other partie but her owne and euen then did shee trouble the Kings head with an exceeding feare and distrust of his houshold seruants The Duke of Guise would gladly haue vndertaken the house of Montmorency but it was to no purpose if all the foure bretheren were not taken in one nett The Marshall of d' Anuille was in Languedoc and deteâ—mined to ioyne with the Protestants yet the death of the eldest might make the rest easie So the Duke of Guise one day picks a quarrell in the base Court of Saint Germain with Ventabran his houshold seruant and for a slight cause being resolued to kill him hee drawes his sword Ventabran flies directly to the Marshall of Montmorencies chamber which hee finding shut hee mounts higher to that of the Constables Ladie and widow where finding Thoré hee stayes and there receiues some blowes but it was flatlings with his sword This Tragicke act turned to a iest sent the Marshall out off Court 1574. but hee shall soone returne to receiue a 〈◊〉 disgrace The Duke of Alanson resolues likewise to leaue it and to leade the 〈◊〉 Nauarre with him but the execution was of great dissicultie To aske leaue 〈◊〉 breed too many scruples and iealousies in the Kings head to go without leaue was to accuse himselfe of some plot and to be pursued as a fugitiue He therefore stires 〈◊〉 but le ts passe a troupe of two or three hundred horse assembled in Normandee to â—auour as the common bruit was the Duke of Alensons retreat or as others would haue it but without any likelyhood to murther the King his mother and his Councell This leuie terrified the Court and brought it to Paris they presently charge the Duke of Alenson and the King of Nauarre To purge themselues they publish a declaration the foure and twentith of March touching the fact of Saint Germain they protest of their good affection to the King and they offer their seruices against all rebells Hereupon the Marshall of Montmorency is perswaded to come to Court Hee is no sooner arriued The Marshall Montmorencie put in the Bastille but they appoint him the Bastille for his lodging and for companions in prison the Marshall of Cosse la Mole Coconnas and Tourtay seruant to the Duke of Alenson whereof the three last lost their heads at Paris culpable onelâ— to haue beene acquainted with some of their masters Councels to abandon the Court. During these broyles in Court the Protestants and their associats make their profit in Viuarez Daulphiné Languedoc and Poictou And the Marshall d' Anuille hauing by letters surprised Diuers exploirs oâ— war discouered the practise against him conferred now with Saint Romain Gouernour of Nismes But seising on Montpellier Beaucaire Lunel and Pezenas he giues the Protestants some cause to suspect his desseins The Politicks of Poictou hauing ioyned with La Noue seize vpon S. Maixant Melle Fontenay Lusignan and other places The checke fell vppon the Normans Montgomery Lorges and Galardon his children Colombieres Sey and others with troupes of horse and foote had secretly taken Saint Lo Carentan and Valongnes but Matignon and Feruaques ioyned with the forces of the Conte Thâ—rigni who alreadie camped before Saint Lo shut him into Danfâ—one a weake place and ill furnished with threescoore horse and foure score hargubuziers They batter the Castle make a breach of fiue and fortie paces and hauing beene vigorously repulsed from a sharpe assault the Earle abandoned by his people whereof the most part were gone to his enemies and the rest wauering being vnfurnished of munition water and succours perswaded by the Lord of Vassey for he held it farre more honorable to die vpon the breach with a pike in his hand then to fall into the Queene mothers power to end his dayes ignominniously on a scaffold he did capitulate but not without a greeuous apprehensioÌ„ of Colombieros desiring rather to die vpon the breach then to serue as a spectacle at the Greue at Paris Coâ—te Montgomery taken to depart with their liues and to carrie away some furniture with their swords and daggers vppon condition notwithstanding to remaine some time in the hands of Matignon and Vessey kinsman to the Earle with suretie of his life A captious and fraudulent composition the obseruation whereof must needs bee broken The Earle goes sorth and was led away by Matignon and Feruaques at midnight but his company remaine at the enemies deuotion who force the Castle kill some spoyle the rest and put them all to ransome Then Vassey appointed by the two commanders lead the Earle to Paris where since wee did see him goare a mournfull scaffold expiate by his death to the Queenes content that of King Henry her husband In the meane time the Duke of Montpensier made warre in Poictou but slowly and except the Castle of Talmont which he tooke from the Protestants by composition he did not any thing worthie of memorie The taking hereof was encountred with two great disgraces the one neer to Saincte Hermine in the defeat of his companie by Saint Estienne Captaine of Fontenay who slue many gentlemen led away fifteene or sixteene prisoners gott great store of baggage and the Dukes plate The other at the seege of Fontenay Some thinking to reuenge a disgrace doe oftentimes increase it Hee gott nothing but blowes with the losâ—e of the most resolute of his troupes and then an â—â—nest colour the Kings sickenesse called him from this seege to attend new Commissions and forces At that time the Prince of Condé did recreate himselfe in Picardie The Prince of 〈◊〉 retreat into Geâ—maâ—y wearied with the turmoyles of the Court. Being aduertised of diuers practises layed to seize vpon his person he flies into Germanie with Thoré il beloued by reason of the Marshals of Montmorenâ—â— and d' Anuille his brethren and the Councels giuen to the Duke of Alenson Being at Strasbourg he exhorts the Protestant Churches to relie vpon his loue and zeale for their releefe and Thoré perswades his brother d' Anuille to open his eyes and to embrace the occasion that was offered This Marshall held the wolfe by the eares for on the one side the Protestants of Languedoc might greatly crosse him if he had banded his forces directly against them and on the other side he â—eared the King and the Queene his mother who to keepe him in awe caused his eldest brother to be â—aâ—ely garded as a sure pledge for his yongers actions Hee must therefore assure himselfe on al sides and according to the course of the market entertaine both the one and the other expecting a Catastrophe of this strange and horrible Tragedie which was acted in Court The King declyned in the meane time decayed visibly in the prime of his age since the King of Polands departure he seemed more changed in mind then in body being incensed especially against the authours
into Guyenne against the King of Nauarre and the other heads of the League armed euery one of them by â—â—â—selfe The armie that came for the Protestants consisted of fiue thousand Reisires fiâ—e thousand Lansquenets The Protestants armâ—e twelue thousand fiue hundred Suisses in three regiments eleuen Coâ—nets of French ten companies of Harguebuziers on horseback the which in all â—ere abâ—ut thirtye thousand men The King of Nauarre assembled his forces in Gasconie The Prince of Condé the Conte Soissons the Vicont of Turenne the Cont of Rochâ—foucault the Lord of Tremouille and others made great preparations Tâ—e Lord of Chastillon gathered an armie in Languedoc les Diguiâ—res held himselfe reaâ—ie to passe at need Thus this poore and miserable realme is readie to serue as a prey to people differing in tongue and maners Without doubt men iudge of the offence by the punishment The witchcraft and diuination whereof some make open profession blasphemiâ— vnpunished lust dissolution prodigality ambition discord and cruelties but aboue al The cause of the â—â—â—â—ctions of Francâ— impietie licentiousnes Atheisme superstition iniustice the root of mâ—series which are crept into France haue filled vp the measures of her iniquities and now she is ready to drinke euen vnto the lees In former ages the Court was a schoole of vertue for the French Nobility now it abounds in dissolutnes disorder and excesse The most modest grow insolent the excesse of great men breedes it in the meanest And do wee wonder if the same scourges whereby the fearefull wrath of God iustly kindled haue ruined more florishing Estates then this doe now wast our fields The armie of Stangers now enters into Lorraine whose errors at their entrie will cost them deere that commit them The Duke of Bouillon is yong little respected Entrie of the strangers and ill obeyed Cleruaut Guitri Beauuais La Nocle Digoines Montlouet Vezines and others assist him but most of them are more fit to carrie an Ambassage then to vndertake a charge The cheefe of Germanie is but a meane gentleman valiant out of doubt but toâ— weake for so great a charge hauing no reputation but what hee hath gotten vnder Duke Casimirs autoritie In the beginning of August discord a dangerous plague Errors of this armie bred a great confusion in their procedings The Duke of Bouillon would haue imployed this armie to victuall the places of his soueraintie The Generall of the Germaines desired to haue a Pâ—ince of the bloud to march before him The Reistres and Suisses loose a goodly occasiâ—n at Pont Saint Vincent to fight with the League who made a shew to ioyne with them The Lansquenets are commended to haue resolutely cast themselues into the water to passe and come to battaile Some would spoyle Lorraine others would carrie their reuenge into the heart of France The Germaines chose the way along the riuer of Seine and so to passe into Picardie The French had more reason That they must ayme at a passage ouer Loire and fauour the King of Nauarrs approch In the end the way of Loire was resolued They fire some villages in Lorraine the Countries lying vpon the passage are wasted the armie finds neither mills nor ouens standing which bred a generall discontent among the Reistres and Suisses The Lord of Châ—stillon arriues As the armie passed through the countrie of Barre and Ginuillois newes comes that the Lord of Chastilâ—on is beset in Gresille in Lorraine with foure hundred horse and fifteene hundred harguebuziers The Duke of Bouillon makes hast to vngage him The Earle of la Marke his brother so tormenteth himselfe in this action that hee falls sicke and dying leaues the conduct of the foreward to the Lord of Chastillon The Earle of la Marke dies The armie is turmoyled with contâ—nuall raâ—â—e they want victualls and the grapes other fruit being not ripe breed many fluxes yet did they surmount all these difficulties and hauing passed the riuers of Marne Aube Seine la Cure and Yonne they approched neere vnto Loire Here the Reistres Suisses make a second complaint The strangers second complaint The King of Nauarre appeares not the water is low but the Kings forces are lodged vpon the riuers side and threaten to fight with the first that shall approach The ruine of the strangers armie was to keeâ—e the King of Nauarre from ioyning with them and therefore the Duke of Ioyeuze stâ—â—ed the sayd King with an armie strong with men munition artillerie and other meanes For their first exploits the King of Nauarre had defeated some Companies which had aduanced too farre into the Countrie And Charbonieres and Bori remaining with their regiments at la Mothe Saint Eloy being beaten by the fauour of the Captaine of the Castle who lent some peeces to breake their barricadoes against the oth which hee had giuen not to commit any act of hostilitie were defeated by Ioyeuses troupes The taking of Saint Maixant was the second of his triumphes Thonne-Charente the third both by composition The exploitâ— of the Duke of Ioyenze in Poictou But the defeat of the companies of â—uâ—â—lhes where some being taken after the furie of the fight others yeelding vppon their enemies faith were in a manner all insolently slaine in cold bloud togither with the foule warre at Saint Eloy shall bee deerely sold vnto the victors who hauing added the Abbay of Maillezay to his first conquests he left Lauerdin to commaund the armie and returnes to Court to demaund the palme of his victories and a supplie of greater forces the plague hauing much wasted his armie The King of Nauars exploits In his absence the King of Nauarre defeated three of his companies of men at armes tooke their Cornets and maâ—y â—entlemen prisoners poursued Lauerdin vnto la Haye in Tourraine chased the Duke 〈◊〉 by the conduct of the Vicont of Turenne tooke all his rich baggage then at hâ—s returne he receiued the troupes which the Conte Soissons brought and those of Noâ—mandie led by Colombieres This reâ—pâ—te gaue the said King meanes as wee haue noted before to gather togither his forces in Gasconie and so to ioyne with his armie in Xaintonge On the other side the Duke of Ioyeuze supplyed with horse and foot repasseth the Loire and with twelue thousand fighting men comes to encounter the King of Nauarre The King of Nauarre had two riuers to passe to come into Xaintonge Drougne and S. â— Isle The Duke of Ioyeuse dronke with prosperitie of a hasty aduancement who of a priuate gentleman was made a Duke and of a Duke brother in law to the King of France and charged but not so much by the King as by the League whereof hee was a partisan hauing married the Queenes sister to giue battaile at all euents would cut off these passages presuming that hee which passed first should haue an aduantage ouer his enemie The King of Nauarre knew it well yet did he not loose any
tyme in curling of his haire The battaile of Coâ—tras The nine teenth of October accompanied with the Prince of Condé the Conte Soissons his brother the Viconte of Turenne and other good commanders hee takes his lodging at Coutras to passe the riuer of Drougne at a ford The Duke supposing to haue him at his deuotion betwixt two riâ—ers giues the rendezuous to all his forces the next day betwixt Roche-Chalais and Coutras and there made choise of his place of battaile to his best aduantage halfe a League from Coutras The King of Nauarre and his souldiars had swet more in skiâ—mishes then in tenis-Courts and did take more pleasure in the dust of their enemies chase then in feasts The inequalitie of the number doth not amaze them Hee marcheth before resolues his men to fight makes them to fall on their knees and pray to God puts his horsemen into foure squadrons his owne that of the Prince the Earles and the Viconts The souldiars inflame their courages by mutuall skirmishes and reprochfull speeches from words they goe to blowes The King of Nauarres artillerie thunders fiâ—st at eight of the clocke and at the first volle sweepes away seuen Captaines of the regiment of Picardie The Dukes answeares him but without effect The ignorance or malice of the Canâ—oniers hauing planted it so low as it fell vpon a little â—ill betwixt both armies The Dukes horsemen led by Lauerdin and Captaine Mercoeur giue the charge and at the first encounter force through the King of Nauarres squadron and passing on the Vicont stayes him and beates him backe The Duke presuming by this first good happe to obteine a totall victorie ouer thâ—ee cheefe heads of the house of Bourbon aduanceth resolutely flancked with two hedges of armed men to charge with the Lance. The foure commaunders march euery one in the head of his troupe first easily the pace then the trott and after in their full carier They charge and breake them This conflict which consisted for the most part of Leaguers Defeat was almost as soon dissolued as it was resolued on it began at nine of the clocke and at tenne not any of the Dukes men had any offensiue armes some aâ—e ouerthrowne some taken and some seeke their safetie in flight The victors poursue them thâ—ee Leagues and strewe the fields with men horses and armes The Duke is compassed in by a squadron of men at armes A voyce reuiues the memorie of the slaughter made at Saint Eloy and of the Companie of Pueilhes at the brute whereof he is slaine presently Death of the Duke oâ— Ioyeâ—se without any respect of his qualitie His brother Saint Sauueur Bresay who carried the white Cornet Roussay the yonger brother of Pâ—ennes guidon to the Duke the Earles of Suze Ganuelo d' Aubiâ—oux the Lords of Fumel Neufui the elder brother of Perigord yong Rochefefort Croisete Gurat Saint Fort guidon to Saint Luc du Bordet his enseigne de Vaux Lieutenant to Bellegarde gouernour of Xaintonge Montigni enseigne Tiercelin master of the Campe Pluuiault la Brangerie Campelis the yonger la Vallade Bacullard with many other Caâ—taines and a great number of men of account and qualitie with about halfe of the armie made the battaile of Coutras famous by their deaths as the most memorable of all that haue been giuen for religions cause in France Many rich prisoners and a very rich spoyle All his Cornets taken his cannon carried away and his baggage seized on At their returne from the pursute thankes were giuen to God vpon the place of battaile died with bloud and couered with carcases But that which honoured the King most in the midest of this so commendable a moderation of his victory hee shewed himselfe no lesse milde and courteous to the prysoners and the wounded then wise and valiant in heate of the fight He caused the dead to be buried cured the wounded sent home almost all the prisoners without ransome gratified most of the Commanders caused the enseignes to bee deliuered to Montigny aboue the rest commended him to haue behaued himselfe valiantly in the battayle whereby hee began to purchase fauour with the King of Nauarre and afterwardes gotte great reputation with him for his valour and fidelity when as hee vnited both Crownes into one The Prince of Condé at the first charge had a blowe with a Lance on the side and beeing ingaged vnder his horse it did so preiudice his health as the griefe thereof did soone hasten him to his ende This is the greatest losse of the Protestants army in this coâ—bate in the which there was a very small number slaine and not one of account The King of Nauarre is nowe freed from the snares that were layed for him nowe hee aduanceth towards the spring of the riuer of Loire and giues aduice of his desseine to the army of strangers which then was in Hurepois about the Lands of the Lord of Chastillon The King camped vpon Loire betwixt Cosne and Neufui and by aduice of the Duke of Neuers hee cloyes the passages with trees stoanes and other hindâ—ances where the horses should passe The second cause next to God of the ruine of this army to whom they thought the King at his entry would haue presented a blanke to prescribe what they pleased The Duke of Guise followed them at the heeles and the Duke of Mayenne on the one side and yet both of them could not keepe them from surprising of some small Townes to refresh their army But when as they see themselues frustrate of all hope to ioyne with the King of Nauarre or to passe the riuer of Loire that they must eyther retire or march forward to meete with the King of Nauarre or ingage themselues farther within the realme to seeke bread for themselues and forrage for their horses or else march on the left hand and wander into vnknowne Countries they growe amazed they mutine they faint Some Frenchmen attempt la Charité but their enterprise succeeds not The Germaine aâ—my in Beausse In the ende they leade the army into Beausse where they should finde meate both for man and horâ—e The seauen and twentith of October they lodged at Vimorry and places there abouts neere to Montargis To take from them this lodging the Dukes of Guise and Mayenne taking aduantage of the passages of the riuer of Loing come at supper time with fifteene hundred horse and fiue thousand foote and charge the Baron Donneau beeing lodged in Vimorry with seauen or eight Cornets of Reistres Charged at Vimorry but they had almost verified the saying of the King of the Epirots vanquisher of the Romaine army We are vndone if we get such an other victorie for three hundred horses of baggage the Barons two Cammells and the death of fifty souldiars with a hundred seruants was not sufficient to recompence the bloud of fortie braue and gallant Gentlemen and two hundred good souldiars slaine vpon the place by the Reisâ—res who
in the Kings heart and to preuent all contrarie euents they thinke it not yet time to satisfie the oath which they had made to renounce all intelligences Leagues which they had made both within and without the realme They take newe Councells and resolutions at Paris Newe resolutions of the League to maintine this authority and credit gotten with so many crosses and disgraces vnto the King and so to presse him and to subiect his will vnto theirs as he shall not see speake nor mooue but by the eyes tongue and sinews of the League to haue the Deputies of the Parliament house of their faction with instructions drawne out of the articles of Peronne Nancy Nemours and Ginuille To vrge the King against the Huguenots and to sollicit him to ease the people by the discharge of taxes thereby to make him odious if he refuseth these first fruits of their vnion To make them strong at the Parliament and to that ende to send for all the Nobility of their owne faction and their adherents to assist with their armes To hold good correspondencie with the Duke of Parma and to aduertise the King of Spaine that this accord made with the King tended onely to effect their common desseins To retaine Pfiffer Colonell of the Suisses and Balâ—gny gouernour of Cambray with the priuate conuentions passed betwixt them To preuent least the Duke of Neuâ—rs whome the King resolued to send into Picardie to suppresse the violences of the League should winne away their most trusty friends To binde the Cittie of Paris vnto the Lord of Villars gouernour of Newe-hauen for the summe of thirtie thousand Crownes yearely to haue him fauorable to their partie These newe Councells bred newe teares The King cannot conteine from subscribing of these newe articles but his misfortune forceth him to hazard his Estate to preserue his person Hee knowes well that these are but imaginations that his Edict of reunion wil be obserued by none but by himselfe or so farre as it toucheth the subuersion of his Crowne And yet too much bountie or too great an apprehension makes him scrupulous to preuent it The Protestants offer to trie this greate quarrell at their owne perilles so as hee will remaine a neuter and suffer them to oppose against the mutinies of the League Hee reiects this aduice For there is lesse danger sayeth he to remayne with those which persisâ— in the vnitie of our religion then with them which are diuided and beecome heads of newe opinions So whether it were of a good meaning or of purpose hee returnes to Chartres He sees imbraceth and maketh much of the Duke of Guise and there all his fauours and bounties are liberally bestowed on the chiefe pillers of the League Hee giues the Duke of Guise the generall commaunde ouer all the mâ—n at armes of the Realme This was not the name and title but in effect the office and charge of Constable He makes the Cardinall of Goise Legate of Auignon the which hee promiseth to obtaine for him of his holinesse To the Duke of Mayenne a goodly army for the warre of Daulphine To the Duke of Nemours the gouernment of Lions as his father had enioyed it and hee determined to giue the seale to Peter of Espinac Arch-bishoppe of Lion to winne him vnto him by this great bounty promising to procure him a Cardinalls hat of Pope Sixtus by the meanes of the Cardinal of Gondy whoÌ„ he had sent to Rome Without doubt he had receiued more honor by being Chancellor of France then in being Chancellor of the vnion The Chancellor Hurault Earle of Chyuerny and the Lord of Belieure and Villeroye had then leaue to attend the Kings pleasure at their houses He declares the Cardinall of Bourbon the first Prince of the bloud deciding by a doubtfull speech that great question of prerogatiue betwixt the Vncle and the Nephew whereon there hath beene so much written and so much disputed peruerting the ancient order of succession and making the Cardinall to serue the passions of the League They present vnto the King being but sixe and thirty yeares of age a successor who had euen then passed the Climacterical yeare of threescore and three Was it not the Leagues meaning vnder the Cardinall of Bourbons image to raise vp a stranger and violently to aduance his tirany to vsurpe the royaltie To conclude the King continues renues and amplifies his fauours to all such as haue any credit with the League he doth nothing without them hee opens the very secrets of his heart vnto them and for their sakes causeth euery one of their partisans to tast some portion of his bounty and makes shewe to beleeue whatsoeuer they say vnto him His Councell blind his eyes so as hee cannot discerne what is the dutie of a good King they disguise the truth from him and studie onely to satisfie their ambition and couetousnesse The Kings Councellors dismissed the Court. So as to please them euen in this he himselfe pulls out those eyes whereby he did see most cleere giues them leaue to retire to their houses there to shrowd them selues from these confusions of state The Duke of Espernon was out of Court but hee had authority from the King to command in the Prouinces of Aniou Troubles against the Duke of Espernay in Angoulâ—sme Touraine Poictou Angoulmois and Xaintonge Being at Loches hee is aduertised that the League practised with some inhabitants to deliuer them Angoulesme Hee posts thether and the people receiue him with great honour as the Kings Lieutenant He publisheth the Edict of reunion his words and deeds testifie nothing but a courage resolued to preserue the Catholike religion But behold sodenly a strange Catastrophe Some Leaguers had perswaded the people that he ment to drawe the Huguenots troupes into the Castell and so subdue the Towne The Maior beeing the head of the conspiracie enters into the Castell on Saint Laurence day vnder colour to present vnto the Duke certaine postes that were come from Court he mounts vp to his Chamber at his entry he dischargeth two pistolls and seekes to force the house The Duke was then in his Cabinet attending the houre of masse wheâ—e hee red the history of Pierce Gaueston in old time deerely fauored by Edward the second King of England prefered before all others in Court inriched with the Kings treasure and the peoples wealth but after banished the reaâ—me and in the end beheaded at the sute of the Parliament This slanderous libell beeing printed at Paris not so much against the Dukes honour as the Kings compared the Duke with Gaueston and concluded that vnder Henry the third hee should ende his daies by the like tragedie Vpon the first tumult the Dukes gentlemen flie to armes and repulse this armed multitude the Maior beeing hurt with the shot of a pistoll through a doore died within seauen houres after The alarume â—lâ—es into the towne The people arme storme and make barricadoes But
but la Noue whome the King had especially commaunded to assist the Duke of Longuâ—uille with Councell in matters of warre did so wisely make choise of the houre and oportunitie to charge as the Duke of Aumale Balagni Gouernour of Cambray Of the Duke of Aumale and Balagni at Senliâ— and the rest puting in practise the vse of their long spurre rowels lately inuented as a mournfull prediction to the League saued their persons by the swiftnes of their horses and left the field died with the bloud of fifteene hundred slaine vppon the place in the â—light and poursuit verifying the saying He that flies betimes may fight againe Chamois Menneuille and diuers others could not runne fast inough The artillerie baggage and many prisoners remained at the victors discretion who by the Kings commaundement went to receiue the army of strangers which were come to the fronters The Kings meaning was to subdue Paris The greatest of the Hidraes heads being cut off did weaken the whole bodie and gaue hope to his Maiestie by that meanes to find what hee had lost the loue and obedience of his subiects To this end hee sends the Duke of Espernon to take from the Parisâ—ens the commodities aboue the riuer and assembles his forces to compasse them in beneath Thus the warre growes hot The Nobilitie goes to horse on all sides to reuenge the wrong done vnto the King but the more his troups increased the more bitter his subiects grew against him No prosperitie is so gâ—eat but it hath some crosses As the King attends the forces which the Prince of Dômbes now Duke of Montpensier brings him from Tours Losses for the King newes comes that the Earle of Soissons whome he had sent to commaund in Brittanie had beene defeated at Chasteaugiron three Leagues from Rennes and led prisoner with the Earle of Auaugour and many other Lords to Nantes That the Duke of Mayenne had taken Alenson That the Lord of Albigni a yonger brother to the house of Gordes and a partisan of the League had chased the Colonnel Alphonso out of Grenoble and seized on the Towne The taking of these Earles caused the King to send the Prince Dombes thither who more happily reduced many places to his Maiesties obedience The happie successe of the Kings affaires made men to iudge Towneâ— taken that the League would soone bee ruined the Kings armie increasing hourely Three hundred horse of la Chastre who presently after the Tragedie of Blois had made shew to iustifie himselfe vnto the King for the strict familiaritie hee had with the Duke of Guise were defeated by the Duke of Montâ—ason and the Marquis of Nesâ—e his Lieutenant and fiftie of his companie slaine the taking of Iargeau Pluuiers Ianuille and Estampes terrified the Parisiens They call backe the Duke of Mayenne and he finding the Duke of Longueuille farre off goes into Brie assures some places and takes Montreau-faut-yonne by composition from the Duke of Espernon but the Kings approch carried him sodenly to Paris where suffering his troupes to liue at discretion in the suburbs hee caused an ill impression to grow in some which could not well digest this confusion in the State An armie of about twentie thousand men gathered to gither by the Duke of Longueuille ioyning with the Suisses Lansquenets of Sansy Pontoise returned to the Kings obedience soone after the Kings arriuall all the Kings forces ioyned in one bodie being about fortie thousand men lodged about Paris and the taking of Saint Cloud made the Parisâ—â—ns readie to yeeld when as a deuilish monke an excrement of hell a Iacobin by profession Iames Clement of the age of two or three and twentie yeares Paris beseeged vowes said hee to kill the Tirant and to deliuer the holy Cittie beseeged by Sennacherib Thus resolued hee imparts his damnable proiect to Doctor Bourgoing Prior of his Couent to father Commolet and other Iesuits and to the heads of the League to the chiefe of the sixteene and to the fortie of Paris All encorrage him to this 〈◊〉 desseine they promise him Abbaies and Bishoprikes and if he chance to be made a Martir no lesse then a place in heauen aboue the Apostles They caused the Pâ—eachers to perswade the people to patience seauen or eight dayes for before the â—nde of the weeke they should see a notable accident which should set all the people at liberty The Preachers of Orleans Rouan and Amiens clatter out the like at the same time and in the same termes The first of August the Monke goes out of Paris and marcheth toward Saint Cloud vpon his departure they take aboue two hundred of the chiefe Cittizens and others prysoners whome they knewe to haue goods friends and credit with the Kings partie as a precaution to redeeme that cursed murtherer in case he were taken before or after the deed Being arriued at Gondyes house where the King lodged he goes to la Guesle the Kings Proctor generall in his Court of Parliament at Paris and saies that he had brought some matter of importance which might not be imparted to other but to his Maiesty and had letters of credit from the first President The King who for the reuerence he bare vnto Church men gaue free accesse vnto such as vnder the habit of religion made shew to bee deuoted vnto the seruice of God commands hee should bee brought into his Chamber willing the Lord of Bellegarde and the saied Proctor generall to retire who were then alone nere the King hoping both by the quality of the person whome he did counterfeit whose long imprisonment in the Bastille had giuen sufficient testimony of his faith and integrity to his Maiestie and the simple demonstration of the Wolfe disguised into a Lambe to learne some secret matter of importance and receiues this counterfet letter from him The King did no sooner begin to reade it but this wretch seeing himselfe alone growes resolute and drawing a Knife out of his sleeue made of purpose thrusts his Maiestie into the botome of the bellie and there leaues the knife in the wound The King drawes it forth and with some striuing of the Monke strikes him aboue the eye Many ranne in at this noyse and in the heate of choller killing this monster of men preuented the true discouery of this enterprise and the authors thereof worthie to be noted with a perpetuall blot of disloyaltie and treason The Physitians held the wound curable and the same day the King did write of this attempt The death of Henry the â— being murthered and of his hope of recouery to the gouernors oâ— Prouinces to forraine Princes and to his friends and confederates But fealing that the King of Kings had otherwise determined of his life hee did first comfort himselfe in foreseeing that the last houre of his crosses should be the first of his felicities then lamenting his good and faithfull seruants who suruiuing should finde no respect with those whose mindes
charge the Kings light horse The Marâ—shall ioynes with them and makes them turne their tayles presently their groue of Reistres is so violently repulsed and driuen backe as they turne sodenly to rallie themselues behinde the other troupes An other squadron of Lanciers Wallons and Flemings seeing his Maiesties troupe separated some-what from the rest which the Reistres had charged come hotly vpon them The Baron of Biron makes it good A second charge and not able to charge them in the front takes them behinde perceth a part of them the rest breaketh away like a billowe against a rocke The Baron had two wounds one in the arme and the other in the face Nowe comes the Duke of Mayenne with his bodie of horse-men in the which were the Dukes of Nemours and Aumale hauing vpon their wings foure hundred Carabins which were Harguebuziers on horse-backe armed with murrions and plaistrons who make a furious sally fiue and twentie paces off vpon his Maiesty troupe This done the King parts like a violent lightning from the head of his squadron beeing sixe hundred horse hee chargeth two thousand of the enemies hee breakes them scatters them and is so ingaged among the thickest of them A bloâ—die charge as notwithstanding the great plume in his Caske and that in his horse head which made him apparent hee remayned a good quarter of an houre vnknowne euen to his owne people in this great forest of Lances amidest a great shower of strokes giuing a good testymony that if before he could do the office of a great King and Captaine in ordring so could hee nowe performe the dutie of a braue soldiar and resolute man at armes in fighting But aboue all of a most milde and mercifull Conqueror who in this bloudâ—e fight did sound forth that gratious speeche Saue the French and downe with the stranger Doubtlesse hee is well kept whome God keepes Some were greatly astonished and amazed others trembled and quaked hauing lost the sight of the Kings Maiesty This great bodie whose foundation was so much shaken beganne to wauer those who euen nowe presented their faces so furiously with the points of their Lances and swords 1589. do now shew their heeles cast away their armes and trust to their horses His Maiestie being freed from this presse hauing with twelue or fifteene in his company A generall ouâ—â—thâ—owe taken three Cornets and slaine the Wallons that did accompanie them and returning to his squadron a triumphing Conquerour he filled the armie with exceeding ioy and the armie the ayre with that louing crie of God saue the King The Suisses remayned yet whole but abandoned of all their horse and layed open They propound to send the French foot on the right hand who had not yet fought to breake them But the respect of the ancient alliance of that nation with this Crowne made the King to graunt them life and receiue them vnto mercie Laying downe their armes they passed to his Maiesties side and those French that were with them inioyed the like clemencie But the time his Maiestie lost in pardoning the Suisses did greatly fauour their retreat that fled gaue the Duke of Mayenne leisure to passe the riuer of Euâ—é to breake the bridge after him and to recouer Mante in safetie The Marshaâ—l of Biron stood firme without striking yet did he more terrifie the enemie then any other for seeing this troupe of rescue whole they supposed that this old souldiar hauing bin practised in so many battailes in his life time would easily breake them and make the victory absolute Hereupon the Marshal d' Aumont the Earle of Ciermont the Baron of Biron and other Commaunders returne from the chase gather togither their troupes and ioyne with the King And the King hauing receiued his forces that came out of Normandie makes a bodie leaues the Marshall of Biron with the armie to follow him sends the Earle of Auuergne before takes the Baron of Biron on his right hand and an other troupe on his left and accompanied with the Prince of Conty Duke Montpensur Earle Saint Paul Marshall d' Aumont the Lord of Tremouille and many others poursued the point of his victorie chasing beating and killing vntill that the broken bridge diuerting them a League and a halfe out off the way to passe at the foard of Anet and the horses whose logges the Reistres had cut to stoppe the way hindring the ponrsute and the approching night ended the victorie The disorder was great in the retreat of the vanquished and the slaughter great in the fury of the fight Losse of the Leaguers aboue fiue hundred horse were slaine or drowned and aboue foure hundred prisoners The Cont Egmont the yong Earle of Brunswike Chastaigneray and a great number of other Noblemen slaine Bois-Daulphin Mesdauit Cigongne who carried the white Cornet to the Duke of Mayenne Fontaine Martel Lonchamp Lodonan Falendre Hâ—nguessan the Marshals of the field Trenzâ—y Casteliere Dâ—â—imeux and many other French Germaines Spaniards Itolians and Flemings were prisoners whereof the most part being gratiously released did afterwards abuse the Kings bountie by a reuolt who neuer could practise that vnciuill maxime of State a dead man neuer makes warre There were twentie Cornets taken the white Cornet the great standard of the Generall of the Spaniards and Flemings the Cornets of the Colonnel of the Reistres threescore ensieignes of foot of diuers nations and the foure and twentie of Suisses which yeelded All the footmen which yeelded not or were not drowned were cut in peeces All their artillerie all their baggage carried away Such as fled into the woods found lesse mercie in the peasants then in the men of warre The Duke of Mayenne saued himselfe in Mante and gaue the Townesmen this flout for their comfort that the Beaâ—nois wâ—s slaine or little better The Duke of Nemours Bassompiert the Vicont of Taâ—ennes Rosne and some others tooke the way of Chartres To conclude his Maiestie poursues them almost to the gates of Mante finding the wayes notwithstanding his lets full of runners away which remayned at his discretion And if those of Mante persisting in their first resolution to keepe their gates shut had not yeelded to the Dukes earnest request both hee and all his followers had fallen into the victors hands Thus God poured out his wrath vpon this armie thus a handfull of men defeated many Leagions thus the French spoyled Perou euen in France On the Kings side were slaine Clermont of Entragnes Captaine of his Maiesties gards Tieb Schemberg Colonnell of the Reistres Lost on the Kings side fighting then vnder the white Cornet Loneaulnay of Normandie beeing three score and twelue yeares olde an honorable graue for that braue olde man Crenay Cornet to the Duke of Montpensier Fesquiers 1590 and at the most twenty Gentlemen more The Marquis of Nesle being hurt died within eâ—ghâ— daies after The Earle of Choesy the Earle of Luden d' O Monlouet Lauergne Rosny
and some others were lightly hurt In this battaile they obserue three chiefe things The first the Kings firme resolution to giue battaile with an assured confidence that the sinceriity of his intent and the equity of his cause should bee fauored with the assistance of heauen The second that at the very instant of the fight it seemed that the earth did bring forth armed men for his seruice for on the eue and the day of battaile there came aboue sixe hundred horses vnto him vnexpected The third that of two thousand French Gentlemen only twelue hundred did fight twelue hundred put to rout an army of foure thousand horse fresh well mounted well armed and twelue thousand foote Without doubt the Eternall God of armes doth neuer forget the right of Princes Conquests after the victory against their rebellious subiects and a braue resolution with a wiâ—e commaunde giues a happie ende to battailes This victory purchased Vernon and Mante vnto the King two principall bridges vpon the riuer of Seixe And the heauens seemed to poure more blessings vpon our Henry and to make his way easie to an absolute Royaltie An other 〈…〉 of the League for the Earle of Rendan chiefe of the League in Auuergne was the same daie of the battaile of Yury shamefully chased from the seege of Iosstre slaine in battaille his troupes cut in peeces and his artillery taken by the Lords of Curton Rostignat and Chasseron As they had abused the Mantois with a vaine assurance of his death whome they durst not looke vpon nor incounter so with the like practises they must delude the Parisâ—â—ns The Duke of Mayenne his sister of Montpensier and the other heads of the League deceiued of hopes published by printed bookes That at the first assault at Dreux the Bearnois had lost aboue fiue hundred men that their wounds had made a greater number vnfit for their armes That the Marshall of Biron was wounded vnto death That in an other encounter neere vnto Poisâ—y the Vnion had gotten a great victory That in the battaile of Yury the combate had beene long and the losse almost equall That if the Bearnois bee not dead hee is little better But such as glad to haue saâ—ed themselues came to Paris marred all in verifying the Contrary making the people to hang downe their heads and to wish for peace by a still and mournefull muttering The fire brands of hell in their pulpits made the losse farre lesse then it was giuing them an assured hoped of speedie and newe succors from Spaine for the restoring of their Estate and the destruction of the Maheustres so they then called such as did fight vnder the Kings Enseigns To that ende the Duke of Mayenne went into Flanders to the Duke of Parma that is to say hee went to ruine his honour and reputation for being a master at home among his owne countryemen hee went to make himselfe a seruant and slaue to an ambitious proud man who hath often made him attend at his gate and lacquay after him before hee could receiue an answere of any matter of small importance to the great griefe an disdaine of the French Gentlemen that did accompanie him Doubtlesse it was necessary the Duke should trie the insolency of strangers the better to know the courtesie of the French and submit his armes and person to the King his soueragine and lawfull Lord the means whereby hereafter hee shall abolish the memory of things past Aduersity makes the wilfull more obstinate The Court of Parliament at Rouen for execution of the former decree puts to death the seauenth of Aprill some prisoners the Kings seruants and three daies after they declare all those persons guilty of high treason to God and man that followed the King of Nauarre so speake the decree and would not yeeld to King Charles the tenth of that name 1590 ioyne with the Vnion and carrie armes vnder the â—uke of Mayenne â—â—â—lest these threaten by their decree and the Duke goes to beg releefe the King being at Manta laboured to reduce the Parisiens to reason by mildnes But these trumpeâ—â— of sedition imputing this delay to want of courage perswaded the people that shortly their sworne enemie should haue worke inough and that at length he should beemined that a little patience would giue them a great victorie that they must not yeeldâ— any article whatsoeuer making impudent allusions to the name of his familie who is now seated in the throne of this monarchie These insolent exclamations brought the King about Paris Paris is accustomed to liue from hand to mouth Seege of Paris the benefit of the Hales the Place Maubert and other market places is the cause that the most part of housholds doe not knowe what prouision meanes And the cheefe of the League had so setled this former beleefe in the Citizens minds as of a hundred fourescore and nineteene had neglected to prouide for things necessarie to endure the toyle of a seege So as the taking of Mante Poissy Pont-charenton Corbeil Melun Montreau vpon Seine and Logny vpon Marne brought Parts in few moneths to extreame necessitie Compiegne Creil and Beaumont stopt the 〈◊〉 of Oise Erronious decision of Sorbonne But the ordinarie cries of the Preachers the practises of the cheefe and the Ladies of the League and the erronious decision of the facultie of Sorbonne giuen the seuenth of May in the thâ—rd generall congregation held to that end in the great hall of the sayd College prohibiting all Catholikes according to the law of God sayd they to receiue for King an heretike or fauorer of heretikes relaps excommunicate although he do afterwards obteine by an outward iudgement absolution of his crimes and Censures if there remaine any doubt of dissembling treacherie or suâ—uersion of the Catholike religion Condemning all them for heretikes forsakers of religion and peâ—â—icious to the church that should suffer any such to come to the crowne Al these made the multitude more obstinate against the extreamest miseries which the rigour of a long and painful â—eege may cause Besides this decision they had yet stronger restraints to bridle mens tongues actions that fauoured the flowre de Liz in their hearts The sixteene set spies to obserue the speeches and countenances of such as they suspect that is to say of such as wish for peace and haue not lost the remembrance of the true Princes of France And if any one chance to say It were good to â—reate of a peace He is a politike hee is a Roialist that is to say an heretike and enemie to the Church They spoyle imprison yea put to death such as doe not applaud this horrible tyrannie 〈◊〉 of the Paâ—â—siâ—ns The Duke of Nemours in the Duke his brothers absence commaunded at Paris and for his cheefe Councellors he had the Popes Legat the Ambassador of Spaine the Archbishop of Lion the Bishops of Paris Rennes Plaisance Senlis and others â—anigarole Bishop of
guide them to the port of obedience which had resolued to yeeld And for that the rebellion of Reims had shut the gates against him Chartrez was the Rendezuous of this solemne ceremonie and the Abbey of Marmonsâ—ier furnished the Oyle which they keepe religiously in the holy vyâ—ll with the like vse and vertue as in former times Raoul was annointed at Soissons Lewis the fourth at Lion Hugues at Compiegne and Lewis the young likewise at Chartres Thus was our Henry annoynted in Chartres by the Bishop of the same place the 27. of Februarie in the presence of such Princes of the bloud and officers of the crowne as the time would suffer to honour the ceremonies The fruits of his Coâ—onation Let vs now see the fruites of this solemnitie The Townes and commonalties of the League begin to tremble and the most part determine to send their deputies to his Maiestie being resolued to receiue his commandements Misfortune is good for some thing The Marquis of S. Sâ—rlin brother to the Duke of Nemours Attâ—mpts of the Marqâ—â—s oâ— Saint Sorlin agaâ—â—st Lions â—nd of thâ— Spaâ—iaâ—ds being yet a prisoner afflicted the inhabitaÌ„ts of Lions with al acts of hostilitie The King of Spaine on the other side confirmed his intelligences more strictlie with them of his factâ—on and gaue them assurance by the Duke of Terra-noua gouernour of Milan of a leuie of twelue hundred Suisses the which with other forces hee would thrust into the towne vnder pretext to succour it against the violences of the Maâ—quis but hauing drawne them in among the Inhabitants he should through the fauour of the partisans of Spaine make himselfe master of the towne Lions was nowe ready to fall vnder the rule and tyrannie of a stranger but God stirrs vp meanes beyond mans reason Some good men alwaies well affected to France in their hearts with the consent of foure sheriffes resolue to seeke the meanes to drawe the towne to his maiesties obedience Lions reduced They acquaint Colonel Alphonso with their enterprise who giues them assurance of his fauour and succor in so good an occasion The 7. of Ianuary he comes to the suburbes of Guillotiâ—re with goodly troupes And tâ—e same day betwixt three and foure of clocke in the morning Iaquet one of the Sâ—â—riâ—fes assisted by the Segniâ—urs of Liergues and de Seue followed by a good number of armed men force a gard placed at the fooâ—e of the bridge vpon Saone and constraine them to leaue the place The towne is in aâ—mes they make barricadoes in their streetes Such as were of this enterpriâ—e repaire to the quarters that were assigned them euery man desireth the liberty of France They seize vpon the Arcenall and on the most factious officers and Captaines of the towne All the people weare white-scarfes and fethers That happie crie of God saue the King sounds in the ayre They make bâ—nfires in all places they burne the armes and liuery of Spaine Sauoy and Nemours and the picture of the League in forme of a witch and set vp the Kings in all places Herevpon Alphonso entred the towne accompained with d' Andelot Cheuâ—ieres S. â—orieul Botheon la Liâ—gue Baume de Mures with many other gentlemen of the County and for the finishing of so good a worke he deposed the suspected Captaines of the towne â—eceiued the oath of fealty to the king of such as he did substitute in their places and afterwards the Councell of the Towne did resolue and sweare neuer to admit any Italians or Sauoyfiens to publike charges 1594. nations which had most nourished the fire of vnciuill rebellion within theiâ— Cittie The like broyle in a manner recouered the obedience of the Towne and Parlement of Aix in Prouence to his Maiestie The Duke of Espernon built a Cittadel there to keepe them in awe with whose humors they could not well agree Moreouer he was not in good tearmes with the King and seemed to pretend some innouation to the preiudice of the Kings affaires They therefore call vnto them Les Diguieres and the King commaunds him to go with speed and to oppose his forces against the Dukes in Prouence Hee wanted men money and necessarie prouâ—sions to entertaine that which hee had exploited in Piedmont He therefore furnisheth the places he held as the time would suffer him and goes to crosse Espernon razed the fort hee built against the Towne of Aix and reduced the Inhabitants to their ancient obedience The miraculous reduction of Paris to his Maiesties obedience AMidest so many happie Catastrophes for the restoring of this monarchie some notable inhabitants of Paris Mâ—ser bâ—â— Eâ—state of Paris which loued the Flower de Lus in their soules made the way to free it from the rule of strangers but many difficulties crossed the meanes they gaue vnto the King who imployed all his desseignes to recouer the ancient throne of his Predecessors Paris was neuer without some Prince of the house of Lorraine and aboue foure thousand French Spaniards Italians Lansquenets and Walloâ—s kept the Cittie in subiection Seing then that of many enterprises not any one could succeed happily neither might they attempt it by open force without a horrible effusion of bloud and bringing the Cittie in danger of extreame disolation a surprise was therefore necessarie It was now almost readie to bee effected by the meanes especially of the Lord of Belin Gouernour of Paris of Martin Langlois Seigneur of Beaurepaire one of the Sheriffs of Paris for that yeare and some others of whome they had assurance for the execution of their proiect as well of the Cittie as of the souldiars practised long before But the Duke of Mayenne being aduertised that the said Belin had intelligence with the king puts him from his gouernment and doth substitute in his place the Earle of Brissac and to fortifie the garrison with strangers hee causeth foureteene hundred naturall Spaniards to approache By this displacing of the Lord of Belin all their first desseins are made frustrat but the Earles humor was found apt to vnite them Hee sought the meanes to bring to light the effects which hee had resolued to purge the ill opinion of times past As Langlois attended some fauourable opportunitie to discouer himselfe to the said Earle his Maiestie sends him word that he is agreed with him that he should not feare to open himselfe vnto him touching the meanes he had plotted with Belin. He confers with the Earle lets him vnderstand such as bee of the intelligence and rhey resolue togither That to bring the King in without effusion of bloud as hee desired the eue before the execution they should carrie some stâ—ffe to the new gate that vnder colour â—o wall it vp they should draw away the gabions that stopt the gate that in the night they shouâ—d cut away the earth which stopt that of Saint Denis and so seize on the one and the other That the Shrieffe Nerat with his children should take Saint
from the Archduke Ernest Lieutenant generall for the King of Spaine in the Low Countries who soone after perswaded the subiects of the sayd Countries to arme and to inuade France The better to knowe Picardie and to iudge of what should be necessary against the attemptes of this newe enemy the King makes a voyage to the fronter and then returnes to Paris to celebrate the solemnity of the knights of the order of the holy Ghost and to receiue the Ambassadors of Venise Vincent Gradenico and Iohn Delphino being sent to congratulate the happy successe of his affayres and Peter Duodo to succeed Iohn Mocenigo At his arriuall hee receiues three good aduertisements That the Marshall d' Aumont had taken from the Spaniard one of the places he had fortified in Brittaine That the Spaniards thinking to enter into Montrueil hauing giuen fiftie thousand Crownes to the gouernour had beene repulsed with the losse of fiue or sixe hundred men And that the Marshall of Bouillon had ioyned with the army of Cont Maurice in despight of Cont Charles But oh monstrous attempt the onely remembrance should make our haire to stare and our hearts to tremble The 27. of December the King being booted in one of the Chambers of the Louure The Kingâ— hurt in the â—â—ce hauing aboute him his Cousins the Prince of Conty the Cont Soissons and the Earle of S Paul and a great number of the chiefe Noble men of his Court bending downe to receiue the Lords of Ragny and Montigny who kist his knee a yongman called Iohn Chastel of â—he age of eighteene or nineteene yeares the sonne of a wollen draper in Paris a Nouice of the Iesuits 5594 encouraged by their instructions thrust on by a diuelish furie creeps into the chamber with the presse surprising his Maiestie as he was stooping to take vp these gentlemen in steed of thrusting him into the bellie with a knife as he had determined he strooke him on the vper lippe and brake a tooth This wretch was taken and confessed it without torture The King vnderstanding that he was a disciple of that schoole Must the Iâ—suits then said hee be iudged by my mouth Thus God meaning by this cursed and detestable atttempt to countenance the pursute of the vniuersitie of Paris against that sect Iohn Chastel hauing declared the circumstances of his wicked intent was found guiltie of treason against God and man in the higest degree and by false and damnable instructions holding that it was lawfull to murther Kings A decree against the murtherer and that the King now raigning was not in the Church vntill he were allowed by the Pope was by a decree of the Court condemned to do penance before the great dore of our Ladies Church naked in his shirt vpon his knees holding a burning torch of two pound weight to haue his armes and legges pinched at the Greue with burning pincers and his right hand holding the knife wherewith hee sought to commit this parricide to bee cut off his bodie to bee torne in peeces by foure horses burnt to ashes and cast into the wind and all his goods forfeit to the King The said Couâ—t decreed by the same sentence That the Preests schollers and all others terming themselues of that societie as corrupters of youth troublers of publike quiet and enemies to the Kings state should depart within three dayes after the publication of this decree out of Paris and other places where they had colledges and within fifteene out of the Realme vppon paine after the said time to bee punished as guiltie of high treason all their mouable and immouable goods to bee forfaited to bee imployed in godly vses forbidding all the Kings subiects to send any Schollers to the Colledge of the said societie without the Realme there to be instructed or taught vnder like paines as before The Decree was executed the nine and twentith of the said moneth Peter Chastel the father and Iohn Gueret schoolemaster to this murtherer were banished the first for a certaine time out off Paris and fined at two thousand Crownes the last for euer out off the Realme vppon paine of death The fathers house standing before the pallace razed and a piller erected conteyning for a perpetuall monument the causes of that ruine Amongst the writings of one named Iohn Guignard of Chartres were found certaine outragious and scandalous libells against his Maiestie made since the generall pardon granted by him at the reduction of Paris for the which hee was executed the seuenth of Ianuary following Experience hath often taught Warre proclaymed against the Spaniard that armes produce greater effects abroad in the enemies Countrie then at home and that the goodliest triumphe is sought farthest off Our vnciuill confusions were forged cheefly in Spaine and the Iesuits had beene the cheeâ—est workemen One Francis Iacob a scholler of the Iesuits of Bourges had lately vanted to kill the King but that hee held him for dead and that an other had done the deed And this horrible attempt of late vppon the sacred face of his Maiestie wherein hee was miraculously preserued doth witnes that they were the cheefe firebrands So the King grounding the necessitie of his armes vppon these considerations after hee had rooted out this sect of Schooles which they held within the Iurisdiction of the Parliament of Paris hee published a declaration for the making of warre against the King of Spaine Without doubt the reasoâ—s were verie apparent and manifest and the beginning more fauourable then the end The Marshall of Bouillon begins this new warre he enters the Duchie of Luxemâ—ourg with an armie of a thousand horse and foure thousand foote and at the first putâ—â—o rout eleuen Cornets of horse of Cont Charles neere to Wirton kills two hundred and fiftie vppon the place makes the rest to leaue armes horse and baggage and to saue themâ—â—lues in the next forrest 1595. Philip likewise for his part proâ—â—â—iâ—es 〈◊〉 against our Henry The Duke of Lorraine on the other side hauing taken a truce 〈◊〉 his Maiestie Some Lorrains serue the King the Baron of Aussonuille with the Seignieurs of Tremblecourt and 〈◊〉 George who before made warre vnder him now take the white scarfe they enter the County of Bourgongne with a thousand horse and fiâ—e thousand foote and at the first they seize vpon Vezou de Ionuille and other places Behold the fire which threatens two Prouinces but the Spaniard suffers them not to be consumed as men presumed that being busie to quench it he would leaue Picardie in quiet Hee commands the Archduke Erneste that with the hazard of the Lowe Countries he should transport all his forces into Picardie and moreouer causeth the Constable of Castille gouernour of Milan to passe the Alpes with a great armie of Spaniards and Neapolitanes who recouered the places and forced the Lorraines to disperse themselues The Artesiens and Hannuyers foreseeing the desolation which the continuance of this warre would
stand and the enemies freed from him begin their retreat The Kings horse follow them to the top of the hill and there put themselues in battell A notable victorie The King hauing taken breath in the place from whence hee parted to go to the charge diuides his men into two troupes one for himselfe the other for the Marshall Here about a hundred French gentlemen take the place from fifteene hundred horse and by this meanes the King was master both of the enemies bodies and of the place of battaile His Maiesty gathers togither such as were dispersed to make the better shew HereupoÌ„ arriues the Earle of Clâ—rmont Vitry the Kings light horse those of Cesar Monsieur the Duke d' Elbeuf the Earle of Chiuerny the Cheualier d' Oise the Lord of Risse and Aix which made about six hundred horse of his ordinary all greeued that they had not followed the fortune valour of our King to be partakers of the honor which he had wonn With this supplie hee turnes to ouertake them that â—led and pursues them two Leagues neere vnto Grey A shamefull flight but not able to follow this shamefull flight hee was content his glorie should surmount their shame and that his valour had vanquished their â—orce and vsing this famous victorie with pietie hee let all the world know in his person That it is not the sword nor the arme that strikes nor the number of men that preserues Kings in the midest of armes but that high Prouidence which fighting with the one band for the iust cause of lawfull Princes against the attempts and violences of â—â—urpers and Tyrants and holding victories in the other decides the quarrels of Sâ—â—erainties by the equitie hee finds in Princes armes vniustly oppressed and makes it â—â—nifest that the admirable euents of battailes consist and relie not onely in number or force but in the free disposition of his fauours vnto a people whose miseries hâ— will shorten which the continuance of war hath bred in a diuided Estate The enemie returned to lodge at Saint Seine and dislodging the next day 〈◊〉 feare 1595. they repassed the water vpon their bridges leauing both the one and the otheâ— side of the hill at the Kings deuotion who without doubt had giuen them a great checâ— vppon this retreat if his footmen had beene with him and the horses lâ—teâ—y arâ—â—ued could haue endured the toyle in the vehement heat of the sunne The Duke of Mayenne and the Castillian lost in this charge sixe score men slaine vpon the field three score prisoners and two hundred hurt His Maiâ—stie onely â—oure slaine and one prisoner But for a notable circumstance and a signe of the eâ—peciall care of God ouer his person hee performed these exploits without any other armes then his â—â—irasse alone and was well assisted to their great commendation by the Dukes of Guise and Elbeuf the Lord of Tremouille and the Marquises of Treynâ—l and Pizany by the Lords of Inteuille Roquelaure Chasteauvieux Liencourt Montigni Mirâ—poix and others And in despight of all the furious attempts of the League the Castell of Dijon and in a manner all Bourgongne was sone after reduced to the Kings obedience and now the third time he freed his realme from strangers The King in the end inuades the County forceth one of their lodgings in the vew of the Constable of Castille neere vnto Grey becomes master of the field takes Aspremont and many other places he had forced their cheefe forts if the Suissâ—s had not intreated him to retyre his army and to suffer that Prouince to inioy her ancient libertie Whilest the King continues his victories the Marshall of Bouillon executes a dangerous enterprise but of importance vpon the Towne and Castell of Han. Han opened the way for the Spaniard from the fronter vnto Beauuais and Amiens f Haâ— â—urprised or the King but this surprise cunningly performed did wonderfully annoy them and not one Spaniard of those which had it in gard escaped either death or prison Six score naturall Spaniards and six or seuen hundred Captaines and souldiars of diuerse nations were slaine and three or foure hundred prisoners Humieres slaine But all this scumme of men could not recompence the deaâ—h of that braue and generous Nobleman aâ— Humieres one of the cheefe actors in the enterprise as much lamented first by the King then by the Nobilitie and generally of all France as his vertues and mâ—â—its â—ad made him commendable and necessarie for his Maiesties seruice La Croix master of the campe Mazieres Lieutenant to Suruille and Boyencourt Captaine of Humieres gard were companions of his valour and graue The Towne was taken for the King with the death of some twentie other gentlemen and about a hundred souldiars Bâ—t the Spaniard soone after reuenged this surprise vpon Castelet but more sharply vpon the Towne of Dourlans for hauing put to rout the succours which the Maâ—shal of Bouillon sent slaine the Admirall of Villars and many gentlemen they tooke the Towne by assault not for want of men or munition Castelet and Dourlans for the Spaniards but by their bad order and the intelligeâ—ce which the Commaunders in the Towne had with the enemie and entred it with such great furie as they had no respect of sex or age hauing no reason for their horrible crueltie but the fresh remembrance of their companions It is cryed they to reuenge those of Han. The Duke of Neuers the Marshall of Bouillon and the Earle of Saint Paul Commaunders of the Kings troupes hauing diuided the charge amongst them to incounter the Spanish forces the Marshall and the Earle went to prouide for the places about Bollogne and the Duke for those vpon the riuer of Somme Passing by Amiens hee finds the people and the cheefest so amazed that to assure them he was forced to lay aside the qualities of his person and to promise to put himselfe into Corbia foure Leagues from Amiens to defend it if the enemie approched He enters it the third of August veâ—es it both within and without takes a suruay of the quantitie of munition and of the number of monethes and prouids as time and necessitie would permit him for things necessary for the preseruation of the place The Spaniard had an other desseine for the first day of the moneth hee parts from about Dourlans and taking the way betwixt Peronne and Corbie seemes to threaten Saint Quentin or Cambray So the Duke leaues Corbie but doubtfull whither the Spaniard went 2595 yet aduertised by the Viconte d' Auchy gouernor of Saint Quentin Cambray beseeged that the enemy approched towards him he goes to defend Saint Quentin He is no sooner armed but newes come that the Earle of Fuentes is lodged about Cambray to beseege it with seauenteene thousand men and threescore and two peeces of artillery The Lord of Balagny Marshall of France by his articles of capitulation with the King confirmes this aduice by
requisite in a seege of such importance to attend the treaties of the one and the other He commended the first for the affection hee had shewed to preserue the realme entire hauing not done nor suffred it to bee dismembred but of some places in the great declyning of his Estate dâ—clares that he had alwaies heard that the second had no part in the troubles and diuisions of the realme by any desseine preiâ—diciall to the Estate This reunion of the Duke of Mayenne caused the yeelding of Soâ—ssoâ—s Pierrefont Chaalon vpon Saone Seurre in Bourgongne and some other places to the Kings obedience who in like sort to giâ—e order to the dâ—â—orders of Brittaine a Prouince all couered with Spaniards vnder Don Iohn d' Aghigliar sent the Marshall of Lauerdin thither after the death of the Marshall d' Aumont The hazard and burthens of rebellion ruined the Dâ—ke of Aumalâ— onely he would be more willfull then all the rest He therefore grew so incensed against him as the Court of Parliament at Paris made his processe declared him guilty of treason in the hiâ—hest degree his picture to bee drawne in peeces with foure horses all his goods forfâ—ited to the King adiudged his goodly house at Anâ—t to be razed to the ground and for more detestation of his treachery the Trees about it cut off by the waste But he sought his safety with Albert Cardinall of Austria at Bruxelles lately come to succeed the Archduke Ernest his brother Albert assures the besieged in La Fere to free them but he suffered the succours that should releeue them to bee defeated And the Earle of Fuentes hauing manned the Townes of his new conquest went to winter in Haynault and gaue the King meanes to dismisse most part of his horsâ— to be ready in the spring against the Cardinals desseignes In the meane time he assembled the Estates of Picardie Bolognois Vermandois and Thierasche in Amiens prouided for the estate of the Prouince and punished some Captaines with death whose couetousnesse had partly beene the cause of the former losses Whilest that our Henry assisted now by the Dâ—ke of Mayeâ—â—e in person 1596. bring them of La Fere to be ready to submit vnto his Maiestie behold the beginning of this new yeare sowes the seeds which shall bring â—orth most profitable fruites for the perfect restoring of this estate The Townes and whole prouinces desire a generall deliuerie and nothing stayes the effects but that some Gouernours â—ill haue the honour to see the Canon at their gates before they treate of their accord others set their places to sale A filthy traffick fitte for the confusion of this age but vnworthy of all good order vnworthy the duty of good subiects vnworthy of the libertie and honour of the French Nobilitie The King reducing them by force which will not voluntarily returne to their duties hee willingly giues eare to the mildest and shortest course Hee should spend more money to get morâ— honour but hee frames himselfe after the example and modell of Charles the seuenth whose two raignes had many conformities He desires rather to buy a place for money then to besiege it with much more charge and great losse of men The people suffer great losse and oft times the issue is doubtfull The first fruites of this new yeare are most happy in generall and most honourable for the chiefe authors thereof The Duke of Ioyâ—uze holds the first ranke The Duke of Ioyâ—uze It is hee which hath lately taken againe his profession of a Capuchin wherevnto he was vowed after the death of his wife and by the decease of the last Duke of Ioyâ—uze his brother drowned neere to Villemur had leâ—t him to succeed in the name gouernement and estate of the deceased Without attending of any force he yeeldes freely to his Maiesties seruice and the King opening his armes and heart makes him partaker of his especiall fauours honouring him with the title of Marshall of France and one of his Lieutenants generall in Languedocke in the Townes places and countries hee brings to his obedience giuing him this testimonie that the onely zeale and profession of his religion had made him take armes without any other pretension whatsoeuer By his example the officers of the Court of Parliament Tholousâ— yeelds remaining at Tholouse for the exercise of Iustâ—ce the Capitoulx and all the rest of the Cittizens together with all other people of the Prouince of Languedoc which held the contrary party vnder the authority of the sayd Duke make knowne vnto the King the desire they haue to yeeld obedience and dutye to his Maiâ—stie and their resolution to perseuer therein The Duke of Guise did second this happy beginning of the yeare and doth sweeten the sharpnesse of those losses which the Spaniard had caused vs lately to suffer Hee was still vigilant to imbrace all occasions that might settle his affaires in his gouernment of Prouence wherewith the King had newly honoured him hauing â—â—â—eady with the helpe of the Lord of Les Diguieres reduced Cisteron and Riez to 〈…〉 of this Crowne and Martegues with the Tower of Bouâ— seated at 〈…〉 of the sea the Towne and cittadell of Grasse with the helpe of the Earle of Carces and the Lord of Croze hee findes a fitte oportunitie to make knowne vnto his Maiestie that hee had quite forsaken the alliance and correspondencie which hee had with the Spaniard 1556. Lewis of Aix and Charles of Casau commanded in Marseilles with great authorâ—â—iâ— violent men and of the Spanish faction Marseiâ—les They bargained with Phillip to sell hiâ— this Towne of importance the port of all the Prouince and the key of one of the cheeâ—e entries of this realme where the Emperour Charles had often knockt yeâ— could neuer get it open and for the execution of their desseine had alreadie caused some Spanish galleyes to approch vnder the commaund of Prince Charles Doria of Genes All sucâ— as were fled out of Marseilles propounded some enterprises vppon the Towne to the Duke of Guise but all were weake and of small possibilitie yet had he purchased some reproch to faile in his seruice to the King if he had not attempted some one Peter of Liberta commanded at port Reale a man of courage valiant and full of affection to the Kings seruice He acquaints the Duke of Guise with his resolution either to kill or to shâ—t out these two Tribuns who euery morning at the opening of the gates went with their gards to walke without the Towne that laying an ambush neere vnto the gate it would be easie to seize on them to bee masters of the port and so consequently of the Towne The Duke thinkes well of this enterprise hee takes the name of the gate and of the person for a signe of good fortune The gate is called royall and the libertie which the Predecessors of the vndertaker had in old time pourchased to the towne of Calui in Corsequa
the Cittie gate called Angels gate she was receiued by two other Câ—rdinalls Sforce and Montalto and led into a house artificially made where she was seated in a royall throne attending the rest of the Cardinals that went to receiue her After this the said Queene mounted vpon a white Steed the Princesse her mother vpon the like wâ—ich were sent them by his Holines so entred into the Cittie being lâ—te The Qâ—eene went betwixt the two Cardinalls with her Duch gard about her and her mother following after with Albertus the Archduke The Constable of Lombardie as they call him after the Spanish manner the Duke of Aumale the Earle of Cand the Prince of Orange the Earle Dietriessan and many other Noblemen of great name and authoritâ—e followed them with a great number of Carosses and Coaches in the which the Lâ—dies and gentlewomen were and in this order shâ—e arriued at the Emperours Ambassadors lodging passing vnder many triumphant arches The Queenes entriâ— into 〈◊〉 The future Queene being come vnto the Pallace shee mounted vp and retyred her selfe into a chamber neere vnto the Holy Consistorie where the Pope was set in his Pontificall throne with the Colledge of Cardinals staying there vntill the Oration was made by Bernardin Lâ—scot of Milan in prayse of the house of Austria and of the happie arriuall of the sayd future Qâ—eene Which done she her mother and the Archduke were brought in and admitted to kisse his Holines feet who receiued them gratâ—ously and gaue them his Benediction The next day hauing bin present at the Masse which the Pope did say the Queene her mother The King of Spâ—â—neâ— marrâ—â—ge and the Archduke were feasted at the Popes table But the Sunday following which was the fifteenth oâ— Nouember and appointed for the marriage all hauing left their mourning weedes for the death of the King of Spaine they put on their Nuptial robes His Holynes was gone before to the Cathedrall Church with his Pontificall Roabes and Diademe sitting in his throne to celebrate the Masse The said Qâ—eene attyred in white glistering with Pearle and precious Stones of inestimable price beeing followed by her Mother the Arch-duke and all the troupe of Princes Noblemen and Ladies was so led by the Cardinalls of Santiquatro and Farneze as a bride vnto the samâ— Church the which glistered all with hangings of cloth of siluer Being placed in her â—hrone all of Gold vnder a cloth of Estate of the same and her Mother with her and the Arch-duke beeing set in an other of the same the Pope began the Masse then the Queene was conducted towards the Pope by the Cardinalls with her Mother and a great traine of Ladies and the Arch-duke approched in like sort being followed by the Princes and Noblemen The King of Spaines procuration to the Arch-duke beeing read Foure personages of the same family of the same name and of the same armâ—s married togâ—ther the Pope did celebrate the marriage betwixt Philip the 3. King of Spaine in the person of Albert his Vncle substituted by him to that end and appeering in his name on the one part and Queene Marguerite being present on the other part She turning vnto her Throne all the Princes saluted her congratulating her marriage with wishes of all happinesse The Arch-duke continued still before the Pope vntill the Duke of Sessa came with the lâ—ke procuration from the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia which being read the sayd Infanta was married by her deputy to the Arch-duke Albert by the Popes hand The Masse being ended the Pope caused the married Qâ—eene to approch neere the Altar giuing vnto her a Roâ—e all of gold consecrated The Pope nuptâ—â—ll â—uiâ—t to the Qâ—enâ— of Spaine the which his Holinâ—sse doth vsually giue vnto Queenes and Princesses as hee is accustomed to send a Sword and a Hat to the chiefe Princes of Christendome From Ferrara the Queene went to Mantoua where the Duke reâ—eiued her very honorably and entertained her with her whole traine being esteemed to be 5000. men and 4000. horse nine whole daies from thence they passe by Cremona to Milan which belongs vnto the King of Spaine where they resolued to attend the Kings farther pleasure Let vs nowe see what passed in the Lowe Countries since the Arch-dukes departure from Bruxelles The Amirall of Arâ—â—goâ—s exploits in the Duchie of Iuâ—llieâ—s We haue noted in the 3. demaund which the Admiral of Arragon made vnto the Emperour that the Duke of Iuilliers was a widower without heires and weake of spirit which caused trouble in his Country whereof they had concluded the vsurpation at Bruxelles but it must haue some pretext A Peace being concluded in France the Arch-duke prepares to make Warre against the States hee leuies a great Army whereof he made the Admirall his Generall commanding him to passe the Meuze with all speede to enter into the Duke of Iuilliers Countrie and to seize vpon as many places as hee could vpon the Rhine and to fortifie them that hee might be the stronger vpon all occasions and haue thereby a more easie entry to make Warre in Frizeland Zuiphen and other Prouinces beyond the Rhine The Admirall according to his commandement passed the Meuze with his whole Army nere vnto Ruremonde in the beginning of September consisting of 178. Enseignes of foote of all nations Spaniards Italians Bourguignons Germains Wallons Irish and others making about 25000. foote and 25. companies of Horses besides 12. which hee had left in Brabant so as his whole armie was neere 30000. men Hauing past the Meuze hee dispersed his troupes in the Countrie of Iuilliers the Diocese of Cologne and there abouts so as approching the Rhine he sent the Colonel Barlotte to passe it first and to maintaine the passage for the rest the which he did at Kerckraet betwixt Cologne and Bonne whether hee drewe downe all the boates he could recouer hauing past onely with 800 men of his regiment and some field peeces with the which going downe the Rhine beneath Cologne hee chased away all the States shippes that were vpon the Riuer where hauing gathered togither all the barkes and boates he could find hee passed the rest of his regiment with some more artillery The Admiralâ— the Earle of Berghes and other Noblemen marched thither and approching neere the Rhine they came first with their troupes before Orsoy a place easie to fortifie lying vpon the Rhine belonging to the Duke of Cleues The Admirall summoned it desired to haue entraÌ„ce to passe the Rhine The Lord of Horst Marshal of Cleue-land and the Secretarie would haue made refusall pretending their neutralitie but the Inhabitants beeing terrefied and vpon promise that they would but passe the Rhine they suffred them to enter Hauing the Towne at his deuotion hee came before tâ—e Castle Oâ—soy yeelded to the Admiral Where there was a garrison of some souldiars of the Duke of Cleues 〈◊〉 hee did so terrefie threatning to hang them
as they yeelded it presently whereâ—s hee lodged and fortified Orsoy speedily passing three regiments of Spaniards there with that of Count Bouquoy with twelue companies of Horse the which camped right against the Towne whilest that the Admirall caused a strong fort to bee buâ—lâ— at Walsom vpon the other banke of the Rhine to haue the passage free In the meane time the Spaniards spoile many other Townes in the Duke of Cleues Country and iâ— Westphalia Prince Maâ—rice his exploits This soden comming of the Admirall into the territories of the Empire awakened Prince Maurice who parting speedily froÌ„ the Haghe appointed the rendezuous for his troupes about Arnhem in Guelderland where he arriued the 13. of September resoluing to make head against the Spaniard The 25. of September the Estates of the Duke of Iuilliers assembled where it was concluded That the Duke should write aswell to the Emperour as to the Princes Electors to demande succors against the Admiralls attempts That commandement should bee giuen to the Earle of Lippe Captaine generall of the nether Circle of Westphalia to assemble the fiue lower Circles in the Towne of Dormont that they might seeke to preuent the miseries that were falling on them and also to stay the leuies as well of men as of money appointed for the Turkish Warre That Ambassadors should bee sent to Albertus the Arch-duke who was yet at Niuelle to complaine of the taking of Orsoy and other the Admiralls attempts Touching the Ambassadors that were sent vnto the Arch-duke hee made this answere The Arch-dukes answer to the Ambassadoâ—s That hee neuer had any intent to preiudice the Landes belonging vnto the Empire nor to giue any cause of complaint but seeing hee was forced to make Warre against his Maiesties rebells he did aduertise theÌ„ that what was done was by a resolution of the whole Councell That he intreated his Cousin the Duke of Iuilliers not to take it otherwiâ—e then in good part And if hee do not presently leaue Orsoy and ruine the fort of Walsom he will do it vpon the first occasion That for the present hee doth only hold them to haue a passage vpon the Rhine for the effecting of desseins against the Rebells That the Kings men of Warre both in their passage and lodging should keepe such good order as none should haue cause to complaine But contraâ—y to these promises the Spaniards tooke Burich Diuslack in Holt and Rees in the same Country of Cleues and all other places and forts there aboutes chasing and killing the garrisons that were in them The Earle of Brouk writ also the 20. of the same moneth vnto the Admirall intreating him to send him a safegard for his Castell of Brouk his family and Subiects wherevnto the Admirall answered that if the sayd Earle carryed himselfe according to his dutie he should bee receiued into his protection with all loue The Earle of 〈◊〉 besâ—â—ged and taken in his Casâ—ell by the Spaniaâ—dâ— then slâ—â—ne by them and burnt and honored according to his merits the which should bee a moâ—e assured safe-gard vnto him then paper Yet the Earle hauing certaine intelligence that the Spaniards intended to force his Castell of Brouk the 6. of October late at night he sent away his Wife Daughters and Gentlewomen resoluing the next day to carry away his richest stuffe The which he could not do for the next daie his Câ—stell was beset on all sides by the breake of day some Cannons planted and it battred the same day The 8. of that moneth the Earle parleed with the Spaniards and concluded that the souldiars that were within the Castell should depart with him and hee conducted to a place of safety Herevpon the Castell was yeelded and hee went forth with his men Cruelty of the Spaniards which were all choise Souldiars But he was presently set vpon by the Spaniards and taken prisoner the Souldiars to the number of forty were led into a nere Champian field and there disarmed and all slaine There remained yet six of the Duke of Iuilliers people who beeing loth to trust vnto the Spaniards curtesie had retired themselues out of the way vntill the greatest furie were past In the meane time they stript the Earle whom they had also slaine if a Captaine had not withdrawne him into a Chamber And by this meanes the six Souldiars had also their liues saued yet they stript two of them naked whom in derision they placed on either side the Earle but at his instant request they suffered them all sixe to depart In the meane time the Earle had a garde of Halbards in his Chamber so as none of his people might come neere him but the Lord of Hardemberg his Cousin and one Page The 10. of the moneth the Captaine appointed for the garde of the Castell came and told the Earle that he might go walke if he pleased wherevnto he answered That he would willingly if it might be without danger After dinner hee had a desire to walke with the Captaine in whose company he feared nothing As he walked he saw much bloud shed along the way and said to his Page behold the bloud of our seruants If they haue an intent to do as much to me The Spaniards treason against the Earle I had rather it were to day then to morrow Going on towards the Riuer of Roer hee was beaten downe with the Staffe of a Pertuisan or Halberd and slaine vpon the ground saying onely with his hands lift vp to heauen My God and had presently two or three thrusts through the body They left him a while dead vpon the place and afterwards burnt him Those of Wezel the chiefe towne of Cleues thinking to free themselues by presents sent vnto the Admirall hee returned them an answer VVezel forced to fuâ—nish Money and Corne. that they should haue peace with him so as they would restore the Catholike religion and expell the Protestant Ministers The which they did but it would not worke their peace for he forced them to giue a hundred thousand Kings Dallers a thousand quarters of Corne to pay and feed his Armie Afterwards the Admirall tooke Berke vpon the Rhine which was held by the States Emeric Isseâ—berg Deuteâ—om held also by the States and Schuylembourg but want of victuals his armie being driuen to great extremities was the cause why he entred no farther into the States Country desiring nothing more by reason of the Winter then a good lodging to winter his Armie in so as the 16. of Nouember he marched vp the Riuer and lodged them all winter in the Countries of Cleues Munster Berghes and Mark. The Deputies of the neather Circles of Westphalia whereof the Earle of Lippe was Captaine generall being assembled at Dormont hearing the complaints that were made from diuers parts of the Admirals inuasion vpon the territoâ—ies of the Empire and the Spaniards outrages they resolued to write vnto the Emperour and to the foure Princes Electors vpon
seeing that hee was not come thither with any bad intention not to seize vppon an other mans Countrie nor to wrong any man but for extreme necessitie a sincere afâ—ection hee carried to the Empire and the preseruation thereof He blames the States That the States and vnited Prouinces were the cause of this mischeefe who would neâ—er reconcile themselues vnto the King their Lord notwithstanding so many offers of good vsage and intercâ—ssions of the Emperour of other Kings and of the Princes of Germanie nor yet the grace and fauour which the King of Spaine hath done them hauing transported all the Low Countries to the Infanta his daughter married to Albert the Archduke That the said King and Archdukeâ— hauing made him Generall of their armie the sooner to set him to worke and to enter into their Countries which were held by their enemies did thinke that they might well allowe them so much as to passe by the fronters of the Empire to wrest out off the enemies hands the places which they held and afterwards to râ—store them to their true owners He bâ—amâ—s the Elector of Coâ—len That through the long delay of the Prince Elector of Collen after the yeelding vp of Rhinberg and the retreat of the States shippes vpon the Rhine the sayd army had stayed along the Rhine pretending to raze Schercks Sconce lying at one of the Corners of the Rhine And being come thither that â—or the treaties and negâ—tiations which were long in managing they must remaine there for â—heir maintenance to free the riuer of Rhine and to keepe the Towne of Orsoy and that for some other reasons hee was forced to take the Towne of Burich to anoy the enemie to crossâ— their desseines He excuâ—etâ— the 〈◊〉 of the Eaâ—le of 〈◊〉 That victuals and forrage being spent considering the complaints of their neighbâ—urs many things haue past amongst others that of the Earle of Broucke who for his accustomed crueltie bad inclination killing tâ—em that went to forrage hauâ—ng contemned all brotherly admonitions desiring rather to practise armes then to enteâ—taine friendship if any misfortune had happened vnto him he was sorie for it beiâ—g reâ—olued to do Iustice. That when as the neigâ—bour Countries came to complaine vnto him of iniuries and oppressions which they sayd they endured he had vpon euery point giuen them iâ—st and lawfull excuses He excusâ—â—h 〈…〉 That after he had taken the Towne of Bergh to preuent the policie of his enemies and receiued money and victuals from them of Wezel according to their agreemâ—â—t for their ransome he raised his army and went to Rees the which hauâ—ng well fâ—rnâ—shed he came to Emerick in the vew of the enemie a Towne seated vpon the Rhâ—ne neer vnto the fort of Schenck the which being strong both by Art and Nature oâ— hard accesse by reason of the waters not easie to batter and much lesse to giue assault he â—ft it and tooke his way by the high Countrie he went before Deutecom which yeelded and â—o did the Castle of Schuylâ—mbourg That after many consultations of the reason of war and of the iniurie of the Tâ—me it was found expedient for the preseruation of the armie to cause it to winter 〈◊〉 places neerest to the â—erritories of the Empire to stoppe the enemies courses and spoyle to entertaine the Kings armie during winter and to haue it alwayes readie That many by â—eason of the strangenes of the fact being ignorant of the Perill Necessitie and Profit therof haue made their complaints vnto their Princes who 〈◊〉 the discomodities of their Subiects haue also coÌ„playned vnto him 1599. who hath answered them curteously commending the good amitie of the Lords conâ—ederates vpon the Rhine and of their Countries against all inconueniences He prayâ—â—â—h the Kâ—ng of Spaine putting them in mind of the Kings great benefits to his gâ—eat hazard to preserue the Lands and Territories of the Empire from vtter subuersion to the hindrance of his owne affaires That he did thinke by his mild carriage to haue cut off all cause of complaint and did hope that hereafter there should bee no mention made to the Empeâ—our nor in the other Courts and Estates of the Empire whereof notwitstanding he heard the contrarie fearing that in this assembly by the exclamations of some mooued with spleene and hatred against the King and the Catholike religion and through indiscretion or malicetrusting too much to the enemies inconstant promises or through ingratitude or some such like cause that such false reports are againe brought in question That he had held it expedient to aduertise his Imperiall Maiestie of the Kings merits and iustifications against such friuolous complaints and to send them to the Princes and States of the Empire in writâ—ng and to that Assembly Intreating them in his Maiesties name and his owne that without iust occasion they would not take any bad impression of his Maiesties sincere intention by an vndue greefe commiseration oâ— spleene growing from some smal misdemeanors which be the ordinary frutes of warre least they fall into greater inconueniences and troubles which might breed a greater mischeefe whereof would follow a â—o late repentance But rather shewing wâ—sedome and Discretion measuring the good with the bad comparison being made of small damages and losses happened on these fronters of the Empire ioyning to those of the King from whome the Empire had receiued so many good turnes they should take all in good part That it will well appeare with what Bountie Moderation Clemencie Dilligence and with what Charge his Maiestie hath amidst so great troubles and turmoyles of warre preserued the whole Diocese of Collen and the neighbour Countries being in danger to bee lost and the Catholike religion supprest and that to the great preiudice of his â—owne affaires By the which merits and good deeds togither with the bond by the which the said Diocese and Countrie of Westphalia are tyed no man of Iudgement if hee will not bee blemished with the note of ingratitude can with reason blame his Maiesties actions nor his own touching the lodging and wintering of his army conteyned in all militarie modestie This Iustification was tedious but it was answered all the points of vpbraidings and accusations made therein examined and reiected as false and calumnious to the preiudice of the Emperours honor of the Princes and States of the Empire This Assembly was referred to Conflâ—ns We shall hereafter see what passed there We haue before shewed how that Madam Catherine the Kings only Sister The Kings sister marâ—ied to 〈◊〉 Duke of 〈◊〉 the 31. oâ— Iâ—nuary he câ—ntâ—act 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 the 5. oâ— August 1598. had bin promised to the Marques of Pont Prince of Lorraine and Duke of Barr. The coÌ„tracts were made in the preseÌ„ce of the Duke of Lorraine who came into France The conditions were that the sayd Lady should be entituled Duchesâ—e of Albret Countesse of Armâ—gnac and of Rhodez Vicountesse
much honored This discontent was shewed in all the sorts the Malcontents could deuise The Images at the Kings comming to the Crowne at his entry into Madrid did speake They made the Image of Iupiter câ—rrying a globe of the World vpon his shoulders and discharging one moetie vpon King Philip with an inscription shewing that the Empire was diuided betwixt Iupiter Caeâ—sar there were found these words written in an vnknowne hand vnder Iupiters Image This is the Duke of Lerma The King coÌ„ming one day from walking â—ound vpon his table a letter sealed with this superscription To King Philip the third of that name King of Spaine being at this present seruant to the Duke of Lerma The King vnderstood al this and laughed at it saying to the Duke of Lerma See what they say of vs. There was a Tragedy made at Valladolid the speakers were the King the CoÌ„stable of Castille the Duke of Lemos and the People The argument was the Complaint and Insolencies of the Duke of Lerma The Catastrophe was the death of the Duke torne in peeces by the furie of the People A Iester going betwixt the King and the Duke of Lerma thrust the Duke in such sort as he made him stagger saying Stand fast for if thou fallest thou wilt neuer rise againe The King taking these words as spoken against him answered presently Wee will both fall then Great men which had laughed at the Bouffons speech were amazed at the Kings answere All Spaine admires his Fortune the most Happie thinke that they must be borne vnder the same planet that will be Happie But no man can say how long this happines will continue for in the end the great and vnmeasurable fauours of Princes are Preiudiciall and Ruinous to their Fauorites Courtyers burne themselues therein like Butterflies But they are wise that drinke of these fauours as the Dogges do of of the water of Nilus in passing and running least they be deuoured of the Crocodiles of Enuie and Iealousie Assemblie of the Deputies of some Princes of the Empire at Conâ—â—ans We haue sayd before that the Assembly of Collen was referred to Conflans which the Germains call Coblents the eight of March Thither came the Deputies of the fiue superiour Circles to consult of the meanes wherby they might defend and maintaine the liberties of Germanie and suppresse the insolencie of the Spaniard who attempted in hostile manner vppon all Estates This word of Circle according to the Germaine Custome and Phrase signifies properly a Canton of the Countrie but it is taken for the Allyance and League which certaine Princes and Imperiall Townes haue one with another And of these Circles there are fiue superiour that is to say of high Germanie and the fiue Inferior are those of Low Germanie and it is one of the causes for the which the Allemans are called Germains for that their Countrie doth all equally belong vnto Soueraigne Lords according to their titles one a Duke another an Earle a third a Marquis And as for the free Townes they be such as haue redeemed theÌ„selues from their Lords haue obteined the Lords Fee vnto themselues as they of Metz The Circles of Germanie who redeemed their Liberties froÌ„ Godefroy of Bullen going to the conquest of the holy Land The fiue Inferior Circles are Westphalia which is vnder the Iurisdiction of the Prince Elector of Collen Hamborough Lubeâ—k Vtrecht and East Phrise with the Countries adioyning and vnder them are comprehended the Hans Townes which be 72. in number the which haue very great Priuileges Those of the vpper Circles were such as assembled then at Conâ—â—ans the first is Mayence or Mentz Treues Collen and the Palatinat which makes one Circle The second is Brandebourg Wirtzbourg Henneberg Hohenlo and Noremberg The third is Wormes Simmer Hesse Nassau for the fourth is Munster Iuilliers Paderborne Lippe for the fift Magdebourg Brunswike Meâ—elbourg and Mulhous These haue an Allyance togither and it is lawfull for them to assemble when they please Beeing thus assembled all the Propositions formerly made vnto the Assembly at Collen by Rodowitz Commissioner for the Admiral were againe vewed and considered of with the iustifications of the States of the vnited Prouinces which were these in effect That they had receiued letters from the Princes Electors and others of Germanie conteining the complaints of the Estates of the Circle of Westphalia The Iustifications of the vnited Prouinces vpon the oppressions and outrages which the Countries of Cleues and Iuilliers of Collen and Westphalia did suffer by the men of warre of either partie whereby they were required to retire their men presently out off the territories of the Empire to restore the Townes which they held raze the Forts which they had built and to leaue the Countrie Townes and States of the Empire in their ancient Peace Rest and Quiet wherupon their answere resolution was also required For answere whereunto the sayd Estates declared that they were sorie to heare such complaints and the more for that they were put in the same ranke with the Spaniards and Admirall who had not forborne to Beseege Batter Force and Take Townes Castels Fortresses and Gentlemens houses in the Countrie of Cleues and others of the Circle of Westphalia by Murthers Burning Spoile and Rauishing of Wiues and Mayds without any respect of Estate Qualitie or Condition And yet not content therewith they had by their garrisons and threats forced some of the sayd Townes besides their Ransomes and concussions to change the Religion and Gouernment which they haue many yeares inioyed vnder the authoritie of your Excellencies and of other Princes whereas the King of Spaine had no interest nor could with any reason colour his attempts And contrariwise for their part â—ayd the States no thing had beene done but by extreame constraint and necessitie the which hath no Law for the Preseruation Maintenance and Assurance of thir vnited Prouinces and tâ—e which according to the Law of armeâ— and custome of warre may be done without any contradiction whereunto they had beene forced By reason whereof they did beseech their Excellencies and all men of Iudgement in matters of warre if considering the Admirals attempts â—eeing they had no other meanes to make head against the enemie but in preuenting him and occupying of those places which he himselfe would haue taken they haue first seized on them and put in men seeing that the Tolhuis which they had seized on was not sufficient to resist the Admirals forces who would not haue failed to come thither whereas the Inhabitants should haue beene treated with the same mildnes that he hath vsed in other places therby to haue had an entrie into their vnited Prouinces Besides they neuer had any intention to vsurpe one foot of ground belonging to the Empire nor of any Prince or neutral Lord to hold it in Proprietie as they sayd they had of late assured his Imperiall Maiestie and the Princes of
the Empire and namely the Prince Elector of Collen with whome they desired nothing more then to entertaine al good Alliance Amitie CorrespoÌ„dencie and good Neighbourhood maintayning themselues in that sort without diminution of their Estate vntil they might once see an end whereunto they did alwaies tend and aspire euen vnto this houre The which they haue made sufficiently knowne by their resolution to restore Rhinberg vnto the sayd Prince Elector of Collen The Towne of Rhinâ—eâ—g to hold it vnder the rights of neutralitie if it had not bin preuented by the seege which the Enemy layd before it whereby hee would haue giuen some colour to his attempts with such as thâ—ough ignorance or impatiencie haue not sounded the ground of the matter The which attempts are manifest by the surprises of Townes and places and change of Religion and Gouernment whereby he did not onely aduertiâ—e Princes and Lords but plainly teach them how he meanes to intreat them and their Subiects at his first oportunity to settle the Spanish Monarchie They had seene by experience how willingly and freely sayd the States they had the last yeere at the request of the sayd Princes and States of the Empire deliuered vp diuers places which they had wrested out of the enemies hands lying within the lymits of the Empire vppon hope that the enemies would also yeeld what they held depending of the Empire as they had promised to the sayd Princes and States which deliuerie vp by them and refusall of the enemie hath beene so preiudiciall vnto them as in the end they haue beene constrayned to beseege and force the Townes of Alpen Moeurs and Berck according to the good successe which they haue had It is also manifest how they restored the Townes of Alpen and Moeurs without restitution of one penie for the charges of the Conquest and how they had offered to do as much for the Towne of Berck with a declaration of the true meanes to entertaine the lymits of the Empire in Peace if the Enemie who sought the contrary had not hindred it Which their good and sincere intention hath beene so much the more manifested for that according to the order set downe by Prince Maurice their Captaine to expell the enemies garrisons out of the Towne of Emericke they did it restored the sayd Towne vnto the right Prince wherby your Excellencies and other Princes may see the sincerity of our actions without any farther doubt or distrust But rather that you would seeke the meanes whereby the Spaniards and their adherents may be chased out of Germanie and their pretended Monarchie preuented to the end that the members and Subiects of the Empire may be freed from so great dangers troubles for the effecting wherof said the States we haue these many years done our bâ—st indeuours mind so to continue trusting that God will moue the harts of Kings Princes Potentates Commonweals States to effect imbrace their coÌ„mon defeÌ„ce ruÌ„ning al iointly to quench this fire So beseeching their ExcelleÌ„cies to take c. These IustificatioÌ„s being conferred by the Deputies with them of the Admiral they acquainted Charles Nutzel Commissioner for the Emperour therewith who gaue them to vnderstand Propositions of the Dâ—puties of VVestphalia c. That it would please the Princes Electors to consider with what care and dilligence the Emperour had sent his commaundement and letters as well to Albert the Archduke as to Andrew the Cardinall who were not yet well aduertised how things had past That to leuie an armie onely vpon the teritories of the Empire they must take good aduice and that by a Diet or Generall Assembly of all the Estates of the Empire That the Spaniards and States had mightie armies and their souldiars had beene hardened and practised in armes for these thirtie yeares That both the King of Spaine and the said States hauing had warre with other Kings and Princes and their armies defeated they haue presently renued the warres and with greater forces That for many reasons he would not aduise them to take armes presently but to stay a time and in the meane while they should require both the one and the other againe to repaire the hurt done by them in the Emperours Countrie by some friendly composition and that in the meanetime the Emperour should call an Imperiall Diet where if it should be resolued to leuie an armie to chase as well the Spaniards as the States out off the territories of the Empire that the Emperour as the soueraigne head should consent thereunto and do any thing that was befitting his charge Contrariwise the Deputies of Westphalia of base Saxony and of the vpper part of the Rhine did shew that they could not attend to any othertime to resist the Spaniards and the Admirall who contrary to the promises made by them to restore the places taken did still rauage more and more ouer the Countries of Westphalia Cleâ—es Mark and Bergh That Albert the Archduke and Andrew the Cardinall had beene aduertised of the violence of their armies and that they must resolue to repell force by force Wherupon it was decreed by the consent of the greatest part in forme of an Imperiall Edict A decree made at the Assembly of Coâ—â—lâ—nâ— That they should giue necessarie succors to the Circle of Westphalia and to the other Estates of the Empire that were beseâ—ged According vnto this Decre Henry Iules Duke of Brunswike and of Lunebourg Postulus of Halberstat and Prince Maurice Landgraue of Hesse leuied good troupes of mâ—n with that which the States of the aboue named Circles did ad vnto them all which togither made a good bodie of an armie of Germains of ten thousand foote and three thousand horse Count of â—ippe Generall of Germaine armie whereof Simon de Lippe was Captaine Generall the Earle of Hohenloo commaunded the Duke of Brunswiks troupes and Count George Euâ—rard of Solms those of the Landgraue of Hesse And for Generall of the Artillerie they had Oliuer de Timpel Lord of Cruybeke This armie being on foote the Spaniards left their lodging about the end of Aprill in the quarters of Westphalia and Munster the which they had made very desolate and came and planted themselues along the Rhine about the Townes of Emeric and Rees And afterwards as the sayd armie approched hauing stayed to beseege the fort of Walsom right against the Towne of of Rhinberk vppon the riuers side which the Germaines did take in the end they continued almost two moneths vnprofitably in that quarter and neuer aduanced to the great discontentment of the said Princes of Brunswike and Hesse and of their Lieutenants In the end the Count of Lippe marching downe the Rhine on the same side the Admirall of Arragon retyred his Spaniards out off Emeric the 7. of May remouing his bridge which he had vpon the Rhine and placing it lower before the Towne of Rees After he had wel manned the said Towne with a
two or three had tould them No man knowes my realme better then my selfe 1601. I haue found three factions That of the deceased King hath troubled me Of three I haue made one there is no more any distinction I am King of the one as wel as of the other and hold them all for my subiects I make no difference among them for their affection to my seruice but I know how to make chiose of them that are Capable of charges for your regard you shall neuer bee forgotten when any is offred Du Bourg hauing thanked the King for the confidence it pleased him to haue of his loialty seemed notwithstanding much afflicted for this slander The King sayd vnto him that hee had already told Chazeul that it pittied him to see him afflicted for a thing which he had neuer beleeued which he held incredible he asked him if he suspected any one assuring him that if he did name him he wold of his absolute power put him to the Racke if any one should accuse theÌ„ he would alwaies hold the accusation scandalous being far from the thought of gentelemen of their sorte and if he should beleeue billets there were no safety for good men in his Court But the King adds to increase the hearts of these spightfull spirits go and raise your Regiment and beleeue mee that if you bring speedily the number of men which you haue promised you shall punish theÌ„ more rigorously then Iustice wold if they were known for there is no such tormeÌ„t to an enemy as to do well That which was sayd of these two was very false but that which was sayd of two others was very true The King had intelligence that two disperate men by one motion diuers meanes had an enterprise vpon his person Two dâ—sperâ—te mâ—n sent to kill the King One aduise was accompanied with a Discription and the Portaits of these wretches One of them was knowne and seene two or three times neere vnto the King One to whom Villeroy had giuen a coppy of the Portraits to watch obserue this villainy seeing him one day neerer vnto the King then hee should bee wiâ—hed his Mâ—iesty to take heede He contemned this aduice saying that his life depended of God and not of the practises of his enemies Hee would not suffer them to apprehend him saying Let him aloane he is a wicked man Such villâ—ines shall not go vnpunished God wil punish thâ— witâ—oâ—t my doing The Castell of Montmelian was held one of the strongest places in Christendome and those which haue seene the Protrait with the order of the Kings Campe and the forme of his Battery haue wondrâ—d that it did so sodenly yeeld The King himselfe sayd it was impregnable It is seated vpon the toppe of a Mountaine the Ditches bee Precipices on euery side the defences fiue great Bastions well â—â—anked The sâ—ege of the Castell of Montmelian there is but one passage to it from the Towne but so vneasie as it is not to bee wonne beeing Ditcht Retrencht and Flanked with aduantage but there is no Fortresse that can bee termed stronge if it bee not assayled and they measure the strength or weakensse of a place more by the quality of him that doth beseege it then by her owne forces The King whose reputation assured a happy ende resolued to beseege it beeing informed of the Estate of the place and confirmed in his resolution by l' Esdigueres who sayd these wordes vnto him That hee would subâ—itt himselfe to paie the Charges of the Army if that Fort were not taken within 〈◊〉 moneth The French Army marched to beseege the Castell of Montmeliaâ— which the Lord of Crequey commanding â—n the Towne since the taking thereof had blockt vp as weâ—l as hee could The Castell sommoned to yeeld His Maiesty being arriued he sommoned the Count of Brandis to yeeld and to receiue his commandements threatning him with the fury of fortie Cannons the Earle answered That hee would neuer yeeld the place but to his Soueâ—â—igne Lord the Duke of Sauoye The Earle of 〈◊〉 anâ—â—eâ—â— and if they did beseege him Montmelian should bee the â—â—pulture of the French Some thinke that this insolent answere proceeded onely from feare In the meane time the Marquise Rosny great Master of the Artillery lost no time to plant his Batteries drawing vp seauen Cannons by the force of Mens hands to command the Castel and to batter it at randon then in the same plaine at the foote of the hil he caused two batteries to be made by de Bordes Lieutenant generall of the artillery as well against the Bastion of Mavuoisâ—â— as other places which they held â—asieâ—t to bee battered especially that which was before the Bastion Bouillars the which might also Batter an olde Tower or Dongeon beeing foure square and almost ruined hauing beene battered in former time by the Army oâ— King Francis the â—â—â—st 1600 The two batteries on the other side of the Water played vpon the base foâ—t and iâ—to the portall of the Dongeon at randon vpon those that should issue forth or offer themselues to defend the breach the which did more amaze the beseeged then any tâ—ing elâ—e who being well furnished with artillery and other muniâ—â—on spared not their shot the which notwithstanding could not hinder the lodging of the Kings Artillery Whilest they planted the Cannon the King went to viewe the passages of the Mouâ—taines by the which the Duke of Sâ—uoy might enter on this side He was 〈…〉 Thurin and did not bouge seeming careâ—esse of the ruine of his Estates â—et sometimeâ— some of his most trusâ—y seruants would say The King of France takes Townes in Sauoy but patience His â—ighâ—es will take as many in France and better these words being reporâ—ed The â—antâ—ng oâ— the 〈◊〉 made the King to suspect some bad desseigne coÌ„sidering the aduertisement they had of three Murtherers whereof one was come expresly out of Piedmont to Murther the King yet he feared not them but rather la Fin who was very inward with the Marshall Biron and that they would seeke to effect the desseigns which they had plotted at Paris when as the Duke of Sauoy was there whereof the King had had some intelligence but hee could not beleeue it His Maiesty who loued the Marshall Biron well wished him to dismisse la Fin that his company was dangerous and in the end he would deceiue him But the Marshal was no more capable of Councell two great violent pâ—ssions ambition reuenge had so disteÌ„pered his iudgemeÌ„t as he was no more himself the which grew vpon occasions which fell out in this War of Sauoy Tâ—e first was despight and iealousie to see all the authority of command all the honor of enterprises The causâ—s of â—hâ— Maâ—shall Birons â—â—â—conâ—â—nt all the conduct of executions giuen to l' Esdigueres for that he knew the Country the enemâ—es forces better then any other Hee