the Ambassador with the greatest signs of respect but as to the business of Geneva he would not concern himself with it whether he feared the charge would be too great or that he thought the enterprize too difficult There was then at Rome a Genevois named Francis Fabry Son of Peter Fabry of one of the chief Families in Geneva who was Bishop de la Cave Sixtus had some conferences with him which proved not ineffectual for the Pope answered at length the Ambassador That if it were a War wherein Religion was concerned it were then fitting he should be interested in it as being head of the Church but if it was a War which concerned the State he could not in Conscience employ the Churches Treasure in maintaining other Peoples interest The Duke was not a little displeased at this answer and being of a cholerick temper he could not forbear saying in a passion That Sixtus had rather shed the blood of Catholicks at Rome than that of Hereticks at Geneva At the same time he wrote to his Ambassador to return home And that if he could not subdue the Genevoises by the help of the Spiritual Sword he would try what he could by the Temporal one which no Priest was able to withstand The Count Olivarez who had received Orders from Spain to promote as much as in him lay his Highnesses interest comforted his Ambassador in this following manner after he had in vain endeavoured the same thing Alas said he I know very well the temper of the Ecclesiasticks of this Court and especially of this Pope whom I have often dealt with His Highness ought not to expect any thing from him towards the War with Geneva For should be take the City he would keep it himself Wherefore I believe it would be better to let that City alone for these Hereticks respect the Duke and bring him profit by trading with his Subjects whereas if it should fall into the hands of the Ecclesiasticks they would not fail to trouble the Duke and Neighbouring Princes So that the Dukes Subjects would be losers by it and would find such a Neighbourhood uneasie to them The Duke taking advantage of the disorders which the League occasioned in France had seized on the Marquisdom of Saluces at which the French-King Henry the Third requiring satisfaction sent Nicholas Harlay Sieur of Sancy to the Genevoises to stir them up to make War against the Duke knowing well the differences betwixt them Sancy promised on the Kings part to send them Men and to bear all the charges of the War and to let them hold whatsoever they should take from him The Council was divided about the matter some alledged That Henry might die and his Successors forget the kindness received from them That the Duke would be sure to remember it and be revenged when he was able That War was hazardous and that the City was not in a capacity to hold out long in case it should he besieged Others on the contrary represented That in obliging a great King they might thereby procure an able Friend in their time of need that the Duke had declared himself an open Enemy that the French-Churches would be more kindly used upon this account and that the Prince Palatine and the Switzers would furnish them with mony sufficient to carry on this design This last advice was followed and afterwards Sancy went to stir up the Switzers whom he promised that the Duke should be attached on the other side from Dauphiny The Prince perceiving this tempest which threatned him would have made himself Master of Lausane and the Country of Vaud under the conduct of the Baron of Hermance whose Troops lay about Thonon and Ripaille The Bernoises perceiving the Dukes design on their Country were easily won to enter into a War with him In the mean time the Genevoises edged forward by Sancy's Letters set out from the City with six Companies of Foot and three Troops of Horse in the Evening under the command of the Sieur Quitry a French-Gentleman and a Knight of the Order who was sent to them together with the Sieur of Baujeu by the French-King for to command their Forces who in the same Night seized on the Castle of Monthoux having forced open the Gate with a Petard In the Morning they took the Town of Bonne with its Castle standing at the entrance of Focigny And from thence marched along the River of Arve where they broke down the Bridges of Tremblieres and Buringe to hinder the Enemies passage They presented themselves before the Castle of S. Joire a place of strength and the Key of the Baillage of Chablais with a design to win it not only for the importance of the place but likewise to find Letters and Commissions concerning the enterprises on the States of Berne and Geneva of which the Baron of Hermance the Lord of this Castle had been the principal promoter The Castle being taken these said Instructions were found in it and great store of Arms and Provision besides They returned having left a Garison in this place without the loss of a Man because that the Duke seeing neither Switzers nor Grisons in the Field did not imagine the Genevoises had dared to brave it thus in his Dominions But the Country sounding an Alarm he sent away several Troops from Remilly to observe the Enemies motion The Genevoises animated by this success marched out the next Night after their return to besiege Gex and in the Morning made their approaches to it But the besieged pretended to capitulate yet after several messages from both sides this Treaty proved ineffectual so that the Soldiers in the Castle began wholly to defend themselves against the Assailants some of whom were wounded and two or three killed Yet at length foreseeing their ruin if they held out till the Cannon played they surrendred it up and received a Garison that Night The next Morning Claudius Pobel Baron of Peter and Governor of Gex rendred himself to Quitry at his discretion who made him Prisoner of War together with two Captains an Ensign and eighty Soldiers who were all Piedmontoises and were carried away the same Night to Geneva These last were all soon released except those who would again take part with their Enemies But the Baron had his lodgings assigned him in a Councellors House till he paid his ransom The Duke having notice of this siege sent away Sonas Governor of Remilly to succour the place He set forth with eight Troops of Horse and nine Companies of Foot but hearing of its surrender he came and presented himself before Bonne having first repaired the Bridge at Buringe There were not above ninety Soldiers in this Town and some Peasants who were sent thither to work on its Fortifications one Captain Bois was left Governor of the place Sonas perceiving they were prepared to receive him turned aside to seek other more favourable occasions In the mean
7. May 4. Verly slain May 5. May 27. Liberty of Conscience granted Verlys Relations bring with them 120 Soldiers to revenge his death July 15. August 6. Thoberet sentenced to lose his head Decem. 2. Furbity opposed by Froment Decem. 27. Furbity complained against by the Bernoises Decem. 27 The Fribourgers threaten to break off with Geneva 1534. Jan. 1. Jan. 4. Jan. 18. Quarrels about Rellgion 1534. Pennet sentenced to be beheaded Feb. 10. Feb. 29. Feb. 13. Furbity enjoyned to Recant Feb. 22. Articles of the Bernoises and their answer March 1. Farel Preaches publickly Mar. 30. Fribourgers break off with the Genevâ—ises Protestants and Papists equal in number June 23. July 29. A Conspiracy to bring in the Bishop c. 1434. Vandelled away Prisoner Octob. 5. Furbity's enlargement requested by the French-King Feb. 12. A Frier preaches in Lent at Geneva 1535. April 4. Viret almost poysoned May 5. Penay Castle assaulted by the Genevoises Bernard makes publick profession of the Truth May 30. July 22. Farel preaches at S. Magdalens Aug. 5. Aug. 6. Aug. 10. Farel preaches before the Council Aug. 27. Mass abolished in Geneva Aug. 30. The Nuns leave Geneva Beudichon made Captain General Farel causes a Fast to be proclaimed Dec. 18. Mony Coyned in Geneva with the City Stamp 1536. 1536. Jan. 3. Jan. 4. Jan. 14. Jan. 16. The â—ernoises promise the Genevoises their assistance They break off with the Duke Jan. 24. The Genevoises sally out Jan. 26. Jan. 29. A Bark fitted out by the Genevoises Jan. 30. Peney blown up Jan. 31. Gex surrendred Feb. 1. Feb. 2. Bernoises arrive at Geneva La Cluse surrenders Feb. 18. Chillon Castle besieged March 29. Bonnivard set at liberty May 21. Mass abolished Saunier teaches School 1536. Aug. 7. Calvin comes to Geneva Sept. 1537. An Anabaptist disputes with Farel March 10. Carolyn maintains the lawfulness of the Mass Calvin compiles a Catechism 1538. The Syndicks still Catholicks in their hearts April 23. Calvin with others banished the City Mare committed to Prison Decemb. Calvin writes to Geneva Saunier with others banished 1539. Nov. 5. 1540. June 5. Philippe kills a Man with his Leading-staff Artichauds Faction Richardet dies by a fall June August The banishment of the three Ministers repealed May. 1. Calvin sent for to Geneva Sept. 13. Calvin's painfulness 1541. Nov. 21. 1542. Plague at Geneva 1543. Calvin Disputes with Carolyn 1544. Castalio his Opinions 1545. Lentilles spreads the Plague in Geneva 1546. Calvin accused for teaching false Doctrine 1548. 1550. Marquiss of Vico comes to Geneva Bolsec charges the Ministers with preaching false Doctrine 1551. Octob. 6. Calvin cleareth himself and Brethren Bolsec writes Calvin's Life 1552. Aug. 1553. Servetus comes to Geneva Grybalde propagates Servetus's errors 1554. The French designed to be massacred in Geneva 1554. The English Church in Geneva 1555. 1560. 1556. 1557. Octob. 1558. Jan. Gentil disputes against Calvin A Colledge founded at Geneva 1559. June 5. 1560. Adultery severely punished 1561. Jan. The French King complains against the Genevoises for sending Ministers into France 1564. Calvin dies 1566. Spiffame his Tragical end 1566. 1567. May. Sept. 1567. Grimaud endeavors to spread the plague 1972. May 3. April 24. 1574. 1575. Novemb. 1578. Hâ—n the 3. of France makes an Alliance with the Switzers c. Aug. 29. 1579. 1582. The Duke of Savoy makes attempts on Geneva 1582. Aug. 16. 1582. 1582. Des plans April 18. The Jews request to Geneva 1584. March 1. An Earthquake Zurich makes a perpetual Alliance with Geneva 1585. 1586. A Famine in Geneva 1587. Vita di Sixto V. The Pope requested to assist the Duke against Geneva 1588. Olivarez's Counsel to the Dukes Ambassador 1588. Sancy animates the Genevoises against the Duke Bonne taken by the Genevoises 1589. April 7. Gex surrendred La Cluse attempted by the Genevoises 1589. 1589. Baron of S. Lagier slain April 12. April 16. April 26. April 27. The Royal Army consisted of 10000 Foot and three Troops of Horse 1589. April 29. The Regiment of Soleurre re-attacked May 1. May 14. Boege taken May 25. The Duke advances to attack the Fort near Arve May 27. June The Castle of Terny surrendred to the Duke June 3. The Genevoises engage the Enemy The Savoyards attack the Forces from Berne June June 28. July 14. The Bernoises agree upon a cessatlon of Arms. July 26. 1589. Aug. 22. Mercier the Minister flead alive Octob. Versoy besieged and taken Nov. 8. Jan. 2. 1590. Gex surprized Jan. 18. March 29. April 16. La Cluse surrenders April 21. Esgaillon beheaded May 21. The Savoyards set upon three Barks bound for Geneva Guiche assaulted by the Peasants Lurbigny defeats the Savoyards Genevoises worsted 1590. July 6. Amedée says Ambushes about Geneva The Genevoises defeated Aug. 23. The Baron of Conforgien arrives at Geneva Hermance lays an Ambush for the Genevoises gathering their Wine-harvest The Valour of a Captain Octob. 29. Crusille sacked aâ—d burat 1591. Jan. 1. Buringe besieged Feb. 6. 1591. Feb. 11. The Dukes Army approaches 1591. March 12. The Kings Army attached by the Savoyards Sonas slain Sadeel dies at Geneva May 17. 1592. Octob. Nov. 1593. March 19. April 17. Conforgien returns home Lancy demolished Sept. 9. 1593. 1594. The Fort of Arve demolished 1595. 1597. Sep. Beza reported to have turned Papist 1568. May. The Bastard of Savoy makes his entrance into Geneva A Peace concluded 1598. May. May. Serres dies at Geneva 1600. The Duke of Savoy desires that the King would desist from Protecting Geneva 1600. Beza makes a Speech to the King. The Kings answer Decem. 16. The Fort razed 1600. Sept. 16. The Ebbings and flowings of the Rhosne 1601. Jan. 17. The King of France declares Geneva comprehended in the Treaty April 5. 1602. A Jubilee at Thonon where the design was laid to scale Geneva A warning given to the Genevoises concerning the attempt on their City Albigny draws up his men near Bonne Warning a second time given to the City The Savoyards raised up Ladders against the City-Walls Sonas bleeds at Nose Alexander a Jesuit encourages the Enterprizers Dec. 12. Sonas with six others first climb up into the City The Duke dispatches Messengers to all parts to impart the news of their success The valour of a Taylor Thirteen of them who had scaled the City hanged Beza Preaches a thanksgiving Sermon for their deliverance A Letter from the Genevoises to the Sieur of Guiche A Letter of the French King to the Genevoises 1603. Jan. Maillet committed to Prison Tournon his Harangue to the Lords of Berne Bernoises not satjsfied with this harangue Genis taken by surprize De Vic ordered to assure the Geneâ—oises of the French Kings favour 1603. May. Culebro his Orders A Peace concluded between the Duke and Genâ—voises July 21. Buttet writes a Book which he calls The Cavalier of Savoy Sarrazin sets forth his Book called The Genevois Citizen 1604. Blondel his villanous actions 1606. Octob. 13. Beza dies 1605. 1606. 1607. The Landgrave of Hesse makes the City of Geneva a Present 1607. 1608. 1609. Canal a Traytor to the City Feb. 2. 1610. Terrail his designs on Geneva 1609. Terrail's design discovered 1609. Terrail sets out from Savoy for Flanders Terrail apprehended April 19. Bastide and Terrail executed 1610. Roset dies at Geneva Giovani accuses one of the Council of Treason 1610. 1611. Lectius dies at Geneva 1613. A Serjeant executed 1613. 1614. S. Claudes Relicks imbalmed and sent to Geneva 1614. The Plague in Geneva 1616. The Battel between the Duke of Nemours and the Duke of Savoy 1617. 1617. 1618. Chenalat executed for Treason 1619. Diodati c. sent to the Synod at Dort. 1621. 1622. A Synod of Protestant Ministers at Paris 1624. Marquiss of Bade retires to Geneva 1625. 1626. Biron of Esclavonia c. retires to Geneva 1627. The Princess of Orange resides in Geneva 1628. Aubigné comes and lives at Geneva 1628. Aubigné's death 1631. 1632. Antoine his errors and abominable practices 1632. The Church of Divonne in the Country of Gex The second Psalm 1636. 1638. May 17. The Duke of Rohan his Funeral c. 1638. 1642. 1645. A discourse of the Rhosne 1645. 1645. Gothofredus his Latin Inscription 1649. Octob. 3. Deodati's death 1651. Nov. 21. Dec. 7. 1653. Gautier hanged Aug. 9. 1655. Cromwel writes to the Genevoises 1656. The King of France comes to Lyons c. 1658. The States of Holland contribute to the building of the Fort on S. Victors Mount. 1660. 1661. The Bishop of Geneva presents a request to the french-French-King 1661. 1662. 1664. Crequi passes through Geneva 1664. 1667. The Duke of Savoy quarters Forces about Geneva The Genevoises fortifie the City Spies sent into Savoy The diligence of the people in working at the Fort. The Savoyards and Genevoises at variance about their priviledges City divided 1670. A fire on the Bridge of Rhosne 1671. The Prince Palatine entertained at Geneva 1673. An account of another project for the taking of Geneva discovered by its Author Novoy secured 1674. Prince George dyes at Geneva 1675. July 7. 1675. Savoy and Geneva at difference about the impositions of Salt. 1675. In Autum 1676. The French King assures the Genevoises of his good will. June 12. Deputies dispatched from Geneva July 18. Octob. Roset harangues the Queen and Dauphin Stoupe intercedes with the French King in behalf of Geneva 1677. March. Novemb. 1678. Feb. 1. 1677. Octob. 23. The Emperors Embassador passes through Geneva 1678. March 24. The Spanish Embassador passes through Geneva Conclusion Titi Filio Auli nepoti Bene merenti posuit Fieri curiavit sub Ascia â—x dicavit Ponendum curavit Sub Ascia dedicavit Coloniae Equestris Ex Testamenta Vide Inscript XXI Cosmograph L. 2. caii Filla Caii filius Parentes maerentes filiae meritissimae Pâ—â—endum â—â—ravit
he had held ever since the Resignation of the last Dauphin Humbert he remitted the Titles of the affairs of Geneva to the King of which he had possessed himself to be revenged of the Genevoises the Bishop his Son having given him the Records So that the King transferred them to Bourges in Berry and from thence to Lyons where they are kept at present and all Merchants passing through his Countrys were forbid to go to Geneva but to France and moreover the Duke obtained of the King that his son should be apprehended and kept in prison till he grew wiser The Genevoises did all they could to have their affairs restored having gotten the chief Citizens of Ligues to be their intercessors to the King and at that same time humbly besought Philips enlargement The King having heard their request consented to it provided they would obey the Duke as their Prince to which they would not agree This Duke died a while after and his son Amé the ninth succeeded him who set effectually on the establishment of the affairs again in Geneva as being indeed his interest but in vain whereupon he granted leave to the Merchants of Geneva to bring in and carry out through his Dominions for ever all Merchandizes which shews say the Genevoises that he accounted them as Strangers and not as Subjects There was held the year following an assembly of Masters and Workmen in the art of Coyning at Bourg in Bress where John Chabot otherwise Porter was chosen chief intendant on that work There came thither from Geneva Aymard Faury and Amé Blondel with twenty seven of their workmen We read in the Records of those times of one Philip de Compois Vicar General of the Bishoprick and after him Anthony of Malvenda who were sworn to keep the Liberties and Priviledges of the Town the same did one called Claude of Spain Amé the ninth being dead in 1472. the last of March left his Wife Yoland his Childrens guardian who was Sister to King Lewis the 11. and the King had espoused the deceased Duke her Husbands sister yet all Amé's Brethren had greater kindness for the Burgundians than French. The Duke of Burgundy having been defeated by the Switzers in the famous Battel of Morat retreated to Gex the Dutchess of Savoy who was then at Geneva gave him a visit with her children after some discourse took leave to return again in her Chai◠but the Duke fearing she should take part with his enemies bethought himself and commanded one of his Captains to follow her and carry her into Burgundy whose design was perceived by a Gentleman of Piedmont Master of the Dutchesses houshold who endeavoured to save her but all he could do was onely to hide the young Duke in a heap of Corn charging him to lie quiet Whilst this was doing Malcomanda being come up to them commands the Dutchess to turn her Horse and follow the Duke of Burgundy She made some resistance and it is reported this Captain who was a rough fellow gave her a box on the Ear and conveyed her to S. Claude where he kept her four months prisoner and was from thence carried to Rouvre where she remained for a while longer In the mean time the Duke of Burgundy being vexed he had mist of the young Duke commanded some Troops of his Lombards to forrage the Country about Geneva whereupon the Bishop caused all the Lombards in the Town to the number of two hundred to be hanged and drowned for a requital The Switzers after the overthrow of the Duke prosecuted their victory and fell the second time upon the Country of Vaux neither spared they them of Geneva because the Bishop John Lewis had made War with the Valeysans their Allies but the Deputies of the Town with the Savoyards went out to meet them desiring them to desist that if there were any misunderstanding betwixt them it might be easily rectified at some appointed meeting which was agreed to be held at Fribourg where it was determined the Switzers should restore whatsoever they had taken from the Dutchy of Savoy upon consideration of a certain sum of mony and some places which they should still keep in their hands So that they of Geneva were forced to pay 2800. Crowns of gold as a reimbursment to the Switzers for their expences in the War. But the City being impoverished by reason of the removal of the Fairs could not suddenly raise this mony desiring the Switzers to allow them time for payment to which the Chief of them consented but the Soldiers mutinied saying they would have their pay let it come from whence it would accusing them who had the management of affairs that they had already received the mony and spent it whilst they must undergo all the hardship of War. The common Soldiers then thus mutinying had private Cabals wherein it was agreed to fetch their pay by main force They therefore to the number of seven hundred of them on the first day of Lent came to Zug marching along the Road with flying colours without their Superiors leave and in their march met with others who joyned with them with intention to plunder Geneva So that being come to Fribourg they found they were two thousand but the Embassadors from Ligue interposing appeased them upon condition the Genevoises should pay both use and principal which amounted to near six thousand Florins of gold and give Hostages for the more certain performance of it to which they were forced to give their consent only obtaining some small time which being expired they were as much put to it as before to raise the mony being forced to borrow of the Citizens their Rings and Jewels and to melt their Chalices and Crosses and to lay great Taxes on the people The Bishop John Lewis sensible of the miseries of War endeavors a perpetual Alliance with the Switzers to which they consented but the people were so stupid as to slight the benefit procured them by the Bishop which he perceiving was contented to let it be only in his name and during his life by which means he secured himself from his enemys abroad but not from his own Domesticks He had two Favorites the first of which was Prothonotary and of the Family of Terny whose name was Pommieres Governour of Renel in Piedmont and the other a Gentleman of the house of Chissy These two Favorites being jealous one of another as to their Masters favour could never agree so that Pommieres not able to brook his Rival betakes himself to the French Court where he discovers himself to the King telling him as a great secret that his brother-in-law the Bishop of Geneva and the whole State of Savoy at Chissy's sollicitation were about taking the Duke of Burgundy's part The King liking this advertisement recompences him with the Bishoprick of Viviers De Pommieres not content with this would carry it on further and would
in this particular are like sheep who when one hath leaped into a ditch they all follow without observing whether their leader hath been mistaken Three great Fires hapning in thirteen years seemed improbable which caused a friend of mine to go and inform himself by the Original from whence this hath been taken It is a Manuscript in Parchment Entitled the Dial of Wisdom written in the year 1417. but at the bottom of it was written some years after an account of the Fire which hapned in the year 1430. on the 21. of April These are the very words which though barbarous yet are authentick as having been written about the same time Anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tregesimo die vicesima prima mensis Aprilis quae fuit dies veneris fuit integraliter combusta Ecclesia sancti Petri Gebenn excepta turri à parte lacus que permansit illesa Ipsa siquidem die igne ruit seu cecidit altum campanule vocatum Avullieta in quo fundita fuerunt duo cimbala communia in turri vero à parte curie seu Burgiforis fuerunt fundita licèt non totaliter duo magna grossa cimbala Ipsa siquidem die ibidem succubuit Campanule Orologii existens in summitate turris anterioris prope crucem lapideam supra fores ipsius Ecclesiae fuitque ibi destructum grossum magnum optimum Orologii cimbalâ—m Ipsa etiam die fuit incendio eodem combusta Ecclesia Marie Magdalenes multe domus alie quas nolo ibi ponere cepitque ignis pessima horâ in quadam grangia prope ripam lacus fortissimo borea tum regnante sitâ circa domum Petri Curtillieti aliter Pecolati consumavit predictum incendium cursum in predicta Ecclesia sancti Petri nec ultra transivit This Fire was so great that it burnt intirely S. Peters Church except the Tower on the side of the Lake and it melted down the Clock and Bells that end of the Town which is called S. Magdalens was likewise destroyed by it the fire having begun in a Farm near the Lake the wind lying Northward carried it into the very heart of the Town and this was without question the same conflagration of which Bogge Florentin relates himself to have been an eye-witness The time answers exactly for he says it was during Martin the fifths Popedom and he died but in 1431. for his nocturno quoque igne is without doubt the same in meaning with the Manuscript cepitque ignis pessimâ horâ During the Regency of Francis of Mies the Duke of Savoy Amé the Eighth aged fifty six years took a resolution to retire from the world that he might the more freely serve God and turns Hermit at Ripaille near Thonon he resigned to his eldest son Lewis the Dukedom of Savoy and to Philip his youngest son the Earldom of Genevois He would not howsoever let go the Revenues left they should grow extravagant he therefore caused his son Lewis to dwell at Thonon with small attendance and he being a Hermit besure spent little so that he gathered vast sums of mony which helped him to the Popedom having been elected by the Council of Basle in requital of Pope Eugene his obstinacy The report of his holiness of life together with the Duke of Milan his son-in-laws diligence did not a little contribute to his advancement He was named Felix the fifth and was Crowned at Basle by the Archbishop of Arles but by the opposition of Pope Eugene who was then upheld by the Princes of Germany and Italy it was some considerable time before he was acknowledged Pope unless it were in Switzerland Savoy and the neighbouring Countrys for he had not yet arrived at Rome After Eugenes death those Cardinals who had been faithful to him would not yet acknowledge Felix they therefore made Nocolas the fifth Pope so that Felix's Authority was very much lessened insomuch that he was scarcely acknowledged Pope in his own Country although he was at great expence to keep up his Authority having stript Francis of Mies of the greatest part of his Revenues after whose death he makes himself Administrator of the Bishoprick of Geneva and Lausane He resided sometimes in one City and sometime in the other but oftner at Lusane where he built the Convent of Cordeliers During his Popedom and Administration of these two Bishopricks he dispatcht several Letters and Bulls dated from Geneva and Lusane which are all collected into six great Volumes kept in the Library of Geneva Felix the fifth desirous to maintain his Authority against Nicolas the fifth sollicited very much his son-in-law Galeazzo Duke of Milan to help him to the utmost of his power but he did but laught at him saying he hath given me a wife without a portion and I have given him a Popedom without a Revenue For Amé had promised him much but had given him nothing he would also keep himself in favour with the Emperor Frederick III. who had consented to his Election It was this Emperor who when he was at Geneva caused to be painted on the top of the Arch at the entrance of S. Peters Court the Imperial Eagle plum'd with sable in a golden Scutcheon The Clergy had received him in procession and had made solemn prayers for him during three days together as the golden Writ of Frederick II. imported Pope Felix hoping to draw him to his side offered him his daughter with 200000. Crowns of gold for her portion which the Emperor refused and advised him further to lay down his pretence to the Papal dignity which he did in the year 1449. and for a recompence was sent Legat into France and Cardinal of S. Sabine Whilest he enjoyned the Bishoprick of Geneva which was since the year 1444. to the year 1451. he had a Patriarch who served as a Vicar in Geneva for there is to be seen in the sixth year of his Popedom a transaction between John of Groleé Prior of S. Victor Administrator for Felix in the Bishoprick of Geneva on one part and between the Syndicks on the other and Richard of Terny Lord also of Terny and the Lord of Montchenu on the contrary part by which it is agreed that the said Administrator Syndicks and Commonalty might make ditches and trenches at Vernets to turn the Arve from its usual passage the whole Course of this River belonging to them and that the said Lord of Montchenu should quit upon consideration of a certain sum of mony all the right which he could pretend to the said Vernets there is likewise to be seen the names of Francis of Savoy and of one Amé of Monfalcon during the Popedom of Felix the fifth It is observable the house of Savoy although then sufficiently powerful did not disturb Geneva by pretensions of dominion over it for Duke Lewis Felix's son made certain contracts wherein he quits all claim to the Soveraignty of
debaucheries and the Duke being young himself and a great lover of these pleasures it is no wonder if these pomps and divertisements were as so many charms to lay asleep the Genevoises Eyria escaping out of Prison at Chilon flies to Berne and makes his complaint to the Council there against René beseeching them to shelter him under their protection and to shew to the Duke his brothers oppressions which they did so that he began to lessen his affection towards him There was at that time a Preacher belonging to the Dukes Court of the Order of Dechausser or bare-legged called Frater Mulet who set before him one day in his Sermons The poverty and misery of his Subjects exhorting him to help them thenceforward in driving away the Thieves from about him the real blood-suckers of the People He compared the Duke to a great purse full of little purses filled with mony the biggest of which was empty meaning thereby them who enriched themselves at the Dukes cost and advising that all the little purses should be emptied into the great The Duke and those present perceived very plainly that he designed the Bastard by these words who was the greatest of those Tyrants that robbed the people and indeed his credit from that time diminisht as well for what had past in the Pulpit as his great pride for he had ordinarily a greater attendance than his Master The Duke beginning to slight him his followers likewise deserted him this abated a little his pride and fearing he should be shamefully sent away he thought it was better handsomely to ask leave than to stay till it was granted him without asking He came then one day to the Duke to whom he held this discourse My Lord I have ever been and am still your most humble Servant and Subject and moreover your poor Bastard brother for your deceased father acknowledged me as such I have served you hitherto with that zeal and devotion as might be expected from a servant and brother so that if my service hath not been such as you deserve yet hath it been to the best of my power but for as much as I perceive of late that my service hath not been acceptable to you therefore I am not willing to trouble you any longer wherefore I beseech you to suffer me to retire into my own house notwithstanding which you shall find me most ready to obey you as often as you shall please to command me To whom the Earl thus answered Bastard you say you have truly and faithfully served me be it so yet am I glad you ask leave to be gone and I will have you depart not only from the Court but likewise out of my Dominions in three days upon pain of death The wretched René finding his brother so angry departed weeping attended only by his Domesticks and made what haste he could to be gone of which the Syndicks having notice notwithstanding his oppressions came to take leave of him offering him their service He went into France to King Lewis the Eleventh whom he endeavoured to exasperate against the Savoyards At the same time Duke Philbert and Margaret his Dutchess departed for Chambery being informed by the President of Divonne and Amblard Goyet Deputies of the Town that they had no right to that City The Dutchess then perceiving Geneva belonged not to the Duke she built not there a Church and Monastery as she intended but at Brou near the Borough in Bresse After René's departure Eyria was called home and entertained in the Princes Service and thus Geneva was freed from a great deal of trouble and vexation by René and the Dukes departure but instead of this it had worser sorrows for besides the plague which raged violently in the City there hapned another sad accident the Syndicks kept in Prison one called Cotton sufficiently convicted of a crime deserving no less than death but it being customary not to pronounce sentence before the Prisoner confessed his crime he was therefore put upon the Rack but whatsoever torment he suffered he would not make any acknowledgement At length a certain Person of the Country of Piedmont informed them that the way of his Country was in such like cases to put a napkin with water in it down the throat of the malefactor to his stomach and then at one jerk they pulled it out again The Syndicks would needs try this fellows experiment which was immediately followed by the death of the Malefactor which put the Council and City into a great fear leâ—t their enemies should lay hold on this occasion to trouble them as indeed it happened for some belonging to the Duke and who had the same kindness for the City as René represented this mishap to the Duke with the greatest aggravations imaginable adding they deserved to have their priviledges taken away from them and that moreover he might justly do it seeing the City by right belonged to him the Duke hearkning to them Commanded his chief Attorny to undertake the business the Syndicks sent Bonna and Levreri their Deputies who shewed the Duke it neither belonged to him or his Council to take cognisance of that affair The Duke not much moved by this tart reply tells them it should be put to Arbitration He for his part chuses some of his Counsellors who with the rest of the Arbitrators were sworn to be impartial and judge according to Right The Titles of both parties were diligently enquired into but they of Geneva got the better the Arbitrators declaring by joynt consent that he had no right or title to the said Town which having said he plainly declared himself in these words I have been given to understand otherwise but seeing it is as you say I vow to God and S. Peter to contest no farther and touching this particular cause I confess and acknowledge it belongeth to the Bishop my brother to take cognisance of it and not to me so that I refer the whole matter to him when he shall be of age to judge of it After this manner all was pacified The plague which continued at Geneva was attended with a great want of rain which brought along with it a scarcity of provision which forced the Country people who dared not before approach the Town to come into it whether moved by devotion or urged by want for they came in procession from all parts to our Lady of Grace to desire of her Rain but they could not obtain it and the scarcity continuing the next year following a bushel of Corn which was worth before but two shillings was now valued at a Crown the Crown going but for three shillings and two pence so that the poor Peasants were forced to live on herbs and roots which sometimes they had not patience to dress One Le Mortel a famous Thief made himself much talked of in those times it was known by all what trade he followed the people about the Town securing
their goods in the City for fear of him where likewise it was no sooner night but the Masters called to their men to keep fast their doors for fear of Mortel which afterwards became a proverb but all their care did not avail them for he broke in every where especially where they were most cautious of him he seemed to be not so much sollicitous after the mony as how he should do his work dexterously for he took but small summs only to spend with his Comrades whether he did his work by slight of hand or by charms it is uncertain yet it is reported of him that he so enchanted the people that they lost all ability of speaking or resisting The first thing he did when he came in was to take the Keys even from under the Master of the houses pillow although awake he opened the Cup board Sellar door lighted a Candle laid the Cloth eat and drank no body hindring him The next morning after this he usually went to the Tavern with his companions the Vintners received him gladly for besides his being a good Customer to them he never defrauded them of any thing when he wanted mony he would bid his Host to seek in the Corner of such a Chamber which perhaps no body had entred a long time where they were sure to find their due to a farthing Every body wondered he was not punished by the Magistrates he was indeed several times imprisoned but the Syndicks dared not act contrary to their Laws and Customs which were to condemn no man without his own Confession for when he suffered the Rack he was more firm and constant in denying the truth than a Martyr could be in confessing it whether this came through want of the sense of pain or that he was so stout as to despise it so that he valued the Rack no more than a fillip for when he was stretched upon it he would pretend to have been exceedingly tortured and would desire them to take him off promising to confess the fact but when he was questioned about it he would answer Well what would you have me say repeating their words after them and desiring them to give him the other stroak for the sake of the Ladies He died not such a death as he deserved though dreadful enough for he was seized with the Plague so vehemently as that it took away his speech his Mother who attended him in his sickness fearing he should escape it and come one day to be hanged put him into a Coffin and caused him to be buried alive Duke Philbert died in the flower of his age of a cold gotten in hunting and being a good and virtuous Prince he was much lamented by Geneva especially who met not with the same good qualities in Charles the second his successor It was four years before he came to Geneva though he had often promised it which put the City to a needless charge in their preparations for him whilst in the mean time his Officers frequently violated the peoples Rights and Priviledges The Duke had daily complaints made of this but he did not regard it Monaton Secretary to the Bishops Chancellour having been dispatched to Ancy where the Duke then kept his Court to obtain Letters in favour of the City as to the maintaining of its Priviledges brought others exceeding his Commission There were sent other Deputies to annul what the former had done and were commanded to carry the President of Divonne a present who then governed to the value of one hundred Crowns Duke Charles being at difference with them of Valey required help from Geneva who sent him two hundred men under the Command of Captain Burdignin The Duke not contented with this sent for six piece of Ordnance which was fairly denied him being answered that those few they had were only sufficient for the guard of the Town upon which Rollet Nicholas who held a correspondence with the Duke sent him an account of those who had chiefly opposed his request who were Peter Faccon Levrery de Fonte Hurich and some others whom the Duke vowed to destroy The three first of these warned of this withdrew to Fribourg where they purchased the freedom of that City only paying a Crown every year by which means they might live safely at Geneva under the protection of this Canton and so avoid the Dukes displeasure who would not enter the Town nor swear to maintain its priviledges till Levrery was delivered into his hands The Prothonotary of Aux who was since Bishop succeeding Amblard Goyet Abbot of Filly in the charge of the Bishops Chancellor cast Levrery into Prison but his friends giving notice thereof immediately to Fribourg that City sent their Deputies with all speed to procure his release and from that time the Duke ceased his violences on Geneva fearing the Confederates yet his Officers brought in divers innovations contrary to the Cities Priviledges for which cause Levrery was sent to complain to the Bishop who was then in Piedmont and Anthony Pecolat to the Duke who having after long expectation now resolved to come to Geneva they presented him with two little barrels of Silver and the Dutchess his mother with a Vermilion Cup gilt with Gold weighing nine ounces At length he comes having first taken an Oath to observe the Priviledges and Liberties of the Town and made farther declaration wherein he acknowledged he had no power or jurisdiction in Geneva in these following Terms For asmuch as our well beloved the Syndicks and Council of the City of Geneva at our request have permitted us to keep our Court in the Hall over against the Statehouse during our residence we therefore attest and acknowledge this concession not to have proceeded from any sense of duty or acknowledgment of right from the Syndicks and Council but purely out of good will which we do not design shall extend to the prejudice of the Liberties of the said City After this he soon returned to Anecy Philip of Savoy Bishop of Geneva not liking the Ecclesiastical State having presided fifteen years gave his place to Charles of Seyssel brother to the Baron of Aix who had been chosen seventeen years before but driven out by Champion Philip was by his brother made Earl of Genevois and afterwards betook himself to King Francis the first who gave him the Dukedom of Nemours marrying Charlotte of the house of Longueville in the year 1528. he died at Marseilles and was buried at Anecy Charles of Seyssel was of a sweet and pleasant temper but unlearned and imprudent He made a journey to Strasburg at the Cities charge to request of Maximilian King of the Romans a Confirmation of the Cities Liberties Authorized by an Edict made by the Emperor Frederick Barberousse by which it appeared the City was free and exempt from some certain dues which were claimed at that time from her It was in the
year following that the Walls about the Suburbs of S. Gervais were finished for the necessary expences of which there was an Excise laid on Wine and Mony raised by way of loan The Duke likewise gave his assistance but they procured a Writing under his hand that he sent workmen to advance the work not as a Prince who had right to the Town but onely out of kindness as a neighbour but his after-carriage answered not these his declarations He was a Mediator of the Peace made betwixt the King of France and the Confederate Switzers which induced him to believe his credit was so great with the King that with the joynt sollicitation of the Confederate Switzers he should be able to procure the establishment of the Fairs in Geneva from which he promised himself a double advantage First for that he should have Toll paid him for the goods brought through his Country And Secondly get footing in Geneva and by degrees subject it to himself He got then the Confederates to insert this Article in their Treaty and to send at the same time Deputies to Geneva promising them again their Fairs if they would agree to these following Articles First That the City and Bishop should appoint an Officer to keep account of the profit of each Fair one third part of which should be given to the Duke Bishop and City Secondly That the City should once a year make a Present to the Duke Thirdly That the warding the Gates should belong to the Duke during the time of the Fairs Fourthly That the Duke should have henceforward Fines paid for every new building both in City and Suburbs All which was proposed to the Consideration of a general Council assembled the twenty second of July and was as generally rejected the Duke gave not over his pursuit for this but tried other ways which were likewise to as little purpose the meeting held at Baden no more answered his expectation than the former Corn being very dear in this year Francis Mallet Governor of Berne and Dean of the Chappel of the Maccabees a native of Chambery lent to the Lords of the City his Plate which they caused to be Coyned to buy Corn which was given to the poor and for a requital was made a Citizen gratis In this year there was an insurrection of the people against the Vidame or Steward Aymé Consilii the occasion of it was this There were two Prisons in Geneva and to each of them a Jaylor one was only for the Clergy and was called the Bishoprick the other for Laymen in the Isle of Rhosne of which the Vidame was Governor having under him a Jaylor who having been excommunicated for a certain summ of mony which he owed and not obeying the sentence was aggravated and the Creditor would constrain him by the Bishops Authority the Bishops Treasurer went to the Isle to take him and carried him to the Bishoprick giving him in Charge to the Jaylor of that Prison the Vidame supposing the Bishops Officers had not any such power on the Dukedom demanded his Prisoner of the Bishops Jaylor which he refused excusing himself in as much as he dared not do it without his masters consent The Vidame enraged at his denial caused his Sergeant to seize on him and carry him to the Prison of the Isle which coming to the Treasurers ear he ran about the City crying out like a mad man help help Gentlemen against the Vidame who imprisons our Princes Officers for doing their duty the people thereupon tumultuously gather about the Vidame's house and would break open the doors but some in Authority coming in the mean time the Vidame surrendred himself to them and so there followed no other mischief he was carried to the Bishops Prison but at length this breach was made up and the Prisoners on both sides released notwithstanding the Duke when he heard of this was not satisfied but came from Chambery to Geneva with the Bishop desiring to have these mutinous persons as he called them punished but the Bishop having made full inquiry into the business found that the Vidame was in the wrong which he shewed the Duke but he was not thereat satisfied for that which was reason to the Bishop was not the same to the Duke The former of these thought they which had laid hold on the Vidame had reason to maintain his Authority as being their Prince and the Duke on the other side believed they had proceeded contrary to equity forasmuch as he esteemed himself Prince of Geneva he would therefore have the Bishop put to death the Authors of this Sedition whom he thought were those who had obtained the freedom of Fribourg for he would not do it by his own Authority lest he should provoke this Canton and the Bishop not consenting he was so enraged against him as to tell him he had made him Bishop but he would deprive him of that dignity and make him the poorest Priest in his Diocess but the Bishop dying at Moirane some time after his return from our Lady of Puy saved him that labour Geneva much lamented his loss having been ever a maintainer of the Priviledges both of Church and State. The Pope and Duke having heard of the Bishops decease were both concerned in the choice of a Successor The Pope would dispose of it as he had done heretofore but the Clergy and Laity of Geneva would not lose their right in this affair whereupon they betake themselves to their Arms and shut the City Gates assembling in S. Peters Church to chuse their Bishop they could not pitch upon a fitter person that Amé of Gingins Abbot of Beamont and they were induced to such a choice by these following considerations He was a Chanon and of a noble and ancient family and moreover allied and beloved by the Confederates who held at that time a good correspondency with Pope Julius the second he was also very zealous for the Liberties and Priviledges of both Church and State and of a very comely personage whose onely fault was that he was too great a lover of the female Sex. The Chapter then having chosen him by the peoples consent dispatched a Messenger to the Confederate Cantons desiring their commendatory Letters to the Pope to obtain his Confirmation which being obtained the Envoy sets forward to Rome all at this good Bishops charge but the Lords of Savoy were not all this while asleep for John of Savoy Prothonotary of Aâ—x whom we have heretofore mentioned got the start of him who is the same whom the Author of the Book called Christian Gaul terms John Francis of Savoy and whom Severt takes for the Bishop John Lewis John of Savoy was born at Anger 's being son to a poor woman of the said Town who could not be lavish of that which she never had although free enough of her body she lived in the same condition when the Bishop of
in it being hindred by more urgent affairs which the Duke had then beyond the Mountains This Prince willing to try the Syndicks affections towards him desired them to send him three pieces of the Cannon left by Bonnivard which being refused him he thereupon conceived a deadly hatred against the City which was fomented by one of his Courtiers called Claudius of Seyssel who had been Professor of the Civil Law at Turin and since Master of the Requests under the French King Lewis the twelfth afterwards Bishop of Marseilles and lastly Archbishop of Turin He Counselled the Duke not to suffer two Bishopricks in the heart of his Countries to wit Geneva and Lausane The City was frequently disturbed by disagreements among themselves There was no small strife once amongst them upon a very silly occasion about a Mules skin The Bishop had an Officer called Claudius Grossi who was at variance with a young man of the City who was related to his wife named Andrew Malvenda his father came of a Noble Family at Valence in Spain This young man aforementioned having one day hamstringed Grossi his Mule in the Stable spread a report it was the Children of the houses Master who had done it and not content with this he gets ten or twelve young men of the Town of which Berthelier was one and took along with them a fool called little John with whom they walked about the City all night making him bawl out at every turning O yes if any person wants a skin of the grossest beast in all the Town they may be furnished at a very reasonable rate alluding to the name of Grossi whereat he makes his complaint to the Vidame and Episcopal Council telling them that they were not content in putting this trick upon him who was in Office but they must needs expose it in raillery throughout the Town The Council ordered the Vidame to search into the matter which having done he found Berthelier whom he mortally hated to be one of the Crew he would have apprehended them but fearing they would be too strong for him he requires the Syndicks and Council to assist him which they did but the young men hearing of it hid themselves They were publickly summoned to appear in the Castle of the Isle on forfeiture of a hundred Florins a piece which turned to their advantage for it being contrary to the custom of the City to lay any greater Fine than a Crown unless in case of Felony or such like they complained by their Attorny that they observed not the Statutes in their particular this not being a Orime their complaint was brought before the Episcopal Council where it was declared they might defend themselves being at liberty pede non ligato they came forth therefore from the places where they had hid themselves and came and followed their suit in the mean time the Duke and Bishop being informed of the matter came to Geneva with the Archbishop of Turin who advised them not to be too hasty in taking vengeance that this was not sufficient to make the Cardinals consent to the taking away their Temporalities but this might serve to continue the disunion amongst the people The Bishop sends for the persons accused and particularly those whom he knew were not against him to whom he makes a remonstrance by the Archbishop of Turin shewing them they had committed an action for which they might be justly punished having affronted the Bishop and his Lieutenant yet their Pastour was more inclinable to mercy than justice having respect to their youth and would therefore pardon all but the Authors whom he said were Berthelier and his Confederates desiring them not to take part with him which having heard they thanked him and promised him they would submit to what he had enjoyned them being glad they had thus escaped The Duke returned to Chambery from whence he sent his Brother the Earl of Genevois to Geneva He makes a hunting match and the place appointed to meet in was at Wache The Bishop the Abbot of Beaumont and several other persons of quality accompanied him whom he liberally treated consulting privately with the Bishop about what they were suddenly to enterprize The Bishop withdrew to a seat he had in Focigny called Thy accompanied with some gentlemen belonging to the Earl whom he sent to the Village of Presinge where were two Genevoises Claudius Servant and John Pecolat whom having apprehended they brought them to the Bishop who committed them to Prison but he soon released the first of these which caused it to be suspected that the said Servant had betrayed his companion which made him odious to the people Pecolat was questioned about the Fish pyes and the words he had spoken non videbis dies Petri it being laid to his charge that he and his companions whom they charged him to discover had a design to poyson the Bishop he was Racked three times without confessing any thing at length the Bishop caused him to be hanged up by the arms all the time he was at Dinner his servants blaming him for his folly in suffering himself to be thus tormented rather than confess the truth telling him Servant had confessed the whole matter and named particular persons amongst others the Bishop of Maurienne and the Abbot of Beaumont whom his accomplices would make their Bishop after they had dispatched John of Savoy and entertaining him with these words they made him say what they pleased not being able any longer to endure the torments After this the Bishop chiefly desired to get Berthelier into his power but he kept in the City and stood upon his guard and at length got away being attired like a Herald of Fribourg where he went in company of some Merchants of that Canton the Bishop and Vidame hearing of his escape summoned him publickly to appear and answer to his Accusation He addresseth himself to the Council of Fribourg complaining to them of the unjust dealings he met with at Geneva adding moreover that all this had hapned to him for no other reason but because he had been a Citizen of Fribourg that they would entreat the Council of Geneva to inform the Duke and Bishop that if they would send any one to Fribourg to impeach him he would render himself Prisoner or if he could obtain of them a safe-conduct to make his defence at Geneva before the Syndicks his lawful Judges he would there make his appearance provided they of Fribourg would depute some person to be present at the hearing of the Tryal the Fribourgers granted his request and sent an Express to the Princes lodging Berthelier in the mean time who was but poor in the Hospital The Messenger found the Princes at Geneva who had purposely come there in expectation of meeting with Berthelier They returned answer that they would gratifie them of Fribourg in any reasonable request but as to the sending one to prosecute Berthelier they could in no wise consent to
that That if he would have Justice done he must come to Geneva where he should not fail of it provided no stranger assisted at the Tryal it being contrary to the Cities priviledges which assert the Syndicks to be the only Judges in criminal Cases not suffering any others to assist at the Judgment but their own Council In the mean time the Duke resolves upon a journey to the Cantons for some reasons of State particularly about the difference which was not only at Geneva betwixt the Bishop and the Citizens thereof but likewise betwixt the Citizens of Lausane and their Prelate The Bishop of Geneva had the Duke on his side and the Genevoises the Confederate Cantons on the contrary the Bishop of Lausane had the Cantons for him and the people the Duke of Savoy for them He went first to Fribourg about Bertheliers business fearing they might decide the business in his favour from whence he went to Berne to confirm the ancient Alliances and to add some new Articles He had passed through Lausane in his way to Switzerland and had offered his mediation to them of that City which they accepted but he deferred it till his return after which he gave his judgment which was far from contenting both parties as he had promised himself for there was neither of them but was very much dissatisfied for instead of calling himself an arbitrary Judge he terms himself a natural Judge as if he had been their Prince and Soveraign at which both the Bishop and People were so offended that they agreed without him and began to seek an Alliance with the Cantons After this the Duke returned to Geneva where he awhile about Pecolat and Berthelier's business although his occasions required his presence in Piedmont and it having been shewed him at Fribourg that the Bishop of Geneva had acted contrary to their priviledges in imprisoning Pecolat out of the City he therefore caused him to be brought back and to be imprisoned in the Bishops name in the Isle causing him to be examined again by the Syndicks he retracted his former confession being before them as having been extorted The Duke and Bishop would have him again be put on the Rack but the Syndicks refused it without greater evidence the Princes proposed the matter to the consideration of several foreign Lawyers as well as to their own Council to shew they were not carried away by passion but these differed in their judgment for the Civilians being led by their Masters the Bishops interest condemned him and on the contrary the others acquitted him The Syndicks whose Province it was to pronounce judgment knew not what to resolve of temporizing as much as possible to justifie these two Lords desire of revenge the Duke and Bishop hastning this business to a conclusion started a matter which they were not aware of viz. That the Prisoner was a Clerk and by consequence a Subject of the Ecclesiastical Court and belonged not to the Syndicks jurisdiction They transported him then out of the Prison of the Isle to that of the Bishoprick where they were resolved not to spare him but being sick he was visited by the Physitians to see whether he was able to endure the Rack they differed in their opinions but they who affirmed he was able to endure it were soonest believed but because at Thy he was observed to be very constant in enduring the Torment and being suspected to have some Magical charm in his beard which rendred him insensible he therefore had a Barber sent him to shave him close for his beard was very long Pecolat in this extremity ruminated in his mind how to keep himself from being overcome by these torments which he saw were making ready for him the Barber having washed his chin turned aside to empty his Bason carelessly laying down his Razor near him which Pecolat snatching up cut out a great part of his tongue the Barber seeing him bleeding in the mouth wholly astonished called up the guards and Jaylor notice being sent to the Princes of this they took care to preserve him for greater sorrows being recovered they would have him again to the Rack and because he could not speak they would therefore have him write but the Episcopal Council could never agree and particularly the Judge of the Clergies excesses whose office was to pronounce sentence being the Syndick Levrerâ—'s son whom the Duke hated as much as his Father whose head he at length caused to be cut off This Judge told his Friends in private what a dreadful thing it was to let this poor Man be so long misused that for his part he would never give his consent that he should be again put on the Rack and that were it not out of respect to the Princes he would have long since acquitted him and to procure his Release they must have recourse to the Archbishop of Vienna Metropolitan of Geneva His counsel was followed and an Order was obtained from Vienna by which the Advocate of the Treasury was cited to give an account of the detaining of Pecolat and forbidding him and all other Episcopal Officers yea the Bishop himself to touch the Prisoners person Which Order being brought there was no Body found who durst publish it although the Duke and Bishop were not at Geneva the bringers of these Acts were cudgelled for their pains One Bonnivard Governor of S. Victor was so bold as to carry it to the Bishop this Victor was a young Man more daring than wise a Citizen of the confederate Cities of good Kindred as well in Savoy as Piedmont so that he valued neither Duke nor Bishop but hated the later and favoured Pecolat and was very zealous for his Countries Liberty He took then a Serjeant along with him and as the Bishop came from parting with the Duke he delivered to him the Archbishop of Vienna's Order The Bishop being galled at it complained to the Duke the Duke sent for Bonnivard and told him the Bishops Complaints To which he boldly answered My Lord 't is true That the Bishop of Geneva detains one of my Servants and hath put him on the Rack and I have protected him in acknowledgement of his Services but what I have done is justifiable by Law having not suffered my self to be carried away by Passion neither do I think you can take it ill that I have executed the Metropolitan's Order you who are a Prince and a lover of Justice and who would not hinder Right though your own Interest lay at Stake The Duke pretended to be satisfied and parted the next Morning for Piedmont having first caused Pecolat to be removed into the Castle of Penay We read in the Chronicles of Geneva That in this Year before the Dukes departure the Bishop John of Savoy lying sick of the Gout and hearing a noise in the Street asked what was the matter His Nurse answered him 'T was a Thief who was led to be Hang'd whom added she if you will pardon my
Lord he will all his life time pray for your Health Whereupon he sent him his Pardon We find likewise an Act made this Year in which the Vidame is termed the Bishops Officer although the Duke pretended he was his for usually those who bore this Office were of Savoy The Bishop about this time set out for Piedmont and after his departure the term allowed the Advocate of the Treasury being ended wherein he was to appear at Vienna he stirred not lest he should do any thing to his Masters dishonour Whereupon he was again cited and at the third time this Clause was inserted That if he did not appear the Prisoner should be released upon Penalty of Excommunication And not appearing there lacked only the Excommunication to be taken out which being effected it was set up in the Night over the Church doors Three Days before Easter in those times they did the same for simple Debts the Chanons and Priests coming to say Mass found this bar forbidding them to go farther The People being informed of the Matter began to murmur and lastly to gather in Tumults exclaiming against them who were the Promoters of this Excommunication The Clergy and dependant Officers who made up a considerable Party seeing themselves deprived of the Sacraments joyned to the People and all together set a crying To the Rhosne to the Rhosne with those Villains and wicked Officers who hinder us from Receiving our Lord. The Syndicks ran to appease them seeking the Episcopal Officers beseeching them to release Pecolat otherwise they would be exposed to the Popular rage They being affrighted at this wrote to the Lieutenant of Penay to release him speedily but the People not trusting to them joyned with the Messenger to see Pecolat released which fell out well for him for immediately after came Letters from Rome which made void the Metropolitan of Vienna's Censures and forbad the Prisoners enlargement Messengers were sent to hinder the first Order but the People valued not the Popes Letters bringing Pecolat along with them whom they lodged at the Gray-Friers as in a fit place for shelter where he remained a long time before he could speak by reason of the mutilation of his Tongue but at length he recovered his Speech at the intercession of a Saint to whom he was more particularly devoted if we may believe his own relation Whilst they were soliciting his deliverance Berthelier did the same at Fribourg to be recalled from his Exile and moreover negotiated an Alliance between the Cities of Geneva and Fribourg discoursing several of both Cities about it shewing them the advantage which would accrue thereby and not only to them but to all the other Cantons as well for the free Transportation of all Merchandizes as also to make use of Geneva as a Fortress against their Neighbours especially against the Duke of Savoy he being always to be suspected notwithstanding his pretences to the contrary being not able to forget their Forraging his Country in the Wars he had with the Duke of Burgundy they having at that time a part of it in their possession that by means of this Alliance the Duke would be frustrated in his Design of Soveraignty over Geneva which Discourses fell not to the ground for they were taken into consideration by the Council who sent to him telling him They would procure his Safe-conduct which having obtained he should endeavour to effect this Alliance They obtained then of the Duke and Bishop a Safe conduct for Berthelier to make his Defence at Geneva He presented himself to the Episcopal Council and afterwards to that of the City requiring his Accusers to appear and declare what they had against him and he would endeavour by Gods assistance to clear himself and make it appear that he was an honest Man. This hapned awhile before Pecolat was released The Vidame who had formerly prosecuted him was cited and made his appearance before the Syndicks with the Solicitor Navis who produced several Articles against Berthelier containing all the extravagancies and debaucheries of his youth which indeed were not a few and his frequenting Seditious Meetings amongst whom he was ever the chief He excused himself touching this Article alledging they were Persons who maintained the Liberties of the City against Usurpers that he associated with them in nothing but this their just design Then they accused him as having conspired to take away the Bishops life which they grounded upon the Confession of Pecolat and one called Carmentrant Berthelier justified himself in this particular alledging that Pecolat had been illegally Imprisoned and that this Confession had been extorted by the Rack which he had suffered on simple conjectures And as to what concerned the other charge it was evident 't was but a trick devised by his Adversaries Carmentrant having been hired by the Bishop whose Pensionary and Domestick he was for this purpose The Vidame not having sufficient matter against Berthelier sent every day an account of his proceedings to the Princes who were in Piedmont who fearing the Syndicks would clear him desired them to admit some of their Party to assist at his Trial But the Fribourgers having understood it wrote to the Duke how greatly they were surprised at his intention seeing both himself and Bishop had but lately declared That the Customs and Rights of Geneva would not suffer any to be Judges in Crimianl Cases but themselves The Princes perceiving that they were disappointed in this contrivance offered Berthelier and his Accomplices their Pardon if they would request it which had been proffered him before at Fribourg To which he returned the same Answer as before That having not been guilty of any Offence he had no need of Pardon wherefore he intended to stand by the decision of Justice The Princes considering his Trial would end in thier dishonour would have Judgment suspended forbidding them on great penalties to proceed therein till they should either come or send which the Syndicks did to avoid the displeasure of these two Lords whom they rather feared than loved In the mean time Berthelier began again privately to carry on the Alliance with Fribourg gaining as many Citizens on his side as he could But the Duke had several Favorites at Geneva amongst whom was the Syndick Monthion who bore a great sway both amongst the Council and People Moreover one part of the City being Savoyards by their Original and being accustomed to have the Duke for their Master preferred his Dominion before the Alliance with the Switzers valuing their profit more than their Liberty Two young Men of Geneva coming to Thurin in expectation of some employ were immediately laid hold on by the Provost and carried away to Pignerol before the Bishop of Geneva who was the Abbot of that place They were accused for being Berthelier's Accomplices although one of them was his Enemy and Son of Navis the Vidame's Attorney the other was John Viterman or Blanchet They
met at first with gentle usage to make them accuse those who were the objects of the Dukes and Bishops hatred But they answering They knew nothing of that matter were again sent back to Prison In the mean time Bonnivard of S. Victor whom we have already mentioned passing through Turin in his Journey to Rome recommended their cause to a Lawyer his Friend and wrote to them a Letter before he parted which he sent to the Jaylor to deliver it to them who conveyed it to the Bishop who upon the receit thereof was exceedingly enraged against Victor who had already occasioned Pecolat's Release he therefore caused them to be kept close Prisoners and put them on the Rack The great Torments they underwent made them confess the pretended Conspiracy of Pecolat and to bring in Victor as a party At the same time the Bishop sent this Deposition to the Syndicks and withal that if they would not believe it they should send two Persons to hear their Confession but not giving credit to the matter they sent no Body This forced Confession declared that Victor with two other Persons in custody had determined to poyson him which if they could not effect they would after this manner one Evening come a Mumming to his House and raising a quarrel he should be stabbed in the tumult by which means Victor might succeed him Which plainly appeared to be ill contrived seeing Victor was not so familiar with the Bishop as to give him such kind of divertisement being rather his professed Enemy and farther the Bishoprick was not so easily obtained seeing the Abbot of Beaumont elected by the Clergy at the Peoples request could not obtain the Papal Confirmation who certainly would never have gratified an Assassin These two poor Creatures then were by beheaded by the Dukes Authority having publickly retracted their Confession and asked Almighty God forgiveness for their other sins The Provost hastened their Execution to silence them Their Bodies being quartered Three of them were sent into several parts of Piedmont and the Fourth part parboiled with the Heads to be sent to Geneva Victor returning awhile after from Rome passed through Turin where the Bishop had given order to have him apprehended of which having notice and having many Friends he walked near eight days about the City to affront the Bishop at the end of which he choused his Spies pretending to stay there longer but took Post one fair Morning for Geneva whither within a short time were brought the Heads and Quarters of the Two fore-mentioned young Men in Two Barrels marked with the Arms of the Earl of Genevois the Dukes Brother they who brought them lodged that Night on this side the Bridge of Arve and the next Morning early they set them up on a Walnut-tree with a White Cross and this Inscription These are the Traitors of Geneva The first who saw them ran to carry the News about the Town a great part of which came to behold them This was a sad Spectacle especially to the Father and Mother of Navis The Father was still the Vidame's Solicitor against Berthelier and saw himself so ill requited for his Services The good Citizens were grieved but durst not shew their indignation contenting themselves only with the Renovation of the Propositions made them by the Burgers of Fribourg The Council of the City as likewise that of the Bishop being met together to consult of the means to appease the Princes whose displeasure they feared deputed the Vidame Aymé Consilii Michael Nergaz and Francis Talichet all three of the Dukes Faction to shew the Prince in all Humility that the City was very much amazed that they had thus used Two of their Citizens and that the generality of the City had given them no occasion of offence but if any particular Person had they might have had him punished at Geneva and therefore desired them to declare who had offended them and if they were in fault they should be obliged to a speedy reparation They departed then to find the Duke who openly gave them but slender welcome but privately consulted with them as Friends treating them with the greatest respect He sent them to Pignerol towards the Bishop who gave them as kind entertainment at length he made a Speech to them in publick to this effect That he was very sensible there were several good People at Geneva from whom they had received faithful Service and which they should be ready at all times to acknowledge but that there were also several Mutinous and Seditious Persons guilty of the highest Crimes even of Conspiring the Death of their Prince of whose number were these two who had been made Examples that there were some in the Town who to avoid the punishment due to their Crimes endeavoured to perswade the People to make an Alliance with Fribourg which would not only tend to the Princes disadvantage but to the City's it self which would lose by this means the Customs which were paid for the Carriage of Merchandizes into Fribourg That if the Cities did embrance this offer they would certainly most severely punish the Authors of it in which if the body if the Town would assist them they should respect them for good and faithful Subjects adding they desired that the Principals who were Berthelier and Ten or Twelve others should be punished with the greatest severity The Deputies who had themselves dictated this Answer desired it should be committed to Writing being directed to the Council To which the Princes consented on condition they would not deliver it to them till they were sworn to execute what it contained They at their return offered it to the lesser Council the greatest part of which liked not the condition saying There might be perhaps something which respected the publick Interest and therefore they could resolve of nothing without the general Council which was assembled the next Morning where the Deputies appearing related they had no other Answer than that which was contained in the Letter and that they had in charge not to open it but upon the fore-mentioned condition The People would not agree to the Proposal touching the Oath but determined to send back again the Letter whence it came Nergaz then tells them Gentlemen say he The Duke of Savoy hath declared That if his Letter be not read and the Contents observed no Genevoise shall enjoy his Possessions in safety The People inraged at this cried to the Deputies Have you staid five or six weeks on the other side the Mounts making your selves merry at our cost to bring us this news To the Rhosne to the Rhosne with such Traitors and it wanted but little but they had been sacrificed to the popular fury but for fear of the Princes the Council appeased them they returned the Letter to the Deputies after they had severely reproached them with it bidding them do what they would with it for it should not be read on the condition offered
This advanced not a little the design of the Alliance with Fribourg it being the only private and publick discourse of the Town but all would not consent to it so that Besançon Huges one of the Syndicks and several of the Council approved of it and had several meetings about it with those who were men of courage and resolution They concluded that if a general Alliance could not be effected there should be a particular one made in behalf of those who had subscribed to the number of three hundred with charge to the Deputies to confer abut it with those Fribourgers on whom Berthelier had prevailed which was done not without opposition from them who were Pensioners to the Duke for he had such as well in Fribourg as Geneva The Deputies had this answer both from the great and lesser Councils that if the City or at least the greatest part of it would make such a contract it should be accepted on reasonable terms provided no foreign claim hindred them especially that of the Duke of Savoy for if Geneva was subject to him this could not be done without violating the Alliance with him they then would be ready to consent to this Alliance or Burgership and from that time would protect them as their own Citizens The Deputies returned with an Express from Fribourg to make relation of their negotiation some accepted it others refused it so that this heated them one against another notwithstanding the remonstrances made them by the Deputy of Fribourg There were continually seen Assemblies of both parties which day and night circuiting about the Town made songs of one another with mutual gibes and reproaches Those on the Dukes side termed them who had accepted the Burgership Eignots meaning Eidgnossen which they counted not injurious but rather honourable this being a Dutch word signifying Allyed by an Oath it being the same the first Switzers made use of when they mutually assisted one another against the Tyrannical usurpations of the gentrv of their Country and from hence hath sprung the word Huguenots of which there hath been such different and ridiculous Etymologies for some affirm that this term Huguenot came from the two first words which were delivered in an Harangue of some deputed Switzers to the French King beginning thus Huc nos venimus Others imagine it is derived from a certain Gate called Hugon in I know not what City near the which Gate they held the first Synod the learned Monsieur Peteau found out another original derivation as I have read in the Memoires of M. de Pieresk He tells us then that at Tours or Amboisé where as is pretended this name first began to be used the people have a tradition of I know not what kind of spirit who ran in the night about the streets whom they called Frier Bourru and afterward King Hugues Ghost It is well known the Protestants at first went only to hear Sermons by night not daring to assemble in the day and for that reason were called Huguenots which is as much as to say Spirits people who appeared only in the night like King Hugue's Ghost but the true Etymology is that which we have already given they who understand not the Dutch Language differently pronounce it The Boys of the Town ran about the streets hollowing Long live the Eignots The note of distinction was a Cross marked on their Doublet They called the Dukes party Mammelusses by the name of those Souldiers who were the Soudan of Egypt's slaves who having been Christians had renounced their Christianity and abjured the liberty of their Country to joyn with Tyrants designing by this name to accuse them of the Dukes faction of the same baseness and from hence hath sprung the Original of these factions which lasted several years These Eidgnots assembled in the night took upon them to watch the City and feasted one another Which the Princes understanding sent Embassadors to Fribourg to make their complaints saying they perverted their Subjects contrary to the ancient Alliances in admitting them Citizens entreating the Magistrates to desist to which they answered that they had not done any thing to the prejudice of their former agreements with them in treating with Geneva for as to what concerned the Bishop they had no Alliance with him and consequently might contract with the Citizens who although they acknowledged him their Prince yet did not that hinder them from being free and at their own disposal he having accepted them upon this and not any other condition yet would they do him no wrong for if he could prove them of Geneva to be others than what they termed themselves the Alliance should be void that they were so far from diminishing his Ecclesiastical Authority that they were rather on the contrary for maintaining of it to the utmost of their power and as to the Duke of Savoy they would make a reserve in what concerned his Rights in the Treaty and that if he could make it appear the City was subject to him they would proceed no farther And lastly if both of them had found themselves aggrieved they were content to stand to the judgment which should be given and not to act contrary to their Alliance The Deputies from Savoy not satisfied with this came to Geneva where by flattery and threatnings they required there should be no farther contracting of Burgership and after all their endeavours perceiving they could not obtain their design they complained against the Fribourgers in the general Assembly of the Consedrate Cantons declaring the wrong which was done the Duke of Savoy in admitting them of Geneva into the Burgership of their City seeing they were his subjects which was contrary to former Treaties for supposing the Genevoises were not his subjects yet were they comprehended under the title of Hindersassen which is as much as to say inhabitants of their own Country which the Treaties of Alliance forbad to change into Burgership The Deputies of Geneva answered that their City had never been subject to the Duke or any of his Predecessors that by this word Hindersassen was not so much meant a City surrounded by his Countrys as strangers setled in his Dominions that it was rather the Duke who dwelt with them seeing the Country he held about Geneva had heretofore belonged to the Bishop of whom the Dukes held it for the confirmation of which they produced their Titles These contests and proceedings held a long time before the War broke out The Abbot of Beaumont and Francis Bonnivard Prior of S. Victor young Citizens were zealous for the liberty of their Country they together with several others sent to Fribourg to request the priviledge of Burgership which was granted them upon condition the general Council of Geneva consented to it which was sworn to by the greater number of suffrages which carried it In the mean time the Duke and Bishop united in their interest gave Commission dated at Montcallier to the Sieur de
Salleneufve a man expert in business to be their temporal Deputy in Geneva but the Citizens refused him alledging it to be a new and unheard of thing to send them a Governor seeing they never had any before but their Bishop Berthelier had still sollicited for a definitive judgement of his Case which had been suspended by the Bishops command but after the Alliance made with Fribourg he was no more fear'd the City declaring she would reassume her liberty and that it belonged to the Syndicks and not to the Bishop to try Berthelier He was judged in the presence of the Vidame and a definitive sentence pronounced in these Terms That as to what concerned the Crime of High Treason having examined the proofs they were found invalid and therefore they acquitted him declaring him innocent of this crime but touching the excesses he had committed such as Assaults and Batteries they had Fined him according to the tenour of the Statute in that case provided Some days after Duke Charles the third fearing lest the Prosecutions which he had began against the Genevoises before the Cantons should turn to his prejudice and that instead of acknowledging him for their Prince they should pretend he was their Vassal he determined to deal with them after a more violent manner He raised then secretly an Army beyond the mountains that the Fribourgers might take no notice of it and the better to conceal his design he sent the President Lambert to the Cantons desiring the business might be friendlily ended The Genevoises having gotten intimation of the design dispatched Besancon Hugues and John Malbuisson to Fribourg but Lambert entertained the Fribourgers with such fair speeches that they knew not whom to credit he endeavoured also to perswade Besancon Huges who was his kinsman that his Master had no ill intention which caused Hugues to be suspected of corrupt dealings In the mean time the Duke had gathered an Army of six or seven thousand men at S. Julien before the Fribourgers could be perswaded to believe any such thing He sent immediately an Herald to the Syndicks called Chablais who required that the Council should be assembled which being done he was introduced He had on his left arm a Coat of Arms and a wand in his right hand and entered after this manner without discovering himself or so much as saluting the Council he was requested to seat himself by the Syndicks and make known his Message which he thrice refused but at length he sat down not by the Syndicks but in a seat above them and spake to them as follows Let it not seem strange to you O ye Lords Syndicks and Council of Geneva if I would not sit down at your command and that I do it now of my own accord for this is the reason I am come here from the part of my most dread Prince yours and my Lord and Master the Duke of Savoy whom it belongeth not to you to bid sit down but to him to sit where and when he shall think fitting above you as your Soveraign Prince and Lord and as representing his Person I have done So from my seat I make known to you my Message which is That he biddeth and commandeth you to make ready his Lodgings in the State-house with that splendor and magnificence which becometh a Prince of his quality likewise that you furnish him and his company with victuals which are about ten thousand footmen besides horse for he designs to come in this equipage to do Justice Which spoken he was desired to withdraw till they had consulted on the answer to be returned him which he did and awhile after he was recalled and answer made him in these words We are equally surprized Seigneur Chablais at what you say and do when we offered you a seat you refused it and after your refusal have taken it of your own accord saying you did it as representing the person of Monsieur the Duke of Savoy your Prince and ours That he is your Prince we believe but not ours for although we reckon our selves his humble servants yet are we not his Subjects or Vassals nor do we understand upon what ground it is pretended yea we are willing to believe that he is a more dutiful Son to his mother our holy Church to whom we have submitted our selves than to usurp her jurisdiction so that it belongeth neither to him nor to you representing him to sit where you do As to that part of your Message whereby you command us to prepare his Lodgins in the Town-house and not only Lodging for him but for ten thousand foot besides horsemen adding that he will come hither to do Justice truly we understand not the meaning of it for he did not use to lodge in the Town-house much less with such a kind of attendance and if his coming be as you say to do Justice there is no need of so great multitude For it belongeth not to him to do it here but to the Bishop Syndicks and Council according to the Customs and Priviledges which he hath sworn to observe and if there be any one amongst us who hath done him or any person else any wrong we are ready to do him all the right he can desire but our Kitchin is not large enough to entertain all his Company yet if be pleases to come with his usual train nay were there five hundred men more than ordinary he should as heretofore be welcome and chuse what Lodgings best please him except our Town-house which we cannot spare he shall be entertained if not according to his merit yet according to the best of his power Which Discourse ended the Herald replied Gentlemen you will not then great my Lord his request nor obey his commands No said they Whereupon he put on his Coat of Arms and told them from himself I declare you to be Rebels to your Prince with fire and sword and for a proof of this I throw before you this Wand let him that dares take it up Which saying he threw it in the middle of the Hall and went his way He had no sooner departed but twelve Gentlemen booted and spurred who came on the same errand entred into the Council Chamber and spake thus to them Syndicks and Council of Geneva resolve to obey my Lord otherwise you will have cause to repent Which they had no sooner said but they set spurrs to their horses and departed The Syndicks and Council shewed to the people what had hapned at which they were much amazed yet the greatest part considering either they must be slaves or lose their lives generously chose the latter resolving to sell their lives at a dear rate The Syndicks commanded them to Arm themselves constraining the Dukes faction to do the like the Gates were shut the Chains extended and Sentinels placed The Duke having received his answer by the Herald drew near to Geneva coming to Gaillard with all his Army which encreased
needs brave it and wear their Swords contrary to the Dukes order but were forced to undergo the penalty there being no remedy but patience The Deputies from Geneva at the same time were urgent with the Fribourgers to assist them they granted them one company which was very inconsiderable in respect of their need but the flower of the youth of Fribourg having listed themselves for this expedition their number encreased where ever they passed some of the Dukes Subjects joyning themselves to them so that they immediately grew to the number of six or seven thousand men making themselves other colours and advanced as far as Geneva without doing any other hurt than victualling on free cost Being come into the Country of Vaud they apprehended the Governour the Sieur of Lulins and having notice that the Duke was in Geneva they bad him send his Master word that whatsoever hurt should be done their fellow Citizens should be returned them again They carried him along with them and entred in Morges without the least resistance the inhabitants of which were fled and had traversed the Lake They encamped there and Lulins advertised his Highness what had passed this was on the day after this Proclamation had been made The Duke judging he must change his note caused it to be published that no Genevois should be molested either in his person or estate upon pain of death and sent Maylian Captain of the horse to keep the passage of Nyons He likewise sent for the Deputy of Fribourg and told him saying Mr. Deputy I desire you would endeavor to pacisie matters you see I have not injured anybody and give you my word not to do it hereafter Go you with my Deputies to the Camp and let them safely return The Deputy who remembred the entertainment the Duke gave him at Gaillard answered him Sir do you believe such a man as I can do this and continuing his jargon of Fribourg Alas Sir says he would you have me go to my Lords and Superiors to carry your Message pray employ your own servants to carry your jokes for my part I will not do it you have not kept your promise with men or my Superiors no more will you now In short he refused The Duke seeing this left him yet sent his Deputies who in a short time arrived at Morges and demanded of the Captains wherefore they came in a hostile manner into the Dukes Country to which they returned the same answer why they had entred Geneva their confederate City in Arms. Which when the Duke had heard he commanded his Deputies to go to the other Cantons to intreat them to send to the Fribourgers to retire The Duke Army all the while lay upon the Genevoises and that of Fribourg at Morges and in the rest of the Country of Vaud which was subject to the Duke 'T was in the time of Lent and because all Provision was scarce but Herrings some termed this Campagne The War of Herrings The Duke assembled at Genevat he General Council and demanded two things First that they should renounce the Bourgership of Fribourg and fâ—nd into the Camp as from the body of the Town to assure them that neither the Duke nor any of his Men had committed any outrage to occasion their coming in so Hostile a manner That Hogues and Malbuisson had not been sent by them as publick Deputies but that they went of their own Authority without the Councils leave All which was granted him because they dared not do otherwise and they sent whom he was pleased to nominate But when they came to Morges the Fribourgers and the other Cantons gave no credit to them because the former Deputies had shewed them the contrary Yet the business was so throughly prosecuted that an agreement was concluded on these following conditions First Because the Fribourgers required 15000 Crowns to defray their Expences in coming they should have 4000 paid them in hand and should return without hurting the Country only Victualling as they passed on free cost Secondly That the Duke on his part should draw out his Army from Geneva without damnifying the City either in general or particular leaving it in full possession of its former priviledges and concerning other differences they should be decided as heretofore The difficulty lay in providing the 4000 Crowns for the Duke would not pay them nor the Genevoises but the Prince having called the General Council they were forced to engage for the payment of 2000 of them and for the other half the Earl of Genevoise delivered his Plate to the Fribourgers upon condition the Genevoises would redeem it the next S. James's and S. Christopher's day So the two Armies withdrew but the Duke staid behind at Geneva till the Plague which swept away several of the People obliged him to retire to Thonon and immediately after Hugues and Malbuisson returned to Geneva believing themselves secure yet the Duke sent for them to Thonon by the Vidame Consilii whom that he might the more easily perswade to go along with him he brought them a Letter of Safe conduct They knowing the Dukes temper would not carry his Letter with them but left it with Hugues's Wife enjoyning her if she heard they were detained to send it speedily to Fribourg They went then with the Vidame who believed he had them safe enough and that they might easily be dispatched when their Letter of Safe-conduct was taken away from them They had scarcely gotten half a mile from the City but he asked them whether they had it not about them They answered him they had not at which the Vidame falling into a passion replied Wretches as you are wherefore have you set out then How dare ye appear without it before my Lord who ye know is enraged against you and if any mishap should befal you you would not receieve more hurt than I should dishonour Return and fetch it then otherwise I will not go along with you Truly Mr. Vidame replied they we can go no where to fetch it but at Fribourg where we have sent it as soon as we received it to the end if your Lord should misuse us he should have in requital at least some trouble for violating his Faith. But if you are for returning to Geneva with all our hearts for we had rather be with our Wives and Children than to go turn Courtiers To which the Vidame replied Well if it be so we had as good continue our journey my Lord hath passed his word which is of more value than a Letter They kept on then their way and being arrived at Thonon the first word the Duke gave them was Whether they had the Letter of Safe-conduct but was vexed when he heard them answer no. He committed them to the keeping of the Provost of his Houshold forbidding them to be suffered to speak to any body but in presence of the Guards The Provost led them to his House sounding
them about the secret concerns of the Town where in the way they were followed by the clamors of the rabble who cried out they should be thrown into the River The Duke seeing all his endeavours could not obtain from them their Safe conduct dismissed them having first made them swear on the Altar of S. Hippolyte Patron of the place not to think any more on the Burgership of Fribourg nor to do any thing against his Authority nor to concern themselves in affairs of the State without his consent and moreover made them to do him great submissions A while after he sent to the Council of Geneva that they should borrow mony in Switzerland to redeem his Brothers Plate The City sent in effect Secretary Porral who had been a Syndick and gave him Monathon for his guide with the City Seal to sign the Obligation But passing through the Country of Vaud this Secretary was taken and carried to Thonon and being examined where the Letters lay relating to the Burgership of Fribourg the Secretary through fear revealed it upon which the Duke sent immediately to Geneva to demand them Answer was returned him They dared not enter in the Town-house because a Servant-maid had lately died of the Plague there But being not satisfied with this answer he reiterated his demand that notwithstanding he would have them so that they were forced to obey him This done he released Porral and suffered him to continue on his Journy with Monathon They met with mony upon interest at Berne and Lucerne to redeem the Earls Plate In May there was a general meeting of the Cantons at Zurich where the Duke and Deputies of Geneva promised to stand by their decision which was as follow That the Duke henceforward should not attempt any thing against the Bishop and Cities Jurisdiction That the Burgership of Fribourg and Geneva should be suspended neither party making any use of it and that the Fribourgers should rest satisfied with the 4000 Crowns received for their assistance for they claimed more This second Peace was thus concluded betwixt the Duke and two Cities and lasted Six years with much ado The Eidgnots and Mammelusses began to be reconciled and feasted one another making Alliances by Marriage and forgetting ancient differeces The Duke considering Berthelier as a person who ever withstood his Interest in Geneva resolved to leave no means untried to be rid of him but being desirous not to appear in it himself he would therefore make use of the Bishops name who was wholly at his service To which end he sent several of his Subjects from Focigny to Geneva who joyning with the Mammelusses lodged at the Eidgnots and made almost as much disorder as the Army had done heretofore All which had no other end but to take Berthelier He was sensible of it every one giving him warning yet he valued it not declaring he was so far from fearing Death as he rather desired it as a Haven of rest after all his troubles He had a Garden out of Town where he went every day to walk carrying along with him a Squirrel in his Bosom with which he was wont to recreate himself Three days after the arrival of them of Forigny the Vidame Consilii with his attendants had gotten before him in expectation of his coming Berthelier saw him making towards him and not being at all daunted at it kept on his way The Vidame laid hold on him in the Bishops name according as he was ordered and took away his Sword. Berthelier boldly bid him keep it well for said he You shall give an account of it He was carried to the Isle no body interposing and had Guards assigned him whereas he to shew how little he was concerned commonly diverted himself with his Squirrel They advised him to beg my Lords pardon What Lord said he The Duke of Savoy replied they our Prince and yours He is not my Prince answered he and if he were I would not ask Pardon being innocent It belongeth to Malefactors to beg Pardon not to honest Men. You must die then said they to him several times but he without answering them wrote on the Prison-wall Non moriar sed vivam narrabo opera Domini That is I shall not die but live and declare the Works of the Lord. The first day of his Imprisonment there were sent to examine him not the Syndicks but a Provost made in haste who had been heretofore a Tooth drawer called John des Bois An honest Man would not have accepted a Commission of that nature who gave him notice that he was commanded by the Prince to examine him and to require his Oath Berthelier boldly replied When the Syndicks who are my Judges shall question me I will answer them but not thee who hast nothing to do in the matter The Provost summoned him to deliver his answer the next Morning and sent Poste to the Princes to advertize them of the proceedings The next Morning the said Provost accompanied with them of Focigny marched in Battle-array carrying along with them a Confessor and an Executioner to the Prison wherein was Berthelier where his company drew up the Bridge The Provost commanded him again to make his answer Whereto he replied He would not The Provost added Then I command you on penalty of losing your head and Berthelier answering as before he pronounced this Sentence against him Seeing then Philbert Berthelier that is in this so in other matters thou hast always shewed thy self rebellious against mine and thy dread Soveraign having been guilty of the Crime of High Treason and several other matters worthy of death according to the Tenor of thy Indictment and Accusation We therefore Sentence thee to have thy Head cut off and thy Body to be hanged on the Gibbet of Champel and thy Head to be set upon a Spike and fastned upon a Gallows near the River of Arve Which Sentence thus pronounced he offered him the Confessor with whom he had not much discourse Afterwards he was delivered to the Executioner who led him out of the Castle in a place betwixt the Tower and Bridge where having made a short Prayer he would have made a Speech to the Citizens before he died but the Provost would not suffer him bidding the Executioner Dispatch and do his Office. The Hangman caused him to kneel down which Berthelier having done he cried out Ah! Gentlemen of Geneva which he had scarcely said before his Head dropped on the Ground which done the Executioner put his Body in a Hearse on which he got up holding in his Hand Berthelier's Head and crying out to the People Behold the Head of the Traitor Berthelier take all of you example by him Besides the Soldiers who were strangers there were some of the Town who followed the Hearse and made a mock at their own evils but good People kept within doors The Head was set up near the Heads of Navis and Viterman and some years
gotten 300 Crowns of the Genevoises to carry their Appeal to Rome he stirred not in the business Some private Persons designing to do it secretly the Duke hindred them and made them fly into Germany And not content with this he sent Judge Bartalais and the Vidame Hugues of Rogemont to Geneva to the end the Genevoises should renounce this Appeal and remit the Recognisance of criminal Cases to himself Which Article was delivered to the General Council and the chief Syndick Nergaz passed it saying That matter brought no great advantage to the City Bonier another of the Syndicks strongly opposed it saying He would never consent to it and called them Traitors who would But he remained not long in this mind for a while after he took part with the Duke Upon this refusal the Vidame by the Dukes order designed to weaken the Eidgnots Faction in apprehending some of the chief of them who were Besançon Hugues Peter and Claudius Baud Amy Gerard the Treasurer Francis Rosset Inn-holder at the Blacks-head John Lulin Inn-keeper at the Bear Peter of Toy aliàs Poulain and one Chabot Which two last intending to save themselves by flying to Fribourg fell at Versoy into an Ambuscade laid by their Enemies Poulain being well mounted made his escape but Chabot was carried to Gex Notice was given to the rest to stand upon their Guard. Williet the Bayliff of Gex intending to apprehend Hugues who was his Gossip came and lay at his House at Chatelaine but he being informed of his design was too cunning for him for having received him the Night before with the greatest outward expression of joy he made his escape the next Night with some Friends and took the Bayliffs Horse along with him They were pursued by the Provost and his Men and by his Highness's Guards but they could not overtake them having gotten already to Fribourg where they made their complaints of the Dukes violences beseeching the Lords either to continue the Alliance or to make another They had fair promises made them after which they went and Addressed themselves to the States of Zurich who notwithstanding the troubles which began at that time about Religion gave ear to them and dispatched two Deputies to the Duke at Anecy The Duke at their suit granted a Release to the Prisoners and a Safe conduct to the Eidgnots who had withdrawn themselves into Switzerland Yet they would not accept of it seeing it contained some dangerous points wherefore they were more urgent to make an Alliance with the confederate Cantons which was promised should be effected by them of Berne and Fribourg when they should have leasure to consider more narrowly of the Articles of that Treaty In the mean time the Duke being arrived at Geneva caused a General Council to be assembled in S. Peter's Cloister a place designed for that purpose where he assisted in Person sitting in his Chair his Chancellor behind him and his Guards round about him for fear of any Popular Tumult which Council hath been since called The Council of Halbards The Chancellor Gabriel de Lande demanded of the People as from the Duke that in consideration of the pains and trouble his Predecessors had underwent to maintain their State they should therefore acknowledge him Soveraign Protector of the City and that they should disown the Fugitives and Burgership which they were contracting with the Switzers Which Proposals amazed the People and yet they granted him nothing he therefore seeing his endeavours fruitless returned to Piedmont Yet he came there again a while after and began to speak more gently to the Syndicks assuring them he had expresly commanded that the Estates belonging to the City should be restored adding moreover that he would not in the least manner derogate from the Liberties and Priviledges thereof for which they thanked him The Vidame and Judge Barralis presented themselves before the Council shewing them as Friends to the City who desired nothing more than its Repose and Establishment That seeing the Duke was Vicar of the Empire and Soveraign in all his Country he might also be acknowledged Soveraign in Geneva without any prejudice to the Bishop or City by which means he would watch over it for its preservation and that moreover it would be a difficult matter to hinder him if he were minded to take by force this Soveraignty upon him that they might easily perceive the Bishop would not help them in their necessities that the Duke was a mild and generous Prince who would defend and maintain them against any who should oppose them Upon which it was answered They would deliberate on the matter and confer with the Episcopal and General Council and with M. of Geneva In the mean time the Vidame and Barralis plied the Councellors so fast with good words or threats that the greatest part of them told the Syndicks If ye will acknowledge him we will likewise But they held firm and troubled themselves no more about it Twelve days after came the Deputies from Fribourg and Soleurre who shewed the Council That if they should be any more troubled about their Priviledges their Superiors would take them into their Protection The Council were very much divided and those who took part with the Duke oftentimes carried it from the rest as they did then for the answer given the Deputies was this That they who had made their complaints to them did it without the consent of the Town and so they were dismissed with this answer They wrote to the Cantons of Berne at the same time as also to Fribourg Soleurre and Lucerne that they should not give heed to all complaints made them without the consent of the City The Fribourgers wrote back again desiring to see the Cities Charter which was refused them saying They had no cause to complain against the Duke of Savoy On the 10th of December the Duke caused another Council to be held of whom he demanded three things by his Chancellor First That nothing should be done against his authority nor the Bishops Secondly That the Syndicks should be chosen according to the manner used six years ago And Thirdly That they should renounce all Foreign Alliance which was promised and publickly proclaimed but this being not gotten by common consent on the 22 d of the same Month appear'd before the Council John Bandieres accompanied with the Children of those who had withdrawn themselves into Switzerlamd together with Secretary Vandelli and above 200 others who presented a Writing to this effect That they and their Party owned and acknowledged the Fugitives in Switzerland to have done a good office both to the Bishop and City in endeavouring an Alliance with the confederate Cantons protesting against the injury done them in their disowning of them saying They desired no answer but only Letters testimonial from the City Secretary which the Council would not agree to On the same day a Letter was directed to the Bishop then
this following Harangue to the Lords of that City and to endeavor to palliate the matter according to the instructions sent him from the Duke by his Secretary Caron These were his Words Most Mighty Lords c. FRom the day and hour I heard of the enterprize against Geneva I was desirous of nothing more than of knowing from my Soveraign Lord and Prince how the matter really had passed to the end that I might in the name of his Highness inform your Lordships and other affectionate Friends seeing that in such like affairs false Reports never fail to be spread abroad by the Adversaries For being destitute of all lawful reasons and equity they have endeavoured to colour over their bad cause to the dishonour and prejudice of his Highness and to render him odious to his friends Wherefore having been advertised by his Highness as well by word of mouth as by writing and also by his Secretary who is joyned with me in this affair of the whole truth of the matter and having received an express charge to communicate the same unto you according to the good correspondence which ought to be amongst Neighbours to the end ye may no longer doubt of my Masters good will and affection My self I say and his Secretary would not be wanting likewise to inform you according to the instructions given us of this late undertaking this then in short is the true account of it Your Lordships know very well the reasons moving his Highness to make the late War against the City of Geneva it being upon the account of the Tallies Imposts and other ordinary Charges on the Estates which the Genevoises hold in his Highnesses Dominions They were sollicited and intreated to submit to reason and equity after the same manner as their other Neighbours who possess Estates in his Highnesses Countries But they on the other side have never ceased from making their complaints and representing their cause to his Majesty of France as also to your Lordships although they have been rebuked by several noble Lords about his Majesty for their unseasonable requests and sent back to make satisfaction to those equitable demands after the same manner as your Lordships have dealt with them Yet have they still obstinately continued in their unjust pretensions and have not only endeavoured by force to maintain their pretended right as his Highness hath been well informed but endeavouring moreover contrary to his Highness's declaration to bring and convey into their City Corn which ought not to be transported out of his Highness's Countries for the relief of his Subjects and to preserve in store against time of need so that they have by this means infringed and violated this Edict for which just causes and reasons his Highness had a design of bringing Geneva to Reason but he hath deferred his resentments till some other opportunity especially till his Highness can be present in his own person to prevent all mischief and confusion which commonly happens in such like occasions But forasmuch as the said Genevoises do alledge the priviledges granted them by your predecessors of blessed memory against the pretensions of hs Higness they are of no validity seeing they have not acquitted themselves in what they were obliged to on their parts and have by this means made void their priviledges And thus it is likewise in the claims which they lay to the Treaty as if they were comprehended in it and included with his Majesty of France and the Duke of Savoy my Master whereas it ought to be considered in this case they have no grounds or reasons for their pretensions for it is certain they cannot be understood under this word of Allies seeing they are not in League with all the Cantons of Switzerland and that they have not been expressly specified and named as the other Allies and so consequently could they not be inserted in his Highness's absence against his will and pleasure as being a party principally concerned Moreover I will not forbear to tell your Lordships that his Highness has been credibly informed that my Lord Esdiguieres designed to surprize the said City which had he effected it would have proved highly prejudicial to his Highness and to your selves and therefore his Highness thought it his most prudent course to prevent him But lest your Lordships should suspect that he had any design against you his ancient Neighbours with whom he hath all this while held so good a correspondence He hath therefore withdrawn his men on this side the Mountains resolving to keep up a good understanding with you as his predecessors had done before him and for this effect he will maintain and encourage all Traffick and Commerce betwixt the two States expecting in the mean time an answer from you which we hope will prove satisfactory to our desires and worthy your resolutions This Harangue of the Earl of Tournon was heard by the Council of Berne yet did it not satisfie them for they dismissed both him and the Secretary without answer and had they not speedily departed it is very probable the people forgetting the respect due to persons of their quality would have affronted them so much did they slight his apology for an attempt which was not only condemned by them but as it is said by all Europe and even by the Pope himself The Duke of Boüillon passing about that time through Geneva was desirous of being informed of all the circumstances of the enterprize and went to see the places where they entred and made their efforts In the mean time they of Geneva strengthened by the Troops of their Allies and several French Soldiers both Horse and Foot whom the King permitted to assist them maintained themselves against the Garrisons with which they were surrounded and drove away them who approached their Walls they cut down the Trees about the City to take away all shelter for the Enemy and made several incursions into the Countries of Savoy and surprized the City of S. Genis d' Aoste where they setled the Baron of Vilars Governor from whence they continually molested the Dukes Subjects and kept Chambery in exercise marching many times up to their Gates and had it not been for the death of a valorous Gentleman named Monsieur de Nesle Chambery would have run the same risque as S. Genis The King gave order to de Vic his Ambassador in Switzerland that in his return home through Geneva he should assure the Citizens that he was not one of them who only love their friends whilst they advantage themselves by them and that he would never be wanting to defend and protect them he therefore desired to know of them the means they intended to use in making an offensive War to the end that the succours which he should send them might be profitably imployed They received the Sieur of Vic with the greatest respect and heard his general proposals and particular remonstrances which tended rather to exhort them to a
his intrigues The Baron of Aubonne who was likewise his Brother-in-law was at the same time a prisoner in Berne upon suspicion of Treason Chenalat being pressed confessed his intelligence with most solemn protestations that he had no other design than only to draw mony from the Marquiss but this saved not his head The Republick sent afterwards John Diodati and Thedore Trochin Professors in Divinity into Holland to reside as their Deputies in the Synod of Dort whom the States had invited together with the English and Dutch Divines to oppose the Doctrines of Arminius at their departure they were each of them presented with a Medal by the States The Duke of Savoy having begun to make great Levies alarm'd thereby the City of Geneva Monsieur d' Alincourt who was Governour of Lyons sent notice thereof to the King who was sollicitious for their preservation and desired that he might be informed if any thing was undertaken against them this occasioned the fortifying of S. Gervais Mottet an Engineer whom the Prince of Orange had sent drew a Trench which reached from the Rhosne as far as the Lake the better to shelter the Burrough being assisted by Ferault a French Gentleman who had â—led to Geneva In this same year on Whit-Sunday there hapned such an Earthquake that the Ministers in the time of their Preaching were fain to hold fast by the Pulpit for fear of falling In the following year there died a Woman who was learned both in Greek and Latine and who had passed through her Exercises in Philosophy in the Colledge She was M. Offredy's Wife a skilful Physician who writ several Commentaries on Hippocrates And lie having but bad eyes his Wife assisted him in his Studies writing his Bills and reading to him A National Synod of the Protestant Churches being held at Paris the Ministers of Geneva wrote to it that they being conformable to the French Churches in Essentials they would likewise be the same in indifferent matters and give the Communion henceforward with unleavened Bread as the Bernoises had already began to do adding moreover that the Elders should no longer give the Cup as they were wont but the Pastors after the same manner as in the French Churches Tronchin being injoyned by the Council and Consistory gave notice hereof to the people one Sunday night after Sermon and shewed the reasons moving them to this change in so indifferent a matter Some small differences had like to have broke the peace for although it was agreed in the Treaty made at S. Julien that there should be a free Trade yet had the Duke strictly forbidden any Corn to be Transported to Geneva and the Council by way of requital prohibited the carrying out of Iron Salt or any other Commodities into Savoy but Wake the English Ambassador passing through Geneva and observing how scarce Corn was amongst them interceded for them to the Duke and got off the prohibition The Marquis of Bade a Lutheran Prince being stript of his Estate by a Decree from the Imperial Court withdrew to Geneva with his Wife and a Minister The Council permitted him to have preaching in his House for his own Family but several Germans inhabitants of the City and others resorted thither at which the People muttered saying That in time the Mass would be permitted to be read in the City seeing Lutherans were permitted after this manner The Council of twenty five understanding the matter sent a Syndick and the Lieutenant to intreat him not to let any Citizens into his house at Sermon time which request of theirs he despising instead of granting it sent them word that the City belonging to the Empire and he being one of its Princes he had as much right there as they had themselves some say that he lifted up his hand to strike the Syndick which caused the Magistrates to repeal the permission they had granted him at which he being inraged left Geneva and withdrew to Thonon where the Duke permitted him the exercise of his Religion Another great Lord who in the Year 1624. had withdrawn to Geneva as to a place of refuge ended his daies there his name was George Erasmus of Tzernembel an Hereditary Baron of the Marches of Esclavonie and of Carniole who had been formerly Counsellor to the Emperors Rodolphus the second and Matthias the first and one of the Directors of Bohemia but after the new Kings defeat he was forced to give place to the Victorious and to flie out of the Empire He came to Geneva with his Wife and Daughter and another Relation and was a second Job in his miseries and afflictions for having been deprived of all his Offices and tortured with the Gout and other vexations both of body and mind he at length had news brought him that his son who stayed behind to gather up the pieces of his shattered fortune was drowned and all that he brought with him so that having nothing left him but patience the Magistrates and the Church gave him a monthly allowance for his families subsistence and continued it after his decease he was honourably interred in S. Peters Cloyster according to his quality Emilia of Nassaw Princess of Orange and sister to Prince Maurice and Widow to Don Emanuel son of Anthony King of Portugal after that the Spaniard had made himself Master of that Kingdom she came and dwelt at Geneva with her six daughters but having purchased a Castle near Nyons she withdrew thither She died in the year following and was interred at Geneva in the Chappel on the left hand of S. Peters Quire. This Princess although of great quality resided several years at Geneva living in a condition much beneath her quality and desert her Daughters were married to ordinary Gentlemen of the Country of Vaud one of them who had espoused Colonel Grol was buried near her Mother in 1647. Madam the Dutchess of Rohan remained for some time in the City with her Daughter and afterwards went to Venice Geneva likewise served for an Asylum to the Sieur of Aubigné a French â—entleman who having published his History of France had thereby so much displeased the King that he would have him taken into custody for it and moreover his Son whom the Jesuits had won to their party heightened the Kings displeasure against his Father but he foreseeing their design took about thirty thousand Crowns of gold which he hid in the Saddles of his Horses and fled to Geneva about the year 1619. He was received by the Magistrates and Church with great respect for they had been informed of his zeal for the Protestant Religion and of his valour and conduct in Military affairs So likewise when there was any kind of Fortification undertaken they always asked his advice It is said that he had a secret enabling him to speak to any person a hundred paces distant from him and they who stood by should
I would here relate all the particulars of it but it having been ordered to be scratched out of the Council Registers to the end that it might be for ever forgotten it will be sufficient to say that John Sarrasin the Auditor having presided in the Council of two hundred in the Syndicks absence and over the Council of twenty five the lesser Council committed him to Prison and set a guard over him belonging to the Garrison The Council of two hundred not being able to endure that he should be used as a Criminal who had been guilty of no other fault but of being their head resolved to release him by force finding themselves backed by all the people who were assembled at S. Peters where the two hundred sat in Council The lesser Council who had the Garrison on their side would not endure to be imposed upon At length when they were just ready to fall upon one another the Prisoner was discharged and all things quieted On the 27. of Jan. at night 1670. there hapned a fire amongst the Houses on the Bridge of Rhosne which being all Timber-Houses the greatest part of them were burnt down in less than two hours space six score persons perishing in the flames A Miller chose rather to save his Mother than his Wife but she followed after in a rage wading in the water up to her chin and escaped another Woman who lay sick and was to take Physick the next morning cast her self out at the window and recovered both her life and health in the Rhosne having had the good hap to escape out of the water after she had shunned the fire In short this Conflagration had done more mischief had it not been stopped by the Towers of Monnoye and of the Isle which served as barrs against the flames and it is observable that several pieces of Timber kept burning in the water so great was the violence of the flames but that which was more strange and which all the inhabitants beheld was that the Channel of Rhosne between the Isle and the City which contained two hundred sixty five foot in breadth was filled and dried up by the ruins of the Houses The other Channel although commonly running very swift and swelled by the overflowings of the other yet four days after was frozen up There were collections made for the relief of those families who were sufferers by this fire There were six thousand Crowns gathered for them of Geneva and the Bernoises made liberal contributions The Prince Elector Palatine came to Geneva in the Year 1671. and stayed there some Months he came there in the Evening and therefore had not such reception as was intended but the City being sensible of their obligations to that family during his abode in the City he had all the respect they were able to shew him But that which appeared most considerable was his entertainment on the Lake for the great Gally was fitted out and manned by the flower of the Youth of the City M. the Prince was received on Board her with part of the Council All the Morning was spent in the sport of fishing when at Noon they landed at Secheron and went to the Castle of Roset to eat the large Trouts they had taken there was a stately dinner provided and made ready for them where the Prince was attended by the sons of persons of quality belonging to the City and the Lords of the Council by the Princes Gentlemen After Dinner they walked forth on the Lakes side the Cannons which thundred from the Gally were answered by the Drums and Trumpets from the Boats which were to the number of thirty attending on the Gally there was nothing thought of but mirth and divertisement when on a suddain there appeared a Frigate having fifty Moors on Board her and an Algerine Flag on her main top Whereupon immediately all the people made ready to fight and several Guns discharged on both sides and at length they came to boarding but in the end the Algerine was vanquished there being good reason for it and the Captain of the Frigate came to Complement the Prince At last they returned into the City towards the Evening but the night was kept off a while by the light of the Cannon which were discharged from all the batteries of the City and other places along the Port. Some weeks after the Prince fell dangerously sick of the small Pox and Prayers were made for his recovery in all the Churches which at length obtaining he set out for Grenoble being very well satisfied with his entertainment at Geneva The Citizens and the Garrison appeared in their arms for to do him honour and the Council accompanied him and the Cannons were not silent in this occasion It is not above six years since an enterprize was discovered on Geneva which hath been known to few In the year 1673. on a Communion day in September the chief Syndick found at his House at his return from Church a Letter which a person unknown had left in his absence the Contents whereof were That upon a Proviso of a proportionable reward he would make such a considerable discovery that the publick safety depended on it and if they desired to speak with this person next morning about it the Superiour of the Convent of the Capuchines of Gex would inform them where he was but if they neglected this advertisement they might be certain of finding the City in a short time reduced to the greatest extremity Wherefore the Council failed not to send the next Morning the Advocat Dunant to Gex who discoursed this unknown person in the Capuchin's garden and dexterously drew from him part of the secret he learnt that what he had to discover was an enterprize against the City the particulars whereof he might well discover seeing himself was the Author of it that having conceived some distaste-against the Duke of Savoy he was resolved to discover the design but first desired to be rewarded with a thousand pounds and that he might have a place where he might live secure Dunant replied that he had no power to treat with him about that particular and that it would be more convenient for him to come to Geneva where he might more easily treat with the Council about it in his own person And whereas he desired to have a Letter of safe-conduct he answered him that this was not their Custom but that he had power given him to engage the Publick Faith upon it and that he might come into the City with the same surety as others had done before him This person was contented with this and came the next morning and presented himself before the Council at Geneva telling them that his name was John Baptiste Noroy of Nozeray in Burgundy that having found out an easie way to surprize Geneva he had passed over into Piedmont some months since for to make it known to the Duke which he did in a
Genevoises 180 Crequi passes through Geneva 182 City divided 186 Chillon Castle besieged 111 Carolyn maintains the lawfulness of the Mass 113 Chenalat executed for Treason 172 D DVke of Savoy makes new attempts on Geneva 124 Des Plans a Traytor to the City 124 Duke advances to attack the Fort near Arve 131 Dukes Army approaches 141 Duke of Savoy desires the French King to desist from protecting Geneva 146 Duke dispatches Messengers to all parts to publish his good success 152 De Vic Ordered to assure the Genevoises of the French Kings favour 161 Duke of Rohan's Funeral 178 Discourse of the Rhosne ibid. Deodati ' s death 179 Duke of Savoy quarters great number of Soldiers round about Geneva 183 Diligence of the people in working at the Fort 185 Discovery of a late design on Geneva 187 Deputies dispatched from Geneva 190 E ENglish Church at Geneva 120 Earthquakes 125 Esgaillon beheaded 135 Ebbings and flowings of the Rhosne 184 Emperor ' s Embassador passes from Geneva 191 F FRench designed to be Massacred in Geneva 120 French Kings complaint against Geneva 121 Famine in Geneva 126 Fort of Arve demolished 144 Fire on the Bridge of Rhosne 186 G GEnevoyses sally out against the Savoyards 110 Gex surrendred ibid. Grybalde propagates Servetus his opinions 120 Gentil disputes against Calvin 120 Grimaud endeavors to spread the Plague 123 Gex surrendred 128 Genevoyses engage the Enemy 132 Gex surprized 134 Genevoyses shamefully worsted by the Savoyards 137 Genevoyses defeated 138 Genis taken by surprize 161 Giovani accuses an eminent person in the City of Treason 170 Gothefredus his Latin Inscription 179 Gautier hanged 180 Genevoyses fortify their City 184 H HEnry the third of France makes an Alliance with the Switzers 123 Hermance layes an ambush for the Genevoyses gathering their Wine-Harvest 139 I JEws request to Geneva 125 Jubilé at Thonon where the design of scaling Geneva was laid 149 K KIngs Army attached by the Savoyards 141 King of France declares Geneva comprehended in the Treaty 149 King of France comes to Lyons 181 L LA Cluse surrenders 111 Lentilles spreads the Plague in Geneva 117 La Cluse attempted by the Genevoises surrenders 134 Lurbigny defeats the Savoyards 136 Lancy demolished 143 Letter of the Genevoyses to the Sieur of Guiche 156 Letter of the French King to the Genevoyses 157 Landgrave of Hesse makes the City of Geneva a Present 166 Lectius dies at Geneva 170 M MAss abolished 111 Mare committed to Prison 114 Marquis of Vico comes to Geneva 119 Mercier the Minister flead alive 133 Maillet committed Prisoner 158 Marquis of Bade retires to Geneva 173 N NAtional Synod at Paris 172 Noroy secured 189 O OLivarez Counsel to the Dukes Embassador 127 P PEney blown up 110 Peace concluded 145 Peace concluded between the Duke and Genevoyses 163 Philippe kills a man with his Leading-staff 115 Plague at Geneva 116 Pope requested to assist the Duke 126 Prince Palatin's entertainment at Geneva 187 Prince George dies there 189 R RIchardet kills himself by a fall 115 Regiment of Soleurre attached 130 Roset Harangues the Queen and Dauphin 191 Roset dies at Geneva 169 S SAunier teaches School at Geneva 111 Saunier with others banished 114 Syndicks still Catholicks in their hearts 113 Servetus comes to Geneva 119 Spiffame his Tragical end 122 Sancy animates the Genevoyses against the Duke 127 Savoyards attack the Forces from Berne 132 They set upon three Barks bound for Geneva 135 Sonas slain 142 Sadeel dies at Geneva 143 Serres dies at Geneva 145 Sonas bleeds at Nose 151 He together with six others first climb up the City walls 152 Sarraz in compiles a Book called The Genevoise Citizen 163 A Sergeant executed 170 Spies sent into Savoy 184 Savoy and Geneva differ about the imposition of Salt 190 Spanish Embassador passes through Geneva 191 Stouppe intercedes in the behalf of Geneva ibid. T TOurnon his Harangue to the Lords of Berne 157 Terrail his designs on the City of Geneva 167 His designs on Geneva discovered 168 He sets out from Savoy for Flanders ib. Apprehended and executed 169 V VErsoy besieged 133 Valour of a Captain 140 Valour of a Taylor 155 W WArning given to the City of Geneva 149 Warning given a second time to them 150 Z ZUrich makes a perpetual Alliance with Geneva 126 THE END Ancient names of Geneva Volateran Marlian Paradin In his Opuscula Munster calls it Mirae vetustatis Vrbem Scituation of Geneva Antiquity of Geneva Derivation of the word Geneva The Genevoises formidable to the Romans 125. years before the Birth of our Saviour 122. years before our Saviour Paul. Orose 108. years before the Birth of our Saviour The Genevoises protected by the Romans against the Switzers 102. years before the Birth of our Saviour 60. years before our Saviour 58. years before our Saviour Helvetians invade the Gaules There are some marks of this to be seen near Gingin about a league from Nyons and four leagues from Geneva Julius Caesar's name yet retain'd in divers Families at Geneva A Roman Colony sent to Geneva Deseruere cavo tentoria fixa Lemanno Lucan Geneva burnt in Marc. Aurelius his time 274. years before our Saviour Geneva rebuilt Sunt qui Gebennas in Allobrogibus ab eo conditas expeditione illa Gallica dicant See the Inscriptions Scituation of Geneva Turris Botuli Geneva first received the Christian Faith. Amongst Monsieur de Peiresk's Papers 194. years after our Saviour 198. 194. Sundry Bishops of Geneva In the third and fourth Century 397. 426. 440. 466. 517. 549. 570. 573. President Fauchel mentions it 613. 620. Theodorick second Son to the French King builds several Churches in Geneva 650. 726. 773. Rhegino Abbot Genuam Civitatem veniens Synodum tenuit and Charlemain comes to Geneva and sets up there his own Statue 816. About the year 860. 876. 879. 930. 1050. 1050. Three Lords lay claim to Geneva 1120. Disagreement between the Earl of Genevois and Bishop of Geneva 1124. Bernard Epist 27. The first Letter Second Letter S. Bernard recommends to the Bishop the Religiouses of the two Monasteries in his Diocess 1153. 1157. 1162. The Bishops of Geneva's claim of Soveraignty over Geneva 〈…〉 1185. Dated 1211. 1219. 1220. Fort of Peney built by Aymé of Granson Bishop of Geneva quits his Bishoprick 1261. 1266. 1268. 1282. 1285. Articles of agreement between the Earl of Savoy and Bishop of Geneva 1290. 1291. Humbert Dauphin of Viennois assaults the City of Geneva 1291. 1303. William of Constance dies 1304. 1306. 1307. Earl of Genevois treats with the City 1307. Earl of Genevois defeated 1308. Earl of Genevois dyes 1309. The Bishop and City disagree The Bishop of Geneva's Authority over the City considered 1310. 1311. 1312. A new Bishop chosen 1313. 1317. 1319. 1320. 1321. A great Fire at Geneva 1330. A Battel fought between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy 1334. 1342. The Earl of Savoy dycs 1346. 1356. 1365. Gerard Tavel Rodelphus de Postella Peronnnet of S. Germain
Perret Copounay Syndicks 1366. Charles the fourth comes to Geneva 1367. 1371. John of Morellis chosen Bishop 1385. 1387. Priviledges of the City 1389. The Earl of Savoy endeavors to insinuate himself into the City 1391. The Earl of Genevois charged with Felony 1398. 1400. The Citys priviledges confirmed The death of Humbert 1401. 1402. 1404. Amé does homage John of Bertrandis chosen Bishop of Geneva Jan. 10. 1409. Allemand Willlet will. de Worey John de Eonnet Mermet de Vuflans Syndicks 1414. The Bishop a favourer of John Huss 1415. The Bishop builds Halls 1417. The Earls of Savoy created Dukes 1420. The Duke of Savoy writes to the Pope The Bishop and Citizens make a contract 1420. The Emperor declares Geneva an Imperial City 1421. John of â—ierrescize the founder the Bishops Palace The prediction of a Shooe-maker concerning John of Brognier 1426. 1430. A great fire in Geneva * The Steeple called the Spire * Of the Townhouse or Borough of Four. * Here. Lib. de misâ—rid conditionis humanae Nocturno quoque igne in urbe Gebenna tempore Martini Quinti summi Pontificis plurimae egregiae que domus exustae sunt Ipsi conspeximus rem visu miseram fletu digâ—am Hujus ignis calamitas multos evertiâ— bonis 1432. 1435. The Duke of Savoy turns Hermit 1439. 1444. 1449. 1445. Duke Lewis quits his claims to Geneva 16. May. 1446. 1448. 1450. Felix dies 1451. * The City of Geneva situated between the Mountains of small extent and encompassed about with Sand Its people are ever desirous of Novelty The Story of Philip. 1460. A Syndick hanged The affairs removed from Geneva 1463. 1465. 1466. 1467. 1469. 1473. The Duke of Burgundy conveys the Dutchess of Savoy into Burgundy The Switzers muâ—iny for want of their pay 1476. 1477. The Bishop John Lewis makes an alliance with the Switzers 3. January 1477. 1479. The Bishop John Lewis kills the Bishop of Viviers The said Bishops Character 1481. 1482. The disagreement of the Genevoises in the choice of their Bishop 1484. 1485. 1487. 1489. 1490. 13 March The Duke desires leave to remain for some time at Geneva 3 Octob. Two Bishops chosen to succeed in Geneva who are therefore at variance 1491. 1492. John Gay causes the Peasants to take up Arms against the Nobility 1493. 1495. 1498. The Duke of Savoy comes to Geneva René the Dukes bastard brother endeavors to make him Soveraign over Geneva 1498. 24. of May. 1499. 12. of June 1500. Eyria accused by René 1601. 1501. A Preacher declaims against René René begins to grow the fourth of March out of favor with the Duke his brother 1502. A malefactor dies under the torments he suffered to make him confess his crime A Famine in Geneva Mortel a famous Thief 1504. 10. of Sâ—pt 1504. Duke Philbert dies 1505. 6. of June 22. of April 1506. 27. of July 1507. 1508. 6. of April The Duke and Dutchess of Savoy come to Geneva 1510. November 1510. 1511. The Walls of S. Geâ—vais finished 18. March. 1511. The Duke endeavors to re-establish Fairs in Geneva Articles of agreement betwixt the Duke and City 1512. Francis Mallet his liberality The Vidame imprisoned 1513. Amé of Gingins chosen Bishop of Geneva John of Savoy obtains the Bishoprick of Geneva July 1513. 31. of August 1513. 1513. 29. of Novem. The French Ambassador confined 1514. December Five Culveriâ—s left by the Prior of S. Victor to Geneva 1515. Vandol imprisoned Popular tumults Pecolat jokes on the Bishop Grossi's Mule hamstringed Pecolat put upon the Rack Berthelier sought after by the Bishop 1517. Pecolat cuts out his own tongue Decemb. 1518. Geneva Excommunicated Berthelier proposes an Alliance to the Fribourgers Febr. 24. March 4. Two young Men beheaded Deputies sent to the Duke Deputies present the Dukes Letter to the Council Besancon Hugues together with some others make an Alliwith the Fribourgers Eignots or Huguenots whence deriveâ—â— The Princes complain against the Burgership May 7. 1519. Feb. 24. Berthelier acquitted by the City The Duke raises an Army An Herald sent to Geneva The Fribourgers send an Herald to the Duke The Dukes answer to the Deputies The Duke enters with his Army into Geneva March 6. Victor imprisoned The Fribourgers send assistance to Geneva The Dukes Proclamation The Deputies answer to the Duke The Deputies answer to the Duke Articles between the Duke and Fribourgers The Duke sends for Hugues and Malbuisson 1519. May. August Berthelier apprehended by the Duke August 5. Berthelier Executed Syndicks put by their Office Preter Versonex Peter Monthyon Peter de Fernex junior Will. Daguet Fribourgers demand satisfaction for Bertheliers death 1520. Marcossay's lot to be King. 1522. John of Savoy dies of the Pox. Consilii stabbed 1523. Peter of Baume chosen Bishop Preparations made for the entertainment of the Dutchess 1524. Emperor and King of France at variance Levrery sent for by the Duke Levrery put to death 1525. Claudius Richardet breaks his Staff on the Treasurers Head. Eidgnots Faction endeavoured to be weakned The Duke desires to be acknowledged Sovereign over the City of Geneva August Octob. Council divided 1525. Decemb. Bandieres appears before the Council 1526. Feb. 1. The Bishop returns to Geneva Feb. 8. Philippe chosen chief Syndick Feb. 21. Alliance made with Berne 1526. Feb. 25. Feb. 27. 1526. March 12. Mar. 14. Mar. 28. April 7. Mammelusses's Conspiracy 1526. The Dukes Arms battered down June 21. 1526. Octob. 19. Nov. 17. Decemb. 3. 1526. Decem. 13. 1527. The Gout cured Feb. 20. May 1. 1527. July 13. An Ambassador at Lancy 1527. August 1. Aug. 18. The Emperor injoyns the Duke to desist from his endeavors after Soveraignty over Geneva The fraternity of the Spoon Geneva alarm'd 1528. Feb. 21. A Meteor seen at Geneva 1528. Bernoises embrace the Protestant Religion The Fraternity of the Spoon appear before Geneva Victor his advice to the Genevoises Fraternity of the Spoon hold a meeting at Nyons 1529. Jan. 2. Pontverre enters Geneva Fraternity of the Spoon inraged at Pontverre's death 1529. Jan. March 18. The Suburbs of S. Victor alarmed March 25. July 13. Octob. 3. Nov. 14. Nicolin du Crest Girardin of La Rive Claudius Savoy John Balurd 1530. Caddoz spreads a Plague in Geneva Bonnivard betrayed August 1530. The Fraternity of the Spoon favoured by the Bishop Septemb. Octob. 2. Bernoise sends Forces to the assistance of Geneva The Castle of Rolle burnt Octob. 8. Octob. 10. A Peace concluded 1530. Dec. 3. Assembly at Payerne Dec. 21. Geneva fortified Description of the City 1532. June 9. Protestant Religion begun to be maintained by some young men in Geneva 1532. Septem Farel comes to Geneva 1532. Saunier and Farel banished the City Fromènt comes to Geneva 1532. Novemb. 1533. Froment Preaches at Molard Feb. 23. Protestant Doctrine opposed by the Fribourgers 1544. March 24. Bâ—rnoisis threatned the Genevoises if they opposed the Protestant Religion Mar. 28. Vandel wounded Articles of agreement between the Protestan's and Romanists in the City April