three precedent Kings succeeded to the Crowne by title of his favour excluding Lewis of Evreux his Vncle who at that time as it is thought was already dead and was confirmed by the States notwithstanding that Edward King of England pretended the Crowne by his Mothers right who was the onely daughter of Philip the Faire He recovered a faire battaile against the Flemings who had revolted against their Duke and enforced the King of England to doe homage for the Dutchy of Guienne and other lands which he held of the Crowne who in revenge thereof entertained Robert of Artois Count of Beaumont who was banished out of France through a false accusation by whose perswasion the King of England beeing allyed to all the Princes of the Empire whereof hee had already obtained the Vicariate beganne to warre against Philip in Nantonge Anno Domini 1336. Afterwards he caused the Flemings to revolt against their Duke by the means of one James Artivel an Artisan The French that were in the Towne of L'Isle and first discomfited the English and Flemings but afterwards they were shamefully overthrowne at the Sluce Port when they laboured to hinder the English from joyning with the Flemings And after this victory he encamped before Tournay where he continued during fifty dayes during which time the Mother of the Count of Hainault wrought a Truce between the Kings of England and France which continued not long because the warres were renued shortly after betweene them because the King of France caused Oliver de Clisson to bee executed for Treason In which warre the French lost the memorable battaile of Crecy neare Abeville wherein the greatest part of the Nobility and flower of all France was slaine and the Towne of Calais taken After this the King having marryed in a second wedlocke the Lady Blanche daughter of the late Philip King of Navarre and received the Danphinate of Humbert together with the City and Countrey of Montpelier for a purchase of the King of Maillorque he retired to Nogent there to conclude his daies the 23. or 28. of August 1350. leaving Iohn Duke of Normandy and Philip Duke of Orleans He was an ingenious wity Prince as appeareth by his justification of the Salique Law by these words of Scripture Consider the Lillies of the field how they doe grow and doe neither labour nor spinne intimating whose Armes are Lillies or Flower de Lyces should not fall to the Distaffe Also he taxed the unfaithfulnesse of King Edward of England in these two Verses by himselfe composed Anglicus Angelus est cui nunquam eredere fas est Dum tibi dicit Ave tanquam ab hoste cave The Englishman an Angell is which trusted will deceive thee Beware of him as of a Foe when he doth say God save thee After his marriage with Blanch daughter of Philip of Evreux he lived not long after he had tyed this knot this new wife being an unnecessary trouble in his old age so that sickning at Nogent advising his two sonnes to live in peace and bee carefull of the Realme which he resigned to the eldest he concluded his reigne and dyed He was a King in whom vertues and vices were equally mingled for he was valiant in danger and couragious in affliction just and loving to his subjects But his rash valour whereon hee presumed often engaged him and his subjects in many miseries Edward the third King of England Anno 1351. THis King comes here to be inserted amongst the Kings of France being the first that left the Title Hereditary to the Kings of England and first quartered the Armes of France with the English Armes giving thereby occasion and provocation of his succeeding Warres he obtained a gentle victory at Sluce upon Midsommer day in a sea sight Afterward he challenged Philip of Valois then King to a single combate by him not accepted afterwards makes a Truce with France their battailes being ready to joyne in Britagne in France then he declares the Truce with France broken He arrives afterward in France with bloody Colours with his hopefull son the Prince of Wales then about sixteen yeares old Afterward he got the Lawrell wreath of Conquest in the battaile of Cressey and his sonne was as victorious as his Father both sharing equally in honour purchased by valour But his sonne afterward whose veines were full of his Fathers Spirit and fortitude shewing that Nasci a Principibus est magnum obtained another triumphant victory against the French at Poictiers and by it confirmed his Fathers atchievements Then againe Henry invaded France besieges Paris concludes a peace King Iohn of France being taken prisoner and afterward ransomed hostages were also given and so the Clouds of warre were a while drawne away but suddainly againe France felt a new storme from England for the Earle of Blois slaine in Battaile by the English loseth the Dukedome of Britagne Then againe King Edward sends Iohn Duke of Lancaster to invade Prance and Sir Robert Knoles to the parts about Britagne and thus as he was famous for his many other Royall vertues expressed done at home and in the circumference of his owne Dominions so likewise he appeared in France like a flaming Comet which boded the effusion of much French blood But age sicknesse comming on hee was forc't to leave the world as the same did him before his breath left him but Nature could not hold out any longer and he was forced to resigne his life into the hands of his Creator at Shene now Richmond the one and twentieth day of Iune Anno Domini 1377. in the 64. yeare of his Age having reigned fifty yeares foure moneths and odde dayes in which time France felt the desolation which warre had made he carrying away the never dying Fame of a valiant Conquerour he lyeth buried at Westminster for as much of him as was Mortall but Multum sui vitabit Libitinam his soule and Fame are immortall in Heaven and on earth and was especially famous for Conquering France and writing himselfe Roy de Angle tèrre France King of England and France John 1. or the second of that name the 51. King of France Anno 1350. JOHN the first or second of that Name succeeded to the Crown and was consecrated at Rheims the 26. of Septem An Dom. 1350. In the beginning of his reigne hee caused the Lord Ralph of Nesle Cōstable of France to be beheaded for Treason and in his place hee justituted Charles of Spaine Count of Angolesme The Truce being broken betweene him and England he betooke him to S. John d' Angely and in his returne he instituted the Order of the Starre in the Noble and Royall House or S. Owen Afterwards Charles King of Navarre caused the Constable to be massacred upon a jealousie which hee had conceived against him on the sixt of Ianuary 1353 and the Lord Iames de Bourbon was substituted in his place In the meane time the King of Navarre whom the King of France had
pardoned instead of acknowledging his fault complotted against the State of the said King which being discovered he entred into an Amity with the King of England By meanes whereof King Iohn having surprised him sent him prisoner to Paris Hereupon Philip of Navarre his brother in an indignation caused the English to come into Normandy against whom the King intending an opposition was enforced to turne it upon the Prince of Wales in Poicton where having lost the field through his temerity hee was taken Prisoner In the meane time the Parisians at the perswasion of Stephen Martel mutinyed against the Dauphin who tooke upon him the Regency of the Realme and appeased the tumult having first restored the places of Normandy to the King of Navarre who had escaped out of prison Afterwards upon a treaty made at Bretigny the eight of May 1360 a peace was concluded with the English and ratified at Calais the 24. of October In the meane time Philip Duke of Burgundy deceased at Roucere neere Dijon without issue by reason whereof Iohn the King declared himselfe to be his Heire After that he making a preparation for a beyond-sea voyage first came to London intending to make a strong peace with England and dyed there the eighth or ninth of April 1364 leaving Charles the Dauphin Lewis Duke of Aniou John Duke of Berry and Philip Hardy Duke of Burgundy This King shewed magnanimity in his most adverse fortune for Apparet virtus arguiturque malis Vertue will apparent be In the depth of adversity which was verified in this King John who sitting in the English Campe at a Supper prepared for him by the Prince of Wales who had taken him prisoner in the Battell of Poitiers said I purposed to have bestowed a Supper on you this night but the fortune of the War hath made me your Guest The Englishmen for a summe of money having got by composition the Castle and Towne of Gwines King Iohn complaining to the King of England that the Truce was broken contrary to their compact and agreement King Edward answered That Trafficke or Merchandise the surrender of the Castle being by money procured did not breake the former Truce This King when King Edward required homage for the Realme of France as held of England answered that hee could not justly alienate a right inalienable received from his Ancestors and therefore he resolved to leave it entire to his children for affliction might engage his person but not the Crowne of France while hee was King who would sacrifice his life for the preservation of France Hee dyed in England Anno 1364 being a good Prince but infortunate wise in ordinary matters but not in great affaires just but too confident in trusting others temperate in his private life but violent in the publicke government For great vertues meeting with Wisdome doe on the Theater of this life give unto Kings a Crowne of applause and commendation Charles 5. surnamed the Wise the 52. King of France An. 1364. AFter the decease of Iohn the first this Charles 5. surnamed the Wise was crowned the 19. of March Anno Dom. 1364. At the comming to the Crowne hee gained against those of Navarre a very memorable victory under the Conduct of the Lord Bertrand du Gueselin in favour whereof he gave him the Dukedome of Longueville From thence the said Guesclin went to aide Charles of Blois against whom Iohn of Monfort relying upon the English had begun warres for the Dutchy of Bretagne where he was taken fighting valiantly before the Castle of Aulroy against Iohn Lord Chandos High Marshall of England but a peace being made betweene the Duke of Monfort and the Countesse of Blois the King likewise made a peace with those of Navarre and after sent Guesclin to ayde Peter King of Arragon against Peter King of Castile in favour of Henry Sancho and Telco his naturall brothers and also in revenge of the death of his Wife Blanche the daughter of the Duke of Bourbon whom hee had caused to be slaine Peter of Castile being deposed of his kingdome and Henry substituted hee retired to the Prince of Wales who restored him to his former estate After returning into Guienne he imposed upon his Subjects unaccustomed taxations and imposts which caused the Lords of Armaignac and of Albert to appeale to the King of France as to their Soveraigne Lord which was a cause that moved Charles to give an eare to Henry who offered to hold his kingdome of Castile from him so that hee would ayde him in the re-conquest thereof Whereupon the King sent him Guesclin who gained sixe battells against his Enemy and in the sixt Peter of Castile was taken by the Lord de Villaines a French Knight of whom Henry ransomed him and put him to death enjoying by that meanes the kingdome of Castile In the meane time because the King embraced the appeale of the Lords of Gascogne the Prince of Wales denounced warre against him which the King managed so well by the assistance of his brothers that repairing the losses of his Father and Grandfather received by the English hee reconquered Guienne Poictou and Bretagne and deceased in September Anno Dom. 1380 leaving Charles and Lewis under the tuition of their Unkles This King had many vertues shining in all estates both in happinesse and adversity and when the Realme was in the heate of troubles he saved it from ruine so that his fame was spred abroad leaving an honourable remembrance to his posterity Hee favoured Learning and the learned preferring the Schoolemaster Nicholas Oresme He caused the Bible to be translated imitating therein St. Lewis and tooke great delight to read the Scripture and Philosophy and he made Aristotles Ethicks and Politicks and many places of Tully to be translated into French and his favour shewed to learned men cherished their fancies and made them seeke unto the forsaken Muses for witty inventions Hee would heare Suits in open Court and redresse the wrongs of the oppressed and tooke pleasure to advance his houshold servants and gave them meanes for bringing up their sons and marrying their daughters And as he was a favourer of Learning so Bartholl Baldus Petrarch Bociac Plorindes Bonaventure and John Wickliffe of Oxford in England lived in his Reigne But Vertues are not hereditary for Charles sonne to this King degenerated from his Father and the Kingdome of France was afterward punished in the weaknesse of the succeeding Kings so that the confused government brought forth sad effects such as are to bee expected where the rabble multitude have a power unrestrained by Authority and doe swarme and rove about like unruly Bees Charles 6. the 53. King of France Anno 1380. THis Charles 6. about the age of 14. yeares was crowned the first of November Anno. Dom. 1380. In the beginning of his Reigne hee received homage for the Dutchy of Bretagne and enforced the Gaulois to their obedience to their Duke as also he chastised the Parisians who had mutinyed
the Lady Katharines Picture was sent to King Henry to move him to pitty Roane Hee grants them peace and receives of the Burgesses of Roane 356000. Crownes of gold upon the sixteenth of June Anno Domini 1418. Afterward many Townes were surrendered to Henry At last a peace was concluded betweene King Henry and King Charles and the Duke of Burgogne Afterward Henry goes in person to Trois where he was met by Iohn King of France the Queene and the Lady Katharine to whom hee was contracted and by their marriage peace was established in France and the Crowne of France was entailed to England and the Subjects of France were sworne to duty of allegeance unto King Henry as also the two Crownes of England and France were united and confirmed to King Henry by his marrying the Lady Katherine for marryages have alwayes beene the happy conclusions of Tragicall Warres as may appeare by happy marriage Afterward the French growing rebellious King Henry besieges Paris and takes it Bicardy afterward sweares fealty and obedience to King Hen. Matters being setled all the Warres was concluded with joyfull Solemnities at the marriage of King Henry and the Lady Katharine with whom he returned afterward into England where every Subject exprest his love and loyalty to him each one contending who should be the forwardest for the entertaining of so Noble and victorious a Prince and his most Royall Consort Afterward King Henry being at the siege of Meaux his wife was delivered of Henry of Munmouth his last joy on earth for not long after sickning at at Melum and his malady encreasing at Bois De vincennois hee cheerefully rendred his Soule to GOD who received him to immortall joy where he remaines Crowned with Caelestiall glory while his body being conveyed into England was with all pompous Celebrity interred in the Church at Westminster where on his Tombe are ingraven these Verses Dux Normanorum verus Conquestor eorum Haeres Francorum decesset Hector corum Here Normans Duke so stil'd by Conquest just True heire of France great Hector lyes in Dust Charles 7. the 54. King of France Anno 1422. AFter the decease of Charles the 6 Charles 7. his sonne began to style himselfe King of France notwithstanding that his Father had dis-inherited him and given it to Henry King of England In the beginning of his Reigne having made Count Arthur brother to the Duke of Bretagne High Constable of France sent him against the English who in a manner were Masters of all France and had now beleaguered Orleans contrary to their promise made to their Duke who at that time was prisoner in England whereupon the King sent the Count of Dunois the Bastard of Orleans Pothon Hire all valiant Commanders to relieve it At that time the French lost the Battaile of Harens whereupon the King being enraged and not knowing which way best to betake himselfe was encouraged by Joane the Maid who miraculously drove the English from before Orleance and having recovered many lost Townes and gained the battaile neare Patay and conveyed the King to be crowned at Rheims but upon a Sally which she made out of Champagne upon the English she was taken and put to death at Rouen In the end a peace being made betweene the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France they first drove the English out of Paris nineteene yeares after their enjoying it into which the King made his entry the twelfth of November Anno Domini 1437 to equall which there presently ensued the Praguery Faction The quarrells also of the Houses of Orleance and Burgundy were extinguished by the Marriage of Charles Duke of Orleance with Mary of Cleue neare to the Duke of Burgundy The English also lived promiscuously with the French but the Truce being broken by an English Captaine who took in the Castle of Fougeres the King imployed his uttermost to quit France of all the English and thereupon hee to this designe appointed his Franc-archers or Boemen and began with Normandy which he reduced wholly to his obedience after that Guienne and the Citty of Bourdeaux insomuch that the English could retaine nothing on that side the Seas but Cales and the County of Guiennes The King enjoying this repose of peace was much troubled with the absence of the Dauphin who for sixe yeares had betaken himselfe to the Duke of Burgundy and thence into Brabant where hee remained till his Fathers decease which was the 22. of July Anno Dom. 1461. This King being unfortunate in his Warres grew so behind hand both in fame and estate that amongst other afflictions hee was burthened with reproach and poverty so that he dined in his Chamber attended on by his houshold servants where Pothon and la Hire comming to Chusteaudun to require succours found him at Table with a Rumpe of Mutton and two Chickens He was reproached for the love of faire Agnes but the History of St. Dennis reports that hee loved her onely for her pleasing behaviour eloquent speech and beauty and that he never used any lascivious action unto her nor never touched her beneath the chinne Joane a Virgin or rather Witch professing that she had a Revelation how to succour the King and chase the English from Orleance was brought by the Lord of Baudie Court Provost of Vancoleurs to Chinon attired like a man The King takes upon him the habite of a Countryman yet shee goes directly to the King although they told her shee was mistaken Shee had Armes and Horse given her with a Troope to enter the City accompanied by the Admirall and Martiall of France Shee comes to Orleance they rejoyce to behold the Maiden Warriour whereupon Joane sends threats to the English by Letter subscribed Vnderstand these Newes from God and from the Virgin Orleance was assaulted by her counsell The Virgin entred the Fort first crying Montjoy St. Dennis the Fort is wonne The English grew amazed at the Virgins exploits In memory whereof a Monument was erected King Charles the seventh armed and Joane the Virgin armed kneeling on their knees before a Crucifixe of Brasse which is still to bee seene upon the Bridge at Orleance Lewis the 11. and 55. King of France Anno 1461. LEwis the 11. departing out of Brabant being accompanyed with the Duke Philip of Burgundy and the Count of Charolois his sonne caused himselfe to be crowned King of France the fifteenth of August 1461. The Princes seeing themselves in contempt especially Mounsier Charles his brother who rose up in Armes against him under a pretensive colour for the common good giving him the famous battaile of Montlâ—bery the fifteenth of Iuly Anno Domini â—463 The King for the dissipating of their forces following the advise of the Duke of Milan gave Normandy to his brother which afterwards by subtilties he withdrew from him againe But in the end hee was enforced by the Duke of Burgundy to give unto his brother Mounsier Charles the Counties of Champagne and Brie which hee
afterward exchanged for the Dutchy of Guienne by this meanes to weane him from the Duke of Burgundy recalling all the Townes upon this side the River Somme and afterwards against his brother Charles for the withdrawing of the Dutchy of Guienne who immediately dyed not without suspition of poyson Afterwards he made a treaty of peace at Bouvines with the Dukes of Bretagne and Burgundy for the ensnaâ—ing of the High Constable S. Paul who had beene the prime sparke of all the dissentions after the battaile of Montlebery In the meane time the King works the Duke of Burgundy quite out with the Emperour Fredericke and with the Duke of Loraine working his ruine at the siege of Mus. Then he takes in many Townes of the Burgundion who had appealed to the English for aide with whom the King had already made a treaty of Piquigny by which Charles the Kings sonne was to marry with the daughter of England when they came to be of age which constrained the Burgundion to make his peace with the King and to deliver the High Constable into his power The Duke of Burgundy was slaine before Nancy leaving one sole Daughter Mary who was marryed to Maximilian the onely son of the Emperour Fredericke by reason whereof the King recovered all the Countrey upon the Somme together with the Dutchy and County of Burgundy But afterwards the Prince of Orange caused the Franch-Conite to revolt After this the King allyed himselfe to the Swisses and recovered the County of Provence from Renatus Duke of Aniou by way of Donation The K. afterwards having marryed his son Charles to the Lady Marguerite of Flanders hee surrendered his life the 30 of Aug. 1483. Hee said that Charles the sage might be a wise man in his Tiring-Chamber or Closet but in giving his youngest brother the Dutchy of Burgundy hee played the fooles part Being told after a battaile that his enemy Count Charolois did lodge in the field He replyed That he having neither Towne nor Castle must needes lodge in a field-bed It was his usuall saying That when pride walketh or rideth afore shame and dishonour like serving men attend behind Being told that one of the Canons of the Church where hee had heard Masse was dead he gave the Prebendship to a Priest which lay sleeping in an adjoyning Chappell that hee should say afterward that his good fortune came unto him sleeping To a Gentleman that was ready to handle a rich Chaine of gold which a Captaine wore about his neck and was suspected to be made of the reliques of a Church he said Take heede how you touch that Chaine for it is a holy thing He said also that in regard of his troubles at the beginning of his reigne if by the expression of courage and experience he had not procured feare and reverence he might have beene ranked amongst the unfortunate Princes in the last Chapter of Boccace A rich Nobleman having builded a faire Hospitall he said That having made many poore for the Hospitall hee might justly make an Hospitall for the poore and so convert his sinnes into Almes-houses Hee would often say to his Noblemen that his sonne should learne no more Latine than Qui nescit dissimulare nescit regnare and that the government of the Kingdome and Common-wealth was his best study for other studies would too much soften his minde and Historicall examples unfortunate in their event and successe would discourage him from attempting brave Actions He said also that the Genowayes should nâ— long remaine under his protection 〈◊〉 he would bequeath them to the Diveâ—â— Being advised to send an Embassadoâ—â— that had many Dignities and Titles 〈◊〉 said he is like a peece of Brachigraphâ— that hath many a Title but Learning very little Being told that the Goâ— haunted rich men that fared deliciouâ—ly and wore fine cloathing he said hee would alwaies afterward weare cloath cloathes because the Gout should not take him for a rich man He could finde all things he said in his Kingdome and his Court except truth which was sicke in his fathers time and was now starke dead having before her death made no Confession to a Priest The Realme of France he said was a meddow which he did cut every yeere and as often as he listed He asking a meane fellow which â—new not the King when he saw him what he gained by following the Court The fellow answered I get as much as the King that is maintenance while I â—e and a sheete when I dye He said that a curious ignorant man having a Library of faire Bookes was like a crooke-backt man having a â—unch on his backe whereby the deformity of the one the ignorance of the â—ther was more discerned He made gold â—e engine of his actions saying that an Army of silver Launces doth usually winne the victory Great services he said through the arrogancy of the parties performing them or the neglect of Princes regarding them were often recompenced with hatred or ingratitude and therefore â—he bounty of Princes exceeding desert was more fortunate and happy than desert exceeding the bounty of Princes not enduring to be indebted or obliged Having felt the smart of the English warres he said the King of England was his Brother in his owne Countrey but hee did not like his company in France Having caused a faire goodly Tombe to bee made for the faire Lady Agnes the love of his late Father the Cannons of the Church desiring that the Monument might bee removed out of the heart of the Church into a side I le or Chappell he answered that their request was neither just nor reasonable neither would he suffer her Tombe whom his father loved to be violated After Monsieur Bussi was beheaded and buryed he caused the head to be digged up againe and placed on a wooden pole in the Market place and so being covered with a scarlet Cappe furred with Minivere in regard he had beene a Counsellour of the Parliament A suiter to the King for an Office be-in denyed humbly thanked his Majestie who wondring at his moderate yet man-like spirit asked if he conceived a right of his answer yes said the Suiter and I thanke your Majesty for giving me a dispatching denyall rather than feeding delayes with which Answer the King was so contented that he had his Office immediatly granted A Noble-man seeing this King ride a Hunting on a very little Horse said he had gotten a goodly stout Horse for though he seemed but weake and little yet he must needes be very strong because he carryed him with all his Counsell Thereby taxing the King preferring the wisedome of his owne conceite before all other Counsell Hee demanding what present he might bestow on the English Embassadors that might not cost him much was answered That he might present them with his Musitians that so they might not cost him much as formerly they had done Before the joyning of a Battaile this King said hastily unto a Noble-man that
entituled themselves Dukes and Princes of the French They called Hunaud to accompt who had made himselfe a proprietary Lord of Aquitaine In the meane time Griffon fastened upon Laon claiming it as his right from whence he was fetcht out and imprisoned at Ardennes After Carboman having compelled the Almans who had revolted to his obedience An. Dom. 743 went with his brother to combate Odilon or Vtilon Duke of Bavaria who was now in Rebellion and had stolen and married their sister whom they having compelled to alter his Title of King to Duke they were contented he should peaceably enjoy their Sister as his wife At their departure out of Bavaria An. Dom. 744. they went against the Saxons whom they enforced to undergoe their accustomed yoake giving their Duke Theodoric as an Hostage who upon his owne word was sent backe but the yeare following hee was againe taken in a relapse of a new revolt against the French An. Dom. 746. Carloman became a Monke of Mount Soracte in Tuscany and afterward at Mount Cassin Whereupon Pepin reduced the whole Monarchy into his sole power Afterwards hee pursued his brother Griffon who had retired himselfe into Saxony and from thence into Bavaria from whence Pepin having fisht him hee brought him into France and gave him the Dukedome of Angely in Normandy After this Pepin affecting to joyne to himselfe both the name and the Royall Authority wrought with Pope Zachary by Bouchard Bishop of Witsbourg and by Volrude his Domesticke Chaplaine so farre that the States of France assembling at Soyssons following the declaration of Pope Zachary degraded Childeric and his wife Gisale and sent them to live a Monasticke life in the Countrey of Bavaria Anno Dom. 752. Thus was the Merovaean race deprived of its honour 293. yeares after the death of Merovaeus This King and his Queene were enforced to be religious and being depos'd were sent to a Monastery for it was a usuall custome sometime to confine the right Heire to such houses or when they would be rid of their Kings they did shave their heads and made Monks of them wherein it may bee they did their soules good but compelled Religion can never be sound Jerome living in a Wildernesse beheld Rome and a King in a Cave will thinke on a Crowne and therefore it may be said When a King weares the Fryers hood He is either very bad or good Charles Martell Duke and Prince of the French ONE Charles Martel is placed here amongst the Kings of France not because in his life time hee tooke upon him the Name and Title of a King but because indeed hee commanded all France after that hee had made an escape out of the imprisonment of Plectrude his Mother in law untill his death having made himselfe to bee created in an Assembly of three Estates of the Kingdome Prince and Duke of the Frenchmen more haughty and illustrious than that of Mayre of the Palace wherewith his Predecessours were contented and the Kings that reigned in his time had onely the bare Name and Title without any power at all as it hath beene already mentioned yea and after his decease his successors qualified him as a King as it appeares by his Tombe in the Church of Denis in France where his Statue is crowned and acoutred with Robes of Regality and is written about it in Latine words Charolus Martellus Rex And justly hee may be so styled because there was no King in his time but who he pleased Pepin Heristel was his Father Ausigise his Grandfather S. Arnulph his great Grandfather who being a Widower was made Bishop of Mets which S. Arnulph was directly descended in the Masculine Line of Clodion the sonne of Pharamond the first King of France This Charles was so valiant and generous that he obtained the Surname of Martel for the exceeding great strength of his arme and the memorable Victory which he obtained against the Saracens neare unto the City of Tours of whom he slew in the place to the number of 375. Thousand He reduced the whole Countrey of Languedoc otherwise called Septimany to the Monarchy of France which untill that time was not warranted Hee was very zealous in the defence of the Christian Religion yea and Rome it selfe being distressed by the siege of Luitprand King of the Lombards and brought into great extremities Pope Gregory sent by a Bishop Anastasius and Sergius a Priest the Keyes of the Sepulchre of St. Peter to Prince Martell whereby he intimated unto him that he put himselfe the Church and the City of Rome into his protection and safeguard Wherefore he sent Embassadors to the Lombards to intreate them for his sake to desist and to permit a peace to the City of Rome which tooke such effect that from that time afterward the Popes in all distresses sought to France for reliefe upon all occasions whereof they never were destitute In the end the Goths being vanquished the Saxons and Frizons subdued Languedoc conquered and Provence recovered and France enjoying the tranquillity of a happy peace Charles made a distribution of his estate to his Children and shortly after dyed the â—â— of October Anno Domini 741 who was the first that was ever styled Prince of France and lyes at St. Denis in France This Charles Martell being King of France in power though not in Title did make Childeric called Daniel Clotâ—rius the fourth Theodoric the second and Childerick the third successively Kings of France The Realme anâ— Crowne of France being by Childeriâ— the third offered to Charles Martell who refused the Diademe saying That it was more glorious to reigne over kings than to be a King as appeareth by this Epitaph on his Monument 〈◊〉 Brabantinus Dux primus in orbe triumphat â—â—â—â—eus in mundo speâ—ialis Christicolarum Dux Dominusque Ducum Regum quoque Rex fore spernit Non vult regnare sed Regibus imperat ipse The Duke of Braban whom Fame doth renowne For the chiefe Champion of all Christendome Ruled both Dukes and Kings and did disdaine To be a King but over Kings did reigne He had foure sonnes Caroloman and Giles of modest milde spirit Pepin and Griffon rough and ambitious he left to Caroloman Austrasia to Giles being more hardy France and Giles given to devotion hee made Bishop of Roan â—nd Griffon being of a turbulent dispoâ—ion had no portion but was enâ—orced to depend on his brothers â—hereby the ambition of many broâ—ers reigning together was prevented Fame doth report that this Monarchy nor any forraigne State did ever yeeld a worthier man or any one so well accomplisht with so rare and goodly qualities being greatly admired and generally beloved for his pious and renowned actions For Religion Wisdome Justice Valour modesty in prosperity resolution in adversity temperance in Authority diligence and good fortune made him a most compleate Prince not wanting any endowments fit for so high a calling and the example of vertuous perfection for Vertue is the highest perfection
against those of the Faction of Rollon and also those that inhabited upon the River Loire from whence he was recalled to receive the oath of the Lorainers excepting that of Duke Gislebert and Rotharius Arch-bishop of Treues Afterwards having espoused Berthe the Daughter of the Duke of Swede and because having a hope to attaine the Empire he passed into Italy where hee overthrew Berengarius and drove him out of Italy and at his returne having made peace with the Normans hee went against William Duke of Aquitaine whom hee enforced to acknowledge his estate to have dependance from the Crowne And upon the parting of Estates of the Kingdome which was held at Attigny hee had gone into Loraine had hee not beene hindered by a fit of sicknesse which retained him at Rheimes After that he went against the Normans but through the rebellion of the Lorainers who had surrendred the upper Loraine into the power of the Emperour Henry he was enforced to make peace with the Normans which continued not long because having recommenced their wonted courses he was constrained to purchase his peace with a great summe of monies that hee might goe against the Duke of Aquitaine who was now in rebellion from whom hee tooke Nevers The bruite of the Hungarians comming into France gave him to understand of the revolt of Count Heribert who accompanying himselfe with Hugh le Blanc went to take an Alliance with Henry the Emperour in Loraine and in his returne released King Charles out of prison who went to meete William Duke of Normandy to enter a League against Rodulph This beginning of Warres being pacified betweene them Heribert caused Charles againe to be imprisoned who dyed shortly after at Peronne In those times there were great contentions amongst the Paires of France concerning the Provinces which proceeded from the politick slights of the Emperour who sought to hold the partialities of France in an equality for feare lest the tranquillity of France might not produce a trouble to his estate in Loraine Rodulph deceased the twelfth or fifteenth day of January Anno Domini 939. This Roul was an usurper and his reigne was troublesome and unfortunate and for hee and others that had beene servants to the Crowne being now Kings and Dukes thought to make their Dominions proper to themselves and not depending on the Crowne which bred much confusion in France Italy and Germany The Church did now strive to advance the Authority of the Pope of Rome gaining a great opinion among Christians in the Empires declining estate and growing so great a Monarch that he assumed primacy above Kings and Emperours which they and their subjects refused to acknowledge In these times a young Maide attired like a Boy went with a learned man to Athens and returned from thence so good a Scholler being well read in many Authors of exquisite learning and profound knowledge and so expert likewise in the holy Scriptures that after the death of Pope Leo shee was created Pope John the eight but afterward being with childe by one of her Groomes she was as shee went in solemne procession according to the custome and order observ'd amongst theâ— delivered of a childe in the open streete Thus the Empire the Realme and the Church were in those times much distemper'd and disgraced price and ignorance breeding many miseries and reproachfull accidents Lewis 4. the 33. King of France Anno 939. LEwis son of Charles the Simple was recalled out of England by the Princes of France and at the instance of Hugh le Blanc was crowned at Laon by the Arch-bishop of Rheims the 19. of July An. Dom. 939. From thence hee went to recover the City of Langres from Hugh le Noire brother to King Rodulph and having entertained the Lords of Burgundy before he came to Paris hee discarded Hugh le Blanc and for his owne Mother that he might make use of her counsell which caused Hugh to allye himselfe to the Emperour Otho by taking his sister in marriage and to reconcile Heribert Afterwards they went to follow the King even into Burgundy who in revenge fell upon Loraine which caused the Emperour to depart out of Almaine to oppose him but they made a peace betweene themselves This notwithstanding the King could not obtaine peace of his adversaries untill the Dukes of Normandy Aquitaine and Bretagne being encouraged by Pope Stephen embraced him and they wrought so that the Emperour accorded with the Princes Hugh Heribert who awhile after that was taken by the King and hanged because he had imprisoned his Father which so much disturbed the repose of France together with the death of William Dukes of Normandy who was murthered by the Count of Flanders that Warres being enkindled over all France the King was taken prisoner by the Normans from being recovered by Hugh le Blanc who delivered him to Count Thibaut who detained him longer for the space of a yeare The Emperour Otho seeing this debated the cause of Hugh le Blanc and began to maintaine the Kings so long untill carrying himselfe indifferent hee came to reape the fruite of both their ruines without any danger at all In conclusion this last Warre which had continued seven or eight yeares being ended by an agreement betweene the King and Duke Hughes in the City of Soyssons the King dyed of a strange malady in the Moneth of September or according to others the 12. of November Anno Domini 954 after he had reigned about 19. yeares leaving by his wife Gerberge Lotharius and Charles This King as it is formerly briefly mentioned to revenge the death of his Father whom Hebert Earle of Vermandois had kept a prisoner in the Castle of Peronne untill hee there dyed caused one in the habite of an Englishman to come in haste to his Court at Landun with Letters which himselfe had written though fained to be sent from the King of England The messenger being entred and the Letters read softly to the King by his Secretary the King smiled and said The Englishmen are not so wise as I esteem'd them to be for our Cosin Harmant King of England hath signified unto me by these Letters that in his Countrey a labouring man inviting his Master to dine at his house caused him to be slaine and now hee desires your counsell my Lords what punishment this fellow hath deserved Whereupon Thibaut Earle of Bloys said that hee was worthy to be tortur'd and then hang'd on a Gibbet which sentence all the Lords there present and also Hebert Earle of Vermandois did confirme and allow Whereupon the Kings Officers there provided in a readinesse apprehended the said Hebert Earle of Vermandois unto whom the King said Hebert this wicked Labourer is thy selfe who didst put to death thy Lord and Master King Charles my Father for which thou hast condemned thy selfe to dye by thy owne judgment Whereupon Hebert was hanged on a Gibbet on the top of a Mountaine neare Lodun which since his Execution is
way for conquest as opinion of victory and learning is a great Engine in policy to bring about matters This King lost some reputation by his unchast Wife Elenor who following him to the Holy Land blotted her Fame with a sensuall imputation loving Saladin a Iester better than the King her Husband thereby shewing that lust is base and doth not regard either birth or honour Yet Lewis shewing the vertuousnesse of his minde and Noblenesse of disposition brought her backe in his owne Ship because he would not bee derided by any forraigne Prince but beeing safely landed he was much opprest with griefe in stead of casting her in the River which she had deserv'd he covered her shame and his owne by a divorce granted by a general counsell punishing her by shewing too much mercy while hee sought onely to be freed from the disgrace Philip 2. surnamed Augustus the 42. King of France Anno 1180. AFter the decease of Lewis 7 Philip 2. succeeded to the Kingdome Anno Domini 1180 out of which he chased the Jewes then there and by his prowesse and conquests acquired the name of Augustus and Conquerour He married Isabelle or Alice Daughter of Baldwin 4 Count of Flanders in favour of which Marriage hee resigned the County of Artois but afterwards taking upon him the cause of Lionor the Inheritrix of Elizabeth or Mabel Countesse of Flanders in the Counties of Vermandois and Valois against the Count Flamend who layd claime to the said Counties as being of the ancient stocke of Flanders hee tooke onely that of Vermandois leaving that of Valois to the said Flamend whereupon he being in an indignation went and performed homage to the King of Germany the eldest sonne of the Emperour for the County of Flanders Richard also Duke of Aquitaine second sonne of the King of England began to dis-acknowledge the King whereupon the King made warre against him and tooke some Townes from him but they were immediately accorded by the Popes Legate by whose perswasion they entred a League upon an expedition for the Holy-land But this agreement was incontinently broken upon new differences which happened betweene the Kings of England and France during which the King tooke into his possession the Counties of Mans and Tours whereupon King Henry of England tooke a conceite and dyed in the Castle of Chinon whereupon Richard his sonne undertaking the Kingdome marryed Adele Sister to King Philip and they both went to the Holy Land where arriving they tooke the Towne of Acre the twelfth of July 1191. After upon some jealousies conceived betweene them Philip returned into France leaving the charge of his Army to the Duke of Burgundy And because Philip Count of Flanders was deceased the King retained to himselfe the County of Artois which hee gave to Prince Lewis Whereupon England made warres against him which were ended by the death of Richard to whom John being substituted and losing the battaile at Bonnivel the King caused his sonne Lewis to be proclaimed King of England which hee afterwards left to Henry the sonne of John After that King Philip sent his sonne Lewis against the Albigeois and as the said Philip held a Parliament at Nantes he deceased of a Feaver in the 43. yeare of his Reigne in the Moneth of July Anno Domini 1223. This King being to joyne battaile with the Emperour Otho having caused a gilt Bowle to be filled with Wine and sopps of bread hee said Princes and Lords of France heere with me assembled let every one that is resolv'd to live and dye with me this day shew his resolution by taking a sop out of the Bowle of Wine and eating it as I have done which words being spoken the Cup was presently emptied and afterward the battell being joyned the King got the victory Being informed by his Courtiers that some Royall Jurisdictions belonging to the Crowne were usurped by the Clergy his answer was I had rather connive at some petty injuries than commence Suits against the Semitears of God and his Church This King having put away his Queen Gelberge the King of Denmarke complained to the Pope of this wrong done to his Sister and a day of hearing was appointed before the Popes Legate in the Bishops Hall at Paris Philips Case was well defended by his Advocates but when none appeared to plead for the Queene a young man unknownâ— steps forth of the presse and demands audience and having deliver'd the truth and pleaded against the King for the Queene and when his Speech was ended hee returned into the presse againe and was never seene more neither was it ever knowne from whence he came The amazed Judges remitted the Cause to the Councell and King Philip did ride presently to Bois de Vinennes where Gelberge was confined and having embrac'd her receiv'd her into favour and lived with her afterward in nuptiall love And heereby it may bee discerned that no man can bring Nature to any perfection for this worthy Prince was much troubled in minde and divided in his thoughts by loving this Gelberge whom he could not forsake for she had got such strong possession in his affection that he could not turne her remembrance out of his heart pass'd away to her by deed of gift Thus hee that could overcome his Enemies could not conquer his passions He reigned 44. yeares and by his vertue governed the State with such wisedome that all his troubles had a happy faire end from whence this conclusion may be drawne That a vertuous King is in the end happy howsoever hee bee compassed in with difficulties Lewis the 8. and 43. King of France Anno 1223. LEwis the eldest sonne of Philip succeeded to the Crowne Anno Domini 1223. Hee together with his wife Blanch sister to the King of Castile was Crowned at Rheimes the 6. of August to whom afterwards the Surname of Montpensier was given because he dyed there In the beginning of his reigne he renewed the ancient consideration and allyance which was betweene France and Almany and upon his returne he led his Army into Guienne where in a set battaile he overthrew the English whereof Savary of Maleon had the command by meanes whereof the French tooke the townes of Niot S. John D' Angely and Rochelle leaving nothing of the Countrey of Guienne on this side the River Garonne unreduced to the obedience of the King Insomuch that all the Lords as well of Pojctou as Lymosin and Perigort came to sweare him fealty and obedience Amanry also sonne to the Count of Montfort came to resigne into the hands of the King of France the right which his Father had left him in the Countries of Alby Languedoc Agenois Querâ—y and the County of Tholouze whom in recompence he made his Constable knowing him to be a man capable of such a charge The yeare following Richard Brother to the King of England besieged Rochelle but hearing of the comming of the French Army he passed over Dardonne with his forces and so
he had no affiance in his service who for proofe thereof having desired to exchange Armes and Ensignes with the King charged bravely on the enemy and being supposed to be the King was slaine wherein the King with weeping teares sayd he had lost his life to expresse his love and loyalty Being informed that the Saracens were misreckned 10000 Francks in the payment of 200000 thousand pounds for a ransome he would not embarke or set saile untill the aforesaid Francks were paid such was his fidelity to those Infidells This King having appoynted a Bishop to goe take a Muster of the Souldiers in Paris a great Noble-man desired a Commission to reforme the Bishops Church saying that employment was as fit for him as the other was for the Bishop When this King was Daulphin of France he taking great pleasure in hunting often resorted to a poore Forresters Cottage where he did use to eate Radishes he comming to be King the Forrester perswaded by his Wife in hope of reward presented to the King a faire Radish which his Majesty accepted and rewarded the Forrester with a thousand Crownes Afterward a Courtier presented the King with a faire goodly Horse expecting a greater reward because he had beene so bountifull to the Forrester But the King contrary to his expectation gave the Courtier his Radish wrapped up in white paper the Courtier returning to his lodging opening the packet found nothing but a Radish whereupon he informed the King of the mistake as he supposed The King said I have paide thee well for thy horse for the present which I gave thee cost mee a thousand Crownes thus the poore mans good affection was wel rewarded and the Courtiers audaciousnesse slightly regarded This Lewis sends an Embassadour to the Emperour to excuse him for not sending an army promised by treaty entreating him not to make a greement with the Duke of Burgogne but that he should confiscate all the Dukes Signonories that held of the Emperour as hee would doe those that held of the Crowne of France The Emperour answered that they must not divide the Beares skinne before the Beast be dead This King commming to an interview of the King of Castile unto whom hee was formerly strickly allyed conceived a contempt and disdaine each of other The French of the Castilians sumptuousnesse and pride in their words countenance and apparrell The Castilians of the plainnesse of the French attire So as from that day these Kings did never love and the French did ever since hate the Spaniard Charles 8. the 56. King of France Anno 1483. CHARLES the 8. at the age of 13. yeares came to the Crowne under the Regency of Madam de Beavien his owne Sister and of the Duke of Bourbon her Husband whereupon the Duke of Orleance the nearest to the Crowne and had married his other Sister as in an indignity conceived convocated and summoned all the Statesmen to Tours In the meane time the Duke of Orleance seeing that Madam of Beavieu managed all the affaires of the kingdome retired himselfe into Bretagne whereupon the King made Warre against him and recovered a Battaile against him at St. Albins the Duke of Orleance and the Prince of Orange being taken Prisoners After this the Duke of Bretagne deceased leaving his sole Daughter Anne Inheretrix who notwithstanding that she had made a promise to Maximilian King of the Romans was after marryed to the King for which cause the King of England made a preparation for Warre against him in the behalfe of Maximilian but it was concluded that the King should send backe the Princesse Marguerite with her Dowry of the Countries of Artois and Burgundy After having surrendred the County of Roussillon to the Spaniard by the perswasion of his Confessour he went upon the recovery of the succession which Renatus the late King of Sicily and Charles the Count of Maine his brother had left unto him by Will for the rights which they pretended to the kingdome of Naples In his journey hee was Regally entertained by Ludovicus Sforza surnamed the Moore in the Towne of Ast and after having proceeded into Tuscany by Peter de Medicis who delivered into his command the Fortresses of Florence and the City of Pisa From thence hee went to Rome where nolens volens he entered Alexander 6. being then Pope who working his peace with him gave him the Title of Emperour of Constantinople and invested him to the kingdome of Naples whither the King having made his entrance the 12. of May Anno Dom. 1495 hee was crowned King of Sicily Whereupon the Monarchs and Potentates of Italy being amazed intended him an Ambuscade in his returne at Fournoue but the King passing another way escaped the plot and came safe into France where having intelligence of the losse of Naples and intending a second voyage thither for the recovery of his losses dyed of an Apoplexy as hee was seeing a Game at Tennis in the Castle of Amboise the seventh of April Anno Domini 1498. This King among other facetious sayings gave the Florentine Embassadours this merry Answer denoting their unfaithfulnesse in these two Italian Verses Concortesia e fede poca Va a Florence vender loca To Florence he went of his Goose to make sale Without any faith or courtesie at all which Verses were formerly made on this occasion A Countrey Pesant sold a fat Goose to a faire Dame of Florence for the fond satisfaction of Venery but afterward on colder thoughts growing wiser this piece of leatherne ignorance contrary to his former agreement without either fidelity or courtesie demanded the price of his Goose in the presence of her Husband and made her for the former sawce of the Goose pay him againe And with this Italian Proverb which had this wanton Originall the King answered the unfaithfull Embassadours of Florence His Queene Anne having received tidings of his Death said Gods will be done I doubt not but I shall be as great as I was before intimating thereby her hopes to be Queene of France afterwards verified by her Marriage with King Lewis the twelfth Friar Jerosine Savonarola living at Florence foretold in his Sermons that this King should come into Italy and obtaine great victories which fell out accordingly and in those Warres nothing was gained but a stinking contagious disease afterwards spred over all France and since then called the French Poxe After this King had ended his warres he builded a Castle at Ambois not knowing that instead of a stately Palace hee should end his life in a base and filthy Gallery He intending to reforme his life it chanced the seventh of April going after with the Queene into the Castle-ditches hee strooke his forehead against the doore of a Gallery whereas he meant to see a set at Tennis This blow driving him to the premeditation of his approaching end hee said to his Confessour that hee would never commit any mortall or veniall sin if he could avoide it which was a good
Mouth of the Lord Sillery his Chancellour declared his Mother to be Regent in France that shee might have the tuition of his person and the administration of the affaires of his Kingdome during his minority with all authority and power according to the charge of that Court given the day before The same Moneth the criminall indictment was preferred against the most inhumane Parricide Francis Ravaillac and on the 23. of May he was declared guilty and justly attainted and convicted of the crime of Laesae Majestatis in the highest degree in the great Court and Chamber of Turnella in Paris before all the Assemblies Presidents Counsellours and Commissioners at the request of Du Viquit Atturney Generall to the King whose place and authority was there then to inquire against this Francis Ravaillac for the murther of his late Soveraigne Henry the fourth King of France and Navarre Whereupon this Ravaillac with a sad and death-like countenance holding up his guilty hand before this great assembly presently confessed guilty and that he became this his Countries shame onely by the instigation of the Divell and not any other accomplices and confederates would he reveale but in a Satanicall manner vowed himselfe to secresie and being found guilty he was with a strong guard of armed men conveyed to prison which otherwise by the violence and rage of the common people had beene torne in peeces such was their love they owed to their late King for which Fact he was condemned to pay his forfeit before the great gate of our Lady Church in Paris and thence to be conveyed to the place of execution and in the meane time to make him confesse he was to be pinched with hot Pincers upon his breasts armes buttocks thighes and the Calves of his legges his right hand to be burnt off with fire of brimstone with an order that in those places where hee was so pinced melted Lead should be powred boyling Oyle Pitch Rozen Waxe and Brimstone melted altogether This being done that his body should be torne in pieces and dismembred by foure horses and that his Limbes should be burnt and consumed to ashes and cast into the winde all his goods to be confiscate to the King that the house wherein he was borne should be demolished and never any Edefice upon that ground to be built that within fifteene dayes after the publication of this sentence in the towne of Angolesme his Father and Mother should depart the Realme and never returne againe upon paine of being hanged without any other proceedings It was also forbidden in the aforesaid High Court that his brothers sisters uncles and all others that beare the name of Ravaillac to whom it was enjoyned to change it into another name upon the same penalty All which was published and put in execution the same day by the order of the whole assembly in the aforesaid Court in Paris but before I conclude I will speake againe of the manner of his death because in that place I will not omit some things more worthy of note Afterwards it was provided for the Funeralls and obsequies of the dead King and then the body of the late Henry the third was removed from the Towne of Compeigne to be interred at St. Denis which was performed and the heart of this Henry the Great at the same time was carryed to the Jesuites at la Flech The Sorbone renewed the Decree of the Councell of Constance against Paracides of Kings and by the Court of Parliament upon the Iuine it condemned a Book of Iohn Mariana one of the Society a Spaniard intituled De Rege Regis institutione and caused it to be burnt by the Executioner before our Ladies Church The Martiall de la Chastra being sent with an Army of twelve thousand foot and two thousand Horse to Tulliers which he took the second of September Divers Embassadors came to Paris to the King to bemoane and condole with him the death of his father and King Iames of England sent unto him the Order of the Garter which he received the foureteenth of September The 17. of October the King was consecrated at Rheimes and the next day he received the Order of the Holy Ghost and he gave the Order to the Prince of Conde and returned to Paris where he was magnificently entertained The sixe and twentieth of November it was proceeded and decreed in the Court of Parliament against a Booke of Cardinall Bellarmine touching the Popes authority In Temporalibus which was forbidden to be printed to be sold or kept upon paine of High Treason The seventeenth day of November Anno Domini 1611. the Duke of Orleans brother to the King deceased at St. Germans en Lay and his body was conveyd to St. Denis in France The Lord of Vatan made a kinde of a Rebellion in Berry whereupon his Castle was taken and he carryed to Paris where he was beheaded the second of January Anno Domini 1612. This yeare were solemnized the marriages of the King with the Lady Anne Infanta of Spaine and of the Kings Sister with the Prince of Spaine The yeare 1614 the Prince of Conde retired himselfe to Paris and the Marquesse D' Ancre was made Marshall of France The Statue of Brasse of Henry the Great was by the great Duke of Tuscany sent to Paris and placed with the Horse of Brasse upon the midst of the New Bridge And about that time the Prince of Conty dyed The Prince distasted with the Kings espousalls with the Queene at Burgos made a hurly burly in the Countrey but the Espousalls being ended the Duke of Guise with a strong Army conducted her to Fontarable where shee was received by the Spaniards and an exchange being made the Queene was by the said Duke conveyed to Bourdeaux where shee was most magnificently entertained by the King where hee expected her and the Nuptials were celebrated on St. Katharines day The yeare 1616. such was the rigour of cold weather in January that the Rivers were frozen and the yee was the cause of the fall of St. Michaels at Paris The 16. of August the taking of Peronne was a cause of new commotions and the first of September was apprehended at the Louure and after kept under a strong guard in the Bastile Many of the Lords retired from the Court as the Duke of Vendosme of Nevers of Guise of Mayenne and Bovillon with other Lords whereof some returned againe the others not which was a cause that the King in Parliament declared the causes wherefore he kept the Prince his brother in hold In the beginning of the yeare 1617. he made a Declaration against the Duke of Nevers in Parliament the 17. of January also in February against the Dukes of Vendosme Mayenne Bouillon the Marquesse of Caevure and the President le Jay Also another Declaration was made in March for the re-union to his Domaines and a Confiscation of the goods of the said Nobility upon the 16. of the said Moneth This King
succeeded after the Tragicall death of his Father when great troubles were like to follow but all those clouds were blowne away and this young Prince shined forth like the Sun in a cleare skie First of all hee went to the Parliament and made a Declaration that his Mother should be Queene Regent during his minority Afterward the Jesuites received his Fathers heart with great Ceremony being received into La Flech Here the Arraignment and cruell Execution of the Murtherer Ravilliac deserves to be drawne forth in blacke colours Imagine that Ravilliac was first arraign'd after he had beene put to the Rack then condemned afterward hee was brought out of the prison in his shirt with a Torch of two pound weight lighted in one hand and the knife wherewith he had murdered the King chained to the other then he was set upright in a Dung-cart now hee is doing pennance at our Ladies Church now imagine the raging people are ready to teare him in peeces but the Officers restraine them the Murderer came to the Scaffold he crosses himselfe in signe that he dyed a Papist hee was bound to a St. Andrews Crosse then his fatall hand with the knife chained to it smoaks in a Furnace of fire and brimstone it is consum'd yet hee will not confesse any thing but roare and cry like to a Soule in hell but yet unpitied and then his flesh was pulld off with hot Pincers and burnt then scalding Oyle Rozen pitch and brimstone melted together were powr'd into his wounds and on his navell a roundell of Clay was set into the which they powred molten Lead and then he roared but confessed nothing At last to conclude this Tragedy his body was torne in pieces with foure strong Horses which could not plucke them asunder being so firmely knit together untill the flesh under his armes and thighes was cut In this manner was this Paricide tormented and executed being the horrid picture of a Traytor suffering extreame tortures yet misery nor death could not enforce from him any confession And surely if Hells tortures might be felt on earth it was approved in this mans punishment yet he would reveale nothing but that he did it by the instigation of the Devil and his maine reason was because the King tollerated two Religions in his Kingdome Oh small occasion that for this cause one servile slave should thu quench the great light of France whose brightnesse glistred thorow Europe One thing this Villaine confessed that of all the severall torments that were invented and laid upon him none was more terrible to him than his losse of sleepe for sixe dayes and nights together for there were appointed severall officers by turnes to keepe him waking by thrusting red-hot bodkins into his breasts and sides so that if he did but offer to winke or give a nod then presently they awaked him with those Irons He was torne in peeces as I said before and his bones burnt the ashes whereof were scattered in the winde as being thought unworthy of the earths buriall This Ravaillac was borne at Angolesme and by profession a Lawyer and was perswaded as it is thought by the Jesuites to perpetrate this bloody act by murdering this Kings Father Henry the fourth the hope of Learning and the glory of Armes Afterward the Duke of Fener Embassadour from Spaine came to Paris and being brought into the Kings presence he said that he came from the King his Master to visite his Majesty This young Prince answered I thanke the King my brother for his good will I will remember him and you also Seeing he desires it he may expect from me all friendship and good intelligence such as hee had with the deceased King my Father Afterward the Lord Wotton Embassadour from England came to Paris and then Embassadours for confirmation of mutuall league being sent into Spaine England and to Rome the King was at Rheims with solemne pompe and great state crowned FINIS The Table of all the Names of the Kings of FRANCE which are contained in this Booke PHaramond the first King of France Anno Domini 429. page 1. Cloion or Clodion the second King of France Anno. Dom. 432. pag. 5 Merovaeus the third King of France An. Dom. 450. pag. 9 Chilperick or Hilperick the fourth King of France Anno 470. pag. 14 Clovis the fifth King of France and the first Christian King of that Nation Anno 485. pag. 18 Childebert the sixth King of France Anno 514. pag. 23 Clotharius the first of that Name and the seventh King of France An. 559. p. 28 Cherebert the eighth King of France Anno 564. pag. 32 Chilperic the ninth King of France Anno 577. pag. 36 Clotharius the second of that name and the 10. King of France Anno 586. p. 40 Dagobert the 11. King of France Anno 632. pag. 44. Clovis aliàs Lewis the second of that name the 12. King of France Anno 645. pag. 49 Clotharius the third of that name and the 13. King of that Nation Anno 666. pag. 53 Childeric 2. the 14. King of that Nation Anno 570. pag. 58 Theodorick the 15. King of that Nation Anno 680. pag. 62 Clovis the 3. the 16. King of that Nation Anno 689. pag. 67 Childebert the 2. the 17. king of that nation Anno 692. pag. 71 Dagobert the 2. the 18. king of that Nation Anno 710. pag. 75 Clotharius the 4. the 19. king of that nation Anno 719. pag. 79 Daniel alias Chilperick the 20. king of that Nation Anno 719. pag. 83 Theodorick the 2. the 21. king of that Nation Anno 720. pag. 87 Childerick the 3. the 22. king of that Nation Anno 740. pag. 91 Charles Martel Duke and Prince of the French Anno 788. pag. 95 Pepin surnamed the short the first of that name the 23. king of that Nation Anno 752. pag. 101 Charlemaine Emperour of Rome the 24 king of France An. 768. pag. 106 Lewis the Debonaire Emperor of Rome and the 25. king of France Anno 814. pag. 111 Charles the Bald Emperor of Rome the 26. king of France An. 840. pag. 115 Lewis and Charoloman or Carlon the 28. king of France An. 879. p. 128 Lewis the Lubber and Charles the grosse the 29. king of France An. 885. p. 126 Eudes or Odo the 30. king of France Anno 891. pag. 130 Charles surnamed the simple the 31. king of France An. 898. pag. 135 Rodulph or Raoul of Burgundy the 32 king of France pag. 139 Lewis the 4 the 33. king of that Nation Anno 939. pag. 144 Lotharius the 4 the 34. king of France Anno 954. pag. 150 Lewis the 5 the 35. king of France Anno 986. pag. 155 Hugh Capet the first of that name the 36. king of France Anno 987. pag. 158 Robert the 1 the 37. king of France Anno 997. pag. 163 Henry the 1 the 38. king of France Anno 1031. pag. 168 Philip the 1 the 39. king of France Anno 1060. pag. 173 Lewis the 6 the 40. king of France Anno 1109. pag. 178 Lewis the 7. was called Augustus being the 41. king of France An. 1131. p. 183 Philip the 2 who was surnamed Augustus the 42. king of France Anno 1180. pag. 188 Lewis the 8 the 43. king of France Anno 1223. pag. 194 Lewis the 9 the 44. king of France Anno 1226. pag. 199 Philip the 3 the 45. king of France Anno 1271. pag. 205 Philip the 4 the 46. king of France Anno 1286. pag. 211 Lewis the 10 who was surnamed Hutin the 47. king of France Anno 1315. pag. 216 Philip the 5 the 48. king of France Anno 1317. pag. 223 Charles the 4 surnamed the Faire the 49. king of France Anno 1322. pag. 228 Philip of Valois the sixt of that Name the 50. king of France Anno 1327. p. 232 A Relation of Edward the 3 King of England who was the first that quartered the Armes of France and made it subject to England Anno 1351. pag. 237 John the 1 the 51. king of France Anno 1350. pag. 241 Charles the 5 surnamed the Wise the 52 King of France Anno 1364. p. 246 Charles the 6 the 53 King of France Anno 1380. pag. 251 A Relation of Henry the 5 king of England who gave a great overthrow to the French at the Battaile of Cressay and still maintained the right left him by Edward the 3. of England Anno 1412. pag. 258 Charles the 7 the 54. king of France Anno 1422. pag. 264 Lewis the 11. the 55. king of France Anno 1461. pag. 269 Charles the 8 the 65. king of France Anno 1483. pag. 281 Lewis the 12 the 57. king of France Anno 1499. pag. 287 Francis of Valois the first of that Name was the 58. king of France An. 1515 pag. 294 Henry the 2 the 59. king of France Anno 1547. pag. 299 Francis the 2 the 60. king of France Anno 1559. pag. 305 Charles the 9 the 61. king of France Anno 1560. pag. 310 Henry the 3 the 62. king of France Anno 1574. pag. 315. Henry the 4 surnamed the Great the 63 king of France An. 1589. pag. 320 Lewis the 13 which now reigneth styled the most Christian king is the 64. King of France and began his Reigne in the yeare 1610. pag. 331 FINIS
the Dutchy of Milan into his power he went to besiege Pavia where he was taken and by the industrious treaty of Madric Anno Dom. 1525 hee was sent backe into France Afterwards Charles of Bourbon was slaine skaling the Walls of Rome which was taken by the Spaniards with the Pope Anno Dom. 1529. a Treaty of Cambray was concluded and the children of France were sent backe into France with Madame Elianor The King and the Pope by Embassies came to an agreement at Marsilles where the Marriage of Henry Duke of Orleance with the Countesse of Bologne the Popes Niece was solemnized After this the King sent the Lord of Montmorency against the Emperour who intended to come against Marsilles who enforced him to retire into Spaine and afterwards invaded France upon the Coast of Picardy and sent another Army to Piedmount against whom the King sent his forces which tooke Suse Villane and Montcalier which caused the truce of Nice for ten yeares during which the Emperour passed through France into Flanders In the meane time Caesar Fregose and Anthony Rineon the Kings Embassadours to the Turke were slaine by the Imperialists Whereupon the King according with the Duke of Cleve against the Emperour tooke Luxembourg Landrecy and other places Of which the Emperour being certified besieged Landrecy but in vaine On the other side the Lord of Anguyen the Kings Lievtenant in Piedmont having gained the battaile of Cerisolles tooke Carignan whereof the Emperour being advertised made a preparation against Paris but perceiving the French too powerfull in forces demanded a Peace which was published at Paris This being done the King intends a Warre against the English at Boulen with whom having made Peace hee went to pay his debt to Nature at Rambouillet the last of March 1547 and lyes interred at St. Denis To one that desired pardon for another that had used ill speeches of his Majesty this King said Let him for whom thou art a suiter learne to speake little and I will learne to pardon much At Paris in an Oration against Hereticks hee said If my arme were infected with that contagion I would cut it off from my body and cast it into the fire Hee said that hee was sorry that the Gentlemen of his Realme being most serviceable and ingenious were not qualified with Learning to be capable of Civill offices as well as Military since Vertue is the formall cause of Gentility which should exceed base low dispositions by an eminent exaltation of goodnesse deriving their pettigree from Heaven for Vera est Nobilitas quaedam cognatio Dijs True Nobility is a certaine affinity to the Gods A Treaty of peace being propounded and ready to bee concluded betweene the Emperour Charles the fift and this King Francis hee said Peace and amity betweene us cannot long endure for the Emperour cannot abide an Equall or Companion and I cannot endure a Master Henry the 2. and 59. King of France Anno 1547. HEnry the second succeeding to the Crowne on his birth day was consecreted at Rheimes in August 1547. Hee sent the Lord of Esse into Scotland for a defence of that Countrey and built a Fort over against that of Boullen immediately after the Commons of Guienne mutined upon taxations whilst the King was in Piedmont from whence being upon his returne into France he caused them to be punished by the Constable and made his enterance into Paris proclaimed open warres against England and renewed his allyance with the Swisses Pope Iulius the third being incensed against the King for the City of Parma solicited the Emperour to take up Armes against him and to beleaguer Parma and Mirandula whereupon the King made a prohibition of sending to the Court of Rome for matters of Benefices and in the meane time he tooke Quiers S. Damian and other places of Piedmont on the other side the Burgundions and Hannuyers over-runne the Countrey of Santois above Peronne but to requite them the King making an expedition into Almany by the policy of the Constable seezd of the Metz and the Countrey of Messin and tooke the Duke Dutchy of Loraine into his protection Afterwards hee joyned forces with Duke Maurice who falsifying his faith in his returne invaded the Dutchy of Luxembourg taking the Townes of Yvoy Montmedy Lumes and Civay In the meane time the Emperor marched to the siege of Metz whence he was forced to dis-encampe with the losse of 30000 men and threw himselfe upon Therouenne which he tooke with the Castle of Hedin The King on the other side tooke Mariembourg and other Townes in Piedmont After that the Emperour quitting the Empire retired himselfe into Spaine to live a solitary life and a peace for five yeares was concluded between the Emperour the Kings of England and France which continued not long For warres being renewed betweene the said Kings the day of St. Laurence to the losse of the French in revenge whereof the King tooke Cales Gnines Hames and the County of Oye Peace after being made by the marriage betweene King Philip and the Lady Elizabeth of France and of the Duke of Savoy with Madam Margarite sister to the King and in the continuance of the solemnity the King running at Tilt was hit in the eye of which hurt he dyed at Tournells the twentieth day of Iuly Anno Domini 1559. and lyes interred at St. Denis in France This King having the good inclination of his Nature confirmed by being well brought up under his Father ordained many good Lawes for the reforming apparrell providing for the poore maintenance of Justice and releeving his oppressed Subjects but especially hee made a Law against swearing and blaspheming and herein he did singularly well but he disgraced these good actions by permitting a bloody and fatall Combate betwixt Iarnac and Chastaignery Gentlemen upon the giving the lye performed at St. German in Lay on the sixeteenth of July before the King and divers Princes and Noblemen wherein Jarnac held the weaker got the better and gave the other many deadly wounds whereof he dyed whereupon the King did forbid all Combats Thus hee beganne his reigne with this Tragedy and ended it with his owne For at the marriage of Elizabeth of France the King having published a solemne running at the Tilt as is before mentioned the King would needes be one of the Challengers and the second day of the Tourny being perswaded by the Queene and the Duke of Savoy to retire out of the Lists he desired to runne once more against the Earle of Montgomery who first refused but afterward runne and upon the Kings Helmet broke his Lance and with a splinter thereof his Beaver being somewhat open strikes him so deepe in the eye so that he dyed in his house at Tournells in the 44. yeare of his age The day before his death he would have the Duke of Savoy and the Lady Margaret his sister marryed in his Chamber His heart was interred in the Celestines Church in the Duke of Orleans
his Chappell His Character was good but hee was formerly voluptuous and permitted himselfe to be abused by his Officers selling Lawes and his authority For such Kings are but pictures of Princes without life all power remaining in the subject to the oppression and wrong of the Land Francis the 2. and 60. King of France Anno 1559. THis Francis King of Scotland by Mary Stuart his wife at the age of fifteene yeares and five Moneths succeeded his father Henry and was Crowned at Rheimes September 1559. by the Cardinall of Loraine Arch-Bishop of that See after his Coronation he went to conduct his Brother in law the Duke of Loraine and the Dutchesse Claudia his sister as farre as Barle Duke from whence hee returned into France and sojourned for a while in the City of Blois where he reformed some abuses of those that followed his Court. In the meane time this President Minard was slaine in his owne House returning from Court This murther was a cause that it was forbidden to carry trucheons and weapons The Counsellor of Bourg was burnt for his Religion The King having made preparations sent the Lord of Martigues into Scotland for the suppression of some Scots who upon pretext of Religion were in Armes during which time Mary of Loraine Dowager of Scotland deceased At the same time also certaine Gentlemen of France being assembled in Armes neare the City of Amboise where the King was attended by the Cardinall of Loraine and his brother the Duke of Guise were discovered in a certaine enterprise which they pretended to be for the publicke good and for the dispossessing of some strangers usurpers of the Kings authority and Kingdome contrary to the ancient authority of the three Estates of France and also for making some remonstrances to the King concerning Religion for which many were executed to death amongst whom the Baron of Castelnau was one At that time the Chancellour Oliver deceased in whose place and dignity was instituted Monsieur de'l Hospital Shortly after the King went to Orleans there to settle himselfe where he fell sicke of an Apostume in his left eare whereof he dyed the foureteenth of September Anno Domini 1560. having reigned about eighteen months and twenty dayes and lyes interred at S. Denis The Protestants were very much persecuted in this Kings reigne and there were foure prisoners of especiall note Castelnau Villemongis Campagnac and le Picard who cryed out against the Chancellor that had signed the sentence of their deaths who thereupon fell suddenly sicke and when the Cardinall of Loraine came to visit him cryed out O Cardinall thou hast damned us all While the King lay dangerously sicke the Queene mother intending to support the Guisans called the King of Navarre into her closet to whom as he was going a Lady of the Court said My Lord deny the Queen mother nothing that she shall demand else you are dead whereupon he signed what shee desired and thereby obtained her favour Afterward the King dyed of Catarch and a Feaver the 14. of December whose seeds of vertue lay hid in his nature and were not discerned onely some shewes of courtesie modesty and continency were in his younger yeares apparent and therefore his death was not much lamented but of such as in his nonage possessed usurped estates After his decease the Prince of Conde turned the streame of affaires To give a briefe Character of this King and his reigne he was a picture of Majesty drawne in raw colours being young in yeares and judgement governed by his Mother and his wives Uncles The Princes of Blood were in his reigne not regarded power and might prevailed in Court and the Clergy sought protection from the disturbers of France The Nobility were ingaged in warres and the people divided in matters of Religion and in the Court factions were maintained this was the face and complexion of those times miseries incident to the minority of Princes Charles the 9. and 61. King of France Anno 1560. THis Charles the ninth at the Age of thirteene succeeded his Brother Francis Hee pursu'd the enterprises of his Predecessor for his State affaires which were begunne the eighth of December ' Anno Domini 1560. at Orleans and and afterward finished at Pontoise August and September following Anno Domini 1561. At that time hee assembled the Prelates of France at Possi to a Nationall Counsell The January following it was permitted to the Huguenots to make their exercises and Sermons out of the Cities Whereupon ensued great troubles warres and slaughters of great Lords and personages as of the King of Navarre who was slaine before Rouen and in the battaile of Dreux which was given the 19. of March Anno Domini 1562. the Martiall of St. Andrew and the Duke of Guise were slaine before Orleans A while after the Towne of Haure de Grace was recovered which had beene before yeelded to the English The King at the Parliament at Rouen being declared Mayor after an Edict of Pacification made went to visit his Kingdome Anno domini 1564. and went to meet his sister the Queene of Spaine at Bayonne where great magnificences were performed After having visited the Gascogne Guienne and Poitou he came to Moulins where he made many excellent Ordinances The second civill warre sprung up wherein after that the King had made an escape out of Meaux the battaile of St. Denis was fought wherein the Constable was wounded which was a cause of another Pacification by reason of the siege of Chartres which was broken by the third intestine warre which continued two yeares space during which the battaile of Iarnac was fought wherein the Prince of Conde was slaine and another battaile at Montcontour After which another Edict of Pacification was made Anno Domini 1570. Afterwards the King marryed the Lady Elizabeth of Austria daughter to the Emperour Maximilian Also the marriage of the King of Navarre was celebrated Anno Domini 1573. and the 24. of August the same yeare the Admirall was slaine in Paris with a great number of the Hugonots and Rochelle was besieged Then a fourth pacification by the election in Poland of the Duke of Aniou brother to the King was made he being gone in his Kingdome of Poland was certified of his brother the Kings death on the 30. of May at the Bois de Vincennes 1574. having one daughter who dyed an Infant He lyes at St. Denis Hee was a Prince that had excellent naturall gifts but blended and mingled with vices wherewith his Governours and Schoolemasters had corrupted his young minde which at the first was more vertuously inclined delighting in Musick and Poetry But as he was a great Hunter that lov'd to shed the blood of wilde beasts so hee suffered also during his reigne the Protestants blood to be shed and in revenge thereof in his sicknesse before his death great store of blood issued out by vomiting and by other passages of his body in the two last weekes of his sicknesse