haue your will now shall you do your worst Now shal ye haue out guiltles blood for which ye loÌ„g did thirst We feare not of this death we know that al must die Yea happie are those sillie soules whoÌ„ thus the Lord doth trie O welcome ioifull daie ô welcome happie paine A crowne immortall with this flesh we shall receiue againe Now hath the Lord here brought and placte vs in this death Not for because he hates his truth but for to trie our faith The counsell of the Lord hath sent what we receaue And you to vs shal doo no more than God shall giue you leaue And you that are our foes beware the deadlie signe Which showes you none of Gods elect while thus ye doo repine Against his knowen truth for which we vndertake To spend our blood in his defence and suffer for his sake The blood of Abel cride for vengeance to the Lord Which fell on Cain al his seed whoÌ„ men earth abhord From which the Lord defend both you and eke our land O Lord reuenge not this our wrong but stay thy furioâ—s hand And giue them yet some space for to repent this thing And for our death we doo forgiue both them eke our King Whose life the Lord preserue in health and perfect peace And graÌ„t that vnder him the truth may haue some ioiful ease And though you haue some power this flesh for to destroy Yet cannot vs your rage deuide from Christs immortal ioy And though our breakfast seeme to flesh and blood some paine Yet shall we sup with Iesus Christ and ease receaue againe Into thy blessed hands ô Lord our soules receaue For of this earth and earthlie trash ô Lord we take our leaue Thus on the Lord they cride which was their onelie trust Till that the flame had staid their voice bodie burnt to dust Now we that doo remaine our parts are yet to plaie But when ô Lord our time shall come grant vs like happy daie And when our triall drawes no matter where nor when That God will giue like constant faith let vs crie all Amen The iudgements of the Lord shewed vpon these bloodie persecuters in this first outrage by the example of manie the like out of the Scriptures BVt let vs heere behold Gods iudgements iust and true Which neuer faile to follow them which doo his truth pursue As wicked Caine did long poore Abels blood to haue So did the Lord marke him to be a vile and vagrant slaue When Esau did intend his brother for to kill The Lord did blesse good Iacob so he could not haue his will When Pharao followed fast Gods people to haue slaine Amiddes the flouds then iustlie fell both he and all his traine As Miriam grudgde against the truth which she did know So did her fault soone finde her out a leaper white as snow When Korath and his mates good Moses did depraue The earth did gape and they went all aliue into the graue And whil'st at Bephidim Gods people did remaine The Amalecks of Esaus brood poore Iacob would haue slaine But God did not forget this foule and filthie thing Which after smote with fatall sword both them and eke their King Though Saul did persecute Gods chosen Prophet long Yet did the Lord at length reuenge poore Dauid his wrong For now the hand that itcht this Dauids blood to spill Was it that framde the deadlie blade his master for to kill That Nabal which refusde his helpe to Dauid send Was striken so that there he made a short and wofull end And Shimei that reuilde King Dauid to his face It was not long but that he died in poore and wofull case And as Achitephel great mischiefe did intend So did the Lord from traitors all his chosen still defend Whose counsell being quasht for so the Lord assignde He got him home hangd himselfe to case his careful minde So Ierebeam felt Gods iudgements sharpe and colde WheÌ„ he thrust out his wicked hand his Prophet for to hold So Iezabel which did Elias once pursue VVhen Iehu came to Iezrael her faithfull seruant threw Her carcasse headlong downe from window high to streate VVhere traÌ„pled down the greedy dogs her cursed flesh did eat Gainst Christ the Pilate which wrong iudgement erst did giue Did kill himselfe as one that was not worthie for to liue And when against the truth proud Herodes hand was bent He killed Iames and Peter was in prison closelie pent The Angel of the Lord of pride did show the price That in a while his cursed corpes was eaten all with lice As Iudas was content his master to betraie So guiltie conscience did consent to worke his owne decaie Like as in former age to rebels stout and strong Gods iustice hath been plainlie seene in lieu of cursed wrong So all this faithlesse troope which leudlie did conspire This murder in S. Iames his streete haue likewise felt his ire For first the Praetor which Munerius had to name For iust desert in publike view receiued open shame And yet besides all this they straightlie did proclaime That he should voide his natiue soyle not returne againe But whil'st he was in holde his conscience did confesse This plague was iust for that he sought Gods chosen to oppres A Iudge that sentence gaue against his knowen faith An angel strake him from the Lord with sharp sodain death Another Iudge that was now sicke and like to die Cride out I see my iudgement iust for that vile caitiffe I By mallice haue been faine Gods people for to kill Who praie and liue most godlie bent according to his will Two others being cheefe in murder that was past By sodaine death in view of all like vengeance now doo tast And other two which now of blood had dronke their fill As they came from this murther they did one other kill Now let vs learne by this Gods truth for to imbrace That we feele not by due desart his anger in like case The notable famous and constant Martirdome of Annas Burgeus which being one of the Kings Counsell was burnt for the Gospel of Iesus Christ ABout this verie time by force of sodaine iarre Betweene the Kings of Spaine and France was likelie to be warre But Herode to agree with Pilate was content And for to murder Iesus Christ they both doo ioyne consent So now there was a league where both did giue their word To roote and rase Gods sowen truth by fagot fire and sword The graffe that Sathan greeues did yet begin to spring The tree of life some ioyfull frute as now did seeme to bring Whose bud enameld greene and blossome sweete to see Inraged Sathans fierie moode with mallice so that he In furie headlong runnes he
frets he fumes he raues And of the King some speedie helpe in present danger craues The fate that files my fall ô King faith he is this Your Senate fauours truth too much your Iudges too remisse They are not sharpe inough to shred appearing ill They suffer impes of Luthers sect too much to haue their will The King not well content prouideth out of hand Some new assemblie to be had to haue this matter scand The Senate being set the Kings Attorney first Doth grauely shew vnto them al how that the K. doth thirst To haue them all agree in matters touching faith And to consent that Luthers brood should all be put to death For that some strife of late there was betweene them found Cōcerning this But to their shames this iarring would redoūd Because for Heretikes some first would haue them tride And some would haue them banished some would haue thē fride And therefore wisheth all with him to giue consent That death might end this strife which thing the king hath alwaie ment This was a subtill slight the godlie to betray That such as spake against the same their cōscience should bewray But yet amōg the rest some freely spake their minde That reason for so cruell act as yet they could not finde The King would haue saie they but Heretikes to die And what are they but such as dare the Scriptures to denie If anie such be found let them be wroong to death Because the word is all our staie and Author of our faith But if for Heretikes the godlie should be slaine God would reuenge their blood and we by this should reap no gain And those which you do think the truth do now denie Their reasons deeds faith we see wherein they stoutlie die Therefore if from the Lord this counsell doo proceede To striue against the same it were a vaine and sinfull deede Thus did the better sort their godlie thoughts bewraie Which being crost with coūter cranks was cause of their decaie For Satan fearing least their sentence would preuaile Sent two in post vnto the King these dealings to reueale The limbes of Pluto which this bloodie message went Egidius and Minardus were fit hounds for such a sent Who comming to the King most falselie did declare That in the Senate such were found which stoutly now did Religion to deride and speeches let to fall dare That for his Lawes and Edictes past they made no count at al. Now therefore is the time your Grace must looke about That springing showes of future ill your wisedome may roote out For if you should permit these rebels thus to thriue Great perill is least of your crowne your Grace they would depriue The King inflamed thus doth make no long delaie But to the Senate where they sate he takes his readie waie Where placed in his throne and hauing pausde a while Thus spake in presence of them all in high and princelie stile THe Lord that lendeth all and weeldes the golden spheare Hath sent vs now a wished peace deuoid of forreine feare Which peace is aye confirmde by bande of solemne vowe And plighted faith of solemn match which none can disalow Yet one thing there remaines to perfect this my State That in Religion one consent might banish all debate Which is the onelie cause that moues my pensiue heart In this your meeting for to ioyne and beare a carefull part This is therefore in few our craue and eke request That euerie man doo shew his minde as he shall thinke it best Here some that had before in words been verie rife Began to staie and doubted much the danger of their life Yet there were some which now a noble courage take Annas Burgeus as the chiefe this doubtfull silence brake Who lifting vp his hands in heart began to praie With thankes to God that he did liue to see that happie daie Wherein the Lord had wrought such care within his grace That he would bēd his willing eare to iudge so weightie case The cause saith he is Christs which we haue now in hand For which the Lord wil surely blesse both you eke your lād This is the blessed Arke that came to Edomes hall For which the Lord hath blessing sent on him his house al. This is the dustie booke which good Hilkiah found Which read before the King did giue a sweet siluer sound This is the Angel which to Gedeon did appeare This is the deaw vpon the fleece which set him void of feare This is the sword that made blinde Balaams Asse to speake This is the flame the Prophet forst his silence for to breake This is the liuelie spring which cooles the thirstie heate This is the shining lanterne which giues light vnto our feete This is the flame that earst by night did shew the way This is the blessed cloud that led Gods chosen in the day This is Elgathes flake that made his offering fume And this the blast which frō the Lord great rebels did cōsume This is the mightie voyce that makes the mountaines shake This makes the Liban cedars stoop fearful hindes to quake And this the pleasant wine to weake that comfort giues And this the wholsom milk wherby the sucking Infant liues Now as the Lord doth blesse the land that loues the same So for contemners of his truth he still prouides a shame For why came Ashur vp Gods chosen to molest And led the King with Commons all in Babel for to rest But for because they all their God did often grieue Which hated truth were content their faith to idols giue And if he doo not spare a King ô King take heed If people all to thraldome goe this land ô Lord had neede To weigh the cursed cause of this their finall fall Least for the like the like consume our King and Cōmons all Now is the Angell come with open booke in hand Which long ere this was sealed close from vs eke our land Now must the godlie craue of this to eate their fill So God with plentie will not faile to loue and feed them still Now see this Angel which to vs doth offer grace Is Iesus Christ which by his death our sins doth quite deface If we by liuelie faith of him can take good hold Then voide of feare before the Lord to come we may be bold It's he that shewes the way the truth to intertaine It's he that cleares the blinded eyes it's he that parteth plaine The truth from popish lies the sonne from mystie shades It's he that cals our straying steppes from Sathans sinfull trades O well is he that can this booke this truth imbrace O ill is he that shall refuse when Christ doth offer grace And though this booke at first be sweete vnto our tast Yet Sathans rages makes the
this to vs that doo remaine That God dooth giue to his elect such strength to conquere paine This is the godlie end that blessed man did make VVhom life honor could not beÌ„d his Christ for to forsake He liude with good report his death deserueth fame And he hath left vnto his foes a leaud and filthie shame A rare and passing signe no doubt the Lord did giue To see that noble constancie in him while he did liue VVhose constant death in France and blood did sow the seede VVherby the church did much increase godly yet do feed He came of honest house in learning spent his youth And beeing plac'te in high degree he sought to learn the truth VVhereof when he had felt the sweete and pleasant tast He ioinde himselfe vnto the Church sticks to them at last VVell he is gone before and we that are behinde Lord grant to vs in Iesus Christ like faith and constant minde Amen The iudgements of the Lord which fell vpon King Henrie the second after he had caused Burgaeus to be imprisoned Anno 15â—9 Dilated by the examples of Ahab Amaziah and Zedechiah wicked Kings which vsed the like crueltie against the word THe Lord on Elies sonnes and sinnes this sentence gaue They that doo loue and honor me great honor still shall haue But they that doo despise my word my law and will They shall be sure of euerie man to be abhored still Which sentence of the Lord for euer shall be true As by examples we may see of such as doo insue For when as Ahab was in fond and foolish rage To Ramoth Gilead stoutlie bent vniustlie warres to wage A Prophet from the Lord did tell him verie plaine That if this warre he took in hand King Ahab should be slain But to the prison straight this Prophet then was led The king gaue charge that he shuld be with bread water fed Till he returned safe from Gilead home againe But what befell It came to passe the King indeed was slaine So Amaziah which by idolls did offend Vnto the Prophet would not yeeld his willing eare to bend But did with bitter scoffes and scornes reproue the word For which he was by Iehu spoild and taken by the sword So Zedekiah proud from sinne would not returne But Rebel-like the word of God he did with fire burne And Ieremie by him was oft in prison pent Because he said the King and all to Babel should be sent But let vs see his ende the King of Babel came Who toke him captiue with his men put them al to shame And he that was content Gods Prophet to disgrace Was forc'te to see the murder of his sonnes before his face His eies that would not see Gods truth and shining light The King of Babel put them out as they deserude of right So Henrie King of France which all his force did bend Against the truth did from the Lord receaue a fearfull end For now amidst the ruffe of all their mirth and ioy When euerie man deuised how the godlie to destroie The time appointed came for marriage of the King Which to the Court Courtiers did great mirth pleasure bring And for the greater pompe of all this princely traine A solemne Iust the youthlie King by Crier did proclaime In which he meant to shew his manhood and his might And being horst with limber speare in armor shining bright He chose among the rest the challenge now begun Mongomerie Captaine of his gard against him for to runne Which he did oft refuse and wiselie did withstand Till that the King the fatall speare put in his Captaines hand Where charging with their spears forcing might main A splinter pierst the Princes eie and ranne vnto his braine The King with sodaine wound and bleeding much dismaid Within the next adioyning house to bed he was conuaide Where plungd with grieuous pain his conscience did lament The wrong which he had done to those whoÌ„ he to prison sent I greatlie feare said he least I haue done some ill Against Burgaeus and the rest whose blood I sought to spill But Elimas the witch doth spend his cursed winde From such remorse to keep in thral the Kings afflicted minde It is said he thy foe that doth assault thy faith In which take heed that thou remain stil constant to thy death This heauie hap befell as manie men haue tolde Nere to the place wherein as then Burgaeus was in hold And manie did obserue that he did kill the King Which was commanded to the Iaile Burgaeus for to bring The King did often brag those eies of his should see Burgaeus burnt but loe the Lord did alter that decree For ere Burgeus was vnto the fire led Mongemerie had those eies of his thrust cleane out of his head Now here we plainlie see the life and heauie end Of theÌ„ which persecute the truth which God doth often send And let vs warning take by this most fearfull fate For to returne and loath our sinne before it be too late Amen The bloodie marriage or butcherlie murder of the Admirall of France and diuers other noble and excellent men at the marriage of Margaret the Kinges owne sister vnto Prince Henrie sonne to the Queene of Nauarre committed the 24. of August in the Citie of Paris Anno 1572. NOw haue you heard before of faggot fire and sword Inhaunst by Sathan for to quell Gods truth and blessed word But now I must begin such treason to vnfold As former times for crueltie And ages new and olde Haue neuer seene the like in Christendome till now When sacred faith by flatterie and oath of Princelie vow By treason did contriue to shed the guiltlesse blood Of theÌ„ which now by peace did seek to do their couÌ„trie good For when the Lord did send his truth into the land He raised vp some Noble men to take this cause in hand Among the which as chiefe and souereigne of the field There was Prince Henrie of Nauarre with such as would not yeeld Vnto the Guisian race the Prince of Condee next The Admirall and D' Andelot with others that were vext By bloodie Guises band who daily did inuent How to oppresse the word of truth which Christ had thether sent But when as Sathan saw by words and dealings plaine That manie Princes were in armes this truth for to maintaine It galde him to the heart that where he did deuise To choake the word that euen there the more it did arise He summons all his mates these matters to debate How they might choak this springing seed before it were too late Where all within a round they come without delaie To whom this bloody captaine then these words began to say There is a subtill veyne that feedes this cankred sore For now the deeper it is launcte it riseth still the more Vve see that fire and sword cannot at all
the hazard of his death The oath that he hath sworne so oft to keepe the peace No Christian conscience can assent at all for to release His mother gaue her faith his brothers sware likewise The publique recordes of the Land doo witnesse this deuise What band may surer be what more may you desire What can we farther wish And yet if more you doo require The Queene of England is a witnes of the same The Prince of Aurendge the States that from the Germaines came This Royal match likewise my hart doth wel assure That such a seale of perfect loue for euer will indure Which marriage latelie made with counsell graue and good The King will not permit to be so soone defilde with blood For what would strangers saie if such things should befall But such things Lord be farre from vs Lord preserue vs all What would the future age of impes as yet vnborne What would all Nations thinke if we by trust should be forlorne The stout and constant minde honor of the King Will neuer giue consent I know to doo so leaud a thing Thus whilest among the rest the case he did debate His trustie keeper Cossin came and knocked at his gate Who was no sooner come within the outward dore But that there came in after him of armed men great store Then after went the Lords the Nobles and the rest For to dispatch this noble man whom they did most detest And those whom Cossin found within to lie or stand He slew them with a Partisan which he had in his hand Which wofull newes when as the Admirall perceiude Wo worth the time quoth he that I by trust haue been deceiude Wel now the time is come I may no longer doubt Come lend your help my frends I pray frō bed to lift me out To Christ my onelie hope my soule I doo betake And in this place from off my couch this life I will forsake Then stāding on his feet his night gown on his back Shift for your selues my frends quoth he that you goe not to wrack And haue no care for me for I am well content This life to yeeld vnto the Lord which he to me hath lent It greeues me not to die Gods will is alwaie best From future feares I know with Christ my soule shalbe in rest This plot is not preparde alone to murder me But for the rasing of that truth which they are loath to see The godlie for to spoile which haue receaude the word These tyrants seeke with cruel hate by falshood and by sword Which word vnto my power I alwaies did defend The mallice of which godly course hath broght me to my end Which doth reioyce my heart soule exceedinglie That for his truth the Lord hath thought me worthy for to die For though our sinnes doo cause these troubles in our land Yet shall these tyrants not escape the Lords reuenging hand And though our God doo seeme from vs to hide his face And armes our foes with cruell death his people to disgrace Yet if we be content his mercie will retire Haue mercie Lord vpon thy Church ô Christ I thee desire And you ô traitors vilde that laide this trothlesse traine Against the Lord haue lifted vp your wicked harts in vaine For you are puffed vp with hope that is not sure For these our paines you shal receaue the pains that shal indure And you that dare to lift your hands against the Lord Before your death most iustlie shall of all men be abhord Though yet you doo not feele the sentence that is due To this your bloodie traitors act yet know that you shall rue Your breach of plighted faith your deepe dissembling hart There is a God will iudge vs all that will reuenge our smart The paine that we receaue doth breed eternall ioy But for the wrōg that you haue done the Lord wil you destory O Lord confirme my faith which now must here be tride Reach me thy hand ô Christ that I from thee may neuer slide My fearfull flesh is weake my heart and will is prest Forsake me not my God but now receaue me to thy rest Let not this irksome shade this darke and dolefull night Keepe from my heart in this assault thy sweete plesant light For though the worldlie Sunne mine eie shall see no more Thy blessed Sonne let me enioy whom I by faith adore And whereas I dispaire no more to see the day In steed of that thy louing face shew me my God I praie Loe then a blessed chance and happie change for me That from this vale of wretched life with Christ in ioy shalbe Now let these traitors come the feare of death is past And fainting flesh that did rebell hath yee ◠ded at the last Now doth my soule reioice my heart most gladlie saie Thou Sonne of God my Sauiour come my Christ now come thy waie For here againe to thee my soule I do commend And to thy poore afflicted Church ô Lord thy mercie send So shall they be at rest so shall they praise thy name Let not these tyrants longer Lord thy seruants put to shame Least they doo proudlie bragge and saie within their heart Vvher is the God whō they do serue that now shuld take their part Come quicklie Lord therefore make no more delay To ende these fierce and bloodie broiles Amen Amen I saie By this came vp the staires ere ended were his words One Benuise two other mates with targets with swords The chamber broken vp this Benuise swearing came Vvith sword drawn to the Admirall asking for his name Art thou the Admirall the man not much appalde Vvith quiet minde gaue answere thus Indeed so am I calde Then seeing Benuise bend his naked sword to slaie My frend quoth he that bloodie blade I pray thee for to staie And haue respect vnto my age and weake estate To which by treason wrought by trust I haue bin drawn of late But beastlie Benuise would to this no answere giue But swearing to this Noble man his pointed sword let driue And thrust him to the heart but yet not fullie dead With force he laid a mightie blow strake him on the head With that came Attin in with Pistoll in his hand And shot him in the wounded breast yet did he stoutlie stand Till Benuise came againe with third repeated wound And slasht him on the thigh which done he fel vnto the groūd Where he gaue vp the ghost The bloodie Guise that staid This while within the lower court with lifted voice now said Hoe Benuise hast thou done who straightwaie did replie Yea sir this happie deed is done and that most perfectlie Then said the Duke of Guise Come throw him down to me That where it be the same or not we here may quicklie see For now our Cheualier will thinke it but a lie Except at window throwen out he see him with his eie
strong therefore my Sonnes refuse not profred death Which from the Lord is sent to be a triall of our faith But how should we be strong when flesh doth dailie fall O Lord increase our faith that we maie come when thou dost call And from the Lord I know this butchring axe is sent Who Sathans sword hath losed now no doubt for some inteÌ„t This is no new deuise which Sathan puts in vre For they that will imbrace the truth of this shall still be sure For vnto Truth belongs both fier sword and racke And naked Truth hath alwaies tied a whip vnto her backe The ages that are past doo yet declare the same Whose constant death for Christ depaints the glorie of their name For as the sillie sheepe betweene the Lions iawes And like the meek wailing doue in goshauks greedie pawes So is the present state of Christs afflicted flocke Who are content with Christ to lay their head vnto the block Feare not therefore to tast this cup of ioyfull paine That with the Lord in lasting ioy we all may meete againe Let nothing force your faith from Christ to goe astraie For I your Father as your guide will lead you first the waie One house hath helde vs all one Christ hath been our ioy This sweete and noble vnion let Sathan not destroy And let vs ioyne in one this death for to imbrace So ioynd with Christ we shalbe sure with him to haue a place I was not he that gaue your vse of liuelie breath I am not he that sets the time and order of your death It is the Lord alone which will restore againe A better life if for his law by death we suffer paine Come let vs gladlie giue our throate vnto the knife And for our Christ let vs reioyce to leaue this wretched life And saie you all with me ô Lord from these our bands Receaue we praie our sinfull soules into thy blessed hands And lend vs Lord thy grace and mercie to the end Thy blessed helpe to come to thee ô Lord of mercie send And this repeating oft the butchers with their blade Their bodies then with deadlie wouÌ„ds a bloody present made Then ioyning on the ground they clasped all in one Where groueling lay in folded armes the father with the sonn Which sodaine heauie chance such wofull sight did giue That iust remorse of causeles death a flinty hart would grieue Thus hath this blessed man receaud a happie place The Lord grant vs that be behinde like portion of his grace Amen A cruell cowardlie and traitrous murder committed in Angiers in France vpon one Masson de Riuers a famous and godlie preacher by a wicked enemie called Monsorrell who was sent by the King to Angiers in post to commit the like murder there as was in Paris NOw Lions fare thou well to Angiers will I goe Wherein also the godlie flocke lackt not a deadlie foe For there was dwelling then a famous learned man Vvho for his paines and godlie life a worthie credite wan He was the first that dar'de the Gospell for to preach In Paris towne where first the same to manie he did teach Masson De Riuers was this godlie preachers name Vvho had the Sorbons manie times by learning put to shame Now when in Paris towne the murder was at most The bloodie Curre Monsorrell was to Angiers sent in post Vvho was no sooner come within that wofull towne And that from off his barbed house he was descended downe But that he did inquire where Masson then did dwell For that he had vnto the man some secrete thing to tell And comming to the house before the entrie dore He met with Massons wife to whom he vsed then great store Of filed words as though he meant nothing amisse And like a Courtier courteouslie salutes her with a kisse And where is now I praie your husband to be had To see the good man ere I went I would be verie glad For that with him I haue a word or two talke In yonder garden sir quoth she my husband now doth walk And so she did direct the traitor to the place Where comming he most courteouslie good Masson did imbrace And canst thou tell quoth he whie I am â—ether come It is to doo the Princes will whereof this is the summe The King commanded hath that now without delaie Within this place I should not misse thy life to take awaie And that thou maist be sure the King hath thus decreed Lo here are letters from his grace which letters thou shalt read With that he plucked forth a Pistoll readie bent Full charged and to Massons heart now readie to be sent My friend said Masson staie on me some pitie take And to my God ere that I die let me my praiers make I meruaile whie the King this murder should intend I know not anie thing wherein his lawes I did offend It doth become a King a Princelie heart to haue And not vniustlie for to kill the people he should saue And what are you that can the vncondemned kill And what are you that seeke my life which neuer ment you il And why should you desire to suck my guiltlesse blood Which in the Lord vnto my power haue soght to do ye good But staie I know the cause you hate the shining light Of Gods eternal Truth which now you thinke doth shine too bright But frend take heed how that thou welter in the dark Take heed of Gods eternall plague Cayns accursed marke The men that meate refuse with famine shalbe pinde To satisfie their hungrie soules they shall no comfort finde And they that knowen Truth doo wilfullie reiect Shalbe deceiude by lying sprites their follies to correct I weigh not for to die sith death the Lord hath sent But more to view thy wretched state it maketh me lament For after death with me I know it shall be well But for this murder thou maist feare least thou be sent to hell There is a fearfull lawe let it be rightlie scand The Lord himself hath trulie said that blood pollutes the land The Land from bloodie guilt shall not be cleansde or quit But by his blood which wrong fullie the murder did commit Take heed therefore good frend and yet beware in time Pollute not this so famous place with this so bloodie crime But yet if thou obey a Princes wicked word Know in the end that thou likewise shalt perish by the sword Now if my hoarie haires no mercie can procure Yet let the safetie of thy soule to pitie thee allure And if the wailing teares of this my wofull wife Can not by anie meanes preuaile with thee to saue my life Yet see these sillie babes and weigh their wofull mone Which fatherlesse before their time should now be left alone If nothing yet but blood can quench thy hot desire Then in the ende be sure to tast the Lords reuenging ire Haue mercie Lord on me
whom Sathan would destroie Thy godlie flocke he seekes to quell thy Truth for to annoie Let them not longer Lord exalt their pridie crowne Let thē not scape that dailie seek to throw thy kingdom down Thy promise is my hope thy word is all my staie My comfort is the liuing Lord which shields me from decaie While Christ is on my side by faith that makes me free By death or life I little feare what man can doo to me To thee my liuing God for mercie now I call So in this place my promisd vowes shalbe performed all O Lord receaue my soule the force of death destroie That presentlie before thy face I may appeare with ioy O Christ thy pitie send with mercie come to me For from my youth tender yeres my hope hath bin in thee My heart is fixed Lord my heart is surelie set To saue my soule my God let not my sinnes be anie let Now to thy blessed hands whether I die or liue My sinfull soule receiue it Lord I gladlie here doo giue And thou that hether camest to plaie this bloodie part Loe this thy wicked deed I doo forgiue with all my hart Desiring God that this my blood now set at large Vvhen he doth come maie not at all be laid vnto thy charge Come staie no longer now if God shall giue thee power To take my life thē welcom thrice this sweet happy hower His wife he kissing bade her sorow to repell Vvith her his babes he did imbrace and bade them al farewel But Lord what rolling teares what shrikes and piteous cries Betweene the wife and louing babes were sent to airie Skies But this could not perswade the traitor to depart Vvho framde his readie dagg to strike pore Masson to the hart Then Masson kneeling downe content his life to leaue The bullet meeklie to his breast from Pistoll did receaue Vvhere falling to the ground his blessed life did yeeld Vnto the Lord with quiet heart as meeke as anie childe Vve see what worthie men the Papists haue destroid God grant vs grace that doo remaine their treasons to auoide Amen The Iudgement of the Lorde against this bloodie and periured King of France Charles the 9. Dilated by the sentence of God in the lawe against murder by examples both out of the Scriptures other Authors concerning the horrible end that hath fallen vpon wilfull murderers and lastlie the bloodie death of this blood-sucking King himselfe NOw let vs see the ende of this periured King And let vs weigh in future time what fearfull fruite did spring From falsed faith And first I brieflie will repeate The sentence of the mightie God gainst murder and deceate Then shall we plainlie see how that in euerie land The Lord according to his law with iust reuenging hand The bloodie tyrants strikes with all their faithlesse crue As by examples we maie see of such as shall ensue Vvho so saith God shall shed the blood of man in vaine Shall with the shedding of his blood requite the same againe And he that by deceite his neighbour shall betraie Or shall with guile presumptuouslie his brother seeke to slaie He shall not scape although he to the altare flie But drawen foorth he iustlie shall without all pitie die Such cursed bloodie men Gods plague doth follow still For wicked King Abimelech who was content to kill His seuentie brothers all the kingdome for to haue From iust reuenge he could not long his cursed carkasse saue For from a womans hand a milstone downe was sent Frō off a wall which with the weight his brain pan al to rent And after by his Page was thrust vnto the heart With sword lest that a womās stroke his glory shuld subuert As Triphon did intrap with face of frendlie cheere Good Ionathan to whom he did a faithfull frend appeare So did he quicklie feele the weight of falsed word Who shortlie was by Simon slaine and iustlie put to sword I read also of one Aristobolus by name Who hath for murder left behinde a blacke bloodie fame For first he did consent with famine for to pine His mother for because she would the kingdome not resigne And also was content by death to make away Antigonus his brother deere which was his owne decaie For when the deed was done he felt a present griefe In conscience for so cruell act which then without reliefe Did dailie so torment his sore afflicted hart That fresh remorse did often giue new cause of greater smart At length from grislie corse his blood by peacemeale came For brothers blood frō earth did call his blood to quit the same And thus in fearfull wise he yeelded vp his breath So was his fierce wicked life repaide with worthie death Our Charles like vnto this from Gods reuenging hand By bloodie death repaies the blood he shed within his land From eares from nose frō mouth from hart that was so stout Frō euery part his blood was seen wher blood might issue out The man that would not yeeld when men did mercie craue For mercie cries vnto the Lord but mercie none can haue For he that will not help the poore when they dooth call Shall call himselfe when he hath need not be heard at all The heart that was so proud now feeles the bitter paine Whereat he iested when he saw his faithfull subiects slaine The eares that would not heare the poore afflicted crie But greedelie to sucke their blood would credit euerie lie With blood are stopped vp that they shall heare no more Such heauy plagues for wicked men the Lord hath stil in store The mouth that would not speake to doo his brother good Insteed of words doth vomit out the clotts of filthie blood The nose that did detest of Truth the pleasant smell From filthie heart doth willinglie the stinking blood expell So that we plainlie see that blood for blood doth craue And he shall not escape that seekes his brothers blood to haue Then cursed be the mouth and man that did perswade This wretched King that he was in a good and godlie trade In that he did by guile the godlie so allure And afterwards by treason did their wished death procure Much like said he you be to Lewes which heretofore Said in the Latine that he knew one sentence no more Which was That he which Truth in words will alwaies bring And not dissemble knoweth not the skill to be a King Naie this was rather like the red and cruell raigne Of Mithridates who did cause of Romanes to be slain A hundred fiftie thousand once by message that was sent Whē outwardlie there did appear nothing but frendship mēt The King of Arragon like mate of cursed crue By like deceit in Sicill once eight thousand Frenchmen slew To Philip once it was his ruine and his death In that he often brake his oath and vow of
THE French Historie That is A lamentable Discourse of three of the chiefe and most famous bloodie broiles that haue happened in France for the Gospell of Iesus Christ Namelie 1 The outrage called The winning of S. Iames his Streete 1557. 2 The constant Martirdome of Annas Burgaeus one of the K. Councell 1559. 3 The bloodie Marriage of Margaret Sister to Charles the 9. Anno 1572. Published by A. D. All that will liue godlie in Iesus Christ shall suffer persecution 1. Tim. 3. 2. Imprinted at London by Thomas Orwin for William Russell dwelling at Exeter 1589. To the right worshipfull her louing Bro-Master Pearse Edgecombe of Mount Edgecombe in Deuon Esquier mercie and peace from Iesus Christ RIght worshipfull and my louing Brother I haue heard it often truelie reported That Lawes maie be broken but Nature cannot be forgotten I finde the force of this in my selfe if I finde not the like in you I blame not your nature but the contrarie crossings of those politique affections that hinder the working of it VVhen I had ended this present Pamphlet I saw that the simplicitie of it required a Patron the often remembrance of your former curtesies inforced me to make bolde with you Consider not therefore the worthinesse of the worke but rather the will of the worker for though the one maie iustlie be condemned yet the other deserues to be accepted This Booke which proceedes vnder your protection if you consider the matter I assure you it is most excellent and well worth the reading but if you weigh the manner I confesse it is base scarce worth the seeing This is therefore my desire that the simple attire of this outward forme maie not discourage you from seeking the cōfortable tast of the inward substance You shall find here manie things for comfort worthie the considering and for policie the obseruing This hath beene my ordinarie exercise for recreation at times of leasure for a long space togeather If I were sure that you would but take halfe so much pleasure in reading it as I haue in collecting and disposing it I should not neede anie farther to commend it If you finde anie thing that fits not your liking remember I pray that it is a womans doing The thing it selfe will sufficientlie prooue this to be true Thus committing the patronage of this my recreation vnto your protection and you withmy good sister in law your wife all your children to the Lords tuition I cease to troble you Honiton the 25. day of Iulie 1589. Your louing Sister Anne Dowriche PEARSE EDGECOMBE The sharpest EDGE will soonest PEARSE and COME vnto AN end Yet DOWT not but be RICHE in hope and take that I doo send A. D. P PVt not your trust in fading earth puft vp with fainting staies Possesse the Lord so shall you still persist in godlie waies E Exalt your eies from common shapes esteeme not of this pelfe Expresse in deeds what faith you haue examine wel your selfe A As windes disperse the wau'ring chaffe and tosse it quite away All worldlie pompe shall so consume and passe without delay R Repleated oft with wandring change recount your life to be Remember wel no blessed fruite remaines on cursed tree S So shal you trace the perfect path saluation to attaine So shal you see this glittering glose set out to be but vaine E EXtinguish then the carnal course exempted from aboue Expell the qualmes of fond delights excell in godlie loue D Depart not from the liuing Lord delight to read his word Delaie no time for he doth still defend vs with the sword G Giue to your God your soule life good gain insues thereby Grieue not the Spirit that warneth you great dangers for to flie C Cast all your care on him alone care for no other praie Considering he your greatest griefes can quicklie take awaie O Of all things lent vnto this life one thing accompt the best Onelie the truth feare of God on which our souls must rest M Make no accompt of trustles trash molesting misers minde Mark how these maskers oftētimes much care sorow finde B Beware betimes of had I wist be not these pleasures vaine Beleeue in Christ and so you shall be sure to liue againe To the Reader AMongst manie excellent precepts which Saint Paul gaue vnto the Church this is to be considered Let al things be done vnto edifying If this had been of all men well considered manie things which now flie abroad might well haue been spared That my onelie purpose in collecting framing this worke was to edifie comfort and stirre vp the godlie mindes vnto care watchfulnesse Zeale feruentnesse in the cause of Gods truth you shall easilie perceiue by the chusing and ordering of these singular examples which hereafter insue In which these speciall circumstances are to be considered First The great furie and rage of Sathan likelie to bee displaced from his Kingdome of error and blindnes the franticke madnes of the ignorant possessed people delighting in darkenesse and striuing to vpholde the Kingdome of their Master and the prompt facilitie and readines of Sathans ministers to put in execution anie kinde of wickednesse al which is to be seene both in the first example of The winning of Saint Iames his Streete in all the rest of the booke Secondlie The power maiestie dignitie of the Diuell possessing the chiefest States of the earth seeming to the outward appearance to weild the Truth vnto his obedience in suppressing the strongest that dared openly to withstand him in the Storie of Annas Burgaeus Thirdlie The policie and crafte of Sathan and his members in deuising by subtiltie to circumuent the godlie vnder the shadow of trust to exercise tyrannie vnder the colour of courtesie to practise crueltie and vnder the vaile of a sacred oath to couer most shamefull villanie This is to be seene in the third example of the miserable Massacre at the bloodie marriage We had need therefore to be watchfull strong and wise watchful in praier that we be not taken sleeping strong in faith that we be not ouerthrowen by Sathans might wise as serpents that we be not deceaued by the diuels allurements We are to learn also what trust we ought to repose in the promises and oaths of professed Papists what shewe so euer they make of loue and frendship Here as in a glasse you shall plainlie see the picture of all the morall vertues most liuelie described in the strange patience the godlie perseuerance the comfortable orations sweete speeches and the constant and famous endings of these sacred Martires Wheresoeuer thou shalt finde the Diuel brought in Poëticallie to make any oration to the King and States of France as in manie places he is then vnderstand that vnder those speeches are expressed all the subtilties villanies cruelties and policies that were deuised and by diuelish meanes put in practise against the godly more liuely to set them down in their colors
great wrong To serue and set vp other Gods to runne a whoring long Thou hast for wooden Gods Gods liuelie Image spilde And with the streams of christiaÌ„ blood the streets canels fild Thou hast with Egipt long Gods word in prison pent And wilfullie refusde the light that he to thee hath sent The Mâ—ses that begins this light for to vnfolde Thou seekst to lap him presentlie in chaines and irons colde Thou dost with Amalek with all thy wit assaie To lie in waite that in thy land the truth may haue no waie And thou a cruell nursse to Gods elect hast been To blemish thus the shining light that in thee hath bin seene And with Ierusalem Gods Prophets thou hast slaine That in thy popish ignorance thou mightest still remaine If Iuda shall be fed with wormwood mixt with gall If wilfull Egipt plagued were that kept Gods Church in thral If God no pitie showde and mercie none would haue Vpon the land of Amalek nor man nor beast to saue And if the blinded pride that in Ieruslem dwelt Could not escape Gods heauie wrath but man childe it felt What shall become of thee thou blinde and bloodie land How dost thou think for to escape Gods iust reuenging hand But sith I doo not doubt God will reuenge our case And for his chosen when he list prouide a dwelling place I will no more lament in sad and mourning stile But thanke the Lord that set me safe within this pleasant Ile O happie England thou from God aboue art blest Which hast the truth established with peace and perfect rest God giue thee therewithall a good and thankfull minde That to thy louing God no waie thou shew thy selfe vnkinde But still thou maist remaine as thou hast been of yore A Nurse to Gods afflicted flock that he maie blesse thee more But now will I depart the Lord direct my waie And send me in this pleasant Ile some simple slender staie Till God grant me returne or otherwise prouide But is not that an English-man that I haue yonder spide Wel met my frend tel what thou art that mak'st this mone And whie within these desart woods art thou thy selfe alone I am a stranger wight and France my natiue soyle FroÌ„ which of late by luckles chance need am forst to toyle Such troubles and such warres of late haue there befell That such as feare the Lord aright no suretie haue to dwell Within that wofull Land so God me hether sent To liue with you in happie state which he this Land hath leÌ„t Oh happie then am I my frend I thee desire Come goe with me for of these warres I greatly long to hear And if that thou wilt staie as long as thou wilt craue My house as thine and all therein thou shalt be sure to haue Therefore my frend I praie thy wit and tongue prepare The cause of all these bloodie broiles in verse for to declare And first of all describe the matter and the man The place the time the manner how this Ciuill warre began O Sir but this request doth pierce my wounded hart Which gladly would forget again my woful countries smart For who can well displaie the treasons and the guiles The bloodie murders mercilesse the snares and craftie wiles Which France hath put in vre these thirtie yeeres and more The like of which in Christendome was neuer seene before But sith it is your will to know the wofull state hate Of Christs afflicted Church in France which Antichrist doth Come rest you here a while and marke what I shall tell Great warres broiles I must declare God graÌ„t it may be wel And first to pitch the plot that you doo so desire I will vnfolde the cheefest cause that kindled first this fire ABout the verie yeere of Christ his Incarnation A thousand fiue hundred fiftie seuen by iust coÌ„putation Henrie ware the Crowne the second of that name In whose vnhappie Reigne began this fearfull fierie flame For now in France began Gods truth for to appeere Whose ioiful beames in Germanie at this time shone ful cleer But as the Iewes sometimes Gods Prophets did despise And as the Scribes and Pharisies did set their whole deuise To shade the shining light which God to them had sent So France in furie blindlie set against Gods truth is bent Which truth but latelie sowen and scant appearing greene They seeke by force by fire sword to roote raze it cleene But though proud Pharao did Gods chosen long oppresse Yet still amiddes the fierie broiles his people did increase So now amiddes the flame Gods word a passage found Which did increase his chosen flocke by force of siluer sound VVhich sound in Gods elect did worke such sodaine change In all estates that at the first in France it seemed strange Gods mightie Spirite did worke his mercie still was prest That some of all estates were calde their blindnesse to detest Though riches be a let and noble birth some staie That verie few of these saith Christ do finde the perfect way Yet God to bring to passe the worke he did intend Did also raise some Noble men the poorer to defend So now they fall at square now here began the strife For Sathan could not beare to see a new reformed life That Prophesie is true for Christ did speak the word I came not to giue peace to mine but strife debate sword The sonne against the sire one frend against another The word shal brothers part set the daughter gainst the mother So fel it out in France his word did now deuide His chosen from the rest of those that tooke the aduerse side The Land deuided thus two parts there fell at first Gods people were in number least the greater was the worst Now Sathan was afraid for now he striued sore To keepe the King and chiefest States in blindnes as of yore It pincht him to the quicke to lose his kingdome so It greeude him to the hart that he should let his seruants go He sits not idle now he calls his wits in place Some cunning knacke for to contriue to help him in this case His wilie wilfull craft by long experience bred Hath taught him now an ancient feat to crush the gospels head Now summons he his men and seruants to appeere Now help me at this need quoth he my frends felows deer Now is the time to stirre while matters yet be newe While blinded mindes in doubting hang not knowing what istrue For if the word of God do once begin to shine Then farewell all I shalbe faine my kingdome to resigne But if you will agree and follow mine aduise We shall cut off this sowen word as fast as it shall rise And first we must giue out some vile and leud report Of such as doo professe the truth and such as doo resort Vnto their Sermons so this waie it will be best To
same seeme bitter at the last And what though Sathan rage what though the ende be gall Shall bitter blasts make vs forsake our Christ our life and all No God forbid ô King that he should knock in vaine Least being gone we iustlie doubt when he will come againe As yet he stands without and knocketh at thy dore O King receue that blessed guest that he may blesse thee more If that we let him in his promise is to staie But when from vs he shall depart ô most vnhappie day The supper is preparde the Angels sent to call The straying guests of this your Land vnto his sacred hall But if by fond excuse we shun his profered grace He shuts the doore and will admit some others in our place The marriage of the Lambe that blessed Lambe is nie Which makes with al her Romish trickes that whore of Babel flie Then happie is the man blessed from the Lord That with the Lambe maie haue a place sit at sacred bord If now we see the light that danted Saul to ground If now we heare that sacred voice that sweete ioiful sound Then let vs now inquire what voice it is that calls And let vs yeeld vnto the truth that from our eies the scaies Of darknesse may depart For vaine it is to kicke And labour lost for wilfull colte to striue against the pricke And if the hidden Truth the Lord will now reueale To daunt the same ô noble King your force shal not preuaile What Giant can withstand of Truth the piercing might What earthlie force of shining Sunne at noone can quēch the light If Truth do conquere Kings if Truth do cōquere al Then leaue to loue these Popish lies let whorish Babel fall Greeue not that blessed Spirit of life that seales the band For which king Dauid did request by which we vnderstand Our calling to be sure our striuing not in vaine By which we know we are ordaind for Christ to suffer paine Now sith we haue the seale from feare that makes vs free And shining light frō popish shades the Lord hath made vs see We may no longer then dissemble in this case But what we thinke must plainlie showe ô King before your face We cannot as you would the certain Truth denie But that defend though for the same we wer cōdemnd to die And whereas you doo thirst to sucke the guiltlesse blood Of them whō you name Lutherans ô King we think not good To strengthen that deuice which Sathan did inuent Least that with Caine our bloodie fact too late we should repēt For those whom you doo hate and push with heauie hand In verie truth are godlie men the best in all your land Whose faith you doo not see whose life you doo not know Take heed least you in them doo seeke the Lord to ouethrow Which feate by wāton will if now your Grace assay Be wise in time least that in this you frame your owne decay But this we thinke the best that straight way out of hand A lawfull Counsell may be calde to haue the matter scand Till which let godlie men whom enuie cannot staine In lieu of all their cursed wrong in rest at home remaine But if to this ô King you stoppe your princelie eare Lest God with blindnes strike your hart your frēds may iustly feare For they that doo not care aright to serue the Lord He leaues them to their filthie lusts to make thē more abhord Remember Ahabs fall that solde himselfe to death Forget not those two wicked men which long withstood the faith Corrupted men shall fade the reprobates shall die God wil not long maintein their raign that shal his truth denie Their madnesse shall be plaine their follies seene then The godlie shall deride the rage of sinfull wicked men Because saith God you staid to come when I did call I will be deafe when you lament and laugh when you do fall VVhich plague the Lord withhold frō you eke your land The lord preserue your noble grace shield ye with his hand That long in perfect peace your Grace may rule and raigne That in your time Gods knowen truth may once reuiue again And this is all we wish and this the worst we craue That Christ will open once your heart by faith your soule to saue This said he sate again The King in fierie heate Scant able to forbeare so long spake thus from out his seate INdeede and is it so well then we knowe the worst To speake or thinke as we haue heard we deemd no subiect durst But now with griefe we see that this infectious seed Hath taken rooting in our Court whereof this is the seed But most we maruell whie the Nobles of our land So blinded are that they wil needs these matters take in hand We thought it most vnlike that men so graue and wise Should euer stoop to giue consent vnto so leaud deuise But now we must correct our minde and former thought And giue these new religious mē the guerdō they haue sought And trust vs so we will now that we know the crue We doubt not but the proudest shall this day dealings rue Now sith we know the good the rest shall know our minde We doubt not for these bleding woūds some healing salue to find Such tooles we haue in store to fel this rotting moote That quicklie shall pul vp and rase the branches with the roote This seede of Luthers sect which now begins to spring Shall to the fields where it doth growe a wofull haruest bring It's time to looke about it's time to set some stay For if we sleepe we see there be that watch for our decay But they shall haue their meede they shall not lose their hire They shortlie shal with sorrow feele the waight of Princes ire Thus said in raging wise he turneth quite about And pausing staid a while as one that seemde to doubt But yet such rankor rose and boiled in his breast That presentlie he gaue in charge that there they should arrest Annas Burgeus as the chiefe and him to prison bring Who was he thoght the only root by whō the rest did spring When this was said and that the King had so decreed Mongomerie Captaine of the gard was he that did the deede Now good Burgeus is in linkes and irons fast Which sodaine fall did sore appall make the rest agast The King vnwilling was to haue the cause deferd But time and Iudges were assignde to haue the matter heard But such appointed were to iudge this weightie case Which hated him and sought the truth by falshood to deface Which partiall minded men Burgaeus did refuse And to the Senate did recount their olde and ancient vse Which was if anie one of them did chance to slide The order was by all the rest his dealings should be tride
towne the masters their mates This is the onelie time this matter to dispatch But being fled these birds are not so easie for to catch The towne of Paris will most gladlie giue consent And threescore thousand fighting men prouide for this intent So shall we quicklie see the ende of all our strife And in a moment shall dispatch these rebels of their life But if we stand in feare and let them scape our hand They will procure in time to come great trouble in our land For if the Admirall his strength receaue againe Can anie doubt but that he will be mindfull of his paine It is a simple thing for Princes to beleeue That new goodwil an ancient hate from galled hearts caÌ„ driue Therefore if we permit these Rebels to retire We soone shall see by warres againe our Countrie set on fire This is a womans minde and thus I thinke it best Now let vs likewise heare I pray the sentence of the rest This counsell of them all was liked passing well And in respect of present state all others did excell Some doubting mused long which were the better waie The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Condee for to slaie Or els to saue their liues in hope they would recant Because the proofe of perfect yeres they both as yet did want But here they did preuaile as God no doubt would haue Vvho thoght it best in this assalt these princely youths to saue Because they were in hope that when those impes should see Their mates tormeÌ„ted thus they would most willingly agree To bow where they would bind to go where they would cals And to forswere their former faith would make no dout at all But all the rest remaine condemned for to die Vvhich cruell verdit must be put in practise presentlie The night that should insue then next without delay Beginning ere the same were spent long time before the day The Duke of Guise was thought the fittest of the traine To take in hand this bloodie plot to haue the godlie slaine Concluding thus they goe each one vnto his place The godlie doubting nothing lesse than this so heauie case HEere is the first part plaide and heere I doo lament My slender skill wants fitted phrase the sequele to depaint The Duke in office put begins for to prepare So that in troopes the armed men ranne busling here and there With noise threatning words as though some tumult were Preparing now in euerie streete which made the wisest feare Vvhat would insue At length the Admirall did heare This tumult and not knowing how the truth for to inquire He sent vnto the King to know the full intent Vvhy in the night in riot wise these armed people went Thus raging in the streetes and where it were his will If so he would not feare but rest in hope of safetie still The King returned word and wilde him not to feare For this was done by his aduise yet not in euerie where But in some certaine waies these armed men were set The foolish rage of leaud attempts by this in hope to let O leaud and filthie lie vnseemlie for a King Vvhat Turke or Diuell could deuise a more vnworthy thing For when the Duke of Guise had all in order set And nothing rested which might seem their purpose for to let He Marcell calls in hast and wills him haue a care That all the masters of the streetes ere midnight did repaire Vnto the Counsell hall where they should heare at large Great matters froÌ„ the King himself of straÌ„ge speciall charge The message being done they all without delaie Assembled were to know the thing the Guises had to saie Where Prouost Carron rose with stomacke stout and bolde And garded with a Guisian troope this bloodie message tolde My frends quoth he giue eare and marke what I shall saie The Kings intent is presentlie this night without delay Those Rebels to destroy which now these latter yeeres Bore armes against his Grace which thogh they be his peeres Yet will he quite pull vp and roote the lawlesse race Of theÌ„ that long haue sought by force his dealings to disgrace And what a happie time I praie my mates is this When fast within our Citie wals the Captaine closed is That siercelie brued the broile of this our doubtfull strife And manie times hath put vs all in danger of our life Their trust by treason trainde is cause of this deceite Oh happie she that wrought the molde of this so cunning feat Their freÌ„ds will proue their foes sweet plesures wil haue pain And being here they are not like to see their homes againe Their chambers prisons are their beds shall be their graue And ere the day appeere we must a glorious Conquest haue Be strong therefore my frends make sharpe the fatall knife For of these Rebels ere the day not one shall scape with life Their leader and their guide lies wounded in his bed And therefore as the chiefest foe we'ill first haue off his head And when we haue dispatcht the Rebels we haue heere We'ill likewise ransack all the Land of like that shall appeere This is the Kings intent this is his Graces minde To doo this feate let him in vs a willing courage finde And for a token when this murder shall begin The warlike trumpet shall not sound nor banner shalbe seene But Tockeseine shalbe heard this bloodie newes to bring For then begin when as you heare this Pallace bell to ring The badge which you shall bear by which you shal be known Shalbe a Linnen cloath of white made fast about the brawne Of left side arme and eke a crosse vpon your cap Of white likewise and these keepe fast what euer chance may hap And this is all my frends that I haue now to saie Come follow me and let's begin and vse no more delaie This while the Duke of Guise did shew his whole intent Vnto the Captaines of the gard and bad them giue consent With courage to performe so great and famous act Which seruice as the case did staÌ„d they might not loÌ„g protract Now shortlie after this the Duke with manie more Accompanied with the Cheualier and armed men great store Came posting to the gate which Câ—ssin tooke to keep Woe worth the time wheÌ„ they did trust the wolfe to gard the sheepe The Admiral knew wel the tumult of this rout Yet this nor anie thing could make his valiant heart to doubt For though he had but few scarce tenne within the place Yet nothing could at all preuaile to make him doubt his case For oft he would repeate the Kings assured loue Approoued by so manie signes as you haue heard aboue What though the CoÌ„mons rise what thogh the tumult rage When they shal see the princes gard their malice wil asswage I know the King will not by treason false his faith Thogh for the same there might ensue
plighted faith Then happie is the man that timelie can beware Of Popish treason which doth seeme great fauor for to beare NOw haue you heard at large the chiefe of bruted broile That lately for the Truth hath bin in France my natiue soil The Lord grant England peace and mercie from aboue That from the Truth no trouble may their fixed heart remoue With wished life and health Lord long preserue and keepe That Noble Queene Elizabeth chiefe Pastor of thy sheepe And that she maie finde out and hunt with perfect hate The Popish hearts of fained frends before it be too late And that in wofull France the troubles that we see To England for to shup the like may now a warning be And where our wound is seene as yet so fresh to bleede Lord grant to England that they maie in time take better heede Now sith you doo perceaue of France the wofull case Good sir I pray you giue me leaue to seâ—ke some other place I feare that I haue staid and charged you too long In warping forth these bloodie broiles in rude rustick song Not so good frend but if with me thou wilt remaine I shall not think it anie charge nor count it anie paine To heare and keepe thee still but if thou wilt depart For thy discourse take this reward thanks froÌ„ frendlie hart And so my frend farewell Lord shield thee from annoy And grant vs al that we may meete with Christ in perfectioy Amen Lord Iesus Christ the praise be thine For blessing of this worke of mine Anna Dowriche Giue God the praise Veritie purtraied by the French Pilgrime FRom Seate supernall of coelestiall Ioue Descended Truth deuoid of worldlie weed And with the brightnesse of her beames she stroue Gainst Sathan Sinne Adams fleshlie Seed Reproouing wrongs bewailing worldlings need Who thinke they swim in wealth blinded by guile Yet wanting Truth are wretched poore vile The World reproou'd in rage attempts hir wracke Sathan assists malicious Men deuise Torments for Truth binde scourges at hir backe Exclaime against hir with blasphemous cries Condemning hir exalting earthlie lies Yet no despite or paine can cause hir cease She wounded springs bedeckt with crowne of Peace FINIS The pitifuâ—… mentation 〈◊〉 godlie Freâ—… Exile whiâ—… for persecuâ—…on forsooke 〈◊〉 Countrie â—emie 9. 12. Samuel 15. Exedus 17. 4. Numb 24. 20. France compared with Iuda Egipt Agipt and Ierusalem a The French â—â—lgrime haâ—â—ng espied the â—uthour comâ—eth to him b The tâ—â—â—g beâ—eene them c The Pilgrim d The Englishâ—â—n the Auâ—â—or e The Exile The FreÌ„ch Pâ—â—grime describeth the causâ— of the Ciuill warrs in Frâ—â—â— Matth. 10. 34. Luke 12 31. The first cratiâ—â—â— of the diuell 〈◊〉 the king the Queen mother â—nd Court of â—aris a In the raigne of Henrie the second Anno 1557. b Philip King of Spaine hauing married Marie Queene of Englande gaue the Constable of FraÌ„ce a great ouerthrow which afterward was called the ouer throw of Laurence Day c The godlie in danger fall to praâ—er as their best refuge d The wicked cannot abide â—nie good exercise e The violent and mad rage of Sathan against the word A certain gate in this assault by the prouidence of God was wonderfullie opened for the sauegard of manie when the houses were on euerie side beset Murder with Sathans Misters findeth more frendship thaÌ„ the truth The exercise of the godlie Commandement was giueÌ„ by the King that some meet men should be chosen to consider the causes of these captiues a The cause of this great tumult â—â—thans wickâ—d policie by â—is ministers to â—â—â—face the â—â—â—uth with â—â—â—ined lies â—he first lie â—â—at Sathan â—readeth aâ—â—inst the godâ—â— The diuels amâ—assadâ—rs Princes are many times abused by lying Parasites The chiefe angels of Sathan which fight against Michael our Christ are the wicked Princes potentates of the world Reuel 12. 7. They that of the Lord haue receiued greater portion of knowledge and faith are bouÌ„d to comfort the weaker The comfortable speeches of the godlie one tewards another Patience a notable token of Gods election and loue Fasting and praieâ— the onelie best weapoÌ„s of the godlie â—n aduersitie The godly captiues write to the King â—â—thaa alwaie â—â—â—idie at a â—â—â—ch 〈◊〉 earnest â—â—â—ters the seâ—â—d time wrâ—tâ—â—n to the king 〈◊〉 the innocent â—â—â—tiues 〈◊〉 his K. Henry 〈◊〉 2 was once 〈◊〉 enimie to 〈◊〉 e Pope and â—â—â—emed to faâ—â—â—r the Gospel â—â—od for his â—â—â—ercie manie â—â—â—â—es giueth â—â—â—yrants little â—â—â—wer The bloud of the Martirs iâ— the seede of the Church Truth the true Phoenix Such are worthie men to be the diuels châ—pions He that haâ— bin once false for sworn is nâ—â— to bee receiue a witnes in a 〈◊〉 matter The wicked make quicke dispatch in 〈◊〉 demning the godlie â—he triumph 〈◊〉 the godlie oâ—â—â—r their eneâ—ies euen in 〈◊〉 midst of 〈◊〉 fire â—m 1. 2. â—b 5. 17. Cro. 32 31 â—ct 4. 28. â—â—ohes 1. 11. 〈◊〉 â—hil 1. 28. â—â—nes 4. 10. â—ct 7. 60. Genes 4. 15. Genes 27. 41. Exod. 14. 27. Nomb. 12. 20. Nomb. 16. 33 Exod 17. 8. Deut. 25. 17. 1. Sam. 15. 33 Wisdom 11. â— 1. Sam. 19. 10. 1. Sam. 31. 4. 1 Sam. 25. 10. vers 38. 2. Sam. 16. 5. 1. King 46. 1. 2. Sam. 17. 1. vers 23. 1. King 13. 4. 1. King 19. 3. 2. King 30. Euse eccl hist 2. booke 7. Chapter Ibid cap. 9. Acts. 11. 23. Matth. 26. 47. Acts. 1. 18. Maxentius 〈◊〉 â—ulianus Vaâ—ens being perâ—ecuters of the â—aithfull had he like end Munerius put â—o open shame and banished its countrie a A Iudge that gaue sentence was strikeÌ„ with sodaine death b O the dedlie sting of a guiltie conscience c Two others cruell in the former slaughter died sodainlie in the sight of all meÌ„ d Other two as they returned from the murder fell at contention and at last were slaine one of an other The second example of the French crueltie Luk. 23. 12. * The graffe that greeued Sathan was the Truth which now in France increased dailie which was the cause of this present Persecution a The speaâ—â—s of the â—â—uell to K. â—enrie the â—â—cond b The King appointed an assemblie to be â—ade to consider of the Edict of Caâ—â—ellobrian c The speaches of the godlie against the Papistes crueltie The speaches of the K. Attornie â—o the Assemblie d This was Sathans subtiltie to bewray such of the Iudges as were suspecâ—ed for Religion which after was the cause of Annas Bargaeus death Acts. 5. 39. 2. Counsellers of the same Senate The Oratiâ—â— of the wicked Counsellors to the K. colourea with lies the more to moue him to wrath The speacâ— of K Hem the second vnto the Sâ—nate a The not aâ—â— Oration â—f Annas Burgaus â—eliuered â—efore the King in the â—â—at house b He setteth â—ut the poâ—er verâ—ue of the â—ord of god and what a â—lessing it â—ringeth to them that
preuaile Vve see that al our bloody broiles their courage cannot quaile Vve see how Noble men their forces dailie bend To counter crosse our planted plots this cause for to defend Two ciuill warres are past the third is now in hand Vve see how stoutlie they are bent our forces to withstand Therefore we must deuise to plaie some other part Or else in vaine we take in hand these Princes to subuart Now lend your listening eares and marke what I shall saie A secret thing I haue bethought which here I will bewraie You must make show as though you loude to liue at ease As wearie of these broiles you must intreate to haue a peace The King as chiefest man this plaie must first begin By louing letters words and cheere at first to bring them in And looke what they mislike the King must rase it out And yeeld to all things they request to put them out of doubt The King must shew such face to them aboue the rest As though he did vnfeinedlie of all men loue them best The worst of all their band the King must intertaine With such good will that no mistrust in anie maie remaine And he must make them know as though of late he felt Some pricke in conscience for the cause against the which hee delt And that he will forgiue al quarrels that are past In hope that this their new goodwil with loue might euer last And he must make complaint as though he did of late Mislike the dealings of the Guise and such as they doo hate And then the Guises must awhile from Court retire For thus you shall intrap them all and haue your full desire The King must yeeld to all that they request or craue And he must grant for to cōfirm the thing that they wold haue The Mother Queene in this must also play her part That no suspect of treason maie remaine within their heart And here you must giue out as though you would imploie Their seruice in some forreine warres which dooth your State annoie As if you would not trust the weight of such affaires To anie man but them alone whose faith and watchfull cares You long haue tried and so you maie your plot prepare By these and such like fained things to trap them in your snare If this preuaile not then I stand in fearfull doubt What practise next to put in vre to haue them rooted out Now therefore say your minde if thus it be not best To cut them off that so againe we all may liue in rest The Counsell did agree this was the onelie waie And euerie man did giue his word this sentence to obaie And that they would deuise such things to put in vre As best might fit this cursed plot and make the same most sure Which Sathan hearing rose and thankt them with his heart That they to him so willing were and so they did depart Then presentlie the King in post a message sent Vnto the Admirall to whom he shewed his good intent Which was that he was loath more ciuill warres to haue And that he greatlie did desire his subiects for to saue I will said he forget yea pardon and release All former griefes so that you will now yeeld to haue a peace Which might be now to me a cause of passing ioie For that I meane in forreine warres your seruice to imploie And first we doo require that we may ioyne our band Against the man that causeth all these troubles in our land Our Armies being ioynde we may the stronger goe Against the Duke of Alua whom we know to be our foe Great matters moue our minde against the King of Spaine For he hath taken Florida and late our sister slaine With lies of like deuise the godlie to betraie Requesting him most earnestly that he would come awaie And that he should obtaine what safetie he would craue Yea for his suretie there that he his faith oath should haue The message being done the Admirall as wise Within himselfe did halfe suspect the plot of this deuise And though that manie things did some suspition bring Yet all things els he doubted more than falshood in the King He thought the promise sure and firmelie did beleeue No treason could be ment wheras the king his word did giue The Admirall as one that was deuoide of feare And willing for to heare of peace vnto the King gaue eare So now the ciuill broiles which manie did intend By this deuise were pacified and brought vnto an ende It cannot be exprest what shewes of frendlie minde Both in the King and Courtiers all the Admirall doth finde His frends likewise which had the Gospell long profest As Countie Rouchfaucoult and eke Theligni with the rest Like grace and fauor found which made them so reioyce That to consent vnto the King they all did giue their voice And if in former warres the Admirall had lost Either castles houses townes or fermes what euer it shuld cost The King commanded straight for to restore them all And all things els which he of right of anie man could call And those whom he perceiude the Admirall to loue He blinded them with great rewards suspition to remoue Besides he did command out of his purse to giue To him an hundred thousand pounds his losses to relieue And when as it did chance his brother for to die The Cardinall Chastilion the King then presentlie The fruites and profites all of liuings all one yeare Vnto the Admirall he gaue his charges to forweare Yet not content with this one thing aboue the rest The King most frendlie did the which the godlie liked best He wrote to Philibert the Duke of Sauoie then That he should cease for to molest or grieue those godly men The which in former warres the Gospel did defend And that to such he should leaue off his rigor to extend And that the Admirall might no misliking finde He did by gentle meanes appease the Duke of Guises minde He tride to make them frends brought the same to passe Although it on the Guises part a fained frendship was The Cardinall likewise that was their greatest foe To chuse a Pope made thē beleeue to Rome that he would go So all things being done t'abandon all suspect What they mislikte the King would seeme the same for to reiect So that about the king they onelie credit winne Which did defend the Gospel which latelie were come in But nothing did preuaile to put them out of doubt So much as one thing which as now the king did go about Which was that he did wish his sister for to match Vnto Prince Henrie of Nauarre by this in hope to catch Them all within his snare for this he did conclude Not for good will but mere deceipt the godlie to delude Which match the King would haue consummate out of hand That so it might remaine said he a sure and perfect band Of that vnfained loue and inward
heartie care Which we to those that loue the truth gospel now do bear Vvhich made them all reioice and quite cast off their feare Vvhen in the King they did behold such loue frendly cheer Yet some did here alledge that conscience did restraine The Prince to match with her which yet did seeme for to remaine In loue with Popish rites to which the King replide That he to ease those scruples all such order would prouide Vvhich they should not mislike For he would there dispence Vvith all such rites and orders as might breed the least offence Vvhich Courtiers all mislike and openlie repinde Much doubting least vnto the truth the King had bin inclinde The Admirall againe was much confirmde besides By other signes not douting now their falshoods their slides The godlie did reioice to see the King so bent Not thinking of the treacherie treason that they ment So matters being past and parties all agreed In Paris towne to haue them ioinde by both it was decreed The Queene of Nauarre now a rare and vertuous dame Vvith others to the Princes Court in full assurance came Vvhere hauing staid awhile she tooke her leaue to ride To Paris for this solemne feast the better to prouide The King to like effect by message did request The Admirall that he would goe to Paris there to rest And see that nothing want for that appointed day And that himselfe would after come and make no long delaie And that he might not feare the mallice and the rage That Paris men did beare to him he said he would asswage The same himselfe and so he presentlie did write To Marcel Prouost of the towne perceiuing well their spite That he should intertaine and vse in frendlie wise The Admirall and all his traine that nothing might arise Which might offend his minde or burst to anie flame For if ther did he swore he wold most fiercely plague the same The King and Queene also vnto the like effect Vnto the Duke of Aniow did their letters now direct So that the Admirall not doubting anie foe Resolude himselfe and did prouide to Paris for to goe Where being come he found the king and all the rest VVith frendly welcoms so as more he could not wel request But whilst that euerie man was busie to prouide Within the court most sodainly the Queene of Nauarre dide Which afterward was knowen as some haue plainlie said That by a paire of gloues perfumde this treason was conuaide Which leaud and sinfull deede was now no sooner done But that the Kingdome of Nauarre descended to her sonne Heere-manie did reioyce in hope of perfect rest Yet this vnequall bloodie match the Guises did detest That dismall daie is come the marriage must begin Where were assembled solemnlie the chiefe of euerie kinne And for because the Masse their minds might grieue no more The mariage was solemnised before the great Church dore Of Paris with such words as both were well content Which done into the church the Bride in solemn maner wēt To heare a Popish Masse both she and all her traine Her husband walkt without the doore till she returnde againe Then home at last they goe with mirth and passing ioy They little thought this pleasant day would ende with such annoy And now begins the plaies the dancings and the sport Which were performd by Iusty youths that thither did resort The King and Nobles all in pleasures are so mad That for to talke of great affaires no leasure could be had And now the Admirall from Court had gone his way Had not some causes of the Church inforced him to staie Now from the wedding night fiue daies are come and past When as the King and Senate were contented at the last In counsell for to sit such matters to decide As best might fit their fained warres in Flanders to prouide Which ended neere about the middle of the day As euerie man vnto his house did take his readie waie The Admirall himselfe with other Nobles moe Along the streetes not doubting hurt in pleasant talk do goe A harquebusse was shot from other side the streete Which charged was with bullets two the Admiral to greete Which cursed blow did wound and strike this Noble man That thorough both his valiant armes the leaden pellets ran Which done althogh the woūd did tuch him somwhat neer Yet nothing danted with the stroke he said with wōted cheer From yonder house it came goe looke who is within What vilde vnworthie trecherie is this they doo begin And therewithall he sent in hast vnto the King Such as might show vnto his grace this bad shamefull thing The message being done the King as then did plaie At tennis with the Duke of Guise he fiercelie threw awaie His racket in a rage as though it grieude his heart That thus the Admirall was hurt and streight he did depart Vnto his Castle where a while he did remaine Close with his brother of Nauarre till he might heare againe More certaine newes but now the matter was too plaine That this assault was surelie made by one of Guises traine Now whilest these greeuous woūds the surgeons had in cure He sent Theligni to the King because he was not sure Where he should liue or die for to desire his Grace That he would now vouchsafe to come vnto that simple place Where he did lie for that he had a secret thing To tell him which did much concerne the safetie of the King Which was no sooner said the King was well content And with the man the message came without delaie he went They went likewise that sought the Admirall to kill The Mother Queen with al her mates no dout for great good will Which all no sooner did within the dore appeere But that the King saluted him with sweete friendlie cheere Alas my deerest frend how camst thou to this place Where wounded now I see thee lie me thinks in heauie case What arrant villaine wrought this leaud and sinfull act Would God I knew the wicked wretch that did commit thef fact For though my Admirall the hurt be done to thee Yet the dishonor of the fact and shame redounds to me Both which I will reuenge by death of God I sweare As like in France was neuer seene to make such wretches feare Such speeches had the King questions manie more Concerning Iudges health griefe and how he felt his sore To which the Admirall with milde and quiet minde Such answere gaue as moude them much such patience for to finde In him that had receaude such cause of deadlie ire Who did request but onelie that the King would straight inquire Vpon the fact which was I surelie know said he Procured by the Duke of Guise for great good will to me Which deede the Lord reuenge as he shall thinke it best For if I die I hope by faith with Christ to be in rest The rest he did desire a while to