A General Martyrology, Chapter 24 – Chapter 25
CHAP. XXIV. The Persecution of the Albingenses.
THese were the same with the Waldenses, differing only in name from their habitation in the Country of Albi. Divers of Waldo's disciples going into this Country, and amongst them one Arnold (from whom they were called Arnoldists) laboured with so good successe, that in a short time there was scarce any found that would go to Masse.
Pope Alexander the third was much moved to anger, when he saw many great Provinces to shake off his Antichristan yoak, and therefore he condemned them for Hereticks in the Councel of Lateran: Yet did they so multiply, that Anno 1200. they possessed many and great Cities; yea, they had many great Lords that took part with them, as Earl Remund of Tholouse, Remund Earl of Foix, the Vicount of Bezieres, &c. Pope Innocent the third pretended a great desire to reclaime them by preaching and conference; and thereupon there was a famous Disputation at Montreall, wherein the Popish Doctors were shamefully baffled by Arnold: But the Popes pollicy was thus to rock them asleep whilest he raised Armies against them to destroy them:Popish subtlity The pretended occasion whereof was this; There was one Frier Peter that was slain in the dominions of the Earl of Tholouse; whereupon the Pope sent preachers abroad through all Europe to assemble men together to take vengeance on the Hereticks, for the innocent bloud of Friar Peter, slain amongst them; promising Paradise to all that would come to this warre, and bear arms for fourty daies. This he called the holy warre, and gave the same Pardons and Indulgences to those that came to this war, as to those which went into the Holy land against the Saracens.
Then did he thunder against Earl Remund, charging all Arch-bishops and Bishops through their Diocesse to pronounce him accursed and excommunicated,Popes rage against Earl Remund. and that with the sound of a Bell, and extinction of Candles every Sabbath and festivall day, for murthering of a good servant of God▪ He also absolved all his subjects from their oaths of allegiance to him; commanding every good Catholike to pursue his person, and to take and possesse his land, &c. He also wrote to all Christian Princes to stirre them up to get this pardon, rather by fighting against these Albingenses, then by going against the Turks. Earl Remund hearing of all these preparations against him, sent to the Pope, humbly beseeching him not to condemn him before he was heard, assuring him that he was no way guilty of the death of Frier Peter, but that he was slain by a Gentleman, who immediatly fled out of his Country, otherwise he would have severely punished him for it. But all was in vain, for presently came Armies of crossed souldiers to pour down their vengeance on him and his lands.
Amongst these were many noble men, and Ecclesiasticall persons, Arch-bishops, Bishops, Abbots, &c. to all which the Pope promised Paradise, but gave them not a peny.
The Earl of Tholouse perceived that he must either prepare for defence, or submit; the latter he thought the safer, and therefore he went presently to the Popes Legate at Valance; to whom he began to say,He goes to the Popes Legate. that he thought it strange that so many armed men should be brought against him, who used no other arms for his defence but his own innocency: And that concerning the death of the Frier, they should first have enquired the truth of the fact, before they thus moved heaven and earth against him; yea, if he had been guilty, yet there was an ordinary course of justice to be used against him, and not to wreak their anger on his innocent Subjects: and therefore Sir (said he) since I come voluntarily to you, armed only with the testimony of a good conscience, what further use is there of these armed Pilgrims? pray you therefore counte…mand these souldiers before they go to make any further spoil in my territories: for my own person may serve for a sufficient pledge, &c.
The Legate answered, that he had done well in coming to him, yet could he not send back the souldiers, except he would put seven of his best castles into his hands, which should serve for a hostage; Now did the Earl when it was too late see his own folly in putting himself into the Legates hands, and thereby making himself a prisoner, but there was no remedy, now he must take Laws from him that had him in his power, and therefore be told him that both his person and possessions were at his disposall, beseeching him that his Subjects might receive no more damage by the Souldiers.
The Legate presently sent to put Garisons in those seven Castles, commanding all the Consuls of every City presently to appear before him: and when they were come, he told them that Earl Remund had delivered up his Castles to the Pope, and therefore they were to take notice of it, that so they might acknowledge themselves lawfull Subjects to his Holinesse, in case the Earl should falsifie his Oath to the Pope.
The Consuls were much astonished thus to see their Lord devested of all his possessions: but that which most afflicted them was, to see him led to S. Giles to be reconciled to the Church, where the Legate commanded the Earl to strip himself stark naked all but his linnen drawers:The Earl whipt naked. then did he put a cord about his neck, whereby he led him nine times about the grave of Frier Peter, scourging him with rods all the while: The Earl demanded satisfaction for so sharp a penance seeing he was not guilty of the fact: the Legate answered, that he must submit if he would be reconciled to the Pope, yea, he must be thus scourged before the Earls, Barons, Marquesses, Prelates, and all the people: he made him also to swear to be obedient all his life to the Pope and Church of Rome: and to make irreconcileable warre against the Albingenses, &c,
Then did the Legate make him General of the crossed Souldiers for the seige of Beziers: The Earl knew not what to do: For to conduct an Army to fight against the Albingenses, was to sin against his conscience, and if he should fly away, it would furnis… them with new matter of persecution against him and his subjects.
In this extremity he stayed in the Army a few daies, and then went towards Rome to reconcile himself to the Pope.
Then did the Army come before the City of Beziers, and provided all manner of Engines for battery,Beziers besieged. reared up ladders for a general Escalado: this the Earl of Beziers beholding, and judging it impossible to defend the City, he went out: and cast himself down at the Legates feet, beseeching him not to punish the innocent with the nocent, which must needs be, if the Town were taken by storm: he told him, that there were in the City great numbers of good Catholicks, which would be subject to the same ruine with the Albingenses: he desired him also to commiserate him now in his minority that was a most obedient servant to the Pope, and had been brought up in the Romish Church, in which he would live and die: The Legate told him that all his excuses prevailed nothing, and that he must do as he may: The Earl returned into the City, assembled the people, and told them that he could obtain no mercy from the Legat, except all the Albingenses would come and abjure their religion, and promise to live according to the Laws of the Church of Rome: The Popish party requested the Albingenses to yield to this, but the Albingenses answered, that they would not forsake their religion for the base price of their frail life: that God was able, if he pleased, to defend them, but if he would be glorified by the confession of their faith▪ Faith and courage.it should be a great honour to them to die for his sake: that they had rather displease the Pope, who could but kill their bodies, then God, who could cast both body and soul into hell, &c.
Then did the Popish party send their Bishop to the Legate, beseeching him not to include them in the chastisement of the Albingenses: and that the best way to win the others was by gentle means, not by rigour: the Legate grew into great choler at this, swearing that if all the City di… not acknowledg their fault, they should all taste of one cup without distinction of religion, sex or age: and accordingly he summoned the City presently to yield to his discretion, which they refusing, he caused that his Engines should play, and that a generall assault should be given.
It was impossible for them within the City to resist so great violence,Beziers stormed. being assaulted by above an hundred thousand Pilgrims: so that the enemies entred, and slew a great multitude, and set the City on fire,Barbarous cruelty. and burnt it to ashes: When the City was first taken, the Priests and Monks came forth of the great Church with Banners and Crosses, singing, Te Deum laudamus; but the Souldiers, who were commanded by the Legate to kill all, ran upon them, made their heads and arms to fly about the streets, so that they were all cut in pieces.
In this City of Beziers they slew sixty thousand persons, the Popes Legate saying to the Captains and souldiers, Caedite eos omnes, novit enim Dominus qui sunt ejus, Kill them all] Catholicks and Hereticks] for the Lord knoweth who are his.
Then were these Pilgrims presently conducted to Carcasson before the fourty daies of service, which they had vowed to the Church of Rome, were expired.
The Earl of Beziers when he saw that he could obtain no favour of the Legate, before the City was taken, left his charge to the Bishop, and went to Carcasson, endeavouring to prepare and furnish it for a long siege: but the Legates Army followed him presently, unto which there came a new supply of crossed souldiers out of sundry Countries, so that his Army now consisted of three hundred thousand fighting men.
Near to the City of Carcasson was a Town of the same name: the City was seated on an hill, and fenced with a double wall; yet the Pilgrims thought to take it at the first sight,Carcasson besieged. and therefore ran with great violence upon the first Rampier, filling the ditch with fagots, but they were beaten back with such courage, that the ground was covered with their dead bodies: The young Earl of Beziers won much honor in this first encounter, encouraging his men, and telling them, that it was better to die fighting, then to fal into the hands of such cruel and merciless enemies, &c. The Albingenses much encouraged hereby, swore to him that they would spend their lives for the preservation of the City.
The next morning the Legate commanded a general assault to be made upon the Town of Carcasson which was two miles from the City: & The people valiantly defended themselves, but being oppressed with multitudes, the souldiers entred the Town,Popish cruelty. putting all to the sword and fire, as they had done at Beziers.
Then came the King of Arragon to the Camp, and told the Legate that he understood that his kinsman the Earl of Beziers was in the City, and that with his leave, he would go to him, not doubting but that he should prevail with him to do his duty to the Pope and Church: The Legate gave him leave, and the King approaching to the Rampier, called for the Earl, who came to him: then said the King, that he desired to know of him what moved him to shut up himself in that City against so great an Army of Pilgrims? the Earl answered, that it was to defend his life, goods and Subjects: that he knew well that the Pope, under the pretence of religion, resolved to destroy his Uncle Remund, and himselfe: that he saw the cruelty which they had used at Beziers even against the Priests themselves: adding also what they had done to the Town of Carcasson, and that they must look for no mercy from the Legate or his Army: and that therefore he rather chose to die, defending himself with his subjects, then to fall into the hands of so inexorable an enemy as the Legate was: that though he had in his City some that were of another religion, yet they were such as had wronged none, and were come to his succour in his greatest extremity, and for their good service he was resolved not to abandon them, and that his trust was in God the defender of the oppressed, that he would assist them against that world of ill advised men,A brave speech who forsook their own houses to burn, sack, and ransack, and kill in their houses other men without reason, judgement, or mercy.
The King returning to the Legate, told him, that his cozen was much discontented with his former dealings against his Subjects of Beziers & Carcasson, that he believed, seeing they spared not the Romish Priests, their war was not for Religion, but a kinde of theevery: that he would not yield himselfe to the descretion of such mercilesse men, &c.
The Legate, after some debate, told the King, that for his sake he would receive the Earl of Beziers to mercy,Popish cruelty, and unleannesse. and that with him, twelve more might come out with bag and baggage, but for the rest he would have them wholly at his discretion, and that they should all come forth stark naked, men, women, maids, and children, without shirts, smocks, or other covering, and that then they might hope well of his mercy, he being the Popes Legate, &c.
The King much distasted this propositions, yet reported it to the Earl of Beziers, Carcasson stormed.who returned answer, that he would not come forth upon such unreasonable and unjust propositions, but would defend himself and his Subjects, as God should enable him.
Then did the Legate cause all his Engines to play, commanding, that they should take the City by storm,The Pilgrims repulsed with great losse. but he was little pleased when he saw the losse of a great number of his Pilgrims: for they in the City threw down stones, fire, pitch, brimstone, and boiling water, wherewith they so galled the assailants, that the earth… …s covered, and the ditches filled with their deads bodies, which … a wondrous noysom stink both in the City an Camp.
This overthrow caused divers of the crossed souldiers, having accomplished their fourty daies service, and thereby gained Paradise, to refuse to conquer more after so faire a purchase, and therefore they returned home.
The Legate being much troubled to see his Army so decreased, thought of this Stratagem, he sent for a gentleman, telling him that he might do a piece of service, whereby he might not only merit heaven, but gain a great reward here: which was by going to the Earl of Bezires, endeavouring to put him into great fears, and then to perswade him to have recourse to the Legates mercy, and withall that he should perswade him with great Oaths and Execrations (whereof he could absolve him at his pleasure) to come with him to the Legate,Popish Profaanenesse and perfidiousness. with assurance that he should be dismissed safe and sound.
This Gentleman plaied his part so well, that he brought the young Earl with him: The Legate presently told him, that he was now his prisoner till Carcasson was taken, and till his Subjects had better learned their duty: the Earl astonished hereat,The Earl made a prisoner. cried out that he was betraied, and that faith was violated with him, &c. but this nothing prevailed, for he was presently committed to the guard and custody of the Duke of Burgonne.
The inhabitants of Carcasson understanding this,A speciall providence. brake forth into tears, and were so astonished, that they now thought of nothing but how by flight to escape the danger, but that seemed impossible, being environed with such an Army: at last one told them, that he heard some old men say, that there was a certain vault under ground, great and large, which went to the Castle of Cameret three leagues off: Then were all the Citizens imploied to search for this vault, and having at last found it, they began their flight in the evening, with their wives and children, carrying with them only some victuals for a few daies. This departure was accompanied with much sorrow thus to leave all their worldly enjoyments: The next morning they came to the Castle, and from thence dispersed themselves, some to Arragon, others to Catalonia, others to Tholouse, whether it pleased God to conduct them.Carcasson taken
In the morning the Pilgrims were strangely astonished, hearing no noise nor seeing any man stirring in the City, yet they approached the wals with much fear, lest it should be but a stratagem to endanger them, but finding no opposition, they mounted the wals, crying out, that the Albingenses were fled, and thus was the City with all the spoils taken,Simon of Montfort made Generall. and the Earl of Beziers committed to prison in one of the strongest Towers of Carcasson.
Then did the Legate call all the Prelates, and great Lords of his Army together, telling them, that though it was requisite that there should be alwaies a Legate in the Army, yet it was likewise necessary that there should be a secular General, wise and valiant, to command in all their affairs, &c. This charge was first proffered to the Duke of Burgonne, then to the Earl of Ennevers, and to the Earl of S. Paul: but they all refused it: Lastly, it was proffered to Earl Simon of Montfort, who after some excuses, accepted of it.
The Earl being made general, settled himself at Carcasson with four thousand Pilgrims, all the remainders of that huge Army.
After this Earl Remund of Tholouse, went to the French King for his Letters of commendation to the Pope, to be by him fully cleared from the death of Frier Peter, and the Pope thereupon received him courteously, gave him full remission and absolution, and thereby declared him sufficiently justified.
Shortly after the Earl of Beziers died in prison, and Earl Simon was put into possession of his lands,Eearl of Beziers dieth. whereupon all that bordered upon him began to fear him, for that he gave it out that the Spring following he would have a great Army of Pilgrims, wherewith he would chastise those that had not acknowledged his authority given him by the Church. Upon this occasion Castris sent unto him the keys of their City; the Castle of Pinies yielded to him, and so did all round about Carcasson: But the King of Arragon secretly encouraged the Gentlemen of the Vicounty of Beziers, The King of Arragon encourageth the Albingenses.telling them that his Pilgrims would be uncertain, and would not stay long with him, and that if in the mean time they would but keep themselves in their Garisons, when he was weak by the departure of his Pilgrims, they might then set upon him, and reduce him to reason.
These messages gave such encouragement to the Gentry, that the Earl Simon being gone to Montpelliar, they took arms to shake off his yoak, besieging some of his souldiers in a Tower near to Carcasson: the Earl hearing of it presently returned to succor them, but the Tower was taken before he came, which affront brought him into some contempt: Then Captain Boucard belonging to Earl Simon, attempted to surprise the strong Castle of Cabe…et, making his approach thereto as secretly as he could: Captain Roger commanding therein for Earl Remund, was come forth with eighty horse to forrage: Boucard on the sudden charged him: but Roger doubled the charge in so furious a manner, that he overcame Boucards party, and brought him prisoner into that Castle that he came to surprise.
Gerad of Pepios took part with the Albingenses, so that the warre grew hot:Earl Simons pride abated. but all the men that Earl Simon took, he caused a great fire to be made, and cast them into it: neither did his men escape scot-free, when they fell into their enemies hands.
The City of Carcasson was hereupon stricken with great fear, having little hope to defend themselves, but by flight, being environed on all sides by their enemies. About this time Earl Simon wrote to all the Prelates through Europe, that if in the Spring following they did not send him good store of Pilgrims,Prodigious cruelty. he could hold out no longer against his enemies, having since the last departure of his Pilgrims, lost above fourty Towns and Castles; And whilest that he waited for these new succours, he surprised the Castle of Beron, where he pulled out the eyes of above a hundred Albingenses, and cut off their noses, leaving only one with one eye to guide the rest to Cabaret.
Anno 1210. Earl Simon being shut up in Carcasson for want of souldiers, heard that his wife was comming from France with many Pilgrims, whereupon he went out to meet her: These Pilgrims he imployed against the Castle of Menerbe, Menerbe taken.which at last was yielded up to him for want of water. This Castle was defended by Remund, Lord of Termes, and was scituated in Narbonne: one argument which Earl Simon used to stirre up his crossed souldiers to fight manfully against it, was, For (that saith he,) there hath been no Masse sung in it since the yeare 1180. which is now thirty years, Upon the surrender of the Castle they laboured to draw this noble Lord to recant his religion, and turne Papist; but finding him immovable, they shut him up in a straight prison, where shortly after he died: they also took his wife, sister, and daughter, who was a maid, and other Noble women, with whom they laboured to withdraw them from the truth both by flattery and frowns, by faire speeches, and cruell threats, but when they saw that nothing would prevaile, they made an huge fire, casting them into the same, and burning them: God fridi Annales. Also after his taking of the said Castle, he caused a Frier to preach to the people, and to exhort them to acknowledge the Pope and Church of Rome: but they not staying till he had done▪ cried out,Courage and constancy. We will not forsake our faith, you labour but in vain, for neither life nor death shall make us abandon our beliefe. Then did the Earl and Legate cause a great fire to be made, and cast into it a hundred and fourscore men and women, who went in with joy, giving God thanks for that he was pleased so to honour them, as to die for his Names sake: They also told Earl Simon that he would one day pay dear for his cruelties. All that saw their valour, and constancy were much amazed at it.
Then did the Earl besiege the Castle of Termes, which also at last was taken for want of water; yet they within the Castle,The Castle of Termes taken. when they perceived that they could hold out no longer, one night quit the place and passed away undiscovered. The Castle de la Vaur, was also besieged, in which there were many godly people: Thither came many Pilgrims to the Legate, from all Countries; and amongst others,Six thousand Pilgrims slain. six thousand Germanes, of whose coming the Earl of Foix hearing, he laid an ambush for them, overthrew and slew them all, not one escaping but an Earl that carried the news to Earl Simon. After six moneths siege the Castle of Vaur was taken by assault,Horrible cruelty. where all the souldiers were put to the sword save eighty Gentlemen, whom Earl Simon caused to be hanged, and the Lord Aimeri on a gibbet higher then all the rest, the Lady his sister was called Girauda, was cast into a ditch, and there covered with stones.
And for the rest of the people a very great fire was made, and they were put to their choise, whether they would forsake their opinions, or perish by the flames: There were scarce any of them found that would doe the first, but exhorting one another, they went into the kindled fire of their own accord, saith Altisiodore, but more probably they were forced into the same, where joyfully they resigned up their spirits unto God: Some say that they were about foure hundred persons that thus perished by fire.
After the return of the Earl Remund from the Pope, the Legate still fought to entrap him,Popish subtilty but the Earl would not come againe within his reach. Then did the Legate send the Bishop of Tholouse to him, who pretended a great deal of love and friendship to the Earl, and by his subtilty at last prevailed with him to profer his strong Castle of Narbonnes to them to lodge in as they passed that way: but as soon as the Legate and his company were entred, they seised upon it, and put into it a garison, which was a continuall vexation to all his subjects.
Then did the Legate resolve upon the utter extirpation of Earl Remund, The Legate dies.and all his house, as the head of the Albingenses; but presently after this Legate dying, Earl Simon was frustrated of this hope.
About this time the English who now possessed Guienne, which bordereth upon the Earldom of Tholouse began to help the Albingenses, being stirred up thereto by Reinard Lollard, The English help the Albingenses.a godly, and learned man, who by his powerfull preaching converted many to the truth, and defended the faith of the Albingenses; for which they were so eagerly pursued, and constantly suffered Martyrdom: And this they did the rather, not only for their neighbour-hoods sake, or for that Simon Earl of Lecester was a rebell, and traitour to their King, but because this Remund Earl of Tholouse, whom they so cruelly whipped, and other wise abused, and had now also excommunicated, was brother in law to King John. For his former wife was Joane sometimes Queene of Sicilie, which Joane was K…ng Johns sister, and bare to the Earl of Tholouse, Remund, who succeeded his father both in the Earldome, and in his troubles. John le Maier much commendeth this Lollard, saying that he foretold many things by Divine Revelation, which (saith he) came to passe in my time, and therefore he putteth him into the rank of holy prophets: And for his learning it is evident by his comment upon the Revelation, where he setteth forth many things that are spoken of the Roman Antichrist. This worthy man was afterwards apprehended in Germany; and being delivered to the secular power, was burnt at Collen.
Anno 1211. A new Legate called Theodosius was appointed to succeed who excommunicated Earl Remund, Popish prideand the Bishop of Tholouse thereupon sent the Earl word that he must depart out of the City, for that he could not say Masse whilest an excommunicated person was in the City: The Earl returned this answer, being netled at his insolency,Popish hypocrisie. that he (the Bishop) should presently depart out of his Territories, and that upon pain of his life: accordingly the Bishop departed, and took with him the Canons of the Cathedrall Church, with the Crosse, Banner, and Host, and all of them barefooted in Procession: Coming thus to the Legates Army, they were received as persecuted Martyrs, with the teares of the Pilgrims, and generall applause of all.
Then the Legate thought that he had suffici…nt cause to prosecute Earl Remund, as a relapsed and impenitent man; but first he sought by craft to get him into his power, and with his fair flatering letters, he at last drew him once again to Arles: The Earl had requested the King of Arragon to meet him there. When they were both come, the Legate commanded them upon the pain of his high indignation, that they should not depart, but with his leave: Whilest they were there, the Earl was privately shewed by a friend, The Articles of the Legate to which he would enforce him to subscrib,Articles against Earl Remund. which were these.
1. That the Earl of Tholouse should presently dismiss, and cashiere all his men at Armes, not restraining one.
2. That he shall be obedient, and subject to the Church: and repaire all the costs, and damages which the Church hath been at.
3. That in his lands, no man should eat of more then two sorts of flesh.
4. That he shall expell out of his territories all the Hereticks, and their allies.
5. That he shall deliver into the hands of the Legate, and of Earl Simon, all those persons that shall be named unto him.
6. That no man in his lands whether noble, or ignoble, shall were any costly apparell, but black course clokes.
7. That All his Castles of defence shall be razed to the ground.
8. That no Gentlemen of his shall live in any City, or Castle, but in country houses, or villages only.
9. That he shall not levie in his land any taxes, or tolls, but such as in old time were accustomed.
10. That every Master of a family shall pay yearly four Tholousian pence to the Legate.
11. That when Earl Simon shall passe through his countries, he shall beare their charges.
12. That after his performances of these things, he shall go into the Holy land to fight against the Turke, and never return againe into his owne country, but by the leave of the Pope, or his Legate.
Remund having read over these Articles shewed them to the King, who advised him presently to mount on horseback, least seising upon him, they might the better become masters of all his estate which accordingly he did. The Legate was much troubled that he had thus lost his prey, and despairing to do any more by subtilty, he resolved to set upon him by force: and thereupon he besieged the Castle of Montferrand, where Baldwin, Earl Remund in danger.the brother of the Earl of Tholouse was governour: Baldwin, at least pretending inability to defend the place, yielded it up, and abjuring his opinions turned Papist.
The Earl of Tholouse seeing himselfe thus betrayed by his brother, lamented exceedingly:His brother betrays him. but a greater mischiefe soone after befell him: For the Legate, and Earl Simon wonne from him by their subtilty, the King of Arragon, his only prop under God: and that by this meanes they agreed that the King of Arragons daughter should be married to Earl Simon's eldest son, in consideration whereof the King of Arragon invested Simon in the Earldom of Beziers: and now they intend jointly to besieg Tholouse: For which end the Bishop of Tholouse was sent to levy souldiers in France, and at his returne hasted to Tholouse: which Earl Remund hearing of, sallyed out of the City with five hundred horse, and some foot, marching to the bridg which goeth over the river of Garenne not far from Tholouse, Tholouse besieged.hoping either to gaine it, or to breake it down: but being overpowered by multitude, he was forced to make a retreat, and the enemie pursued him to the very gates of Tholouse: But Earl Remund seeing their insolency, sallyed out againe with a greater strength, and charged them so gallantly, that he beat them back to the bridge, which being but narrow, he slew almost all of them there: and took prisoner amongst them,The Pilgrims beaten. Aimery the son of Earl Simon. Earl Simon hearing of this loss, hasted with all his army to the City, and gave a furious assault to it, but the ditches were soone filled with the dead bodies of the enemie beaten from their scaling laddars: and the Earl himselfe was beaten from his horse. In the middest of this assault, came the Earl of Campeigne soon enough to be well beaten for his welcome,The siege raised. Earl Simon finding such stout resistance from the Citizens, caused his Pilgrimes to spoil the Orchards, Gardens, and Vineyards about the city, which being perceived; the President of Argeves issued out of the City suddenly, and slew a number of the Pilgrims, and on another part, the Earl of Foix slew as many as he could meet with.
The Earl of Bar seeing the disorder of the Popish Army cried out a Bar, a Bar, but the Citizens of Tholouse charged him so bravely, that being discomfited, he was faigne to fly amongst the rest. After this victory Earl Remund returning to Tholouse caused publike, and solemne thanks to be returned unto God, for the same.
Earl Simon after this lead his Army into the country of the Earl of Foix, who was now sick, where he took some townes: also the Legat with another part of the army went to Roquemaur, and in his way took the Tower of Cassas;Popish perfidiousness…, and cruelty. and caused above an hundred men that were found therein most cruelly to be burned alive, and levelled the Tower to the earth.
Earl Remund being much afflicted for the loss, and alienation of his ancient friend the King of Arragon, studied how he might regaine him, and for that end propounded a match betweene his only son, and heire, and the King of Arragons daughter, which motion the King readily imbraced, and so their amity was againe revived.
Not long after the King of Arragon sent a letter of defiance to Earl Simon, who sent the same all over Christendom to stir up Pilgrims to assist him for the destruction of the King who (as he said) was now become the Captaine of the Albingenses: and in the meane time the Popes Legate raising an army in France, went speedily into the Earldome of Foix, and took some Towns, putting all to the sword without distinction of sex or age, and taking also St. Anthonies, he caused thirty of the principall men to be hanged in cold blood, after he had granted them their lives.
Anno Christi 1213. Peter King of Arragon with a great army of Arragonois, and Tholousians besieged Muret, a strong Towne scituated upon the river Garronne near unto Tholouse: There was in his Army the Earls of Tholouse: Comminges, and of Foix; but the night following, the Popish Bishops sent two Friers to him, desiring him to take pitty on the Church: and not to undertake the defence of the Hereticks, but they laboured in vaine, for the King would not desert them, whereupon they prepared the next day to give him battle, and whilest Simon Montfort was encouraging his souldiers, the Bishop of Tholouse carryed a crucifix in his hand, whereupon the Captains a lighting, adored it with and humble kiss. Then the Bishop of Comminges, getting upon an high place took the crosse in his hand, and blessed the Army with it, promising forgivenesse of all sins to all that dyed in that quarrell: Hereupon Simon divided his army into three Battalia's in the name of the Trinity, and so joyning battle, they fought very gallantly on both sides▪ till at length the King of Arragon was slaine, and so God (who doth not alwayes prosper the best cause) gave the victory to the Popelings, and they were slaine in the fight, and pursute about two millions of the Albingenses, as their enemies reported. The Albingenses attributed this loss to Gods judgement upon the humane confidence of the King, who trusted too much in his great numbers, and was feasting whilest his enemies were plotting,
After this victory the Popes agents sent abroad their letters into divers countries for a new supply of Pilgrims utterly to root out the Hereticks.
With this victory Earl Simon was so puffed up, that he summoned the Earls of Tholouse, Foix and Comminges, and the Prince of Bearn, to deliver to him the keyes of those Cities and Castles which they possessed: They returned no answer, but each of them betooke himself to his own Territories, to provide the best they could for their affairs.
Earl Remund retired to M…ntalbon, writing to them at Tholo…se, that understanding that the Bishop of Arras was coming with a great Army of Pilgrims against them, and that he was altogether disabled to defend their City, he had advised them therefore that they should make the best terms they could for themselves with Earl Simon, yet desired them to reserve their hearts for him, till God should give him meanes to free them from those miseries. In the interim, the Earls of Foix, Comminges, and the Prince of Bearn did what they could to infest the enemies Armies.
Upon the former advice the Citizens of Tholouse sent some Deputies to Earl Simon, to profer him the keyes of their City,Popish perfidiousnesse. whom he received honourably, and presently wrote to Lewis son of King Philip, that the City of Tholouse was offered to him, but his desire was that he should come and have the honour of taking it: The Prince went thither immediately, and had Tholouse delivered to him: Yet the Legate resolved that the pillage of it should be given to his Pilgrims, and the City dismantled, which was presently executed, though contrary to the promise made to the Citizens, that no wrong should be done to the City.
Then came there a new Legate of the Popes called Bonaventure with those that had taken on them the Crosse. Viz. the Earle of Saint Paul, the Earle of Savoy, the Earle of Alenzon, the vicount of Melun, Mathew de Montmorency, Subtiltyand other great Lords. The Legate seeing so many Pilgrims, feared least Prince Lewis should take upon him to dispose of divers places held by the Albingenses, to the prejudice of the Church: Whereupon he presently sent to all those places Absolution and protection, so that when the Prince came against them, they shewed that they were under the protection of the Church: Yea the Legate told the Prince, that since he had taken upon him the Crosse, he was to be subject to his commands; because he presented the person of the Pope, whose Pardons (saith he) you come to obtaine by obeying the Church, and not by commanding as the son of a King. The Prince dissembled his displeasure at this audaciousnesse; and the poore Albingenses were so oppressed by new Armies of Pilgrims, that they sunk under the burthen of it.
Prince Lewis retires.The Prince, when his fourty daies service were expired, retired himself, being much discontented to see so much tyranny exercised against the Albingenses.
Then did Earl Simon besieg the Castle of Foix, but having lain ten dayes before it, he found to his cost that the place was not to be won by him: For where as Earl Simons brother quartered at varilles, the Earl of Foix dislodged him, and slew him with his launce, putting to flight all his men. News hereof being brought to Earl Simon he swore that he would drive the Earl of Foix behinde the Pyrenaean Mountaines:Earl Simon beaten. but presently he had intelligence that a great Army of the Arrogonois, and Catalunians were come into the Earldom of Beziers, threatning to be revenged on him for the death of their good King, where upon he levied his siege in hast, and marched thitherwards: But the Earle of Foix, who knew the passages better then he, lay in ambush for him in a place fit for his turne, and suddenly setting upon his Pilgrims, slew a great number of them: only Earl Simon with a few others escaped, and went to Carcasson: but before he came thither, the Arrogonois were gone, else might they easily have discomfited him, yet shortly after they returned again, and Earle Simon was foundly beaten by them, so that he was forced▪ to shut himself up in Carcasson till he had a new supply of Pilgrims.
Shortly after came Remund the son of Earl Remund out of England, where he had been bred under his uncle King John,Young Remunds successe. with an Army, and quickly made himself Master of the City of Beaucaire, and almost famished them that held the Castle, so that they yeelded it up to depart with their baggage. There Earl Simon lost a hundred Gentlemen that he had laid in ambush neer unto the City, whom young Remund in a sally cut in pieces.
Earl Simon honoured.Anno 1214. The Legate called a Councel at Montpelier, for renuing of the Army of the Church, and to confirm the authority of Earle Simon; where they declared him to be Prince of all the Countries conquered from the Albingenses, which title was confirmed to him by the Pope also. Who stiled him the active and dexterous soldier of Jesus Christ, and the invincible defender of the Catholick Faith. But whilest Earl Simon was in the Council receiving this his new honour, a great rumour was heard in the City, and a messenger brought word that the people, hearing that Earl Simon was there, betook themselves to their Arms, purposing to kill him; whereupon he stole away by the walls of the City on foot, without any company, and so escaped; so that in one houre he saw himself honoured as a God, and flying disguised, hiding himself like a base scoundrell,And disgraced. for feare of the rascall multitude.A Council against the Albingenses.
Anno Christi 1215. Their was a Councill held by the Pope at Lateran, where they gave the Inquisitors such power against the Gospellers, that poor people were every where horribly tortured that were but suspected for Heresie, and (as Tritemius saith) Frier Conradus of Marpurg, Popish crueltythe Popes Inquisitor, if he but suspected any as guilty of Heresie, vsed to trie them by the judgment of red hot irons, and such as were burned by the irons he delivered as Hereticks, to the secular power, to be burned in the flames: whereupon most of those that were accused were by him condemned to be burnt, few escaping the hot irons: In so much as Noble, Ignoble, Clerks, Monks, Nuns, Burgesses, Citizens, and countrymen were under the name of Heresie (by too headlong a sentence of the Inquisitor on the same day where on they were accused) cast into the cruell flames, no refuge of appeale or defence doing them any good▪
By the same Lateran Councill, Earle Simon had the forementioned lands of the Albingenses confirmed to him, and thereupon he hastened to the King of France to receive investiture, and as he went (saith the Monk of Sernay) in every City and towne the Popish Clergy, and people met him, crying, Blessed is he that commeth to us in the name of the Lord, and every man thought himself happy that could but touch the hem of his garment.
When he had recived his Investiture from the King of France, being attended with an hundred Bishops that had preached the Crosse in their Diocess, and with an exceding great Army of Pilgrims he hasted to make himself Lord of all those countries, which the Pope had given him. So that all men trembled at his reproach, and with this great Army of Pilgrims he took in divers places, using great cruelty,A new Army of Pilgrims. putting men women and children to the sword. Then was he marching to Tholouse, purposing to pillage and raze it to the ground:Cruelty. But by the way his wife sent him word that he must speedily come to her relief, being besieged in the Castle of Narbonnes, by the Earl of Tholouse; but by this time many of his Pilgrims were returned into France.
Yet Earl Simon hasted to the relief of his wife, and being come before Tholouse, the people by their frequent sallies made that place too hot for his abode.A popish brag. The Legate perceiving that he was much astonished at it, said unto him; Fear nothing, we shall quickly recover the City, and then we will destroy all the inhabitants; and if any of our Pilgrims are in the fight, they shall, as Martyrs, immediately passe to Paradise. hereupon one of Earl Simons great Captains said, Monsieur Cardinall, you talke with great assurance, but if the Earl believe you, it will be little for his profit, for you, and other Prelates have been the causers of all this evil, and will be of more, if he believe you. Then was it resolved that the City should be besieged on the side of Gascon, but the Citizens made such a blunt salley, that they put their enemies to flight; and presently the Earl of Foix coming with new supplies, fell upon Earl Simon ▪ chased him to the river Garonne, E. S…mon bea…enwhere many of his Pilgrims were drowned, and the Earle with his horse fell into the river, and hardly escaped.
The Earl Remund caused publick thanksgiving to God for this happy victory.Thanksgiving.
Earl Simon being in great perplexity, a Bishop bid him be of good comfort, for that the Cardinal had sent messengers throughout the world to raise him succours, and so he was inforced to wait, with much impatiency, the coming of these new supplies,
Anno 1218. There came to him a hundred thousand Pilgrims, and he was resolved that they should earn their pardons, knowing that at the end of fourty daies they would vanish: Whereupon the next morning they were ordered to give a generall assault to Tholouse: But Earl Remund perceiving in the night that they were very secure, because of their great multitude, he sallied out upon them, and that with so good successe, that ere morning all the field was covered with their dead bodies,Many Pilgrims slaine. and the Earl with his men being weary with killing, returned into the City to give thanks unto God for his assistance.
Then did Earl Simon enter into the Castle of Narbonnes to see if he could discerne any way to enter into the City, but finding none, it much troubled him, whereupon two Lords gave him Counsell to come to some honourable agreement: yet the Cardinal Betrand told him that there was no need for him so to do; To whom one of them answered, Monsieur Cardinal, pray you where finde you that you should take from Earl Remund, and his son that which belongs unto them: If I had known as much as I know now, I had never taken upon me this business.
After nine moneths siege the Citizens of Tholouse made another sally, killing as many of the crossed souldiers as they encountered with; and Earl Simon coming in to the reliefe of his men, had his horse shot in the head with an arrow, which caused him to run away with him, which one of the Albingenses seeing, with his Cross-bow he shot him thorow the thigh;E. Simon slain by a woman. Simon perceiving that he lost much bloud, was labouring to get out of the presse, but just at that present, a woman discharging an engine from the walls of Tholouse, a stone parted his head from his shoulders; and thus by Gods just judgement, he that had been the deflourer and murtherer of many women, was himselfe slaine by a woman.
Upon his death, the Legate and all the Bishops fled, never staying till they came to Carcasson, the Pilgrims disbanded and returned to their homes, and Earl Remund caused a publick Thanksgiving to be returned to Almighty God for this so signall a deliverance.
Afterwatds, at the instigation of the Pope, Prince Lewis of France went, and besieged Tholouse, but finding the business too hot for him, he returned without doing any thing of note:Prince Lewis his cruelty. yet in this iourney he tooke the towne of Miromand, wherein he cruelly put to the sword men, women, and children to the number of five thousand.
Upon his returne the Legat Bertrand being weary of these warres, wrote to Pope Honorius the 3. desiring to be recalled because of his age: yet with all, he signified a necessity of continuing these warrs Otherwise (saith he) not only the lands of the Albingenses wilbe lost, but the Church of Rome itself will be ruined, the Doctrin of the Albingenses shaking the authority of the Popes themselves: And (saith he) this war hath cost us very deare, for within less then fifteene years there hath dyed above three hundred thousand Crossed soldiers: and therefore all wilbe lost, except these Hereticks be utterly destroyed.
This occasioned the Pope to send a new Legat [Conradus Bishop of Portua] Also he granted to all Crossed soldiers that fought against the Albingenses the same in dulgences as to those that went to fight against the Saracens in the Holy land: Moreover he tooke King, Philip of France into his protection, and made peace betwixt him, and young King Henry the third of England: so that Philip wholly bent himself to roote out the Gospellers.
Anno Christi 1220. Earl Guido of Monfort, son,Earl Guido slaine. and heire to Earl Simon went against the Albingenses, but was soone after slaine by the E. of Sant Giles as he besieged a Castle in Tholouse: Then did his brother Almerick besieg the same Castle, and swore that he would never depart from it till he had taken it: But after a while, his hoped-for aides failing him, he was faigne to leave the siege and depart. After whose departure the Albingenses recovered many places.
Anno Christi 1221. the young Emperor Frederick, by the instigation of the Pope, published a cruell,The Emperours cruell edict against them and bloody Edict against the Gospellers with in his Dominions, where in he damned them with perpetuall ignominy, and declared them publick enemies: Commanding their goods to be confiscated, without redemption; and their sons to be disinherited. As also that all of them that were apprehended by the Inquisitors or others, should be kept in Prison, till they were killed with an abomminable death: The like punishment he commanded to be inflicted on all such as should aide, or assist them. Also he tooke away all benefit of appeale from such as were receivers, or favourers of them. And further he commanded that their houses, and the houses of such as should receive, defend, or favour them, either where they have taught, or where they have laid on hands, should be plucked downe,The Gospellers dispersed and never more repaired.
Also the same yeare some of these Albingenses going into Bosina and Dalmatia drew many of the people to imbrace their faith, whereupon the Bishop of Collen was sent thither by Pope Honorius as his Legate, and required to force them to returne to the Catholick faith (as they called it) either by perswasion, or by the arms of the Crossed souldiers, but where neither prevailed, he being a weary of the work, left it to the Frier predicants to see if by arguments they could convince and convert them,Persecuted. Columminus the King assisting them: and (saith mine Author) when they had got footing, they burnt with fires those that were obstinate in their Heresies, and purged the Churches which were defiled by them: Leander de viris illust. ordinis praedicatorum.
Anno Christi 1223. Bartholmew, the Bishop of the Albingenses of Tholouse, The Gospellers encrease.ordeined a Bishop for Bulgary, Croatia, and Dalmatia, where their faith spread so fast, that Bishops themselves were drawn to be of their opinion, whereupon Conradius Bishop of Portua, the Popes Legate wrote to the Arch-Bishop of Roan, and his Suffragan Bishops, to meet, with others Bishops at a Councill to be held at Sens against the said Bartholmew: who (saith the Legate) in his letters, stiles himself servant of the servants of God: and runs about, Creating Bishops, and endeavoring perfidiously to gather Churches. Mathew Paris.
Anno Christi 1226. (saith the same Author) the Crosse was preached all over France by Romanus the Popes Legate,The King of France against them. against the Albingenses, where in he commanded all that were able to beare arms to signe them selves with the signe of the Crosse against the Earl of Tholouse, and his people: and at his preaching, a great multitude of Prelates, and Lay men tooke upon them the signe of the Crosse, yet more for fear of the King of France, and for favour of the Legate, then induced by the justness of the cause. But the King of France being signed with the Crosse, would not take upon him the expedition, unlesse the Pope would forbid the King of England under paine of excommunication to move war against him for any land that he possessed at that present, either iustly or unjustly: which accordingly the Pope did, and our King Henry the third upon receipt of the Popes letters assembled his Nobles to consult with them what he should do upon this inhibition, at which time their was present one Mr William Perepund, skilfull in Astronomy, who constantly affirmed before the King; That if the King of France took upon him this expedition, he should either never returne alive, or else should meet with as greate confusion as might be, both of his person, estate, and followers.
The King of France having thus settled his affaires at home, he together with the Legate, appointed a Peremptory day for the Crossed-souldiers to come to a rendevous with their horses, and Arms at Lyons, from which at the time appointed he began his expidition with an huge Army which was accounted Invincible, whom the Legate followed with Arch-Bishops; Bishops &c. In the Army there were reckoned to be fifty thousand Knights, and men at Arms on horsback, besides an innumerable company of footmen; and then did the Legate publickly excommunicate the Earl of Tholouse, putting all his favourers, and lands under Interdict.
The King thus marching with his glittering Arms; and terrible Army on Whitson-Eve came to Avignion, the first City in Tholouse, purposing to destroy the whole land of the Earl, from one end to the other, and utterly to root out the Inhabitants thereof: yet very cunningly the King and the Legate sent to the Citizens, only desiring passage through the City, that they might follow their iourney the neerest way; The Citizens consulting together, returned answer, That they suspected fraud, neither would they admit them into the City, where upon the King in a great rage, swore that he would not depart thence till he had taken the City.
The Citizens valiantly defended themselves so that the sieg lasted long, and the Earl of Tholouse being a skilfull warrior,Avignion besieged. before the comming of the French Army, had withdrawne all kind of victualls together with the women, children, and cattell into places of safety: Hereupon the Kings Army fell into great wants, so that multitudes perished by famine: Their horses and beasts also were starved; for the Earl had caused all the meddowes to be plowed up in the whole country so that they had no fodder but what was brought out of France: And their wants daily increasing, many Legions went out of the Kings Camp to seek for food, and fodder,A Famine in the Kings Army. but the Earl of Tholouse with a flying Army, many times lay in ambush for them, and cut off multitudes of them. They also that lay in the siege before the City were miserably wasted by darts, and stones shot in ingines from the walls by the Citizens valiantly defending themselves; and a generall famine overspread all, but it raged most amongst the poorer sort, who had neither food nor money: Also out of the dead carkasses of men, and beasts their bred certaine great, and blackflies,A dreadfull Judgement which comming into there tents by swarms with an horible humming, infected their meat, and drink, and when they were not able to drive them from their cupps, and dishes, many of the Pilgrims perished suddenly by their meanes. But the King and Legate were especially troubled, and confounded to think what reproach it would be to them, and to the Church of Rome, that so gallant, and numerous an Army should vndertake such an expedition, and be able to effect nothing: Then the chiefe Princes, and Captains being weary of the long siege amongst so many deaths, sollicit that a generall storme might be given to the City, hoping by their multitudes to oppresse the Citizens, which being resolved upon, such a great multitude of Armed men thronged upon the bridge that goes over the river of Rhodanus, that the bridge breaking under them, three thousand of them were drowned in that swift river.Many of them drowned.
Presently after as the French were one day at dinner the Citizens discovering there carlesness, suddenly sallied forth,The French beaten. & violently setting upon them, suddenly slew Twenty thousand of them with out any losse to themselves, and so retired: and the King of France commanded the dead bodies to be throwne into the River affording them no other buriall:The K…ng removes further from the City. Then did he also remove his sieg to afarther distance, and to prevent the like attempts, caused a great ditch to be cast up between the City and his camp: and the Legate with his Prelates not knowing how otherwise to reveng themselves, Anathematized the Earl of Tholouse, and all the subjects: But whom they cursed, the Lord blessed: For shortly after he sent a very great plague into the French campe, so that king Lewis, to escape the same, retired himself into the neighbouring Abbey of Monpensier, where he resolved to remain till the City should be taken unto whom came Henry, A plague in the French Cam…Earl of Compaigne, desiring to be dismissed, having now sereved his fourty daies: but the King denyed his request. To whom the Earl said, that having performead what was injoyned, he neither might nor would be staid any longer: The King being very angry hereat, swore that if he departed, he would wast his whole land with fire, and sword: yet the Earl, according to his former resolution, went his waies: and shortly after the Lord struck the King with sickness whereof he dyed:The King of France dyeth. The Legate, and great Captaines concealed his death for a month together, and in the interim sent messengers laboring to draw the Citizens to a composition, and Commissioners, being sent to the Camp, the Legate perswaded them to resigne up their City to him upon promise, that they should injoy their lives estates, and liberties in a better manner then they had formerly: but they answered, that they would not live under the power of the Frenchmen, whose pride, and insolency they had often tryed.
After along Parlee the Legate desired that himself and the Praelates, might be admitted into the City, swearing with a great oath that he had continued the sieg so long only that he might seek the salvation of their souls. The Citizens giving credit to his promise, not suspecting his treachery, after mutuall Oaths given on either side, admitted him with the Praelates, and their followers into the City: but contrary to their oaths the Frenchmen followed, violently rushing into the City when the Gates were open,Av…gnion taken by treachery. and seizing upon the Citizens they bound them, plundered their houses, and slew many; and having thus by treachery made themselves Masters of the City, they brake downe the walls, and the strong towers of that noble City.
During this sieg their perished more then 22000. of the Pilgrims, by famine, sword, pestilence, and other waies: and so the rest returned to their owne homes.
Anno Christi 1228. The Pope [now Gregory] being implacably bent to rout out the Albingenses, stirred up the young King of France against them, who sent a great Army into Provence vtterly to destroy them, which Army hearing that the Earle of Tholouse was in the castle called Saracen, The young …ing of France persecuts them.they purposed to besieg him as being there shut up: But the Earl having notice of their intent, with strong troopes he lay in ambush in a wood through which they were to passe: & when they were come to the place, he gallantly assaulted them & after a bloudy fight, slew many, took two hundred Knights,His armies bea…en. & about two thousand men at Arms: The Knights he imprisoned: but of the other he caused some of their eyes to be pulled out, others to have their noses cut off and so dismissed them. That summer the King of France sent three Armies against them, all which were either put to flight or taken, and imprisoned by the said Earl. Mathew Paris.
Yet the same yeare, Imbert of Beavim went against them with a great Army of Crossed souldiers, amongst whom were three Arch-bishops, every one with the Pilgrimes of his Jurisdiction: And the Earl of Tholouse (being as it s…emes unprovided) was faigne to shut up himselfe within the wals of Tholouse, Tholouse besieged.where he was strongly besieged by the Pilgrimes, who also wasted, and spoiled his country, and harvest, far and nere on every side: And the siege continuing, the Citizens suffered great Famine, and when they were brought to this extremity the Abbat of Grandsylue went from the Popes Legate to offer peace to Earl Remund, and the Tholousians:A great Famine Some of the Earls Captains disswaded him from it, knowing the perfidiousnesse of the Papists, but the cries of the hunger starved multitude prevailed, so that a Truce was agreed upon for certaine daies, and Earl Remund upon the day appointed went to the place where the peace should be concluded. But when he came thither, the Abbat perswaded him that it was necessary that the agreement should be perfected in the presence of the Queen Mothers, who was regent of France, Popish treachery.and pawned his faith to him, that if he would go to her, she should go; and returne in safety. The Earl overcome by these promises assented, and Meaux was the place chosen by the Queen for their meeting. But as soone as Earl Remund came thither, contrary to all oaths, and engagements, he was made a prisoner, and had a guard set upon him that he might not start aside; and instead of a treaty, he must submit to whatsoever should be enjoyned▪
It was a lamentable thing (saith the Historiographer of Languedock) to see so brave a man, that for so long a time was able to resist the whole power of France, to come in his shirt, and linnen breeches barefoot, and bare-leged to the Altar in the presence of the Cardinals, and their to accept of such hard, and unreasonable conditions as they were pleased to impose upon him: Amongst which these were some:Unreasonable terms put upon the Earl of Tholouse. that he should abjure the Heresie which hitherto he had defended; That for the future he should be subject to the Church of Rome. That he should cast all the Hereticks out of his dominions: That he should give his only daughter Joane in marriage to one of the King of France his brethren: That he should pay a yearly stipend to six Popish Professors of the liberall Arts, and to two Grammarians at Tholouse: That he should take upon him the Crosse, and for five years wage warre against the Saracens, and other enemies of the Faith, and Church: And lastly, that he should levell with the ground the walls of the City of Tholouse, and the walls of 30. other Cities, and Castles at the appointment of the Legate, and fill up their ditches, and so remaine a prisoner in the Louver at Paris, till his daughter Joane was discovered to the Kings messengers at Carcasson.
Pope Gregories Counsells against them.Anno Christi. 1229. diverse Councils were held against the Albingenses: One at Tholouse, the Acts whereof were proclaimed in that City by Romanus, the Popes Legate, another at Narbonne, where more, and more cruell decrees were made against them. A third at Beziers exceeding in rigour both the former: and amongst the rest an oath of abjuration, whereby all persons, Males at fourteen yeares old, Females at twelve yeares old, were to abjure all Heresie as they called it, and to swear that they would keep the Faith, and defend the Catholike Church, and persecute all the opposers of the same: and that all that took not this oath within fifteen daeis, should be held suspected of Heresie, and proceeded against accordingly: also another Article was in these words: Item we forbid the use of the Old, and New Testament to the Lay people: Forbidding expressely that they have not the said books turned into the vulgar tongue. Also the same yeare on Munday, Thursday, Pope Gregory proclaimed Ecclesastical censures against them, and sent the prime Inquisitors of Dominicks order into France to put the same in execution, he wrote also to Lewis King of France to cast all those Hereticks out of France, and to cause the Earl of Tholouse to do the like in his Dominions, and to place new counsellors about him that might instruct him in the Catholike Faith, and Manners, and to cast all such from about him as might corrupt him.
And whereas the Kingdom of Arragon was infected with Heresie, Pope Gregory gave the Arch-Bishop thereof, and his Suffragans power to erect an inquisition against them.
Anno Christi. 1232. Died Fulco Arch-Bishop of Tholouse, who had labored twenty six years in extinguishing the Gospellers whom, Remund of Fulgaerio succeeded,Persecution continued. and so manfully behaved himself, that in his first year he caused nineteen of the Albingenses to be apprehended and put to cruell deaths within his Diocess.
Anno Christi. 1233. Queen Blanch, and the Popes Legate, so over awed the Earl of Tholouse, that they caused him to make cruell edicts against his owne subjects of the Albingensian Religion:A cruell Edict against them. That they should be persecuted, searched out, and taken: That whosoever could apprehend any one of them, should have a Mark for each of them so taken: that all that were suspected to be of their Religion should be excluded from office bearing, that all houses should be pulled downe, wherein any of them should be found, that all their goods and inheritances should be confiiscated: That the like should be done to all that should aid or abett them, or that should hinder, or not assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their office: That whosoever should be suspected of their Heresie, should have an oath given him to keep the peace, and the Catholike Faith: That the houses of such as should be detected of Heresie after their death should be pulled downe. That whosoever should refuse to weare the Cross should have his goods seized on. &c.
The bones of one of them burnt.The same year the Inquisitors were informed that in the territories of Brixia there had lately lived one Guido de Lacha, who was much honoured for his austerity, and integrity of life, but that he dyed out of the communion of the Church of Rome, having been infected with Heresie, whereupon they ordered his bones to be digged up, and burned.
The Earl of Foix, and Comminges, and the Prince of Bearne yet remained to be conquered: and the Popes Legate thought that the Earl of Tholouse was the fittest person to deale with them,A brave answer whereupon he caused him to write to them to perswade them to embrace the Catholike Faith, &c. But the Earl of Foix returned answer; That he could not forsake his faith in such a time wherein men might think that he did it rather out of feare then from any good grounds, and that it was fitter for them to convince him of the truth of their way then to allure him by promises, or force him thereto by Armes: And that if they brought that world of Pilgrims against him which they threatned, he trusted in God that he should make them know the Justice of his cause, and repent of the rashnesse of their vow. But the Earls subjects fearing that their Lord, being aged, and without wife and children, should leave them to the mercy of the first Conqueror, intreated him to come to a composition with the Legat, whereupon he began to treat, and at last yielded up diverse Castles into the hands of the King of France, upon promise that he would rule with justice and equity.
Anno Christi. 1234. the opinions of the Albingenses were much spread abroad in the parts of Spai…, and other adjacent countries:Albingenses in Spaine. and they had Bishops among them who boldly preached against the Romish errors, and especially against Transubstantiation: whereupon a Croisado was preached against them, and a very great Army of Pilgrims being assembled together were by Pope Gregory sent against them, who slew them all with their Bishops,Persecuted and destroyed. seized of their City and plundered them, whereby (saith Mathew Paris) they returned rich, and joyfully into their own countries.
Also about the same time another Army of these Pilgrims went against others of them on the borders of Germany, who retiring into a Fenny place for there security, were their all slaine.
But the same yeare the Lord raised up Trancavel, the natural son of the Earl of Beziers deceased, who was encouraged,Trancavell and others defend them. and assisted by a number of valiant Captaines, as Oliver de Fumes, Bertrand Hugon de Serrelong, Bertrand de villenense, & Jordaine de Satiat, who told him that they would assist him to revenge the outrages done to his father, who was deprived of his land, betrayed, imprisoned, and poisoned, whereupon he resolved to recover by the sword what was so unjustly taken from him: and before the enemies had notice of his designe, he took in diverse strong Castles, so that the Popes Legate, and Bishop of Tholouse were much astonished to see these men stand up for the Albingenses, whom they supposed to have been utterly suppressed.
Then did the Popes agents cause the cross to be preached, and the Bishop of Narbonne animated the people of his Diocess to go against them, and to make an end of the poor remainder of the Albingenses.
An army being raised, the Popes Legate led it to Tholouse, and when the Citizens appeared upon their ramparts, he told them that he was come thither for their preservation: They thanked him, but withall told him, that if he did not instantly retire himselfe, they would give him the chase.He prevailes exceedingly. And presently came Trancavell, who so bravely, and valiantly set upon the Legates Troops, that he quickly overthrew them, and chased them to the very gates of Carcasson, and the Legate had much adoe to save himselfe, but that which most angered the Legate was, that Trancavell found intertainement in some part of Carcasson, so that the Pilgrims durst hardly peep out of the City gates: and when he heard of any more Pilgrims comming to the Legate, he used to meet them, to lay Ambushes for them, so that usually overthrowing them, their designes were marred.
This man kept the field till the year 1242. and still prevailed against all the crossed souldiers that came against him, whereupon Ameline the Popes Legate wrote to the Pope, that if he caused not the cross to be preached in many parts of Europe, the Church was like to sustain much damage by this enemy: For (saith he) he is more cruell, and subtile, then any before him.
But a little before the Bishop of Tholouse was informed of a certain Matron, who having her children, brethren, and friends about her, was dying an Heretick, whereupon he ran to her, and found it even so by the confession of the woman her selfe: who desired to die in the faith of the Albingenses, and doubted not to be saved: then did the Bishop condemne her, and delivered her to the secular power, who presently carried her forth in the bed wherein she lay sick,A dying woman burnt. and burned her.
Anno Christi. 1235. Earl Remund getting from Paris, returned into his owne country, and forbad the Citizens of Tholouse to company with the Friers predicant, and shortly after expelled them the City: And the Monastery of Narbonne belonging to the same order of Friers was pulled down by the Albingenses. Earl Remund escapes.And in June following Pope Gregory the ninth made new Inquisitors against the Albingenses in Arragon, and France.
Anno Christi. 1236. King Lewis of France wrote to the Pope that Earl Remund had violated the Covenants which he had made with the Church: and had cast the Bishops Clergy, and Friers out of Tholouse, He is forced to submit.and brought Hereticks into their roomes, whereupon he desired that he might be reduced into order &c. And indeed by the power of the Pope, and King, he was forced to recall the Popish Clergy, and to banish the Albingenses, and to take upon him the signe of the Cross for the aid of the Holy land, by way of Penance for his former deeds.
The same year many imbracing the faith of the Albingenses bebeyond the Alps, Inquisitors were sent against them; especially one Frier Robert, who caused many of both sexes to be apprehended, and when they continued constant in the true faith,Persecution in Italy. and would not renounce the same, in the space of two or three moneths, he caused fifty of them (saith Mathew Paris) either to be burnt, or burned alive.
Anno Christi 1239. the King of France having garisoned divers Castles within the country of Albingenses who greatly oppressed them, they betook themselves to Armes, besieging those Garisons, whereupon they sent to the King of France, craving that present aid might be sent to them.1240. Then did the King of France send the Lord Iohn of Bellemont, with a great Army to aid them, who,Earl Remund prospers. comming into that Country, besieged the strong Castle of Mont-reall, and at last took it, together with divers others belonging to the Albingenses, whereby the were suppressed for that …ime. But the year after the Earl of Tholouse took Armes againe, and assaulted the Earl of Provence, who presently sent to the French King for aid: and the French that were about Avignion hasted to the reliefe of the Earl of Provence, which the Earl of Tholouse hearing of, he lay in Ambush in their way,Persecution in Millan. and suddenly setting upon them, slew many, and dispersed the rest, and the war so prospered in his hand, that in a short space he recovered to his former dominion above 20. Castles from the French, and Earl of Provence, and sharply punished his Rebels.Earl of Provence beaten
About the same time the Citizens of Millan, being provoked thereunto by the Pope, and Emperor: burnt many of the Albingenses, who were their fellow-Citizens.
Anno Christi 1241. The Earl of Tholouse continuing his warrs against the Earl of Provence, almost beat him out of his country,A great Persecution. so that the Earl of Provence was feigne to send to the Kings of England and France (who had married his second daughters) to mediate for him, and they writing to the Earl of Tholouse, obtained peace for their Father in law.
Anno Christi. 1242. the Bishops of Narbonne, and Albium, and the Seneschall of Carcasson apprehended two hundred of the Albingenses in a certaine Castle of Tholouse, who had Bernard Martine of Cathavell, and Raimund Agulbuerus, for their Pastors, and Ministers: All these upon examination, adhering constantly to the true faith without wavering, were cruelly burnt in the flames. Vignier, Hist. Eccles. And the year following there were 224. more of them burnt likewise.Pope Urban Persecutes them▪
Shortly after, it pleased God, that great contentions arose between the Pope, and Emperor, whereby the Gospellers enjoyed some breathing time from their former miseries: yet, Anno Christi. 1262. Pope Vrban hearing that through that peace their Doctrine was spread exceedingly, he made a Decree in this tenour. Albeit we be bound by our office alwaies to endeavour the rooting out the deadly poison of Hereticall pravity from all parts in the Christian world, yet now in a speciall manner this duty is incumbent upon us, when we perceive this plague to be growne up in our neighborhood through the iniquity of the times to the detriment of the Catho-Faith. That therefore the office of the Inquisition may be the more effectually executed against the Hereticks in the province of Lombardy: and parts adjacent, we enjoyne you, upon remission of your sins, that you doe your uttermost endeavours for the extirpation of it, and that you see that all Papall and Imperiall Lawes be executed against them: and for my owne part I will implore the aid of Christian Kings, and Princes, that Heaven, and Earth may be moved against them.
Anno Christi 1270 Petrus Cadarita, and Gulielmus Calonicus, were sent as Inquisitors from the Pope into the Kingdom of Arragon, Another Persecution.severely to punish those that had imbraced the Faith of the Albingenses, and amongst others they condemned Arnaldus Castlebonius the viscount, and his daughter Ermesenda, Countess of Foix: They also decreed their memory to be detestable, commanding their bones to be digged out of their graves, and to be burned: They also called Roger the nephew of Ermesenda, into judgement for the same crime.
Anno Christi. 1281. There was a great persecution raised against the Gospellers in the Country of Albi, by one William de gurdon, Captain and president of Carcasson under Phillip the French King, who by a proclamation commanded all the Albingenses to be extirpated, and searched out of their dens and lurking holes,A cruel Edict. and all such as favoured them to be utterly rooted out, as also that the innumerable company of their children, which would not be reduced to the Catholike faith, and unity of the Church of Rome, should not be admitted unto the City of Realmont, or the territory thereof, nor to the place of any honour or office: That such likewise as favoured or concealed any of them, should be banished forever from the City of Realmont, and their goods wholly confiscated, and their children be excluded from all honours and dignities. Yet notwithstanding the severity of this Edict, God hid and preserved many of them even in Realmont it selfe, as Diamonds in dunghils, though many of them fled into Arragon, and Sicily, where they might enjoy more freedom of Conscience.They increase, and are persecuted.
Anno Christi. 1285. Gareldus and Segarellus of Parma, and Dulcinus of Noudria, preached and spread the Doctrine of the Albingenses in Parma, and in many cities of Lumbardy; whereupon Pope Honorius by a publick Edict condemned their Doctrine, and commanded them to be rooted out. Bzorius.
Anno Christi. 1300. Pope Boniface commanded Guido, the Inquisitor, to dig up the bodie of Hermanus (one of the Albingenses) and to condemne and burn it in Ferrara twenty yeares after his death.
Anno Christi 1315 The Friers Inquisitors raised a great persecution against the Gospellers in Passaw in Austria, and burned many of them; who continued very constant in the faith, & took their death very cherefully: Amongst the rest one of them that was burnt at Vienna, confessed that their were eighty thousand of them in Bohemia, and Austria at that time, their cheifest Ministers were Bartholomew Faustus, Iames Iustus, Bononatus, William, and Gilbert: of whom James was murthered between two walls by the Mercilesse Inquisitors; Bononatus was burned alive, and William, Gilbert, and Bartholomew were condemned after their death, the house where they used to preach was pulled to the ground, and all that adhered to them were Anathematized.
Anno Christi. 1322. Lollard Walterus (from whom our English professors were called Lollards) was taken at Collen, where he had privately preached,Lollard. and through Gods blessings drawne many from ignorance and errors to imbrace the truth, & persisting constantly in his opinions, he was condemned, and burned alive.
Yet notwithstanding all cruelties used against them, their enemies could never prevail to a totall extirpation of them, but they still lay hid like sparkles under the ashes, desiring and longing to see that, wich now through Gods grace their posterity do injoy, viz. The liberty to call upon God in purity of conscience, without being inforced to any superstition and idolatry: and so instructing their children in the service of God, the Lord was pleased to preserve a Church amongst them, in the middest of the Romish corruptions, as a Diamond in a dunghil, as wheat amongst chaff, as gold in the fire, till it pleased God to disperse the Gospell in a more generall and publick way, by the Ministry of Luther, and his associates and fellow-labourers in the Lord, at which time these Albingenses received with greediness the Doctrine of the Gospel, and so became more eminent in their profession of piety then they were formerly.
Laus Deo.
Collected out of a Book called Luthers Forerunners, and out of Cades Justification of the Church of England, and diverse other Authors.
Here place the sixth Figure.