The Lives of Twenty-Two Eminent English Divines, Biography 23

The Lives of Twenty-Two Eminent English Divines · Biography 23

p. 243The Life of Gaspar Colinius Great Admirall of France.

GAsppar Colinius or Coligni, His Parentage.was descended of a very Ancient and Honourable Family; his Predecessors had Kingly Priviledges in their own Country; as the Power of Life and Death, of Coining Money, Imposing Taxes and Tributes, &c. His Father was Gaspar de Colonia or Colinius, who lived under King Francis the first; and had to Wife Ludovica Monmorancy, the Sister of Annas Monmorancy, Great Constable of France.

When in the year 1522. the Admirall Bonivet had taken Fontaraby in the Confines of Spain, as soon as he was returned into France, the Spaniards came and besieged it with a great Army: The siege lasted twelve moneths, whereby the Inhabitants suffered much extremity by reason of Famine.

King Francis hearing of it, commanded this Gaspar to raise an Army, and relieve Fontaraby, which Army he presently Levied; but in his march he fell sick, and died at Ax, August 4. Anno Christi 1522,His Fathers death. leaving three Sons behind him, Odet, Gaspar and Francis.

Ludovica his Widow, was made one of the Ladies of Honour to the Queen of France, and was very carefull of the education of her Sons, and lived a most chaste and vertuous life all the remainder of her daies, dying in Paris, Anno Christi 1547.His Mothers death.

Pope Clement the seventh, seeking to increase his Authority in France, Popes Policy.made the elder Brother [Odet] a Cardinall, knowing that by reason of the eminency of his Family, he might be very usefull to him. By which means the Inheritance fell to this our Gaspar, the second Brother,His Birth. who was born Feb. 16. Anno Christi 1517. whose ingenuity and towardlinesse appearing in his childhood,His education. his Mother was very carefull of his education; and for his Instruction in Learning, she made choice of Nicholas Beraldus to be his Schoolmaster, a man famous in those daies in France. She also provided him Tutors to instruct him in Military Arts; of such as were most skilfull therein.

This Gaspar being thus furnished both for Peace and Warre, when he came to the age of twenty four, the Dolphin of France, the Kings eldest Son besieging Baion at that time, Gaspar went to serve under him, and to put in practice what he had before gotten in the Theory: In which Service he shewed much alacrity and courage;His valour. He is wounded. and in advancing near to the enemies Trenches, he was wounded with a Bullet in p. 244his throat. The same year also the King having intelligence that his, and the enemies Army were ready to joyn battell in Insubria, Gaspar obtaining leave, hastened thither, and in that battell gave great proof of his Valour and Prudence; so that shortly after K. Francis dying, and his Son Henry succeeding to the Crown, he advanced him to great honour; and whereas his Uncle Annas Monmorancy was Generall of the Horse,His advancement. he made this Gaspar Colonel of a Regiment of Foot: In which Office he carried himself so well, that in a little space he gat much repute for his Justice, Valour and Prudence, and thereby became very gratefull to the common people: For whereas the Souldiers formerly by their rapines and plunderings used much to oppresse them, this new Colonel kept them in awe by military Discipline,His military discipline. especially he severely punished them for incontinency, swearing and blasphemy; and his Orders were so generally approved of, that shortly after the King put them amongst his Military Laws.

The same King also advanced him to greater honour, taking a great liking to him, making him one of his own Horsemen, which vulgarly are called of the Kings Order. And whereas contention arose about that time between the King of France, and King Henry the eighth of England about the Town of Bulloine, which a little before upon conditions of peace had been pawned to the English; the King of France distrusting the English, His military service.made this Gaspar Governour of all that Countrey; who presently going into Picardy, whither King Henry of France had sent an Army to besiege Bulloine: He with admirable art and diligence built a Castle near to it, which was such a shelter to the French, and did so hinder the Sallies of the English, that in a short time they were forced to treat about surrendring of the City. For the finishing of which Treaty, the whole businesse was referred by the King of France to our Gaspar, and his Uncle Rupipontius; which being ended, and the Town surrendred,He is made Admirall. Gaspar returned to the King, and was shortly after made the Great Admirall of France, which amongst the French, is counted the greatest honour in the Kingdom, having the command of the Sea, and the Kings Navy. He was also made Governour of Picardy, and of the Isle of France, and Captain of a Troop of men at Arms, and one of the Kings Councel.

Anno Christi 1554. Charles the fifth Emperour of Germany, and Queen Mary of England, raised great Armies against the King of France, and to resist such potent Adversaries, none was thought so fit by the suffrage of all,He is made Generall. as our Gaspar; and therefore he was chosen by the King to that place, who presently raising Forces hasted to the Confines of France, towards the Belgick Provinces to secure them against the approach of their enemies. At this time France was in great fear, considering the conjunction of such potent adversaries, and the King of France his want both of Money and Arms to resist them, so that many thought that the ruine of France was approaching. Whereupon our Admirall perswaded the King to treat of Peace; which counsell was so gratefull both to the King and his Nobles, that p. 245the charge of it was presently committed to the Admirall,He makes Peace with the Emperour. which within few daies he effected, to the incredible joy and rejoycing of all the Orders of France; and he was looked upon as an Instrument of saving his Countrey, especially considering upon what honest, honourable and profitable conditions he had concluded the Peace.

About this time it fell out that the Guises, who were Lorrainers by extraction, and pretended a Title to Sicily and Naples, which they said the King of Spain had injuriously taken from their Ancestors; perswaed King Henry of France, that for divers years they had held correspondency with a great part of the Neapolitane Nobility, so that if the King would but assist them with some competent Forces, they doubted not to make an easie conquest of that Kingdom. By this their counsell they violated the Peace which was made a little before with Spain, and solemnly sworn to on both sides,His distast of perjury. which was a great grief to our Admirall, who sticked not to say that such perjury proved alwaies, as dishonourable, so fatall to Kingdoms; and that God in all ages had been a severe revenger of it: Yet the King would not hearken to him, but commanded him to raise Forces in his Province.The cause of the feud betwixt, him and the Guises. This was the first cause of that deadly feud which arose between the Guises and him: There were some other smaller causes which further kindled that fire, which for brevity sake I omit.

The Emperour hearing of these preparations in France, thought to be before hand with them, and therefore raises an Army in the Low-Countries to invade France, which the King being informed of, and knowing that the first storm would fall upon Picardy, he presently dispatched away the Admirall for the securing of it, and before he he had marched two daies journey, he was informed by his Scouts that the Spaniards intended to besiege San-Quintan in Picardy: He also received Letters from one Captain Brullius, that as soon as the Citizens of San-Quintan heard of the Spaniards intention, they were seized with such a Pannick fear, that many of them left their houses, and fled into the woods with their Wives and Children. Our Admirall hearing these things, dissembled the matter before his Souldiers, as well as he could, and shewing much alacrity, by great journeys hastened to San-Quintans. Whereupon two of his Captains [Gernacus and Lusarcius] endeavoured by all means to disswade him from it; telling him that the City was not fortified, neither provided with food and other necessaries to sustain a siege, and that the enemies would beleaguer it before he could furnish it with such things, and therefore they told him that it was better, and more for his honour, to disturbe the enemy in the open fields, then by shutting himself up within the Walls to expose himself to such danger. But he considering of what consequence that place was, and what advantage the getting of it would be to the Spaniards, adhered to his first resolutions; and having by the way adjoyned to himself about two hundred and fourty Souldiers, he hastily flies to the City,His courage. and sets all hands on work for the fortifying of it. The Spaniards being informed hereof, presently p. 246begirt the City with a siege,S^t Quintan besieged. and began to draw their Trenches about it, and possessed themselves of the Suburbs, whereby by rolling Trenches they approached the Wals. This our Admirall taking notice of, Sallied out upon them, and firing the Suburbs, drave the enemies further off; yet when he had throughly viewed the City, and found the weaknesse of it, he began to suspect that he could not long hold out against so potent an adversary.His fidelity to his Countrey. Yet considering that Gods Providence had cast him upon these straits, he resolved rather valiantly to die, then to give the enemy so great an advantage against France, by surrendring that Town to them.His industry. And therefore he laid out all his care, labour and industry, for the defending of it; and for the greater incouragement of the Citizens and Souldiers, he laid his own hands to every work that was to be done.

Whilst he was thus busily imployed, a Messenger brought him word that his Brother Andelot was gotten safe into the City with about five hundred Souldiers; the remains of a greater Army which the King had sent under the Constable for the victualling and relieving the City, which Army was encountred by a great party of German Horse and Foot,The French Army routed. who in the incounter had routed the French, slain many, and dispersed the rest; only in the time of the medly Andelot with his five hundred men had slipped into the City.

As soon as this defeat of the French was known to the Souldiers and Citizens, they were possessed with so great a fear that the incouragements of the Admirall were little regarded. Hereupon he calls them all together, makes a Speech to them, and shewed them that the safety of their Countrey should be preserved before their lives; and thereupon caused them all to take an Oath, that if any one spake about the surrender of the City, he should lose his head for it; himself also took the same Oath.

The City battered.In the mean time the Spaniards being elated with their former victory, presse upon the City harder then before; and for twenty daies together continue their battery against the Wals, whereby they beat down a great part of them.

The Admirall seeing this, and perceiving that they were approaching to give a generall storm, he encouraged his Souldiers stoutly to make resistance; telling them that if they did but withstand the first stroke, the enemy would not be forward to attempt a second. Where the greatest breach and danger was, there himself stood armed to resist in the very face of danger: Other places he commended to his Brother,S^t Quintan taken. and his other Captains. But whilest he was valiantly fighting in the breach, word was brought him that the enemy was entred in two other places of the City: Whereupon taking some of his trustiest Friends with him, he ran thitherward to oppose them, but before he came he found that that part of the City was filled with his armed enemies, against whom whilest he opposed himself, he was invironed by his adversaries and taken Prisoner,The Admirall taken. who presently carried him away to Antwerp.

p. 247Whilst he was Prisoner there, he fell dangerously sick,His sicknesse a means of health to his soul. and lay fourty daies tormented with a Fever; and as soon as he began to recover, he called for a Bible, by reading whereof he much eased and refreshed his mind and body; and by the diligent study thereof he began to embrace the reformed Religion, and to have a tast of true Piety, and the right manner of calling upon God.

Not long after he payed his Ransome, which was fifty thousand Crowns, and so returned home; and being weary of the Factions and Affairs at Court, and seriously thinking of his change of Religion, he gat leave of the King to turn over his Regiment of Foot to his Brother Andelot, He devests himself of his Offices.and his Government of the Isle of France to his Brother-in law, Marshall Monmorancy; and shortly after he sent one of his intimate Friends to the King, humbly to signifie to him that he intended also to lay down his Government of Picardy, and therefore desired him to think of one to succeed him therein: The King answered that he wondred at his resolution, and scarce thought him wise to divest himself so suddainly of so many places of honour and profit: and from that time he began generally to be suspected of his change in Religion,His temperance. shewing a minde so free from ambition and desire of rule.

Monsieur Andelot also discovering his resolution in Religion,Andelot questioned for Religion. the Cardinall of Lorraine (who hated the Family of Coligni with a deadly hatred, as the greatest enemies to the greatnesse of his Family) watched his opportunity, and suggested to the King, that all men took notice, that many great men of France were infected with the poison of Calvinisme, which they scattered amongst the inferiour sort of people, and in particular that Monsieur Andelot had blabbed out many things to the dishonour of the solemn sacrifice of the Masse, &c. The King being incensed hereby, commanded the Cardinall of Chattillion his Brother, and Monmorancy his Cosen, to send for Andelot, and to admonish him to answer modestly to the questions which should be proposed to him.

When he came before the King, he professed his great good will towarde him, and spake many things of his great merits, and then told him that he was sorry to hear that which was reported, viz. that he thought ill of Religion, and therefore he required him to tell him what he thought of the Mass, which the Calvinists spake so much against?His stout Answer. Andelot being a man of great courage, answered confidently according to the truth; which the King being offended at, exhorted him to look to himself, and to prevent the danger before it were too late. Whereunto Andelot with greater courage answered, that he had hitherto shewed himself obedient in all things to his Majesty, whom he had found alwaies bountifull to himself and his Family, but in the cause of Religion, he could neither daub nor dissemble with God; That his Body, Wealth and Dignity were in the Kings power, of which he might dispose as he pleased: but his Soul was subject to God only that gave it; to whom therefore in this cause he must needs be obedient, as to his greater Lord.

p. 248At this the King was so inraged, that snatching up a dish, he therewith hurt his Son the Dolphin, that sat next him; and then he commanded one of his privy-chamber to carry Andelot to the City of Meaux, His imprisonment.where he remained a Prisoner in the Bishops house, till he was removed to the Castle of Melodune.

Not long after King Henry the second dying, his Son Francis succeeded him, who was married to Mary Queen of Scotland, the Daughter of the Duke of Guises Sister, by which means the Guises ruled all at Court, and they also boasted often of the Kingdom of England, to which this Mary was Heir apparent, as they said.

The cause why he left his Offices.The Admirall knowing their cruel, barbarous and bloody dispositions, who would never be free from turbulent Counsels, and especially from pesecuting those of the Religion; he was now, without further delay, resolved to lay down his Government of Picardy: and for that end acquainted Lewis of Bourbon, Prince of Conde, concerning his intention, wishing him to beg that place of the King, which accordingly he obtained.

Our Admirall being thus eased of these publique Burthens, and the troubles of them which withdrew his mind from Religion, he kept at home in his own Castle, and the rather because of his Wife Carola Lavollia, His godly wife encourages him.born of an Illustrious and Ancient Family, which was wonderfully given to the study of Religion, exhorting her Husband also, that casting off the remainders of Idolatry and Superstition, he should wholly betake himself to the true service of Christ. The Admirall having often heard her presse this upon him, dealt seriously with her, telling her, that he never knew any either in France or Germany which embraced in truth this reformed Religion,Persecution attends the Gospel. but that they were overwhelmed with manifold afflictions, under which they almost perished. He told her also, that by the Laws of France, which were confirmed by all the Parliaments, Whosoever made profession of this Religion, was to be burnt alive, and all his estate to be forfeited to the King. Yet, saith he, if you be so prepared with Faith and courage, that you can be content to undergo the same lott with others, you shall see that I will not be wanting to do my duty. To this she answered, That the condition of the Church at this day, was no other then what it had been in former ages, even from the beginning, and she perswaded her self, that it would be the same to the end of the world. And thus each of them incouraging other,He instructs and reforms the Family. the Admirall began to instruct his Family in the true knowledge and worship of God, and gave them Bibles and other good Books to read for their furthtr edification. Withall he stoutly forbad them those oaths and blasphemies which were common in France, especially in the Court. He provided also godly Governours and Schoolmasters for his Children, so that in a short time there was a wonderfull change in his Family; yea, by his example his two Brethren, Odet the Cardinall, and Andelot, were exceedingly stirred up to the study of Religion.

The Admirall from his childhood had been bred in the Court, p. 249which did in those daies exceedingly abound with luxury and other vices, from which he was not altogether free;The power of Religion. but so soon as he imbraced the true Religion, there was such a strange alteration in his life and deportment, that the powerfull work of Gods Spirit did wonderfully appear therein. Before he durst come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, he conferred with divers Godly Ministers,His prudent humility. both about Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation, for the setling of his judgment in the truth: and once being present in the Town of Vatevill at a private meeting of the godly, where there was a Sermon, and the Sacrament to be administred; after Sermon he requested those that were present that they would not be offended at his weaknesse, but that they would pray to the Lord for him, and then requested the Minister that he would a little more explain himself about the Sacrament, which he willingly did; and having by sundry texts of Scripture shewed that Christ is received only Spiritually and Sacramentally therein, he concluded with that of St. Augustine, How Christ is received in the Sacrament.Manducare cibum qui non perit sed permanent ad vitam, est credere in Christum. Et Quid paras dentem, & ventrem? crede, & manducasti. Item, Nolite parare fauces, sed cor. Christ is to be fed upon not with our mouths, but with our faith, &c.

Our Admirall being much satisfied with this discourse,He partakes of the Sacrament to the great joy of the Churches. gave thanks first to God, then to that Minister and Congregation, and shortly after was himself partaker of that holy Sacrament, the same whereof when it was once spread abroad in France, it cannot be believed what joy and consolation it brought to the Churches of Christ; for though till that time the true worshippers of God had many Laws made against them by the Kings and Parliaments, though they were daily dragged to prisons, torments and death, so that they were forced to hold all their meetings in secret, yet was true Religion after a wonderfull manner dispersed through all the Provinces of France, Persecution the bellows of the Gospel.and the Popish party found by experience that the more they sought to suppresse and extinguish the light of Gods Word, and the Professors of it, the more it daily encreased.

Not long after fell out the tumult at Amboise, and the conspiracy of the Nobility against the Guises, whose pride and insolency the Princes of France could no longer bear with. Of this number was the Prince of Conde, and the King of Navarre his Brother. Whereupon the Guises procured an Edict from the King,A meeting of the Nobility. whereby a meeting of the Nobility was appointed at Fontainbleau, especially to treat about matters of Religion; and when the day came, which was Aug. 24. 1560. the King requested those that were present to deliver their opinions: Whereupon the Admirall rising out of his seat,His zeal and courage. humbly presented the King with two Supplications under this title, The humble Supplications of those who in severall parts of your Majesties Kingdom, do truly and purely serve God. These Supplications were delivered to Albespine the Kings Secretary, who publiquely read them. This bold fact of the Admirall was much wondered at, considering the Kings p. 250bitter enmity against that Religion, and the great power of the Guises. The summe of those Petitions was this:

The Protestants Petition.They which purely and sincerely serve God, taking this fit opportunity, do humbly beseech your Majesty, that of your clemency you will be pleased to pity a great number of our Subjects, who unto this day are miserably afflicted, tormented and wasted for the cause of Religion in all your Provinces: We humbly beg of you that you will not be grieved to take cognisance of our cause, and to appoint that the Scripture may be the judge in these great controversies; whereby it will easily appear how much we do abhor heresie, which hitherto hath been laid to our charge: as also how falsly we have been charged with sedition, when we never used force or arms to defend our selves, but ever thought it our duty in our greatest extremities only to have recourse to your Majesties clemency. Our humble request therefore to your Majesty is, that you would be pleased to restrain our persecutors, by whose means there is no part of your Majesties Kingdom, which in these late years hath not been defiled with the blood of your innocent Subjects. Our case hath been miserable when we have been forced to plead our cause before the Popes Clients and Pensioners, rather then before equall and indifferent Judges. Our humble request therefore is, that you would be pleased favourably to look upon so many Families who have alwaies acknowledged you for our gracious Lord and King; and according to Gods command have honoured and obeyed you, and shall be ready, if occasion be offered, to spend our lives for your dignity and service; and therefore we think it but equal that our lives and welfare should be protected against the rage of our cruel and bloody adversaries. We further pray, that some publique places may be allowed us where our Ministers may Preach the Word of God sincerely, and Administer the Sacraments truly; that our Religion being no longer concealed, we may be freed from those false calumnies which our adversaries have hitherto cast upon us; And we shall ever pray, &c.

After these Supplications were read, there were great debates, but little about Religion, great complaints being made of the Kings debts, and consideration had how the same might be discharged. Hereupon our Admirall spake freely and boldly against the Forces raised by the Guises, His boldnesse.under the pretence of a guard for the King, as if he needed such a guard in the heart of his own Kingdom; whereas the Authority of the Kings name in France is so sacred and powerfull, that thereby the meanest Constable is able to suppresse any tumult whatsoever. This free speech of his extreamly vexed the Guises, who hated him so much the more for it.

A Parliament desired.Some others propounded that there might be a publique Convention of the States called, as the only means to cure the distempers of France; which though some had laboured to discredit, and so had caused an intermission of it for eighty seven years, yet it had alwaies been exceeding advantagious to the Kingdom, as the Parliaments in England, consisting of three States, had alwaies been there, whereby the English Kings had been enabled to make such powerfull Invasions of France.

p. 251Shortly after King Francis the second dying, his younger Brother Charles the ninth succeeded, and thereupon the former request was renewed for calling a Convention of all the States.

At this time Catherine of Medice was the Queen Mother, a Florentine by birth, to whom the education of the young King, and the care of his person was committed, according to the ancient custom of France; but she was not suffered to have any thing to do with the Government of the Kingdom: and hereupon the Guises, who for a long time had been powerfull at Court, intruded themselves into that Office. And at that time many of the Nobility proceeded cruelly to torment and afflict those of the Religion;The Protestants persecuted. whereupon there was great fear lest some new Commotions should be raised in the Kingdom: But the Queen Mother pretended favour towards them,The Admirals oversight. for which cause our Admirall endeavoured, and at last effected that she should be joyned in Commission with Anthony King of Navarr, who was made Protector during the Kings Minority. This many wise men disliked and opposed, saying, that in the stories of former times it did appear that the Government was never committed to the Queen Mother, especially if she were a stranger, but it redounded to the great hurt of France, and was the cause of many Civil broils.

When the day of the publique Convention of the States came, he which made the Speech in the behalf of the Nobility,A general convention of the States. A petition for the Protestants about the end of his Oration presented the King with a Supplication, that they of the Reformed Religion might have publique places allowed them for the exercise of the service of God in.

To this one Quintin a Doctor of the Civil Law,The malice of the Clergy. and Professor of Paris, opposed himself, and made a long Oration in the name of the Clergy, which he rather read then pronounced by heart, wherein he took the boldnesse to affirm, That all they that moved for publique places for those of the Religion, were guilty of Treason against the King and Kingdom, the authors of sedition, and bringers in of a new Religion, and therefore ought severely to be punished. Of which when the Admirall in the Kings Councel afterwards complained, Quintin to excuse himself, professed that he had spoken nothing of his own head, but only had pronounced that Oration which was penned and put into his hand by the Clergy, and that he was ready again in the Convention of States before the King and all the company to avow that in all that he had said, he had no thoughts of hurt to the Admirall.

In conclusion there was an Edict sent forth in the Kings Name, commanding and requiring all the Judges and Magistrates through France, to release all those of the Religion that were in prison,The Protestants freed from persecution. and it was forbidden them upon great penalties hereafter to meddle with, or to trouble any for their Religion sake. As for the businesse of allowing them publique places for worship, that was put off to the next Generall meeting of the States, which was appointed but held not, to be at Ponthoise in Piccardy.

p. 252January following, there was a meeting of all the Princes and Nobles of France, appointed to be held at St. Germans, whither also repaired the Deputies from all the Parliaments,Churches allowed them. and there it was decreed that Churches should be allowed to the Protestants in the Suburbs belonging to each City: Upon the publishing of which Edict, the Peace of the Kingdom seemed to be setled, and in the Suburbs of all the greater Cities, yea of Paris it self, those of the Religion met publiquely, and had Sermons preached without the least disturbance.A massacre by the Duke of Guise. But presently after was news brought that the D. of Guise in Campania had basely murthered about two hundred persons who were met together at Vassiac to hear a Sermon, according to the power given them by the Kings Edict, in a barn; and it was conceived that the D. of Guise took this boldnesse, relying upon the friendship of the K. of Navarr, whose weak mind he had bowed and bound to himself by promising him the Kingdom of Sardinia, The King seized on by the D. of Guise.and other favours; and upon this confidence, adjoyning his other Brethren to him, with a great Army he went to the Court, and there seized upon King and Queen Mother, who seemed with many tears to bewail the violence profered to to them, and carried them away to Paris.

Hereupon the Queen Mother sent divers messengers to the Admirall, and writ with her own hand to the Prince of Conde, requesting them to help her, and to deliver the King out of this captivity: This caused the Prince of Conde with many of the Nobility,Why the Protestants first took arms. upon deliberation, to resolve to raise an Army for the rescue of the King, and to curb the insolency of the Guises, often saying, that he ought not to be deterred with reports, as if he intended to propagate his Religion by arms, or to offer violence to the Person of the young King. For, said he, After such a publique Decree made by the King and all the States in favour of those of the Religion; What had the D. of Guise, who is a Lorrainer by extraction, to do in France? Or by what confidence doth he exercise such cruelty against the Kings faithfull Subjects? And therefore he saw that there was no way left but to repell force with force; and that he was not the author of the War, but by War defended those that were unjustly oppressed by War.

There was also a publique report that the D. of Nemours had endeavoured by flatteries to perswade the young Prince Henry, the Kings Brother (who was afterwards chosen King of Poland) to go with him out of the bounds of France, which the young youth had declared to his Mother. There was much speech also of the Massacre at Vassiac, and of their leading the King and Queen Mother as their captives to Paris, where they had a powerfull faction. They had also sent to the German Princes, desiring to be admitted into the league of the Protestants. The Cardinall of Lorraine had also sent to Christopher Duke of Wirtzberge a prudent and valiant Prince, pretending that both he and his Brethren would embrace the Protestant Religion, and desired to be enrolled in the number of the Protestant Princes.

p. 253These things being publiquely divulged, the resolution of the Prince of Conde to take Arms was generally approved of, and in a few daies many Cities sided with and assisted him, as Orleans, Biturg, Roan, Lions, Vienna, Valentia, Mont-alban, &c. And whereas by the common consent of all the Protestants in France the Prince of Conde was chosen Generall, he prevailed so far with them,Prince of Conde made Generall. The Admirall made Lieutenant Generall. that the managing of the War was conferred upon our Admirall, to whom he also delegated his own power and interest, for the opinion which he had of his excellent justice, gravity and prudence. This being generally taken notice of, the Queen Mother interposeth as a Mediatrix for peace, and sends for the Prince of Conde to come to their tents, intreating him, that for the convenient situation of it, he would deliver up into their hands for a few daies, as the fittest place for the Treaty, the City of Boience, where there is a bridge that passeth over the River Loir, which bridge she affirmed to be the fittest of all other places for the Parlee. The Prince of Conde upon the perswasions of his Brother,P. of Condees facility. the King of Navarr, and of the Queen Mother, and upon their faithfull promise that the Town should be delivered back to him again, and that his person should be in safety during the Treaty, without taking any further pledges, delivers up Boience to them, only desiring that whilst the Treaty lasted, the Constable, Guise, and Saint Andrew (who were called the Triumvirate for the ruine of France) might be commanded to withdraw from the Camp.

When these things were done,The Q Mothers perfidiousnesse. P. of Conde prisoner. The Admirall releases him. the Queen Mother and the Guises put a garrison into the Town of Bogener, fortifie it strongly, and keep the Prince of Conde prisoner.

The Admirall being justly incensed by this perfidiousnesse, and resolving not to be wanting in his aid to the Prince of Conde, he presently with all his Cavalry sets upon the enemies Camp, which brought such a terrour amongst them, that thereupon the Queen Mother commanded the Prince of Conde to be set at liberty. And a few daies after the Admirall assaulted Boience, and at last took the Town, though with some losse of his men.

About this very time the Admirals eldest Son, called Gaspar, being a youth of nine years old, but of admirable towardnesse, fell sick,His eldest Son dieth. and died at Orleance, which was an exceeding great grief to his Father.

In the mean time the Guises perceiving that they were forsaken by the greatest part of France, which now adheared to,The Guises call in forraign help, and assisted Conde, they resolved to call in forraign helps; and thereupon sending much Money into Swisserland and Germany, they hired from the former Foot, and from the latter Horse, to come in to their aid, which the Admirall used often to say, was a plain demonstration of their treacherous and hostile minds against France: and therefore that he might not be wanting to himself and Friends, who had committed so great a trust to him, he resolved to oppose Forraign by Forraign forces:And so do the Protestants. And for this end he sent his Brother Andelot to the Protestant p. 254Princes in Germany, of whose good will to the French Churches he had good assurance, requesting aid from them, who accordingly within three moneths space sent him three thousand Horse, and six thousand Foot into France.

Whilst these things were transacting, intelligence was given to the Admirall that some Cannons,The Admirall taketh their ammunition. and a great quantity of Gunpowder was carrying to the Duke of Guise, who now besieged Biturg, guarded with six Troops of Horse and some Foot. Hereupon the Admirall taking some Horse with him, by long journeys hastened to meet the Convoy, and coming up to them, they scarce stood the first shock, but throwing away their Arms fled, and left the Booty to the Admirall, who wanting Horses to draw them away, by over-charging the Guns brake them, and blew up the Gunpowder, and so returned to his Camp.

Andelot returning out of Germany, brought with him three thousand Horse and six thousand Foot; so that the Prince of Conde having a good Army of French and Germans, hasted to Paris; which the Guises hearing of, intended to meet him, having gotten a Regiment of Swissers, in whom they put most confidence, and so the two Armies meeting,A Battell. a Battell was fought, but with a doubtfull event: for on the one side the Constable was taken prisoner by one Will. Steward a valiant Scots man; and on the other side the Prince of Conde was taken prisoner,Conde taken prisoner. The Admirals valour. which made many of his Foot to throw away their Arms, and fly: But the Admirall rallying the Horse, and encouraging them to prefer their Religion, Country and honour befor their lives, he valiantly charged the Guisians, in which medly he slew Marshall St. Andrew, a potent man at Court, and Prossaeus Collonel to the Duke of Guise, and divers other Noble men: The fight being ended, the Admirall carried the Constable to Orleance, where he made his abode for a while: But shortly after came the Duke of Guise to besiege the City, whereupon the Admirall leaving his Brother Andelot for the defence of it, flies into Normandy, and there besieged the Castle of Cadonius, where the Marquesse of Elboeve, one of the D. of Lorrains Brothers was, and within a few daies had it, with all the Arms and Ammunition surrendred to him.

About this time there was one John Poltrot, a young man of a Noble Family,John Poltrot slew the Duke of Guise. in the Army of the Duke of Guise, who having embraced the Reformed Religion, and served for some moneths under the Prince of Conde, took up privately with himself a resolution to kill the D. of Guise, as a publique enemy to his Countrey, and a cause of all the present calamities: And, said he, If I had been bound to him by any oaths, I must not have been perfidious; but being free, why should I not venture as Scaevola did, for my Countries safety? With this resolution he went to the Duke of Guises Camp, and watching his opportunity, shot him into the shoulder, of which wound he died within a few daies after.

A wicked bragThe very same day in the morning the Duke of Guise being ready p. 255to give an assault to Orleance, wrote to the Queen Mother, that within twenty four hours he would send her word of the taking of that City, and that he would make the day very memorable by sparing neither sex nor age; and that after he had kept his Shrovetide there, he would extinguish the memory of the Town, by utter subverting of it. But man knows not his destiny, nor what shall happen to him, for that the same evening he was slain, as you heard before.

Presently after which, a Peace was concluded,A peace concluded. and the Edict renued for the free exercise of the Reformed Religion through all France, as formerly.

Not many moneths after,The Admirall accused. the Admirall being sent for to Court by the Queen Mother, the Widow of the Duke of Guise comes in, and falls down at the Kings feet, crying out with many tears for revenge for her Husbands death, charging the Admirall as the contriver and author of it. The Admirall apprehending that this was but the device of others, which set her on to seek his destruction by fraud,He clears himself. which they could not effect by War; before the King and all the Councel he clears himself, shewing that Poltrot had at his death professed that he was set on by none but God; neither did he doubt but that he had done God good service in it, and freed his Countrey from a Tyrant that raged and thirsted after Christian blood, and therefore he was not sorry for what he had done, &c.

He also desired, that if they questioned the death of the Duke of Guise, he might have leave also to put in a Charge against him, for that he doubted not but that he could easily prove the Duke of Guise, guilty of murthering wickedly the Kings Subjects, and of violating all the sacred Laws and Decrees of the King; of taking up arms of his own head without Authority, and thereby making himself guilty of Treason, and of kindling those flames in France, which had continued about thirteen moneths.

Notwithstanding this resolute speech of the Admirall, his enemies ceased not for some years still to call upon the King for justice against him; whereupon the King at last appointed a Convention of all the Peers of the Kingdom, at the City of Molincum, The controversie determined by the King.whither also he called his chiefest Senators and Counsellours; commanding the Cardinall of Lorraine, and the Widow of the Duke of Guise, to produce what proofs they could, and the Admirall to defend himself against them. When both parties had pleaded their Cause, the King told them that he had referred the judgment to his Counsellors, and therefore asked them if they had any exceptions against any of them: they answered, No. Then he asked them if they would refer the determination of their Cause to him, and would stand to his judgment: They answered that they would willingly so do.

Whereupon Jan. 29. Anno Christ 1566. the King passed this sentence, That having heard both parties,The Admirall cleared. and consulted with his Nobles and Counsellours, who were all unanimously agreed in the same sentence, he pronounced the Admirall clear and innocent from the p. 256murther of the Duke of Guise, and therefore absolved him from that crime, commanding his Proctor and all others, that they should never dare hereafter accuse him for the same. He commanded also, that neither his present accusers, nor any other of his Subjects, should dare hereafter to make any mention of it. Nor that any of his Judges or Parliaments should ever admit any plea against him for it. He declared also, that seeing both parties had freely referred themselves to him, his will was, that they should live lovingly and peaceably together, never contriving any thing against each other; and that if any of them, their Friends, Kindred of Partakers, should violate this Decree, that they should be held contemners of the Kings Majesty, as guilty of Treason, as disturbers of the publique peace; and lastly, that this his definitive sentence should be recorded in all the Parliaments of his Kingdom.

Treachery against the Admirall.But to return to something that hapned before this, the Admirall had in his Family one Hambervilleries, born of a Noble house, whom he made use of in his most weighty and honest affairs; and it pleased God that some Letters of his being intercepted, came to the Admirals hands, wherein he wrote to some great Courtiers, that he was ready to obey their commands in giving the Admirall a Soporiferous Potion. Our Admirall having read these Letters, called the man to him, commanding him to write some verses in a paper that lay by, which when he had done, comparing both the writings together, he asked him whether he would acknowledge his hand in those Letters; which he looking upon, being stricken with guilt for his wickednesse, he presently fell upon the ground, and begged his Masters pardon. The Admirall told him that he was willing to pardon him, but upon condition that he should presently depart out of his house,He forgives the Traitor. nor should ever come into his sight again.

Not long after the aforementioned Edict of Peace was published, the Queen Mother took counsell to go to Baion to meet her Son-in-law the King of Spain, The Q. Mothers mischievous counsels.and to take her Children with her: This afterwards proved the cause of many tragicall events, though for the present things were kept very secret: and first she ordered her journey to Lyons, which hitherto had been in possession of those of the Religion, because of the great number of them there; and as soon as she came thither,Her subtilty. she presently set her Italian Artificers to work, to build a Citadell upon a neighbouring hill, which commanded all the City.

A little before this the plague began to be very hot, and now it had seized upon the Court it self,God follows her with the plague. yet could not the Queen Mother be perswaded to remove her self and children from the danger, till she had seen the foundations of the Castle laid. At last making Lossius Governour of that City, a cruel and barbarous man, and and an implacable enemy to those of the Religion, and adjoyning to him some insolent Souldiers that might daily vex the godly inhabitants, she departed. But this is very remarkable, that whithersoever she removed the Court, p. 257in Cities, Towns, Castles, &c. the plague still followed her, so that for three moneths together the King was in continuall danger, and was still forced to remove from place to place by reason of the infection. At last they came to Baion, where the Queen Mother met her Daughter the Q. of Spain, and Embassadors from the King, with whom she communicated her counsels.

In the mean time the Marshall Monmorancy, whom the King had made Governour of Paris in his absence,The Guises attempts against the Protestants had certain intelligence brought him that the Guises had imployed their Agents to the common people of Paris, to stir them up against those of the Religion in that City; he heard also that the Cardinall of Lorraine intended suddainly to be there with a great number of armed attendants, though the King by several Edicts had commanded that none in their journeys should carry Harquebushes or Pistols about them. Therefore so soon as Monsieur Monmorancy heard that the Cardinall was entred Paris with his followers thus armed, he presently taking his guard went to them, commanding them to deliver up their Arms: This the Cardinall and his Nephew the young Duke of Guise, took as an intollerable affront to them, and were often heard to say, that that fact should cost Monmorancy his life. The Cardinall was very potent in this City, and could easily have raised sixty thousand armed men to have slain the Governour;frustrated by the Admirall. whereupon he resolved to call in some of his Friends to his aid, and in the first place he wrote to the Admirall to hasten to him, who accompanied with three hundred Horse, entred Paris, Jan. 22. which did so terrifie the multitude, especially the Priests, Monks and Canons of the great Church, that they began to think of flying thence.

The day after Monsieur Monmorancy sent for the Presidents of the Parliament, and the chief Magistrates of the City to come to his house, to whom he complained before the Admirall, of the audaciousnesse and factious counsels of the Cardinall of Lorrain, Lies raised of him.as also of the seditious speeches cast abroad in the City, as if the Admirall, taking advantage of the Kings absence at so great a distance, consulted about plundering that rich City; and therefore he thought fit to call the Admirall before them, that so he might clear himself from that aspersion. Then said the Admirall, I have long since found out what my malicious and implacable adversaries have aspersed me withall,His speech to the Parisians. as if I intended to seize upon this City, which is the Bullwark and Eye of France. But such counsels as these are fit for those that claim an interest (I know not how it comes in) in the succession of the Kingdom, and contend to have certain Dukedomes and Countries restored to them. For my own part, I neither challenge any right to the Kingdom, nor to any part of it, which yet if I should do, I think there hath not been a Noble man in France these five hundred years, which had the like opportunity to disturb the publique Peace as I. Ye remember after the Duke of Guise was slain, that I had the Constable Prisoner in Orleans, and what a great occasion I had thereby of doing greater p. 258things if I would have embraced it: But on the contrary, I was never more earnest with the King and Queen Mother for peace, then at that time when our affairs prospered best. Who can be ignorant how sollicitous and importunate I was for peace at that very time when many potent and flourishing Cities had delivered up themselves into my hands? and divers other great Cities, both of Normandy and Brittany, sought my favour and protection? Who knows not that after Peace was concluded, instead of begging Honours and Offices ambitiously of the King, which happily I might have obtained, I retired my self to my own house, and there even to this time have lived a quiet and private life? But omitting these things, and speaking to the present occasion; Being sent for by Monmorancy, I am come hither, not to disturb the peace of the City, or to innovate any thing, but rather to preserve peace against the audaciousnesse of some that would disturb it. It is not unknown unto you how much confidence those of the Religion do put in me. These being stirred up with new rumours, and terrified with the counsels and factions of the Guises, do daily flock to me; bring me intercepted Letters of the meetings of certain Captains, who command their old Souldiers to be ready in arms, that when they have occasion to use them they may be at hand. What needs more words? Letters are intercepted written into Normandy, the originall whereof is sent to the Queen Mother, and I will shew you a copy of them, wherein amongst others there is this passage: There is no readier means of restoring the Crown of France to those to whom it doth belong of old, then by rooting out the house of Valois, and by massacring all the Hugonots which are the chief upholders of it; for this end their woods are to be sold, that with the price thereof we may arm our selves and get money; and if the Hugonots sue for them, the businesse being once adjudged against them, they will never move for their charges of the suit.

Now also what should I speak of the daily plunderings and murthers? It's sufficiently known, that after the peace was published, more then five hundred of those of the Religion were basely murthered in severall places, and yet not one of the murtherers were ever punished by the Magistrates; and they which have complained of these things to the King or Queen Mother, have carried away either only words, or some empty paper or parchment instead of satisfaction. Who knows not that in the City of Turon lately and openly, many of the Religion were cruelly massacred, even under the Ensign, and by the Souldiers of him who was sent thither by the Duke of Monpensier to settle the peace? These things being so, yet I hear that there are many of your Priests who are so terrified by my coming hither, that they consult about leaving the City, and yet there is no place in all France, no City, Town or Castle where the Priests live, and attend their services with more freedom and safety, then in my Town of Castelon.

The Admirall having ended his speech, the company was dismissed; p. 259and two daies after there came to Monmorancy about thirty Delegates from the Parisian Merchants, and with them the Bishop and divers Priests, to all whom the Admirall spake very Friendly, bidding them be of good cheer, and fear nothing: and within few daies after, going to the Court of Parliament, he made a speech to them,His speech to the Parliament and told them, That nothing was more desirable to him then the Peace and welfare of the City, neither did he come to them with any other mind then to advance it; and therefore he exhorted them that they also would do their endeavours that the Citizens might behave themselves peaceably and quietly: and so shortly after he returned home.

At his return he was informed that there was one Maius, New treachery against him.who lived not far from him, a famous thief that was hired by the Duke of Aumale the Brother of Guise, to lie in wait for him when he should ride forth on hunting, for which end he had given him an hundred pieces of gold, and an excellent Horse: many also complained to the Admirall against him for his thefts and robberies; whereupon having gotten sufficient witnesses, he complained of him to the Parliament at Paris, and a few daies after having apprehended him, he caused him to be carried to Paris; but when he came before the Parliament this villain accused the Admirall as if he had dealt with him about killing the Queen Mother, and had promised him a great reward for the same: The Parliament after examination finding this to be but a Calumny, and proving him guilty of many thefts,The Traytor executed. condemned him to be broken upon the wheel, which accordingly was effected.

Shortly after the Prince of Conde had a Sonne born,The young Prince of Conde born. to whom the King would be Godfather, but because he could not himself be present by reason of his Religion, he substituted the Admirall to supply his room, which businesse was celebrated with very great pomp; for at the Feast a Table was prepared as if it had been for the King himself, at which the Admirall sat alone, and was attended like a Viceroy,The Admirall honoured. which every one interpreted as a pledge of the Kings singular love and favour to him.

Not many daies after, news was brought that the Duke de Alva had by the command of the King of Spain brought a great Army into the Low-Countries to suppresse and root out the Protestants, and this Army being to passe by the borders of France, the Admirall moved in the Kings Councel that Burgundy might be looked to; and lest any tumults might arise about the difference in Religion, he advised that a guard might rather be appointed of the Swissers then of the French men; and it was commonly reported that six thousand Swissers should be ready to oppose the Duke de Alva, in case he attempted any thing against Burgundy. New designs against the Protestants.But a few daies after the Prince of Rupisurias **Roch-sur-yon., of the royoll blood, wrote to the Admirall to send him some trusty Person to whom he might communicate a secret which would much conduce to his safety: he also being a Friend to the p. 260Prince of Conde, by reason of their propinquity in blood, told him that there was secret counsell taken at Baion, for the utter extirpation of the Protestant Religion, and all the Professors of it, and for that end those six thousand Swissers were hired and brought into France, under pretence of opposing the Duke de Alva: the Admirall also was informed of the same by many Letters and Messengers from severall of his Friends.

The Prince of Conde and Admirall complain to the King.These things coming forth, first the Prince of Conde, and presently after him the Admirall went to the Court, and told the King, the Queen Mother and all the Councel, that they saw no sufficient reason why so many Swissers should be brought into France, except it were to oppresse them, and many other honest Families which embraced the Reformed Religion: But they should find more that had devoted themselves to that Religion then commonly was thought of, an experience whereof they had in the late Wars. They told them also, that if their adversaries attempted any innovations, they would not be wanting to themselves, nor like sheep would suffer their throats to be cut by murtherers. They therefore earnestly intreat and beseech the Kings Majesty, that he would be moved to pity so many honest Families, and the afflicted condition of his Countrey, and of the common people who suffer most in such Warres. But they could get nothing at Court but scoffs and scorns,They are answered with scorns. whereby they perceived their lives to be in great danger, which caused them to withdraw, and to consult about the preservation of themselves and the Reformed Churches: and hereunto they were earnestly solicited by many of the Nobility, and by multitudes of honest Citizens, who complained that they could no longer bear the manifold injuries wherewith they were daily oppressed by the Magistrates in every place.The second Civil War.

These things being so, the Prince of Conde and the Admirall knowing of how great Authority the Kings Name was through all France, which caused the Guises in the former Warres to get him into their power; communicating their counsels but with a few, they resolved to go privately to the Court to see if by any means they could get the King away from the Guises and Queen Mother, that so by removing him from his evil Counsellours, they might the better establish peace; but being betrayed by one of their Society, this design was wholly frustrated, whereby they were forced openly to prepare for War.

The Prince with five hundred Horse went to St. Denis, where some others arriving,Paris blocked up by the Prince. in few daies made up the number of two thousand Horse, and four thousand Shot; and the Prince considering that the Parisians were not accustomed to fast, hoped that if he could take their victuals from them, he should either force them to fight, or draw his enemies to a more assured peace: Whereupon he sent Andelot with five hundred Horse to Poissy and Pontois, to seize upon the passages of the Seine beneath Paris, and other Troops to seize upon such passages as were above the Town. Some others he sent to joyn with the Forces p. 261that were coming out of Guinne, himself and the Admirall with about eight hundred Horse, and a thousand two hundred Harquebushiers, kept St. Denis, to curb Paris on that side. But the Constable, who was the Kings Lieutenant Generall, hearing that the Prince had thus divided his Forces, issued out of Paris with about a thousand six hundred Foot, and two thousand Lances, and well furnished with Artillery, and having chosen a commodious place for the Battell,A Battell. the next day he gives the Prince Battell, wherein the Constable was wounded, of which he died within a few daies after.

In this Battell the Admirall had wonderfull experience of Gods goodnesse in his preservation,The Admirall wonderfully preserved. for riding upon a very fierce and headstrong Horse, the curb of his Bridle being broken, his Horse ran away with him, and carried him twice through his enemies Army, yet did not the Admirall receive any one wound, though many Pistols were discharged at him; and whenas his Horse had one Bullot shot into him, he suffered himself to be easily reduced into his own Troop.

In this Battell many fell on both sides, especially on the Prince of Conde's, yet was the Kings Army routed and driven into Paris, The Royalists routed.whereupon the Prince and Admirall thought best to retreat into Lorraine to meet those Horse which were sent for their assistance from divers of the Germane Princes: for they again thought fit to oppose Forreigners against Forreigners.

In their march thitherwards they were eagerly pursued by their adversaries, especially by Henry Duke of Anjou the Kings Brother, afterwards King, first of Poland, then of France; who taking all advantages to presse upon their rear, put them to many inconveniencies.

When they came into Lorraine and met the Germans, They joyn with the Germans.who were commanded by D. Cassimire the Son of the Elector Palatine, they met with new troubles, for the Germans began to mutiny for their arrears, and to cry Gelt, gelt, according to their usuall custom; but how to satisfie them, or to raise the least part of that Money, the Prince and Admirall knew not: Yet in this strait our Admirall found out this remedy:The Admirals prudence. He advised that a certain Tax should be imposed upon every man in their own Army, according to the rank and place which he held, and for example himself disbursed five hundred Crowns; and the Treasurers going through all the Regiments collected the Tribute: Besides whatsoever Monies the Prince, Admirall, Andelot, or others had, was all put into the Treasurers hands, so that in all they collected eighty thousand pounds, which was given to the Lanceknets, by which prudent advice of our Admirall they were extricated out of that great strait.

These Forces being thus united, their adversaries hastily retired, and by long journeys returned to Paris, which the D. of Anjou looked upon as a great dishonour to him.

But the Prince of Conde's Army being much encouraged hereby, p. 262went presently and besieged Caen. Caen besieged by the Prince.and having battered the Wals, and made a sufficient breach, just as Monsieur Andelot was ready with his Brigade to have given the assault, the Kings Trumpeters came upon the spur and proclaimed that Peace was concluded,Peace concluded. for the effecting whereof, Commissioners had been sent from both parties a few daies before to Paris, whereupon the siege was raised, and the Prince of Conde dismissed his Army.

The Admirals Wife dieth.But some daies before this, word was brought to the Admirall that his Wife, who together with her Children in the beginning of the War had betaken themselves to Orleance, was taken with a violent disease; whereupon he presently posted to Orleance, and sending for the best Physicians he could get, he performed the Office of a dear and loving husband to her, yet it pleased God that she died. This was a very great affliction to him, and when many of his Friends came to comfort him, being overwhelmed with sighs and tears, he said, Oh my God, wherein have I sinned and offended thee, that thou correctest me so bitterly, and loadest me with so many calamities! O that I could live more holily, and be more exemplary in my life then I have been! Most holy Father, look upon me with the eyes of tender mercy, and ease me of these pressures.

His counsell to his Children.Then being comforted by his Friends, he commanded his Children to be called to him, and told them that by this losse of their dear Mother, they might see the instability of all earthly comforts, and that there was nothing here below which they could confide in; and that Houses and Castles, though never so strong, were not given them for habitations, but as Inns; and that therefore they ought not to trust in any of these frail and fading things, but only in the mercy, and goodnesse of God, and then they need not doubt but that they should find him alwaies ready at hand for their comfort; and so two daies after, calling Monsieur Grelleus his Sons Tutor, he told him, that he must needs return back to the Camp,His charge to Grelleus. where he knew not what might befall him, and therefore he required him to have a special care of his Sons, and as he had often requested him, to be carefull to bring them up in true Religion and the fear of God, as well as to instruct them in other Arts and Learning. His Wife had been alwaies very studious of the Reformed Religion,His Wives character. of an admirable courage and constancy in bearing the manifold afflictions which befell both her self and Husband; and amongst her other excellent qualities and vertues, she was alwaies very pitifull towards poor people and sick persons, to whom she was very liberall in relieving and assisting of them: and whereas many sick and wounded Souldiers were daily sent from the Camp to Orleance, she frequently visited them, so that the Physicians judged her disease to proceed from the stench of them.

Peace being proclaimed (as is before specified) in many places by the Kings Trumpeters,Popish treachery. the Admirall had scarce been three daies at his own house, before Letters and Messengers came to him from many of his Friends, signifying, that instead of peace, his enemies made p. 263great preparations for a more dangerous Warre; for they observed that in every place such provision of War was made, that if the Prince of Conde himself, and the other associates did not timely prevent it, they would be circumvented by their cruel enemies before they were aware; and this they gathered from the Garrisons put into Orleance, Altissiodore, Blesa, and other Cities surrendred to them, as also by the Adversaries possessing themselves of all the Bridges and Passes over the Rivers, keeping the Horse together in the heart of France, and continuing two Regiments neer Paris, under a pretence of a guard for the King.

Our Admirall finding these things to be true, thought it most for his safety to retire into Tanlian to his Brother Andelot, and from thence he shortly after removed to Nuceria, a strong City under the Prince of Conde's Government, whither formerly upon the like occasion he had carried his Wife and Family.

In his passage thither there fell out this memorable accident: Near to the Town of Molinius there is a great Lake in the passage to Altissiodore; when our Admirall came near it,A remarkable Providence. there was in his company an old man called Gripperius, that had been a great traveller by sea, and one that loved the Admirall very dearly; this man observing a black cloud coming towards them carried with a violent wind, he called to the Admirall, desiring him to gallop to the next Town so fast as he could, lest he should be oppressed with the violence of the storm approaching; the Admirall hearkening to his counsell, spurred on his Horse, but before he had passed the narrow passages of the Lake, there suddainly came such a violent tempest, accompanied with a Whirlwind, that many Horses and men were quite overthrown, many were wounded with the great hailstones, and almost quite slain: The wind took off the Admirals hat, which afterwards could never be found, and one of his followers lent him his hat: but herein the great mercy of God did appear, that the Admirall scaped unhurt by the hail, only one hailstone hit and hurt him about the ankle; and had this storm taken him and his company a little sooner, whilst they were upon the Lakes bank, in all probability it had made an utter end of them.

The tempest being over, our Admirall comforted his attendants, and lifting up his eyes to Heaven, he said, O Almighty God, A Prediction.I thank thee, from whom I know this storm proceeds, to warn us of the tempest of danger that is approaching, by which we shall be sorely pressed, but not oppressed.

When they were met together at Nuceria, They send to the King.they sent divers Messengers with Letters to the King, signifying that they had daily intelligence of the snares that were laid for their lives, and therefore they beseeched his Majesty to pity his Kingdom wasted already with two Civil Warres; and that he would not ruine his Kingdom, but rather by his clemency and wisdom quench that fire that is kindled by the Guises.

p. 264Our Admirall also wrote to Margaret, Daughter of King Francis, and new Dutchesse of Savoy, whom he believed to have great power with the Queen Mother, intreating her to improve all her Authority and interest for the diverting of the storm that was approaching to the ruine of her Native Countrey. But when he perceived that no arguments nor intreaty could prevail for peace, and understood that Tavannius, who was a little after made Marshall of the Kingdom, was secretly drawing his Forces towards Nuceria, The third Civil War.there to compasse them in, he advised the Prince of Conde that they should presently depart from thence, and make all the hast that possibly they could to Rochel, which by reason of their ancient priviledges, had never hitherto admitted of any Garrison. By the way they were to passe over the River Liger, and in the train there was the Prince of Conde's Wife, and six little Children, whereof one was but a year old; and two daies after followed the Admirall and Monsieur Andelots Children, whom the Admirall had sent for to come to them:A special providence. At which time this strange Providence fell out; When the Prince of Conde thought to transport his company in two or three little Ships privately over the River neer unto Sancerra, it pleased God that a Foard was found, whereby fifty Horsemen that were of the Princes train rode over, and in the mean time the Ladies, Women and Children were ferried over in Boats, and no sooner were they gotten all over, but, though the day was fair, the River suddainly rose so high, that the Inhabitants of Sancerra took notice of the wonderfull Providence of God, praying heartily for the safety and welfare of those little ones who had escaped such a danger.

The King hearing of this their going to Rochel, by the advice of his Courtiers, presently commanded all his Horse, especially those that were in the Countries of Xantone and Poicters, to hasten to Rochel. He sent also his Brother Henry the Duke of Anjou, to raise all the Forces he could, and presently to march thitherwards. In the mean time those of the Religion,The Protestants basely murthered. who relying upon the Kings promise and Proclamation of peace, staied in their own Cities, were every where basely murthered.

About this time Joane Queen of Navarr, who in the former troubles had kept here own house,The Queen of Navarr assists them. abhorring such abominable treachery and perfidiousnesse after peace so often renewed, getting what Forces she could together, advanced with them to Rochel, carrying with her her Son Henry, who after her death was King of Navarr, and her only Daughter.

Niort taken. Engolisme besieged.These things being thus setled, the Admirall drew some great Guns out of Rochel, intending to besiege Niort, and within a few daies had it surrendred to him. Then he led his Forces to Engolisme, which stands upon an high and steep hill, having only one passage to it, and therefore the enemies had a little before strongly fortified it, but the Admirall planting his Ordinance on that side where it was saultable, within a few daies space had it surrendred to him.

p. 265Presently after the Van of each Army met at Jasenullius, A Battell.and fought together, the Admirall commanded that of the Protestants: who charged the enemy so gallantly, that they were presently broken,The Royalists beaten. and scattered, flying to Lusinian for safety, leaving all their bag and baggage behind them, so that the booty which the Admirall gat, was estimated to be more worth then fifty thousand Crowns. Two daies after they intercepted Letters from Fizius the Kings Secretary, to the Queen-Mother, much bewailing that losse.

Presently after the Admirall going to the Town of Jarnac, A special providence.fell into great danger, and without a speciall providence had become a prey to his enemies. For the enemy understanding that he purposed to transport his Forces over the River in that place by a bridge of boats, they secretly laid an ambush on the other side, and observing the Admirall where he was, they let fly all their Harquebushes at him, and others endeavoured to break the bridge; of the Admirals side there was one Harquibushier that had often shot at the enemies, and at last was by a bullet slain; whereupon twelve more ran to his aid, so that a tumult arising, the Admirall ran with his naked Sword,The Admirals danger. not having time to put on his arms, and endeavoured to cut in sunder the cords wherewith the boats were fastened; all which time the enemies ceased not continually to shoot at him, yet God wonderfully preserved him; and from that time forwards he resolved never to be without a Lifeguard for his assistance in such suddain accidents.

Two daies after the enemies having passed over the River Charenton, the Prince of Conde feared lest they would compasse him about, having lately joyned to them three thousand German horse, and six thousand Swissers, yet being of a very resolute and couragious mind, he resolved to stop their course, yet withall if possible to avoid a set Battell. In the mean time word was brought to the Admirall that some of his Forces which were quartered in a neighbour village, were circumvented by their enemies, and yet valiantly defended themselves; our Admirall hastened therefore upon the spur to their succour with some horse, whom as soon as the enemies espied,His valour. they compassed round about, which being told to the Prince of Conde, being more valiant then advised, he brake into the midst of them, where being oppressed with the multitude, and his horse killed under him, which also fell upon him, he lifting up his beavour, rendred himself to some of the Kings Captains, who gave him their faith for his safety; but presently after came Montisquius Captain of the Duke of Guise his guard, not without the secret command of his Master (as it was believed) and setting upon Conde behinde his back,Prince of Conde basely slain. as he was talking with the Captains, dispatched him with a dagg shot into his neck. He was a Prince inferiour to none that lived in that age for courage and courtesie; he was eloquent in speech, liberall, affable to all,His character. and a most excellent Commander in Warre. After his death his body was basely abused, and at last in scorn laid upon a Shee-Asse, and carried to Jarnac.

p. 266The Admirall being exceedingly grieved with this great losse, and suspecting the issue, made a retreat, together with his Brother Andelot, into the Town of St. Jan de Angeli; and whereas he might have revenged the indignities done to the body of the Prince, by shewing the like to the bodies of many of his great adversaries whom he had slain, yet he would not do it, but afforded them decent buriall, which thing he also did during all the time of the Warres.

The Queen of Navarr being at Rochell, and hearing of this great losse, hastened to the Camp, comforted the Captains, and exhorted all the Souldiers not to be disheartned,The Prince of Navarr in his room. nor to forget their former valour, telling them that she had brought her only Son Henry, that was to succeed her in the Kingdom, to be their Generall, professing that she preferred the safety of the Army before the life of her Son. To him was also Henry Prince of Conde, Brother to Lewis that was lately slain, adjoyned in this honour; but the whole care for managing the Warre, by the joynt consent of all the Commanders and Officers was wholly divolved upon the Admirall, none having the like credit or authority amongst those of the Religion as he: For it was well known that besides his singular skill in military affairs, his justice and temperance, there was none amongst all the Peers of France that had so openly embraced and professed the Religion as he. He was the first that reformed his Family according to the Rule of Gods Word:The Admirals piety. He was the man that presumed to prefer their Petition to King Francis the second, that was nearly allied to the Guises by affinity. He gave the first example to the Nobility of France of Piety, who were grown extream loose by reason of the dissolutenesse of the Court: and after he had once embraced the Reformed Religion, he never gave the least occasion of scandall to the Churches. And whereas many Delegates repaired often to him from the Churches, he alwaies gave them wholsome and prudent counsell. He first took up arms, not to fight against the King,His Authority to take up Arms. as some misreported, but at the request and Prayers of the Queen Mother: Neither yet did he it, either by his own private counsell, or of the Queen Mother, but by the Authority of the Parliament of Orleance, the King being not yet twelve years old: As also after the Kings Edict for Peace, established and promulgated by the advice and consent of all the States of France, because it was so notoriously violated by the Guises, to the utter undoing of many honest Families, and almost the ruine of many flourishing Cities, and to the losse of the lives of many famous Captains, to the great prejudice of the whole Kingdom, and to the oppression of many flourishing Churches▪ dispersed almost in every Town of France. By all which that poor Kingdom was laid open to be a prey to any forreign Prince that should invade it.

Andelot's death.After these things a grievous affliction befell the Admirall by the death of his Brother Andelot, who in the City of Xantone died of a violent disease suddainly, not without suspition of poison; and the rather because it was a usuall saying of Biraguus, shortly after made p. 267Chancellour, That the War was not to be finished with so much hazard by armed men, but rather by Cooks and Kitchin boyes.

Upon this occasion the Admirall wrote a Letter to his own and his Brother Andelot's sons, who were with their Tutor at Rochel, for comforting of them, the tenour whereof was this:

Although I believe that the death of my Brother Andelot is very grievous unto you, The Admirals Letter to his Sons and Nephews.yet I thought fit to admonish you that you have great cause to rejoyce that you had so good a Father and Uncle, of whom I dare affirm that he was truly Religious and eminent for his valour and skill in military affairs, the remembrance of which vertues ought to be dear unto you, that as much as may be, you may be imitators of them; yea I believe I may boldly affirm this of him, that there is none in all France more skilfull in warlike affairs then was he; and I doubt not but even forreign Nations will subscribe to the truth hereof, especially those which have had experience of his vertues; and this credit he got to himself, not by idleness and sluggishness, but by undergoing the greatest labours for his Countries sake. Truly I knew no man that was more devout to Godward, nor more just to men then he. Neither am I ignorant that it were unfit for me thus to boast of him to strangers; but I mention them more freely to you, because I would have you to be imitators of his vertues, for I even propose him for my own imitation; and I pray God from my heart, that when I come to dye, I may with the like piety and assurance resign up my spirit to God, as I saw him to do; And that my grief for him may be the more extenuated, I earnestly desire that I may see his graces and vertues to live in you: Which that it may be so, I exhort you with all your hearts to embrace Piety and true Religion, and wholly to apply your selves to your Books, that thereby you may (through Gods grace) be led in the way of vertue: and though I willingly allow you to recreate your selves in those hours which your Master allots you, yet I charge you, take heed that in your play you neither speak nor do any thing whereby you may offend God: Be very carefull to reverence your Master, and obey him no otherwise then you would obey me, for I am perswaded that he will give you no other counsel then what may be for your honour and profit. In short, see that you love me, or rather that you love your selves, so that I may hear nothing of you but what I may rejoyce in, and as you grow in years and body, so you may grow in Piety and Vertue. The Lord bless you all, and the holy Spirit preserve you for ever. From Xantone, May 18. 1569 Castellonius.

The courage and magnanimity of our Admirall did exceedingly appear in this, for that though he had lost such a Brother as was second to none in piety, justice, vertue, and the glory of his military actions, so that the Admirall called him his right arm, yet he told his Friends often that he wholly relied upon the divine providence, and knew assuredly that the Church of God was not administred by humane counsels,His Faith. nor this Christian Army, led by the providence and valour of its Commanders, but by God: And speaking concerning his Brother to his Friends, he brake out into this expression, O blessed Andelot, who hast finished the course of thy life so holily and happily!

p. 268The Germans aid the Protestants.About this time news was brought him that Wolfgang, Duke of Bipont, had brought a strong Army out of Germany into France, for the aid of the Protestants, and that he had already passed the Loir, and had taken Charity, where was a Bridge over that River; and when he understood that they were advanced as farre as Chalons, he intended to joyn his Forces with them, and that very day on which he came to them, D. Wolfgang died of a violent disease; whereupon the German Army unanimously chose Wolradus Count Mansfield, to be their Generall. This conjunction of theirs exceedingly troubled their adversaries, and every one deemed that the Kings Army would not be able to stand before them, but that the Courtiers would hereby be brought to stoop to them. Yea all good Patriots that studied the publique Peace, did abominate the perfidious Authors of these Wars, publiquely saying, that God never suffered such perjury to escape long unpunished; and it was verily believed that if the Admirall had led this gallant Army strait to Paris, many great Cities would willingly have yielded and put themselves into the Admirals protection: which opinion was much confirmed hereby, for that the Duke of Anjou pitching his tents near to them,The Royalists beaten. and adventuring a Battell, he was easily overthrown, most of his foot being either slain or taken, together with their Commander in chief, Strossius, cosen German to the Queen-Mother.

The Admirall having so brave an Army, hoping that now at last the Kings heart would be inclined to Peace,The Admirall sends to the King for Peace. he sent an humble supplication to him (the Duke of Anjou not suffering him to send Ambassadours) in his own and the Armies name, intreating and beseeching him no longer to harden his heart, but to pity the afflicted condition of the common people, and also to consider, that if the Warre should be protracted, it would turn to the great prejudice of all the States of France; there being twenty thousand Auxiliary Souldiers of both parts; and that things were brought to this passe, that by these Civil Warres mens minds were so farre from union and love to their Countrey, that every one sought the blood, ruine and destruction each of other. They therefore humbly intreated that he would spare his poor Subjects that had so long groaned under these heavy pressures, and that he would no longer be led away by the Cardinals and Italians, who had too much power over him, and could not have the like fellow-feeling of the miseries of France as the French men themselves. They suggested also that this was the fittest time for a Treaty, when both parties were so confident of their own strength; and that the conditions which he and his Army would propose were very easie, viz. That they might enjoy that Peace and Liberty for the exercise of their Religion, which was often confirmed to them by the Decrees of all the States, and by the Kings own Proclamations; That it was extream madnesse in those Italians and strangers, to think that those of the Religion, whereof there were at least two hundred thousand men, could so easily be rooted out, the truth whereof p. 269the experience of the former Warres might easily demonstrate.

The Duke of Anjou having received that disgrace which we spake of before, by the advice of his Councel dismissed a great part of his Army, especially of his Horse, for a monethmonth or two, bidding them go home and refresh their bodies.

Things standing thus, the Admirall called a Councel, wherein it was determined, That seeing Rochel and divers other Maritine Cities and places were wholly in the power of the Protestants, That therefore they should take care for the fortifying of them, and then should attempt the taking in of the City of Poictiers, which would be as a Bulwark to all that Countrey; but to this there seemed a main impediment, which was the taking in of the Castle of Lusiniac, Lusiniac surrendred.the strongest piece in all France: yet after they had besieged it a few daies, it was surrendred to them; and so also was Castelheraut about the same time. Then they proceeded to besiege and batter Poictiers, Poictiers besieged. The Admirals sicknesse.but within a few daies the Admirall, being quite tired with watchings and labours, fell sick of a Flux, which held him so violently for thirty daies together, that he could neither assist them with his Counsels nor presence; so that by this means the City was relieved with much provision and three hundred fresh Souldiers, which encouraged them to make divers sallies: The King also wrote to them to hold out, promising speedy aid, which animated them valiently to defend themselves. But it was evident that if the Lord had not laid that affliction upon the Admirall, the City had been theirs.

About this time there was one of the Admirals Servants called Dominicus Albio, who having been taken prisoner by the Kings party,Treachery against the Admirall. and stayed some moneths with them, returned to his Master, where after a while he was suspected by reason of some words that fell from him, and therefore being strictly examined, he brought forth a box of poyson which one Riverius, a chief man about the Duke of Anjou had given him; together with one of his Secretaries, both of them promising him two thousand Crowns if he would poyson his Master. Upon this his confession he was condemned to death; and though some would have had him tormented,The Traitor executed. yet the Admirall caused him only to be hanged, for the terrour of orhers.

The Admiral being not yet fully recovered of his Disease, news was brought him that Castelheraut, being about seven miles off, was besieged by the enemies; whereupon in his Horselitter, he presently advanced thitherward,The Royalists beaten. and having relieved the place with fresh men he easily raised the siege, and drave away his enemies, killed many, especially of the Italians, neither gave he over the pursuit till they had passed the River, which for the depth of it is called Creusa. In the mean time the young Duke of Guise, who was Governour of Poictiers, in the night time removed out of the City with a great company, putting a fresh Garrison into it; and the Duke of Anjou having recruted his Army with many French, Germans and Swissers, came to Chinon; whereas the Admirals Army was tired out with the long siege of p. 270Poictiers, and much wasted with want of provision, and with great tempests; and of those which remained there were very many sick, especially of the Germans; and most of those of Xantone were gone home to refresh themselves. Many also were gone to La Charity, and Sancerre, which were in the Protestants hands: For which causes the Admirall judging it best to protract time, restrained the eager mindes of his Souldiers from fighting; yet both Captains and common Souldiers would not be satisfied, threatning to go home and provide for their own safety. They also judged it farre more fit to fight there in their own Countrey, where they might be supplied with necessaries, then in their enemies; especially considering that they had divers strong Towns in Aquitane, the Delphinate and Leige, into which they might retreat, and from whence they might make excursions for the depopulating of their enemies Countries. The Germanes also cried out, that having wanted their pay for divers moneths, it were better for them to fight, then to be so long from their own Countrey and relations.The Admirall forced to fight. Thus it being resolved that they should come to a Battell▪ both Armies advanced to Monconture, striving which should possesse the place; and the Van being led by the Admirall, was suddainly set upon by the enemy; the Admirall seeking for his Armour-bearer could not find him, yet unarmed as he was, he rushed into the midst of his enemies; Count Mansfelt seconded him, so that they forced them to give ground: Hard by there was a rivolet which the enemies contended earnestly to passe over;His policy. whereupon the Admirall taking some Harquebushiers with him, hastened to the Rivers bank to oppose them, where he continued all that evening; …n the mean time the enemy continually shot at him both with great and small shot,A special providence. who if they could have gotten the passage, might have brought great detriment to the Army; for the enemies exceeded the Protestant Army by a third part, besides they were fresh and in good plight, the other were weary and harrassed out; but this holp them only for two daies space, for on the third day six hundred Germans set upon the Admirall, who had only two hundred French horse with him, and in the fight, the Admirall being often shot at,He is wounded. at last received a wound on his face by the right side of his nose, the bullet piercing into his mouth, which wound bled so fast that he could not spit out the blood: his sword also by many blows fell out of his hand, and the buckles of his Breastplate were so broken that it hung by very little: but in this extremity by the assistance and faithfull help of one …lorinerius a young Norman, whom he had brought up from a Child in his Family,His Army overthrown. he was rescued and conveyed out of the crowd, and his Forces being overthrown, he was by his Friends conveyed to Parthenaeus. Here we might wonder at his constancy and magnanimity: for whereas in this great calamity most men gave way to despondency, he laboured to comfort and confirm each of them; he also caused his Secretaries presently to write into all the parts of France to the Protestants that were in arms,His courage. not to be discouraged, or to think that he had received so great a blow p. 271which might not be repaired within a few daies.

The very next day he removed to Niort, where, having setled his affairs, he went into Xantone, and there stayed seven daies for the cure of his wound, which could not be perfectly healed in lesse then twenty five daies space. Being thus tos…ed up and down with various afflictions, word was brought him that the Parliament of Paris, He is condemned by the Parliament of Paris.Sept. 13. 1569. had made a Decree wherein they had declared him guilty of treason, and had proposed a reward of fifty thousand Crowns to any one that would bring him alive to the King. At the same time he had intelligence that one Martinengus an Italian, banished his own Countrey for treason, being made by the King Commander of some Troops of horse, had been at Castellion, and surprized his Castle, and plundered it of all his rich Furniture which for divers ages had remained there,His house plundered. the value whereof was not lesse worth then one hundred thousand Crowns, besides he had so burned the whole Town adjoyning to the Castle, that there was scarce any footsteps remaining of it; which sad tidings were so farre from causing any dejectednesse in him, or disfitting him for his employments, that he did not so much as shew the least change in his countenance: And whenas his Friends and kindred flocked to him to comfort him, he told them, That through Gods grace, he had this frame of spirit given him, that for those things which are usually called Goods, he possessed them, and not they him; and that his Fortunes were subjected to him,His contentation. not he to them. And whereas in those Civil Warres, Princes, Peers, Nobles, Knights, Horsemen and Footmen had large allowances from the King, whereby they maintained themselves, he on the contrary was alwaies carefull to discharge his quarters, both for himself and Family,His justice. whereby he contracted great debts, taking up money upon use to enable him to it; yea he pawned his very Wives Jewels, Bracelets, Rings, and other rich furniture, thereby to furnish himself with money; by which means he did so weaken his estate, that in the end of this third Civil Warre he was forced in a Councel of the Princes, to move for some allowance wherewith to sustain his Family.

About this time he wrote another Letter to his Sons, and the Sons of his Brother Andelot, who were still at Rochel, under the same Tutor, the tenour whereof was this:

Truly it would be very gratefull unto me if I had opportunity to see you, His Letter to his Sons and Nephews.and to speak face to face: but seeing I am deprived of that happiness, I thought fit by this Epistle to admonish you alwaies to set Piety and the fear of God before your faces, especially at this time, when you find by experience that there is no trusting to those things which are called Goods. Our hope must be placed elsewhere then in this world, and other things must be sought after then those which we see with our eyes, and handle with our hands: but because to do that is not in our own powers, we must earnestly pray unto God that he would lead us in that way which is most sure and safe; neither yet must you expect that that way will prove pleasant and delicate, and abounding with worldly felicity: For Christ himself who hath gone p. 272before us, and is our Captain and Ensign bearer, must be imitated by us. Men indeed have dispoiled us of those things which are fading and transitory, but if we be willing and carefull to submit to the will of God, we shall be happy, and it shall be well with us at the last; for those men have wronged you, not for any injury you ever did them, but out of a hatred against me, which also proceeds from hence, because the Lord is pleased to honour me by being an Instrument of assisting has afflicted Church; and therefore if for this cause we suffer losse and inconveniences, we have no reason to grieve for it, but rather to assure our selves that he will give us such a reward as men shall not be able to take from us. I have many other things to write to you of if I had leasure; but for the present I have enough, if I may admonish and request you for Gods sake, that you go on valiantly in the study of vertue, and that in all your words and actions you shew an aborrency of all vices; be obedient to your Master, and your other Governours, that though I seldom see you, yet I may hear that you increase in Piety and good Manners: To conclude, I pray, if it be the will of God, that whatsoever further befals us, either in our estates or persons, we may have it sanctified to us for our spiritual good; and I heartily pray to God that he will be a refuge and help unto you, and a defence in this your minority; Fare you well. From Xantone, Octob. 16. 1568. Castellonius.

The Admirall and all the Commanders of his Army having often consulted about their future proceedings, resolved to strengthen all their garrisons, and so with their light Horse to go into Tholouse, where they of the Religion held Montalban, a place very strong both by Nature and Art, who also had gotten together a good summe of money for paying the German Auxiliaries: besides they hoped by passing over the two Rivers of Garone and Lotters, to joyn to themselves those forces which were under the command of Mongomry, a man of great authority by reason of his skill and experience in military affairs, who also had lately by the assistance of his forces quieted Berne, that belonged to the Prince of Navarr.

This journey, by reason of the roughnesse of the way proved very difficult and painfull, especially considering that the enemies had Garrisoned all the Cities, and broken down all the Bridges where they were to passe; yet at length with much difficulty they came to Montalban, from whence the Admirall sent to the King and Queen-mother in in his own,They send to the King for Peace. and in the names of all that were with him, humbly intreating them that they would not suffer so many valiant and gallant men as were in both Armies mutually to shed the blood each of other; but that rather out of their clemency they would put an end to those mischiefs; that the contrary was the counsell of some Cardinals and Bishops that never came into the field to try the miseries of Warre; or else of certain Italians that rejoyced in the ruines of France; and that it was extream madnesse to suppose that two huedred thousand Protestants to whom so many of the Nobility had joyned themselves, could so easily be suppressed and destroyed. Besides also it could not be but in those Warres many Papists must be great sufferers as well as p. 273the Protestants; some in their persons, and others in their estates and Families. That the speeches of the Courtiers were unworthy the Kings Majesty, who used commonly to say, That the King would not spare his Popish Subjects, so he might destroy his adversaries: For it was the voice of a Tyrant, not of a King, to say, Pereant amici, A Tyrannical speech.dum unà in mici intercidant, Let my friends perish whilst mine enemies fall together with them. That the conditions of Peace were easie, viz. That the Decrees made by the States of Orleance, and the Edicts of Paris might be renewed and established, whereby the Protestants were allowed certain places for publique Worship.

These Messengers being dispatched away, they presently resolved to passe the River Oaronna, which was between theirs and Mongomries forces, but the passage seemed very difficult by reason of the breadth, depth and swiftnesse of the River; whereupon the Admirall resolved to take in the Town of Marian, which stands upon the Rivers bank, which he also did, and Mongomry coming to the other bank, the Admirall intended to make a Bridge, which also with admirable art and industry he effected, and so in two daies space passed the German horse over it: but the night after a Ship coming swiftly along the stream, brake down the Bridge, so that they were forced to make a new one of Boats, whereby Mongomries Army came over safe to them; and the German horse also which brought up his rear, and so having stayed there two daies for the refreshing of his men, he led his Army to Tholouse, and took in all the neighbouring Towns, either by storm or surrender, though he had only two great Guns in his Train, which he brought with him from Montalban. And the Protestant Army was the more incensed against them of Tholouse, because (say they) they have been violent to burn them of our Religion: They beheaded Captain Rapin who carried them the Edict of Peace from the King; they have also committed many other insolencies which now cry for vengeance, and God hath put an opportunity into our hands, which we must not neglect, &c.

Having dispatched these things he resolved to march to Vivaret, and to the bank of Rhodanus, and understanding that some were up in Arms for him in the Delphinate, who also had taken some Towns, he sent part of his forces to them, to assist them in taking in some Cities of greater consequence, committing the government of them to Count Lodwick of Nassaw, who arriving in the Delphinate, struck such a terrour into the Inhabitants as caused them to fly into the Cities; but he having no Guns for battery, only wasted the enemies Countrey, and so with honour returned within few daies to the Admirall.

Shortly after the Admirall worn out with cares, watchings,The Admirall falls sick. and incessant labours, fell sick; and though he was greatly afflicted with his disease, yet conceiving that it was of great concernment for him to get to the River Liger, he made no stay, but in his Horselitter marched with his Army thitherward; for he was informed that about La Charity and Sancerra, there were about two hundred risen in Arms for p. 274him, whom he thought to be of great concernment to adjoyn to his Army, the rather because Cossaeus Marshall of the Kingdom, after the Battell in Xantone, by the King made Generall of the Army in the room of the Duke of Anjou, as he understood, advanced with his Army that way, and began to approach near him: And whereas there came a Trumpet from him to the Admirall about exchange of Prisoners, the Admirall sent him word by his Trumpet that he should not need to be at so much pains to seek him, for that he himself was hasting towards him, so fast as he could.

Ambassadours from the KingWhen he was advanced so far as the Forrest, behold new Ambassadors met him from the King about a Peace; for when the Courtiers heard that the Admirall, whom they thought to be utterly broken by his former overthrow, had in so short a time gotten so gallant an Army together again, they were extreamly terrified, lest he should march directly towards Paris, and there should plunder and destroy the brave Countrey Houses of the Courtiers, Senators, and rich Citizens of Paris, the like whereunto they had heard that the Senators and Citizens of Tholouse had already felt.

The Admirall by his march (though in his Horselitter) had his disease much increased upon him, and the Physicians gave their judgment, that if he continued still to be pressed with so great cares and multiplicity of businesses, he could not hold out long; whereupon the Treaty with the Kings Ambassadours brake off for a time: but some Nobles that were aweary of the Warres complained that there was no reason that the Treaty should cease, because the Admirall could not be present at it, affirming, that though he should die, yet there were men enough of honour and interest that could carry on the Treaty, to the establishing of Peace. The Ambassadors tnswered them, We wonder thrt you do not consider of how great authority the Admirall is amongst you, The great esteem of the Admirall.who if he should die to day, we would not offer to any of you tomorrow, so much as a cup of cold water. What? do you not yet know that the only name of the Admirall can prevail more for you then a great Army without him?

The Treaty goes on.Within a few daies the Admirall being refreshed, and in a good measure recovered, the Treaty began again, and at last it was concluded, That certain Commissioners should go along with the Kings Ambassadours, to signifie to his Majesty in the name of them all, That they of the Religion desired nothing more then Peace, neither was any thing more grievous to them then Warre; yet was there none of them but would undergo greater miseries, yea and death it self, rather then to deny the truth which they had embraced: That if the King pleased to grant them Peace and the exercise of their Religion upon the former conditions, and to put some cautionary Towns into their power for their security, they would willingly, and for ever lay down their Arms.

These Messengers being dispatched, the Admirall advanced forward, and in his way took in the Town of Reneducium, to which some p. 275of the Vantcurriers of Cossaeus were come, and from that day forwards there was no day passed without some skirmishes between the two Armies; and one day the minds of the Souldiers on both parts were so far inflamed that it had near come to a generall Battell, there being only a little Brook between the two Armies, Monsieur Mongomry having already broken the first Battell of the adversaries, wherein were Valetius and Vasco, men of great authority amongst the Royalists. But presently came new Messengers from the King desiring a cessation from arms till the Treaty was finished;Peace concluded. and after great debate an Edict was sent from the King, by which certain places were allotted to the Protestants for the exercise of their Religion in, for the performance whereof they had for two years four cautionary Towns put into their hands, viz. Rochel, Montalban, Cognac, and Charity: and the Kings Proclamations hereof were sent all over the Kingdom; and so an en end was put to the third Civil Warres.

The Admirall bringing the German Forces to the borders of their Countrey, dismissed them courteously, and so taking the two young Princes of Navarr and Conde, he went with them to Rochel, where the Queen of Navarr was, purposing to stay there till the Peace was fully setled in every place: and after a few Moneths, trusting to the Kings promises, and to the oaths of the Kings Brethren, and Parliaments, having been tired out with so many and great labours, he betook himself to rest; and at the intreaties and perswasions of his Friends, inclined to dispose of himself again in Marriage, the rather because he was earnestly solicited thereto by the kindred of Jacoba Monbella, the widow of the L. Anthony Monbell, who was Daughter of Count Intermontanus, of whose modesty, piety, and wholly life he had heard much formerly.The Admirals second marriage. He marries his Daughter to Teligni. She therefore being brought honourably to him to Rochel, he solemnly married her; and not long after he disposed his own Daughter Ludovica in Marriage to Monsieur Teligni, a young man of great Nobility and vertue. Of all the Nobility of France none seemed more acceptable and dearer to the King then this Teligni, by reason of his admirall ingenuity; and therefore being much about the King, it was he that did afterwards perswade the Admirall of the great esteem and hearty good will of the King towards him.

But God quickly mixed sorrow with the joy of these Marriages,Odet Coligni's death in England. news being brought about that time, of the death of Odet Coligni Cardinall of Chattillion, who had been some time in the Court of England, as the Procurator for the cause of the Protestants with Queen Elizabeth, who much favoured him for the amplitude of his Family, and the opinion of his vertue and integrity. But the Protestants affairs being composed in France, his Brother Gaspar sent for him: Whereupon coming to Queen Elizabeth, he obtained leave for his departure; but being taken with a suddain disease, he died Feb. 14. 1571. not without the suspition of poyson, and was buried at Canterbury, being about fifty years old. He was a man of rare courage,His character. candor and faithfulnesse, p. 276of a sharp judgment, so that few were to be compared with him in managing great affairs. Guillin his Chamberlain poysoned him with an Apple, at the instigation of the Queen-Mother, as he confessed at the time of his death, when afterwards he was taken as a Spy at Rochel, for which he was hanged.

But all this while the Duke of Anjou was a great enemy to the Protestants, and boasted every where of his Victories against them, yet the King did what he could to perswade the Queen of Navarr and the Admirall of his great good will towards them, that they might be induced the more to confide in him.Popish cruelties. Notwithstanding which the Papists in some places made slaughters of the Protestants. As in Orenge, whither all the Inhabitants returned, who had been driven away in the time of the late Warres, the Popish Souldiers made an assault upon them, and slew them without regard of age or sex. Also in Roan, and other places they were slain in great number by the Popish rabble. Whereupon the Queen of Navarr, the Princes and other Protestant Nobles sent to the King to complain of the violation of the Edict, and to require satisfaction for the same. The King entertained them kindly,The Kings dissimulation. protested that these things were done to his great grief, and that he would so punish the Authors of these mischiefs, as should be for the terrour of others.

Not long after, viz. Anno Christi 1571. the King wrote very flattering Letters to the Admirall,The Kings dissimulation with the Admirall. giving him very honourable tearmes, inviting him to his Court at Blesa, intreating him that he would be an instrument of concluding a Marriage between Henry Prince of Navarr, and his Sister Margaret, and to prevail the more with him, he sent him word by his Messengers, that no surer way could be found out for establishing the publique Peace of the Kingdom, and for uniting all sorts of persons, then by this Marriage.

And the better to delude him, the Guises seemed to be every day lesse welcome to him then other, and Monmorency (the Admirals Sisters Son) was used very familiarly by the King, who often protested to him his good will towards the Admirall; communicated to him the counsels of his greatest affairs, for the managing whereof he told him, that he had need of the Admirall for to be his Captain and Minister. The Queen-Mother also, according to her manner, protested that she liked nothing better then that a certain Peace should be confirmed upon equal conditions,Royal dissimulation. the memory of former matters being blotted out.

The Admirals entertainment at Court.By these means the Admirall was drawn to the Court, where he was intertained extraordinary lovingly, even beyond expectation; so that when he fell down on his knees to do reverence, the King took him up, calling him his Father, saying often and openly, that a more desired day never shone unto him then that, wherein he saw an end put to the Warre, and a firm Peace setled in the whole Kingdom by his presence; adding, with a smiling countenance, Now we have you with us, you shall never depart from our side hereafter. He was intertained p. 277with the same serenity of countenance by the Queen-Mother, the Duke of Anjou, but especially by the Duke of Alanson, who much favoured him. The King also seconded his words with deeds, causing one hundred thousand Crowns to be paid him out of his Treasury for his private losses in the last Warres; he gave him also the Revenues of the Cardinall his Brother, which were very great, for one year, and also the furniture and houshold stuff of the said Cardinall.

A few daies after the Admirals return from the Court, the young Duke of Guise, The malice of the Duke of Guise.by the instigation of the Cardinall of Lorraine his Uncle, would have put in a new complaint against the Admirall for the death of his Father; but the King interposing his Authority, drew up a form of agreement, which he made both of them to set their Seals to, and to take their oaths for the keeping of it; notwithstanding which the Duke of Guise shortly after entered Paris, accompanied with many armed men, which the Admirall hearing of, being then at his House at Castellion, he moved the King by his Son-in-law Monsieur Teligni, that he might have leave to keep a small Guard for his own safety: Whereupon the King wrote to him with his own hand, and sent his Letter by Bricmald, a man of great esteem for his vertue; the tenour where of was this:

That it was most acceptable to him that the Admirall should be exceeding cautious and carefull of his own safety,The Kings dissembling Letter. and therefore he gave him power to fortifie his Castle, and to raise as great a Guard as he pleased, desiring him to be confident without doubting of his good will towards him; and that he would be as carefull of his safety, as a Father of his Childes. These Letters with many such like expressions of love being written with the Kings own hand, many read with great delight, and were now throughly perswaded that they ought no longer to doubt of the Kings good will and sincere affections to the Admirall.

Hereupon Count Lodwick of Nassaw (whom we mentioned before) thinking this a fit time (and being secretly invited to the Court) moved the King in the name of his Brother the Prince of Orenge, for assistance; telling him that there were many Cities in the Low Countries, that being oppressed and tired out with the lust, covetousnesse, and cruelty of the Spaniards, would willingly surrender themselves into his hands; And after a few daies spent in debate about this businesse,The King dissembles with C. Lodwick. the King faithfully promised Count Lodwick that very shortly he would send a great Army under the command of the Admirall thither; and it was further agreed upon betwixt them, that if they succeeded in that War, the King of France should have all the Countrey from Antwerp to Picardy, and that the Prince of Orenge should have Holland, Zeland, and Frisland.

About this very time Letters were intercepted and sent to the Admirall,Intercepted Letters which shewed the dissimulations. written from the Cardinall Peleus to the Cardinall of Lorrain to this purpose: That the King was never better affected then now; and therefore because of his good affections, together with the Queen-Mothers, p. 278and the Duke of Anjou's, he hoped there would be good issue of those affairs which were resolved on in the common Councel: That the King at the Admirals coming to Court, had carried himself more politickly then they could have expected; whereupon the King believed that he had taken away all suspition from the Admirall, and had left him no occasion of doubting of his love and good will towards him, which Lorrain knew to be the basis, by their joynt consent, upon which their future proceedings did depend. That some speech was indeed raised about warring upon the King of Spain, which the King made such use of, that the Admirall thence collected arguments of his greater good will towards him. That they must use such artifices whilst they expected an opportunity to effect what was resolved on. That the King of Spain was throughly acquainted with all these proceedings, that so he might suspect nothing by reason of those great preparations which were made for Warre, for he was assured that this was done upon good grounds, as subservient to the principal end. That therefore he desired the Cardinall that whatsoever he had heard, or should hear hereafter, yet he should assure himself that the King would never depart from his first purpose, and that whatsoever he did, did but conduce to hasten the end of their Counsels, and that both the King, Queen-Mother, and the Duke of Anjou, were all very solicitous for this thing, and that as soon as ever the businesse should be effected, they would instantly send away Messengers to acquaint Lorraine with it. And as for the businesse of the Prince of Navarrs marriage, they hoped that it would quickly be effected, for this was ro begin all their future designs, &c.

The Admirals security.He that sent these Letters to the Admirall, hoped that he would have been warned by them to look to himself and his affairs, but he had such a strong confidence of the Kings love and good will towards him, which also was daily nourished in him by his Son-in-law Teligni, that he which was most provident and sharp-sighted in all others businesses, was fatally blind in this.

In the beginning of May 1571. the King desired the Queen of Navarr to go to Paris, to provide all things necessary for the marriage, where she arrived the fifteenth day of the same monethmonth; and the fourth day of June she fell sick of a feavour, whereof she died five daies after, to the extream grief and sorrow of all her Servants and Friends.The Queen of Navarr's death. Two daies before her death, being in perfect memory, she made a most Christian Testament and last Will, finishing her course with singular piety and joy in God.

She was a Princesse of great experience by reason of her manifold adversities,Her character. in all which she shewed an invincible constancy, and heroicall greatnesse of courage, most affectionate to her Religion, very carefull of the education of her children, training them up in the fear of God. In her words most grave and full of motherly affections to them. She had a ready and well advised wit, was pitifull and easie to be intreated; constantly maintained that which she judged to be p. 279good, and agreeable to the will and good pleasure of God. She had a great vivacity of spirit, whereby she was able to comprehend all her affairs, and had a lively grace in representing them, either by word or writing. She died June 9. 1572. and of her age 44.

It was believed that she was poysoned by the smell of certain perfumes; the Doctors and Chyrurgions which opened her, were commanded not to open her brain where the mischief lay, and therefore could not determine about the cause of her death.

The Admirrll in this time was at his house aa Castallion, The King sends for the Admirall.where he received many Letters and Messages from the King to come to him; and because he stirred not, the King sent Cavagnes and Briquemaud to fetch him, that they might come to a conclusion about the Warres in Flanders; and special commandment was given to the Provost of Merchants, and other chief men, that at the Admirals coming to Paris, there should be no affronts done him.

About the same time the Admirall had many advertisements from his Friends, both within and without the Realm;His friends advertisements. that though he could not conceive any sinister opinion of the King, his Mother, or Brother, that yet at least he would consider into what place he was about to thrust himself, amongst so many implacable enemies. But he resting upon the testimony of a good conscience,His security. and the providence of God, rejected all those counsels, as proceeding from mens covetousnesse, or desire of new troubles, which he abhorred worse then death; and therefore taking a small train with him,He went to Paris. he went to Paris, and was very honourably intertained by the King, Queen-Mother, the Kings Brethren and others, to the great astonishment of the whole City.

At the Admirals coming to Paris, amongst other Letters that were brought to him, there was one that gave him these warnings.Warnings to the Admirall. Remember the Popish Maxime, confirmed by the Authority of Councils, That faith is not to be kept with Hereticks, in which number the Protestants are accounted. Remember the implacable spirits of the Papists at this time, irritated by the last Warres. There is no doubt but it is the fixed purpose of the Queen-Mother to destroy the Protestants by any means whatsoever. Consider that she is an Italian, of a most crafty wit, born of the Progeny of Popes, who contrives all extream things against her enemies. Remember in what School the King hath been brought up from his childhood: how he hath been taught to swear and forswear: To pollute himself with whoredomes and adulteries: To compose his countenance: To counterfeit Faith and Religion: How he hath been accustomed to cruelty and bloodshed: How he hath been taught not to suffer above one Religion in his Kingdom: How it hath been whispered into his ears, That the Protestants seek to dispoil him of his life and Kingdom: That he is not bound to keep Covenants made with armed Subjects: That he is taught the Mysteries of State Policy. Remember that Commodus caused Julianus to be slain, whom he pretended to honour and imbrace p. 280as a Father. That Antoninus Caracalla, under the pretence of a Muster, caused all the chief youths of the City to be slain. That Lysander under the pretence of friendship commanded the throats of four hundred Milesians to be cut. That lately Atonius Spinola invited all the chief men of Corsica to a Banquet, where they were all slain. That Christian, King of Denmark, used the same art to commit that horrid massacre at Stockholme, &c. That the Kings speech to his Mother at Blois was no secret, when swearing fearfully, he asked her whether he had not carried himself well at the coming of the Queen of Navarr? To whom she answered, That he had begun well, but that would profit little unlesse he went on: But I (quoth he) swearing often, will bring them all into the net. Wherefore if you be wise, haste both out of the Court and City with all speed, as out of a most impure sink.

His confident answer.The Admirall having read this Letter, though he were offended, yet lest he should seem to neglect the prayers and warnings of his Friends, he returned this answer; That there was no place left any longer for these suspitions: That he was verily perswaded that so great perfidiousnesse could not enter into the heart of so good a King: That indeed the Duke of Anjou was more estranged from the Protestants; but that hatred would by degrees cease by reverence of the affinity contracted with the King of Navarr: That the King had entred into a league with the Queen of England, and endeavoured to do the same with the Protestant Princes in Germany, which sufficiently shews how he stands affected to the Protestants. Moreover that Faith was given to the Prince of Orenge, and to the E. of Nassaw his Brother to aid them against the Spaniards. That the Kings Ambassadours did daily search into the Counsels of the Duke de Alva, and acquainted the King therewith, as the King daily informed him: That the Navy under Strossius at Broag is rigged for no other end but to disturb the Spansh Fleet, and to assist the Prince of Orenge. That for himself they need not fear, the King having made Friendship betwixt the Guises and him, faith being mutually given that neither should injure other. To conclude, That the King doth all he can to have Peace at home, and Warre abroad; and to translate it into the Low Countries against the Spaniards; wherefore he prayeth his Friends not to trouble his mind any more with suspitions, which is now busied with weightier matters, and to joyn with him in prayer to God, that he would bring those things to a good issue, which are well begun for his glory, and the good both of Church and Kingdom.

A little before Count Lodwick with some others had Commissions from the King to surprize some Frontier Town in Flanders. Royal treachery.On the other side the Duke de Alva had intelligence of every step that Count Lodwick took, yet such was his diligence that he surpriz'd Monts in Henault, wherewith the Duke de Alva was so netled, that he said, The Queen-Mother had sent him the flowers of Florence, but he would for them return her Spanish thistles; but upon further intelligence he was soon pacified.

p. 281Many Lords and Gentlemen of the Religion accompanied the King of Navarr and Prince of Conde to Paris, The Protestants flock to Paris.and the King drew many more of them thither, who otherwise would have kept their houses, under pretence of his Warres in Flanders.

Count Lodwick was presently besieged in Monts by de Alva, whereupon the King gave Commission to Monsieur Jenlis to raise Horse and Foot for his succour:Deep dissimulation. but de Alva being acquainted with all his proceedings, surprized him, which the King seemed to be much grieved at, and presently wrote to his Ambassadours in the Low Countries to procure the deliverance of the prisoners. He also encouraged the Admirall to send all the help he could to the Rutters, whom the Prince of Orenge had levied for the relief of his Brother, causing monies to be delivered to him for their pay.

The Ambassadours of Spain also seemed to be very male-content, because the King began Warre in Flanders: and the Kings Mother played her part in this Tragedy, pretending that she knew nothing of the Kings proceedings, and now she did know them she would leave the Court. These juglings were carried so handsomly, that the Admirall, Teligni his Son-in-law, and other Lords were confidently perswaded that the King was wholly guided by the Admirals advice.

July the last, The Rochelers wrote to the Admirall that the Kings Army approached near them;Rochel blocked up. that from Xantone and Gascoine it daily wasted the Countrey about them, using terrible threatnings against their Town, and menacing to plunder it; whereupon they intreated his advice, especially about receiving eight hundred men, which they sought to put as a Garrison into the Town. The Admirall made them an honourable answer, Aug. 7. assuring them of the care he had over them, adding that he found the King so well disposed for Peace, that all men had cause to commend him. Yet the Rochelers neglected not to look to themselves and to fortifie their Town. In other Towns many were the threats of the Papists against the Protestants,The Admirall deluded. which much terrified some: others relied upon the Admirals presence and favour at Court; and to such as suggested doubts to him, he said, that the King had reconciled the differences betwixt the Guises and him, causing both Parties to swear friendship: That the King gave his Sister in marriage, not so much to the King of Navarr as to the whole Church of the Protestants, to joyn with them thereby in an inviolable union, and therefore he besought all them, that either by writing or words advised him of the hatred of the King, Queen-Mother, the Duke of Anjou, or the house of Guise, no more to trouble him with those things, but rather to commend all in their daily prayers to God, and to give him thanks who of his infinite mercy had brought things to so good an end.

August 17. Henry King of Navarr, The King of Navarr married.and the Lady Margaret of France, Sister to the King, in the evening were conducted to the Louure, and the next day were married by the Cardinall of Bourbon in the sight of all the people upon a great Scaffold made before the p. 282gate of the great Church in Paris, which day was passed over in Banquets, Dances and Masks; and that very day the Admirall wrote a Letter to his Wife great with child in this tenour: