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

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

p. 282Most dear and desired Wife, This day was celebrated the Marriage between the King of Navarr and the Kings Sister,The Admirals Letter to his Wife. and these three or four ensuing daies will be spent in Feastings, Maskings and Dancings. The King hath promised me, that after a few daies he will set time apart to hear the complaints which are brought from several parts of the Kingdom for violating the Edict of Peace; for the prosecution whereof it's very necessary that I should improve all my interest with the King: For though I have an earnest desire to see thee, yet it would be grievous to me, and I suppose to thee also, if I should be any waies deficient in a business of so great concernment; neither will my stay here about it be such, but that I hope to come to thee this next week. If I should only respect my own content, it would be much more pleasing to me to be with thee, then to stay any longer at Court, for sundry reasons which I may hereafter impart to thee; but I must have more respect to the publique good, then either to my own pleasure or profit. I have some other things to impart to thee so soon as God shall bring us together, which I much long for both day and night. All that I have for the present to write to thee is only thus much; at four a clock this afternoon was celebrated the Masse for the Marriage, during which time the King of Navarr walked without the Church with some other Noble-men of our Religion. Some other matters of smaller concernment I shall reserve till we have an opportunity to speak together; in the mean time (most dear and loving Wife) I pray for thee that God will protect and keep thee, Farewell. Paris, Aug. 18. 1572.

Three daies since I was much tormented with the Stone and Cholick, but through Gods mercy they held me not above eight or ten hours, and now by the same mercy I am wholly freed from them. I promise thee that in these great Feasts and Pastimes I will trouble none. Once again Farewell.

Thy most loving Husband, Chattillion.

The Kings dissimulation.About the same time, their Counsels for the Massacre being not yet ripened, the King with the greatest demonstrations of good will that might be, thus accosts the Admirall, My Father, Remember what you have undertaken to me, that you will be injurious to none of the Guises whilst you are in the Court, they also have interchangeably given their faith, that they will carry themselves honourably and modestly towards you. And truly I put as great trust as may be in your words, but I have not the same confidence in their promises. For besides that I know that the Guises seek occasion of revenge, I know their disposition to be bold and haughty, and with what great favour and affection the people of Paris do follow them; It would be a great grief to me if they who have brought into the City many men of Warre notably furnished with arms, under colour of coming to the marriage solemnity, should go about any thing for your destruction, which would extreamly reflect upon me; and therefore I think it fit, p. 283if you be of the same minde, to bring a Regiment of Praetorian Souldiers into the City, under the command of such men (meaning some that were least suspected) who may not only be ready for the publique securiry, but upon all emergencies, if turbulent spirits should attempt any thing against you. This friendly speech so prevailed with the Admirall that he gave his consent, and so a Regiment was brought in without the suspition of the Protestants, which afterwards helped to cut their throats.

Five daies after, as the Admirall came from the Court,The Admirall wounded. where he had been all that morning, accompanied with twelve or fifteen Gentlemen, being on foot about a hundred paces from the Louure, walking softly, and reading a Petition, just over-against the house of one Villemure a Canon, and Tutor to the young Duke of Guise, one shot with an Harquebush at him through a lattice window, the Gun was laden with three brasse bullets, one whereof brake his forefinger of his right hand, the other two pierced his left arm: He that shot it had a horse ready at the back door, whereon being mounted he escaped through St. Anthonies gate, where finding a Spanish Jennet held ready for him, he posted away to the place appointed for his retreat. The door of the house being burst open, the Harquebush was found with a Lacquey, and another servant who belonged to Challey, Steward of the Kings house, and a great dealer in the Duke of Guises affairs, who also the day before had brought this Harquibushier to that house, desiring that he might be well intertained: the Lacquey also was sent that morning by this Harquebushier whose name was Maurevel, to the Duke of Guises Groom of his Stable, requiring that the Horse should be ready that was promised him.

The Admirall being brought to his lodging, shewed singular piety and patience; Chyrurgions were sent for, and amongst the rest Ambrose Pareus, the Kings Chyrurgion, who began first with his finger, which he cut off, but his pincers not being keen,His admirable patience, he opened and pressed them three times before he could cut it off. Then he lanced both those places in his arm which the bullets had pierced; all which the Admirall bore not only with a couragious heart, but with a constant countenance, insomuch as seeing his Friends to weep which held his arm whilst the incisions were made, he said unto them, My Friends, why do you weep? and Christian courage.I judge my self happy that bear these wounds for the cause of my God. And withall looking upon Monsieur Merlin his Minister, he said, These wounds, my Friends, are Gods blessings, the smart indeed of them is troublesome, but I acknowledge the will of my Lord God therein, and I bless his Majesty who hath been pleased thus to honour me, and to lay any pain upon me for his holy name sake; let us beg of him that he will enable me to presevere unto the end. And seeing Monsieur Merlin to weep and lament, he said to him, My Merlin, you should rather comfort me: To whom he answered, Indeed there can be no greater comfort then to think upon the honour which God hath done you, in judging you worthy for his Name and Religions sake to suffer these pains. My p. 284Merlin, answered the Admirall, if God should have dealt with me a… cording to my deserts, or have used his power over me, he must have de… far more severely with me; but blessed be his Name, who hath dealt so mildly and lovingly with me his unworthy Servant.

Then said another that stood by, Go on with this your piety, fo… God ought to be praised by you who hath left the greatest part sa… and untouched, for which cause you have greater reason to admire h… mercy in these wounds, then to complain of his justice, especial… considering that neither your head nor your mind are wounded. Th… said Merlin, You do very well Sir that you turn your thoughts fro… these murtherers to God, for truly it was his hand that inflicted thei… wounds, neither ought you at all to think upon the bl…ody-mindednesse of your adversaries. Truly, said the Admirall, I freely and from my heart forgive both him that shot at me, His charity.and those also that set him on: for I know assuredly that it is not in their power to hurt me, no though they should kill me, for my death is a most certain passage to eternal life. Th… same words he shortly after spake to Marshall Danvill when he came to visit him.

And whereas Monsieur Merlin told him, that the afflictions and calamities which happen to Gods Children use to quicken the… more in Prayer: The Admirall thereupon with an audible voice and fervent soul poured out this Prayer unto God, O Lord God, and my heavenly Father, have mercy upon me for thy tender mercies sake; His Prayer.Remember not against me my former iniquities, neither charge me with the sins of my youth. If thou Lord shouldst strictly mark what is done amiss, or shouldst impute to us our breach of Covenant, what flesh could stand before thee, or endure thine anger? As for me, disclaiming all false gods and worship, I only call upon thee the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and worship thee alone: for Christ his sake, I beseech thee to bestow thy holy Spirit upon me, and give me the grace of patience. I only trust in thy mercies, all my hope and confidence is placed on that alone, whether thou pleasest to inflict present death upon me, or to spare my life to do thee further service. Behold Lord, I am prepared to submit to thy will in either, nothing doubting, but if thou pleasest to inflict death upon me, thou wilt presently admit me into thine everlasting Kingdom. But if Lord thou sufferest me to live longer here, grant, O most heavenly Father, that I may spend all the remainder of my daies in advancing thy glory, and in observing and sticking close to thy true Religion. Amen.

His Prayer being ended, Monsieur Merlin asked him if he pleased that they also should go to Prayer with him: Yea, said he, with all my heart; and whilst Merlin was praying, the Admirall with his eyes fixed upon heaven joyned with very great devotion. And after Prayer, when Merlin minded him of the examples of the ancient Martyrs, telling him that there was never any man from the beginning of the world, that laid out all his labour and interest for God, and his true Religion, but that he met with manifold afflictions; the Admirall interrupted him,His comfort. saying, I am refreshed and confirmed with this speech, p. 285and the examples of the holy Fathers and Martyrs do much comfort me, and mitigate my pain.

Presently after the two Marshals of the Kingdom, Monsieur de Cosse and Danvill came to visit him, telling him that they were extreamly grieved for his mishap, and that nothing could have happened more bitter to them; yet withall, say they, we judge it equal and agreeable to your former valour, to recollect and shew your self a man, for your vertue hath given you far more then this ill chance can take from you. Then the Admirall turning to de Cosse, said, Do you not remember, Sir, what I told you of late? Truly so much attends you also. But, said Danvill, My Admirall, I purpose neither to comfort you, nor to exhort you to courage and constancy, for your self is the man from whom such Consolations and Exhortations use to proceed, only I request you to consider wherein I may be serviceable unto you: I wonder from whence this mischief did proceed! Then said the Admirall, Truly I can suspect none but the Duke of Guise, yet dare I not affirm that it was he: However, through Gods mercy,His Faith. I have learned neither to fear mine enemies, nor death it self, which I am sure can do me no hurt, but may forward my eternal peace and happinesse: For I know that my God in whom I have put all my confidence can neither deceive nor lye unto me. Only herein I am sorrowfull, for that by this accident I am disabled to shew the King how much I would have done for his service (meaning in the Warre of Flanders:) Would to God I had an opportunity to speak with his Majesty, for I have some things to impart ro him, which much concern his interest, and I believe there is none that dare tell it him but my self.

In the mean time the King of Navarr, and the Prince of Conde complained grievously of this vile and treacherous fact to the King; To whom the King cursing and swearing grievously, called God to witnesse that he would so severely punish this wickednesse towards the Admirall,The Kings prophane dissimulation. that he would leave the example to all future ages to take heed of such villany; and thereupon the Lacquy and Woman that were found in the house, were apprehended and cast into prison.

At two a clock in the afternoon, the King hearing of the Admirals desire to speak with him, went to him,The King visits the Admirall. accompanied with the Queen-Mother, his two Brethren, the Duke of Monpensier, the Cardinall of Bourbon, Marshall Danvill, Tavenes, de Cosse, &c. When the King came first into the Admirals chamber he caused all his servants to go forth, except Monsieur Teligni, his Wife, and Merlin; then going to the beds side, the Admirall said to him, I humbly thank you Sir, that you have been pleased to put your self to so much trouble for my sake. Then did the King with flattering words congratulate his valiant mind, and bid him be of good courage, and hope well of the issue. To whom the Admirall replied;

Sir, His speech to the King.There are three things wherewith I was desirous to acquaint p. 286your Majesty; First, To professe my fidelity and observance to your Majesty; and I pray God so to be mercifull unto me, before whose Throne I may be brought shortly to appear by these my wounds, as I was alwaies studious and carefull of your honour and dignity. Neither yet am I ignorant how often mine adversaries have calumniated me to your Majesty, and accused me for a disturber of the publique Peace; but through Gods mercy, though I should hold my peace, yet my actions will sufficiently clear me from this charge. Indeed this hath been the fountain of all these calamities, because I resisted their fury, and impudency: and because I asserted the authority of your Edicts against their turbulent and violent proceedings; neither could I endure to suffer them so often to violate the faith confirmed by your oathes to your Subjects. God is witnesse of the sincerity of my mind herein, who also fully knows the difference between me and my adversaries, and will righteously judge the same. Furthermore also considering the great Honours and Offices conferred upon me by your Father, and Grandfather, and confirmed by your self; I should be ungratefull and unfaithfull if I should not humbly request your Majesty to provide a remedy against all those maladies and perturbations which already disturb the peace of your Kingdom. And now to proceed to the businesse of Flanders, Never any of your Predecessors had the like opportunity of getting Honour as your self. You know that many Cities in the Low Countries desire your favour, and to throw themselves into your protection. This occasion I perceive is in your Court laugh't and scoff't at, and through the default of some few men, the opportunity is like to be overslipt. Those Forces which were lately led by Genlisse thitherward, were circumvented, and destroyed by de Alva; you know what a great number of Catholicks were in that Army; Of what Religion then I pray you are those who make a jest at the slaughter of so many of their Countrey-men, and of their own Religion? There is scarce any secret word spoken in your Privy-Councell, but presently the Duke de Alva knows of it. I pray you Sir, What good can we expect when those that sit in your Privy-Councell, and should assist your Majesty and your Brethren, do betray your most secret counsels to your publique and professed enemies? I beseech you Sir, that you take care of a businesse of such concernment as this is, yea again and again I intreat it of you. And lastly, I beg with the like earnestnesse, that you will not suffer your Edict of Pacification to be so ordinarily broken: You know how often you have sworn to keep it: You know that forreign Nations, and all your neighbour Princes have taken notice of it. What an unworthy thing is it Sir, that an Oath so solemnly sworn, should be so much slighted and neglected? Do you think that forreign Princes will hereafter make any account of your Oath? But the other day in Champaigne, as the Nurse carried a child home from Baptism, and from a Sermon which was held in a place allowed by your authority, certain seditious persons lying in wait by the way, basely murthered p. 287the Nurse, Infant, and some other of the company with it. Consider I pray you, how great the wickednesse was, and how Honourable, yea how Glorious it will be to your name not to suffer such cruelty to escape with impunity.

Unto this Speech of the Admirall the King returned this answer,The Kings answer. That he had never called his loyalty into question; That he reputed him a good Commonwealths man, and a valiant and excellent Captain, before whom he preferred no man in his Kingdom. And (said he) if I had had any other opinion of you, I had never done as I have heretofore. About the Flemish businesse he answered never a word. But for the third thing he answered, that he liked nothing better then that his Edicts for Pacification should be holily and inviolably observed, for which end he had sent his Deputies into all the Provinces of his Kingdom; for the confirmation whereof he called the Queen-Mother to witnesse, who turning to the Admirall, said, My Admirall, there is nothing more true,Deep dissimulation. Commissaries and Deputies are sent into all parts. Yea forsooth (said the Admirall) of those men who have imposed Fifty thousand Crowns as the price of my Head.

Then said the King, My Admirall, there is danger lest your earnestnesse may hinder your health, it is better that you take your rest; the harm hath befallen you, but the dishonour reflects upon me; but I swear by Gods death that I will so severely punish this wicked deed, that the memory thereof shall continue to all posterities: The Woman and Lacquy that were found in the house we have committed to safe custody, Whom further do you require to be examined, or whom would you have to exercise judgment? To this the Admirall answered, I leave this businesse to your Wisdom and Fidelity, yet because you ask my judgment, I humbly desire that Cavanneus and Masparrot may be employed therein, for I think that the author of this deed is not farre off. The King and Queen-Mother coming nearer to the Admirals pillow, spake a while softly, and at last the Queen-Mother said, Although I am but a woman, yet I perceive we must provide betimes.

The King at his departure advised the Admirall to be transported into the Kings Castle, and the Earl Rhetius pressed the same divers times, saying that he feared lest such a commotion should be raised amongst the common people of Paris, as the King with all his authority should not be able to quell. To this it was answered, That the Physicians and Chyrurgeous would not allow of his removall, lest the stirring of his body should inflame his wounds: That if the King pleased to manifest his love and favour to the Admirall, there was no more fear of the people of Paris, then of a company of women: That the authority of the Kings name was so great in France, especially in Paris, that were the common people never so mad and furious, yet the mention of that alone would easily suppresse them.The Bullet viwed.

Then did the King call for the brasen bullet wherewith the Admirall p. 288was wounded, and asked him if he felt not very great pain when his finger and arm were cut? To which receiving an answer, he replied, that there could not be a more constant and valiant man found this day in the world; and so restoring the Bullet, the Queen-Mother looking on it said, I am glad that the Bullet is got out, for I remember that when the Duke of Guise was shot in his Camp, the Physicians often told me, that though it were poysoned, yet there was no danger when the Bullet was out: But, said a by-stander, Madam, we rested not upon that, but we gave the Admirall Physick to prevent the danger if there were any poyson.

After the Kings departure came in John Ferrers, Vidam of Chartres, who comforted the Admirall with many words, concluding that the enemies had betraied their great cowardlinesse in that they durst not encounter the Admirall but through a grated window; but that the Admirall was an happy man, who had lengthened out the praise of his vertue to so great an age. Yea, said the Admirall, in this I account my self happy, that the Lord hath been pleased to shew me mercy, for they are truly blessed whose sins are forgiven, Psal. 32.1.Ps 32:1and whose transgressions are covered.

A Councel held by the Protestants.The King of Navarr, Prince of Conde, and some other Christians of the Protestants being present, they resolved to go down into a lower Chamber, to consult what course to take for their present security. At this debate Ferrers was very earnest that they should with all speed depart out of Paris, assuring them that this was but the first act of a more dangerous Tragedy that would suddainly ensue. Others on the contrary argued, That it was enough for the present to require justice of the King, desiring that judgment might be speedily executed: In this opinion Teligni stood stiff, affirming that he knew the Kings mind throughly, and that they ought not to suspect his faith and good will. Yet it was alleadged again that many seditious reports were scattered about: That many Papists on the Wedding-day, when the Protestants came out of the Church, that they might not be present at Masse, spake publiquely, That within a few daies they should hear Masse.Presages of the Massacre. Also some of the chief Citizens said, that there should be more blood then wine shed at that Marriage. Also the President of the Senate advised a Noble-man of the Protestants to go into the Countrey with his Family for a few daies. Also John Monluc Bishop of Valentia, Monluc's advice.when he was going Ambassadour into Poland, advised the Earl of Rochfaucand, not to suffer himself to be blinded with the smoak of the Court and its unsuall favours, which are deservedly suspected by wise and wary men; Therefore, said he, be not too secure, cast not your self into dangers, but withdraw your self and other Noble-men betimes out of the Court. But these things could not be heard by reason of Monsieur Teligni's confidence.

In the mean time the Woman and Lacquy who were found in the house of Villemur, were examined by the Presidents of the Parliament. The Woman confessed that a few daies before, Villerius Challius, a p. 289retainer to the Guises, brought a Souldier to that house, commending him to her as if he had been the Master of the house, but his name was concealed. The Boy confessed that he had served this man a few daies, who called himself one while Bolland, and another while Bondol, and that he was sent that morning to Challius to intreat him that the Horse might be ready as he had promised. Hereupon Challius was sent for, the more to delude the Protestants.

The King also wrote to the Governours of the Provinces,The Kings dissimulation. wherein he detested the wrong done to the Admirall, and required them to do their endeavour that all might understand how greatly it grieved him, and that he would most severely punish it to the terrour of all others.

The day after some of the Admirals friends being certified that many things were done tumultuously in the City, and that weapons were brought together in many places; they thought fit that counsell should be taken betimes, for that no good could be expected from those proceedings: Hereupon one was sent to the King to certifie him of the commontion of the people, and of their carrying of Arms, and therefore to request him to charge certain of his guard to stand before the Admirals door for his better security: The King seeming to be moved with this news,Deep dissimulation. began to demand of the Messenger who had told it him? and whether the Admirall knew of it? and withall he sent for the Queen-Mother, who was scarce entred, when the King with a disquiet mind (as he seemed) said, What a mischief? What is the matter? He tels me that the common people are in a tumult, and take Arms. She answered, They are not in any tumult, neither do they take Arms; but you know that early in the morning you commanded that all should contain themselves in their own quarters, lest any tumult might arise. That is true, said the King, but I forbad them to take Arms.

Then the Messenger again requested that he would send some of his Guard to the Admirals lodging. The Duke of Anjou being by, said, Take Cossen to you with fifty Harquibushiers: The other answered, We desire only six of the Kings Guard, for their Authority will more prevail with the people then many armed men. Yea (quoth the King and the Duke of Anjou) take Cossens to you,An ill omen. for you cannot have a fitter man: which words were pronounced very imperiously. The Messenger knowing Cossen to be a great enemy to the Admirall, yet held his peace; and not far from the Kings Chamber he met with Monsieur Thoree, Brother to Marshall Monmorency, who whispering in his ear, said, No greater enemy could be given us for our Keeper; to whom the other answered, Did you not observe how Imperiously the King decreed it? but pray you remember what I answered to the King when he first commanded it.

A few hours after came Cossen with his fifty Harquibushiers to the Admirals house, and chose two shops by, to place his Guard in. A little after Rambulet, the Kings Camp-master followed, who by the p. 290advice of the Duke of Anjou, commanded all the Popish Nobility that lodged in that street to remove their quarters elsewhere, that he might dispose of their lodgings to the friends and familiars of the Admirall; then which no more crafty counsell could be devised for those matters which afterwards fell out.Popish subtilty

Towards evening this hapned, which gave to many no small occasion of suspition: A Boy by the command of Teligni brought two hunting poles to the Admirals house; but Cossen put him back, and would not suffer them to be carried in: This being told to the King of Navarr, who was now with the Admirall, he went down, and asked Cossen upon what confidence he did it? Cossen answered, that he had done it at the command of the King; but, said he, since you will have it so, let them be brought in. That day the King sent to all the Admirals familiar friends, admonishing them to go near to the Admirals house, and take up all those quarters.

Counsell that the Protestants should leave Paris.But upon the former occurrences another Councel was called under the Admirals lodging, wherein the Vidam of Chartres again urged his former opinion, that the Admirall should presently be carried out of Paris, and that his friends should go along with him: That every hour they observed many things that justly increased their suspition; But most were of the contrary opinion, viz. That they were only to require justice of the King, and to desire that the Guises and their Faction might be commanded out of the City, as being too powerfull with the people of Paris; and of this opinion was the King of Navarr, the Prince of Conde, and many others; and the rather because Teligni urged that it would be a great injury to the King, if any should call his faith and sincerity into question, and that it would be sufficient if justice were meekly required of him. At this debate there was one Bucavannius a Picard, A Judas.who never spake word; he was a professor indeed of the true Religion, but very gracious with the Queen-Mother, and very frequent with her familiars, which probably betraied all to her.

About three a clock in the night there fell out another thing which increased the suspition, for one carrying to the Admirals house the Coats of Male of Teligni and Guercius, Cossen turned him back again, which man complaining to Guercius (who was a stout and gallant man) he went to Cossen, and sharply taxed him for it, so that they had well near fallen to blows, but Teligni, who was of a meek and quiet spirit, with gentle words pacified them, himself being so deluded with the fair and flattering words of the King, that he never thought that he spake enough in his commendation.

The Massacre projected.In the mean time a Councell was held at Court, where were present the King, Queen-Mother, Duke of Anjou, Duke of Nevers, the Bastard of Angolisme, Birage, Tavannius, and Radesianus; and it was concluded, That seeing by the death of one the mischief diffused amongst so many could not be extinguished, therefore all should be destroyed: And that the wrath which God would not have fulfilled p. 291with the blood of Coligni alone, should be poured out against all the Sectaries; therefore, say they, the bridle is to be let loose to the common people, who are stirred up enough of themselves; and when the businesse is accomplished, reasons will not be wanting whereby the deed may be excused, the blame being laid upon the Guises, who will willingly undergo the same. So they all concluded that all the Protestants were to be destroyed, even every Mothers child of them. Concerning the King of Navarr, and the Prince of Conde, it was debated, Whether they were to be exempted from the number of the rest: and it was alleadged that the King of Navarr was to be spared, because of his royall Dignity, and his affinity newly contracted; for it would be without all excuse, if so great a Prince, next to the King in blood, conjoyned in fresh affinity, should be slain in the Kings Castle, between the arms, as it were, of the King his Brother-in-law, and his Wives imbraces. Concerning the Prince of Conde the contention was greater; he was much envied for his Fathers sake, yet the dignity of his person, and the authority of the Duke of Nevers, who became surety for him, prevailed that he should be spared.

After this the King calling the King of Navarr, told him that by reason of the violence and boldnesse of the Guises, The Kings dissimulation with the King of Navarr.and the common people inclining to them, he would advise him to command those of his houshold whom he knew most faithfull to him, to come to him to the Louure, to be at hand upon all occasions: This the King of Navarr took in very good part, sending for those that were stout of hand to lodge about him.

Now it was observed that armed men rambled up and down in the City every where, and about the Louure also: that the common people grumbled and gave forth threatning speeches. The Admirall being informed of these things, sent one to the King to tell him of it. The King answered, that there was no cause why Coligni should be affraid, for that these things were done by his command to represse the motions of the people, who were stirred up by the Guises, and therefore bad him to rest assured. It was also told Teligni that Porters were seen carrying Arms into the Louure; but he slighted it, saying, that these were unnecessary suspitions, the Arms being carried in for the winning of a Castle in the Louure, that was built for sport.

Presently the Duke of Guise, to whom the charge was chiefly committed to see the businesse executed,The Duke of Guise excites to the Massacre. calling together the Captains of the Popish Swissers, and the Tribunes of the French bands, late in the night he discovered to them what the will of the King was, that the hour was come wherein by the Kings commandement punishments should be inflicted on the head, and by consequence upon the whole faction of the Rebels; that the beast was caught and entangled in the net, and therefore they must do their endeavoer that he might not escape: Be not therefore (said he) wanting to so fit an occasion of p. 292carrying home a most glorious triumph over the enemies of the Kingdom; the victory is easie, the spoils will be rich and great, which you may obtain as the rewards of your good service, without shedding your own blood.

Then were the Swissers placed about the Louure, unto whom certain bands of French men were added, and charge was given them that they should suffer none of the King of Navarrs, nor of the Prince of Conde's men to come forth. Cossen also was charged with his Harquibushiers to suffer none to come out of the Admirals house.

Fatall securityThat evening Guercius with some others, had profered Teligni to keep guard in the Admirals house, suspecting danger; but he told them that there was no need for them so to trouble themselves, and so with gracious words dismissed them; by which means it came to passe that none lodged in the Admirals house but Cornaton, Labonnius, Yolett the Master of his Horse, Merlin his Chaplain, Paraeus the Kings Chyrurgeon, and some four or five Servants: Teligni was gone to the next house, where he lay with his Wife. In the Admirals Court were the five Swissers whom the King of Navarr had sent him.

Then did the Duke of Guise send for John Caronius lately made Provost of Merchants, whom he commanded to signifie to the Aldermen, that they should bid those in their severall Wards to appear in Arms at the Town-house about midnight to understand the Kings pleasure: He commanded also Macellus, who was very gracious with the people, to signifie to them that liberty was given them from the King to take arms to destroy Coligni, and all the other Rebels, that therefore they should see diligently that they spared none, nor suffered them any where to be concealed: That order should be taken to do the like in all other Cities of the Kingdom, who would follow the example of Paris: That the sign for the beginning the assualt should be the ringing of the little Bell in the Palace: That the sign whereby they should know one another, should be a white handkerchief about their left arm, or a white crosse in their hats: That therefore they should come armed in good numbers, and with good courages, taking care to have candles lighted in their windows, that no tumult might arise before the sign was given. And thus the Duke of Guise, and the bastard of Engolisme did all they could that things might be effected according to the agreement.

At midnight the Queen-Mother fearing the Kings wavering, who was somewhat startled at the horridnesse of the fact,The Queen-Mothers mischievous mind reproved him for it, saying, that by his delaies he would overslip so fair an occasion offered by God for the utter vanquishing of his enemies. The King being netled with this which seemed to charge him with cowardlinesse, commanded the matter to be put in execution; which word the Queen-Mother speedily taking hold of, caused the little Bell to be rung in St. Germanes Church about an hour before day,The sign of the Massacre. Aug. 24. being St. Bartholmews day, and on a Sabbath.

p. 293Presently the Duke of Guise with Engolisme, and d' Aumal went to the Admirals house, where Cossen watched;The Admirals house assaulted. and a noise being raised the Admirall was awakned with it, and heard of a sedition, yet rested secure relying upon the Kings word and favour: But the tumult growing greater, when he perceived a Gun to be discharged in his Court, he then conjectured, though too late, that which was the truth, and so rising out of his bed and putting on his night-gown, he stood and prayed against the wall. Then came a servant to Labonnius, and told him that there was one at the door who by the command of the King desired to be brought to the Admirall; Labonnius therefore taking the keys, ran down and opened the door; then did Cossen catch at him, and stabbed him with his dagger, and so with his Harquebushiers he set upon the rest, killing some and chasing away others: Thus all things were filled with noise, and another door at the stair foot was easily broken open, and one of the five Swissers (sent by the King of Navarr) was slain; yet were the stairs so barricado'd with chests that he could not presently enter. In the mean time Monsieur Merlin went to prayer with the Admirall and the rest; and at the end thereof a servant coming in said to the Admirall, Master, It is God who calleth us to himself, they have broken into the house, neither is there any ability to resist. Then said the Admirall,The Admirals speech. I have prepared my self for death a good while ago; shift you for yourselves if possibly you can, for your endeavour to help me would be in vain: I commend my soul into Gods hand. It was observed that the Admirals countenance was no more troubled then if no danger were at hand.

Thuanus relates his words thus; I perceive what is in doing, I was never afraid of death, and I am ready to undergo it patiently, for which I have long since prepared my self; I bless God that I shall die in the Lord, through whose grace I am elected to an hope of everlasting life. I now need no longer any help of man. You therefore my Friends, get ye hence so soon as ye can, lest ye be involved in my calamity, and your Wives hereafter say, that I was the cause of your destruction. The presence of God, to whose goodness I commend my soul which will presently fly out of my body, is aboundantly sufficient for me. Then all his company gat up into an upper room, and crept out at a window upon the tiles, and by the benefit of night some escaped.

By this time Cossen with some Swissers of the Duke of Anjou's guard had removed the chests, and were come up the stairs: One Beheme [a German] was the first that entred the chamber, who seeing the Admirall sitting there, said, Are not you the Admirall? I am (quoth he) but you young man should have regard to my hoary head and old age. But Beheme exchanging no more words, struck him with his Sword, and first embrued himself in the Admirals blood; then Cossen, The Admirall slain.Atinius and the rest followed, and slew him with many wounds. This Atinius reported afterwards that he never saw a man in so present a danger, to have born out death with so great a constancy.

Then did the Duke of Guise from below ask if the businesse were p. 294done? answer was made that it was: But, said he, the Duke of Engolisme will not believe it, except he see him himself, therefore cast down his body out at the window; with that they hurled it down headlong into the Court all defiled with gore blood; whereupon the bastard of Engolisme, wiping the blood from his face with his handkerchief, and thereby knowing him,His body basely abused. kicked him in a scornfull manner: Some say it was the Duke of Guise that did it. Then one of the Duke of Nevers servants cut off his head, and carried it to the King and Queen-Mother, who caused it to be embalmed, and sent it as a present to the Pope and the Cardinall of Lorrain, His Head sent to Rome.to assure them of the death of their capitall enemy.

The people fell upon his Corps as mad men, one cuts off his hands, another his feet, another his privy members, and for three daies space drag his poor carcasse about the streets with all indignity. Then some boyes would have thrown it into the River Seine, but others dragged it to the gallows at Mountfaucon, where they hung it up by the thighs, and the shoulders downward; but within few daies Francis Monmorency, Yet buried.who had seasonably withdrawn himself from the danger, caused some trusty persons to take it down by night, and bury it in the Chappell at Contilia.

This was the end of this brave man, who was the very first Noble man in all France that durst professe himself a Protestant,His character. and a helper of them.

He was marvellous zealous in performance of the exercises of Religion:His piety and zeal. He used to rise very early, and then putting on his nightgown: and calling his Servants about him, he went to prayer with them: Then he set time apart to hear the Deputies of the Churches which were sent to him, or for such like publique businesses. Each other day in the forenoon he had a Sermon preached before him, after which he returned to his businesse till dinner, which being ready, his Servants came in, and there the Admirall standing by the Table, and his Wife by his side, one of David's Psalms were sung, and a blessing craved upon the meat; which course he did not only observe at his own house, but every day in his Camp without intermission. When the cloth was taken away, he presently arose, and standing, with his Wife by him, either himself or his Chaplain returned thanks. At supper-time the same was done, both with Prayers and Psalms: And because he found it difficult to get all his Servants together at bed-time in regard of their various employments, he caused them all to come in presently after supper, where after a Psalm he went to prayer with them.

Examples prevalent.By this his excellent example very many of the French Nobility were enduced and encouraged to use the same discipline in their Families; the Admirall often admonishing them, that if they would embrace godlinesse in the life and power of it, it was not enough for the Master of the Family to hear Sermons, and to order his life in an holy and religious manner, unlesse by his authority and example p. 295he brought all his houshold to joyn with him in the same.

When the time for receiving the Lords Supper approached,His manner of preparing for the Lords Supper. he used to call his Friends and all his Family to him, and shewed them that he must render an account to God for them as well as for himself: If any discord was between them, he reconciled it; If any were ignorant, he took care that they should be better instructed; If any were obstinate, he plainly gave them notice, that it was better for them to remain at their own homes, then for him to maintain such ungodly persons in his retinue.

He alwaies esteemed the carefull education of Children in good Schools a singular benefit of God,His care for education of children. and he called it the Seminary of the Church, saying, that ignorance of good letters was the cause of errour both in Church and State; and that Popery crept in, and kept in by that means. Hereupon he erected a fair School at Chattilion under his Castle, in a pleasant and wholesome place, and bestowed great cost on it, where he maintained Learned Interpreters of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongues; he maintained also many poor boyes and young men in that School.

He was modest and moderate in his desires after the world,His contempt of the world. for though he had great Honours and Offices conferred upon him, whereby he might much have enriched himself; yet he added not so much as one Lordship or plough-land to the Inheritance left him by his Fathers. He husbanded his estate and houshold affairs frugally; yet having very many Noblemen and Gentlemen that resorted to him upon publique business, he gave them free and hearty entertainment, whereby he spent all that he saved at other times by his frugality. Yea his extraordinary expences were so great, that he left his Heir in debt no lesse then fourty thousand Crowns, paying to his creditors yearly use-money no less then six thousand Crowns.

There was such incredible love and concord betwixt him and his two Brethren, that all three seemed but to have one mind betwixt them.Brotherly love He lived fifty three years six moneths, and eight daies,His age. and was slain Aug. 24. 1572.

He was of a middle stature, of a ruddy colour, his members equall and well compacted; of a mild and cheerfull countenance, of a small and pleasant voice, yet somewhat slow and gentle, of a healthy constitution, of a comely gate and gesture; abstemious in the use of Wine; of a moderate diet and sleep, for he never used to sleep above seven hours at the most.His abstinence After the Edict for Pacification he suffered no day to passe, but before he went to bed he set down the things in his journall which fell out in the Civil Warres, and were of any moment; which being found after his death, was carried to the King, and admired by his very adversaries, who thereby saw his quiet, constant and composed mind in the midst of his greatest businesses.

When the Warre was finished, and he was retired to Rochel, no day passed over his head,His daily exercise. wherein he did not morning and evening read p. 296over one of Calvin's Sermons upon Job, which History he used to call his Pancrestum or Physick for all diseases, which greatly comforted his heart in all his afflictions.

Teligni murthered, and his young Son.By his first Wife he had five Children: He left alive Lewis his eldest Daughter, married to Monsieur Teligni, who was murthered the same night with his Father-in-law; then Francis, Odet, and Charles, the two elder survived that furious Massacre; the third being not eight years old, in whom he took much delight for his prettinesse, was taken by his enemies, and taught to bear the Crosse of Christ in his tender years.

He left his second Wife great with child, who was brought to bed four moneths after of a girl; and returning to her native Countrey in the borders of Savoy, was not long after committed to prison by the command of P. Philibert D. of Savoy, for marrying against his consent.