A Pattern of Popish Peace, Declaration 1

A Pattern of Popish Peace · Declaration 1

p. 1A Declaration of the furious outrages of France, with the slaughter of the Admirall.

IT were to be wished that the memory of the fresh slaughters, and of that butcherly murthering that hath lately been committed in a manner in all the townes of France, were utterly put out of the minds of men: for so much dishonour, and so great infamie hath thereby stained the whole French Nation, that the most part of them are now ashamed of their own countrey, defiled with two most filthy spots, falshood and cruelty. Of the which, whether hath been the greater, it is hard to say. But for asmuch as there flie every where abroad Pamphlets p. 2written by flatterers of the Court, and men corruptly hired for reward, which do most shamefully set out things fained and falsly imagined, in stead of truth, I thought my selfe bound to do this service to posterity, to put the matter in writing as it was truly done indeed, being well inabled to have knowledge thereof, both by mine owne calamity, and by those that with their owne eyes beheld a great part of the same slaughters.

In the yeare of our Lord 1561. when there seemed to be some perill of troubles to arise by reason of the multitude of such as embraced the Religion (which they call Reformed) for before that time the usuall manner of punishing such as durst professe that Religion, was besides losse and forfeiture of all their goods to the Kings use, to burne their bodies, at the request of the great Lords and Nobility, there was holden an assembly of the Estates in the Kings house at Saint p. 3Germains in Lay, neare to the City of Paris, at which Assembly, in presence, and with the Royall assent, of King Charles the ninth, A decree for the exercise of Religion in publike meetings, whereupon a cruell Massacre.it was decreed, that from thenceforth it should not be prejudiciall to any man to professe the said Religion, and that it should be lawfull for them to have publike meetings and preachings for the exercise thereof, but in the Suburbs of Townes only.

At this Assembly Francis Duke of Guise, being descended of the House of Loraine, and at that time Grand Master of the Kings Household, was not present. But when he was enformed of this Decree, he boyled with incredible sorrow and anger, and within few dayes after at a little Towne in Champagne called Vassey, while the Professors of the said Religion were there at a Sermon, he, accompanied with a band of souldiers, set upon them, and slew men and women to the number of two hundred.

p. 4There was among these of the religion (for so hereafter according to the usuall phrase of the French tongue wee intend to call them) Lewis of Burbon of the bloud Royall, commonly called Prince of Conde, after the name of a certaine Towne, a man of great power by reason of his kindred to the King. Therefore when the Duke of Guise most vehemently strived against that law, and as much as in him lay, did utterly overthrow it, and troubled the common quiet thereby stablished, Gasper de Coligni Admirall of France, and Francis de Andelot his brother, Captain of the Fantary, and other Princes, Noblemen and Gentlemen of the same Religion, come daily by heapes to the Prince of Conde, to complaine of the outragious boldnesse and untemperate violence of the Duke of Guise.

At that time Katherine de Medices, Pope Clements brothers daughter, and mother of King p. 5Charles, borne in Florence a Citie of Italie, had the governance of the Realme in the Kings minority. For though by the law of France, neither the inheritance nor the administration of the Realme is granted to women, yet through the cowardly negligence of Anthony King of Navarre, the said Katherine de Medices the Kings mother, aganst the custome of the realme, was joyned with him in that office of Protectorship. She fearing the presumption and fierce pride of the Guisans, The Qu. mothers Letters to the Prince of Conde.wrote to the Prince of Conde with her owne hand: which letters are yet remaining, and at the assemblie of the Princes of Germany at Franckford, holden under Ferdinand the Emperour, were produced and openly read about ten yeares past: wherin she earnestly besought him in so great hardnesse and distresse not to for sake her, but to account both the mother and the children, that is, both her selfe and the King, and the Kings brethren, p. 6committed to his faith and naturall kindnesse, and that he should with all speede, provide for their common safety: assuring him, that she would so imprint in the Kings mind his travell in that behalfe, that he should never be loser by it.

Within few dayes after the Duke of Guise wel-knowing how great authority the name of the King would carry in France, The policie of the Duke of Guise to get the King into his power, that he might the better effect his wicked enterprizes.and to the intent that he would not seeme to attempt any thing rather of his own head than by the privity of the king, and having attained fit partners to joyn with him in these enterprises, he got the King into his power. Which thing being known abroad, and many hard encombrances therupon suddenly rising, and a great part of the nobility of France marvellously troubled with it, the Prince of Conde by advise of his friends, thought it best for him to take certaine townes and furnish them with garrisons: which was the beginning of the first civill war. p. 7For the Prince of Conde alleaged the cause of his taking armes, The beginning and cause of the first Civil war.to be the defence of the Kings Edict, wherein consisted the safety of the common weale, and that it could not be repealed without most assured undoing of the nation of France, and destruction of the nobility, by reason of the exceeding great multitude of those that daily joyned themselves to that Religion: Of which number such as being of noble birth, or were in power, dignity, wealth, and credit above the rest, thought it not meet for them to suffer the punishments and cruelties accustomed to be extended on the professors thereof; beside that, they held themselves discontented that the Duke of Guise one newly come, a stranger, translated from the forrests of Loraine into France, would take upon him in France so great courage and so high dominion and power. Therto was added the Queene mothers singular care (as was reported) for conservation p. 8of peace and repressing the rage of the Guisians. Upon which opinion it is certian that above twenty thousand men having regard onelyonly to the Queenes inclination, joyned themselves to the side of those of the Religion, and to the defence of their profession, which at that time had besiged the force of the Kings power.

After certaine battailes and many losses on both parts, The Duke of Guise slaine, whereupon a peace concluded, with condition of free exercise of Religion. The injuries done to the Protestants by the Papists continually notwithstanding the Peace.and the Duke of Guise slain, within a yeare, peace was made with this condition, that they of the Religion should have free liberty thereof, and should have assemblies and preachings for the exercise of the same in certaine places.

This peace continued in force, but not in all places, during five yeares: for in the most townes and jurisdictions, the Officers that were affectionate to the Romish side, whom they commonly call Catholikes, did all the displeasures they could to those of the Religion. p. 9Therefore, when Ferdizando Alvares de Toledo, commony called Duke of Alva, was leading an armie not farre from the frontiers of France, against those of the low countrey which embraced the reformed Religion, The Qu. mother obtains an armie of Switzers under a false pretence of defence, to oppresse the Prince of Conde, & the Admirall, and the other Protestants.against the will of the King of Spaine, the Queene mother caused to be levied and brought in to France sixe thousand Switzers for a defence (as she caused it to be bruted) but as the successe hath proved, for this intent, that the Prince of Conde, the Admirall and other noble men of the Religion, if they escaped the treason prepared for them, and listed to defend them selves by force, and trie it by battell, might be suddenly oppressed ere they were provided. For the courtiers w^ch then had the managing of these matters, did not at that time well trust the souldiers of France. Many things pertaining to the course of that time, and the renewing of the warre, must here for hast to our present purpose be necessarily omitted.

p. 10When the warre had endured about sixe months, peace was made with the same conditions that we have above rehearsed, that all men should have free libertie to follow and professe the Religion reformed. For this was ever one and the last condition upon all the warres. But within few dayes or months after, The treachery of the Peace.it was plainly vnderstood, that the same peace was full of guile and treason, and finaly, that it was no peace, but most cruell war cloaked under the name of peace. For forthwith all those townes which they of the Religion had yelded up, were possessed and strengthened with garrisons of souldiers of the contrary side, saving one Towne on the sea-coast in the parts of Xantoigne commonly called Rochell. For the men of that towne about two hundred yeares before, had yelded themselves to the Kings power and allegiance, with this cōdition, that they should never be constrained against their p. 11will to receive any garrison souldiers.

Also the Princes of Conde and the Admirall were advertised; Advertisement of treason against the Prince of Conde, & the Admirall, by Tavaignes made Marshall of France hereupon.that there was treason againe prepared to intrap them by Tavaignes, a mā given to murther and mischiefe, which had lately been made Marshall of France, and that if they did not speedely avoyde the same, it should shortly come to passe, that they should be deceived and taken by him, and delivered up to the crueltie of their adversaries.

Upon the receit of these advertisments, they immediatly make hast to Rochell, carying with them their wives and young children, The beginning of a third civill warrewhich was the beginning of the third civill warre, the most sharpe and miserable of all the rest.

There was at that time in the Court, Charles Cardinall of Lorain, brother to the Duke of Guise, which (as is above said,) was slayne in the first war, one accompted most subtill and craftie of all p. 12the rest, but of a terrible, cruell and troublesome disposition, and thought intollerable even at Rome it selfe. This man, they of the reformed Religion reported to be the most sharpe and hatefull enemy of their profession, and him they abhorred above all other for the cruelty of his nature, and named him the firebrand of all civill flames. He at the beginning of the third civill war, Notwithstanding the Kings former Edicts by the perswasion of Charles Cardinall of Lorain, he publisheth an Edict, that no man professe any Religion but the Romish.perswaded the King to publish an Edict, that no man professe any Religion but the Romish or Popish, and that whosoever should imbrace any other, should be accompted as traytours. In that same Edict Printed at Paris, this sentence was expressely conteynd, and for the strangenesse of the matter, and for that it stained the Kings name with the most dishonorable spot of perjurie and breach of faith, it was in other impressions afterward omitted. And it was further then declared, that albeit the King had in many Edictes before that time p. 13permitted the freedome of Religion, yet his meaning ever was to retaine and cause to be retained of all men, the onelyonly Romish or popish Religion within his Realme.

After many overthrowes on both partes given and received, whereas the end of this third warre was thought likely to be the harder, by reason of the breach of faith in the yeares before, and on the other side the state of the Realme by reason of the waste that the Cities were brought unto, and extreme poverty of the meane people and husbandmen, did require some treatie of composition, the King sent messengers to the Admirall, Civill Peace propounded upon pretence of joyning against a forraigne enemy.to signifie unto him in the Kings name, that the King himselfe had at length found out a most sure way of peace and concord, namely that the armies of both partes joyned together, should goe into the low countrey against the Duke of Alva which had been the author of the late calamities in France. He signified p. 14further, that he had great causes of quarrels against the King of Spayne, and this principally, that he had invaded and held by force, an Island of the newfound Land called Florida, which had been taken by the French, and kept under his dominion, suddenly slaying all the souldiers there: & likewise the Marquesdome of Finall, the inhabitants wherof had but a little time before, yeelded thēselves to the Kings subjection and allegeance. He said that the most stedfast band of concord should be that forren war, and that there could no other better meane be devised to drowne the memory of the former dissentions in eternall forgetfulnesse.

To the performance hereof, he said it was a matter of most apt opportunity, that Lodovick Count of Nassaw, brother to to the Prince of Aurenge, had been now two yeers in the Admiralls camp, to whome the Admirall gave principall credit in all things, and that by him and p. 15his fellowes of the low country, & others whom he understood to favour his part, it might easily bee brought to passe that certaine Cities might be surprised. and thereby great advantage be attained to the atchieving of the war.

The Admirall hearing these things was marvellously troubled. For albeit he doubted not of the Kings fidelity, yet therwithall many things fell into his minde to be considered: as the power of the Cardinall and rest of the Guisians, who were well knowne to have been at all times most affectionate to the King of Spayne. For the Duke of Guise had left a sonne, a very yong man, called Henry, to whom the Queene had given all the offices and places of honor that his father had borne before, being unfit thereto by age, and against the ancient lawes and customes, and also through the traiterous infidelity of certaine of the Kings counsell, whom she knew for their p. 16affection to Popish Religion, to be most addicted to the Spanish King and that divers of them had great yeerely pensions of him, and did disclose unto him the affaires of the Realme. The Admirals snares in the undertaking of this war.He remembred how hereby it came to passe, that the same Kings Embassador (which among strange nations seemed vtterly incredible) was admitted into the privie Counsell of France, and that one Biragio a Lumbard, and (as it is reported) a traytour to his owne countrey, otherwise altogether vnlearned, and specially ignorant of the civill Law, was yet for the subtilty of his wit advanced to so great honour, that he executed the Chancellours office, Michael Hospitall being displaced, a man knowne to be such a one, as there was not in all degrees of men any either more wise, or more learned, or more zelously loving his countrey. Here withall he considered the slanderous cavillations of his adversaries, to whom hereby might seem p. 17an occasion given, as if the Admirall were of a troublesome nature, and could not abide any quietnesse, nor could long rest at home without some tumultuous stir. Hereunto the messiengers replyed as they were able, and therewithall alleaged this cause of so sodaine hatred against the Spanish King, that one Albenie late returned out of Spaine, had informed the King and the Queene mother for certainty, that King Philip a few moneths before, had poysoned his wife the French Kings sister, and had spred rumors of her thoroughout all Spaine, such as for the honour of many persons are meet not to be disclosed. But nothing moved the Admirall so much as the cheerful earnestness of Lodovick of Nassaw, who as soone as he was advertised of that purpose of the King, omitted nothing that he thought might serve to encourage the Admirall thereunto.

The Admirall perswaded hereby nothing fearing the infidelity of p. 18those of the Court, The Admirall not fearing infidelity, harkens to a composition. Peace concluded with condition of liberty to use the Religion.gave his mind to harken to composition. And so was the third civill warre ended, and the peace concluded with the same conditions that were before, that every man should have free liberty to use and professe the Religion.

Within few monthes after this, divers Princes of Germany, that favoured the Religion reformed, and among those the three Electors, the Palsgrave, the Duke of Saxony, and the Marquesse of Brandeburge, sent their Embassadours into France to the King, to gratulate vntounto him for the new reconciliation of his Subjects. And because they accompted it greatly to behove them selves that the same concord should remaine stedfast and of long continuance, they promised, that if any would for that cause procure trouble, or make war upon him either within his owne dominions, or without, they and their followers should be ready to defend him. To this Embassage the King first by p. 19words, The Kings subscription, and faith given, sacredly to observe the pacification.and afterward by a booke subscribed with his own hand, answered and gave his faith, that he would for ever most sacredly and faithfully observe his Edict of pacification.

Hereby so much the more willingly the Admirall suffered himself to be drawn to the said purposes for the Low-countrey, although oftentimes calling to mind the nature of the Queen mother, he used to say to divers, and specially to Theligny, to whom he afterward maried his daughter, that he greatly suspected the rolling wit of that woman. For (said he) so soone as she hath brought us into that preparation against the Low-countrey, she will leave us in the midst.

Neverthelesse, the Count of Nassaw writeth to his brother, and they conferring their advises together, send messengers to the King, that if it please him to deale with the matter of the Low-countrey, they will shortly so doe, that hee p. 20shall by their many and great services, well perceive their affection and devotion toward him. The King writeth againe to them in most loving termes, saying that their Message most highly pleased him, and he gave to them both his hearty thanks.

About the same time Maximilian the Emperour pitying the estate of the Prince of Aurenge (as he said) treated by his Embassadours with the King of Spaine, and had in maner obtained, that the Prince should have all his goods restored unto him, but with this condition, that he should have no house within the territory of the low countrie, but settling his residence and dwelling elsewhere, he should freely enjoy all his revenewes. Which matter being reported to the French King, he immediatly sent messengers to the Prince of Aurenge willing him to looke for nothing by that dealing of the Emperour, saying that it was but a fraud and guileful device p. 21intended for this purpose, onelyonly to breake up his levying of souldiers that he had begun in Germanie: and assuring him, that if he would credit and follow him, hee would give him aid sufficient to recover his estate.

The Prince of Aurenge perswaded by these promises of King Charles, continued his musters, and determined a while to bear the charges though they were heavy to him, while such things as were necessary for the warre, were in preparing. In the meane time Lodovick in disguised apparel went to Paris to the King. Forasmuch as the season of the yeare by this time seemed not commodious to levy an armie, for the winter was at hand, by assent they deferred the matter till the next summer.

These things thus hanging, the Prince of Aurenge his captaines by sea, did oftentimes set upon the Spanyards and Portugals, and such ships as they took they brought into p. 22the haven of Rochell, which then was in the power of the Prince of Condees part: and there they openly vttered and sould their prizes to the men of the towne and other merchants of France, whereupon the Embassadour of Spaine made often complaints to the Kings privy councell.

And forasmuch as they thought it very avaylable to this enterprise, that Elizabeth Queene of England might be brought into league with them, the King commited the dealing in that matter to the Admirall. For, The Admirals honourable entertainment at the Court.a few moneths before, the King had with most sweet alluring letters, gotten him to the Court, where he was most honorably entertained: and to take from him all occasion of distrust upon his adversaries, or of otherwise suspecting of the Kings or Queene mothers affection towards him, first, all the Guisians of a set purpose departed the Court then the King gave the Admirall free liberty to p. 23take with him what company and what furniture he would: and because it was thought that he had more confidence in the Marshall Cosse, then in the rest, therefore the King commanded the said Marshall to be ever at hand with the Admirall, and to assist him in the Kings name if any need were.

The matter of the league with England, the Admiral so diligently and industriously handled, that within short space after by Embassadours sent, The League with England solemnely confirmed. And the first and chiefest condition, liberty of Religion and the observation of the Edict of Pacification.and by faith given and received, and oathes solemnly taken on both parts, it was confirmed. Concerning the procurement of other leagues and amities, such as might seem to further the enterprise of the low country, the Admirall also travelled in the Kings name, and by his commandement, and had in a manner brought all these things to an end. And of all those leagues, the first and principall condition was, that the liberty of Religion should continue, and that p. 24the King should most diligently and sincerely observe this Edict of pacification.

Though these things seemed to be handled secretly, yet by the letters both of Biragio the Vicechancellor, of whom we made mention before, and of Morvilliers whem for his hypocriticall leanenesse, children commonly called the Chimera or Bugge of the Court, and by advertisements of Cardinall de Pelve, a man most fit either to invent or execute any treason, they were carried to the Bishop of Rome, The Popes Embassador to the King of France, with his Embassage.who by advise of his Cardinals sent by & by one of their number, called Alexandrine, in the midst of most sharp winter into France, with these instructions, to perswade the King to enter into the society of the league of Trent, whereof the first and principall article was, that the confederats should joyne their powers and make war upon the Turks and Heretikes, meaning by the name of p. 25Heretikes, all those Princes that did permit the vse of the reformed Religion within their dominions.

The Cardinall Alexandrine was honourably received in the court, but yet dismissed without atchieving his purpose. For so was it bruited among the people, and commonly beleeved through-out France: albeit he himselfe secretly seemed to returne very merry and cheerfull to the Pope: and as it is reported, did sometime say that he received such answer of the King as was not to be published, and that the King and Queene mother had largely satisfied him.

Forasmuch as it was thought a matter greatly avayling to the enterprise of the low countrey, to send certaine ships into the English Seas that if any aid should be sent into the low countrey to the Duke of Alva out of Spaine, it might so be stopped, Strozza and the Baron de la Guard were appointed for that purpose, to whom the King gave p. 26in commandement to rigge forth certaine ships of Burdeaux and Rochell, well armed and well appoynted, and to provide with all speede all things needfull for those ships. The Ambassadour of Spayne somewhat moved with this preparation, made divers complaints to the Kings counsell on the behalfe of the King his master, and yet never received any other answer, but that the King thought it not likely, and that he would send Commissioners to Burdeaux and to Rochel, with letters and commandement that there should be no preparation made to the sea, and if any had been made, it should be enquired of. what instructions were secretly and closely underhand given to these two captaines of that navie, we do not certainely know. But this no man can doubt of, but that they had commission to seize upon all ships wherein any Spanish souldiers should be transported into the low-countrey, and that all this preparation p. 27to the sea, was ordained against the Spanish King and the Duke of Alva.

And moreover that the Admiral at the same time received commandement from the King, to send espials into Peru, an Island of the new found world, most plentiful of gold above all the other, now-being in the Spanyards dominion, to learne, if there were any good enterprise to be attempted or atchived for the getting of it. Which matter was committed to a certaine gentleman, one of the Admirals trayne, who went thither accompanyed with a certaine Portingal, a man most skilfull of those Navigations, whom the Admirall had joyned with him by the Kings commandement.

Now it can not be expressed how many and how great tokens of a most loving minde the King at that time shewed to the Admiral, and to the County Rochfoucault, and to Theligny, and to the rest of the p. 28chiefe Noble-men of the Religion. Many most specious tokens of the Kings love to the Admirall.First, all such things as in the former warres had been taken away in the Townes, Fermes and Castels of the Admirall and d' Andelot, the King caused to be sought out and restored. If there were any other whom the King understood to be beloved and esteemed of the Admirall, or to have attained any speciall honour in the said late warres, those he liberally benefited and rewarded. To the Admirall himselfe he commanded one day to be given an hundred thousand pounds of his own treasure in recompence of his former losses. When his brother the Cardinall Chastillion, endowed with many great and wealthy benefices, The King writes to the Duke of Savoy for savour to be shewed to them of the Religion.was departed this life, the King gave him the fruits of one whole yeare. Also the King wrote to Philibert Duke of Savoy, that he should doe him a most acceptable pleasure, if he did not only deale more gently with those that in the former wars had ayded p. 29those of the Religion, but also would use clemencie and mildenesse toward all other that professed the same Religion within his dominions.

And for that there was old enmity betweene the Guisans and the Admirall, whereby it was to be doubted that perillous contentions would arise in the Realme of France, The Kings reconcileing the Guisans and the Admirall.The King willed it to be signified to them both in his name, that they should for his sake and the Common-weales, give over those displeasures, and hee prescribed them a certain forme of reconciliation and agreement, the same wherof the foundations had been laid almost six years before in the Towne of Molins, where the King calling to him the greatest Estates of the Realme after consultation and deliberation had upon the matter, pronounced the Admirall not guilty of the death of the Duke of Guise, wherewith he was charged by the young Duke of Guise and p. 30his kinsmen: and so the King by the advise of his Counsel had ended that controversie.

Furrhermore, Cardinall Loraines departure to Rome, and C…rdinall Pelvey, under pretence of choosing a new Pope.the Cardinall of Loraine (who as we have sayd was the very forger of all the former warres) to take away all jelousie of new practises, was departed to Rome, and took with him his familiar friend the late created Cardinall Pelvey, one reputed a most subtil and crafty person, under pretence of going to the election of a new Pope in place of the old Pope then lately deceassed.

But there was none greater and more assured token of publique peace and quietnesse then this, A further confirmation of Peace under pretence of marriage of the kings sister to Prince Henry, son to the Queene of Navarre.that the King purposed to give his sister Margaret in marriage to the Prince Henry the sonne of the Queene of Navarre, which Prince had in the last warre defended the cause of the Religion, and been soveraigne of their armie. Which marriage the King declared, that it should be the most streight bond of civill concord, p. 31and the most assured testimonie of his good will to those of the Religion.

Yea, and also because it was alleaged, that the said Prince Henry was restrained in conscience, so as he might not marry the Lady Margraet, being of a contrary Religion, a Catholike and given to the rites of the Romish Church, the King for answer said that he would discharge her of the Popes lawes, and notwithstanding the crying out of all his courtiers to the contrary, he permitted him, that without all ceremonies, in the porch of the great Church of Paris, the marriage should be celebrated in such a forme as the ministers of the reformed Church misliked not.

Which thing being by report and letters spread through the world, it cannot be expressed how much it made the hearts of those of the Religion assured and out of care, and how it cast out all feare and jelosies out of their minds, what a p. 32confidence it brought them of the Kings good will toward them. Finally, how much it rejoyced forren Princes and States that favoured the same Religion? The Admiral more fully established by the Kings Letter with his owne hand and Seale.But the Admirals mind was much more stablished by a Letter which about the same time Theligny brought him with the Kings own hand and sealed, wherin was cōtained that whatsoever the Admirall should doe for the matter of the intended war of the Low-country, the King would allow and ratifie the same, as done by his own commandement. About that time Lodovick of Nassaw with the Queen of Navarre, a Lady most zealously affected to the Religion, came to the French Court. The League was made betweene King Charles & the Prince of Aurenge, and the Articles thereof put in writing. The marriage was appointed to be holden in the City of Paris. For which cause the Queene of Navarre during those few dayes repaired thither to provide things p. 33for the solemnitie of the wedding. For the same cause the King sent to the Admirall one Caivagnes, The Kings perswading the Admiral to go to Paris, and assuring him of safety from all dangers.a man of an excellent sharpe wit, whom for the Admirals sake the King had advanced to great honour, requiring the Admirall to goe before to Paris, as well for the said preparation, as also for the matter of the warre of the Lowcountries, promising that he himselfe would within few dayes follow after him: assuring him that there was no cause for him to feare the threatnings and madde outrages of the Parisians. For, in as much as the same Towne is above all other given to superstition, and is with seditious preachings of Monkes and Friers daily enflamed to cruelty, it is hard to expresse how bitterly they hated the Admirall, and the professors of that Religion. Whereto was added a griefe of their mind conceived certaine dayes before, by reason of a certain stone-crosse gilt and built after the p. 34manner of a spire steeple, commonly called Gastignes Crosse, which the Admirall with great earnest suit obtained of the King to be overthrowne: for he alleaged, that being erected in the middest of the rage of the Civill warre, as it were in triumph to the reproach of one of the Religion, it was a monument of civill dissention, and so a matter offensive to peace and concord.

The King wel knowing this deadly hate of the Parisians to the Admirall, To take away all feare from the Admirall, the King wrote Letters to Marcell to prevent all tumults, and so the Duke of Anjow and the Queen did the same.wrote his Letters to Marcel the Provost of the Merchants (w^ch is the highest dignity in Paris) with sharp threatnings if there should be raised any stirre or trouble by reason of the Admirals comming. To the same effect also the Duke of Anjow, the Kings brother, and the Queen mother, wrote to the same Marcel, and the rest of the Magistrates of Paris, so that now there seemed utterly no occasion left for the Admirall to feare or distrust. p. 35And within few dayes after, the King sent Briquemault, a man of great vertue and estimation, to the Admirall, with the same instructions, saying, that the matter of the Low-countrey could not well be dealt in without his presence.

The Admirall perswaded by thus many meanes, and filled with good hope and courage, determined to go to Paris, where so soone as he was arrived and had been honourably and lovingly entertained of the King and his brethren, and the Queene mother, and consultation entred among them about the preparation for the Low-countrey, he declared to the King at large, how the Duke of Alva was in levying of great power, & preparing an army, and that if the King should dissemble his purpose, it would come to passe that many thereby would shew themselves slower and slacker to the enterprise, and that now were offered great meanes to doe good, which if hee let slip, hee p. 36should not so easily recover the like againe hereafter. And therefore it was best to take the advantage of this opportunity.

A few dayes before, Lodovick of Nassaw went secretly into the frontiers of the Low-countrey, and tooke with him as partners of his journey, and privy to his counsell, three French-men of great credit with the Admirall, namely, Saucourt, la Nove, & Genlis, to whom the King had given in charge to see if they could by any means attempt and possesse any Townes bordering upon his Realme. They gathering divers other Gentlemen into their company, went speedily into the Low-countrey, the Admirall not knowing of it. Who as soone as he understood of their going thither, wrote unto them that hee much marvelled what they meant, saying that he well knew there could be no power gotten ready before forty dayes end, and that they should be well advised to do nothing rashly, p. 37nor to overthrow with haste their devises that seemed not ripe to be executed.

The Count of Nassaw enflamed with the sight and desire of his Countrey, and fearing the mutablenesse of the King, did first at the sudden set upon Valentiennes, but being repulsed by the Spanish souldiers that were in garrison in the Castell, hee hastily departed to Montz, and took the Towne, being a place very strong by nature, and well furnished with all things necessary for the warre. Which thing being by report, and messengers spread abroad in the Low-country, and dispatched into France & Germany, both encouraged all them of the Religion with great hope, and also seemed to have now plainly and openly deciphered and disclosed the minde of the French King. Moreover, Genlis returning to Paris, when hee had made report to the King of all the matter as it had proceeded, easily obtained p. 38of him, that by his assent he might levie certaine bandes of foot-men and horsemen of France, and carrie them to succour Montz. But by the way when he was entred into the bounds of the Low-country, having with him to the number of foure thousand foot-men, and about foure hundred horse-men, they were beset by the Duke of Alva, and the most part of them distressed: which thing was well knowne to have been wrought by the meanes of the Guisians, which by daily messages and letters, advertised the Duke of Alva of their purposes and prenaration. Which false-hood of theirs, many most affectionat to the Romish Religion, were highly offended with, because a great number addicted to the same Romish Religion were in that company.

With this losse, and with the rescue of the Towne of Valentiennes, the King seemed to be much troubled, for he feared lest his counsels p. 39being disclosed to the Spanish King, would at length breede some cause of quarrel and war. Howbeit, when he began to remember, that a great part of his secrets was already revealed to the Duke of Alva, he oftentimes resolved to utter his mind plainly, and to make open war. But he was withdrawn from that purpose by certain men which the Admirall had long before conceived, that they would so do. Howbeit he gave the Admirall liberty to send whatso ever he thought meet to further the Prince of Aurenge his enterprise, and as great supply either of foot-men or of hors-men as he could to the armie which the Prince of Aurenge had levied in Germanie. When the Admirall for that cause had made request that he might leavie thirty troopes of horsemen, and as many ensignes of footmen, he easily obtained it.

For the entertainement of these footmen it behooved to have money, p. 40wherefore at the request of the Admirall, the King called for his Treasurer and commanded him to deliver the Admirall so much money as the Admirall should thinke meete, and charged him, that he should not in any wise after the usuall manner of the accompts of finances, write the causes of the receit but only set it downe in this forme: This summe of money was paid to the Admiral such a day by the kings commandement, for certaine causes which the King hath commanded not to be written: and to this warrant the King subscribed with his owne hand.

Also the King wrote to Monducet, his Embassadour in the Low-countrey, to travell as earnestly as he could, for their deliverance, that were taken at the overthrow of Genlis, which commandement it is said that Monducet did most faithfully and diligently execute.

Not long before this, Ioane Queen of Navarre above mentioned, p. 41died in the Court at Paris, of a sudden sicknesse, being about the age of forty and three yeares, where the suspition was great that she died of poyson, and her body was for that cause opened by the Physitions, there was no tokens of poyson espied. But shortly after, by the detectionof one A.P. it hath been found that she was poysoned with a venomed smell of a paire of perfumed gloves, The Qu. of Navar poysoned by the Kings Apothecary in Paris.dressed by one Renat the Kings Apothecary an Italian, who had a shop at Paris upon Saint Michaels bridge, near unto the Pallace: which could not be espied by the Physitions which did not open the head nor looked into the braine It is well knowne that the same man about certaine yeares past, for the same intent gave to Lewes Prince of Conde a poysoned Pomander, which the Prince left with one le Grosse his Surgeon, who was by little and little poysoned therewith, and so swelled, that he hardly escaped with his life.

p. 42By her death, the Kingdom came to the Prince Henry her sonne, to whom, as is above-said, the Kings sister was promised and contracted.

Things being, as it seemed, through-out all France in most peaceable estate, and the concord of all degrees well established, the day was appointed for the Marriage of the King of Navarre, which day, all they that fancied the Religion, esteemed so much the more joyfull to them, because they saw the King wonderfully bent thereunto, and all good men judged the same a most assured pledge and stablishment of civill concord; whereas, on the contrary part, the Guisans and other enemies of common quietnesse greatly abhorred the same marriage.

When the day came, the marriage was with royall pompe solemnized before the great Church of Paris, and a certaine forme of words so framed, as disagreed with the Religion of neither side, was by p. 43the Kings commandement pronounced by the Cardinall of Burbon, the King of Navar's unkle: The solemnity of the marriage of Prince Henry and the Kings sister, with great joy on both sides.and so the matrimony was celebrated with great joy of the King and all good men, the Bride was with great train and pomp led into the Church to heare Masse, and in the meantime the Bridegroome, who misliked these Ceremonies, together with Henry Prince of Conde, sonne of Lewes, and the Admirall, and other Noble-men of the same Religion, walked without the Church-doore, waiting for the Brides returne.

While these things were in doing at Paris, Strozzi, Souldiers sent often into the Towne, under colour of Buying things necessary.who as we have said, had the charge of the Kings power at sea, hovering upon the coast of Rochell, did now and then send of his Captaines and souldiers into the Town, under colour of buying things necessary: and sometime he came thither also himselfe. The like was done at the same time in another part of France, by the horsemen of Gonzague Duke of Nivers, p. 44neere to the Towne of la Charité, which hath a bridge over the River of Loyre, and remained till that time in the power of those of the Religion, by reason of the great number of them there inhabiting. This troop was of those horse-men which the King hath accustomed to keepe in ordinary wages in every Country, whereof the most part were Italians, country-men to their Captain Lewes Gonzague, to whom the Queene mother had given the daughter and heire of the Duke of Nivers in marriage. They requested of the Townes-men, The Governour of Lions takes a view of all the Protestants, and writ them in a book, which was after called the bloudy booke.that they might make their Muster within the Towne, saying that they had received warrant from the King so to doe, and shewed the Kings Letters therefore. At Lions the Governour of the Town, commanded a view to be taken of all those that professed the Religion, and their names to be written in a book and brought unto him: which book shortly after, according to the successe, p. 45was called the bloudy booke.

After themarriage ended at Paris, which was the time that the Admirall had appointed to returne to his owne house, he moved the King concerning his departure. But so great was the preparatiō of Playes, so great was the magnificence of banquets and shewes, and the King so earnestly bent to those matters, that he had no leasure, not only for waighty affaires, but also not so much as to take his naturall sleepe. For in the French Court, Dancings, Maskings, Stage-playes (wherein the King exceedingly delighted) are commonly used in the night-time: and so the time that is fittest for counsel and matters of governance, is by reason of nightly riotous sittings up, of necessity consumed in sleepe. So great also is the familiarity of men and the women of the Queen mothers traine, and so great liberty of sporting, entertainment and talking together, as to forren Nations may seeme incredible, and p. 46be thought of all honest persons a matter not very convenient for preservation of noble young Ladies chastitie. Moreover, if there come any pandor or bawde out of Italie, or any Scholemaster of shamefull and filthy lust, he winneth in short time marvellous favour and credit. And such a multitude is there begunne to be of Italians, commonly throughout all France, specially in the court, since the administration of the Realme was commited to the Queene mother, that many doe commonly call it France-Italian, and some terme it a Colonie, and some a common sincke of Italie.

These madnesses of the Court, The Admirall desiring to depart from Paris, but was stayed, partly because he could not have accesse to the King, who was excessively inten…ive on his sports and banquet, partly because he was entreated to stay and deliver Petitions to the King in the cause of the Churches and other reasons.were the cause that the Admirall could not have accesse to the Kings speech, nor entrance to deale in waighty matters. But when they that were sent from the reformed Churches to complaine of injuries commonly done to those of the Religion, understood of the Admirals purpose to depart, they p. 47did with all speed deliver to him their bookes and petitions, and besought him, not to depart from the Court till he had dealt in the cause of the Churches, and delivered their petitions to the King and his Councell. For this cause the Admirall resolved to deferre his going for a while, till he might treat with the Kings Councell concerning those requests: for the King had promised him that he would shortly entend those matters, and be present with the Councel himselfe.

Besides this delay, there was another matter that stayed him. There was owing to the Rutters of Germanie, which had served on the part of the Religion in the last war, great summes of money for their wages, in which matter the Admirall travelled with incredible earnestnesse and care.

Concerning all these affaires, The Admirals accesse to the King, and treats with him.the Admiral (as he determined before) having accesse and opportunitie for that purpose, moved the p. 48Kings privy Councell the 22. day of August, which was the fifth day after the King of Navar's marriage, and spent much time in that treaty. The Admirall returning home from the Councell, was treacherously shot out at a window, and sorely wounded.About noone, when he was in returning home from the Councell, with a great company of Noblemen and Gentlemen, behold, a Harquebuzier out of a window of a house neare adjoyning, shot the Admirall with two bullets of lead thorow both the armes. When the Admirall felt himselfe wounded, nothing at all amazed, but with the same countenance that he was accustomed, he said, thorow yonder window it was done: go see who are in the house. What māner of trechery is this? Then he sent a certain Gentleman of his company to the King to declare it unto him. The King at that time was playing at Tennise with the Duke of Guise. The King seemingly much moved at the Admirals hurt.As soone as he heard of the Admirals hurt, he was marvellously moved, as it seemed, and threw away his racket that he played with p. 49on the ground, and taking with him his brother in law, the King of Navarre, hee retired into his Castle.

The Gentlemen that were with the Admirall brake into the house from whence he received his hurt, there they found only one woman, the keeper of the house, and shortly after also a boy, his lackey that had done …he deed, and therewithall they found the harquebuze lying upon the table in that chamber from whence the noyse was heard: him that shot they found not, Hee that shot the Admirall flyes, having fresh horses ready prepared in divers places.for he in great haste was runne away out at the back-gate, and getting on horse-back, which he had waiting for him ready sadled at the doore, he rode a great pace to Saint Anthonies gate, where he had a fresh horse tarying for him, if need were, and another at Marcelles gate. Then by the kings commandement a great number rode out in poste into all parts to pursue him: The King sends posts after him.but for that he was slipped into by-wayes, p. 50and received into a certaine Castle, they could not overtake him.

At the sute of the King of Navarre, The King gives commission to three of the Parliament of Paris to examine the bustnesse.and the Prince of Conde and other, the King by and by gave commssion for enquirie to be made of the matter, and committed the examining thereof to three chosen persons of the Parliament of Paris, Thuan and Morsant and Viol a couuseller.

First it was found that the same house belonged to a Priest, a Canon of Saint Germaine, whose name is Villemure, which had been the Duke of Guises schole-master in his youth, The businesse examined.and still continued a retayner toward him. Then the woman which we said was found in the house, being taken and brought before them, confessed that a few dayes before, there came to her one Chally sometime a M^r. de Hostel of the Duke of Guises house, and now of the Kings court, and commanded her to make much of the man that had done this deede, p. 51and to lodge him in the same bed and chamber where Villemure was wont to lie, for that he was his friend and very familiar acquaintance, and that Villemure would be very glad of it. The name of him that shot was very diligently kept secret. Some say it was Manrevet, which in the third civill warre traiterously slew his captaine Monsieur de Movy, a most valiant and noble gentleman, and straightway fled into the enemies campe. Some say it was Bondot, one of the archers of the Kings guard. When the womans confession was brought to the King, he immediatly called Monsieur de Nance, captaine of his guard, and commanded him to apprehend Challey and bring him to him. Challey assoone as hee heard the stroke of the peece, fled into the Kings castle called the Louure, & hid him in the Duke of Guises chamber, from whence he conveyed himself away assoone as he had heard of p. 52the Kings commandement. When de Nance was informed of his departure, he answered that Challey was a gentleman of good worship, and there was no doubt but if neede were he would appeare before the King and the Magistrates.

While these things were doing, The Admirall being in danger of his life, sends for the King.and the Admirals wound in dressing, Theligny went by his comandement to the King, and most humbly besought him in the name of his father in law, that his Majestie would vouchsafe to come unto him for that his life seemed to be in perill, and that he had certaine things to say, greatly importing to the Kings safety, which he well knew that none in his Realme durst declare to his Majestie. The King curteously answered that he would willingly go to him, and within a little while after he set forward. The Queen mother went with him and the Duke of Anjow, the Duke of Mondensier, a most affectionate p. 53subject to the Church of Rome, The King goes to the Admirall with the Queene mother & others.the County de Rhetz, the Queen mothers great familiar, Chavigny and Entragny, which afterward were chiefe ringleaders in the butchery of Paris.

When the King had lovingly saluted the Admirall as he was wont to do, The Kings loving salutation of the Admirall.and had gently asked him some questions concerning his hurt and the estate of his health, and the Admirall had answered with such a milde and quiet countenance, that all they that were present wondered at his temperance and patience, the King being much moved (as it seem'd) said, The hurt, The Kings deepe oath severely to revenge the Admirals hurt.my Admirall, is done to thee, but the dishonour to me: but (swearing a great oath) saith he, I sweare I will so severely revenge both the hurt and the dishonour, that it shall never be forgotten. He asked him also how he liked of the Judges that he had chosen, to whom he had given commission for examining the matter. The Admirall answered p. 54that he could not but very well like of those that his Majestie had allowed of, yet he besought him if he thought it good, that Cavagnes might be called to counsell with them, albeit that it was no hard matter to find out, for it was no doubt (said he) that this good turne was done him by the Duke of Guise, the revenge whereof he referred to God. The Admirall entreats the King to enquire straitly into the fact. And the Kings kind Answer.This only he most heartily and humbly besought of his royall Majestie, that the fact might be dulie enquired into. The King answered that he would take earnest care of it, and revenge that injurie with no lesse severity than if it had been done to himselfe. Then the Kings brethren and their mother withdrawing themselves a while, The Admirall faithfully advises the King to beware of treasons against himselfe.the Admirall as it was afterward knowne by his owne report, began to advise the King to have in memorie those things that he had oft told him of the dangerous intentions of certaine persons and he told him, that though he himselfe p. 55had received a great wound, yet there was no lesse hanging over the Kings head: and that long ago there was treason in practizing against his life, which if he would do wisely he should avoyd betimes. Further he said, that though so soone as God should take him to himselfe out of this life, he doubted not but that his fame should be brought into sundry slanders by envious persons, and such as ought him evill will by reason of the late wars, neverthelesse he had oftentimes disclosed unto the King the authors of the dissentions, and opened the causes thereof, and that God was his witnesse of his most faithfull heart to the King and the Commonweale, and that he had never holden any thing dearer then his countrey and the publique safetie.

The King after such answer made hereunto as hee thought best, spake aloud, and heartily entreated the Admirall to suffer himselfe to be removed into his castell of the p. 56Louure, The King under pretence of sedition feared, desires the Admirall to be removed into his Castle of Louure.for that he thought some perill, lest there should arise some sedition among the commons already in disorder, or any stirre in that madde and troublesome Citie. Wherto this speech of the King tended could not then be vnderstood. For though the commonalty of Paris hath ever been accompted the most foolish and madde of al other, yet is it ever most easily appeased, not onelyonly with the comming and presence of the King, but also with the very sound of his name. The Admiral most humbly and largely thanked the King, and made his excuse upon the counsell of the Phisicians, The Admirall, by the advise of the Physitians, excuses his desire not to remove.which feared that shaking would encrease his paine, and therefore had taken order that he should not be stir'd out of his place. Then the Count de Rhetz turning to certaine Gentle-men of the Admirals friends, said, I would the Admirall would follow the Kings counsell, for it is to be feared that some such stir may arise in the p. 57Towne, as the King shall not easily be able to appease. Which speech being vnttered, although no man did yet suspect whereto that advise tended, The Admirall requests a Guard for his safety, to which the King willingly yeelds.yet the Admirall and his friends thought it good to request of the King to assigne unto him certain of the souldiers of the Guard for his safetie. The King answered that he very well liked of that devise, &p that he was fully determined to provide as wel for the Admirals safetie as for his owne, The Kings high expressions of love and praise to the Admirall.and that he would preserve the Admirall as the ball of his eye, and that he had in admiration the constancie and fortitude of the man, and that he never before that time beleeved that there could be so great valiantnesse of courage in any mortall person.

Therewith the Duke of Anjow the kings brother cōmanded Cossin Captaine of the Kings Guard, The Admirals Guard placed.to place a certaine band of Souldiers to ward before the Admirals gate. There could hardly a man p. 58be found more hatefull against the Admirals part, nor more affected to the Guisians then this Cossin, which the successe plainly proved, as hereafter shall apeare. The Duke of Anjow causes the Admirals friends to be placed in those lodgings neer about him, under pretence of the Admirals safeguard, and others to be remooved from their lodgings, which was a most devillish plot to bring in the Protestants out of the suburbs, from whence they might perhaps have escaped into one narrow street within the wals, that they could not possible avoyd their plotted destruction.The Duke of Anjow further added, that he thought it should be good for the Admirall, if moe of his friends and familiars that lodged in the fauxburges did drawe nearer about him: and forthwith he commanded the Kings harbingers to warn those to whom they had before assigned lodgings in that street, to remove from thence, and to place the Admirals friends in their roomes. Which counsell was such, as none could possibly be devised more fit for those things that followed. For those which might have by flight escaped out of the suburbs were now holden fast enough, being enclosed not only within the wals of p. 59the Towne, but also within the compasse of one narrow street. The next day after, The names of the Protestants strictly taken, with the place of every of their lodgings.the Under-masters of the streets, commonly called Quarter-men, surveyed all the victualling houses and Innes, from house to house, and all the names of those of the Religion, together with the place of every of their lodgings they put in bookes, and with speed delivered over the same bookes to those of whom they had received that command.

In the afternoon, the Queen mother lead out the King, the Duke of Anjow, Gonzague, Tavaignes, the County de Rhetz, called Gondin, into her Gardens called Tegliers. This place, because it was somwhat farre from resort, she thought most fit for this their last consultation. There she shewed them, how those whom they had long been in wait for, were now sure in hold, and the Admirall lay in his bed maimed of both his armes and could not stirre, the King of Navarre p. 60and the Prince of Conde were fast lodged in the Castle, The King and the Queene consults about their last most bloudy and devillish defigne.the gates were kept shut all night, and watches placed, so as they were so snared that they could no way escape, and the Captains thus taken, it was not to be feared that any of the Religion would from thenceforth stir any more. Now was a notable opportunity (said she) offered to dispatch the matter. For all the chiefe Captaines were fast closed up in Paris, and the rest in other Towns were all unarmed and unprepared, and that there were scarcely to be found ten enemies to a thousand Catholikes: that the Parisians were in armour and were able to make threescore thousand chosen fighting men, and that within the space of one houre all the enimies may be slayne, and the whole name and race of those wicked men be vtterly rooted out. On the other side (saith she) if the King do not take the advantage of the fitnesse of this time, it is no doubt but p. 61that if the Admirall recover his health, all France wil shortly be on fire with the fourth civill war.

The Queenes opinion was allowed. Howbeit it was thought best, partly for his age, and partly for the affinities sake, that the King of Navarres life should be saved. As for the Prince of Conde, it was doubted whether it were best to spare him for his age, or to put him to death for hatred of his fathers name. The King and the Queene consults to put this designe into execution, and committed the doing of it to the Duke of Guise.But herein the opinion of Gonzague took place, that he should with feare of death and torment, be drawne from the Religion. So that counsell brake up, with appoyntment that the matter should be put in execution the next night early afore day, and that the ordering and doing of all should be commited to the Duke of Guise.

The Admirall being enformed of stirre and noyse of armour, and threatnings heard every where throughout the towne, and preparation of many things pertaining to p. 62tumult, The King sends to the Admiral, to take away all suspition of feare.sent word thereof to the King: who answered, that there was no cause for the Admirall to feare, for all was done by his command and not every where, but in certaine places, & that there were certaine appointed by him to be in armor, lest the people should rise and make any stir in the Towne.

When the Duke of Guise thought all things readie enough, The Duke of Guise causeth the Officers to be assembled to declare the Kings minde, which was to destroy al the Protestants, which hee now stiles Rebels, notwithstanding his former acts of favour and Pacification.he called to him the abovesaid Marcell, and charged him that he should a little after midnight assemble together the Masters of the streets whom they call Diziners into the Towne house, for he had certaine strange and speciall matters in charge from the King, which his pleasure was to have declared unto them. They all assembled betimes, Carron the new Provost of Merchants, guarded with certaine Guisians, and among the rest Entragne and Pnygallart, made the declaration: He said that the Kings meaning was to destroy all the Rebels which p. 63had in these late yeares borne armes against his Majestie, and to root out the race of those wicked men, it was now very fitly happened that the Chieftaines and ringleaders of them were fast enclosed within the walles of the Towne, as in a prison, and that the same night they should first begin with them, and afterward for the rest as soone as possibly might be, throughout all parts of the Realme the King would take order: and the token to set upon them, should be given, not with a trumpet, Tokens to distinguish who was to bee slaine and who not.but with tocksein or ringing of the great bell of the Pallace, which they knew to be accustomed only in great cases: and the mark for them to be known from other, should be a white linnen cloath hanged about their left arme, and a white crosse pinned upon their caps. In the meane time the Duke of Guise made privie thereunto the captains of the Kings guard, both Gascoignes, Frenchmen, and Switzers, & bad them be ready p. 64to go to it with good courage. Shortly after, the Duke of Guise and the bastard sonne of king Henry, commonly called the Chevalier, with a great band of armed men following them, went to the Admirals house, which Cossin kept besieged with Harquebuziers, placed in order on both sides of the street.

The Admirall advertised of the stirre and the noise of the armour, although hee had scarcely ten persons in his house able to beare harnesse, and in his chamber only two Surgeons, one Preacher, and one or two servitors, yet could not be made afraid, trusting (as he oft rehearsed) upon the Kings good will toward him, approved by so many and so great meanes of assurance, having also confidence that the Commonalty of Paris if they once understood the king to mislike of their mad fury, how much soever they were in outrage, yet so soon as they saw Cossin warding the gate, they would be appeased. He repeated p. 65also the Oath for keeping of the Peace, The Admiralls confidence being hardly brought to feare, notwith standing all these stirs considering. The divers ratifications of peace by the King, his Treaties, Oaths so often, and upon record, Leagues, Mariages, publique Faith. The sacred respect of the Law of Nations, &c.so oft openly sworne by the King and his brethren, and their Mother, and entred in publique records, the league lately made with the Queene of England for the same cause, the Articles of treatie covenanted with the Prince of Aurenge, the Kings faith given to the Princes of Germany, some Townes attempted and some taken in the Low-countrey by the Kings commandement, the marriage of the Kings Sister solemnized but six dayes before, which it was not like that he would suffer to bee defiled with bloud: finally the judgement of forren nations & of posterity, shame, and the honour and constancie of a Prince, publique Faith, and the sa / cred respect of the law of Nations; all which it seemed monstrous and incredible that the king could assent to be stained with so outragious a cruell deed.

Cossin, when he saw the Noble / men draw neare, knocked at the p. 66gate, which as is above-said, he was commanded by the Duke of Anjow to keepe. Whereupon many applyed the old proverbe, A goodly guard to make the Wolfe keeker of the sheepe. Cossin, the Captain of the Guard before the Admiralsgate, enters the gate, slew all within the porch at the entry.When hee was entred without (in a manner) any difficulty, he carryed in with him a great company of armed men, and after those followed the great Lords. Such as Cossin found at the entry of and within the porch of the house, he slew with a Partisan that he had in his hand. Which when the Admirall understood, he caused those that were about him to lift him out of his bed, and casting on a night-gowne upon him, he rose upright on his feet, he bade his friends and servants to flee and make shift for themselves, and to take no more care for him, for he said that he was ready with most willing heart to render into the hands of God, now calling for it againe, the spirit that hee had lent him to use for a time: and said that this violent p. 67cruelty was prepared not so much for his destruction, The Admirall expects now, and prepares to dye.as for the dishonouring of Christ and the tormenting of so many Churches, the defence of which Churches he had at the petition of all godly men with his many dangers and calamities sustained.

In the meane time there came up the staires into the upper part of the house, They break into the Admirals chamber.one Benvese a Germaine, brought up in the house of the Duke of Guise, and to whom it is saide, that the Cardinall of Loraine had given one of his bastard daughters in marriage: and with him came Cossin the Gascoin, Attin a Picarde a retainer and familiar of the Duke d'Aumal, one that a few yeares before sought to murther d'Andelot by treason, and also one Hamfort an Avernois, all weaponed with swords and targets, and armed with shirts of maile.

When they were broken into the Admirals chamber, Benvese came to him, and bending his drawn p. 68sword upon him, said, Art not thou the Admirall? he with a quiet and constant countenance, (as we have since understood by themselves) answered, I am so called. And then seeing the sword drawn upon him, hee said, young man, consider my age and the weak case that I am now in. One blaspheming God, runs his sword into the Admirall, and strikes him. Another shootes him.But the fellow, after blaspheming God, first thrust his sword into the Admirals brest, and then also strucke him upon the head, and Attin shot him thorow the brest with a pistol. When the Admiral was with this wound not yet throughly dead, Benvese gave him the third wound upon the thigh, and so he fell downe for dead. They wound him the third time, so he falls downe dead.When the Duke of Guise, which stayed in the court with the other noble men, heard this, he cried out alowd, hast thou done Benvese? he answered, I have done. Then said the Duke of Guise, our Chevelier (meaning King Henries bastard abovesaid) unlesse hee see it with his eyes, will not beleeve it p. 69throw him downe at the window. Then Benvese with the help of his fellowes tooke up the Admirals body and threw it downe thorow the window. At the Duke of Guises command they throw him out at a window.When by reason of the wound in his head, and his face covered with blood they could not well discerne him, The Duke of Guise gratulates their happy beginning: commanding to go on, crying out This is the Kings command, his will, his pleasure.the Duke of Guise kneeled downe on the ground and wiped him with a napkin and said, now I know him, it is he. And therewithall going out at the gate with the rest of the Lords, he cred out to the multitude armour, saying my companions we have had good lucky beginning: now let us go forward to the rest, for it is the Kings commandement: which words hee did oft repeate alowd, saying, Thus the King commandeth: This is the Kings will, this is his pleasure. And then he commanded the token to be given by ringing tocksein with the great bell of the pallace, and alarme to be raised, and he caused it to be published, that the conspiratours p. 70were in armour and about to kill the King. Then a certain Italian of Gonzagues band, One cuts off his head, other his hands, other his secret parts, they drag him thorow the streets, hangs him by the feet.cut off the Admirals head, and sent it preserved with spices to Rome to the Pope and the Cardinall of Loraine. Other cut off his hands, and other his secret parts. Then the common labourers and rascals three daies together dragged the dead body thus mangled and berayed with blood and filth, thorow the streets, and afterward drew it out of the towne to the common gallowes, and hanged it up with a rope by the feet.The Admirals most cruel and treacherous death, with all about him, the end and issue of all the Kings grace and favour towards him.

In the meane time, those of the noble mens bands brake into all the chambers of the Admirals house, and such as they found either in their beds, or hidden, they mangled them with many wounds, and so slaughtered them. Of that number were two young children, pages, of honourable birth. There was also the Counte Rochfoucault, which for the excellent pleasentnesse p. 71of his wit, and for his valiantnesse was highly beloved of King Henry, and so seemed for the same cause also to be beloved of the King. Him was de Nance abovesaid commanded to kill, but he refusing it for their old accquaintance and familiarity: one Laberge an Avernois offered himselfe to the King to do it, but with this condition, that the King should give him the captaineship of horse-men which Count Rochfoucault had. Counte Rochfoucault slain. Theligny the Admirals son in law slaine.There was also slayne Theligny the Admirals son in law, a young man of singular towardnesse both of wit and courage, to whom the King these many yeares had both in words and countenance made shew of so great good will, as that no man was thought to be more highly in his favor. He crying out, that it was now grievious to him to live, for that he had ever commended to his father in law the faithfulnesse of the King, refused not the death offered him. And many other most p. 72flourishing young noble men and gentlemen were every where butcherly murthered in that street. Many gallant Nobles and Gentlemen murthered in the streets.Then the noble mens bands, and Cossins souldiers went ransacking from house to house: and the Admirals house and al the other houses were all sacked and spoyled, The sackings and spoilings by the souldiers.even in like manner as is used to be done by souldiers greedy of prey in a Towne taken by assault: and many by this robbery, were of beggers suddenly become rich men. For the Duke of Guise, the Duke of Monpensier, the Chevalier King Henries bastard, Gonzague, Tavaignes, and the other great Lords, did with reward of the spoyle and bootie encourage the multitude to the slaughter, and cried out aloud that this was the Kings will. They cry out still This is the Kings wil.So all the rest of the day from morning to evening, the rascall multitude, encouraged by spoyle and robberie, ran with their bloudy swords raging thorowout al the Towne: they spared not the aged, nor women, p. 73nor the very babes: The streets strewed with murthered bodies.In joy and triumph they threw the slayne bodies out at the windowes, so as there was not in manner any one street or lane, that seemed not strewed with murthered car cases.

While these things were thus a doing in the Towne, the King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde, whom the King had lodged in his owne castle of the Louure, were by the Kings commandement sent for and conveyed unto him. The King of Navar, and Prince of Conde their company, servitours, friends, hewed in pieces and slaine, themselves sent for to the King.But their company, their servitours of their chamber, their friends retaining to them, their schole-masters, and those that had the bringing up of them, crying out alowd to the Kings fidelity for succour, were thrust out of the chambers, and by the Kings guard of Switzers hewed in pieces and slaughtered in the Kings owne sight. But of that number of persons slayne, no mans case was so much lamented of many, as Monsieur de Pilles, in whom it is hard to expresse whether there p. 74were more godly zeale in Religion, or prowesse in warre. Whereby having in the late yeares, specially by the defence of the Towne of Saint Iohn d' Angeli, which the King then besieged, gotten great honour of Chevalry, he was thought very well beloved and highly esteemed of the King. Him and Leranne the son of Odou, by the French Kings commandement (which was not then understood whereto ittended) the King of Navar had staied in a wardrob adjoyning to his own chamber, and caused them to lodge there all night. A little afore day, hearing of the running of men, and noise of armour, and cryes and killings, they rose in hast, & immediatly de Nance whom we have before spoken of, came to them, and cōmanded them in the Kings name to come downe into the Court, and to leave their weapons behind them, and lastly to depart out of the castle. When de Pilles saw himselfe thrust out p. 75among the multitude of the murthering souldiers, Monsieur de Pilles seemingly much esteemed of the King, treacherously slaine. He detests the Kings traytero is infidelity in the Kings hearing.and beheld the bodies of them that were slaine; he cryed out with a very lowd voyce, that the King might well heare him, protesting upon the Kings fidelity, and detesting his trayterous infidelity, and therwith he took off a rich cloak which he wore, and gave it to one of his acquaintance, saying, take here this token of Pilles, and hereafter remember Pilles most unworthily and shamefuly slaine. Oh my good Monsieur de Pilles, said the other, I am none of them: I thanke you for your cloake, but I will not receive it with that condition, and so refused to take the cloake: and immediately de Pilles was thrust thorow by one of the Guard with a Partisan, and died. And this end had this most valiant and Noble Gentleman. And then his body was throwne into the quarrey with the rest; which when they that passed by did behold, the souldiers cryed out, there they p. 76be that made assault upon us, and would have killed the King. Leranne being thrust thorow with a sword, escaped and ran into the Queen of Navarres chamber, and was by her kept and preserved from the violence of those that pursued him. Shortly after, she obtained his pardon of her brother, and committing him to her owne Physitians, restored him both to life and health.

While things were in doing at Paris, Strozzi, which (as we have aforesaid) was come with all his power to Rochel, sent a great number of his souldiers into the Town, under colour of a banket to be made to his friends in the castell called la Chein, Civell treason under pretence of a banquet.but by reason of the jealousie and watches of the townes men, by whom hee saw his treason was espied, he went away without his purpose. But they of la Charity, which as we have before shewed, were trapped by the Italian horsemen, taking lesse heed to the safe p. 77keeping of their Towne, were a little before night surprized, and within few daies after put to the sword.

The next day following, where any that had hidden themselves in corners at Paris could be found out the slaughter was renewed: The slaughter renewed the next day.also common labourers and porters, and other of the most rascals of the people and desperate villaines, They strip the dead bodies and threw them into the river Seane.to have the spoyle of their clothes, stripped the dead bodies stark naked and threw them into the river of Seane. The profit of all the robberies and spoyles came all for the most part to the hands of these laborers and the souldiers, and to the Kings treasure came very little or nothing. The only gaine that came to him, was that which might be made of the vacations (as they terme them) of offices and of places of Magistrates, Captaines and other rooms of charge, wherof yet he gave a great part freely away to divers of the Court. For the Admirals office he gave to Marques d'Villars, p. 78the Chancellorship of Navarre, The Admirals Office, & other Offices disposed of.after the murther of Francourt, he by and by gave to Henry Memne de Malassise, which had been the truceman and messenger in the Treaty of the last peace: the Office of the Master of the Finances after the slaughter of Prunes he gave to Villequier, the Office of President des aides, when Plateau was slaine he gave to de Nully: the other Offices hee sold, as his manner is, to such as gave ready mony for them. For it hath been the custome now lately of certaine Kings of France (such as among forren Nations hath not been heard of) to put to sale all the profits, rights, and benefits of of the Crown, Offices sold for ready money.and to keep an open market for money, of all judiciall Offices, and of the Roomes belonging to his Treasure and Fiances, according to a rate of price set upon every one of them: Vendere jure potest, …anerat ille prius.and there is not in manner one in all France, that doth not openly justifie that hee bought his Office for ready money, p. 79and that no man ought to marvell if he desire to fill up the empty hole of his stock againe. And therefore Justice is thorow all France usually bought for money, and though there be never so many murthers committed, yet is there no Processe awarded to enquire thereof, till present coyne be payd to the rake-hels and scribes.

This butcherly slaughter of Paris thus performed, and foure hundred houses (as is above-said) sacked, immediately messengers were sent in post into all parts of the Realme, Letters in the Kings name to all other Cities, to follow the example of Paris in this bloudy Massacre.with oft shifting their horses for haste, to command all other Cities in the Kings name to follow the example of Paris, and to cause to be killed as many as they had among them of the reformed Religion.

These commandements it is wonderful to tel how readily and cheerfully the greatest part of the Cities of France did obey and execute. But the King, fearing (as it was likely) the dishonour of false treachery p. 80and perjury, The King fearing the dishonour of treachery and perjury, sends Letters to the Governours of Provinces, and to England, Germany, Switzerland, to declare in his name the great commotions which was happened, and his owne sorrow for them.sent letters to the Governours of his Provinces, and also speedy Messengers into England, Germany and Zwitzerland, to declare in his name, that there was a great commotion and seditious stir happened at Paris, which he was very sory for: that the Duke of Guise had raised the people, and with armed men made assault upon the band that was assigned to the Admiral for his guard, and had broken into the house and slaine the Admiral and all his company and houshold servants, and that the King had hardly kept safe from those dangers his own Castell of the Louure, where he kept himselfe close with his mother and his brethren: the true copy of which letters is hereafter inserted. But the same most mighty, and by the consent of all Nations commonly called the most Christian King, within two dayes after came into the Parliament, accompanied with a great traine of his brethren and p. 81other Princes. The Councell being assembled, he fitting in his throne, The King after these Letters sent, comes to his Parliament, declares hee was certified of the Admirals treason, and therefore commanded him to be slain.began to speak unto them, he declared that he was certified, that the Admirall with certain of his complices had conspired his death, and had intended the like purpose against his brethren, the Queen his mother, and the King of Navarre, and that for this cause he had commanded his friends to slay the said Admirall and all his confederates, and so to prevent the treason of his enemies.

This his testification and declaration, This testification commanded to be written, recorded, published.the King commanded to be written and entered in the records of Parliament, and that it should be proclaimed by the Harolds, and published by Printers. And he willed a booke to be set forth to this effect, that the slaughter of the Admiral and his adherentes was done by the Kings commandement, for so was his Majesty expresse pleasure, because they had conspired to kill him & his brethren, and the Queen p. 82his mother, and the king of Navar. And further, The King forbids all assemblies and preaching used of the Protestants, notwithstanding it was alwayes the first article granted in the Acts of Pacification, that they should have their liberty. The President of the Parliament gratulates the Kings guile and subtilty in conquering his enemies.that the King did forbid that from thence-forth there should be no more assemblies holden, nor preachings used of the Religion.

After the Kings Oration ended, Christopher Thuane President of that Parliament, a man very notable for his light brain & his cruel heart, did with very large words congratulate unto the King, that he had now with guile and subtilty overcome these his enemies, whom he could never vanquish by armes and battell, saying that therein the King had most fully verified the old saying of Lews 11. his progenitor, King of France, which was wont to say that he knew never a Latin sentence but this one, Qui nescit dissimulare nescit regnare, He that cannot skill to dissemble, cannot skill to be a King, But Pibrace, the advocate of the Finances, made a short oration, the summe whereof was to this effect, that although the king had just p. 83and great cause to be displeased, yet he thought it more agreeable with his Majesties clemency & goodnes, to make an end of the slaughters & common spoile, & not to suffer such outrages to be any longer committed without judiciall proceeding in the cause: The King is at last desired to proceed in a judiciall way. Whereto the King assents, and the murthers cease.and besought his Majesty that from thence-forth it would please him to use the law, which is well known to be the only stablishment of Kingdomes and Empires: and that there had been already given to the commonalty too perillous an example to follow. An arrest of Parliament with the Kings royall assent being made to that effect, there were immediately Harolds and trumpeters sent round about all the town, and an Edict proclaimed in the Kings name, that from thence-forth the slaughters and common butcherly murtherings should cease, and that all persons should abstaine from pillage and robbery.

This being known, there were divers p. 84speeces used of this matter thorowout the Towne, and specially of learned men. The most part said, that they had read many Histories, but in all memory of all ages they never heard of any such thing as this. The comparison of this slaughter with others, but this exceeded all.They compared this case with the horrible doings of King Mithridates, which with one Messenger and with the advertisement of one letter, caused a hundreth and fifty thousand Romaines to be slaine. Some compared it with the doing of Peter of Arragon, which slew eight thousand Frenchmen in Sicile, w^ch Isle they had surprised in his absence. But yet this difference appeared between those cases and this: that those Kings had exercised their cruelty upon forreners & strangers: but this King had done his outrage upon his own subjects, being yeelded not so much to his power, as to his faith & credit. Those Kings were bound by no promise but such as was given to the strangers themselves: p. 85this King was with new made league bound to the Kings & Princes his neighbours to keep the peace that he had sworne. This horrid fact aggravated.Those Kings used no guilefull meanes unworthy for the Majesty of a King, to deceive: this King for a bait and allurement abused the marriage of his owne sister, and in a manner besprinkled her wedding robe with blood. Which dishonour and indignity no posterity of al ages can forget. Some againe discoursed, that though this cruell advise seemed to many Courtiers to have been profitable, yet not onelyonly the honour of a King, but also the estimation and good fame of the whole nation was against that shew of profit, They alleaged how Aristides did openly in the audience of al the people, reject the counsell of Themistocles concerning the burning of the Lacedemonians navy, although it must needs have followed, that the power of the Lacedemonians their enemies should therby have bin utterly weakned. p. 86Furius Camillus received not the children of the chiefe Lords of the Phalisce, betrayed to him by their Schoole-master, but stripped him naked and delivered him to be whipped home with rods by the fame children. The calamities of Philip of Macedon, for the light esteeme of his oath.Pausanias hath left it reported that the posterity of Philip of Macedon fell into most great calamities, for this cause, that he was wont to set light by the reverend conscience of an oath and his faith given in leagues. Some cited the law of the twelve tables: Si patronus clienti fraudem facit, sacer esto. If the patrone or soveraigne defraud his client or vassal, be he out of protection. They disputed also, that like faith as the vassal oweth to his Lord, the Lord oweth also to his vassal: and for what causes and for what fellonies the vassall loseth his tenancy, for the same causes and fellonies the Lord loseth his segniory. Some said that the right hand in ancient time was called the pledge of the faith of a p. 87King, and that this if a King shall despise, there is no communion of right with him, and he is no more to be accounted a King, neither of his owne subjects nor of strangers. Kingly vertues.Kingly vertues in times past have been reported to be these, justice, gentlenesse and clemency: but cruelty and outrage have ever been dispraised both in all persons and specially in Princes. Scipia's praise.Scipio hath in all ages been praysed, who was wont to say, that he had rather save one Citizen than kill a thousand enemies: which sentence Antoninus the Emperour, surnamed Pius the kind or vertuous, did oft repeat. It was a most shamefull by word of young Tiberius to be called Clay tempered with blood. Tiberius call'd Clay tempered with bloud.They said also, that Kings have power of life and death over their subjects, but not without hearing the cause, and judiciall proceeding: The Dictators power at Rome.that there cannot be alleaged a greater authority, than the dictators had at Rome, in whom was the soveraign power p. 88of peace and war, of life and death, and without appeale, yet was it not lawfull for them to execute a Citizen his cause unheard. Only theeves and murderers take away mens lives without order of law and hearing their cause. Who can doubt (said they) but that this so great outrage, so great shedding of Christian blood is the fruit of the cursed life of the Courtiers? For (said they) now thorow-out all France whoredome and loose lewdnesse of life are so free & usuall, The wickednesse and licentiousnesse thorowout France after this.that now the most part of the women of France seeme to be in manner common: and the wicked blasphemies and continuall execrations and dishonourings of Gods most holy name and Majesty, are such as God cannot longer beare: and true it is, though incredible among forren Nations, that the Catholikes of France have prescribed themselves this for a special marke to bee knowne from other men, that at every third p. 89word they blasphemously swear by the head, death, bloud, The Catholiques blasphemie. The King himselfe delights in it.and belly of God: and wonderfull it is, that the King himselfe is so much delighted in this custome of swearing and blaspheming: and this as it were a pestilent infection is spred abroad and common among the very plowmen and paysants, so as none among them now speaketh three words without most filthy blaspheming and horrible execration of God. Who can longer beare the vile vnchastities, the bawds and ruffians of the Court? Finally, very nature it self doth now as it were expostulate with God for his so long sufferance and forbearing, and the earth can no longer beare these monsters.

Now as touching the Admirals supposed conspiracy, who can thinke it likely that hee should enterprise any such thing within the walles of Paris? For in the Court there is continuall watching and warding a garrison of the Kings: p. 90and at the entry of his Castle the guardes of Gascoines, Scots and Switzers, are continually attending and the King himself both alwayes before, and specially at that time, by reason of his sisters mariage, had a great trayne of Princes, great Lords, noblemen and gentlemen about him. Moreover it was well knowne, The great improbability of any treason which was supposed on the Admirals part.that in Paris within three houres space might be assembled & put in armour threescore thousand chosen armed men, specially against the Admirall, whom no man is ignorant that Parisians most deadly hated: beside that, the noble young men that came thither with the King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde by reason of the mariage, and brought with them their wives, their sisters and their kinswomen, thought at that time upon nothing but upon triumph & exercises of pastime, and gay furniture of apparell and ornaments. Finally, at whether of these two times can it be likely that the Admirall p. 91attempted this conspiracy? Was it before he was hurt? why? at that time hee found the King his most loving, or at least his most liberall and bountifull good Lord: neither could hee hope ever to have a more favourable Soveraigne in France. Was it then after he was hurt? as though, forsooth, he lying sore of two so great wounds, aged, maimed of both his armes, the one whereof the Physitians consulted whether it were to be cut off, accompanied with three hundreth young men, would set upon threescore thousand armed men, or in so small a time could lay the plot for so great, and so long, and so hainous a fact: for he lived scarce 40. houres after his hurt, in which time he was enjoyned by the Physitians to forbeare talk. Again, if he had been detected of any such crime, was hee not committed to Cossin, and to his keeping, and so environed, all the wayes beset about him; and so in the Kings power, that if it had pleased p. 92the King he might at all times in a moment be carried to prison? Why was not orderly enquiry and judicial proceeding used according to the custome and lawes, and generall right of Nations, and witnesses produced according to the forme of law? But be it that the Admirall and a few other of his confederates and followers had conspired, why yet proceeded the outragious cruelty upon the rest that were innocent, why upon ancient matrons, why upon noble Ladies, and young Gentlewomen and Virgins that came thither for the honour of the wedding? Ladies, Gentlewomen, Virgins, Counsellers, Physitians, learned Protestants, and among the rest Petrus Ramus slaine.Why were so many women great with child, against the Lawes of all Nations and of nature, before their delivery throwne into the River? Why were so many aged persons, many that lay sick in their beds, many gowne-men, many Counsellers, Advocates, Proctors, Physitians, many singularly learned professours and teachers of good Artes, and among the rest Petrus p. 93Ramus that renowmed man thorow-out the world, many young Students executed without hearing, without pleading their cause, without sentence of condemnation? Moreover, if the Admirall had slain the three brethren, who doubteth but that all Countries, all Cities, all Parliaments; finally, all sorts and degrees of men would have speedily taken armour, and easily have destroyed all of the Religion, having them enclosed within their Townes, and having just cause to render to all forren nations for their common slaughters and killing of them? The absurdity of the suspition of the Admirals treason against the King of Navarre.As to that which toucheth the King of Navarre, what can be imagined more absurd & unlikely? Had not the Admirall him foure yeares in his power? Did not hee professe the same Religion that the Admirall did? Which of those of the Religion, which of them I say (as Cassius was wont to reason) should have gained or received profit by the killing of the King of Navarre? p. 94did not the Catholikes hate him? and the Admirall could not hope to have any man more friendly to him, nor by any other mans meanes to have revenge of his injury. Lastly, in their houses that were slaine, what armour, what weapons were found, by which conjectures Judges use to be led to trace out a fact? These matters wise men throughout the Towne of Paris commonly muttered.

But now to returne to our purpose. At such time as the Kings prohibition abovesaid was preclaimed at Paris, not only in other Towns, as at Orleaunce, Slaughters in othertowns.Angiers, Viaron Troyes, and Auxerre, the like butcheries and slaughters were used, but also in the Towne of Paris it selfe, in the very gaoles that are ordained for the keeping of prisoners, if any had escaped the cruelty of the day before, they were now tumultuously slayne by the raging and outraging multitude, in which number were three Gentlemen p. 95of great reputation, The prisoners murthered in gaoles, whereof three gallant Gentlemen was slaine among the rest, Captaine Monius, Lomen the Kings Secretary, Chappes a Lawyer. Masson de Rivers a Pastor of the Church, the first that laid the foundation of the Church of Paris, slaine.Captaine Monins a man very famous in Marciall Prowesse, Lomen the Kings secretary, a man of great estimation for his long service in the Court, and Chappes a Lawyer neere fourscore yeare old, a man of great renowne in the Court of Paris. And because we have made mention of Angiers, we think it good not to omit the case of Masson de Rivers. This man was a Pastor of the Church, and esteemed a singular man both in vertuousnesse of life, & in excellence of wit and learning, and was the first that had layd the foundation of the Church at Paris. As soone as the slaughter was begun at Paris, Monsorel a most cruel enemy of the Religion, was sent to Angiers in post to prevent al other that might carry tidings of the Massacre. As soone as he came into the Towne, he caused himselfe to be brought to Massons house: There he met Massons wife in the entry, and gētly saluted her, & after the maner p. 96of France, specially of the Court, he kissed her, and asked her where her husband was, she answered, that he was walking in the garden, and by and by shee brought Monsorel to her husband, who gently embraced Masson, and said unto him: Canst thou tell why I am come hither? It is to kill thee by the Kings commandement at this very instant time, for so hath the King commanded, as thou mayst perceive by these letters, and therwith he shewed him his dag ready charged. Masson answered that he was not guilty of any crime, howbeit this one thing only he besought him, to give him space to call to the mercy of God, and to cōmend his spirit into Gods hand. Which prayer as soone as he had ended in few words, he meekly received the death offered by the other, and was shot thorow with a pellet and dyed.

Now to returne to Paris, the Admirals body being hanged up by the heeles upon the common gallowes p. 97of Paris, as is aforesaid, the Parisians went thither by heapes to see it. The Qu. goes to behold the Admirall hanged by the heeles. His body conveyed away secretly, and buried.And the Queen mother to feed her eyes with that spectacle, had a mind also to go thither, and shee carried with her the King and both her other sonnes. But the next night following, the body was conveighed away, and (as it is thought) buried. About that time, where as many of the Court secretly muttered that the King should by this fact incurre dishonour, not only among forren Nations, but also with all posterity in time to come for ever, Morvillier, of whom we have made mention before, one that was accompted the principal lewed practiser and wicked sycophant of all France, and the first authour and chiefe mean of bringing the Jesuits into France, came to the Queene mother, and told her that it was best that some of those that were lately taken flying & hiding themselves, should for custome sake be brought to open judgement, and p. 98after the accustomed maner should be enquired upon, Some brought to open judgment, to wipe off the blot of dishonour from the King.that they might be condemned by the Sentence of certaine Judges pickt out for that purpose, and so openly executed in sight of the people. There were called to counsell hereupon Birage, Limege, Thuan and Belleure. They not only allowed Morvilliers opinion, A man of hay, instead of the Admirals body, drag'd about the streets, his Armes and Ensignes broken, his children pronounced infamous and unable, &c.but also gave advise, that a man of hey made in figure for the Admirall (for his body, as wee have said, could not bee found) should be dragged by the Boureau thorow the streets, his armes and ensignes of honour broken, his memory condemned, his Castels and fermes razed, his children pronounced infamous, unnoble, and intestable, and all the trees in his woods to be hewen down to the height of six foot. There was among those that were apprehended, one Cavaignes, Master of Requests to the King, and Briquemault, of whom we have before spoken. This Briquemault had spent his time in p. 99service in the old warres in the time of King Francis and king Henry, and was for the war accompted a man of great experience among the best now living, and was neare about threescore and ten years old. Cavaignes and Briquemault terrified by most cruell tortures, to make them confesse the Admirall and themselves traytors.As soone as they were carryed into prison, there were presented unto them all, the tormenter & the hangman, and they were threatned with torture and tearing their bodies in peeces, unlesse they would presently subscribe with their owne hand, that they were of counsell with the Admirall to kill the King and his brethren, and the Queen mother, and the King of Navarre. They all cryed out that they were ready to suffer death most willingly forasmuch as the Kings pleasure was it should be so: but so great torture they could not beare, and therefore humbly besought his royall goodnesse and clemency to pardon them that torment, and yet trusting upon the mercy of God, they hoped that they should suffer p. 100exceeding great paines, rather than staine themselves with so great shame, or confesse an untrue crime against themselves. They that were first assigned their judges, The Judges refuse to condemne them.hearing their cries and defences, and fearing the judgement of the world, said plainly that they would not draw upon themselves most assured infamie for condemning them. Therefore there were new Judges appointed in their places: New Judges appointed.to them was adjoyned such a tormenter and notary, as were thought fittest for the purpose. Cavaignes and Briquemault condemned.And so Briquemault and Cavaignes were quickly condemned by a shadowed forme of law, and led to the gibbet standing in the principall street of the Towne, and in sight of many thousands of men gazing at them. To this spectacle the Queene mother led the King and her other sonnes, and her sonne in law, the King of Navarre.

It was thought commodious for playing of this last act, that Briquemault p. 101should in hearing of all the people aske pardon of the King, and for that purpose there were some suborned to put him in mind, that if hee would hee might easily purchase his life, They were earnestly desired to aske the King pardon, that so they might obtaine their lives.for the King was of nature full of clemency and mercy, and if he would aske pardon of his Majesty, with confessing his offence, he should easily obtaine it. Hee answered with a valiant and bold courage, that it was not his part but the Kings to aske pardon of God for his fault, and that hee would never crave forgivenesse of that offence whereof he well knew himselfe, They refuse.and had God to witnesse that hee was cleare and innocent. Neverthelesse, he besought God to forgive the King this fault. So were these two excellent and famous men with halters fastened about their necks, throwne by the hangman from the ladder and hanged, They are hanged.and therewithall also the man of straw made for figure of the Admirall, was tyed fast and hanged with p. 102them, after a preposterous order of law, whereby the Admirall was first flaine and then condemned.

But whereas, in a manner, in all Towns there were great slaughters cōmitted, yet was there none more horrible nor more out-ragious than the butcherly murder at Lions. The most horrid and barbarous murder at Lions, and the manner of it.So soone as the letters from the Court were brought to Mandelot, Governour of the town: first, by a cryer & trumpet he caused to be proclaimed, that al the professors of the Religion should appear presently before him at his house. They without all delay repaired to him. As soone as they were come, he commanded them all to suffer themselves to be led to prison by such officers as should be assigned them. They obeyed his word and followed the officers that led them. By reason of the great multitude, they sorted them into sundry prisons. Then Mandelot willed the common executioner to be commanded in his name to take some to helpe him, and to kill those p. 103that were in prison. The common Executioner refuses to kill those in prison.The executioner answered, that hee used not to execute the law upon any but such as were condemned, and in publike and open places, and therefore willed him to seeke another slaughterman if he would. Mandelot thus refused by the executioner, commanded the garrison souldiers of the castle to do it. The souldiers refuse likewise so horrid a villany, being against their honour to slay those that lay suppliants before them. The businesse is acted by butchers and watermen.The souldiers answered that it was against their honour, to use weapon upon men bound and lying suppliant before them. If they had raised any rebellion, or had offended or provoked them, they said they would most readily have fought with them. Being thus refused by them also, at the last he cōmitted the matter to the water-men and butchers. Those fellowes being let into the prisons, went to it with chopping-knives & butchers axes. Such as they found prostrate at their feet, pitiously holding up their hands to heaven, crying upon the mercy of God and men, they did for sport cut off their fingers and p. 104the toppes of their hands, and throughout the whole Towne was heard such a crie and lamentable howling of women and children, that innumerable people, even such as were zelously given even to the popish Religion, Their unheard of cruelty.did detest that cruelty, and judged that not men but outragious savage beasts in shape of men were entred into the prisons. It is well known, that a great number of honest women in the Towne great with child, were so flighted with the horror of it, that they were deliver'd before their time. And out of the Court of the gaole, called the Archbishops prison, The bloud runs out of the gaole the next day warme and smoaking into the next streets, & so to the River Seane.the blood was seene in the broad day light, to the great abhorring and feare of many that beheld it, runne warme and smoaking into the next strets of the Town, and so down into the River of Seane. There was in that same Archbishops prison an aged man called Francis Collut, a merchant of cappes, and two young men his sonnes, whom hee had ever caused p. 105diligently to be taught and instructed in Religion. When he saw the butchers come toward him with their Axes, he began to exhort his children not to refuse the death offered by Cod. For (said he) it is the perpetuall destinie of Religion, and that often such sacrifices do betide in Christian Churches, and Christians in al ages have ever been and for ever to the worlds end so shall be as sheepe among wolves, doves among hawkes, and sacrifices among Priests. Then the old father embraced his two young sons, and lying flat on the ground with them, crying aloud upō the mercy of God, was with many wounds both he and his sonnes slaughtered by those butchers: and long time afterward their three bodies had knit together yeelded a piteous spectacle to many that beheld them. In the meane time Mandelot in jest and scorne (as it seemed) caused to be proclaymed by the cryer, that no man should commit any slaughter in p. 106the Towne, Mandelot in jest and scorne, caus'd to bee proclaim'd that the slaughters should cease; and the detecters of the murtherers rewarded, and from that time they ceased not to kill and slay.and that if any would detect the doers of any such slaughter, he would give him a hundred crownes in reward for his information. And from that time they ceased not to kill, to robbe and to spoyle. The next day after, which was the first day of September, the greatest part of the dead bodies were throwne into the River of Seane, and the rest of them, Mandelot, to feed and glut his eyes and heart with bloud, caused to be carried by boat to the other side of the water, and there to be throwne downe upon the greene grasse neare unto the Abbey called Esne. There the people of Lions, specially the Italians, of whom by reason of the Mart there is great store in the Towne, satisfied their eyes a while, and did such spites as they could to these heapes of carcases, and so exercised their cruelty not upon the living only, but also upon the dead. And there hapned one thing which for the abhominable cruelty is not p. 107to be omitted. There came to that spectacle certain Apothecaries, Abominable barbarousnesse against the dead bodies.and among those bodies they perceived some very fat ones, by and by they went to the butchers, and told them that they did use to make certaine speciall medicines of mans grease, and that they might make some profit thereof. Which as soone as the butchers understood, they ran to the heapes and chose out the fattest, and launced them with their knives and pulled out the fat, and sold it for money to the Apothecaries.

While these things were doing at Lions, the King being informed that divers of the Religion had left their wives and children, and were fled out of the other Townes; and lurked some in the woods, & some among their friends such as tooke pity on them, he practised with faire words to allure and call them home againe. He sent to every part messengers and letters, affirming that he was highly displeased p. 108with those slaughters and horrible butcheries, The King allures those that were fled, home again, affirming his displeasure with those slaughters, and that he would severely punish them. Those that were beguiled by the Kings speeches, returned home, was presently imprisoned, cruelly tortured and slaine. For thirtie daies there was no end of murthering thorow-out all France.and that he would that such cruelty should be severely punished: and if the Admiral with a few of his confederates had entred into any secret practize, it was no reason, that so many innocents should beare the punishment due to a few. Many sweetely beguiled with these words of the King and with the letters of the governours, retired home againe to their dwellings and houses, specially they of Rhoan, Diepe, and Tholouse. There were scant two dayes passed when they were againe commanded to prison, where they were all shut up. Then were murderers a new appointed of the most base and rascall of the people, to torment them with all kind of torture, and then to slay them. And throughout the whole Realme of France for thirty dayes together there was no end of killing, slaying and robbing, so that there were about a hundreth thousand little babes, widowes p. 109and children, that were well borne, that by reason hereof fatherlesse and motherlesse live wandering and in beggery. About this time the King caused to be proclamed, that such as had any office or place of charge, unlesse they would speedily returne to the Catholike, Apostolique and Romish Church, should give over those their temporall roomes: There was no Towne nor any so small a village or hamlet wherein all the professors of the Religion were not compelled either to go to Masse, All compelled to Abjure the Protestant Religion, or be slaine. Many who abjured the Religion afterward slain.or presently to take the sword into their bosomes: and in many places it happened that such as being amazed with the suddennesse of the matter had abjured their Religion, yet notwithstanding were afterward slain.

And while these things were still in doing, yet the King in the meane while sent abroad his letters and messages into al parts, and caused to be proclaimed with trumpet, that his pleasure was that the Edicts p. 110of Pacification should be observed: Notwithstanding all this, the King sends Letters abroad, that hee would keepe the Edicts of Pacification, and that they should have liberty of Religion. The King a few daies before sent Letters to the Governours of the Provinces that the Admirall was slaine by the Duke of Guise, to his sorrow, and now proclaimes, that the trayterous Admirall was slaine by his command.and although they could not have freedome to use and exercise their Religion in open places, yet they should have liberty permitted them to retain and professe it within their own houses, and that no man should meddle with, or disturbe the goods and possessions of those of the Religion.

And the same King, which but few dayes before, had by letters directed to all the Governours of his Provinces, signified that his cousin the Admirall was slain by the Duke of Guise to his great sorrow, and that he himselfe was in great danger, the same King, I say, now caused it with sound of trumpet to be proclaimed that the trayterous and wicked Admirall was slaine by his will and commandement. Hee that in few dayes before had by new authority confirmed the liberty of Religion permitted by his Edicts of Pacification, the same King did now not onelyonly take from the p. 111professors thereof, their Offices and Honours, but also prescribed them in precise forme of words a forme of abjuring and detesting their Religion. Which things lest any man should doubt of, we shall hereafter set down the very true copies of the said Letters, Edicts and Abjuration.

THE KINGS LETTERS, to the Governours of Burgundy, whereby he chargeth those of the House of Guise, for the murder committed upon the Admirals person, and for the sedition which happened at Paris, and commandeth that the Edict of Pacification should be kept and retained.

COusin, you have perceived what I wrote unto you yesterday, concerning my cousin the Admirals wounding, and how ready I was to do my endevour to search out the truth p. 112of the deed, and to punish it, wherein nothing was left undone or forgotten. But it hapned since, that they of the House of Guise, and other Lords and Gentlemen their adherents (whereof there be no small number in this City) when they certainly knew that the Admirals friends would proceed to the revenge of his hurt, & because they were suspected to be the authors thereof, were so stirred up this last night, that a great and lamentable sedition arose thereof, insomuch that the guard by me appointed for his defence about his house, was set upon and he himselfe with certaine of his Gentlemen slain, and havock of other made in divers places of the Citie, which was handled with such a rage, that I could not use the remedy that I would, but had much ado to employ my Guards and other defence for the safety of my selfe and my brethren within the Castle of Louure, to give order hereafter for the appeasing of this sedition, which is at this houre well appeased, thanks be to God, and p. 113came to passe by a particular and private quarrell of long time fostered betwixt those two Houses. Whereof, when I fore-saw that there would succeed some mischievous purpose, I did what I could possibly to appease it, as all men know. And yet hereby the Edict of Pacification is not broken, which I will to be kept as straitly as ever it was, as I have given to understand in all places thorow-out my Realme. And because it is greatly to be feared, that such an execution might stir up my subjects, one against another, and cause great murders thorow the Cities of my Realme, whereby I should be greatly grieved, I pray you cause to be published and understood in all places of your Government, that every person abide and continue in the safegard of his owne house, and to take no weapons in hand, nor one to hurt another upon paine of death: commanding them to keepe and diligently to observe our Edict of Pacification. And to make the offenders and resisters, p. 114and such as would disobey and break our will, to be punished: You shall assemble out of hand as great force as you can, as well of your friends as of them that be appointed by me and of others, advertising the Captaines of Castles and Cities in your government, to take heed to the safeguard and preservation of the said places, so that no fault ensue on their behalf, advertising me also so soon as you can, what order you have given herein, and how all things have passed within the circuit of your Government. Hereupon I pray God to keepe you, Cousin, in his holy safeguard.

At Paris the 24. of August. Signed CHARLES, and underneath, BRULARD.

ANOTHER LETTER FROM the King to the Lord of Prye, his Lieutenant generall in Touraine, upon the same matter that the former Letter was.

MOnsieur de Prye, you have understood how my Cousin the p. 115Admirall was hurt the last day, and in what readinesse I was to doe as much as in mee lay, for the triall of the fact, and to cause so great and speedy justice to bee done as should be an example throughout all my Realme, wherein nothing was omitted. Since it is so happened, that my Cousins of the House of Guise, and other Lords and Gentlemen their adherents, which are no small party in this town, as all men know, having gotten certaine intelligence that the friends of my said Cousin, the Admirall, intended to pursue and execute upon them the revenge of this hurt, for that they had them in suspition to be the cause and occasion thereof, have made such a stir this night past, that among them on both parts hath been raised a great and lamentable tumult: the Guard that was set about the Lord Admirals house, was distressed, himselfe slaine in his house with divers other Gentlemen, as also great slaughter hath been made of others in sundry places & quarters of p. 116this Towne; which hath been done with such fury, that it was impossible for me to give such remedy as was to be wished, I having enough to doe to employ my Guard and other forces to keep my selfe in safety in the Castle of Louure, to the end to give order for the appeasing of the whole uproare, which at this houre (thankes be to God) is well quenched, for that the same happened by the particular quarrell that hath of long time been between those two Houses, wherof alwayes having some doubt that some unhappy effect would ensue, I have (as is well knowne to all men) before this time done all that I could for to appease it, nothing in this last fact tending to the breach of my Edict of Pacification, which contrariwise I will in all things to be maintained, as at any time heretofore, as I doe give it to understand thorow-out my Realme. And for asmuch as it is greatly to be feared that this may stir up and cause my subjects to rise one against another, and to commit p. 117great slaughters in the Towns of my Realme, whereof I should be marvellously sory, I pray you that immediately upon the receipt hereof, ye cause to be published and given to understand in al places of your charge, that every man as wel in town as in country, remaine in rest and surety in his house, and do not take armes one against another, on pain of death: And that more diligently than at any time heretofore, ye cause the last Edict of Pacification to be kept, and carefully maintained and observed to the intent above-said, and to punish such as shall do to the contrary, and to take into safe custody all such as shall rise and disobey our pleasure, yee shall immediately assemble all the strength that yee are able, as well of your friends being of Our allowance, as others, advertising the Governours, and Captains of Townes and Castles within your charge, that they take good heed to the surety and safe keeping of their peeces, in such sort as there ensue no default, enforming p. 118me with speed of such order as you shall take therein, and how all things shall proceed within the compasse of your authority. I have here with me my brother the King of Navar, and my Cousin the Prince of Conde, to take such hap as my selfe. I pray the Creator, Monsieur de Prie, to hold you in His holy safegard.

From Paris this 24. of August. Thus signed CHARLES, and underneath PINART.

These Letters are all of one argument as the former be, and written all in one forme, and all one day to Monsieur de Prie the Lieutenant of Touraine.

THE KINGS LETTERS to the Officers of Burges, upon the same matter that the former were.

OƲr loving and faithfull, we doubt not but by this time you know of the sedition which to our great grief happened in Paris a few dayes since, wherein my Cousin the Admirall, p. 119and certaine others of his side were slaine, and a great murder committed upon diverse in many places of this City. And lest the newes thereof should change the quiet estate, wherein Burges hath hitherto been maintained since the Edict of Pacification, if remedy were not fore-seene, it is the cause that we writ this Letter presently unto you, whereby we command and expresly ordain that every one of you according to his charge do see that no commotion or insurrection be against the inhabitants of the said City, nor that no murder be committed, as it is to be feared, by those that pretend to breake the Edict of Pacification, and thereby would execute a revenge of their long and private grudge, to our incredible vexation and anguish of mind. For this cause it is your part to give to understand and publish thorow-out that City of ours, and other places pertaining to it, that every one should quietly and peaceably keepe their houses, without taking p. 120weapons in hand, and offending one the other, upon paine of death, and well and diligently to keepe our Edict of Pacification. And if any go about to contrary this Our intent and mind, to cause them to be punished and rigorously chastised by penalties imposed on such offendours in Our Ordinances, having a watchfull and diligent eye to the safeguard of that Our City, in such sort that no inconvenience arise in your service towards Ʋs, as you would have Ʋs to know, that you are Our loyall and obedient subjects.

Given at Paris the 27. day of August, 1572. Thus Signed, CHARLES, and below, De neuf-ville.

p. 121A LETTER OF THE Treasurer of the Leagues of the Switzers, written by the Kings commandement unto the said Leagues of the same argument that the former Letters were.

NOble Seigniours, Monsieur de la Fontaine, Ambassadour for the King your assured and perfect Friend and Confederate, and I his Treasurer in this Countrey, having commandement of his Majesty to communicate with you, as with them whom hee accompteth his chiefe and sure Friends, of a chance which lately happened in the City of Paris, his owne persen and Court then being there, whereof he received so much more griefe and displeasure, because it befell on such a time as he least feared, or looked for such a thing. The matter is this. On the 27. day of August last, the Admirall as he went from Louure, was with an Harquebuze shot p. 122hurt in the hand and arme, whereof when his Majesty was advertised, he commanded incontinent that search and punishment were had of the offendor, and the authours of such a mischiefe: whereunto, when he had readily laid his hand by his Officers, and committed the inhabitants of the house, where the harquebuze was shot, to prison, they which were the first cause of the mischief (as it may easily be presupposed) because they would prevent the inquisition thereof, heaping one transgression upon another, on the 23. and 24. of the said monethmonth assembled a great troop of people in the night, and moved the people of Paris to a very great sedition, who in a rage set upon the Admirals lodging, and enforcing the Guard which his Majesty had set for the Admirals surety and keeping, slew him with certain other Gentlemen in his company, as the like also was committed upon others in the City, the matter growing in the very same instant to such an outrage p. 123and commotion, that whereas his Majesty had thought to provide remedy for appeasing thereof, hee had much a doe with all his Guards to keep his house at Louure, where he lodged with the two Queens, his mother and the Spouse, the Lords his brethren, the King of Navarre and other Princes. Thinke therefore yee Noble Seigniours, in what a perplexity this young and couragious King now standeth, who, as a man may say, hath held in his hand thorns in stead of a Scepter ever since his comming to the Crown, for the great troubles which have almost ever since been in his Realme, and therefore by the good and wise counsel and assistance of the Queene his mother, and the Lords his brethren, thought to enjoy and establish a more sure repose in his Realme, and a more happie government for himselfe and his subjects, after hee had taken away (as he thought) all occasions of dissentions amongst his subjects, by the meanes of his Edicts of Pacifications, p. 124and of the marriage of the King of Navarre to the Lady his sister, and the Prince of Conde to Madame de Nevers. Besides all this, to the intent nothing should be left undone that might serve for the quieting of all things, and especially for the Admirals safeguard; his Majesty, as every man knoweth, hath done his endevour to the uttermost, to appease and reconcile his principall and most dangerous enemies unto him. And so God the true Judge of the Kings Majesties good and pure intent, brought to passe, that the peoples rage being quieted within a few houres, every one went home to his house, and the King had speciall regard to nothing more than to see nothing attempted or innovated contrary to his Edicts of Pacification, and the repose of his subjects, as well of the one Religion, as of the other. And for that purpose hath sent to diverse of his Governours and Officers in his Provinces, to looke diligently to the observing of his Edicts, p. 125with expresse commandement to hold their hands there, that every one might perceive that the chance at Paris happened for some private quarrell, and not for any purpose to alter his Edicts, which his Majesty will in no wise suffer. Which is the principall thing, Noble Seigniours, that his Majesty hath commanded us on his part to assure you, and to let you understand the dangers that depend over him and his neighbours, not so much for this sedition, for he trusteth in God that shall grow no further, and his Majesty will keepe his Realme in as good repose as it hath been since his last Edict of Pacification, but for the great mustering and assembling men of warre in many places, especially in the Lowcountreys, where it is yet uncertaine on which side God will give the victory, nor whether the conquerour will employ his force, after his conquest. Wherefore his Majesty prayeth you, continuing the good love and intelligence which hath alwayes p. 126been betwixt the Crowne of France and his allied and confederate friends the Seigniours of the Leagues, to have good regard to him, and his Realme, in case that need shall require, as hee will have to you and your prosperous estate, if it be requisite, employing in the meane while your great and singular wisdome to the preservation of the union of the Nation in League, which is the only meanes to make you, not only able to send succour to your friends, but also maintaine your selves in estimation, that you may be a terrour to your neighbours, how great soever they be, his Majesty promising you in all occurrents as much friendship, favour and assictance, as you can desire, and to be as entire and perfect a friend, as ever your nation had any.